WHUFC.com
26.12.2008
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v West Ham United
Fratton Park
Friday 26 December
1pm
Referee: Steve Bennett
West Ham United: Green, Neill (Faubert 46), Davenport, Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Noble (Boa Morte 73), Parker, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 87)
Subs: Lastuvka, Collins, Mullins, Di Michele
Portsmouth: James, Wilson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little (Armand Traore
71), Davis, Hughes, Kranjcar, Defoe (Kanu 73), Crouch
Subs: Ashdown, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Diop, Nugent
Two goals from Craig Bellamy and another spell-binding display from Robert
Green helped West Ham United romp to a Boxing Day win over Portsmouth.
While some Hammers supporters may have foregone a trip to Fratton Park in
favour of the post-Christmas sales, those who did head to Hampshire were
treated to a fantastic festive performance from Gianfranco Zola's team.
Young midfielder Jack Collison and striker Carlton Cole also found the net,
while former United forward Jermain Defoe missed a vital first-half penalty
for Pompey with the score at 1-1.
Victory extended West Ham United's unbeaten Premier League run away from
home to five matches and will send Zola and his players into Sunday's home
fixture against Stoke City in hugely confident mood. What made the success
even more impressive was the fact that the Hammers - who were unchanged from
last weekend's unlucky defeat by Aston Villa - had to come from behind to
secure it.
Having hardly ventured out of their own half in the opening eight minutes,
Portsmouth duly took the lead with a goal of real craft started and finished
by Nadir Belhadj. The Algerian international, on loan from French club RC
Lens, fed Defoe, who worked the ball wide to Glen Little. The winger's deep
cross was controlled by Peter Crouch, whose instant cut-back was thumped
past Green by Belhadj from ten yards.
Having gone ahead, Pompey grew in confidence but their advantage would last
just 12 minutes. Calum Davenport - who retained his place with James Collins
returning to the bench - with a volley, and Bellamy, with a curling
free-kick, had both fired off target before Collison levelled matters. Mark
Noble's quickly-taken free-kick found Cole inside the home penalty area and
when the striker rolled the ball into the Wales international's path, his
low side-foot shot found its way through the legs of both Bellamy and an
unsighted David James on its way into the net. A minute later, the visibly
lifted Hammers went close again when James mishandled Bellamy's low
cross-shot.
For the remainder of the opening 45 minutes the game ebbed and flowed as
both teams continued to create - and waste - presentable chance after
presentable chance. With neither side able to stop the other from passing
the ball almost at will, it was a miracle that half-time arrived with the
scoreline still deadlocked at 1-1.
Defoe was Portsmouth's main villain, firing woefully wide from then penalty
spot in the second minute of added time after Hammers captain Lucas Neill
had been penalised for impeding Crouch. Earlier, the former United striker
had seen a powerful left-foot shot fly narrowly wide, while Green also had
to be at his brilliant best to repel acrobatic volleys from England
colleague Crouch and Sean Davis.
At the other end, Noble should have done better after Bellamy had nicked a
short backpass off James' toe. Having sidestepped the prone goalkeeper, the
England Under-21 midfielder's chip was not high enough to clear Sol Campbell
and the veteran defender was able to head clear. Thankfully for the
travelling supporters who had made their way down the A3 on Boxing Day,
their fellow east Londoner's miss would not prove costly.
At the break Julien Faubert was brought on for captain Neill, who had taken
a knock in the first half, with Matthew Upson taking over as skipper. The
Frenchman responded by producing one of his most confident performances for
the club at right-back. The 25-year-old made one particularly fine
interception to deny Defoe and will have taken great heart from his display.
Amazingly, the second 45 minutes were, if anything, even more
incident-packed than the first. Portsmouth started the better and less than
three minutes had elapsed when Green was called into action again, blocking
Crouch's first-time shot following Sylvin Distin's buccaneering run and
cross. Shortly afterwards, the tall striker wasted another opportunity,
volleying well over from Belhadj's deflected centre. Pompey were looking the
more likely to re-take the lead and, had it not been for Green producing
four more fine stops to deny Belhadj, Defoe, Davis and, yet again, Crouch,
the hosts surely would have done so.
Instead, less than 30 seconds after Green had done well to hold Crouch's
67th-minute volley, it was the Hammers who went ahead for the first time.
Bellamy broke clear down the left before clipping the ball into Collison's
path. The midfielder's shot cannoned back off the base of the far post, but
Cole was in the perfect place to gleefully tuck in the rebound to net his
fifth goal of the season.
Three minutes later, history repeated itself. Less than a minute after
rookie right-back Marc Wilson had headed Little's corner against the outside
of the post, Bellamy had all but made the game safe for the visitors, racing
clear of the Portsmouth defence on to Collison's long pass before smashing
the ball into the roof of the net at the second attempt after initially
being thwarted by James.
