West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers - WHUFC
West Ham United turned on the style to beat Blackburn Rovers on Saturday
afternoon and seal the club's best start for nine years.
Calum Davenport opened the scoring with his first goal for the club on 12
minutes before Christopher Samba turned Mark Noble's effort into his own net
eight minutes later. The visitors got back into the match within two minutes
through a Jason Roberts strike. Then came Robert Green's crucial
match-winning intervention just after half-time, as he flung himself low to
his left to save Roberts' penalty. The biggest cheer of the day came when
the returning Craig Bellamy struck a stunning late goal after coming off the
bench before Carlton Cole tapped in the fourth.
Alan Curbishley had the luxury of naming the same starting XI for the third
straight league game. This meant five changes to the team that beat
Macclesfield Town by the same scoreline in the Carling Cup, with Lucas
Neill, Matthew Etherington, Scott Parker, Cole and Noble all back. The
manager was further boosted by Bellamy and George McCartney taking their
place on the substitutes' bench. Blackburn boss Paul Ince, on his return to
the Boleyn Ground, gave a debut to Australian midfielder Vince Grella.
The home crowd of 32,905 were in good voice before kick off and the boys in
claret and blue responded with plenty of attacking play in the opening
exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead. A quick break saw
Dean Ashton's weighted through-ball release Etherington and he forced a
corner. Julien Faubert drifted it in and Davenport rose to plant a header
low past Paul Robinson in front of the Bobby Moore Stand.
The defender was making his presence felt at both ends and was responsible
for halting several dangerous looking Blackburn attacks. The No27 then gave
away a free-kick on the edge of the area, from which Pederson had Green
scrambling across his area to see it wide.
United then doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Faubert raced down the
right and the French international winger had time to pick out Noble on the
edge of the area. He did not connect with his shot cleanly but Ashton was on
hand to pressure Samba into turning the ball in his own net.
The celebrations did not last long though as Blackburn were back in it
within two minutes. A lucky deflection left Roberts free in the area, the
striker holding of his marker to finish via the far right-hand post. The
forward was booked shortly after for dissent.
Rovers then suffered the blow of losing Roque Santa Cruz to injury, making
way for Matt Derbyshire. The youngster thought he had scored with his first
touch, but the effort was ruled out for offside. On a baking hot day at the
Boleyn, the temperature was threatening to rise on the pitch too with Andre
Ooijer booked for a foul on Etherington as he broke free.
The home side were getting plenty of joy down the flanks. Firstly, Faubert
won a free-kick on the right after tangling with Pederson. His dangerous
set-piece across goal was just too far in front of his teammates.
Etherington then took his turn to show his attacking verve. He outpaced his
marker before crossing dangerously to Cole, but the No12 could not quite
keep his header down. The striker then fell to the floor but Mike Riley
waved away the penalty claims.
The second half started with a free kick to Blackburn. Reid stepped up to
take it with the ball hitting Cole's hand and referee Riley pointed to the
spot. Roberts took it but Green showed his penalty prowess again with a fine
save diving full length to keep it out.
Emerton then had his name taken for a foul on Faubert. The Frenchman was to
make way for McCartney in the 60th minute, allowing Neill to switch to
right-back and Behrami to move to the right of midfield. The Northern
Ireland international picked out Davenport, who saw his chance for a second
go agonisingly wide.
Green further excelled himself when he rushed out to meet Derbyshire,
forcing the striker to lift his shot over the bar. Bellamy got his
long-awaited first appearance since February as he entered for Ashton in the
68th minute. Green had to be ready again three minutes later to keep out
Emerton's header while Robinson was alert at the other end to deny Bellamy
and then Cole in quick succession. Bellamy was to get a late card but he had
the last word with a stunning goal in added time. Cole added a fourth with
practically the last kick of the game.
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Reasons to be cheerful for Curbs - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley was in upbeat mood after seeing West Ham United seal their
best start in nine years
30.08.2008
Alan Curbishley has reflected on a great afternoon that saw his West Ham
United side move up to fourth in the fledgling Barclays Premier League
table.
The turning point in the 4-1 defeat of Blackburn Rovers was Robert Green's
superb penalty stop from Jason Roberts just after half-time. His manager,
who was not best pleased with the decision to penalise Carlton Cole for
handball, was quick to point out that it was not just down to luck. "Greeny
studies penalty takers. After we give our presentation to the players about
the opposition, we then go through the penalties. He sits there and then he
wants to see them again to take stock of what's going on. It was a fantastic
save and he made a couple of others."
That save set the tone for the remainder of the contest, which had begun
brightly with goals from Calum Davenport and an own goal by Christopher
Samba before Roberts pulled one back almost immediately. With nerves
beginning to jangle in added time, substitute Craig Bellamy and the tireless
Cole made sure of a second successive 4-1 scoreline after the midweek
Carling Cup win.
Curbishley was particularly pleased with his replacements - George McCartney
getting another run-out under his belt and, most emphatically, the return of
Bellamy. "We all know what we've got with him [Bellamy]. Whoever he plays
with and whenever he plays it gives us something different and when we get
the squad together we've got a bit of pace around the place. It looks like
we've got a few new players in some respects.
"We're delighted by the result; everyone needed it connected with the club.
Blackburn demonstrated what they are - a very good club firmly established
in the Premier League and their last three seasons have proved that - either
getting in Europe or forcing the issue around about it," he added.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game and we raced into that two-goal
lead like we did against Wigan but a minute after we got that second goal
they were back in it and they were always in the game. Second half they were
forcing the issue and I'm delighted we got the result because the result was
the most important thing."
Curbishley also explained that he substituted Julien Faubert and Dean Ashton
to rest them after their exertions at Manchester City and then against
Macclesfield Town, and added that Ashton would be available should England
give him the call for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia.
"I knew we had one or two people under pressure, because of the week ... I
had to play it safe a little bit. Dean's alright, he was just running out of
steam a little bit, he said."
With internationals about to take centre stage, the club focus has switched
to the trip to West Bromwich Albion on 13 September, with extra defensive
reinforcements on the way to challenge the impressive partnership of Matthew
Upson and Davenport. "I'm pleased the two weeks have come along as one or
two of the others can get fitter. [James] Collins and [James] Tomkins are
both in full training."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green and Upson get England call - WHUFC
Robert Green and Matthew Upson have been named in the England squad to face
Andorra and Croatia
31.08.2008
Robert Green and Matthew Upson have been rewarded for their part in West Ham
United's start this season with places in the England squad for the start of
2010 World Cup qualifying.
Green, capped once, and Upson, with eight appearances for his country, were
selected in a 23-man pool named by Fabio Capello for the Group 6 matches
against Andorra in Barcelona next Saturday evening and then away to Croatia
in Zagreb the following Wednesday. Mark Noble is with the Under-21s for
their crucial Euro 2009 qualifier at home to Portugal at Wembley on Friday
night. A Young Lions draw would make sure of a place in October's play-offs
for the final round in Sweden next summer.
Wales manager John Toshack has named Craig Bellamy and James Collins in his
squad for their Group 4 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia. Toshack is
expected to make a call on the pair's involvement early this week. Jack
Collison, who is getting closer to a return from his knee injury, has been
selected in the Welsh U21 squad for his side's crucial qualifying match in
Romania. Like England, a win would make sure of a play-off spot.
Elsewhere, summer signing Valon Behrami has been called up by Switzerland
coach Ottmar Hitzfeld for the qualifying matches in Israel and at home to
Luxembourg. The Swiss are in Group 2, which includes Greece, Moldova and
Latvia. George McCartney has been included in the Northern Ireland squad
with Nigel Worthington's side facing Group 3 qualifiers away to Slovakia on
Saturday and at home against Czech Republic on Wednesday.
Further afield, Lucas Neill has been named in the Australian squad for their
friendly away to the Netherlands in Eindhoven on Saturday and the subsequent
World Cup qualifier in Uzbekistan four days later. The Socceroos began their
first qualifying campaign as part of the Asian zone earlier in the summer
and have performed impressively to date.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Green, Robinson, James
Defenders: Johnson, Bridge, A Cole, Ferdinand, Terry, Brown, Lescott, Upson
Midfielders: Barry, Lampard, Bullard, Beckham, Jenas, J Cole, Bentley,
Downing
Forwards: Walcott, Rooney, Heskey, Defoe
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s settle for a draw - WHUFC
Tony Carr's team are still undefeated this season but came so close to
victory in their first away game
30.08.2008
Leeds United Under-18s 2-2 West Ham United Under-18s
Tony Carr's young side were frustrated by a late equaliser on Saturday
morning after goals from Josh Payne and Anthony Edgar had looked like
securing the first victory of the new season.
