Latics 2-1 West Ham - Ramis Stunner Sets Up Win

The Latics produced their best performance of the season on Saturday afternoon, to secure their first home victory, against a lacklustre West Ham.

It was an outstanding display right from the go, as Roberto Martinez's men followed up their Capital One Cup victory against the Londoners last month with a crucial three points.

Ivan Ramis

Ivan Ramis opened the scoring with a stunning strike straight from a Jean Beausejour corner, and the crucial second came from James McArthur as he fired home at the start of the second half.  

Despite being ten places adrift at the start of the day the result was never in doubt and the score line certainly flattered Sam Allardyce’s men.

Having named an unchanged team from last week’s defeat to Swansea, Martinez’s men put in a more complete performance which stifled their visitors from the outset.

The confidence and belief was evident from the Latics throughout, their rhythm and control enabled the team to dictate play and create plenty of chances, as West Ham’s midfield struggled to get on the ball.

Possession was quickly won back time and time again, as the industries pairing of James McArthur and James McCarthy, dominated the battle against former Latic Momo Diame and villain of the afternoon Kevin Nolan.

Ramis who had agreed terms to join West Ham in the summer, netted his second goal of the season ironically against the Hammers direct from a corner. He poised himself on the penalty spot and emphatically struck home, two days after turning 28. 

Following the stunning opener the game fell into the predicted pattern as the Latics played their usual brand of pass and move football, and the visitors pumped everything upto Andy Carroll.

Ramis and captain Gary Caldwell were helped out by Maynor Figueroa at the back and kept the on loan Liverpool player as he was left frustrated all afternoon.

James McArthur

The Latics were unlucky not to have gone into the break with better cushion with McCarthy, Beausejour and Shaun Maloney all going close.

The inevitable second arrived only minutes into the second half as Scottish international McArthur capped a fine display with a goal. He smashed home low and left from six yards after some great work from the terrific Maloney.

West Ham rarely threatened but as the Latics were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure late on they went close with James Tomkins’ effort coming off the woodwork, thanks to a deflection from Figueroa.

It was a case of second time lucky for Tomkins deep into injury time as he volleyed into an empty net but it was far too late for the Hammers.

The late consolation was the only blight on a terrific afternoon’s work from Martinez’s men. The performance was more in line with form at the back end of last season and will fans will have left the DW in good spirits.

The result moves the Latics onto eight points and importantly now gives them a four point cushion above the drop zone ahead of the visit to Tottenham next weekend.

Before the visit to London is the Capital One Cup tie against League Two’s Bradford City, on Tuesday night. The fourth round tie will provide Martinez with the perfect opportunity to freshen up and give his fringe players game time.  

Reds in control against poor City

Steven Gerrard’s first half penalty gives Liverpool a vital lead, against a lacklustre and toothless Manchester City.

A distinct lack of atmosphere at the Etihad was apparent as everyone involved with City looked as if they were still smarting from their FA Cup exit at the hands of their neighbours. This was typified by Mario Balotelli who once again didn’t seem to ‘fancy it’ against Liverpool, and City’s lack of invention was alarming.

Before Gerrard’s excellent spot kick, Joe Hart had already denied Andy Carroll and the returning captain's effort, after a smart layoff from Stuart Downing.

Steven Gerrard

Much of the talk pre match was on how City would miss Vincent Kompany and that proved to be the case, when Stefan Savic recklessly fouled Daniel Agger in the area to round off a woeful opening for the young Serbian.

In terms of goalmouth action that was it really from Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish’s gameplan had worked a treat and crucially unlike last week they had managed to take advantage of their early dominance.

Balotelli was poor and his petulance following a foul by Charlie Adam summed his nights’ work up. His replacement Samir Nasri was placid and did little to show why he would be worthy of a regular starting spot a shadow of his Arsenal form.

Pepe Reina was solid all game and saved Martin Kelly’s blushes when he blocked off Sergio Aguero’s route to goal after the Argentine had been set free, he was also on hand to deny Micah Richards’ goal bound header.

It was a case of backs to the wall for Liverpool as they soaked up the City pressure, it was reminiscent of the Benitez era in Europe and just as his sides did got what they wanted.

The lack of David Silva’s invention and creativity was apparent as Nasri and co continually came up against a sea of red, which was solidified by Jamie Carragher who ensured that the backline held firm.

The Carling Cup

Tonight Liverpool have taken a huge step towards their first visit to Wembley since 1996, but they know that Manchester City will not be that poor again. It will be like a European night at Anfield to kick off a week that will see both Manchester sides visit in cup games. The League Cup it is a trophy Liverpool ever since their second round tie at Exeter have set out to win.

The Carling Cup might not be at the forefront of Mancini’s thoughts right now but he will want to add to his growing legacy at City and knows his side has it all to do in two weeks time in what is sure to be a ferocious atmosphere.