Having seen Defoe replaced by home manager Tony Adams, Bellamy put the icing
on the Hammers' Christmas cake with seven minutes remaining. The move for
United's fourth goal was created by substitute Luis Boa Morte, whose low
cross was calmly slotted into James' bottom left-hand corner by the Wales
captain. Behind the goal, West Ham's supporters burst into a festive
rendition of 'Jingle Bells' and who could blame them?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager praises midfield marvel
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is earning rave reviews and, according to his manager
Gianfranco Zola, can only get better
27.12.2008
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has spoken about the progress made
by the "awesome" Jack Collison in recent weeks.
The manager has watched the young Welsh international become an integral
part of his starting lineup, and will hope for a similar impact on Sunday
against Stoke City as was seen in the 4-1 success against Portsmouth on
Friday. Collison scored a goal and had a hand in two others at Fratton Park,
to leave the manager more than impressed with his mature display.
Speaking of his 20-year-old, who showed up well on the left of a youthful
midfield with an average age of 23, Zola said: "Jack was awesome. He is
performing very well but apart from the performance, the confidence and the
personality he is showing on the pitch is outstanding.
"He looks like he has been playing at this level for years and I am very
pleased with him. He has improved so much since we started working with him
and I am very happy. I am very happy that we are able to give young players
like him a chance to play."
It was not only Collison who earned praise, with the entire starting eleven
and the substitutes - Julien Faubert, Luis Boa Morte and Diego Tristan - all
playing their part. In particular, Robert Green did his best to put off
Jermain Defoe from the penalty spot and constantly thwarted his strike
partner Peter Crouch. "Everyone was terrific. Robert Green has been so
consistent. He deserves all the credit he has been getting."
The Christmas period could see the club move to within striking distance of
the top eight, provided there is no sense of complacency against Stoke. Tony
Pulis's side will be determined to build on their outstanding display -
despite defeat - against the champions Manchester United on Boxing Day but
Zola knows what is at stake for his own men as well. There is the chance to
start looking up rather than down.
"You can pick up so many points and you can change your season. Hopefully it
is going to be like that for us. We can take off and play a very good
season. Fair to the players, they have been training so well and that makes
me very positive."
While Portsmouth were perhaps hard done by the emphatic scoreline, the
manager said it was richly deserved after recent weeks when luck has
deserted his team. "That is what we have been talking in the dressing room.
It tells you everything about the game. Sometimes it is not logical.
"I don't think Friday was our best performance. We have played much better
at other times and come away with nothing. It might be seen that things are
changing around for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison thinking big
WHUFC.com
A key role in West Ham United's win at Portsmouth has left Jack Collison
believing in the team's potential
27.12.2008
Jack Collison emerged smiling from a happy West Ham United dressing room at
Portsmouth with thoughts already turning to Sunday.
The 20-year-old midfielder has won the trust of Gianfranco Zola who has
given him an extended run in his midfield. With a goal and an assist in the
4-1 win at Fratton Park, Collison is more than justifying that faith. "It
was a massive boost to win,"he said. "Especially as we had played so well
against Aston Villa last weekend but still lost the game."
Next up is Stoke City and Collison knows another success could push the team
into tenth spot. "It's two games in three days and if you can get six
points, then it can really push you up the table," he added. "All we are
thinking of now is getting another three points on Sunday and putting in
another good performance."
At Fratton Park, the young midfielder put in a particularly mature
performance and got the deserved reward for his display. He scored the goal
that drew West Ham level after the hosts had gone ahead and paved the way
for another from Carlton Cole and two from Craig Bellamy.
Collison felt it was a result that West Ham United had been threatening for
a while and even though they had to come from behind and rely on a Robert
Green-inspired missed penalty by Jermain Defoe to get the points, there was
never any doubt in the belief that the game could be won .
"It was a great win and another good team performance from everyone. I think
this sort of result has been coming for a while, the way we have been
playing and with the high confidence we have here in the camp.
"We went 1-0 down, no heads were down, then we got back at 1-1, Greeny made
a couple of great saves. We went in at half-time with the match level, but
feeling we could win the game. We knew it was just a case of sticking the
ball in the back of the net and we managed that another three times in that
half."
For Collison, his goal was his second of the campaign and he was happy to
see the ball roll into the net. "It was a bit lucky, I think it went through
Bellars' and David James' legs. But as long as it goes in the back of the
net, then that is all that matters.
"I was unfortunate with another chance later on, but Coley was there in the
box to put it away and we were all delighted for him. I think that goal will
be great for his confidence and that there is no doubt he can go on and
score many goals for us this season."
He also had praise for his fellow Welsh international team-mate Bellamy. "I
thought Bellars was outstanding, his all-round play. He was running down the
channels all day and even near the end of match, he was still running and
fully deserved his two goals."
Fifa 09
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on the up
WHUFC.com
The manager had plenty of praise for his players at Portsmouth - especially
his hard-working forwards
27.12.2008
Gianfranco Zola was delighted to see his side smash four goals past
Portsmouth and extend their unbeaten away run to five games.
