English FA Premiership/West ham - 4 Aston Villa - 0: Football fought back last night. A matter of national pride this was not but sporting electricity was not confined to The Oval cricket ground yesterday.
In scoring a coruscating hat-trick in 15 minutes either side of half-time, Marlon Harewood seemed determined to reassert football's primacy. Every time the ball fell to the striker - usually from the boot or head of the evergreen Teddy Sheringham - he put the fear of a Andrew Flintoff bouncer into the hearts of Villa's defence.
From the kick-off it was the hosts who pressed hardest and immediately Olof Mellberg was called upon to deny Harewood with a wonderfully timed challenge. But moments later Mellberg's concentration dipped, the Swede giving the ball away to Matthew Etherington 20 yards out and the winger sent a rasping drive fluctuating over.
The bright start seemed to embolden Harewood, adding fuel to his feet as he raced on to Sheringham's headed pass forward. Mellberg again obligingly slipped, Harewood sliding his shot home.
Five minutes later and Harewood had doubled his tally. Etherington's corner found Anton Ferdinand, who headed towards goal, allowing Harewood a sharp turn to lift his shot over Sorensen.
On 50 minutes West Ham were awarded a corner that Etherington hit long, enough to invite Sorensen from his line, but the Dane grasped at nothing as the ball fell to Harewood at the back post. Though two defenders stood on the line, this was his easiest finish of the night.
With Harewood substituted, it was left to Yossi Benayoun to add the polish with a glorious, spinning run that ended in a delightful finish.
Guardian Service
WEST HAM: Carroll, Repka, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Mullins (Dailly 90), Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Etherington (Newton 70), Sheringham, Harewood (Zamora 76). Subs Not Used: Hislop, Aliadiere. Goals: Harewood 25, 29, 50, Benayoun 89.
ASTON VILLA: Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Ridgewell, Bouma, Milner, Davis, McCann (Hendrie 81), Barry (Berger 62), Baros, Phillips (Angel 57). Subs Not Used: Taylor, Cahill. Booked: Barry.
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).
