Cole clinical to earn prize point - WHUFC
A superb goal by Carlton Cole ensured a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on
Sunday afternoon
20.01.2008
Manchester City 1-1 West Ham United
A valiant away display by West Ham United saw them earn a precious point at
high-fliers Manchester City on Sunday evening but it could have so easily
been another victory.
The recalled Carlton Cole had opened the scoring with a spectacular
eighth-minute overhead kick but the lead lasted just eight minutes until
Darius Vassell struck an equaliser from close range. Despite that
disappointment, the away side dominated and, with Freddie Ljungberg
majestic, particularly bossed the second half only to find City goalkeeper
Joe Hart in imperious form.
Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington missed out with the former picking up a
sore back in last Wednesday's FA Cup reverse at City while the latter
suffered a knee knock in training. City began with the same eleven that
finished the midweek 1-0 win, with Rolando Bianchi starting in place of the
injured Nery Castillo.
The Hammers began in lively fashion with Ljungberg again showing up well on
the right-hand side with Luis Boa Morte on the left in a 4-3-3 formation
featuring Cole as the main striker. The duo took the game to the hosts in
the opening stages and despite Alan Curbishley's side failing to score in
the three previous meetings between the teams, a goal looked very possible.
It duly came when a poor touch in defence by Richard Dunne allowed Mark
Noble to slip the ball out to Ljungberg and his low cross into the box found
Cole. With his back to goal, the No12 lifted the ball into the air before
acrobatically hooking in.
City, as befitted a team who could go fifth with victory, came back strong
and drew level in contentious fashion. Vassell looked to be in an offside
position when Martin Petrov played in a right-wing cross having seen his
initial corner cleared. On its way into the six-yard box, the ball struck
Matthew Upson and George McCartney and fell into the path of Vassell to turn
and score.
The Hammers felt hard done by but Ljungberg kept probing and nearly burst
through five minutes later. City then showed their own menace on the break,
Bianchi racing away on a counterattack before shooting wildly over the bar.
Both teams were passing the ball well but an over-hit through-ball just
eluded Cole before Stephen Ireland had the chance to shoot low at Green, who
saved well.
It was a half that saw little to separate the teams. There were cautions for
Neill and Dunne respectively while as the half-time whistle approached first
Micah Richards and then Anton Ferdinand showed great skill to set their
teams away going forward. The latter break finished with Boa Morte just
failing to control a defence-splitting pass before Noble fed Cole only for
Richards to intercept at the last moment.
West Ham United were electric after the interval. First Ljungberg and Cole
drove into the box and were only stopped by a referee's whistle for a foul
before Noble had a chance to fire in a shot that cleared the home goal. Boa
Morte then entered the book for a challenge on Vassell. Curbishley's side
were firmly on top though and Ljungberg won a corner in the 57th minute.
From that Noble found Cole and his header flashed agonisingly across goal.
Just before the hour, outstanding play from Boa Morte, Noble and Ljungberg
finished with a fizzing drive from the impressive Hayden Mullins, in for
Etherington, but Hart did well to dive and save. Cole then flashed at the
resulting corner but it was deflected to safety. Boa Morte then won a corner
in the 64th minute that led to Mullins again trying his luck to no avail.
Elano missed spectacularly with a long-range free-kick before Bianchi had a
lofted effort that Green comfortably claimed. City had made two changes -
introducing Gelson and Geovanni for Vassell and Ireland - before Julien
Faubert entered the fray for Boa Morte in the 71st minute. Within a minute,
Faubert had poked the ball into the net but the referee blew for a foul by
Lee Bowyer on Dunne. Faubert then burst through, fed Cole who in turn played
in Noble but Hart was again equal to it.
Bowyer was booked in the closing stages for retaliation before Noble then
had his name taken for dissent. The Hammers finished as they started - on
top - but the winning goal just eluded them. It was not for the want of
trying, with the tireless Ljungberg twice going close with late efforts.
Cole nearly had the last word with a powerful header but again Hart stood
firm.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'The run-in starts now' - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is focusing minds on a strong finish to the season after
another fine away performance
20.01.2008
Alan Curbishley reflected on what might have been after his side dominated
proceedings at the City of Manchester on Sunday but had to settle for a 1-1
draw.
Carlton Cole gave West Ham United a spectacular eighth-minute lead only for
Darius Vassell to soon level for Manchester City with a goal that most
neutral observers felt should have been disallowed for offside. Despite
that, the visitors had chances to go on and win the game - as in the midweek
FA Cup reverse against the same opponents - leaving the manager particularly
rueful about the form of home goalkeeper Joe Hart.
"He has been excellent in the two games and probably been the deciding
factor why we haven't won both games," said Curbishley. "We are a little bit
disappointed. I have got to be pleased with the way we have played. Once
again I have had to reshuffle, change it and get on with it. It is great
credit to the players that they probably deserved to be the first team to
win here.
"We just needed to hang on to that lead for a little bit longer because the
way we have been playing, it would have been interesting to see how Man City
would have coped. [This season] they have mainly gone in the lead and have
then got the ability to hit teams on the break. It spun around a little
today so I was hoping we were going to hold off a little bit longer and see
what happened because we are not bad at that ourselves. We are obviously
disappointed."
A point at the fifth-placed club who have not lost in the league at home all
season is no mean feat and Curbishley felt the chance of a break until the
visit of Liverpool on Wednesday week should serve his team well. "We do need
a little break to be honest. We have been a little bit by injuries and a lot
of the players have played every game. I was lucky this week that I could
rest Carlton Cole and Hayden Mullins. As it turned out they both had to come
back in today for [Dean] Ashton and [Matthew] Etherington.
"The run-in now starts now for us. We got knocked out of the cup, we are
turning into the home run and we have really got to see if we can catch the
teams above us. We knew it was a big game, if we could have beat them we
would have been four points behind them and they have had a fantastic
season.
"I have got to give great credit to the players. We have had to chop and
change all season because of the disruption to the squad. They have done
fantastically well." The manager added that finishing in the top eight was a
realistic goal "but we have got to catch the two teams above us - which is
Blackburn and Portsmouth - first". Key to making up the ground on the
chasing pack will be adopting a more "clinical" approach in front of goal.
"We know we can compete in the Premier League and they are showing that week
in, week out. We are turning around now, we are going into the run-in and
who knows we might get some fresh legs back. We will see where we are going.
I have got to be delighted. Everyone connected with West Ham understands our
problems and shares our little bit of frustration but they have got to be
pleased with what we are doing at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lyall honoured in stadium service - WHUFC
A ceremony marking the achievements of the former West Ham United manager
was held on Sunday
20.01.2008
John Lyall has been recognised on Sunday in a special service at the Boleyn
Ground with the unveiling of a Heritage Foundation blue plaque.
Club legends including Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds
were present for the morning ceremony - which featured Bubbles being played
in tribute by a lone piper - along with the former manager's family.
Pictured right are his wife Yvonne, son Murray and daughter-in-law Samantha,
along with his grandchildren Scott, Charlie and Sam.
The prestigious plaque has joined ones already in place for Lyall's mentor
Ron Greenwood and Bobby Moore. Lyall served the club to distinction for 34
years from schoolboy to player to manager and oversaw two FA Cup triumphs as
well as the club's best-ever league season in 1985/86. After a retirement in
Suffolk, he died suddenly in April 2006 aged only 66.
Following the unveiling there was a tribute lunch, hosted by Rick Wakeman
and also featuring Heritage Foundation President Robin Gibb and former
England manager Terry Venables. whufc.com will have full reaction from
Monday from the distinguished gathered guests, more photos and video
coverage of a special day at the Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pantsil off to winning start - WHUFC
John Pantsil was involved as Ghana got their African Cup of Nations campaign
started with victory
20.01.2008
John Pantsil got off to a winning start with host nation Ghana at the 2008
African Cup of Nations although had to be taken to hospital for checks after
the game.
A thrilling opening game in Accra saw Ghana earn a 2-1 victory against
Guinea thanks to a last-minute winner from Sulley Muntari, the Portsmouth
midfielder. Pantsil played at right-back. However, after the final whistle,
it was reported that he "felt weak" following a first-half collision with an
opponent. The right-back was carried off on a stretcher and taken to
hospital as a precaution.
After a goalless first half, Asamoah Gyan put Ghana into the lead from the
penalty spot before Oumar Kalabane silenced the passionate home crowd with a
headed equaliser. Despite several opportunities hitting the post, it looked
like Ghana would have to settle for a point in the Group A opener, which was
played in stifling 33 degree heat, before Muntari popped up with a trademark
piledriver.
With celebrations across the country, and dignitaries from world football
present including FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter, the Black Stars are up
and running and Pantsil will hope to be OK for their return to action on
Thursday against Namibia. Henri Camara's Senegal will get their campaign
under way against Tunisia, the 2004 champions, on Wednesday.
2008 African Cup of Nations (selected fixtures)
Wednesday 23 January
Group D - Tunisia v Senegal (5pm)
Thursday 24 January
Group A - Ghana v Namibia (7.30pm)
Sunday 27 January
Group D - Senegal v Angola (5pm)
Monday 28 January
Group A - Ghana v Morocco (5pm)
Wednesday 31 January
Group D - Senegal v South Africa (5pm)
The quarter-finals will be played on 3/4 February although Ghana and Senegal
cannot meet until the semi-finals at the earliest. These will be held on 7
February, with the final set for 10 February.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 1-1 West Ham - BBC
By Chris Bevan
Darius Vassell cancelled out Carlton Cole's spectacular opener to extend
Manchester City's unbeaten league record at Eastlands this season. West Ham
had taken the lead when Richard Dunne gave the ball away and Fredrik
Ljungberg crossed for Cole to score with a superb acrobatic finish. City
levelled when Vassell prodded home Martin Petrov's vicious low cross. The
Hammers went on to dominate after the break but Joe Hart saved well from
Mark Noble and Cole as City held out. This was the second meeting between
these sides in five days, and the third in 15. Both of those encounters had
come in the FA Cup, with City progressing after a replay, and both were
tepid affairs which had hardly whet the appetite for another meeting. But,
with West Ham clearly out for revenge, there was a better tempo to this game
from the off and Alan Curbishley's side got the start they were looking for
too. When Dunne carelessly ceded possession on the edge of his own box,
Noble fed Ljungberg, who fired in a cross that Cole controlled before
brilliantly flicking the ball over his head and into the corner of the net.