The deserved 4-1 victory that owed much to opening goalscorer Jack Collison
and Robert Green's heroics took the Hammers up to 13th in the table, with
the potential to move back into the top half with a home victory against
Stoke City on Sunday afternoon. The manager said the three points was just
reward for those recent performances that heralded plenty of plaudits but
without the points to match.
"It's fantastic and we have got back what we had conceded in previous games,
he said. "It was good, very, very good. I think the team deserved to win. It
was a very good close game it could have gone either way. To be fair to
Portsmouth they were close to winning as well."
The manager has already started thinking about the visit of Stoke, in what
will be the last game of 2008 for West Ham United. "We have a match on
Sunday and I have to focus on winning that match or we will be cancelling
what we did [at Portsmouth]."
Zola was particularly delighted to see his strikers both register - Carlton
Cole getting the crucial second and Craig Bellamy rounding out the victory
with the final two strikes. Of Cole, Zola said: "He worked hard and needs to
just improve in and around the box. He has had so many chances so far and
didn't convert them but [finally] he did. Carlton needs a little bit of
confidence and the goal will help him a lot."
The manager admitted his team would miss Bellamy for the Stoke match because
of a suspension for five yellow cards - a fate that has befallen Scott
Parker for next Saturday's cup visit of Barnsley. "It is a pity as he's
going through a very good spell. When he plays for us the way he is playing
he is important."
Naturally, as is the case up and down the country, the post-match press
conference was dominated about the forthcoming transfer window but the
manager was clear about how things will operate.
He said: "[Between] me, [technical director] Gianluca Nani and [CEO] Scott
Duxbury there is a total understanding. We work together as a team and that
is it. For the moment we are going to try to keep all of our players and
will see what happens but we all want to improve this team. We will do all
the action necessary to improve this team. It is as simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Portsmouth 1-4 West Ham
By Peter Scrivener
BBC.co.uk
Craig Bellamy scored a second-half brace as West Ham beat Portsmouth for the
first time in the Premier League. The striker capped a fine performance by
lashing in West Ham's third after racing clear from halfway and side-footing
the fourth from 12 yards. Nadir Belhadj fired Pompey ahead from 10 yards,
but Jack Collison rifled past an unsighted David James to level. Pompey's
Jermain Defoe missed a penalty before Carlton Cole tapped in a second for
West Ham after another Bellamy run.
Marc Wilson, making his Premier League debut for Pompey, was constantly
tested in the first half as West Ham looked to make use of Bellamy's
trickery down their left. But for all their early endeavour, a Bellamy
free-kick that cleared the crossbar and a Cole stab wide was all the
visitors could muster before Portsmouth took the lead. They worked the ball
out to the right flank and Glen Little swung over a deep cross beyond the
back post where Peter Crouch pulled the ball down before setting up Belhadj
to sweep home from 10 yards after eight minutes. West Ham, who had only
scored twice in their last six games, again failed to find the target
moments later when Collison shot wide. But the midfielder made amends,
firing in the equaliser from 12 yards on 20 minutes after taking advantage
of Mark Noble's quick free-kick and a Bellamy dummy. Noble found Cole down
the left and he teed up Collison to fire through an unsighted James in the
Pompey goal. There was little James could do as he had Sylvain Distin and
Bellamy blocking his view, the latter cleverly stepping over the ball to
deceive the keeper. Crouch and Sean Davis both tested Hammers keeper Green
with volleys, the latter a sweet strike from the edge of the box, as Pompey
finished the half strongly. And they should have gone in 2-1 up when Crouch
was bundled over in the penalty area by Lucas Neill on the stroke of
half-time and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot. But Defoe failed to
take advantage, dragging his penalty wide of Green's left-hand post.
Portsmouth pressure continued after the break with Belhadj raiding down the
left but Crouch and Defoe both shot too close to Green. And they were made
to pay for their profligacy when they were hit on the break by the pace of
Bellamy. He broke down the left and squared for Collison, who hit the post
with a first-time side-footed shot, but Cole was on hand to tap in the
rebound. Wilson came within a whisker of levelling for Portsmouth, but his
header smacked the post and 17 seconds later, West Ham had extended their
lead. The ball was cleared to Bellamy who raced from the halfway line, and
lashed home at the second attempt after James had done well to try and halt
his progress. And Bellamy rounded off a superb performance, passing the ball
into the net after substitute Luis Boa Morte's pull-back found him in the
centre of the penalty area with as much time and space as he needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams:"We have had another horrific result at home
but there are positives to take. "It was an even game but we missed a great
opportunity to go 2-1 up (Defoe's penalty) and then we've given away two
more silly goals. "Things are not going our way at the moment - the players
want to get forward and score goals but we're getting done on the
counter-attack - we need to learn how to take a 0-0 or 1-1."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:"This win will help improve confidence and
self belief at the club. "It was like a game of basketball with chances
coming at both ends but we controlled the game after our second goal.