The youngsters turned in a solid display with captain Payne equalising from
the edge of the area midway through the first half before a splendid strike
from Edgar put the visitors in front just before half-time. It looked like
the team would take all three points back with them to London until an
85th-minute deflected shot looped up over Marek Stech, giving him no chance
to save. West Ham United, who began the season with a 0-0 draw at home to
Manchester United last week, are next in action on Saturday against Reading.
West Ham United: Stech, O'Neill, Brown, Miller, Fry, Kearns, Lee, Payne,
Grasser (Montano 75), Edgar, Abdulla
Subs not used: Loveday, Ashman, Barrett, McNaughton
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 4-1 Blackburn - BBC
Blackburn missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as manager Paul
Ince suffered a first defeat as Rovers boss at his former club West Ham.
Calum Davenport headed West Ham ahead before Mark Noble's scuffed shot went
in off Christopher Samba for a second. Jason Roberts poked in for Rovers,
who were denied a leveller when Matt Derbyshire was dubiously ruled offside.
Roberts had a penalty saved by Robert Green before Craig Bellamy and Carlton
Cole struck injury time West Ham goals. The victory will relieve the
pressure on Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, while Ince will be left rueing
defeat at a club whose fans he upset nearly 20 years ago. Ince wore a
Manchester United shirt in public before his move from West Ham to Old
Trafford but the treatment he received was nowhere near as bad as had been
anticipated. The expected hostile reception as he came out of the tunnel did
not materialise but he was booed when he stepped to the touchline early on
during the match to stir more life into his side. The visitors almost
responded to their manager with a goal when Roque Santa Cruz robbed Valon
Behrami on the touchline. Santa Cruz cut inside and, with a shot to goal
blocked off, passed to Roberts, who was quickly closed down as West Ham
survived the scare. West Ham capitalised when Davenport headed them in front
from a Julien Faubert corner after 12 minutes. They extended their lead when
Noble scuffed a shot from Faubert's pull-back and his effort went in off
Samba, with striker Dean Ashton also claiming a touch.
Blackburn immediately hit back as Scott Parker flicked a clearance on only
for Vince Grella to intercept and head into the path of striker Roberts. He
turned Davenport and Behrami and poked home before the visitors were denied
what appeared a legitimate equaliser. Samba headed a free-kick into the path
of Derbyshire, who turned the ball in but was ruled offside when he appeared
level with the last defender. But Rovers were given a great chance to level
after the break when Steven Reid's free-kick was handled by Cole. Roberts
stepped up to take the penalty only to see Green dive to his left and save.
Green quickly came out to force Derbyshire to lob an effort high and also
saved a Brett Emerton header as the visitors pressed for an equaliser in an
entertaining game. At the other end, keeper Paul Robinson produced an even
better save to turn a Cole shot round the post. But he could do nothing when
Bellamy raced clear and half-volleyed home in injury-time before Cole
sidefooted in a cross to give the scoreline a more emphatic look than was
warranted.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: "I'm just delighted we got the win. It's
been a tough week after the performance at Manchester City and the way we
played for much of the cup tie against Macclesfield. "It's difficult with
fans having a go at you after only two games but West Ham fans are second to
none when they get behind the team and that's what we want. I can take any
flak."
Blackburn boss Paul Ince: Everything went against me today and everything
went for Curbs. I'm not happy because we had enough chances to change the
course of the game. "Curbs is obviously a lucky manager but I know he's also
a top manager and I'm pleased for him."
West Ham: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert (McCartney 60),
Parker, Noble (Mullins 81), Etherington, Cole, Ashton (Bellamy 69).
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Reid, Sears.
Booked: Bellamy.
Goals: Davenport 12, Samba 20 og, Cole 90, Bellamy 90.
Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Reid, Grella
(Andrews 46), Pedersen (Treacy 66), Roque Santa Cruz (Derbyshire 29),
Roberts.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Mokoena, Villanueva, Simpson.
Booked: Grella, Roberts, Ooijer, Emerton, Nelsen.
Goals: Roberts 22.
Att: 32,905
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Matthew Upson 7.22 (on
90 minutes).
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Deadline day deals on the cards - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are attempting to sign at least two players ahead of
tomorrow night's transfer deadline. Due to 31st August falling on a Sunday
this year the transfer window has been extended by a further 24 hours,
allowing clubs to sign players until midnight on Monday. The Hammers are set
to be extremely active throughout the day as they attempt to tie up deals
ahead of the embargo. One player strongly linked with a move to East London
is Italian centre-half Guglielmo Stendardo. The 27-year-old could follow
Valon Behrami from Lazio if the Hammers manage to tie-up a season-long loan
deal in time. Stendardo had a public falling-out with manager Delio Rossi
earlier in the year and demanded to leave the club. He moved to Juventus on
loan where he played five times in the latter half of last season before
returning to Lazio last month. Should that move fail to pan out United could
turn instead to 26-year-old French defender Gael Givet, who has been made
available by current club Marseilles for around £3million. Elsewhere
Gianluca Nani is thought to be close to agreeing a deal with a second
unnamed Italian who should also arrive on loan. News of interest in Henrik
Larsson appears to have cooled, whilst there is no fresh news regarding the
Stephen Appiah situation (although United officials are thought to have
spoken with the player's representatives last week). Walter Pandiani, who
recently spent time on trial with the club is set to make a decision on his
future today and could be a possible last minute back-up option for the
Hammers should they fail to land their preferred targets. Also on Alan
Curbishley's radar is young Leicester full-back Joe Mattock, although he is
currently viewed as too expensive a proposition at this stage of the season.
Stick with KUMB.com throughout the day for all the very latest transfer news
as it happens.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1 - KUMB
by East Stand Martin
Crazy goings-on in the East Stand as what looked like an entire Scandinavian
girls' football team arrived in a lurid yellow strip. This reminded me of a
couple of 'soccer' training sessions I witnessed recently with ESM Jnr in
the States. "Those girls are really good", he said with a look of
astonishment on his face. We will need to raise our game for the Doris
Football at the 2012 Olympics, I reckon.
Less welcome at the Boleyn Ground was a former Academy player who sh*t on
his own doorstep. I always smile when I see Ince though, as my thoughts turn
to the time when Mad Johnny Moncs came on as a sub and within 5 seconds flew
in knee high on our favourite hate figure.
Bitterness is an old man's game
And why should we forgive and forget? Once a Judas, always a Judas. We all
knew at the time that he was on his way, but he rubbed our noses in it and
we have never forgotten. I do think, though, that it is not entirely healthy
for fans who are clearly too young to have been around to have witnessed the
treachery to join in the abuse. Leave the bitterness to us old stagers.
The team line-up was pretty much as expected, a 4-4-2 with Matty and Faubert
in the wide roles and Ashton and Cole up front. Parker and Noble were in the
centre of the park and we were all hoping for a better performance from them
both. Lurking on the bench was Craig Bellamy the absentee striker whose
potential sale was causing ructions amongst the West Ham faithful.
Blackburn almost drew first blood just 2 minutes in as a move down the left
saw a ball squared into the box to find the waiting Santa Cruz. He tried a
placed side footed shot but this was blocked well by an aware Davenport near
the penalty spot.
Awkward and strange
The rather awkward-looking Behrami nearly gifted a goal on 10 as he tried to
shield a long ball out. The dangerous Santa Cruz retrieved it and moved
menacingly goalwards but was eventually forced backwards as he had no
support. A couple of minutes after this a nice sweeping move involving
Ashton, Matty and then Cole led to a corner being won down the left. Faubert
– whose prowess at set pieces is beginning to impress – sent in a pacey
curling ball which was met brilliantly by Davenport to register his first
ever goal for West Ham. It looked like ex-Spud Paul Robinson had caused
indecision amongst his own defenders.
Blackburn tried an immediate response and the ever-dangerous Roberts won a
free kick on 14 as he was too strong for Davenport forcing the goalscorer to
concede a free kick about 22 yards out on the right side of the box.
Pedersen just scuttled a shot wide of Green's left post.
Then we were treated to one of those goals that has a strange look about it.
Noble made a superb pass with the outside of his foot to the lively Faubert
running down the right flank. He dragged a pass back into the box and there
was the waiting Mark Noble who appeared to slice a shot which hit either
Ashton or Samba, deflecting into the net. The PA announcer gave it to Ashton
but this looked unlikely as he seemed to be in an offside position. It was
déjà vu of the Wigan game.
