Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to England hopeful Robert Green before the
Arsenal trip
01.01.2008
Alan Curbishley expects West Ham United to be "put to the test at Arsenal"
as his side kick off the New Year with a visit to the league leaders.
Arsenal are two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League,
following nine wins and one draw from their ten fixtures at the Emirates
Stadium. That said, after just six goals conceded from nine away games and
with five wins in that run, Curbishley knows his side are a tough
proposition on the road.
He said: "The one thing about us is that we have kept every game quite
tight. Our away record and our defensive record will be put to the test at
Arsenal. As it was last year. We know what we are up against at the Emirates
and what a good side they are."
Arsene Wenger's men will be particularly eager to avenge last season's 1-0
away win for the Hammers, when Robert Green single-handedly kept the Gunners
at bay. For Curbishley, Green showed that April day that he was as much a
factor in the survival success as Carlos Tevez, who returned to the Boleyn
Ground with Manchester United on Saturday, as anyone else.
"There has been lots of talk about Carlos Tevez coming back this weekend but
I did say there were lots of other big performances," Curbishley said. "One
of the biggest last year was Robert Green at the Emirates. He definitely got
us the three points because of the saves he made - I know Bobby [Zamora]
scored a great goal but he was fantastic on that day."
With Fabio Capello taking the England reins on Monday, the manager believed
there was every chance that an international recall could soon be coming his
No1's way. "He has decided that all he can do is play and play well and let
other people decide. I know he was disappointed he wasn't included in the
squad but if it is a clean slate, as surely it is going to be - he has got
to be in the frame.
"I remember Sven-Goran Eriksson coming in [in January 2001] and announcing a
clean slate. He picked [left-back] Chris Powell which was fantastic for
Charlton and everybody else." He added that he expected Capello to look
around and say 'that's the best person on merit at the moment'".
Indeed, Green is not the only West Ham United candidate for England with
Curbishley also touting the merits of Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Kieron
Dyer and Dean Ashton as England hopefuls. "We have got a contingent of
people who still feel they have got a chance." Chief among them is Green,
however, but the keeper himself is only concerned with the team display
today.
For Green, there is no reason why the Hammers cannot take all three points.
"We caught United on an off-day and we hope to do so again on Tuesday
against Arsenal," he said. "They have been playing fantastically well and if
we can catch them again on an off-day, then fantastic. Our away record has
been pretty good so far this season. We know how to defend. We can do it
well and can break on teams."
Injuries could have an impact on the manager's selection but Green said that
need be no barrier to success. "We will patch up a side and go there full of
spirit. It was a fantastic win on Saturday and an important one. In that
respect maybe the pressure is off us and the pressure will be on them
definitely. And they will want to seize the chance that maybe we have given
them."
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Fabregas memory fires Noble - WHUFC
Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal has long been a familiar foe for West Ham United's
Mark Noble
31.12.2007
Mark Noble is ready to renew his friendly rivalry with Cesc Fabregas on New
Year's Day - with two of the league's brightest young talents acquaintances
of old.
On 12 May 2004, Noble's England met Fabregas's Spain in the semi-final of
the European Under-17 Championship. The two teenagers had been among the
leading lights of that high-profile competition, being hosted that summer by
France, and a highly competitive last-four meeting was always likely.
On that sunny day in Tours, Spain took the lead in the tenth minute only for
West Ham United's Kyel Reid to equalise within eight minutes. Going into the
closing stages, there was nothing to separate the nations until Spain raced
through on the break and seemed certain to score the winner.
Ever determined to save the day, Noble tracked back and had the chance of a
match-saving tackle but, in so doing, committed a foul that saw a penalty
awarded and himself being shown a red card. Once the Hammers youngster had
trudged off, Fabregas stepped up to score from the spot - sending his side
through to the final.
Despite their contrasting fortunes that day, the pair have stayed friends,
with Noble full of praise for his rival. There are many similarities between
the duo. In fact there are just four days between them, with Fabregas the
older, while they are identical in height. "I always have a chat with Cesc
before and after games," Noble said. "I look out for his games and he has
said the same about me."
Recalling that fateful semi-final nearly four years ago, Noble added: "He
scored the winning penalty in that game and I got sent off for doing the
tackle. Hopefully I can turn that around on Tuesday and we can come away
with from there with another victory like we did last season."