It was a setback for City but they responded well, and were soon level
thanks to Petrov's persistence. The Bulgarian's corner was only cleared back
to him and he fired in another dangerous inswinger that bounced off George
McCartney into the path of Vassell, who finished with aplomb from the edge
of the six-yard box. City's home form has kept them within touching distance
of the frontrunners this season but, despite some neat touches by the likes
of Elano and Stephen Ireland on the edge of the visitors' area, they never
really built on their equaliser. Instead, it was the Hammers who were doing
most of the running, with the energetic Noble particularly impressive in
midfield. The England Under-21 star was doing his best to earn his side all
three points and went close to restoring their lead when he shot over after
making space for himself on the edge of the area. West Ham were well on top
by now and the unsighted Hart did well to push away Hayden Mullins's curling
shot soon afterwards. That gave the visitors further encouragement but they
could still not find a way past City's young keeper, who produced two more
fine saves before the end. First he instinctively saved Noble's shot with an
outstretched leg then kept out Cole's header at full stretch. City created
nothing in the second half, apart from a Rolando Bianchi shot from distance,
and again showed why boss Sven-Goran Eriksson remains desperate to add
another striker to his squad during the January transfer window. A point was
enough for Eriksson's side to return to fifth in the Premier League but,
after just one win in their last six games, their push for Europe is
beginning to stall.
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson on goalkeeper Joe Hart: "He played
very well yet again. He has a great future and is a fantastic goalkeeper for
his age. "He is rather big, he is good on crosses and he is very brave. "The
only thing that is missing is experience. You cannot buy that - you have to
stand there between the posts and let it happen over the years."
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "I'm a little bit disappointed but it's great
credit to the players that they deserved to be the first team to win here
this season. "We have had to chop and change all season but the players have
done fantastically well. "And, if we can carry on being as committed as we
are, we'd still like to finish in the top eight."
Man City: Hart, Corluka, Dunne, Richards, Ball, Vassell (Gelson 58), Hamann,
Ireland (Geovanni 68), Petrov, Elano (Garrido 78), Bianchi.
Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Onuoha.
Booked: Dunne, Geovanni.
Goals: Vassell 16.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Noble,
Mullins, Bowyer (Spector 90), Boa Morte (Faubert 71), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins, Reid.
Booked: Neill, Boa Morte, Bowyer, Noble.
Goals: Cole 8.
Att: 39,042
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Carlton Cole 8.53 (on 90
minutes).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley blasts lino - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
A furious Alan Curbishley had said he was 'convinced' that Darius Vassell's
equaliser in today's 1-1 draw with Manchester City shouldn't have been
allowed to stand. Vassell was clearly standing in an offside position before
scoring City's leveller in today's 1-1 draw at Eastlands - yet play was
allowed to continue.
"We're convinced he was offside but the linesman is saying that he wasn't
interfering and then suddenly became active," blasted Curbishley. "It's
damaged us."
Yet Curbishley was delighted with the overall performance of his team, who
came so close to becoming the first away team to win at the City of
Manchester stadium this season. "We should have picked all three points up,
I think everyone would agree with that - but I'm really pleased with the way
we played," he added. "We've had the best chances. Carlton's one was a
difficult one and I think the dender got a touch to it. Mark Noble had two
really good chances and Freddie Ljungberg got himself into decent positions.
"I'm so disappointed we took the lead and only held on to it for five or ten
minutes. We pobably needed to see it out a little bit longer. It was very
similar to Wednesday night where we just haven't been clinical enough, and
that's part of our game we've got to improve on. "Second half I was just
waiting for for us to finish something off - I think we probably deserved
that."
And Curbishley has special praise for young City keeper Joe Hart, whose
saves both today and on Wednesday ensured West Ham return back to London
without a win in either match. "Their keeper did well. Over the two games -
the Cup game on Wednesday and today - he's probably kept them in it. So he
can be well pleased with what he has achieved," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sven calls for clarification - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has called for the game's lawmakers
to clarify the offside rule after Darius Vassell's controversial goal at
Eastlands this afternoon. City boss Eriksson admitted that his striker was
in an offside position when the ball was centred - although admitted that he
was unsure whether or not the goal should have been allowed due to the
complexity of the law. "We had exactly the same thing against Blackburn some
weeks ago," he said. "I thought Blackburn's goal was offside then and it was
the same today. "The referee told me at the time that we are living in a
grey area where it's offside and I agree with that. Those who make the rules
in football should decide whether it's offside or not; I don't know if it
was. "Instead of having a grey area make it black or white. The fact is that
when Darius scores today he is not offside, but when the ball comes into the
box he is offside." As a result the former England manager's team remain
unbeaten at home this season, but he confessed that they were lucky to
escpae from today's encounter with that record intact. "We deserved to lose
today," he added. "West Ham were the the better team and we should be
thankful that we took one point, at least. "We were second to many things
today but still took one point. You have to accept a bad day now and then."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 1 West Ham Utd 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley insisted during the week that there is no need to bring
another striker into the squad. But after his side failed to win this
afternoon despite controlling the game, questions marks will once again be
asked about the lack of firepower available to the United boss. On paper, a
point against a City side who have swept virtually all before them at the
City of Manchester stadium this season looks like a good return. However so
dominant were the Hammers there are bound to be a number of disappointed
players in the away dressing room tonight. Curbishley - already minus Craig
Bellamy, Bobby Zamora (both injured) and Henri Camara (in Africa, which is
the nearest he should be to the first team anyway) - saw his plans further
disrupted when Dean Ashton pulled out of the game with a back problem
leaving him with Carlton Cole as the only fit striker in the first team
squad.
However it was Cole who made the biggest impression in the opening ten
minutes by putting the Hammers ahead with a beautifully taken overhead kick.
Having seemingly lost control of a Freddie Ljungberg cross the big striker
re-adjusted before looping the ball over his shoulder into young City keeper
Joe Hart's bottom right-hand corner to score the Irons' first goal against
City in five outings. Sadly for West Ham they were able to hold on to the
lead for just seven minutes - but there will be a great deal of
disappointment in the United camp that City's equaliser was allowed to
stand.
City's Darius Vassell was clearly standing in an offside position for the
cross which led to his 16th minute goal, whilst the linesman - who couldn't
have been better placed - inexplicably failed to spot the infringement. The
ball eventually fell to the former Aston Villa man who lifted it over a
prone Rob Green to level the scores, despite West Ham's protestations.
For City, that was just about their only decent chance of the game - whilst
the Hammers, spurred on perhaps by having lost the midweek FA Cup replay at
the same venue could - and should - have gone on to take all three points.
Freddie Ljungberg twice blasted into the side netting when he should have
done better, whilst Hayden Mullins' effort from distance forced a good save
from Hart. Mark Noble and Carlton Cole were also denied by good saves from
the rookie stopper who had yet another impressive game between the sticks
for a City side devoid of ideas at the other end.
Meanwhile sub Julien Faubert managed to find the net late on but his effort
was ruled out, presumably, for a push by Bowyer on City captain Richard
Dunne - although match referee Phil Dowd (who saw fit to caution Mark Noble
for pointing out a City 'wall' wasn't the required ten yards away and Lee
Bowyer for being hauled to the floor by an opponent) was having the sort of
game that meant it was anyone's guess.
So despite their lack of creativity and invention City hung on for a point -
frustrating for Curbishley, who knows that the performances offered by his
team over the two matches against City this week were worthy of more than
one defeat and one draw. The noises coming out of Upton Park are that there
will be no major signings this transfer window, despite Tottenham virtually
offering Curbishley favourite Darren Bent on a plate. Should the Hammers go
out on a limb - as they did last season to remain part of the Premier League
- a European spot, on this showing, might just about be achievable. However
should the team continue with its current lack of firepower it's quite
likely that there will be many more frustrating afternoons like this to come
between now and the end of the season.
Match Facts
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Upson, Ferdinand, Mullins, Bowyer
(Spector 90+2), Noble, Ljungberg, Boa Morte (Faubert 71), Cole.
Subs not used: Wright, Collins, Reid.
Booked: Neill (27), Boa Morte (52), Bowyer (85), Noble (86).
Goals: Cole (8).
Manchester City: Hart, Corluka, Ball, Richards, Dunn, Hamann, Ireland
(Geovanni 68), Elano (Garrido 78), Petrov, Bianchi, Vassell (Gelson 58).
Subs not used: Isaksson, Onuoha.
Booked: Dunne (33), Geovanni (85).
Goals: Vassell (16).
Referee: Phil Dowd.
Attendance: 27,809.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Happy talk - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Lee Bowyer has revealed that he is more content at West Ham United now than
at any time in his career. Bowyer - who has scored four goals in 16
appearances thus far this season - told the Guardian that he is delighted to
be playing his football back in his spiritual home. "I'm probably one of the
happiest players in the league at the moment," he said. "I can honestly say
this is by far the happiest I've ever been in my whole career, on and off
the field. I'm back home with my family." Over the past few years, Bowyer
has struggled to shake off the problems he faced ealier in his career -
problems that came to a head in a much-publicised court appearance whilst
with Leeds United. Yet whilst fellow accused Jonathan Woodgate - the only
one of the two found guilty on that particularly occasion - enjoys virtual
anonymity up in Middlesbrough, Bowyer, who was 31 earlier this month,
continues to be tainted by that particular affair. "The things that people
still mention [happened] years ago," he added. "I'd like people to see me
for what I am now. "I've made mistakes and I've never hidden them. I can't
turn back time, I've had to learn from those mistakes - but now I just want
people to give me a chance. "I'm a family person and no one sees that; all
they want to know is what bad stuff you've done. I go to work, I work hard
and then I go home and I'll be with my missus or with my family. "But
people still class you as the person that's done something - even though
you're not guilty. Are people going to have a different perception of me? I
don't think they will, I think it's beyond repair."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lyall honoured - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
John Lyall, West Ham United's most successful manager, will be honoured in a
ceremony at The Boleyn Ground later today. The former Hammers boss, who led
the Irons to FA Cup wins in 1975 and 1980 whilst achieving the club's
highest ever top-flight finish in the 1985/86 season will have a plaque
bearing his name unveiled in a special ceremony at the ground later today.
