West Ham West Ham United
2-3
Liverpool

Noble (36' pen.), Gerrard (43' og.)

FT(HT: 2-1)

Johnson (11'), Shelvey (79'), Cole (76')

Build-up

Half-Time Report: West Ham United come from behind to lead

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 09 December 2012

A late own goal from Steven Gerrard, coupled with a Mark Noble penalty, give West Ham a 2-1 lead at half time of their match against Liverpool this afternoon.

A Mark Noble penalty and Steven Gerrard own goal have ruled out Glen Johnson's opener as West Ham took a 2-1 lead into half time of their match with Liverpool this afternoon.

James Collins slides in on Raheem Sterling on December 9, 2012 © PA Photos

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock after just seven minutes when Liverpool could only clear Matt Jarvis's cross as far as Mohamed Diame, whose shot deflected off Carlton Cole and just wide.

It was the visitors who took the lead, however, when Gerrard's searching ball found Johnson, who weaved in and out before finding the back of the net with a fine strike from 25 yards.

Glen Johnson is congratulated by team mates after scoring the opener on December 9, 2012 © PA Photos

West Ham were awarded a penalty 10 minutes before the break as Guy Demel's long range strike hit the arm of Joe Allen. Up stepped Noble, who made no mistake with the spot kick despite Jose Reina guessing the right way.

Mark Noble celebrates scoring his penalty to equalise against Liverpool on December 9, 2012 © PA Photos