Super-sub strikes again to deny West Ham victory
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score a breathtaking last-gasp volley that earned Manchester United a 1-1 draw away at West Ham. The Slovenian forward got his toe to Bryan Mbeumo’s cross six minutes into stoppage time and rifled it into the top corner from a difficult angle. This equaliser denied West Ham a crucial win in their fight against relegation and marked the second time Sesko has rescued United late on as a substitute under interim boss Michael Carrick. He previously scored a winner against Fulham from the bench. Carrick described the finish as unbelievable highlighting Sesko’s ability to generate power and accuracy from the angle to find the net.
Carrick praises Sesko’s impact and readiness
Michael Carrick spoke about the balance in his squad after the match. He noted that the starting players had performed well but praised Sesko for his work ethic and readiness. The Slovenian made a big difference when he entered the pitch and showed exactly what he is capable of. Carrick emphasised that Sesko has consistently scored goals in training and matches proving his quality is no surprise. The late equaliser carried extra emotion given the game’s intensity but it represented an important moment for both the player and the team. Carrick added that the previous goal against Fulham had boosted Sesko’s confidence and this strike further confirmed his value as a finisher.
Mixed emotions after denying fifth straight win
United were chasing a fifth consecutive Premier League victory under Carrick but had to settle for a point. Tomas Soucek had given West Ham the lead early in the second half and the home side defended resolutely for long periods. Carrick admitted his team was not at its best and credited West Ham for making life difficult. He viewed the late goal as a positive in the grand scheme with four wins and a draw from the last five games representing solid progress. The team can dust themselves down and build on this resilience. West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo expressed disappointment after a strong performance where his side competed well contained a good United team and created chances to seal the game. He urged his players to bounce back quickly from the setback.
Heartbreak for Hammers and fan’s haircut wait continues
The result was particularly tough for West Ham who would have moved level on points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest had they held on. They had been seven points adrift less than a month earlier so this draw kept them in the survival fight but felt like a missed opportunity. Nuno praised the defensive effort and positive start to the second half but lamented the inability to finish the job. Meanwhile United fan Frank Ilett who gained over two million social media followers by vowing not to cut his hair until the team won five games in a row must delay his barber visit once more. The dramatic equaliser extended the streak to four wins and a draw leaving his pledge intact for now.