"Credit to Portsmouth though - they could easily have won, they were a bit
unlucky as we have been.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Portsmouth: James, Wilson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little (Armand Traore
71), Davis, Hughes, Kranjcar, Crouch, Defoe (Kanu 73).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Diop, Nugent, Pamarot.
Booked: Wilson.
Goals: Belhadj 8.
West Ham: Green, Neill (Faubert 46), Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Collison,
Noble (Boa Morte 73), Parker, Behrami, Cole (Tristan 87), Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Mullins, Collins, Di Michele.
Booked: Noble, Behrami, Parker.
Goals: Collison 20, Cole 67, Bellamy 70, 83.
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Craig Bellamy 8.25 (on
90 minutes).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Portsmouth 1 West Ham Utd 4
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola's Hammers earned their first win in five thanks to a superb
second half performance at Fratton Park this afternoon. Zola's side turned
around an early 0-1 deficit to run out 4-1 winners on the day thanks to a
superb team performance highlighted by the much maligned strike pairing of
Carlton Cole and Craig Bellamy, who scored three goals between them and had
a hand in the other. The Hammers had been performing relatively well of late
without getting any breaks, so today was vindication for the management team
of Zola and Steve Clarke who had stuck to their guns in the wake of some
heavy criticism of late - and also for the aforementioned strike duo who
prior to today had scored just seven goals between them all season. Cole,
industrious and strong against the experienced Sol Campbell lead the line
superbly whilst Craig Bellamy, who could have been playing in one of his
final games for the club finally showed a glimpse of why the Hammers parted
with £7.5million in order to secure his services last year with a superb
brace. However there were performances all over the park from Rob Green in
goal, through the back four and midfield, ably marshalled by Scott Parker.
Yet the game probably hinged on a Jermain Defoe penalty with the scores
level at 1-1 that, if converted, would have sent the Hammers in 2-1 down at
the break. Ex-Hammer Defoe had a pretty appalling record against his old
club from the penalty spot going into the game, having missed spot kicks
against Green for both Tottenham and Portsmouth in recent seasons. So it was
perhaps no surprise when he pulled his first half injury time effort wide of
Green's goal to ensure parity at the break - justly, given United's effort
to that point.
The home side had taken an eighth minute lead through Belhadj and for a
moment it looked very much a case of 'here we go again'. But the Hammers, to
their credit, stuck to their task and earned a well-deserved equaliser
through Jack Collison on 20 minutes; the young Welsh midfielder embarrassing
former United keeper David James by squeezing a relatively tame effort
through the legs of the veteran stopper who, in his defence, had his view
obstructed by a sea of bodies in the box.
Despite the convincing final score - West Ham's best away win since the 5-0
annihilation of Derby at Pride Park last season - the Hammers started the
second period with their backs to the wall as Portsmouth came at them from
the off. But once Carlton Cole had put the Hammers ahead midway through the
second period with a tap in there was no looking back for Zola's side, who
dominated proceedings thereafter. Bellamy notched his first of the afternoon
just three minutes after Cole had put the Irons ahead after he raced through
having latched on to a Jack Collison clearance. His initial effort was well
saved by James, but having picked up the rebound his finish was emphatic.
The Welsh international, linked with a move to Tottenham in the past 48
hours completed the rout seven minutes from time smashing home a clever
reverse pass from Luis Boa Morte into the bottom left hand corner of James'
net. Sadly for the Hammers, Bellamy - who has now scored three goals in his
last three games, and who could have completed a hat-trick had he not been
incorrectly ruled offside in the closing moments having raced clean through
on goal - will be forced to sit out the forthcoming clash with lowly Stoke
City having picked up five bookings. But the win will no doubt give renewed
confidence to the entire team for whom the three points lifts them up to
13th spot in the table, two clear of the relegation zone.
West Ham United: Green, Neill (Faubert 46), Ilunga, Upson, Davenport,
Parker, Collison, Noble (Boa Morte 73), Behrami, Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 87).
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Collins, Mullins, Di Michele.
Goals: Collison (20), Cole (67), Bellamy (70, 83).
Booked: Noble (45), Behrami (66), Parker (86).
Portsmouth: James, Wilson, Belhadj, Campbell, Distin, Little (Traore 71),
Davis, Hughes, Kranjcar, Crouch, Defoe (Kanu 73).
Subs not used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Pamarot, Diop, Nugent.
Goals: Belhadj (8).
Booked: Wilson (44).
Referee: Steve Bennett.
Attendance: 20,102.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Portsmouth
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola saw the smile return to his face following West Ham's
convincing 4-1 win at Portsmouth ...
On the game ...
it was like a basketball game, going from one end to the other - us having a
chance to score, then the opposition; that was the way it was. In the first
half we suffered from a little bit of indiscipline but we got the shape back
in the team and we waited, they could have scored - but didn't - and from
that moment we really controlled the game quite well.
I think it was important. This victory means a great deal to us.
On turning points ...