Key to replicating last campaign's 1-0 away win will no doubt be the fans,
and boyhood supporter Noble knows better than most about the passion that
follows the team wherever they play. "It has been fantastic this season," he
said. "The travelling support always is. We just need to look forward to
going to a fantastic place to play and putting in another performance like
we did today."
Having conceded "it was a bit nerve-wracking to be chucked back in against
Man U" on Saturday, Noble became the star performer - making both goals for
Matthew Upson and Anton Ferdinand. Noble will take confidence from that and,
should he go head to head with Fabregas again on Tuesday, he will more than
be up for the challenge.
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Pantsil pleased to play a part - WHUFC
The all-action style of John Pantsil won many admirers at the weekend
31.12.2007
John Pantsil has pledged to continue giving his all for West Ham United
after an outstanding display off the bench against Manchester United.
Along with the likes of Jonathan Spector - who played in three positions
during the course of the 2-1 win against the champions - Pantsil has proved
an invaluable part of the squad during a tricky time with injuries. The
Ghanaian international entered the fray on Saturday three minutes into the
second half, when Nolberto Solano limped out, with the trailing Hammers
facing an uphill battle to turn things around.
"I enjoyed it," he said. "I came on when we were 1-0 down and we have won
2-1. It was very good for us and all the players are very happy. I am very
happy with the performance." Pantsil again featured in an unfamiliar
right-midfield role but, having helped make the winning goal last week at
Middlesbrough, he has proved his worth - not least with one driving run
through the heart of the United midfield.
"The manager gave me the role he wanted to play and I am happy to do what is
necessary for the team. Every player wants to play but in this team, we have
got players who are very good. When it is not your chance, you have to wait
for it. But when you come in you have to do what you can for the club."
Indeed, while chances have been few and far between for the summer 2006
signing from Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Pantsil has only one goal in mind - giving
his all in claret and blue. "When I am not playing I am training hard and
playing in the reserve league as well. It is also competitive. I respect
that and I have to wait until the time comes. When the manager asks me to go
in, I have to fight for my place."
Pantsil, like Senegal forward Henri Camara, is set to leave the Boleyn
Ground next week for up to a month, with Ghana hosting the 2008 African Cup
of Nations. A veteran of the 2002 and 2006 editions, he is eager to
represent his country on home soil with the finals running between 20
January and 10 February
The 26-year-old has been selected in a provisional 40-man training camp that
is due to gather in Dubai, with the final 23-man selection to be confirmed
by 10 January. He said: "Our people are expecting more from the Ghanaian
players - they want us to take the cup. In previous years, the hosts have
won and they are expecting us to do the same. We went to the [2006] World
Cup [second round] and our fans are expecting more. They want us to do
better."
First of all comes the trip to Arsenal on New Year's Day and Pantsil has his
club commitments as a firm priority. "It is a big game," he said. "We are
looking forward to it. We have got a great squad and we must do our best. At
the end of the season, we want to be playing European football. We all want
European nights at Upton Park and everyone is ready to give their all."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal v West Ham - BBC
Emirates Stadium
New Year's Day
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day.
Bacary Sagna is rested, so Justin Hoyte is likely to play in Arsenal's
defence. Robin van Persie is still out, but Emmanuel Eboue is back in the
squad and Theo Walcott may return after flu.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has more injury worries, with Nolberto Solano
(hamstring), Scott Parker (knee) and Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) doubtful.
Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Bobby Zamora are out and the game is likely
to come too soon for Julien Faubert, Matthew Etherington and Lee Bowyer.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Hoyte, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Flamini,
Fabregas, Hleb, Rosicky, Adebayor, Lehmann, Bendtner, Diarra, Song, Diaby,
Walcott, Senderos.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, Spector, McCartney,
Noble, Mullins, Pantsil, Ashton, Cole, Camara, Ljungberg, Parker, Solano,
Bowyer, Etherington, Faubert, Reid
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "It could be 90 points (to win the title)
because Manchester United look like they can win games wherever they want.
"We need to keep the pace up. West Ham will have gained confidence from
beating United. "It's important we focus and not think that because we won
4-1 at Everton we just have to walk out to win the game."
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "There are no gimmies in the Premier League.