Rolled
The two goal margin was short lived though as hardly a minute later, Roberts
– who makes a habit of being on the scoresheet at Upton Park – rolled
Davenport on the edge of box and coolly passed the ball into the corner of
the goal with Green helpless. Very disappointing to concede so soon,
although the old adage that you are at your most vulnerable when you have
scored proved to be the case yet again.
Roberts threw his toys out of the pram on 26 minutes and got a yellow for
dissent and this was followed by a near cock-up between Robinson and Samba
which resulted in a non-productive corner for West Ham. You do wonder how
the collective wisdom of the entire England coaching and selection set up
arrived at the non-sequitur of Robinson as the No. 1 goalkeeper.
Just after this, here was the welcome sight of Santa Cruz being replaced due
to injury. Derbyshire came on and it looked like he had achieved instant
success as a cross sent over from the left to Samba at the far post was side
footed into the goal. The whistle was clear and instantaneous, either for
offside or a push by Samba. In the chaotic aftermath we broke with Matty
down the left and he was cynically taken out by Ooijer who got a yellow.
Industrious
The industrious Faubert won a free kick on 32 minutes and once again a
vicious delivery from the Frenchman somehow evaded everybody in the box.
Then for minutes later it was the turn of his Cornish counterpart on the
left wing who made a great run and cross which Cole nodded over only because
it looked impossible to head downward under challenge from two defenders. It
was Cole again which featured in the last notable move on the stroke of half
time as he used some good trickery down the right and launched a good cross
which was just picked off Ashton's head.
The next goal was going to be crucial in the game and it felt that a
Blackburn equaliser might spell ultimate doom for the rather fragile Irons
in the wake of the drubbing away at City. My worst fears seemed to be
realised just two minutes in to the second half after a free kick conceded
by Faubert about 22 yards out was whacked at the wall and ref Mike Riley
signalled a penalty. It looked like Carlton Cole had inexplicably jumped up
with his arm in the air.
Mind games
Up stepped Roberts who'd had a good game up until this point. Surely Rob
Green was not going to add to his tally of three saved penalties last
season? The clear yet ignored choice for England prowled around a bit,
employed what must be some kind of Vulcan mind game, and dived to his left
to stop the spotkick one-handed. What more does he have to do to get an
England call-up. What kind of perverse and numb-nut logic could arrive at
selecting Robinson and ignoring Green? Someone get a grip for f*ck's sake.
Roberts looked like he tried to take out his frustration on Behrami on 54
minutes as he lashed out at him in the West Ham box. No doubt Mr Riley saw
this more as a bitch slap rather than an elbow as no red was produced. The
Swiss utility man was gingerly checking his teeth and eventually got up.
Faubert, who'd had an influential game, was replaced by a rejuvenated
McCartney on the hour and this led to Neill going right back and Behrami
advancing to right mid. Three minutes after the change, a looped ball
forward was brought down well by Davenport in the Blackburn box and he
powered a great shot which only just whistled by the upright.
Roofless
Blackburn then went very close on 63 minutes as Emerton sent a fine pass
wide to find Derbyshire. You feared that Green had come out too late to try
and narrow the angle, but he did enough to put the striker off and his
lobbed shot landed mercifully on the roof of the net.
Tactical changes for both sides on 65 and 67 minutes saw Treacy come on for
Pedersen and Bellamy for Ashton who'd faded in the second half. Behrami was
looking like he was in a more natural midfield position and managed some
good work near the dead ball line. Unfortunately there was no-one in the box
to pounce on his angled pass back and instead a Blackburn counterattack
resulted where Derbyshire sent over an excellent cross to find Emerton on
the edge of the six yard box with a free header downwards to which Green
managed somehow to get a leg. Our 'keeper saved our bacon yet again.
Treacy was causing problems down our left and Davenport did very well to
block his way into the box on 72 minutes. Five minutes after this, Reid
tried a long range snapshot at goal which Green had to parry and then
gather. Just after this Behrami profited again from good work near the
corner flag, sending over a cross which Bellamy volleyed, forcing a fine
save from Robinson. The pressure on the Blackburn goal continued with Cole
wriggling free in the box after it looked like he had been tugged back. Once
again Robinson managed to turn the shot around the post.
With ten minutes of ordinary time left, Mullins came on for Noble to try and
shut up shop. It was all looking a bit nervy and Blackburn won a couple of
corners in a row followed by a very close call on 90 minutes when Roberts
glanced a wicked cross from Treacy – who should have probably been sent on
earlier – which went sickeningly close to going in with Green rooted to the
spot.
How long?
An incredulous murmur went up from the crowd as the board went up for 5
minutes added time, although most of that was probably due to when Behrami
got poleaxed early in the half. We needn't have worried as it led to
delirium. First Bellamy got booked for dissent after he lambasted the ref
following the award of a free kick and then we won a just inside or own half
after Davenport was brought down following a clearance. Neil had the
presence of mind to send a long ball forward and the predatory Bellamy was
on hand to run on to the pass, volleying brilliantly past the helpless
Robinson on about the third bounce.
But this was not the end of the story as in the final minute of added time,
Bellamy and Behrami were playing 'keep ball' on the edge of the Blackburn
box. It looked like possession had been given away, but Behrami nicked the
ball back, passed to Parker waiting in the box who diverted it to Cole
standing in a point blank position where he couldn't miss.
Vultures
It was probably the least convincing 4-1 win you had ever seen, but it was
sweet to dish out Ince's very first defeat as a Premiership manager at the
very ground he had walked away from in 1989. We had ridden our luck a bit
and the second half performance was not a great deal better than against
Wigan. The good starts have been crucial.
I have to say that I was most pleased for our manager. I am sick to my
stomach with these media vultures circling over him. It's almost like a
number of the so-called sports pundits have all had a flutter on Curbs being
first to get the bullet. Their poisonous words are pathetic and the bloke
does not deserve it at all. It's time a few more West Ham fans turned on
these parasites and backed the boss. This scum is out to do us down and
victimise a man who has claret and blue in his veins at the end of the day.
I congratulate him for sticking two fingers up at them, even though he is
too much of a gentleman to make that gesture or indeed complain about his
lot. I salute you Mr Curbishley. Actions speak louder than all of their
shitty little sniping.
* Player ratings by Graeme Howlett
* Want to submit your match reports to KUMB.com? More details here ...
Click here to view all match reports by this writer
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Player Ratings
Robert Green (8)
On hand with two vital second half saves that preserved United's slender
lead.
Valon Behrami (7)
Worked hard throughout and his perseverance deservedly paid off with the
assist for the final goal of the day.
Lucas Neill (7)
Worryingly done for pace again towards the end of the game. Redeemed himself
somewhat with yet another assist from a dead ball that was replica
Moore-to-Hurst-in-66.
Calum Davenport (7)
The gloss of scoring his first goal for the club was tainted slightly by the
error that led to Blackburn's goal. That aside, he was a force at both ends
of the pitch.
Matthew Upson (7)
Strong and unforgiving - and needs to stay fit.
Scott Parker (8)
It was a shame that his excellent first 45 was spoiled by the unnecessary
back-hell deep in home territory that led to the Roberts goal. But his good
points far outweighed the bad.
Mark Noble (7)
All the aggression without the stupidity. A very good performance that
answered criticisms of his central midfield partnership with Parker.
Julien Faubert (7)
His early-season form had asked more questions than offered answers, but the
flying Frenchman really got going today. Faubert's afternoon was sadly ended
early by a knock.
Matthew Etherington (7)
Stuck to his task and got involved - as he needed to do following last
week's hugely disappointing display at Eastlands.
Dean Ashton (6)
On the fringes, really. It's quite frustrating at times but you almost feel
as if he's holding back. As much as he tried to claim the second goal the
adjudication panel won't have it.
Carlton Cole (7)
Like Behrami he had to wait til the death to receive his reward but the goal
was a fitting way to cap a decent performance.
Substitutes
George McCartney (6)
(replaced Faubert, 60) Still far from fully fit but getting some vital
minutes in.
Craig Bellamy (7)
(replaced Ashton, 69) A welcome return. Buzzed around like an angry wasp
before delivering his sting with his prey defenceless. Can only be a good
thing.
Hayden Mullins (6)
(replaced Noble, 81) The rock that Curbishley turns to in times of strife.
Once again he did his job.
Jan Lastuvka (0)
Did not play.
Luis Boa Morte (0)
Did not play.
Kyel Reid (0)
Did not play.
Freddie Sears (0)
Did not play.
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Match Facts
West Ham United: Robert Green, Valon Behrami, Lucas Neill, Calum Davenport,
Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Julien Faubert, Matthew
Etherington, Dean Ashton, Carlton Cole.
