Irons Poisoned Cup Chalice

Fortunes always hiding

Conspiracy theorists might well conclude that West Ham are 'victims' of terrible League Cup draws, the Irons have NEVER won what is still known as the League Cup in most quarters and the likely hood of winning it briefly shone before being extinguished with news that the club's 1/4 final opponents will be none other than arch nemesis Liverpool, away!

Having beaten Mancheter United at Old Trafford and then perennial winners Man City ending their 5 year grip on the Cup the season before last only to be handed a 'plum tie' against 'Tottingham'which was lost, fans were hoping for something a little more promising this season.

Of course as clubs reach the business end of s cup run it is expected that the opposition will eventually get stronger, but Hammers do always seem to NOT get the rub of the green and last night's wonderful victory over 'smug' local rivals Arsenal is a case in point. The euphoria of winning 3-1 quickly evaporated as Hammers drew Liverpool away for the 1/4 finals, the draw for which was 'suspiciously' delayed according to some reports.

While we are not inferring the draw was rigged, it is still interesting to note that West Ham ALWAYS get the toughest fixture at this stage in this competition, whether it is co-incidence or just plain bad luck, it does seems tad unfair. Getting ANYTHING at Anfield is always difficult, referees seem to cave in to the 'baying' crowd and its moronic three tone Liverpool chant to such an extent that the home team has essentially TWELVEmen playing for them once you factor in the Ref being their 'homer'.

You never know, perhaps the fixture will be known as the 'miracle of Anfield' but don't hold your breath! - Ed