The penalty miss was certainly a key moment but in the second half when we
scored to make it 2-1 they had a great chance and hit the post and we scored
the second one straight away. That was the key moment for me; from that
moment we were totally in control of the game.
But as I said earlier, the important thing was that the team got in shape
straight away and made it happen.
On recent form and renewed confidence ...
Yes, we won only one game out of the last twelve but to be fair
performance-wise we were okay. I don't think that we played twelve bad games
- maybe only two. In the others all we were lacking was a result. Today,
having won the way we won makes a big difference for everybody's confidence.
They have been very difficult moments for us. This win will certainly help
all of us to improve our confidence and self belief. I'm sure the day after
tomorrow [against Stoke] it's going to be better, we just need to win our
game at home in front of our supporters which will be the last bit missing.
On Craig Bellamy - and other potential departures ...
I think he's committed to this club and I'm pleased he got two goals. He's a
very important player for us, it's as simple as that. There's a lot of
speculation because of the transfer window, also because of the other
problems our club is going through. But I'm pleased that he scored two goals
and hopefully he's going to keep scoring many others for us.
As I said, there is a lot of speculation around but we want to keep our best
players if it's possible. I'm sure the club will try to do its best.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola hails wanted striker
Bellamy brace earns praise from Hammers boss
By Ben Collins Last updated: 26th December 2008
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola hailed in-demand striker Craig Bellamy
after his brace sealed a 4-1 win over Portsmouth. Nadir Belhadj's opener for
Pompey was cancelled out by Jack Collison before ex-Hammer Jermain Defoe
missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time. The home side missed more
chances in a game that could have gone either way before Carlton Cole put
the Hammers in front in the 67th minute. Bellamy, the subject of a transfer
bid from Tottenham, then struck three minutes later before sealing the three
points with his second late on. Despite Tottenham's interest, Zola insists
he is determined to hang on to the Wales international, who used his pace to
great effect to cause Pompey problems throughout. "I'm pleased for him that
he scored two very good goals and hopefully he'll carry on scoring many
goals for us," Zola told Sky Sports News. "It's speculation and as far as
I'm concerned he's a player I'd like to keep. "We took our chances very well
and were dangerous all the time."
Zola accepted Portsmouth might have won it but felt his side were due a
positive result after claiming just one win in 12 previously. "The first
half was like a basketball game, going from one end to the other with lots
of chances to score," he said. "After the first half, we had to be a bit
more disciplined and the boys did it very well. "The game went in our favour
and that is football sometimes. "It's a big win for us but I don't think it
was our best performance," Zola added. "Today was one of those days when the
result matters very much, and I'm pleased for the team because sometimes
they outplay the opposition. "Maybe today they got what they deserved from
games that we've played before. "I have to say credit to Portsmouth because
they could have won this game. They were unlucky today, which has happened
to us many times."
The Hammers' first win in five games lifts them away from 17th place and
eases the pressure on Zola. "It's not easy because confidence goes down but
I've always said that if we keep playing like this, sooner or later it will
turn in our favour, and today that was the case," he said. "The secret is to
keep believing in yourself all the time, even through those difficult
moments."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Portsmouth Report
Vinny - Fri Dec 26 2008
West Ham Online
Portsmouth 1 West Ham United 4
West Ham recorded a surprise Boxing Day victory over Portsmouth in an
entertaining game which produced five goals, end to end football, great
chances for both sides and a penalty miss from former Hammer Jermaine Defoe.
It was Craig Bellamy who became the catalyst for the victory which was
fitting due to the speculation that he is about to leave in the January
transfer window. The Welsh Striker grabbed himself two goals and put in a
very lively performance in what was arguably his best showing since signing
for the club.
Although winning 4-1 away from home looks emphatic you could argue that we
rode our luck for a large majority of the game and only for some excellent
saves from Robert Green and some poor finishing from Portsmouth this could
have been a much different story.
But I do not want to take away from our display which was what we wanted to
see. We were clinical in front of goal and the goals all came at the right
times. To be a goal down and to get back and win as well as we did shows a
lot of character and whilst there are still obvious weaknesses to our play,
the result was all that mattered and what a result it was.
It was a very cold day on the south coast with the weather looking warmer
than it actually was. It was a 1pm kick off (but not a difficult place to
get to) and we went into the game looking for a crucial three points.
Gianfranco Zola made no changes to the side which started against Aston
Villa at Upton Park last Saturday. This saw Carlton Cole keep his place in
the side and Callum Davenport continued at centre half with James Collins on
the bench. The midfield saw Behrami on the right wing with youngster Jack
Collison on the left.
Pompey started brightly with our midfield looking totally bemused by the
idea of having to play a football game on Boxing Day. The hosts were beating
us to everything and looking to get the ball forward to Peter Crouch who was
winning everything. He was doing this mainly because of the ease he found to
just drift away from his marker.
It was one of these occasions which led to Portsmouth taking the lead on
just eight minutes. A cross into the area by Glen Little found Crouch at the
back post. The big striker (treated to taunts of 'Freak') controlled the
ball and cut back for Nadir Belhadj to thump the ball past Robert Green from
a few yards out.