Substitutes: George McCartney, Craig Bellamy, Hayden Mullins, Jan Lastuvka,
Luis Boa Morte.
Goals: Calum Davenport 12 Christopher Samba (og) 20 Craig Bellamy 90 Carlton
Cole 90
Booked: Craig Bellamy 90
Sent Off:
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Warnock, Ooijer, Nelsen, Samba, Emerton, Reid,
Grella, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts.
Substitutes: Derbyshire (Cruz 29), Andrews (Grella 46), Treacy (Pedersen
66).
Subs not used: Brown, Mokoena, Villanueva, Simpson.
Goals: Roberts (22)
Booked: Grella (7), Roberts (27), Ooijer (30), Emerton (52), Nelsen (90)
Sent Off: None
Referee: Mike Riley
Attendance: 32905
Man of the Match: Robert Green
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Lazio man - SSN
Hammers keen to bolster defensive options
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 31st August 2008
West Ham are planning a beat-the-deadline move for Lazio defender Guglielmo
Stendardo, skysports.com understands. Stendardo's future at Lazio is
uncertain with the central defender spending the second half of last season
on loan at Juventus following a series of rows with coach Delio Rossi. The
27-year-old is back at Lazio after Juve opted not to turn his loan move into
a permanent deal. A number of Italian sides have been linked with a move for
the powerful defender, but now West Ham are ready to try and lure him to
England. The Hammers are in the market for a new defender, having sold Anton
Ferdinand to Sunderland and they are exploring the option of bringing in
Stendardo on loan. West Ham will have to move quickly to land Stendardo on a
season-long loan with the transfer window due to slam shut on midnight on
Monday.
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Hammers hit Rovers for four - SSN
Bellamy volley pick of the goals in Ince's first defeat as Rovers boss
By Laura Slatcher Last updated: 31st August 2008
Moment of the match: Paul Ince's reception was less than welcome as he made
his first appearance as manager at Upton Park.
Save of the match: Robert Green's penalty save from Jason Robert's just two
minutes after the break.
Talking point: Paul Ince's first defeat as Blackburn boss as his side looked
out of their depth.
Goal of the game: Craig Bellamy's right-footed volley was hammered home to
make it 3-1.
West Ham cruised to a 4-1 win over Blackburn at Upton Park on Saturday with
Craig Bellamy coming on to score their final goal. The Hammers took the
lead after 12 minutes when Calum Davenport rose to fire a precise header
past an indecisive Paul Robinson. Their lead was doubled ten minutes later
thanks to an own goal from Christopher Samba. The Rovers defender tussled
with Dean Ashton only to send the ball past his own keeper. Blackburn
immediately hit back when Steven Reid played a neat ball through to Jason
Roberts who turned past Davenport to fire it into the right hand corner.
Just minutes after the break Rovers had the chance to equalise when Carlton
Cole handled Reid's free kick inside the box. Roberts stepped up to take the
penalty only for Robert Green to easily save. West Ham sealed the win thanks
to a Craig Bellamy volley and a Carlton Cole strike, leaving Paul Ince with
his first defeat as Blackburn boss.
Paul Ince suffered his first Premier League defeat as Blackburn manager
against former club West Ham in a frantic finish at Upton Park. Substitute
Craig Bellamy and striker Carlton Cole both scored stoppage-time goals to
shatter luckless Blackburn. The Hammers were hanging on to a precarious 2-1
advantage thanks to goals from Calum Davenport and a Christopher Samba own
goal early in the first half, with Jason Roberts replying in the 22nd
minute.
But the late show gave the scoreline a convincing look. Predictably, Ince's
appearance at Upton Park produced more of the same verbal abuse he has
become used to after a perceived disloyalty as a West Ham player nearly 20
years ago, when he left for Manchester United. But it could not have hurt as
much as the result. His star striker Roque Santa Cruz could have silenced
the crowd inside three minutes, but his low shot following a run and cross
from the left by Stephen Warnock was blocked by Davenport inside the area.
Home fans then turned on Rovers new boy, Australian Vince Grella. His
crunching challenge left Scott Parker in a heap near the half-way line and
referee Mike Riley had to calm down several West Ham players before showing
the former Torino man a yellow card. The Hammers applied some pressure and
Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not look too secure when electing to
punch away Julien Faubert's corner - for another flag kick. Centre back
Davenport's goal came when he outjumped Samba and Ryan Nelson to head in
Faubert's superbly delivered corner. West Ham made it 2-0 eight minutes
later with a controversial goal that was at first credited to Dean Ashton
but was later proved on television replays to have gone in off Samba.
Noble had started the move with a fine ball through to Faubert and he made
ground to meet the Frenchman's low cross with a scuffed first-time effort
which ended up trickling in off Samba. Two minutes later, though, Jason
Roberts was allowed a free passage through the West Ham penalty area and
pulled a goal back with a neat finish just inside the far post. But
Blackburn's relief was short-lived. Roberts was soon booked for disputing an
offside call and then Santa Cruz limped off to be replaced by Matt
Derbyshire. The Hammers had been two up early on against Wigan in their
first home game of the season and ended up hanging on for a 2-1 win. So
their fans were not exactly sitting comfortably. And when Derbyshire's
effort was ruled offside in the 33rd minute they knew they had been given a
lucky escape. Straight after the interval came an even bigger one. Cole,
back in defence, handled a free kick by Reid but Green plunged to his left
to keep out Roberts' penalty. Green excelled once more, saving with a foot
when Brett Emerton's close-range header looked a certain equaliser in the
71st minute after Derbyshire's cross sailed over the head of substitute
George McCartney at the far post. But Robinson was equally heroic for
Rovers, bravely keeping out Bellamy's shot after the Wales star made his
comeback from injury as a second half substitute for Ashton - and then
pushing Cole's fierce drive around a post as the Hammers looked to make sure
of the points. There was no stopping Bellamy, though, as he raced onto
former Rovers skipper Lucas Neill's through-ball at the start of five
minutes stoppage-time. And just for good measure Cole blasted a fourth with
almost the last kick.
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Curbs defiant over critics - SSN
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley out to prove critics wrong.
By Ashley Marshall Last updated: 31st August 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley says he is prepared to face his critics
head-on and rise above the barrage of jeers levelled at him. Curbishley says
he can not hide away from those who think he should be replaced at Upton
Park, and he admits all he can do is keep winning games. The Hammers boss
says he is not fooled by Saturday's flattering 4-1 win against Blackburn,
and he insists he is prepared to shoulder the blame when his team does not
perform. But Curbishley is adamant he will not be driven out of the club,
despite being booed from the terraces after his side lost 3-0 at Manchester
City and then needed extra-time to dispose of League Two Macclesfield in the
Carling Cup. Curbishley says the 15 years of praise he had as Charlton
manager will sustain him through the criticism he is enduring at West Ham,
and he believes even though the Hammers are off to their best Premier League
start for nine years, the good times are not going to just suddenly start
rolling again.
In the 20 months Curbishley has been manager at Upton Park, he has avoided a
seemingly inevitable relegation and finished 10th last season despite
numerous high-profile injuries. Last week's sale of Anton Ferdinand,
bringing a reported £8m into the club, was clearly not Curbishley's decision
however and endorsed the fans' feeling that he is not in charge of his own
destiny. He said: "I got some criticism last season and more now which I
will take but I've sat at Charlton when other managers were getting it,
being called turnips and jokers and whatever else, and I wondered what it
was like. Now I've found out. "But as long as it is me getting it and not
the players then fine, because it is the players who have got to go out
there and perform. "There's not too much I can do about it except for us to
keep winning games and what will be will be."
Curbishley says he was once told early in his career that you can not hide
when things are difficult, and he insists he will go about his business as
normal.
He added: "If it's going badly you can't stop going out and taking your kids
to school, you can't stop going around the supermarket with your wife.
You've got to carry on as normal, not hide away. "I've had 15 years of
people patting me on the back before I came back here and I knew then what
the situation was and what the responsibility was. "But I can't go around
all the time just defending myself. It does feel I've had to do that more
than I should have but now I'm just going to get on with it."