Family and friends of Lyall, who died in April 2006 will attend the ceremony
along with former Hammers legends such as Trevor Brooking and Geoff Hurst.
Lyall's plaque will be placed alongside those of mentor Ron Greenwood and
former team mate Bobby Moore outside the stadium. Lyall joined the Hammers
as a 15-year-old in 1955. He signed a professional contract with the club
two years later but his career was curtailed by injury, and he was forced to
give up the game at the age of 24. After his playing days were finished
Lyall joined Greenwood's coaching staff and went on to become West Ham
United's fifth manager - a position he held for 15 years before being dumped
by Chairman Len Cairns after 34 years with the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs unhappy with draw - SSN
Hammers boss frustrated by result
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 20th January 2008
Alan Curbishley felt his West Ham side had been unlucky following the 1-1
draw with Manchester City. Carlton Cole gave The Hammers an early lead but
City quickly levelled through Darius Vassell. West Ham put City under severe
pressure for the rest of the match but Sven Goran Eriksson's side held on to
stay unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season. West Ham had also
lost to City in the FA Cup on Wednesday and Curbishley conceded it had been
a frustrating week. Curbishley told Sky Sports: "We deserved to be the first
team to win here and I think Sven would agree with us. "We've played here
twice now over the last week and probably should have got more than we have
out of the two games."
Curbishley was nevertheless proud of the performance of his players, in
particular goalscorer Cole. "He's always needed a run of games and this is
probably the longest one he's had. "He likes playing up front on his own and
the lads around him worked so hard. "The midfield was excellent and we are
really disappointed not to get the three points."
Vassell appeared to be standing in an offside position moments before he
poked home City's equaliser, and Curbishley believes the goal should have
been ruled out by the referee's assistant. He explained: "I thought it was
(offside). I think the linesman said he wasn't interfering in the first
phase of play, and yet he's standing in the six-yard box. "I think all of us
are a bit bemused by it (the offside rule). Sometimes you get the rub of the
green but it has gone against us here. "I think we just needed to hold on a
little longer and if we'd done that we would have won the game." "I think we
deserved the three points but we're playing okay. We're trying to bridge the
gap between us and ninth and eighth, so the run-in starts now for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City held by Hammers - SSN
West Ham denied by Vassell strike
Last updated: 20th January 2008
West Ham were denied their first victory in four meetings against Manchester
City this season as Darius Vassell cancelled out Carlton Cole's early
strike. Cole improvised cleverly to fire West Ham in front with an overhead
kick after eight minutes, only for Vassell to equalise from close range on
16 minutes. West Ham controlled long periods of the game from then on but
there were few opportunities at either end, with City lacking inspiration in
attack but solid at the back. Joe Hart was called upon twice, first to save
Mark Noble's powerful effort with his feet and then to tip Cole's last-gasp
header over the crossbar. A chronic lack of firepower seriously undermined
City's efforts and although a Uefa Cup spot remains a distinct possibility -
this point lifted them to fifth in the Premier League - dreams of the UEFA
Champions League are fading fast. Sven Goran Eriksson's men won their first
nine home league games this season but have now taken just three points from
their last three outings at the City of Manchester Stadium. West Ham deserve
credit for producing a spirited response after limping out of the FA Cup at
Eastlands four days earlier. That they did so without Dean Ashton and
Matthew Etherington - ruled out due to back and knee injuries respectively -
hinted at the depth and quality of their squad as the Londoners continue
their own assault on Europe. The Hammers were already shorn of the services
of Nolberto Solano, Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker, Bobby Zamora and Kieron
Dyer through injury. But they were threatening throughout and Cole's
eighth-minute strike was just reward for their early enterprise. That it
came from a defensive error from City skipper Richard Dunne - whose
standards have rarely dipped below exemplary this season - raised eyebrows.
The Irishman surrendered possession from inside his own 18-yard box with a
dreadful pass straight to Noble and he swiftly fed Freddie Ljungberg on the
right flank. The Swede whipped in a dangerous cross into the six-yard box
where Cole lurked menacingly.
In one sublime sequence, the towering forward controlled the ball and
displayed formidable strength to hold off Vedran Corluka before dispatching
a brilliant overhead volley past Hart. It was the former Chelsea striker's
fifth goal of the season and gave West Ham a platform on which to build.
Ljungberg gave Michael Ball several uneasy moments down the right flank but
City, to their credit, gradually gained a foothold on proceedings and drew
level in the 16th minute. It stemmed from a corner from Martin Petrov that
West Ham failed to deal with and the ball was recycled back to the Bulgarian
out wide on the right flank. Petrov's vicious cross flashed through a
thicket of defenders and found its way to Vassell who stabbed home his third
goal of the season from three yards out.
Vassell looked suspiciously offside when Petrov delivered the cross but the
goal stood and City were level. The game became rather scrappy as the half
wore on and West Ham skipper Lucas Neill was shown a yellow card in the 26th
minute for a cynical foul on the elusive Petrov. Dunne followed seven
minutes late for chopping down Luis Boa Morte but it was the visitors who
looked the more threatening in attack. Cole might have claimed his second
six minutes before the break had he gambled on Neill's teasing low cross
which forced Hart to dive full length to collect possession. Noble's clever
pass released Cole three minutes before the break but Micah Richards' pace
allowed him to make a vital touch to avert the danger.
West Ham continued to threaten after the break and a neat array of
inter-passing between Neill and Ljungberg gave Noble the space to hit an
errant shot over the crossbar from 16 yards. Boa Morte was then booked for a
ill-judged lunge on Vassell and shortly before the hour mark Eriksson
replaced the former Aston Villa striker with Gelson Fernandes. West Ham,
however, continued to probe and Mullins drew a smart save from Hart with a
low 20-yard shot and then fired over from the same distance. Bianchi, who
struggled to make any impact, then fired straight at a virtually unemployed
Robert Green with a 20-yard volley in the 67th minute. West Ham thought they
had scored a second in the 73rd minute when substitute Julian Faubert
bundled the ball home but the strike was disallowed following a push by
Bowyer on Dunne. They should have claimed a winner with 13 minutes
remaining, however, when Faubert and Cole combined to give Noble a shooting
chance from 12 yards which drew a fine save from Hart, who then tipped over
a header from Cole with just seconds remaining.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ghana ease Pantsil fears - SSN
Hammers defender 'fine' after dizzy spell
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 20th January 2008
Ghana assistant coach Herve Renard played down concerns over John Pantsil
following the opening game of the African Cup of Nations. The West Ham
defender was carried off on a stretcher after complaining of dizziness at
the end of Ghana's 2-1 victory over Guinea. Pantsil has been sent to
hospital for checks but Renard and team-mate Laryea Kingston have said he
felt much better shortly after the game. "He had a knock to his jaw after a
rough challenge during the first half," Renard told reporters. Kingston
added: "He felt weird at half-time, he could not remember anything from the
first 45 minutes. "Now he's fine, he's just been sent to the hospital for a
couple of checks."
Ghana coach Claude Le Roy slammed the state of the pitch and suggested
organisers had got their priorities wrong. "The first thing is not the
quality of the armchair in the VIP room but it is the quality of the pitch
and in more than 20 years in Africa, it's the worst pitch I've ever seen in
my career," he said of the surface at the Ohene Djan stadium. "We have a
technical team which likes to play one-touch football and this pitch badly
affected our game. Guinea coach Robert Nouzerat was disappointed with his
side's performance. "This is the worst match Guinea have played under me,"
he said. "My regret is that we didn't play the way we should have." "The
next game (against Morocco) will be decisive for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green thinking of England - SSN
Hammers keeper targets fresh start
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 20th January 2008
Robert Green is hoping the start of a new era with the England team will
give him the chance to prove himself at international level. The West Ham
goalkeeper has been in and out of the national squad in recent years and has
seen very little match action. But Green, who is in competition with the
likes of Scott Carson, Paul Robinson, David James and Joe Hart, hopes the
arrival of Fabio Capello will herald a change in his personal fortunes. He
told the Sunday Times: "I've been part of the England set-up for 30 matches
now and I've played for 45 minutes. You'd think a keeper who has been around
the squad for four years would have played more than half a game. "I don't
want to make excuses, but part of our problem is that every time England
play, it's a must-win game in the eyes of the media and the public. "Because
of that pressure, the manager is going to pick his first-choice keeper every
time, which is counter-productive in that the No.2 gets not experience and
therefore is never ready. "If I play the next game for England, it will be
my biggest achievement in football, and I'd love to do it, but after
everything that's happened you learn to take nothing for granted. "What's
the point getting upset over it? I'm doing everything I can. For the past
year I've played better than ever before. I had a sports psychologist at
Norwich who had a saying: 'You can't control the uncontrollable', and I
can't control the England thing. "Don't get me wrong, I do want it, I'd run
to Wembley - do anything - to be in the side, and maybe things will be
different under a new manager."