It was a concern to see how easy it was for Pompey to slice through us and
score. With confidence amongst supporters low before the game kicked off
this was a kick in the teeth so early on. The other concern was how we have
struggled for goals over the last couple of months. These concerns would be
long forgotten come the final whistle.
We should have equalised almost straight away as a quick counter attack saw
Jack Collison have a golden opportunity but the shot was deflected wide.
Pompey took over in terms of possession with their midfields bossing ours.
We did show some threat when going forward but there was usually one too
many passes which saw our attacks break down.
It seemed as though the hosts were going to enjoy a comfortable afternoon
but on the twenty minute mark we found ourselves on level terms.
With the away supporters at the opposite end and me sitting almost at pitch
level it was difficult to see exactly what happened. There seemed to be a
delayed reaction from the West Ham fans when the ball went in. All in all it
was a strange atmosphere when scoring an equaliser away from home.
A free kick was won the left hand side and taken quickly by Scott Parker.
The ball found Cole who cut it back for Jack Collison to rifle into the back
of the net from about ten yards out. Although not deserved we were back in
the game and when fighting for points like we are we will take goals anyway
they come.
David James (who was unsighted for our equaliser) nearly made a hash of a
cross shot from Bellamy but it was Pompey who should have taken the lead
again.
Once again it was another deep cross which saw Peter Crouch pull away from
his marker. His marker on this occasion was Callum Davenport who lost the
flight of the ball and the ball dropped for Crouch to hit on the volley only
for Robert Green to make a great save. As the ball broke we managed to make
the last ditch tackle to clear the ball.
Sean Davis saw a good effort again equalled by a great save from Robert
Green as cries of "England's Number One" rang out as did "Please don't go to
Tottenham".
We did create a great chance to take the lead ourselves but it was
squandered by Mark Noble. Craig Bellamy managed to nick the ball off David
James due to a short back pass and he laid the ball back for Noble but the
midfielder tried to be too clever and chip the ball when a solid strike at
goal may have brought around a goal.
Portsmouth were far from solid and although they looked the better side it
was evident that with a better final ball and some better finishing we could
hurt them.
Getting to half time all square was important but this all seemed to be up
in the air as referee Steve Bennett awarded Portsmouth a very soft penalty.
We should be used to conceding soft penalties at Fratton Park as it was
Danny Gabbidon who was penalised for a handball last season.
This time around it was Lucas Neill who was the 'villan' as he was adjudged
to have bundled Peter Crouch over in the area. Crouch had been complaining
about being manhandled earlier in the half only for the ref to turn away his
cries. But this time, despite the protesting of the West Ham captain a
penalty was given.
Right in front of the West Ham fans stepped up Jermaine Defoe to take the
penalty. He looked confident just like he did for Tottenham last season at
Upton Park. He hit his shot with power only to see it go well wide to the
delight of the travelling West Ham faithful. The former West Ham striker
received a predictable barrage of abuse.
With Pompey sore from their wasted chance to take the lead it was us who
should have gone in at half time winning. Craig Bellamy was put through one
on one with the keeper but he dragged his shot wide when some of the West
Ham fans had thought it was going in thus was the view we had from the other
end.
What the penalty miss did (other than keep us on level terms) was send us in
at half time on a high. None of us could have expected we may go on to win
the game 4-1 but we certainly knew that it was a game that could go either
way.
An injury sustained in the late stages of the first half meant that club
Captain Lucas Neill did not return for the second period. On in his place
was Julien Faubert who went to right back. The Frenchman would go on to
produce an excellent display when confidence in his ability has hit rock
bottom with many of the fans.
We did not start the half well and the loss of possession was becoming a
real worry. It was at the point where I felt we were just waiting for them
to score, much like how we came out for the second half against Chelsea. It
was always going to be obvious that Tony Adams would have told his side to
get straight back at us as we seem to fold under pressure, but the amount of
time we gave them on the ball was stunning.
An excellent run and cross from Sylvan Distin saw the ball find Crouch who
hit a first time shot which was somehow kept out by Green. Crouch should
have scored when Belhadj saw his shot deflect into the path of the lanky
forward but his volley went well over the bar.
Defoe and Davis also found themselves with opportunities as Pompey looked in
control of the game. Going forward we were non existent and Carlton Cole
looked extremely poor and was easily dealt with by the home side.
It seemed as though Zola thought the same thing as David Di Michele took off
the tracksuit top and was all set to come on. But then everything changed.
The ball broke to Jack Collison on the left who (as he did throughout the
game) looked to burst forward straight away. Bellamy made a good run into
the channel which Collison fed. Collison kept running into the area and
Bellamy cut the ball back for him only for his shot to hit the post and come
back out but on hand to tap the ball in was Carlton Cole.
It was a reprieve for Cole was about to be subbed due to his ineffective
showing up until that point. Of course our complaints are that he does not
score goals despite working hard. Today it was the other way around but
goals for a striker is ultimately what it is all about.