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Curbs commends keeper Green - SSN
West Ham boss satisfied with his side's performance
By Laura Slatcher Last updated: 30th August 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley held reserved praise for goalkeeper Robert
Green after his penalty save in the Hammers' 4-1 win over Blackburn on
Saturday. Curbishley's side went in 2-1 up at half-time but nearly lost
their lead minutes after the break when Blackburn were awarded a penalty,
Julien Faubert bringing down Jason Roberts. But Green kept up his reputation
as a penalty saver and Curbishley believes his performances should earn him
England's number one shirt. "All Rob (Green) can do is keep playing as he
is," said Curbishley. "Week-in week-out he puts his performances in and
often they go unnoticed. "I've said it to him before that sometimes he will
stand out a little more and that happened today. "Apart from the penalty
save he was putting crosses under pressure and we know his performances
should give him an England call-up." The Hammers boss was also quick to
recognise Blackburn's efforts during the game and concedes the final result
could have been a lot different. "Let's hope we can take a big boost from
the result today," he added. "I thought we started ever so well today, very
similar to the Wigan game, and got ourselves into a 2-0 lead. "But credit to
Blackburn, they came back and got back into the game straight away after our
second goal. "And really it was them that were forcing the issue in the
second half but we held out and sometimes that's the way it is. "I think
when you sit down and watch the game again you'll realise that there could
have been more goals because there were lots of chances. "It was 4-1 but it
could have been any score because there were so many chances flying around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Blackburn Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Aug 31 2008
West Ham United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1
A fantastic result eased the apparent pressure on Alan Curbishley as West
Ham ran riot with a 4-1 victory over Paul Ince's Blackburn Rovers.
Some would say we were fortunate to win the game and that the score line
flattered us, but I thought we were well worth our victory and although
Blackburn did have a goal disallowed that probably should have stood, they
did have a penalty that they missed, and should have had at least a couple
of players sent off in my opinion.
There was so much hype going into this game with Alan Curbishley having come
under attack by sections of the support in the league cup victory over
Macclesfield. This was coupled with the return of Paul Ince, whose story I
need not remind people.
There were many changes from the side which started against Macclesfield. In
defence, Lucas Neill returned at left back in place of George McCartney who
was on bench.
In midfield, Matthew Etherington was back on the left, with Noble and Parker
also returning. Carlton Cole replaced Freddie Sears up front.
Much had been made of the type of reception Paul Ince would receive and
although it never got nasty there were many songs directed at the former
hammer.
Like on the opening day of the season we started the game well with our
attacks being directed down the flanks. A number of corners were forced as
we looked to take the game to Blackburn.
It was from one of these corners from which we took the lead as Faubert
drifted the ball into the center of the area for Callum Davenport to rise
above the Blackburn defence and head past Robinson for 1-0.
It was Davenport's first goal for the club and it came at a fitting time
with the recent sale of Anton Ferdinand whom Davenport has replaced.
Blackburn maybe should have done better with a chance when a long punt
towards our area was very poorly defended by Behrami as he tried to let the
ball out (despite having a long way to go) and Santa Cruz easily
dispossessed him. The striker had no support to make a pass which would have
surely lead to a goal and we got numbers back and eventually cleared.
Goal number two was just around the corner as a beautiful move ended with a
messy finish but effective nonetheless. A wonderful pass with the outside of
the boot from Noble saw Faubert pick up pace and race towards the ball down
the right hand side. The French winger picked out Noble who had continued
running and his shot seemed to deflected off either a defender or Ashton and
into the back of the net.
This is just what Alan Curbishley needed because the fear I had going into
this game is that if Blackburn managed to get themselves in front the
atmosphere would turn sour and abuse would start to be directed at
Curbishley which is something we just don't need.
Against Wigan we had got ourselves in front by two goals but failed to keep
the momentum going and when Blackburn equalised just a few minutes later you
could sense many of the fans getting anxious.
The goal was a very poor one to concede. A poor clearance from Behrami found
Parker who stupidly tried a flick pass when he was far too close to his own
area to try such a thing. The ball broke for Roberts who cleverly dropped
the shoulder and let the ball run beside him, taking out our defenders and
he finished well to get Blackburn back into the game.
The goal scorer Roberts found himself in the book for a stupid piece of
dissent.
Blackburn thought they had equalised when a ball into the area was head down
by Roberts into the path of Matt Derbyshire (who had replaced Santa Cruz)
and the striker scrambled the ball past Green from close range.
As Blackburn celebrated and West Ham winced, the linesman's flag was up and
the goal was disallowed. From where I was sitting it looked very tight and
from viewing the replays it obviously was a bad decision.
Another booking for Blackburn came with Andre Oojer being booked for a poor
tackle on Etherington.
I was pleased to go in at half time leading and was pretty pleased with our
performance. It had been positive, and although Blackburn had got the goal
back we just needed to get back to playing the attacking football down the
flanks which we had attempted to do.
Similar to the Wigan came we were far too slow out of the blocks as the
second half began. Blackburn had the ball and were not letting it go as they
looked to grab that early equaliser.
A foul on Stephen Reid saw a free kick awarded from just outside the area.
Reid himself took the free kick and attempted to curl it over the bar. The
free kick found height and struck the hand of the jumping Carlton Cole. I
sit at the other end and I thought it was hand ball and was not surprised to
see referee Mike Riley point to the spot.
Jason Roberts stepped up in front of the Bobby Moore Stand to take the
penalty but yet again Robert Green came to the rescue with and excellent
save to his left.
Blackburn had a wonderful chance when Derbyshire was played in but his
attempted lob was saved by Green who was living up his hammer of the year
status yet again.
George McCartney replaced Julien Faubert which saw Lucas Neill go to his
more familiar right back slot. Valon Behrami moved into the midfield as an
attacking right winger.
Not long after Craig Bellamy made his long awaited come back as he came on
in place of the tiring Dean Ashton.
Bellamy showed fantastic technique when Behrami showed some nice skill on
the right and crossed the ball for Bellamy to take on the half volley which
produced a brilliant save from Paul Robinson.
Blackburn were very close to equalising when a cross to the back post was
missed by George McCartney for Brett Emerton to meet the ball with a strong
header which again was well saved by Green.
Paul Ince felt his side were hard done by with some of the decisions Mike
Riley made but you can also point to a few which were puzzling from a West
Ham point of view.
Jason Roberts was penalised for what seemed as contact to Beharmi's face. A
free kick was awarded and if this was contact this should have been a
booking which would have meant red. The reason he was not booked is because
of this reason.
Then at the other end, Etherington raced through to be taken out by Oojer.
The ref did not even give a free kick when to me it was clear cut. The ref
knew that if he did give a free kick it would have had to be a yellow card
and this would have also meant a red.
Carlton Cole showed great strength in the area even though he was being
dragged to the ground. The striker got his shot away but it was excellently
saved by Robinson. Nevertheless it should have been a penalty as Cole was
being fouled in the area.
I felt that the ref was willing Blackburn to equalise with a number of
questionable free kicks given in favour of the opposition. Then to see five
minutes of injury time awarded made everyone a little uneasy.
But the injury time was all about West Ham and a free kick from half way
inside our own area would lead to a great goal. The free kick caught
Blackburn off guard and Bellamy raced through on goal, let the ball bounce
twice and smashed a truly brilliant shot past Robinson to wrap the points
up.
And we were not finished there as a wonderful move and some brilliant play
by Behrami saw the Swiss international cross for Parker who cleverly knocked
the ball back for Carlton Cole to side foot the ball for his second goal of
the season.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
What can I say? A string of fantastic saves and a brilliant penalty save
which if he had not have made would have changed the game completely.
Lucas Neill
Still not a great performance from our captain and never fills me with
confidence. Looks slow, and although I have seen him play worse he remains a
real weak link.
Callum Davenport
Scored an excellent goal and in the air he was phenomenal. Against a side
with better attackers he will struggle and will be found out. His weaknesses
were still apparent, but his performance was solid and committed.
Matthew Upson
This is the type of performance I expect from Upson. He was brilliant, and
solid throughout. Very impressive.
Valon Behrami
Is it fair to say that he is brilliant going forward but poor at defending.
His first half defensive performance was very ropey and he had a big part to
play in their goal. But in the second half when he was attacking he was a
class act and if that is how good he can be going forward we have a bit of a
player here.
Matthew Etherington
Him just being on the pitch gave us width and helped stretch the game. He
sucked defenders into challenges and won a number of free kicks. Lacks
bottle as we all know and did struggle to actually beat anyone for pace or
skill
Mark Noble
Had a lot to make up for due his is stupid sending off last week but he
really looked awesome today. Controlled the game and his passing was spot
on. When he passess and gets stuck in like he did today he looks brilliant.
Scott Parker
Still a little concerned about how limited his game actually is as I always
thought there was more. No doubt he is committed and when he is running
around closing the opposition down he is certainly an asset. I hope there is
more though.
Julien Faubert
A player like Faubert will be judged on how many goals he sets up and he
made two of the four goals we scored which in my book is good enough. We
look much better from corners with him taking them recently.
Dean Ashton
After playing 120 minutes against Macclesfield he was always going to tire.
