West Ham United cruise past West Bromwich Albion

Andy Carroll scored twice as West Ham United beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 at Upton Park on Saturday afternoon.

West Brom started the better of the two sides and Jussi Jaaskelainen was forced into a good save to keep out Romelu Lukaku's deflected free kick in the 14th minute.

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However, it was the hosts who took the lead a couple of minutes later when Carroll jumped highest inside the box to head past Ben Foster.

West Ham grew in confidence following the opening goal and Gary O'Neil doubled his side's lead in the 28th minute when he collected a pass from Ricardo Vaz Te before finishing impressively.

Lukaku proved to be the main threat for the visitors again in the second half as the striker fired a shot inches over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

West Brom continued to search for a way back into the match as the game reached its climax, with Billy Jones being denied by an in-form Jaaskelainen following a weaving run into the box.

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The hosts held firm though and their lead was extended with 10 minutes remaining as Carroll volleyed the ball powerfully past Foster to double his tally for the afternoon.

There was still time for West Brom to grab a consolation goal when Graham Dorrans fired in a penalty after Lukaku was fouled inside the area.

Youssouf Mulumbu showed his frustration in the final moments when he was shown a red card for kicking the ball at O'Neil as West Ham eased to a victory.