And Green has hit out at former England boss Steve McClaren for dropping
Paul Robinson for the inexperienced Carson for the crucial Euro 2008
qualifier against Croatia at Wembley. Carson dropped a clanger in the
opening minutes to hand Croatia the lead, with Slaven Bilic's side going on
to win 3-2 to end England's qualification hopes. He added: "I thought it was
crazy to put Scott in against Croatia at Wembley. "Paul Robinson hadn't been
playing well, but if there was a time to replace him, that certainly wasn't
it. The right thing to do was to give him (Carson) experience in a friendly
to feel his way in. "You shouldn't get thrown in like that for England's
biggest match for two years. It was too much to ask of anybody."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 1-1 West Ham: Hammers spirit - Soccernet
Sven-Goran Eriksson was left frustrated as Manchester City surrendered
further ground in the race for a coveted European berth after being held to
a 1-1 draw at home by a severely-depleted West Ham side. Darius Vassell of
Manchester City scores an equalising goal past Robert Green.Carlton Cole
produced a delightful overhead kick to put the Hammers ahead after eight
minutes before Darius Vassell stabbed in a controversial equaliser eight
minutes later. But West Ham always looked more likely to pilfer the points
and promising young goalkeeper Joe Hart was forced to make smart saves to
deny Mark Noble and then Cole in the closing stages. A chronic lack of
firepower seriously undermined City's efforts and although a UEFA Cup spot
remains a distinct possibility - this point lifted them to fifth in the
Barclays Premier League - dreams of the Champions League are fading fast.
Eriksson's men won their first nine home league games this season but have
now taken just three points from their last three outings at the City of
Manchester Stadium. West Ham deserve credit for producing a spirited
response after limping out of the FA Cup at Eastlands four days earlier.
That they did so without Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington - ruled out due
to back and knee injuries respectively - hinted at the depth and quality of
their squad as the Londoners continue their own assault on Europe.
The Hammers were already shorn of the services of Nolberto Solano, Craig
Bellamy, Scott Parker, Bobby Zamora and Kieron Dyer through injury. But they
were threatening throughout and Cole's eighth-minute strike was just reward
for their early enterprise. That it came from a defensive error from City
skipper Richard Dunne - whose standards have rarely dipped below exemplary
this season - raised eyebrows. The Irishman surrendered possession from
inside his own 18-yard box with a dreadful pass straight to Noble and he
swiftly fed Freddie Ljungberg on the right flank. The Swede whipped in a
dangerous cross into the six-yard box where Cole lurked menacingly. In one
sublime sequence, the towering forward controlled the ball and displayed
formidable strength to hold off Vedran Corluka before dispatching a
brilliant overhead volley past Hart.
It was the former Chelsea striker's fifth goal of the season and gave West
Ham a platform on which to build. Ljungberg gave Michael Ball several uneasy
moments down the right flank but City, to their credit, gradually gained a
foothold on proceedings and drew level in the 16th minute. It stemmed from a
corner from Martin Petrov that West Ham failed to deal with and the ball was
recycled back to the Bulgarian out wide on the right flank. Petrov's vicious
cross flashed through a thicket of defenders and found its way to Vassell
who stabbed home his third goal of the season from three yards out. Vassell
looked suspiciously offside when Petrov delivered the cross but the goal
stood and City were level. The game became rather scrappy as the half wore
on and West Ham skipper Lucas Neill was shown a yellow card in the 26th
minute for a cynical foul on the elusive Petrov. Dunne followed seven
minutes late for chopping down Luis Boa Morte but it was the visitors who
looked the more threatening in attack. Cole might have claimed his second
six minutes before the break had he gambled on Neill's teasing low cross
which forced Hart to dive full length to collect possession. Noble's clever
pass released Cole three minutes before the break but Micah Richards' pace
allowed him to make a vital touch to avert the danger. West Ham continued to
threaten after the break and a neat array of inter-passing between Neill and
Ljungberg gave Noble the space to hit an errant shot over the crossbar from
16 yards. Boa Morte was then booked for a ill-judged lunge on Vassell and
shortly before the hour mark Eriksson replaced the former Aston Villa
striker with Gelson Fernandes. West Ham, however, continued to probe and
Mullins drew a smart save from Hart with a low 20-yard shot and then fired
over from the same distance. Bianchi, who struggled to make any impact, then
fired straight at a virtually unemployed Robert Green with a 20-yard volley
in the 67th minute. West Ham thought they had scored a second in the 73rd
minute when substitute Julian Faubert bundled the ball home but the strike
was disallowed following a push by Bowyer on Dunne. They should have claimed
a winner with 13 minutes remaining, however, when Faubert and Cole combined
to give Noble a shooting chance from 12 yards which drew a fine save from
Hart, who then tipped over a header from Cole with just seconds remaining.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believed his side should have taken all three
points and questioned the legality of Vassell's equaliser. He said: 'We
deserved to be the first team to win here and I think Sven (Goran Eriksson)
agreed with us when we came off. 'We should have got more out of the two
games (against City).' Curbishley was in no doubt that Vassell had been
offside, saying; 'I thought it was, I'm at a loss sometimes. 'I think the
linesman said he didn't interfere with the first phase of play but he is
standing in the six-yard box.
City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson called for the issue of offside and whether a
player is interfering with play to be clarified following Vassell's
leveller. 'I think they have to decide whether it is offside or it's not,''
Eriksson said. 'For me it is (offside) but I don't know. 'Some weeks ago it
was the opposite (at Blackburn)....and the referee said it was a grey area
and I agree. 'We try to make it white or black but not grey.' The former
England manager also admitted he felt his team were far from impressive in a
result which sees them climb up to fifth place in the table. 'We didn't
play good football today,' Eriksson added. 'The spirit is good and we are
fighting, but we had to be lucky and we have to be happy to take one point.'
'All of us are a bit bemused by `is he interfering with play or is he not?'
Sometimes you get the rub of the green, but today I don't think we did.'
Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann admitted West Ham could count
themselves unlucky not to have taken all three points after the teams played
out a 1-1 draw at Eastlands. Hamann admitted they had been fortunate after
the visitors dominated the second half and but for a last-minute save by Joe
Hart the hosts would have ended up with nothing. He said: 'We didn't play
well in the second half and didn't really create anything. 'With Cole up
front they looked dangerous so I don't think we can complain about a point
and West Ham can think they are unlucky to not get three. 'We had four or
five quite sloppy performances (recently) and got away with it so we can't
complain because in the last few weeks we haven't played well enough to get
three points today.
'The defence has kept us in the league so far this year, but we have to
start improving going forward.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Psychology key for in-form Upson - Soccernet
Matthew Upson is masterminding his challenge for an England recall with the
same kind of brain training which helped bring success to Tiger Woods and
Lewis Hamilton. The West Ham defender enjoys regular sessions with a
psychologist, where he reviews his training, analyses his match performances
and sets career targets. Upson's ultimate goal is to represent his country
once again - the last of his seven caps came in the 1-0 defeat to Spain in
November 2004 - and the 28-year-old is building a convincing case for
selection as Fabio Capello finalises his squad for next month's friendly
against Switzerland. Upson has been ever-present at the heart of a West Ham
defence which this season ranks as the most miserly in the Barclays Premier
League outside of the big four clubs. 'I have changed a lot since I last
played for England, physically I am in the best shape of my career and I am
a much better player now,' said Upson.
'I won caps and played in competitive internationals but I was not the
finished article. I was not at the level mentally that I am now. 'I was at a
point at Birmingham were I was doing OK but not stepping up to the next
level. I want to get the best out of my career and I want to play for
England again, so I needed to change things. 'That is what I have done and I
think it is paying off. 'I speak to a psychologist a lot and we analyse
everything, my behaviour, training during the week, everything. 'As a young
player I did not pay too much attention to psychology. I don't think it is
something you do unless you are brought up in an environment like Tiger
Woods or Lewis Hamilton, sports stars who are groomed at a young age to be
mentally so advanced. 'But psychology is a massive part of the game, just as
much as physical training.' That determination to get the best from himself
included last January's £6million move to Upton Park. Upson signed when West
Ham were in the middle of what appeared a hopeless battle against relegation
- and was promptly injured just 30 minutes into his debut at Aston Villa.
While he was forced to watch most of last-season's dramatically successful
climax from the stands, Upson has been the lynchpin of the West Ham defence
this campaign. The Hammers tackle Manchester City at Eastlands tomorrow
having conceded just 20 times in 21 Premier League games, with goalkeeper
Robert Green also enhancing his England claims this season. 'That record
reflects well on the individual and I am trying to impress the new England
manager every time I step out on the pitch,' said Upson. 'I am hungry to
play for England again and that is what I am working towards. It is the
pinnacle of every player's career. 'They are assessing every game. If I can
get the best of myself and play well enough, then I believe I will get into
the England team again. 'I would be a lot more comfortable in that
environment this time. I am 28 and in centre-back terms I am coming to the
peak of my career.'
West Ham were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City just three days
but Upson insists they return north confident of becoming the first side to
win a league game at Eastlands this season. 'Mentally we can prepare well
for the game. We can take a lot of positives out of the cup match. I think
we did enough to suggest we are good enough to take the result this
weekend,' said Upson. Hammers manager Alan Curbishley must decide whether to
bring Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole back into the side after preferring
Lee Bowyer and Luis Boa Morte in midweek. French midfielder Julien Faubert
is edging closer to a first-team start after coming through half an hour on
Wednesday night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City 1-1 West Ham - West Ham Online
Biscuits - Mon Jan 21 2008
Four matches, two Manchester City victories and two draws, but really, this
game was West Ham's. But for a dodgy offside call which allowed Darius
Vassell to equalise Carlton Cole's early goal for the visitors, it would
have been. Even so, West Ham still have that monkey on their back.
Alan Curbishley had a point when he bemoaned the decision which earned City
one of their own. Sadly the offside rule has become ever more treacherous to
negotiate nowadays, and there appears to be little point arguing either way.
Curbishley must take stock in his team's performance instead.