First half I thought he did well and had a part to play in the second goal
but there is no way he can claim that one surely!
Carlton Cole
Hard working, lots of effort, and a goal. Not bad for a striker and although
he made a mistake for the penalty he still put in an good all round
performance.
Subs Used
George McCartney (on for Faubert 60 mins)
Gave us a more solid edge on that left side and despite mis- judging one
cross which nearly led to a goal he was decent and getting back to fitness.
Craig Bellamy (on for Ashton 68 mins)
Came on, had a go at the ref, got booked, ran about and scored a fantastic
goal. A player we badly need in the team week in week out.
Hayden Mullins (on for Noble 81 mins)
A brave substitution from Curbishley, but one which was needed and it didn't
take away our attack but Mullins came on and gave us a more solid edge in
midfield for the last ten minutes.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Reid, Sears.
Overall
Three games, two wins. Papering over the cracks? Perhaps, but I thought we
were much improved and it was a different performance to the opening day
against Wigan.
We played with much more freedom and this in part is due to Mark Noble
taking the game by the scruff of the neck which is what he must keep doing.
With Bellamy returning things are looking up and it would be fantastic to
bring in a couple of quality players.
Where this season is going I still do not know. A defeat against West Brom
and we are back to questioning Curbishley until our next victory.
We have enough to beat West Brom and another win would create more
confidence within a side who seems to play well with it.
Att: 32,905
Curbs Comments
"I'm just delighted we got the win. It's been a tough week after the
performance at Manchester City and the way we played for much of the cup tie
against Macclesfield. "It's difficult with fans having a go at you after
only two games but West Ham fans are second to none when they get behind the
team and that's what we want. I can take any flak."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley: a big result - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has praised his team following their 4-1 win over Blackburn
- whilst hitting back at the press...
We raced into a 2-0 lead, as we did against Wigan in the first home game and
held on to it for about a minute. Blackburn got stronger as the game wore on
and we perhaps panicked a little bit. A big result for everybody this week,
we know that. Not just for me but I think for the players as well as there's
a lot of criticism about.
I can't ever criticise what they put in and they put it in again today. They
defended when they had to and worked as hard as they could and I think they
showed in the end what we're capable of. When we get it down and pass it
we're a decent side.
We played extra-time in midweek and because of the size of the squad at the
moment most of the players played in that. I knew one or two were going to
come under pressure and I kept looking at Craig [Bellamy]. But really he
only wanted ten, twenty minutes at the most because he's nowhere near what
he should be; the same for George McCartney who's been out 11 weeks but had
to be pressed into action today.
I think we've seen what we've been missing and I've never been in a position
to pick him [Bellamy]. So I hope we get through the next two weeks and we'll
see what becomes of that.
Pressure? Not from anyone inside the club, for sure. The board have been
firmly behind me. I just felt that a lot of the build-up from the press was
premeditated and out of order in some respects - but what can you do? You've
just got to get on with it. I've been saying that if they're targeting me a
bit then fine, but leave the players alone because they're the ones that
have to go out there.
I'm big enough to take it, it's not a problem to me but the players are the
ones. The fans have to get behind them, they're the ones out there trying to
get a result and confidence is a major part of football. Let's hope we take
a big boost from the result today and take it into the next league game.
* Alan Curbishley was talking to the BBC.
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Ince: hard done by - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Blackburn boss Paul Ince has hit out at match official Mike Riley, claiming
that poor refereeing decisions 'cost us'.
Ince, who returned to the Boleyn Ground as a manager for the first time
yesterday saw his side suffer a 4-1 defeat despite the game being far closer
than the scoreline suggests.
However he was scathing in his analysis of Riley who, he claims, was at
fault with several key decisions.
"We were hard done by, to be fair," Ince told the BBC. "People will look at
the 4-1 result and say it was a bit of a mauling - but it wasn't.
"I'm not one for blaming referees but we've had a legitimate goal called for
offside which I can't understand and a penalty miss which we should be
scoring to go 3-2 up. Just some of the decisions they make ... the ref has
kind of cost us in a way.
"Second half we took it to them and looked like the only team who were going
to score, I'm sure Curbishley will admit that. There were chances there for
us to change the course of the game but it wasn't to be."
Ince also claimed that it was 'great' to return to the ground where he began
his professional career - despite being subjected to a cacophony of boos
from United supporters upon his arrival.
"As I've said before it's not about Paul Ince, it's about Blackburn Rovers
coming here to try and pick up three points," he added. "It is what it is
with West Ham fans, that's how they are. Some of them were probably not even
born when it happened, so ...
"But that's fine, it's always great coming back here. This is where it
started for me so I've got no problems with that. We're just disappointed
that bad finishing and dodgy decisions have gone and cost us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wonders will never cease - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has been selected for England's forthcoming World Cup
qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia by Fabio Capello.
The 28-year-old United keeper - who has made just one substitute appearance
at full international level - finally got the recognition his general form
of the last two years has deserved by being named in the 23-man squad to
face the two sides next week.
Also in the squad is Matthew Upson, although Dean Ashton misses out in
favour of Wigan's Emile Heskey. The only non-capped player to receive a
call-up is yet another player who learned his trade at West Ham, Fulham's
Jimmy Bullard who is called up in place of the injured Michael Carrick and
Steven Gerrard.
England take on Andorra in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium next Saturday (6th
September) in the first match of their FIFA World Cup Group Six campaign.
Four days later they face Slaven Bilic's Croatia in Zagreb.
The other former Hammers selected in Capello's squad are David James, Rio
Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alan Curbishley takes pride
West Ham United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1
Gary Jacob at Upton Park
The Times
Alan Curbishley is entitled to feel self-satisfaction, even immense pride,
but the West Ham United manager is unlikely to believe that everything in
his garden is about to burst into claret and blue roses, that he will be
given a pot of money to spend on transfers today, or that the board is going
to give him the offer of a job for life at the club.
For a manager who woke up yesterday with his team behind only three of the
supposed top four clubs, on the back of the club's best start since the
1999-2000 season, he seems to be only one shabby, substandard performance
away from lurching into disaster. On Saturday the margins were tighter
still, but the scales were tipped in his favour by a goal unfairly chalked
off for offside, a saved penalty and two late goals that provided a
scoreline that was harsh on Blackburn Rovers.
After the indignity and criticism of coming from behind to defeat
Macclesfield Town in extra time in the Carling Cup second round last week,
West Ham dug out a victory with a performance that reeked of commitment,
determination and, by the end, attacking verve. West Ham rarely stray from
the mechanical these days. Carlton Cole works tirelessly, although he is
limited, and they lack midfield vision, but, with the return of Craig
Bellamy from injury to help to retain the ball, it may be approaching the
period where Curbishley will be judged on his promise of attractive football
when he has a near full-strength squad.
Clearly, not everyone shares his conviction that results are all that
matter. Brought up on players such as Trevor Brooking, the fans are entitled
to watch panache and, while the credit crunch is a significant factor, it is
unheard of for the club's season tickets to bypass the waiting list. The
Icelandic owners may also want a more uplifting manager to ensure that they
can fill a mooted new 50,000-seat stadium in the future because Curbishley
can sometimes make a victory appear a defeat.
"When I was at Charlton Athletic, I watched what was going on with other
[West Ham] managers being criticised and I wondered what it was like – now I
am finding out," he said. "The board have put me under no pressure."
There have been any number of adjectives used to describe Paul Ince, the
Blackburn manager, since he was pictured wearing a Manchester United shirt
before completing a move from Upton Park in 1989, but "Judas" and "You're
just a fat Eddie Murphy" were about as unkind as it got for him. Ince said
that the reception was "tepid". West Ham fans must be going soft.
Looking their most dangerous from set plays, the home team took the a
two-goal lead when Calum Davenport headed in from a corner and Mark Noble's
scuffed strike flicked off Christopher Samba. Davenport's ungainliness
allowed Jason Roberts to reduce the deficit, but the Blackburn striker's
soft penalty was saved by Robert Green. "The momentum was going our way and
if I had scored [the penalty] maybe things would have been different,"
Roberts said.
The introduction of Bellamy, chomping at the bit, prompted a more lively
finale as he sped clear to volley home, argued himself into the referee's
book and was involved in the move that led to Cole tapping in.
West Ham United (4-4-2): R Green 7 – V Behrami 5, C Davenport 6, M Upson 5,
L Neill 5 – J Faubert 5 (sub: G McCartney, 60min 6), M Noble 6 (sub: H
Mullins, 81), S Parker 5, M Etherington 6 – C Cole 6, D Ashton 5 (sub: C
Bellamy, 69 6). Substitutes not used: J Lastuvka, L Boa Morte, K Reid, F
Sears. Booked: Bellamy. Next: West Bromwich Albion (a).
