Hanukkah comes early for the Hebrew Hammer as West Ham lifted by Spector’s specter and second coming of El Clásico spirit

By Eric Beard, ready for 8 Crazy Nights.

The ineffable presence of English cup football reigned supreme at Upton Park as Avram Grant, the Hebrew Hammer himself, received four of his eight gifts for Hanukkah early. The Hammers somehow smashed four goals into the Manchester United net and ended Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s 29-match unbeaten run. Just a week ago, West Ham manager Avram Grant was touted to be fired before Christmas came around, but after a 3-1 victory over Wigan on the weekend and a 4-0 victory Tuesday evening to keep West Ham blowing bubbles as they float into the Carling Cup semifinals, the Israeli has found his mojo.

“Avram, we’re so proud of you for beating those nasty Red Devils. You’re now a man in our commune once again. But first, you have to read your Torah portion.”

But what was the catalyst on show amongst so much snow? None other than Manchester United’s American youth product Jonathan Spector. Spector, who has not even been featuring on a regular basis under Avram’s tactical nous, was given a vote of confidence and the right-back stepped up to the occasion. However, he wasn’t playing right-back, but instead Scott Parker’s was given the day off so Spector filled the central defensive midfield gap with unprecedented poise. But who knew Jonny boy had a knack for goal? No one, that’s who. In fact, Spector’s two first-half goals were his first ever in his career in English football.

After watching Barcelona play at their pious level that extended beyond beauty I simply assumed that the next match I saw would be a harsh smack in the face. I thought I would hit the ground and scream with a realisation, “Oh no, is this really football?” But that never happened. I was ready to take the dive, but then Mark Clattenburg came up behind me and said, “Come on son, this isn’t Italy.”

(Source: matchcentre)