West Ham lined up in a 4-5-1 formation which mirrored their approach here
during in the 1-0 cup defeat last Wednesday. Dean Ashton led the line then,
but picked up a knock, allowing Cole to assume responsibility yesterday, and
on seven minutes the big striker ensured Ashton's absence was not felt.
Richard Dunne's mistake gave Mark Noble time to find Freddie Ljungberg, and
although Cole initially miscontrolled the cross, he showed great
improvisation to direct an overhead kick into the corner.
That stunned the home side, yet they have not lost a home league game this
season and that record must surely lend them vigour. A succession of corners
were not cleared and Martin Petrov whipped in a low cross. Vassell, standing
offside when the delivery came in, took advantage of a lucky bounce and
poked the ball past Robert Green after fifteen minutes.
The assist would prove to be Petrov's major contribution to the game.
Previously he has tormented Lucas Neill on the left, but the West Ham
captain outstandingly nullified the Bulgarian winger's threat. That
represents much of City's game plan.
Much is spoken of the expensive foreign legion Sven Goran Eriksson has
assembled, but they were insipid and showed little of their famous
flamboyance, Elano well shackled by Hayden Mullins. West Ham played much of
the football, Noble, Ljungberg and Lee Bowyer weaving pretty patterns in
midfield.
If West Ham could count themselves unlucky to be level at the break, they
were certainly determined to right that after they emerged for the second
half. Early on, Cole fashioned a chance for Noble, who sidestepped a
challenge and shot just over as West Ham pressed for that elusive second.
They kept on coming though, with City's defence just about holding firm.
Cole flashed a header wide, before excellent work between him and the
substitute Julien Faubert gave Noble the chance of the match, only for the
youngster's shot to be saved by Joe Hart. It was an eventful day for Noble,
later booked by Phil Dowd for markedly pointing out that a City wall was
just six yards away as he waited to take a free kick.
Ljungberg then sent two low drives into the side netting, when he might have
centred to an unmarked Bowyer, before, in added time, Faubert whipped in a
delicious cross, Cole beat Richards to the header, but Hart tipped over to
preserve the point. Even so, a point at City must raise hopes for the rest
of the season. Shame the linesman couldn't do the same with his flag.
Green- He's come here again, had no saves to make and been beaten by their
one chance. 7
Neill- After a couple of arduous games against Petrov, he had a point to
prove and he marked him out of the game. That allowed him to maraud at
times. 8
Ferdinand- After a fractious year or so, he looks like he's got his head
down and is playing some great football. 8
Upson- One slip aside which let in Bianchi, he was faultless. 8
McCartney- City don't really have a right winger as such, so he was
comfortable, but less so in their half. 7
Ljungberg- Improving. He added another assist to his name, but could have
been less selfish in the second half when opting to shoot. 7
Bowyer- He played some neat, intelligent stuff and is becoming more and more
important. I genuinely thought he had no future at the club after the first
day of the season, but he's proved a lot of us wrong I feel. 8
Mullins- Kept Elano under wraps for 93 minutes. Excellent. 8
Noble- This was a really good performance from Noble. He bossed the
midfield, in fact, he bossed the game and he was unlucky not to get that
late winner. 9 MOTM
Boa Morte- The red mist really does descend on this guy. He does good things
here and there but is just too inconsistent to regularly start. 6
Cole- It will be interesting to see if Cole has more to his game. We know
he's strong, good in the air and mobile. But can he score more regularly
now, can he improve his passing and decision making and can he link with a
partner up front? A couple of those aspects could take him up a level. 8
Faubert- Strangely went to the left. He had two good moments, the little bit
of skill and the pass to Cole, and then the cross late on. So far, so good.
Hopefully he can get a start soon (not Liverpool though, that would probably
be a tad unfair!) 7
Spector- On late to waste a bit of time really. 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Manchester City Report
Vinny - Mon Jan 21 2008
Manchester City 1 West Ham United 1
To have come away from this game feeling disappointment that we did not win
is testament to how well we performed and how we played a far superior brand
of football than our opponents who have been herald as a potential top four
club by certain corners of the press.
We might think that football under Alan Curbishley is not very exciting but
give me him over Sven Goran Erickson's style of play any day. It was much
like it was when he was manager of England – dull and boring.
To have got ourselves in front so early only to be punished by a dreadful
error from the linesman filled me with frustration but also a lot of praise
for the type of football we tried to play in the midfield, with Bowyer and
Noble running the show throughout.
There were two changes to the side which had started against Man City last
Wednesday night and that saw both Matthew Etherington and Dean Ashton
missing out and being replaced by Carlton Cole and Hayden Mullins. This saw
Cole go up front on his own with Boa Morte just behind him and Mullins went
into Centre midfield.
We took the game to the hosts from the off and looked to grab that early
goal. Similar to the game on Wednesday, it was us who were having lots of
possession and we looked a lot more dangerous going forward as we were able
to get bodies forward to aid the attack.
We got our reward for our bright start as early as the eighth minute when a
mistake from Richard Dunne gave Noble possession and got the ball out to
Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede put in a good cross for Carlton Cole to control
with his back to goal and then hit a wonderful overhead kick past Hart for
1-0.
Manchester City reacted in positive fashion and went straight down the other
end and forced a couple of corners as they sought out a quick equaliser.
And it was from a corner on the 16th minute when they did find that
equalising goal. A Martin Petrov corner was cleared back out to him and when
he put the ball back in to the area first time, the ball bounced around the
area and Darius Vassell prodded past Green.
It was very poor defending from our point of view as a number of players
were caught ball watching and the failure to clear the ball was punished by
a scrappy finish. What is even more frustrating is the clear offside that
the linesman failed to notice when Petrov put the ball back into the box.
There may be a grey area surrounding the rules but this was not it and
Darius Vassell was simply in an offside position.
We kept going and some of our one touch football was very pleasing on the
eye. Ljungberg was making lots of probing runs down the right hand side and
the passing abilty of Noble and Bowyer were integral in getting the ball to
the winger.
Man City offered little going forward as they only looked to catch us on the
break. Stephen Ireland had their only shot on goal with a tame effort which
was saved easily by Robert Green.
Lucas Neill's battle with Martin Petrov had been highlighted as one of main
weaknesses over the last few encounters with Manchester City but he seemed
to have much more of a grip on the tricky winger and he seemed to have much
more positional sense. Our captain did see a yellow card come his way for a
late tackle on Petrov but this only helped in letting Petrov know he had a
much tougher task on his hands.
We continued to look good on the ball right up until the half time whistle
with Noble playing a defence splitting pass through to Cole who was closed
down well by Richards and really needed to take the shot first time.
If I was pleased with our first half performance I was delighted with our
second half showing where we played some of the best football we have played
all season. Our style of play has always been questioned under Curbishley
but if this is what it has in store for the remainder of the season then we
could be in store for some good entertainment.
A corner from Noble was met by the head of Carlton Cole who got good
connection on the ball but his header went across goal and there was no one
there to put it into the net.
Hayden Mullins sent a stinging shot at goal which was well saved by Hart
after a across from Ljungberg.
Manchester City were not in it as an attacking force and many misplaced
passes and West Ham interceptions stopped them from gaining any momentum.
Bianchi tried a decent long range effort after a mistake from Upson but all
of their creative players were very quiet especially Elano who had been in
Mullins' pocket for the majority of the game.
The quite awful Boa Morte was taken off with twenty minutes to go and Julien
Faubert replaced him. With his first touch, Faubert actually had the ball in
the back of the net but the referee blew for a soft foul by Bowyer.
Our best chance of the second half and in fact the best move of the game
should have resulted in a goal but for a smart stop from the Manchester City
keeper Hart. It came from a great run from Faubert who fed Cole who in turn
played a great little pass through to the unmarked Noble who stretched to
shoot at goal but the keeper denied him a deserved goal.
The referee started to enjoy the sound of his whistle and the colour yellow
as he started to get far too involved in the game. Lee Bowyer was booked for
a foul committed on him which resulted in our free kick. That I could not
understand but the booking for Mark Noble was far more baffling.
Noble was unhappy that the defensive wall Man City had set up was not ten
yards back (it was barely five) so he did the referee's job and counted the
steps but the ref ended up booking Noble for dissent.
We had been playing well but time simply ran out although there was time for
one last chance as Faubert played in a good cross for a wonderful header
from Cole to be denied again by Hart.
I would have taken a point before the game began but after watching us
dominate Manchester City yet again, I do feel that we have dropped two
points here as we deserved all three.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Much like the other night, Green had very little to do and apart from a few
catches from crosses it was an easy afternoon for Green.
Lucas Neill
A much better showing and a much better performance up against Martin
Petrov. Much stronger in the tackle and made very few mistakes. Didn't let
Petrov have as much space and this was a top performance from Neill.
Anton Ferdinand
Another assured displayed from Anton although he will be disappointed that
he wasn't able to clear the deflected cross from Petrov which led to
Vassell's goal. Looked very comfortable on the ball and made some good runs
forward out of defence.
Matthew Upson
Although we were not troubled too much, Upson did look a bit shaky at times
which a few wild clearances and poor passes out of defence.
George McCartney
Yet another solid performance from McCartney which saw him give Stephen
Ireland nothing. Burst forward well and with the lack of a left winger we
really needed him to. Has been our most consistent player this season and
continues to impress.
Hayden Mullins
With Mullins in the side this gave Noble and Bowyer the freedom to get
forward and make the more positive passes. Mullins was superb today in my
opinion as he broke up most Manchester City attacks and kept Elano so quiet
that Eriksson ended up taking off his play maker. If you cannot see Mullins'
qualities after this game then there really is no hope.
Lee Bowyer
A very spirited showing from Bowyer and he and Noble ran the midfield.
Bowyer was never afraid to put in a tackle and he made many interceptions
which helped us move forward. Should have been played in by Ljungberg twice
in the second half which would have surely led to a couple of goals for
Bowyer.