If it was a shock and delight to be in the lead what would happen just three
minutes later would delight even the most negative West Ham supporter.
Pompey had just hit the post when right back Marc Wilson's header from a
corner was eventually cleared. The ball was played long to Bellamy who raced
from the half way line towards goal. The Pompey defenders thought about
bringing him down but allowed him to burst into the area only for David
James to get a solid hand on the ball. Noble was running in and was
screaming at Bellamy to let him have it but Bellamy took control of the ball
and even with two defenders and the goal keeper on the line he smashed it
past all of them to make it 3-1.
Twenty minutes to play and 3-1 up away from home in a game which we had been
second best for most of. This is exactly what we needed and it seemed that
yet another away game would leave the West Ham fans going away with most
optimism.
"Jingle Bells" rang out although there was still the best part of twenty
minutes remaining. Pompey looked shell shocked and could not get any passing
together.
They became one dimensional and predictable which played right into our
hands.
Jermaine Defoe was taken off by Adams in favour of Kanu. He was given a
"Cheerio" send off by the West Ham fan supporters as his penalty miss had
been a massive talking point in this match.
If 3-1 looked comfortable, getting the fourth just made it all the more
conclusive as the icing was put on the cake with Bellamy grabbing his second
of the day.
The goal was created by Luis Boa Morte who had looked very impressive since
coming on for Mark Noble not long after the third goal went in the.
The Portuguese winger knocked the ball back for Bellamy to hit past the
desperate dive of David James.
Bellamy seemed to be on his way for his hat trick as he was played through
but the striker stumbled and the touch only found its way back to David
James. The Pompey keeper had to be alert moments later as sub Diego Tristan
hit a powerful shot from about 20 yards out.
A vital three points and a very emphatic scoreline.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Seemed quite miserable in the warm up and had a quick exchange with one of
the fans in the front row after the first goal. On the pitch he was
excellent and made some vital saves which kept us in the game and allowed us
to go on and win.
Lucas Neill
Struggled win the sunlight in the first half which he seemed to get caught
with. Took a nasty knock which I thought he had got over but did not appear
for the second half.
Matthew Upson
The pick of the defenders today. One chance I forgot to mention is when from
a corner Upson met the ball only for his header to cannon off the crossbar
and go over. In the air he was strong but time and time again he would make
that last ditch tackle or block which prevented Pompey from scoring.
Callum Davenport
With Portsmouth becoming predictable in the second half his afternoon got
easier but his first half performance was a worry. He was often caught out
of position and the player he was meant to be marking (Crouch) continued to
get the better of him by simply peeling off.
Herita Ilunga
A few mis-placed passes aside he was again solid. He has become arguably our
most consistent performer which is something we thought we had lost when
McCartney left for Sunderland. He got forward well but didn't get sucked
into getting caught out of position.
Valon Behrami
Hard working as always but ineffective on the ball for the majority of the
game. Did well to win so many free kicks and he has a real knack for getting
fouled constantly as he always seems to nick the ball away before he is
tackled.
Scott Parker
Very strong in the centre of midfield today and covered a lot of ground. His
passing was better and overall this was a very solid display from Parker.
Mark Noble
I didn't think he had a great game. Seemed to be a little lost and tired
early into the second half. Has been out of form for a long time.
Jack Collison
Another positive display from the young Welsh International. Seems fearless
when on the ball and works hard when off it. Grabbed himself another goal
and was unlucky not to have scored a second but fortunately his shot which
hit the post came out to Cole. He just needs to keep going because this boy
looks like a special talent.
Carlton Cole
Scored his fifth goal of the season and remains our top goal scorer. Yes, ok
that isn't something particularly amazing and amazing is something that
would not be associated with his performance today. I am usually a defender
of Cole but even I thought he was shocking today. His goal masked a totally
useless performance but I guess if we complain that he doesn't score goals
and then when he does we still complain we need to work out what we really
want.
Craig Bellamy
His best performance wearing the West Ham United Shirt. Scored two goals,
and had a massive part to play in the other two. Was our best player and
only real threat going forward. He is suspended for the Stoke game which
will be a massive loss as he is our most dangerous player. When he is sold
in January we must bring in someone or suffer the consequences.
Subs Used
Julien Faubert (on for Neill 45 mins)
I, like others would have been concerned to see him replace Neill given his
recent form but you could not fail to be impressed with his performance. He
was excellent in defence and made some really good challenges.
Luis Boa Morte (on for Noble 73 mins)
Another impressive sub as he came on and terrorised the Pompey defence. When
away from home he seems to play with much more freedom and will look to take
on players, win corners, have shots, cross the ball. Back at Upton Park the
boo boys obviously effect his game.
Diego Tristan (on for Cole 87)
Not on long enough to draw any conclusion on what type of player he is but
he had a shot on goal and looked lively.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Mullins, Collins, Di Michele.
