On May 7, 2012, West Ham United faced Cardiff City in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at Upton Park. West Ham United secured a dominant 3-0 victory, advancing to the play-off final with a 5-0 aggregate win.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- West Ham United: 3 (Kevin Nolan 15′, Ricardo Vaz Tê 28′, Nicky Maynard 90+1′)
- Cardiff City: 0
- Aggregate Score: West Ham United 5-0 Cardiff City
- Possession:
- West Ham United had 53% possession, while Cardiff City had 47%. West Ham controlled the game, particularly in the first half, allowing them to build on their first-leg advantage and secure a comfortable aggregate win.
- Shots:
- West Ham United registered 14 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their attacking intent and efficiency. Cardiff City had 10 shots, with 2 on target, reflecting their struggle to break down West Ham’s solid defense and create clear opportunities.
- Passing Accuracy:
- West Ham displayed a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 312 passes out of 415 attempts. Cardiff City had a passing accuracy of 70%, completing 258 passes out of 367 attempts. West Ham’s effective ball movement and control were key to their dominance in the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- West Ham made 17 tackles compared to Cardiff’s 12, indicating their aggressive approach in regaining possession and disrupting Cardiff’s play. Both teams committed 10 fouls, showing the competitive nature of the semi-final.
- Set Pieces:
- West Ham’s opening goal came from a set piece, with Kevin Nolan heading home from a corner in the 15th minute. Ricardo Vaz Tê’s goal was from open play, finishing clinically after a quick break. Nicky Maynard added the third goal in stoppage time, sealing the win with a well-taken shot from the edge of the box.
- Individual Performances:
- Kevin Nolan was a key player for West Ham, scoring the crucial opening goal and leading by example in midfield. Ricardo Vaz Tê continued his excellent form with another goal, while Nicky Maynard capped off the win with a late strike. For Cardiff City, Peter Whittingham and Kenny Miller were active but failed to make a significant impact.
- Tactical Overview:
- West Ham United employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on solid defensive organization and quick transitions in attack. Cardiff City used a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and create chances through wide play, but they struggled to break down West Ham’s defense. West Ham’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing were decisive.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team: West Ham’s Winston Reid (62′) and Cardiff City’s Don Cowie (57′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing the opposition from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- West Ham United won 6 corners compared to Cardiff City’s 3, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Cardiff were caught offside twice, while West Ham had no offside calls, indicating disciplined defensive lines and careful attacking play.
Summary
West Ham United’s 3-0 victory over Cardiff City in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final was a comprehensive and dominant performance that secured their place in the play-off final. Kevin Nolan’s early header set the tone, and further goals from Ricardo Vaz Tê and Nicky Maynard ensured a comfortable aggregate win. West Ham controlled the game through effective possession and solid defense, while Cardiff struggled to create meaningful chances. The win was a significant step for West Ham in their bid to return to the Premier League, and they carried this momentum into the final, where they ultimately achieved promotion. The match highlighted West Ham’s quality and determination, as well as their ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches.
