West Ham left it late to inflict a surprising 2-1 defeat on Manchester United. Title holders and league leaders Manchester United headed into Saturday’s fixture at Upton Park full of confidence. They were in for a rude shock as a late charge by the Hammers handed them a defeat.

United started brightly enough and the opener was scored by Ronaldo in 14th minute itself. He headed home a Ryan Giggs cross. Thereafter, however, the inform midfielder was guilty of missing a penalty in the 2nd half, after a handball by Jonathon Spector.

Curbishly’s men pushed for an equalizer and they came close on 36th minute when Kuszczak denied Nolberto Solano. Carton Cole also came close but his header went just over top of United’s bar. At the troke of halftime, Ronaldo was put through for a wonderful opportunity. He dragged his shot wide to leave score at 1-0 in favor of United.

In the second half too it was the home time that made all the moves and they were justly rewarded in the 77th minute. Noble’s corner found Anton Ferdinand in open and he poked his shot into the net. United tried to push for a win and sacrificed Hargreaves for Nani. It was this tactical blunder that perhaps cost them the match. Another Noble set-piece found Matthew Upson who gleefully headed the ball into the back of the goal.

With this result West Ham earned their third successive win over the Red Devils. Also, Anton Ferdinand got one over his elder brother and United stalwart Rio. The Londoners have also added a twist to the title race at the very last of 2007. With Arsenal result still awaited, it is not clear who’ll head the table as action moves to a new year. One thing’s for sure though, there might be some surprises before this title is won!

Via