Mark Noble
Without a doubt he was man of the match. Looks so much more comfortable on
the ball than he used to and seems to make his own time on the ball. Never
panicked and rarely gave the ball away. Was very unlucky not to have scored
in the second half but this cannot take away from a really terrific
performance.
Freddie Ljungberg
Really seemed to be getting some form back as he seems more involved with
every game. Caused Man City a number of problems as he remained
unpredictable throughout. You did not know if he was going to take a player
on or play a pass which would lead to a shot on goal. Got himself an assist
for Cole's goal and can be pleased with his efforts.
Luis Boa Morte
Terrible. Everything he did, he did badly. He could not do anything right as
he messed up time and time again. Got frustrated and ended up making a
succession of fouls, just like the other night. I would have rather Richard
Wright than Boa Morte and I cannot believe it took Curbishley so long to
take him off. This performance was simply not good enough.
Carlton Cole
Another top performance but most importantly, another goal. It is goals that
I believe he just need to add to his game to be a very good striker and I
was delighted that he scored such a wonderful goal. His hold up play yet
again was superb and he really thrives on that lone striker role.
Subs Used
Julien Faubert (on for Boa Morte 71 mins)
Seems to do a little bit more every time we see him. Today he had a goal
disallowed and made a few telling runs and a few good crosses.
Jonathan Spector (on for Bowyer 90 mins)
On to give the tired Bowyer a rest.
Overall
A point away from home against a side who have been so good on their own
patch is never a bad result but with the good football we played and the
possession we had in dangerous areas you cannot help but be a little
disappointed that we did not come away with all three points.
Our premiership season still has a lot of life left in it although we really
have to be more clinical in front of goal if we are to finish anywhere above
9th place.
Next up is Liverpool at Upton Park, and this is a game I am very confident
of winning as I do not think much of this Liverpool side. With a few more
players back from injury we will have a bit more choice and there are a lot
of winnable fixtures coming up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole feeds off Man City energy loss - Telegraph
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 1:32am GMT 21/01/2008
Manchester City (1) 1 West Ham United (1) 1
West Ham was where Sven-Goran Eriksson's return to English football began.
It started, without expectations, in the sunshine and finished with an
improbable win for a side said to have been assembled from watching video
clips. It was to trigger an improbable first half to the season.
The return fixture found Manchester City ahead of where Eriksson might have
expected them to be, but with the energy and ideas beginning to drain from
them.
Liverpool's stuttering performances on the pitch, and their implosion off
it, have given a pack of clubs a rare glimpse of Champions League
qualification and it is a bad time to be losing form.
In the aftermath of a game salvaged by two superlative saves from Joe Hart,
one with his boots from Mark Noble, the other a stoppage time tip-over from
Carlton Cole, Dietmar Hamann stood, hands on his hips, admitting that a
point was all Manchester City could have hoped for.
"We didn't play well. In the second half we could not create anything and
West Ham always looked dangerous," the midfielder said.
"We cannot complain about a point. There have been a few sloppy performances
in the last few weeks and we have got away with it. The defence has kept our
position in the League but we have got to be better going forward."
Their next fixture at Eastlands is against Arsenal, who are unlikely to be
as wasteful in front of goal as West Ham were yesterday, and then, on Feb
25, comes a potentially decisive meeting with Everton, who are looking the
club most likely to upset the old order.
Having staged a game of almost suicidal tedium between these two sides in
the FA Cup last Wednesday night, it was probably unwise of the Tannoys at
the City of Manchester Stadium to play Morrissey's Every Day is Like Sunday
before the kick-off. Lyrics such as: 'How dearly I wish I was not there. . .
come Armageddon, come' were unlikely to whet an audience's appetite. Neither
were the adverts for Manchester City's television station with their
invitation to 'watch Sven every week'. Eriksson is many things, but a
Swedish Bob Hope he is not.
And yet, against all expectation and on a pitch sodden even by Manchester
standards, the first half-hour produced more to admire than just two goals.
There were intricate touches from Hamann and Noble, and Micah Richards'
sheer pace, strength and energy were demonstrated in one astonishing 70-yard
attacking run, after which he dashed back to his station at centre-half and
won a header against Cole.
Freddie Ljungberg constantly menaced down the West Ham right, going very
close to the byeline before delivering his crosses. It was one of these that
Cole, under pressure from both Richards and Vedran Corluka, teed up for
himself and then bicycle-kicked past Hart, who Eriksson admitted does not
expect a senior England call-up just yet, despite the plaudits he earned in
this game.
Manchester City's equaliser was altogether scrappier and more controversial.
When Martin Petrov swung his own half-cleared corner back in, Darius Vassell
appeared to be offside.
Football fans' forum
When Alan Curbishley queried this with the linesman, he was told the striker
was inactive when the cross was made, which since he was standing by the
six-yard line and eventually stabbed the ball home, was a statement met with
a raised eyebrow from the West Ham manager.
"It would have been interesting to see how Manchester City would have coped
had we held on to the lead a little longer, because they have tended to take
the lead in their home games," Curbishley said. "We deserved to become the
first [visiting] side to win here."
Man of the match
Carlton Cole (West Ham) 8
• One goal
• Two other shots, one on target
• One key pass
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee Bowyer interview
'I want people to give me a chance'
Philip Dorward
Sunday January 20, 2008
The Observer
So, Lee Bowyer, how do you think you are regarded by the average football
fan? 'I think they think I'm a bad person,' he says. 'For some reason or
another, some people seem to think that I'm this animal.'
He says it very matter-of-factly, which is surprising given that the
midfielder has been so vilified during a combustible career and that the
assessment of his reputation may be justified.
Bowyer may still be having to bear the fallout from his indiscretions and
the opprobrium heaped on him but he is now more mature, wiser, calmer - and
surprisingly at ease with himself.
'I'm probably one of the happiest players in the league at the moment,'
Bowyer asserts. 'I can honestly say this is by far the happiest I've ever
been in my whole career, on and off the field. I think I'm back home, I'm
with my family.'
The West Ham family. Atonement has been a word in the news and is rather apt
in the case of the 31-year-old Londoner. The foundation for the many
perceptions of him was set when he was sent on an FA rehabilitation
programme for a failed cannabis test as a 17-year-old at Charlton; then,
shortly after signing for Leeds in July 1996, he was fined £4,500 for affray
after an alleged racial incident in McDonald's on London's Isle of Dogs.
But the defining moment, to the general football public at large, came on
the night of 12 January 2000 when he had been among a group of people some
of whom would viciously assault British-Asian student Sarfraz Najeib. Along
with team-mate Jonathan Woodgate, he was charged with causing grievous
bodily harm with intent and affray.
After two trials spanning nearly two years - the first was abandoned when a
newspaper prejudiced the case by publishing an interview with Najeib's
father who insisted the alleged assault was racist - Bowyer was cleared of
both counts, while Woodgate was convicted of affray and sentenced to
community service.
It is worth repeating that Bowyer was and remains innocent because there
have been many times when the opposite scenario has seemed to be the case.
Few footballers have had their characters assassinated so clinically as
Bowyer.
'The things that people still mention are eight, 11 and 13 years ago. I'd
like people to see me for what I am now,' he pleads. 'I've made mistakes and
I've never hidden them. I can't turn back time, I've had to learn from those
mistakes, but now I just want people to give me a chance.'
Bowyer is sitting in an ante-room at a charity fund-raiser for the Bobby
Moore Fund, where he is making an appearance as part of the Premier League's
Creating Chances scheme. Large posters of the former West Ham icon's smiling
face beam out across the venue.
While Bowyer claims to be happy, in the mildest of tones, other emotions do
at times show through, including a slow-burning anger at the realisation
that he will never be viewed for the person he is now. 'I'm a family person
and no one sees that. All they want to know is what bad stuff you've done. I
go to work, I work hard and then I go home and I'll be with my missus or
with my family. People still class you as the person that's done something
even though you're not guilty. Are people going to have a different
perception of me? I don't think they will, I think it's beyond repair.'
His biggest vice these days is fishing. But there must be regrets? 'I don't
think I represented my country as much as I should have,' he says. He knows
his off-the-field problems were the root cause, with the demonisation of him
by certain sections of the media making things worse. When Sven-Göran
Eriksson did give him his one and only England cap, in a friendly against
Portugal in September 2002, the media were quick to remind the English
public of his 'crimes'. If anything still eats at Bowyer it is this.
'I was getting judged for something that I was no part of and that's what
dented my chances of representing England. There have been players in the
past who have represented their country, who have had off-the-field problems
and been captain. So why can others represent their country when they've had
problems and I couldn't?' he asks.
His other regret is that he remains without a medal to show for his career.
'In my eyes that's unacceptable,' he says. His best chance of a medal was
probably with Leeds. 'We had a good enough side that was also exciting and
should have won something.'
Bowyer's decline seemed to match that of Leeds following the 2001 European
Cup semi-final defeat to Valencia. He left Elland Road for his first spell
at West Ham in January 2003 and ended up relegated. 'That was a mistake,' he
says. 'I let my heart rule my head. I wasn't fit, so really I probably did
no one any favours.'
An unremarkable three-year stint at Newcastle followed. It is best
remembered for another unsavoury incident, a scuffle with team-mate Kieron
Dyer in April 2005. In addition to a seven-game ban, he was fined £258,000
by his club and the FA before the Crown Prosecution Service took an
interest. By the time the case was settled, and Bowyer paid a £600 fine and
£1,000 costs, he had returned to London, West Ham and his family.
After feeling he had let down himself - and everyone else - the first time
at Upton Park, he returned not only to prove everyone wrong but to exorcise
some demons. But when he ended up in another relegation scrap with the club
he supported as a boy and with his confidence undermined by years of
negativity, he was, unsurprisingly, consumed by self doubt.
'I've come here twice and it was like we might get relegated twice, so I
thought I was a Jonah. I thought, "What am I doing here? Everything's going
against me". I just had this feeling like I'm not supposed to be here.'