Every game is contested. All our games have been tight. We have been quite
consistent. "Our defensive record is great at the moment - people know they
are in for a game when they play us."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Arsenal last entered a new year in pole position in the Premier League table
in 2003, but finished the season runners-up to Manchester United. Twelve
months later they were a point behind their old adversaries in second spot,
and won the league with an unbeaten record, finishing 15 points ahead of
United.
Arsenal have not lost on New Years Day since the 1-0 defeat at Charlton in
2001.
West Ham have only won one of the first Premier League fixtures in the
opening week of a new year; they defeated Everton 0-1 at Goodison Park in
1994.
West Ham brought an end to Arsenal's unbeaten record at the Emirates Stadium
with a 0-1 win in this corresponding fixture last season. The Hammers are
chasing a third successive Premier League win on Arsenal turf.
The Gunners hold a 100% record in London Premier League derbies this season
with five wins out of five, and have not lost such a fixture since West Ham
won at the Emirates last April.
CLUB FORM
ARSENAL
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd
1. Played more league and cup matches than any other Premier League club so
far this season; this will be their 32nd. It will be West Ham's 24th.
2. The only club to have suffered just one defeat in this Premier League
campaign. Also, dropped 13 Premier League points; fewer than any other club.
3. Boasting the sharpest attack in the highest league of 40 goals in 20
outings, at one every 45 minutes on average.
4. Lost two of 31 in all competitions this season, and two in 38 bridging
last season.
5. Avoided defeat in 26 of 27 Premier League matches.
6. The current total of 47 points after 20 matches is one point better than
their previous best to this stage, when the "invincibles" bagged 46 points
on their way to an unbeaten, title-winning, campaign. It is also an
improvement of 11 points year on year.
7. Won 17 and drawn five of 22 games in all competitions at the Emirates
Stadium, since succumbing to West Ham nearly nine months ago. Also, dropped
four points out of 42 at home.
8. Challenging for a fourth successive home league win after victories over
Wigan, Chelsea and Tottenham.
9. One of four clubs defending an unbeaten home record in the Premier
League, but owning only the third best home record. Also, out to stretch
their unbeaten home league record to 15; won 12 and drawn two at the
Emirates, since losing 0-1 to West Ham on 7 April.
10. The next three fixtures involve a visit to Burnley in the third round of
the FA Cup, the home leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Tottenham and a
league clash with Birmingham at the Emirates Stadium.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable: 8th
Lowest could fall: 10th
1. Claimed seven of the nine points available from the festive fixtures.
2. Only the so called "big four" clubs have conceded fewer goals in this
Premier League campaign.
3. Five of their eight league wins have been secured on the road.
4. Their 19 matches this season have produced just 42 goals (25 for, 17
against); at 2.21 it's the lowest goals per game average in the Premier
League.
5. A stronger second half side, with 17 of their 25 league goals scored
after the break (68%).
6. Boasting the joint tightest defence away from home in the Premier League,
along with Liverpool; both clubs have shipped just six goals on their league
travels.
7. Yet to have a player sent off in the Premier League this season.
8. Play Manchester City twice in the next three fixtures; home in the FA Cup
and away in the league; in between a London league derby is scheduled, home
to Fulham.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
ARSENAL
Cesc FABREGAS and Emmanuel ADEBAYOR are Arsenal's joint top scorers with 11
goals each.
ADEBAYOR is the clubs' top Premier League marksmen with 11.
Arsenal have never lost when ADEBAYOR has scored; winning 20 and drawing
three of the 23 matches in which he's netted.
Five of FABREGAS'S six league goals were scored in the second half.
Only Kolo TOURE has been on the field for every minute of every one of
Arsenal's Premier League matches this season.
If selected:-
Vassiriki DIABY will be making his 50th appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
If on the field from the outset:-
Robin VAN PERSIE will be making his 50th Premier League start - all for the
Gunners.
Justin HOYTE will be making his 50th career league start (Arsenal and
Sunderland).
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with five goals.
ASHTON and BOWYER are the Hammers' joint top Premier League marksmen with
four goals a piece.
The club's Premier League goalscorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (eight of 11).
None of four penalties awarded against West Ham in the Premier League this
season have been converted, and Robert GREEN has been in goal for all four.
Matthew UPSON and GREEN are the only remaining players to have been on the
field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches
this season.
BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds, Newcastle
and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a hat-trick to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle,
Aston Villa and West Ham).
If selected:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Luis BOA MORTE will be facing a former club. The 30 year old Portugal
international made 39 appearances (25 in the league) and scored four goals
for Arsenal between June 1997 and August 1999.
Fredrik LJUNGBERG will also be facing a former club. The 30 year old Sweden
international made 328 appearances (216 in the league) and scored 72 goals
(46 league) for the Gunners between September 1998 and July 2007.
Matthew UPSON will also be facing former colleagues. The 28 year old
defender made 56 appearances (34 in the league) for the north Londoners
between May 1997 and January 2003.
Richard WRIGHT will also be coming up against former team mates. The 30 year
old keeper made 22 appearances in a year with Arsene Wenger's side from July
2001.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham were the only club to do the double over Arsenal last season; the
Gunners were one of three clubs the Hammers completed the double over, along
with Blackburn and Manchester United.
Prior to defeats in their last two home games with West Ham, Arsenal had won
eight in a row on home soil against them.
West Ham have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with the
Gunners.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Arsenal 44 wins, West Ham 27, Draws 30
Prem: Arsenal 14 wins, West Ham 6, Draws 5
at Arsenal only
League (inc PL): Arsenal 25 wins, West Ham 13, Draws 12
Prem: Arsenal 8 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 0
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Arsenal 0-1 West Ham United
7 April 2007 - Ref: Graham Poll
West Ham scorer: Zamora 45
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 0-1 Arsenal
29 September 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley
Arsenal scorer: Van Persie 13
REFEREE
Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)
Premier League referees' table
Chris Foy's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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The Rev's New Year message - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 31st December 2007
By: Elwin Cockett
Life has never been boring for West Ham fans, but the past year really has
been exceptional.
What with our miraculous deliverance from near-certain relegation and our
experience this season of life after near-death, following the Irons in 2007
has proved ultimately to be a rewarding test for the faithful.
While neither Tevez nor Magnusson turned out to be the Messiah, like the
Wise Men their gifts were memorable – along with those of many others. And
if Curbs hasn't yet converted the most cynical fans to his way of seeing
things, his record against Man Utd should be written on tablets of stone to
stand in Green Street as a warning to those of little faith.
As the club's chaplain, I have seen plenty of change in my 16 seasons there.
When I arrived, Billy Bonds was the manager, and Alvin Martin and Tony Gale
were still playing. I remember that the club's retail operation ran from a
portacabin, and that Martin Allen felt privileged to have a sponsored
Renault Laguna.
Much has changed, therefore, and a lot of it has been for the good. New
technology and TV money have turned the game into a highly-successful
industry, employing a remarkable range of gifted people who bring an armoury
of skills to the task of making this a winning club.
Inevitably, there have been departures as well as arrivals, and there are
some very good people who are no longer as involved as they were at the
club. Eddie Gillam's influence went far beyond his role as Kit Manager; Sue
Page was a friend of many years' standing to countless contacts of the
commercial department, and there are many others who left during 2007 and
who made a real contribution during their time at the club.
What hasn't changed, of course, is the fans. West Ham supporters possess a
unique blend of self-deprecating East End humour, pride and love of the
game, of which no other club can boast.
They also demonstrate the kind of generosity that really counts; a
generosity that ensures, for example, that the children at Richard House are
well-supported, that sees football shirts by the dozen being sent to kids in
India as a result of an appeal on the internet from an Irons fan; it's the
kind of generosity that knows that looking out for others is part of what
makes us human.
Whether you've been celebrating all that Christmas means or simply enjoying
the holiday, may West Ham fans everywhere continue to show the spirit that
makes this a very special club. And whether the year brings you success or
not, I wish you every happiness in 2008.
Elwin – 'the Rev'
Elwin Cockett
Club Chaplain, West Ham United FC
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Arsenal v West Ham preview- SSN
Hammers aiming to keep up good form against league leaders
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 31st December 2007
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com predicts: Arsenal 2 West Ham 1
SKY BET odds: Arsenal 1/3, Draw 10/3, West Ham 13/2
One to Watch: Emmanuel Adebayor
West Ham will be looking to claim their second big scalp of the festive
season when they tackle Arsenal on New Year's Day. The Hammers upset Premier
League champions Manchester United on Saturday to consolidate their position
in the top half of the table. They are also the only side to have beaten
Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League, winning 1-0 last April on
their way to a miraculous escape from the bottom three. The Gunners will be
keen to set the record straight and go into the game in confident mood after
a 4-1 victory over Everton that lifted them back to the top of the league.
