Andy Carroll grabs a goal and assist as the Hammers notch a sixth win in nine to boost their survival bid. Gus Poyet retains a three-man backline as Adam Johnson climbs off the bench to pick up the points yet again but the winger is unable to prevent Sunderland slipping to yet another loss:
Carroll the Hammers Hero
The big target man turned in a match-winning performance as West Ham took a major step towards safety last night. Having blanked over both home matches in double Gameweek 31, Carroll was sold on by almost 5,000 Fantasy Premier League managers but returned to form by scoring for the second away fixture in succession in a hard-fought 2-1 win on Wearside. The Geordie also provided the assist for Momo Diame’s strike and subsequently earned the maximum bonus points, though with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and City in the last six, the schedule looks tough for the Upton Park outfit. Nonetheless, if Sam Allardyce’s side are to find the net, there’s every chance Carroll will be involved – since his return from injury, he’s scored two and assisted four of the eight goals his side have netted when he’s been on the pitch.
Noble Ticking Over
The midfielder’s assist for Carroll’s opener took him past the 100-point mark as Noble whittles away Kevin Nolan’s lead as the Hammers’ top scoring Fantasy midfielder. Despite Carroll’s return from injury and suspension, Nolan has now drawn blanks in each of the last five – Noble has chipped in with a goal and pair of assists over that run and, with a couple of bonus points also accrued, the 5.2-priced Hammers man moved level with Samir Nasri in the midfield standings and ahead of Santi Cazorla.
Poyet Retains 3-5-2 Formation
The Sunderland manager’s decision to roll out a 3-5-2 system at Anfield last Wednesday was, to an extent, understandable. Certainly, the 2-1 defeat suggested Poyet’s tactics had curtailed Luis Suarez and co, bearing in mind that match is the only time in their last eight that Brendan Rodgers’ side have failed to score at least three goals. A home game against West Ham looked a different proposition altogether but Poyet stuck to his guns and continued with Phil Bardsley at right wing-back, bringing in Marcos Alonso – who missed out through suspension against the Reds – on the opposite side of midfield. The formation also allowed Fabio Borini a rare chance as a centre-forward but, in a similar situation to last week, it was only when Poyet moved to a back-four that his side began to offer any real threat. Last night’s loss was Sunderland’s third in succession – up next, they face Spurs, Everton, City and Chelsea, and unless their manager can arrest their decline, many may be considering avoiding the Black Cats’ assets altogether despite a pair of doubles in their last six Gameweeks.
Johnson Delivers Off the Bench Again
Dropped for last week’s trip to Anfield, the winger’s second-half introduction made an immediate impact as he served up an assist for Ki Sung-Yeung in the 2-1 defeat. Johnson’s omission for last night’s crunch clash was a major shock – compounded once again by his display off the bench as he fired a consolation for the home side. Since the turn of the year, only Daniel Sturridge (11), Luis Suarez (10) Steven Gerrard and Yaya Toure (eight apiece) have scored more times than Johnson’s seven strikes – indeed, with three assists also accrued, the wide man has played a part in 10 of his side’s 14 goals in 2014. Poyet’s decision to drop such a talismanic figure once again is baffling but surely, you’d reckon, if he’s to steer his side to safety, the 6.5-priced Johnson simply has to be handed a recall as Sunderland make their way to White Hart Lane next Monday night.