That thought has not crossed his mind this season, although on the opening
day against Manchester City he agrees he had probably the worst game of his
career. 'I just put myself under too much pressure,' he says. 'But it was
one game and there were 37 more to go. I still had plenty of time to prove
myself. I like to think I'm doing that. I've now scored goals for the club I
love and things are going right.'
The horizon is brighter for his club too. 'I think we can still challenge
for Europe. We've stayed in touch, although we need luck to happen with
players coming back from injury. If we had a run like we did at the end of
last season then we'll be up there. Our club has gone from rock bottom, but
now we're in the top half and we're moving in the right direction.'
From rock bottom to moving in the right direction: just like Lee Bowyer.
For further information on the Bobby Moore Fund got to
www.cancerresearchuk.org/bobbymoorefund/
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Smart Joe Hart breaks West Ham hearts - the Times
Manchester City 1 West Ham 1
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart won more fans with his match-winning
performace against West Ham
Cursing the name of an English goalkeeper has become a familiar pursuit in
recent years, such have been the travails of David James, Paul Robinson and
Scott Carson while playing for the national team, but a different type of
frustration engulfed West Ham United's players and manager yesterday after
they were kept at bay for the third time in a fortnight by the increasingly
impressive Joe Hart.
In this trilogy of matches against Manchester City, two in the FA Cup, West
Ham could claim to have been the better team on each occasion, but, to Alan
Curbishley's dismay, they have failed to record a win. Curbishley and his
staff will chew over any number of possible explanations during the nine
days before West Ham's next match, but, as he reflects on yesterday's match
in particular, he may conclude that they were simply unfortunate to be up
against a 20-year-old goalkeeper intent on underlining his burgeoning
reputation.
Sven-Göran Eriksson attempted to play down the hype surrounding Hart, saying
that, although he "has a great future", it might be too early for Fabio
Capello to consider drafting him into the England squad. Perhaps he is
right, but in making smart saves from Hayden Mullins, Mark Noble and Carlton
Cole during a one-sided second half yesterday, Hart showed enough promise to
suggest that he should soon be forcing his way into the England reckoning.
Curbishley suggested that Hart had "probably been the deciding factor in why
we haven't won both games over the past few days" and, while it would be an
injustice to Dietmar Hamann to suggest that this was a one-man crusade, the
West Ham manager had a point. Hart's form is certainly the biggest positive
for City, given that Elano and others are struggling to recapture their
early-season sparkle, with Eriksson's need for a new centre forward more
glaring than ever after another substandard performance from Rolando
Bianchi.
Even Richard Dunne let his standards slip, uncharacteristically teeing up
West Ham's opening goal in the eighth minute with a sloppy pass that was
intercepted by Noble. Even so, Dunne's mistake might have gone unpunished
had it not been for a spectacular finish from Cole, who, with his back to
goal, flipped Fredrik Ljungberg's cross into the air before beating Hart
with an overhead volley.
Within eight minutes it was 1-1, Darius Vassell scoring from close range
after Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney failed to cut out Martin Petrov's
cross. West Ham were entitled to feel aggrieved, given that Vassell seemed
to have been in an offside position, even taking into account the vagaries
of the law these days. "The linesman said that he [Vassell] wasn't active,
but we've been hurt, obviously," Curbishley said.
West Ham should still have won, Ljungberg in particular driving them forward
in the closing stages. Noble also caught the eye and may be forcing himself
into Capello's long-term plans, but the most influential young Englishman
was Hart. Light at the end of the tunnel, perhaps, for the maligned English
goalkeeping fraternity.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1) J Hart 8 V Corluka 5 M Richards 6 R Dunne Y 6 M
Ball 5 S Ireland 6 D Hamann 7 D Vassell 6 Elano 5 M Petrov 6 R Bianchi 5.
Substitutes: Gelson Fernandes 6 (for Vassell, 58min), Geovanni Y 5 (for
Ireland, 68), J Garrido (for Elano, 78) Not used: K Schmeichel, N Onuoha.
Next: Derby County (a).
West Ham United (4-1-4-1) R Green 6 L Neill Y 7 A Ferdinand 7 M Upson 7 G
McCartney 5 H Mullins 7 F Ljungberg 8 L Bowyer Y 7 M Noble Y 7 L Boa Morte Y
6 C Cole 6. Substitutes: J Faubert (for Boa Morte, 71), J Spector (for
Bowyer, 90). Not used: R Wright, J Collins, K Reid. Next: Liverpool (h).
Referee P Dowd
Attendance 39,042
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City's Hart stopper for miserable Hammers boss Curbishley - Daily Mail
Man City 1 West Ham 1
By CHRIS WHEELER - More by this author »
Last updated at 08:10am on 21st January 2008
Alan Curbishley must be sick of the sight of Sven Goran Eriksson's
Manchester City — and goalkeeper Joe Hart in particular. Curbishley left
Eastlands a disappointed man for the second time in five days, cursing
another controversial decision and wishing Eriksson had not opted for Hart
as his first-choice keeper ahead of Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Isaksson.
The West Ham boss took an away point as consolation this time but no team
deserved more to spoil City's unbeaten home record this season. It was Hart
who rescued City in Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay and he was at it
again yesterday, and Curbishley was left upset after Darius Vassell was
allowed to cancel out Carlton Cole's opener despite being in an offside
position. "We've been hurt there obviously," said the West Ham boss. "We
asked the linesman. He said that Vassell wasn't active and then suddenly
became active. All letters go to FIFA and whoever deals with these things."
Eriksson acknowledged that his team were fortunate to take a point. Of
greater concern to the Swede is his lack of attacking options as he looks to
revitalise City's hopes of Champions League qualification. He lost Vassell
yesterday after he was hurt by Luis Boa Morte's scissor tackle. The
Portuguese forward was booked and suffered the indignity of being
substituted for the second time in five days to save him from being sent off
after a final warning from referee Phil Dowd for tangling with Dietmar
Hamann. Eriksson is keen to make a signing before the end of the transfer
window. "We're working to see if something more will happen," he said. "I
should like to do it and so would the owner. Attacking-wise we weren't very
good today."
Although three hours of FA Cup combat had produced only one goal, if anyone
expected another cagey affair as the teams faced each other for the third
time in 15 days, they would have been surprised by two strikes in 16
minutes. Mark Noble intercepted a wayward pass by Richard Dunne to feed
Freddie Ljungberg on the right and he crossed to Cole with his back to goal.
The striker seized the chance to send an overhead kick past Hart. It was the
first time West Ham had scored in six games against City. The lead did not
last long. Vassell was a yard offside as Martin Petrov crossed from the
right, but he was ruled onside when Matthew Upson's clearance rebounded off
George McCartney and gave the City striker the chance to beat Robert Green
from close range. "I wish we'd hung on for a little longer," said
Curbishley. "It would have been interesting to see how City would have coped
as they've gone ahead in most of their games."
Julien Faubert posed an immediate threat when he replaced Boa Morte 20
minutes from time. He had the ball in the net three minutes later only to
see his effort ruled out for offside, and then combined with Cole to set up
Noble, who forced a point-blank save from Hart. The keeper was City's
saviour again in the fourth minute of added time, arching backwards to tip
the ball over when Cole's header from a Faubert cross deflected off Micah
Richards. "Hart's probably the deciding factor why we haven't won both
games," said Curbishley. Eriksson added: "He's a fantastic goalkeeper. I
think in the future he has the chance to be an England senior player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City's Hamann: West Ham deserved win
tribalfooball.com - January 20, 2008
After their 1-1 draw, Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann admitted
West Ham could count themselves unlucky not to have taken all three points.
He told Sky Sports News: "We didn't play well in the second half and didn't
really create anything. "With Cole up front they looked dangerous so I don't
think we can complain about a point and West Ham can think they are unlucky
to not get three. "We had four or five quite sloppy performances (recently)
and got away with it so we can't complain because in the last few weeks we
haven't played well enough to get three points today. "The defence has kept
us in the league so far this year, but we have to start improving going
forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Noble: Plenty of young English talent
tribalfootball.com - January 20, 2008
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble says England have plenty to be excited about
the new talent coming through. Noble, a cornerstone of England's
all-conquering Under-21 team, said: "There are some great young players in
there, believe me. "I know, I play with them. Look at the likes of Steven
Taylor, Tom Huddlestone, Ashley Young, James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Together we have got some great results playing some good football. "Yes,
for me the future for England is bright." Noble has won the hearts of a West
Ham crowd who like nothing better than an East End youngster breaking
through from the ranks.With a new four-year deal in his pocket from a close
season when there was a huge influx of new players, Noble has been shown
that West Ham rate him. Now he wants to repay that faith.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City 1, West Ham United 1: Eriksson lowers sights after City
stumble again - The Independent
By Ian Herbert
Published: 21 January 2008
Sven Goran Eriksson spoke more presciently than he probably anticipated when
cautioning, amid the delirium of Manchester City's golden start to this
season, that the real test would come in the depths of winter, when some of
his imports were used to putting their feet up for a few weeks. The roller
coaster has been slowing for some time and it had truly grounded here, in a
game as grey as the soggy Manchester day which delivered it up.
Never mind giving a good run to Liverpool, who City pushed into sixth place
with their point; Everton will be out of reach soon unless some new energy
can be found. Elano, City's creativity in their 10 straight wins, is no
longer catching sides out and Martin Petrov, as his manager later observed,
"cannot be our best player day in and day out". If nothing comes through the
transfer window, last autumn's top four talk is beginning to look highly
fanciful. "If we put that [fourth place] target to ourselves at the moment
we would be stupid," Eriksson admitted. "Our target should be to play in
Europe next season and, if not, the season after. We will try to take fourth
place and if we do not we should not be too depressed."
City's unbeaten home record might be intact but it took the current vagaries
of the offside rule to make it so. Darius Vassell was clearly offside when
Petrov played in the cross which found its way, via touches from Richard
Dunne, Matthew Upson and George McCartney, into the striker's path to poke
home. How he could been adjudged inactive while standing in the six-yard box
when the cross was played only Fifa rulemakers understand.