The clash at Goodison Park was notable for the way Arsenal altered their
approach and played in a more direct fashion, and Arsene Wenger has admitted
he is prepared to be flexible. Whether that means Arsenal play in the same
manner against West Ham remains to be seen, but Wenger may be loath to leave
out Eduardo da Silva following his match-winning turn. Nicklas Bendtner is
suspended so Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to come back in, while there could
also be changes in midfield. Tomas Rosicky will hope to start after scoring
as a substitute in the final minute at Everton.
Alan Curbishley has a number of injury worries after midfielders Nolberto
Solano (hamstring) and Scott Parker (knee) both had to be taken off against
Manchester United. Former Arsenal player Freddie Ljungberg is also
struggling with a hamstring problem and may not be able to feature. The
Hammers are already without a whole team of injured players, including Craig
Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Bobby Zamora. Julien Faubert, Matthew Etherington
and Lee Bowyer are all back in training but Curbishley has hinted they will
not return until the weekend at the earliest.
Arsenal 1/3, Draw 10/3, West Ham 13/2
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Arsenal v West Ham: Preview - Soccernet
Arsene Wenger believes Eduardo can add ``something special'' to the Arsenal
attack as the title battle hots up heading into 2008 - and compared the
Croatian to Robbie Fowler. The 24-year-old opened his Barclays Premier
League tally with a double strike in the impressive 4-1 win at Everton as
the Gunners moved back to the top of the table. It has taken some time for
the Brazilian-born forward to settle following a summer move from Dinamo
Zagreb. However, after cutting his teeth in the Champions League and the
Carling Cup - where he has four goals in the last two rounds - Wenger feels
Eduardo is on the verge of becoming a regular menace to opposition defences.
``If you look at the number of games Eduardo has played and the amount of
goals he has scored, he shows he is an outstanding goalscorer. That is no
coincidence,'' Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. ``He scored against Sevilla at
home and later in Sevilla, against Blackburn, and against Everton who are
all tough sides - and it shows there is something special to come out and it
is on the verge of coming out.''
Wenger, whose side host West Ham, continued: ``Eduardo has shown he is a
great finisher, he is cool and he just puts it out of reach of the keeper.
``You think sometimes the keeper could have done something about it, but he
does it when he cannot move and that is something instinctive that only some
people have, like Robbie Fowler.'' With Dutchman Robin van Persie still
``optimistically'' some 10 days away from a competitive return, it seems
Eduardo looks set to be an integral part of the Gunners attack, with Togo
striker Emmanuel Adebayor also in line to face West Ham at Emirates Stadium
as young Dane Nicklas Bendtner is suspended after a red card at Goodison.
``We always are a 4-4-2 team and recently when we didn't have Van Persie and
[Alexander] Hleb was doing well behind the striker we went for a different
style,'' reflected Wenger. ``We had many offensive players that helped that
shape of the team because they can all attack. ``But at the moment I feel
Eduardo has adapted and can play hanging striker or up front, so we have a
little bit of flexibility in the system.''
Freddie Ljungberg needs no convincing that West Ham can go to Arsenal and
win. After all, the Swede witnessed exactly that last season and he was
wearing a red and white shirt at the time. The former Gunner, who made a
£3million switch to Upton Park in the summer, is confident a hamstring
problem will not prevent him from making an emotional return to his old
club, where he spent almost a decade picking up medal after medal. Arsenal
may be at the top of the Barclays Premier League right now but Alan
Curbishley's side will make the short journey across London with confidence
having beaten Manchester United on Saturday, the result that allowed the
Gunners to climb above their rivals. And then there was last year's clash at
the Emirates Stadium that the Hammers, desperately fighting against
relegation, managed to win against the odds thanks to Bobby Zamora's strike.
Exactly how Arsenal failed to find the net themselves remains a mystery and
Ljungberg admitted he was still shaking his head about it now. He said:
``I've not really seen a game like it and I was on the losing side. I wasn't
pleased, I must say. We wondered what the hell had happened. ``Zamora scored
a great goal but that was the first time they'd been in our half. But that's
how football is - if you score the goals, you win.''
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Ljundberg wants peace - The Mirror
Darren Lewis 01/01/2008
Freddie Ljungberg wants to kiss and make up with old boss Arsene Wenger when
he travels to The Emirates with West Ham today. The 30-year-old midfielder
quit north London for Upton Park in the summer, slamming the ambition of his
former club following the sale of Thierry Henry. After seeing all of the
experienced players that featured in the unbeaten title-winning side of 2004
leave, Ljungberg also claimed Arsenal had no chance of the title. But he was
in more conciliatory mood last night ahead of his first trip back since his
move in July. Ljungberg said: "We left on very good terms. Arsene wanted me
to stay but I wanted a new challenge. "There was the question of whether I
should go to Spain or Italy or stay in London and this was the decision I
made. "He developed a lot of my game. I was a player who played behind the
striker when I came and he changed me into a winger. Of course he had a lot
to do with that and tried to change me into that role. "He always gave
confidence to the players. We never thought about the opposition, we just
played our game knowing we were the better team. That makes the players
think: 'Ok, I'm good. If we just play we'll win the game'. "It's going to be
an emotional day. I was there for nine years and I've a lot of friends there
in the staff and around the stadium. I had an amazing relationship with the
fans. I shared great memories with them and it's going to be very special."
Ljungberg is hoping to overcome a hamstring niggle picked up during the 2-1
win over Manchester United on Saturday and admits this is one game he is
desperate to play in. Despite his admiration for Arsenal supporters, he will
be doing everything to help West Ham repeat the heroics of last season, when
they stunned the Gunners 1-0. Ljungberg added: "I was on the losing end last
season so I wasn't very pleased. We wondered what the hell had happened.
Bobby Zamora scored a great goal but it was the first time they'd been in
our half. That's how football is. "We had an amazing result on Saturday and
the way we played in the first half was probably the best we played all
season. We really rattled them. We should take this with us. If we go in
like that we can rattle anyone."
Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson believes his first game at The
Emirates today is a chance to show the Gunners what they are missing The
England international, a £6m buy last January, started only 20 league games
in five seasons at Highbury before being sold to Birmingham. After scoring
his first goal for the Hammers in the win over - United, the 28- year-old
has a point to prove. He said: "I think every game you play - not that it's
personal to Arsene Wenger or anyone - I want to try to show people I'm good
enough to achieve big things. It's an opportunity to show how good you are."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer Freddie fights to be fit on an emotional day against old club - This
IS London
Last updated at 09:12am on 01.01.08
After witnessing the amazing ovation reserved for Carlos Tevez after one
year's service at West Ham, Freddie Ljungberg can be entitled to wonder what
sort of acclaim awaits him at Arsenal today. Ljungberg gave the Gunners the
nine best years of his career, winning two Barclays Premier League titles
and playing in four FA Cup finals — winning three and scoring twice (and
again in a penalty shoot-out) — and returns for the first time with West
Ham.He has been fighting to overcome a tight hamstring but he is determined
not to miss this. Ljungberg, 30, said: "It's going to be an emotional day. I
had an amazing relationship with the fans. The nice thing was that we had a
great team who played great football and we had fun when we played. "I've
got a lot of friends there in the staff and around the stadium. I shared
great memories with them and it's going to be very special. But, at the same
time, for 90 minutes on the pitch I have to forget all about it and play my
best football." Like everyone who seems to play for Arsene Wenger, Ljungberg
credits the Frenchman as a major influence upon his career and denies
suggestions that they fell out before he left Arsenal for Upton Park last
summer. "We left on very good terms," said Ljungberg. 'Arsene wanted me to
stay but I wanted a new challenge. There was the question of whether I
should go to Spain or Italy or stay in London and this was the decision I
made. He developed a lot of my game. I was a player who played behind the
striker when I came and he changed me into a winger. "He always gave
confidence to the players. We never thought about the opposition, we just
played our game knowing we were the better team. That makes the players
think: "Ok, I'm good. If we just play we'll win the game"."