Overall
Of course there is no doubt that this is a typical West Ham result and one
which we could not have expected. I always thought we could go and compete
but it would be the taking of chances which we would struggle with.
But all that talk of not being able to score goals seemed to be a distant
memory as we managed to get four.
Craig Bellamy showed for the first time his worth to the team as he not only
looked dangerous but actually did what he is paid to do which is score goals
– something he has not done since he has been at the club.
If we are to sell him and not replace him with someone of equal or better
quality the only way is down for this football club. No side can sell their
best players and replace them with no one.
Next up are Stoke City who we just have to beat or this great result will
mean little.
Franco's Feelings
"This win will help improve confidence and self belief at the club.
"It was like a game of basketball with chances coming at both ends but we
controlled the game after our second goal.
"Credit to Portsmouth though - they could easily have won, they were a bit
unlucky as we have been.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy Double enough to drive a man to drink.
Ged - Fri Dec 26 2008
West Ham Online
When Belhadj put Portsmouth went one ahead on 8 mins you could have been
forgiven , perhaps, for thinking it was game over for the Hammers, but a
first half equaliser from the young Jack Collison, a poached goal from Cole
and a brace from Bellamy saw West Ham romp home comfortable victors in this
Boxing Day contest.
The hammers faithful were rewarded with a 4-1 win after a string of unlucky
results have seen them struggling to pick up points.
The first hour saw Portsmouth make plenty of opportunities and they seemed
to have runners to recieve every ball as West Ham's marking was often poor -
make no mistake, Green did a lot to keep us in this match with a string of
fine saves. But perhaps the writing was on the wall when Jermain Defoe
misses a penalty awarded after Neill, seemingly over come with Christmas
spirit, decided to cuddle Crouch just a little too tightly in the area.
Finally though the deadlock was broken as CFC tapped in from just yards out
after a Colison shot rebounded off the post.
Usually at this stage we falter, but a Brace from Bellamy finally put the
bame out of Portsmouth's reach and even the introduction of Kanu wasn't
enough to rescue anything from the now bouyant Hammers.
Hopefully, a full match report from Vnny or one of the other attendees will
fallow.
Merry Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola hails "awesome" Collison
28.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has heaped praise on Jack Collison
after his goal scoring performance at Portsmouth on Boxing Day. Zola told
whufc.com: "Jack was awesome. He is performing very well but apart from the
performance, the confidence and the personality he is showing on the pitch
is outstanding.
"He looks like he has been playing at this level for years and I am very
pleased with him. He has improved so much since we started working with him
and I am very happy. I am very happy that we are able to give young players
like him a chance to play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola confident he won't be forced into Bellamy sale
28.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is confident he has agreement with his
board that Craig Bellamy will not be sold. "It's a pity he is suspended
because he's going through a very good spell," he said. "When he plays the
way he's playing he's very important for us. "Me, (technical director)
Gianluca Nani and (chief executive) Scott Duxbury have a total understanding
and are working together as a team. "There's so much speculation but as far
as I'm concerned he's our player. It's as simple as that. "Now we have a
match on Saturday and we have to focus on winning because if we don't it
will cancel out what we did against Portsmouth."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison delighted with goal scoring West Ham performance
28.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
Jack Collison was delighted with his goal in West Ham's 4-1 victory at
Portsmouth on Boxing Day. "It was a bit lucky, I think it went through
Bellars' and David James' legs. But as long as it goes in the back of the
net, then that is all that matters," the Wales midfielder told whufc.com. "I
was unfortunate with another chance later on, but Coley was there in the box
to put it away and we were all delighted for him. I think that goal will be
great for his confidence and that there is no doubt he can go on and score
many goals for us this season." He also had praise for his fellow Welsh
international team-mate Craig Bellamy. "I thought Bellars was outstanding,
his all-round play. He was running down the channels all day and even near
the end of match, he was still running and fully deserved his two goals."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potential £40m Loss and more if we sell!
Cmon Yu Irons
It is reported that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is looking in the region of
£230-£250m for West Ham in the coming months, a slightly exaggerated price
considering the club initially cost him somewhere in the region of £100m inc
Eggy's shares.
So what would happen if we sold Craig Bellamy and Mathew Upson? disaster
thats what would happen, BG has to take into consideration that the sale of
these 2 players could mean relegation problems which could result in losing
around £40m in TV rights as a premiership club, and also the clubs for sale
banner would drop to a bargain basement price of around £60m, partly because
the few good players we do have will jump ship as they have done in the
past.
Bellamy is considered to be worth around £7m and Upson i would guess around
the same price, so even if it is true and we are a financially struggling
club it would be suicide to sell these players, it is these players that are
just keeping our heads above water at the moment.
BG, Nani and Duxbury have to keep these players at all costs, we still need
23+ points to believe we are safe from relegation, lets not make the mistake
that Portsmouth are making by selling Diarra and what Wigan will be making
if they sell Heskey.
Its better to be safe then sorry.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment