Oxford 4 West Ham 0: Hammers dumped out of Carabao Cup after being blown away by the U’s
OXFORD stunned Premier League West Ham United with a four-goal display in the second half to send them through to the last sixteen – the first time in 21 years.
The League One side demolished their top flight foes with a stunning performance that belied their two division gap.
The Hammers gave a start to youngster Nathan Holland, who last started against Bolton in the same competition in 2017.
The Academy product showed his early pace, forcing Rob Dickie to block after two minutes following a one-two with Albian Ajeti.
West Ham fans were in good voice – including some aimed at Tottenham after getting dumped by Colchester – but they would have had their hearts in their mouths when Cameron Brannagan scuffed his shot when finding space in the box on 14 minutes.
Oxford grew in confidence, and Anthony Forde ran onto a through ball two minutes later, but again dragged his shot well wide.
The Us suffered an early blow when George Thorne, making his full debut, went off after 22 minutes holding his arm, with Mark Sykes replacing him.
However, Oxford continued to threaten the West Ham goal, and Rob Hall hit the bar with a free kick from just outside the area.
Holland continued to impress, and forced goalie Simon Eastwood to parry away with a shot from an acute angle on 26 minutes.
Eastwood was forced into action again on 33 minutes, when Jack Wilshere fired an effort after Pablo Zabaleta laid the ball off towards him.
West Ham were starting to control the game again, keeping hold of the ball comfortably, although Pablo Fornals blasted a shot well wide.
Even so, they may have expected more reward for their early play, especially through the lively Holland.
With no chances made at the break for either side, West Ham started the second half brighter, and Robert Snodgrass saw his shot blocked by Rob Dickie.
However, Oxford shocked their Premier League opponents ten minutes after the restart. Elliott Moore was able to control the ball in the area from a free kick, and turned to fire home low past the stranded Roberto.
With the fading Nathan Holland making way for Sebastien Haller, Oxford almost doubled their lead on 57 minutes when Roberto pulled off a great save after Jamie Mackie headered.
The League One side were growing in confidence, while West Ham seemed to lose their way after going behind.
With an upset looming, Manuel Pellegrini put on Felipe Anderson in place of Jack Wilshire.
However, Oxford continued to press the Londoners back into their own half, and were able to break down any resistance.
Their reward came on 70 minutes, when a low delivery across the face of goal by Mark Sykes was poked home at close range by fellow sub Matty Taylor.
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West Ham looked shell-shocked at their performance, as Oxford looked ever more lively and energetic.
The game was put well out of reach with six minutes remaining. Sub Tariqe Fosu picked the ball up from the half way line and with blistering pace rounded Roberto to slot home and send the Kassam wild.
Shandon Baptitste slotted home to give Oxford a four star display.