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): P Robinson 5 – A Ooijer 5, C Samba 5, R Nelsen 5,
S Warnock 6 – B Emerton 5, S Reid 6, V Grella 5 (sub: K Andrews, 46 66), M G
Pedersen 5 (sub: K Treacy, 66 5) – J Roberts 7, R Santa Cruz 5 (sub: M
Derbyshire, 29 6). Substitutes not used: J Brown, A Mokoena, C Villanueva, D
Simpson. Booked: Grella, Roberts, Ooijer, Emerton, Nelsen. Next: Arsenal
(h).
Referee : M Riley Attendance: 32,905
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Calum Davenport leaps to Alan Curbishley's defence as West Ham vanquish
Blackburn
West Ham United (2) 4 Blackburn Rovers (1) 1
Telegraph
By Tom Cary
Last Updated: 11:01PM BST 31 Aug 2008
There weren't too many at West Ham jumping for joy when Anton Ferdinand was
shipped off to Sunderland for £8 million last week, but Calum Davenport was
one. It was nothing personal, mind, just one less obstacle to overcome on a
long road to redemption.
If anyone deserves a break, though, this rangy 25-year-old would have to be
a prime candidate. His recent trials are totally in keeping with east
London's premier soap opera, where the spectre of Carlos Tevez still hangs
heavy in the shape of an impending court case with Sheffield United, and
fans call for the head of manager Alan Curbishley just two games into the
season.
Davenport would almost certainly be plying his trade for Watford in the
Championship by now were it not for a collision with team-mate Darius
Henderson while on loan at Vicarage Road in January. The fractured vertebrae
Davenport suffered very nearly paralysed him, but he has fought his way back
to fitness and was rewarded with a place in West Ham's season opener against
Wigan after Ferdinand picked up an injury.
With Ferdinand now permanently out of the way – and James Collins and Danny
Gabbidon injured – the coast is clear for Davenport to make his mark on the
Premier League, something that many predicted he would do back when
Tottenham signed him from Coventry as a 21-year-old in 2004.
"Sometimes a little bit of luck comes your way," Davenport conceded without
a hint of irony after his towering header from Julien Faubert's corner set
West Ham on their way to a 4-1 win over Blackburn and their best Premier
League start for nine years.
"I wish Anton all the best; he is a good friend. But that is football and
hopefully this can be a big season for me. I believe in myself 100 per cent
and I don't feel I am just filling any gaps."
Is his good fortune all the sweeter considering his January injury scare?
"Definitely. It was touch and go for a while. The specialist told me that
another two kilogrammes of weight on my neck and I would have been in a
wheelchair. I lost the feeling in my right hand and my right leg for a
while. It was a dark time and other people wrote me off – I could have quiet
easily thrown the towel in.
"But everybody here has been unbelievable to me, and hopefully I can repay
them."
Davenport certainly did Curbishley a favour on Saturday. The mood could have
turned nasty at the Boleyn Ground had the vilified Paul Ince's Blackburn
scored first. Instead, a Christopher Samba own goal doubled West Ham's lead
before Blackburn deservedly hit back through Jason Roberts.
Matt Derbyshire then had a potential equaliser ruled offside and, early in
the second half, Roberts missed from the spot.
Late goals from Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole put a totally misleading
gloss on the scoreline.
By then, however, it was clear which of the two managers was going to cop
it. "Judas, what's the score?" the fans demanded of Ince.
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West Ham poised to sign Lazio's Stendardo while Bellamy eyes Welsh clash -
Daily Mail
Last updated at 1:36 AM on 01st September 2008
West Ham are lining up a deadline day swoop for Lazio defender Guglielmo
Stendardo. Alan Curbishley needs a centre back to replace Anton Ferdinand
and Stendardo, 27, is available on loan after amove to Juventus fell
through. Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy is ready to defy Curbishley and declare
himself fit to play in Wales's World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and
Russia.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ince winces on visit to old stamping ground as fortune and Bellamy finally
smile on Curbishley
Guardian report Observer report Match facts
Premier League
West Ham United 4 Davenport 12, Samba (og) 20, Bellamy 90, Cole 90
Blackburn Rovers 1 Roberts 22
David Lacey at Upton Park The Guardian, Monday September 1 2008 Article
history
Craig Bellamy celebrates his goal against Blackburn. Photograph: Tony
O'Brien/Action Images
There are 4-1 wins and 4-1 wins; West Ham have experienced both sides of the
coin in the space of two games. Last Wednesday a laboured 4-1 victory over
moribund Macclesfield in the Carling Cup, coming as it did in the wake of an
abject 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, drew derision from the Upton Park
crowd as well as noisy predictions of the manager Alan Curbishley's early
departure. Yet a similar result against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday had the
fans chortling their delight, not least because it had been achieved at the
expense of a longstanding hate figure, Paul Ince, now the Rovers manager.
For Curbishley a livelier performance from his team should ensure a
fortnight of relative calm while the Premier League pauses for World Cup
qualifiers. Reports that West Ham are planning to replace him with Croatia's
coach, Slaven Bilic, will have reminded Curbishley that the rumour mill will
not be closed for the duration, but at least he will have taken heart from
the two-goal flourish in injury-time that completed his side's win.
Craig Bellamy, returning from a hamstring injury, came off the bench to show
that feet and tongue were in good working order. Having been booked for
giving a linesman a bit of Welsh rabbit he then scored West Ham's third goal
with a characteristically astute finish from a narrow angle after outwitting
Blackburn's sluggish offside trap.
"It was typical Craig," said Curbishley. "He goes on for 20 minutes, gets
booked and scores a goal. We needed what he gave us but we can't rush him
back. No way is Craig fit for international football." That would appear to
rule Bellamy out for Wales next weekend and, so far as Curbishley is
concerned, the same goes for Northern Ireland's George McCartney, another
recent convalescent.
West Ham need McCartney as much as they need Bellamy. As soon as the
defender came on he restored balance to a defence which had had Lucas Neill
playing out of position at left-back and Valon Behrami exposed on the right.
McCartney gave West Ham extra security and attacking thrust on the left,
while Neill was much more comfortable on the other side.
Not that West Ham's victory was as comfortable as suggested by the result.
Having scored twice in the opening 20 minutes they lost momentum once Jason
Roberts had turned past Behrami and Calum Davenport to bring Blackburn into
the game midway through the first half. West Ham may have struggled to win
had a piece of flagging folly not ruled Matt Derbyshire, who had just
replaced the limping Roque Santa Cruz, offside as he turned the ball past
Robert Green when the striker was level with the defence.
"Everything went against us today," said Ince, "and everything went for
Curbs." Yet poor defending cost Blackburn more than sloppy semaphore.
Davenport out-jumped Christopher Samba and Ryan Nelsen too easily to head
West Ham in front from Julien Faubert's corner and then Samba made a hash of
clearing Mark Noble's half-hit shot, the ball making contact with the
defender on its way in.
Roberts' goal revived Blackburn as Brett Emerton and Steven Reid achieved
parity with Noble and Scott Parker in midfield. At the start of the second
half Rovers had a chance to draw level when Carlton Cole threw up his arms
to block Reid's free-kick, but Green was equal to Roberts' poorly-placed
penalty.
Upton Park groaned as Dean Ashton's shot beat Paul Robinson, only to rebound
off a post, then shuddered anew as Green kept out a sharp header from
Emerton with his feet. Enter Bellamy, whose bonus of a late goal was
compounded by another from Cole in the closing seconds.
"I'm just delighted we got the win," said Curbishley. "It's difficult when
fans are having a go at you after only two games." Rest assured that if West
Ham fail to resume in like manner at West Bromwich on Saturday week the
chorus of complaint will be renewed.
Man of the match Robert Green (West Ham)
Green on the spot
Penalty saves since August 2007
Robert Green, West Ham United, 4
David James, Portsmouth, 3
Brad Friedel, Blackburn, 2
Marcus Hahnemann, Reading, 2
Penalty saves this season
Green, 1
James, 1
Shay Given, Newcastle, 1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley wins peace and quiet - Daily Mail
following convincing win over Blackburn
West Ham 4 Blackburn 1
By Simon Cass Last updated at 8:52 PM on 31st August 2008
So much for the cauldron of hate that was meant to await Paul Ince on his
return to Upton Park. The margin of West Ham's victory ensured the abuse
Ince received from those home fans who still harbour a grudge at the manner
of his departure to Manchester United 19 years ago amounted to little more
than mickey-taking. 'Judas, what's the score?' was the most painful chant
Ince endured and even the Blackburn manager admitted he got off lightly,
describing his reception as 'a bit tepid'. Far more galling for Ince was the
manner of his side's defeat as substitute striker Matt Derbyshire had a
perfectly good equaliser disallowed for offside before Jason Roberts blew
his chance to put his side level from the penalty spot. A pulsating
encounter, coupled with a scoreline which flattered West Ham, meant Ince was
the only target for the locals, who handed a reprieve to the under pressure
home boss. Alan Curbishley's name may not have joyously rung out from the
stands, but at least there was no repeat of the 'You're getting sacked in
the morning' chants which accompanied West Ham's Carling Cup win over
Macclesfield in midweek.