Otherwise, City created next to nothing, demonstrating the lack of drive
which has baffled Eriksson in the past weeks and the return of Valerie
Bojinov, due back in training this week after five months out injured,
represents the new signing City need, since Rolando Bianchi seemingly lacks
the strength to find reward for his effort. "We were sitting waiting to see
what's going to happen. The attacking wasn't very good," Eriksson said.
Elano, struggling for consistency, was given no space by Anton Ferdinand and
there was certainly no striker to match Carlton Cole, replacing the injured
Dean Ashton and impressive for it. He was a test throughout for City's
central defenders and the overhead kick on eight minutes which ended six
barren games for West Ham against City was worth waiting for. Mark Noble
capitalised on a poor pass by Dunne to set up Freddie Ljungberg's cross
which Cole controlled and dispatched spectacularly in two touches, with
Vedran Corluka and Micah Richards in attendance. It took an important touch
from Richards to prevent Cole heading West Ham into another lead again from
Julian Faubert's cross in the second half
Eriksson said his players "shouldn't complain" and his goalkeeper Joe Hart
was certainly the difference between the sides again. Hart saved a shot from
Hayden Mullins, who ran on to a squared pass by the excellent Ljungberg and
his save from Mark Noble at the end of a flowing move involving Faubert and
Cole was even better, justifying Eriksson's belief that Hart will one day
play for England.
The West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley, has reason to feel things are on the
up. The players he invested in before the season – Scott Parker, Craig
Bellamy and Kieron Dyer – have played a handful of games between them but
the performances of those left these past few weeks suggest that they might
be yet another obstacle to City in their pursuit of continental travel with
Eriksson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Interview with West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green - The Times
West Ham's cultured goalkeeper has journalism ambitions and hopes to write
off Manchester City today
Joe Lovejoy
He writes for a national newspaper but doesn't read any, plays football at
the highest level but prefers cricket and rugby. Goalkeepers have always
been a breed apart, but Robert Green, of West Ham and England, is more
singular than most. This 28-year-old son of a retired hospital consultant
gained 10 GCSEs, studied law and psychology and thought twice before giving
up his studies for the professional career that started at Norwich City a
decade ago.
Green is blessed [some managers would say cursed] with an inquiring mind,
and has a thirst for knowledge that extends well beyond the confines of his
18-yard box. The success of the articles he writes for The Independent
[without the aid of a "ghost"] has encouraged him to believe that he could
contribute more on a broader range of subjects, and Eamon Dunphy may soon
have a serious rival as football's gift to journalism.
In the meantime, that inquisitive nature has been exercised by the way he
was jettisoned by England between the end of last season and the start of
this one, during which time nobody played a game, and by how Steve McClaren
could be daft enough to throw Scott Carson in at the deep end for England's
key match in the failed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Green, currently in the form of his life, hopes for a recall from Fabio
Capello for the friendly at home to Switzerland on February 6, but has
learnt the hard way not to take such things for granted. The man for whom
West Ham paid Norwich £2m in August 2006 is good value on any number of
subjects, from the goalkeeper's strange lot to the vagaries of the English
education system and Sven-Göran Eriksson's managerial merits.
As a starting point, however, we went for his forays into the broadsheet
press. "I was trying to find something to occupy my mind outside of
football," he explained. "For a couple of nights before a game, I'd be sat
at home, not doing a lot, and I felt the need to fill that space. I tried a
few pieces online for The Sun last season, it seemed to go well, and my
agent spoke to different papers about it to test the water. The Independent
liked what I'd done and gave me a go."
From his earliest days, at Norwich, football was never enough. "While I was
up there," he says, "I went to night school to do a couple of A-levels and
studied psychology for a year and law for a year. A footballer's job
stimulates you a lot physically, but not mentally. It's very much tunnel
vision. There's no real spectrum of life - not real life, anyway - and it's
good to have something else to focus on."
Green was not academically minded at school. "I went to the local
comprehensive in Guildford, nothing special," he says. "It seems to me
you're either in a very good school, where you're encouraged to learn, or
you're not. Mine didn't really help me. A couple of my mates now teach in
places where it's more a matter of crowd control than education, and I think
my experience came into that category. It has taken time for me to find
education my own way."
He enjoyed other sports - cricket (as a batsman), rugby union (at fly-half)
and golf (his handicap a bandit's 14).
"We had a good rugby team at school," he says. "I was the smallest of the
backs [at 6ft 3in], we had a team of giants and I used to kick for the
corners and let the other lads beat up the opposition." As a goalkeeper, he
was still largely reliant on others for protection, and the unique
responsibilities of the position weighed heavily.
"When I first started with Norwich, I found it very stressful, going out on
the pitch knowing that if I made a mistake it would cost us," he says. "It
wasn't uncommon for me to be sick before a game, I found the pressure
unbearable. Fortunately, with experience you learn how to deal with it
better. The way I do it is not to read the papers or watch TV coverage. I
leave it to my dad [Steve] to give me a detailed appraisal of anything I've
written."
Alan Curbishley's appraisal of Green's work on the field is unequivocal.
"Rob came out of the England squad with an injury and has done nothing wrong
since," the West Ham manager says. "He deserves to be picked again." The
goalkeeper had been key to the Hammers' great escape last season, when they
won seven of their last nine games to avoid relegation. The pick of those
results were 1-0 victories away to Arsenal and Manchester United, when Green
was man of the match on each occasion. Curbishley rated him "11 out of 10"
for his heroics at the Emirates, where Arsenal had 35 goal attempts on
target.
It was, and still is, Green says, the best performance of his career. After
clambering out of the grave they had dug for themselves, the "Bubbles" club
are progressing nicely this season, a top10 finish well within their
compass. "We've had a lot of injuries, 11 or 12 at one time, but we've coped
well," says Green. "The important thing is that the make-up of the defence
has been consistent. Matthew Upson, George McCartney and Lucas Neill have
played nearly every game, with Anton Ferdinand or Danny Gabbidon making up
the back four. That unit has been the foundation of what we've accomplished.
We've not been gluttons as far as scoring goals is concerned, but we've
managed to keep it tight, especially away from home. Consistency in
availability and selection has been a massive factor, and the good results
we've had breed confidence.
"We're not the crisis club this time, the ship has a steadier feel, and
we're definitely moving in the right direction, although we had a massive
disappointment last Wednesday, when we went out of the FA Cup [at Manchester
City] after playing pretty well. It wasn't the most entertaining of matches,
but we were the away side, playing against a team that haven't lost at home
all season, and we were left asking, 'How many chances do we need to win a
game?' We had them, but unfortunately we didn't take them. I hardly had to
make any saves compared to Joe Hart.
"Now we're playing them again in the league [at Eastlands today], and we can
take confidence from the way the game went on Wednesday. We know we can
create chances against them, and that they can be beaten at home."
Green had not been surprised by City's resurgence under Eriksson. "Not at
all," he says. "I couldn't name a club where he's failed. We spent £25m on
players here during the summer, but we recouped £20m of that from sales.
Sven has spent £45m. He's spent it well, he knows good players, but the
point is he has had the backing. At Lazio he won Serie A, spending a lot of
money. If a club is lucky enough to have a lot of money and needs a manager
to build a team, he's your man."
Mention of Eriksson brought us on to Green's experience with England, 45
minutes of playing time in four years in and around the squad. "Sven gave me
my cap, as a second-half substitute against Colombia in the United States
[in May 2005], then I was going to the World Cup in Germany until I played
for the B team at Reading [against Belarus] and ruptured my groin after
about three minutes [having come on at half-time]." Carson went to the World
Cup instead, and Green has been cast aside.
"I thought it was crazy to put Scott in against Croatia at Wembley," he
says. "Paul Robinson hadn't been playing well, but if there was a time and a
place to replace him, that certainly wasn't it. The right thing to do was to
give him [Carson] experience in a friendly to feel his way in. You shouldn't
get thrown in like that for England's biggest match for two years. It was
too much to ask of anybody.
"I don't want to make excuses, but part of our problem is that every time
England play, it's a must-win game in the eyes of the media and the public.
Because of that pressure, the manager is going to pick his first-choice
keeper every time, which is counter-productive in that the No 2 gets no
experience and therefore is never ready. I've been part of the England
set-up for 30 matches now and I've played for 45 minutes. You'd think a
keeper who has been around the squad for four years would have played more
than half a game.
"I was involved last June, for the Brazil and Estonia matches, but didn't
take any part, then we had a friendly in August [at home to Germany] and I
was dropped for David James, without playing. How I got worse and 'Jamo' got
better over the course of the summer is anybody's guess. It did seem odd,
and I've not been involved since.
"If I play the next game for England, it will be my biggest achievement in
football, and I'd love to do it, but after everything that's happened you
learn to take nothing for granted. What's the point getting upset over it?
I'm doing everything I can. For the past year I've played better than ever
before.
"I had a sports psychologist at Norwich who had a saying: 'You can't control
the uncontrollable,' and I can't control the England thing. What I can
control is playing as well as I can for West Ham and staying in the team
here, keeping out Richard Wright and Jim Walker. If that gets me into the
squad, then great, but the be-all and end-all is that I don't have the final
say there.
Don't get me wrong, I do want it, I'd run to Wembley - do anything - to be
in the side, and maybe things will be different under a new manager."
The wordsmith keeper's match report would be interesting.
Inside track
- City have the third best home record in the Premier League and are still
unbeaten in 11 matches
- In 15 meetings between the two sides, City have seven wins and West Ham
six
- West Ham's only win at City was 1-0 in their relegation season of 2002-3
- City, seventh, are seven points ahead of 10th-placed Hammers. City have
the better scoring record and West Ham have conceded fewer goals
- West Ham are one of five Premier League sides not to have had a player
sent off this season
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Posts