Wenger paid Halmstad £3million for Ljungberg in 1998 after watching him play
for Sweden on television against England. Ljungberg said: "I was joining the
champions of England and one of the best teams in Europe. So of course it
was a big thing to come as a 20-year-old. I came thinking I'd do my best but
I couldn't predict what would happen."
As for Wenger, he welcomes Ljungberg back to the Emirates, saying: 'Freddie
was a great servant to us and he deserves thanks for all he has done for us.
We are happy to see him back. "He is a genuine guy and we loved him here, we
still do, but on this day we want to keep him quiet." Speaking of his own
recent tactics, Wenger added: "It seems we have a notice book that says we
only can play a certain way and if we do play long ball we are criticised.
And when we don't do it, we are criticised. "We always have been a 4-4-2
team and recently went for a different style. I feel Eduardo has adapted and
can play hanging striker or up front so we have a little bit of flexibility
in the system."
Wenger praised Eduardo's finishing. "He is cool and he just puts it out of
reach of the goalkeeper and you think sometimes that the keeper could have
done something about it," said the Arsenal boss. 'But he does it when the
goalkeeper cannot move and that is something instinctive that only some
people have — Robbie Fowler had that.' Despite a 13-man injury list, the
Hammers will head to north London in confident mood after beating United 2-1
on Saturday.
They are still the only visiting team to take three points from the Emirates
in the Premier League, winning 1-0 last April thanks to a goal from Bobby
Zamora and an outstanding display from goalkeeper Robert Green. Ljungberg
was on the losing side. Curbishley said: "There was lots of talk about Tevez
last weekend but there were lots of other big performances last season and
one of the biggest was Green at Emirates."
Curbishley hopes England boss Fabio Capello will reward Green's current
form. "If it is a clean slate, as I'm sure it will be, he has got to be in
the frame," he said.
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Fredrik Ljungberg makes 'emotional' return to Arsenal - The Times
Gary Jacob
Fredrik Ljungberg questioned the ambition of Arsenal when he left in the
summer, but the boot has very much been on the other foot during his time at
West Ham United. The midfield player has largely been a disappointment and
has been hampered by a hamstring injury, which will not have come as a
surprise to his former club when he returns there for the first time today.
Ljungberg, 30, was relatively unknown when he joined Arsenal, who were
champions at the time, nine years ago. Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager,
switched him from playing behind the strikers to the wing and Ljungberg
prospered, scoring 72 goals in 316 appearances. He scored on his debut
against Manchester United and won the league title twice and the FA Cup
three times.
"You're supposed to make a big impact straightaway," he said. "Wenger
developed my game. He always gave confidence to the players. We never
thought about the opposition, we just played our game knowing we were the
better team. That makes the players think, 'OK, I'm good. If we just play,
we'll win the game.'
"It's going to be weird and emotional [playing Arsenal], but it will be nice
to go back. But for 90 minutes I have to forget about it."
Ljungberg signed a three-year contract worth about £70,000 a week in the
summer but has made only ten league appearances this term, most recently in
the 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.
"I'm getting better and better," he said. "In the first half against
Manchester United I felt great, we kept the ball on the floor and that's
when I can do my most damage. The way we played first half was probably the
best we played all season. It's great to take that confidence into this
game."
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FOCUS ON WEST HAM - arsenalfc.com
'I can't see why he's not in the England squad'
Arsenal v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Jan 1, 2008, 3pm
By Chris Harris
"Last team at Highbury, first team at Emirates." Those words echoed around
Holloway Road last April as West Ham fans celebrated a distinctive double.
Their team, having grabbed the final away win at Arsenal's old ground, had
just ended the Gunners' proud unbeaten record at their new home.
A repeat of that 1-0 victory would be even more damaging on New Year's Day
because, unlike last year, Arsenal are in with a shout of the Premier League
title. West Ham haven't been involved in a title race for more than 20 years
but they like to have a say in the destination of the trophy - just ask
Manchester United, who lost their third successive meeting with Alan
Curbishley's team on Saturday.
We asked Dave Evans of the Newham Recorder for a West Ham perspective ahead
of Tuesday's London derby. Read on for his assessment of the Hammers' season
so far, the 'Green for England' campaign, the loss of Carlos Tevez and the
new faces still waiting to make their mark at Upton Park.
THE STORY SO FAR
"West Ham's problem has been injuries, especially to the players brought in
during the summer. They signed Scott Parker, Julien Faubert, Kieron Dyer,
Craig Bellamy, and all of them have been out at one time or another. Others
have long-term injuries and are still out. Alan Curbishley hasn't been able
to field the same team two days running. He's held the defence together
pretty well but he's had to chop and change up front and in midfield.
Obviously that is no good for consistency."
MAN OF THE MOMENT
"When he was fit Bellamy stood out. He's the club's record signing, they
paid £7.5 million for him down from Liverpool, and he made an immediate
impact. West Ham started to play a different style with Bellamy in the team,
especially away from home. They played on the break, using Bellamy's speed
as a great counter-attacking measure and it worked with great victories at
Reading for example. But now he's been hit by injuries and West Ham have had
to regroup.
"Rob Green has carried on where he left off last season and he has shown a
high level of consistency. Nobody knows why he's not in the England squad.
Curbishley and Green spoke to McClaren before he picked squads and
apparently there was a reason why he wasn't involved. They weren't saying
what it was but now obviously there's a new man, Fabio Capello, at the helm,
so perhaps he's got a chance to come back in. Green has been worth so many
points to West Ham and he has proved himself to be a world-class goalkeeper
in my eyes. Some of the one-on-one saves and the penalty saves he's made -
which he'd never done before - have been incredible."
SADLY MISSED
"A lot of the play went through Carlos Tevez last season. They gave him the
ball and let him do what he wanted with it. Things have changed, new people
have come in and they do play in a very different style to when Tevez was
there. They miss him but you have to remember he didn't score for his first
20 appearances, it was only in the last 10 games when he caught fire. But
you only have to see what he is doing at Manchester United to realise that
West Ham do miss him."
CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM
"I think they certainly have the squad to reach the top seven or eight but
injuries have held them back. If West Ham can get their players fit and
playing on a regular basis, I think they are a match for anyone bar the top
four. They played Everton twice in December - probably the fifth or six best
side - and lost both times but West Ham matched them in many departments.
All they lacked was the cutting edge which someone like Bellamy, Kieron Dyer
or even Faubert would offer if fit."
TALKING TACTICS
"Their counter-attacking tactics have worked well away from home, although
not so well since Bellamy was injured. Matty Etherington has been injured
and he makes a lot of key breaks as well. We are talking just before
Christmas but, as it stands, I expect Green to be in goal, Lucas Neill and
George McCartney on the right and left respectively, Matty Upson - who has
been absolutely superb this season - in the centre probably alongside James
Collins. In midfield it could be Scott Parker [although he was injured
against Manchester United] and Hayden Mullins in the centre. Out on the
right it will either be Nobby Solano or Freddie Ljungberg with Luis Boa
Morte or perhaps Ljungberg on the left. Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton are the
most likely pairing up front."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"Arsenal must have had 30 shots when West Ham last played at the Emirates
but it was just one of those days. Arsenal hit the post, Green put in a
world-class display, and West Ham became the only team to win at the
Emirates. Perhaps they have a bit of a hoodoo over Arsenal and they will be
looking to do the same on New Year's Day."
[ Monday, December 31, 2007]
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Eboue, Walcott, Hoyte drafted in for West Ham clash - arsenal.com
Arsenal v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Tue, Jan 1, 2008, 3pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger will ring some New Year changes for the derby with West Ham at
Emirates Stadium. Bacary Sagna is rested and Gilberto is still recovering
from sickness. Justin Hoyte is likely to fill-in at right back while
Emmanuel Eboue and Theo Walcott are recalled after missing the 4-1 win at
Everton. Robin van Persie (muscular) is still out but Wenger now estimates
his return as "optimistically 10 days." "There will be small changes," the
manager told Arsenal TV Online on New Year's Eve. "We try to keep the
stability in the side but keep the freshness as well with some players
coming in. "Eboue is back in the squad after being rested. Walcott is back
too after he was out with sickness. Gilberto is not available because he has
only just come back from sickness himself. Sagna is rested so Justin Hoyte
comes in for him. "As for Robin Van Persie, I think we can optimistically
say he is 10 days away from being available again."
[ Monday, December 31, 2007]
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