Curbishley cannot relax, however, as speculation persists that West Ham are
considering replacing him with Croatia manager and former Upton Park
favourite Slaven Bilic. Curbishley knows he is just one bad result away from
being back in the firing line. And he was wise enough to concede he had come
close to yet another uncomfortable afternoon. 'We know we can play better.
Blackburn went for it and we did not retain the ball well enough,' he said.
'It was a bit lively in the dressing room afterwards because we are a little
frustrated that we got ourselves in a decent position, and felt as if we
helped Blackburn on their way a little bit.'
West Ham were put in a decent position by Calum Davenport, who almost broke
his neck after being pole-axed by then team-mate Darius Henderson 45 minutes
into a loan spell with Watford in January. 'It was touch and go,' recalled
Davenport. 'If I had had another two kilos of weight on my neck I would have
been in a wheelchair. I lost feeling in my right hand and my right leg for a
brief period where my spinal cord had taken a knock. But thankfully it has
come back.'
West Ham's Carlton Cole collects his goal as Blackburn Rovers Paul Robinson
kicks the ball away Davenport showed no ill effects as he rose to head home
Julien Faubert's corner in the 12th minute. The second came eight minutes
later, when Christopher Samba sliced his attempt to clear Mark Noble's shot
past his own keeper. West Ham's continued frailties were exposed inside two
further minutes when Roberts pounced before Derbyshire, on for the injured
Roque Santa Cruz, was wrongly denied courtesy of the linesman's flag.
Carlton Cole handled Steven Reid's free-kick to grant Roberts the chance to
put Blackburn level from the penalty spot but Robert Green was equal to his
weak effort. Substitute Craig Bellamy added a stoppage-time third with a
sweet strike. Cole, who will be offered a new contract after a £5million bid
from Sunderland was turned down, then rounded off a cracking game which,
unfortunately, i s unlikely to last as long in the memory of West Ham fans
as their hatred of Ince or their misgivings about Curbishley.
DEAL OR NO DEAL?
WEST HAM are in for Walter Pandiani of Osasuna and Henrik Larsson.
BLACKBURN fancy Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant and Inter Milan forward Alvaro
Recoba.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Craig Bellamy risks backlash - The Times
Gary Jacob
Craig Bellamy will be left to decide whether he is fit to play for Wales in
their World Cup qualifying matches, risking the anger of Alan Curbishley,
the West Ham United manager, who is adamant that the forward could suffer
long-term injury problems.
Bellamy, who scored as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday
after returning from a hamstring injury, is expected to speak to John
Toshack, the Wales manager, this evening after meeting up with the squad in
Cardiff for the matches against Azerbaijan at home on Saturday and away to
Russia four days later.
Curbishley believes that it would be more beneficial for the forward to play
in West Ham's friendly matches, which have been scheduled for the same
period to improve the fitness of other players. "You can't put your foot
down, just ask for sense to prevail," Curbishley said. "He's not ready. He
only started training with us on Wednesday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1: Curbishley's men stage inquest into
'lucky' win
By Glenn Moore
Monday, 1 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Change font size: A | A | A
It was easy to imagine the atmosphere in the home dressing room after West
Ham completed a second 4-1 victory in four days. Craig Bellamy telling
everyone what a great strike his goal had been; Callum Davenport saying,
"What about my header?"; another voice shouting, "Top save from the pen,
Greenie." And the manager, Alan Curbishley, pondering the club's best start
in nine years, feeling vindicated.
It was nothing like that at all. Voices were raised, not in acclamation but
in anger. Fingers were pointed, blame contested. There was recrimination
rather than celebration. West Ham had, after all, gone extremely close to
throwing away the 2-0 lead they established in the opening 20 minutes before
putting a gloss on the result with two injury-time goals.
"It was a bit lively in the dressing room afterwards," said Curbishley. "We
were a little frustrated that we got ourselves in a decent position, and it
felt as if we helped Blackburn on their way back into it. We know we can
play better. We did not retain the ball well enough. That is something we
need to work on. We got in positions where we perhaps tried to force it
instead of just letting it flow. We know we got ourselves in a winning
position and we [should have] handled it a bit differently."
Asked if the inquest was led by the coaching staff, or was conducted among
the players, the manager replied: "It was everybody."
This could be taken as further evidence that Curbishley has lost the
dressing room as well as the plot, a view which appears entrenched among
sections of the board, the supporters and the media. Or it could demonstrate
a shared desire to succeed and progress, a determination not to hide behind
a misleading scoreline but to work to ensure that the next time the Hammers
build a winning position it is not jeopardised.
Having been thrashed by Manchester City last week and then taken to extra
time by Macclesfield, there was a fragility about West Ham. The 2-0 lead
created by Davenport's header and Christopher Samba's own goal from a sliced
clearance lasted barely a minute, before Jason Roberts rolled Davenport to
score. As Rovers pressed, Matt Derbyshire had a "goal" wrongly ruled out for
offside, Roberts saw Rob Green save his penalty, and the goalkeeper made a
point-blank save from Brett Emerton.
Curbishley looked aghast when five minutes of injury time were added on, but
during it Bellamy lashed a volley past Paul Robinson and Carlton Cole tapped
in. "The result doesn't reflect the performance," Roberts said. "If I'd
stuck the penalty away, maybe things would have been totally different."
The Blackburn manager, Paul Ince, who stood in the technical area all game
as abuse rained down on him, said: "I'm pleased for Curbs, but he is
obviously a lucky manager."
Curbishley is unlikely to concur, given his injury list last season, and the
speculation surrounding his future in a job which, to outsiders, he appears
to have done well.
He said: "I have sat there – when I was at Charlton – watching what was
going on with other managers being criticised, being called turnips and
jokers and everything else, and wondered what it was like. Now I am finding
out. It does feel I have had to defend myself more than I should have in the
20 months I've been here but if that is the case I have to get on with it.
There is not much I can do except for us to win games."
Born and bred a West Ham fan, Curbishley still lives locally, which made him
pause before returning to one of the clubs he played for. No wonder, he
said, even some of his friends had been giving him stick. "Frank Lampard
[Snr] said to me when I was an apprentice, 'You can't hide'. That still
rings true. As a player if you are having a bad time you can't stop taking
the kids to school, or going to the supermarket. You have to carry on as
normal. And as a manager you can't hide away, you have to front up."
Goals: Davenport (12) 1-0; Samba og (20) 2-0; Roberts (22) 2-1; Bellamy (90)
3-1, Cole (90) 4-1.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill; Faubert
(McCartney, 59), Noble (Mullins, 80), Parker, Etherington; Ashton (Bellamy,
68), Cole. Substitutes not used: Lastuvka (gk), Boa Morte, K Reid, Sears.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Robinson; Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock; Emerton,
Grella (Andrews, h-t), S Reid, Pedersen (Treacy, 65); Roberts, Santa Cruz
(Derbyshire, 28). Substitutes not used: Brown (gk), Mokoena, Villaneuva,
Simpson.
Referee: M Riley (West Yorkshire).
Booked: West Ham Bellamy; Blackburn Grella, Roberts, Ooijer, Emerton.
Man of the match: Green.
Attendance: 32,905.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy 'not ready' to play for Wales
By Glenn Moore
Monday, 1 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Craig Bellamy, the Wales captain, is at the centre of a club v country
dispute after Alan Curbishley, West Ham's manager, pleaded with John Toshack
to "allow sense to prevail". Bellamy, in the squad for the World Cup
qualifiers against Azerbaijan in Cardiff on Saturday and away to Russia on
Wednesday week, scored on his first appearance of the season for the Hammers
on Saturday. But the striker, who has been suffering from a hamstring
injury, played only the last 20 minutes. Curbishley said, "He's not ready.
He's been out for four weeks and started training with us only on
Wednesday."
Toshack, the Welsh manager, said: "If he's fit to play in the Premier
League, he should be ready to take part in our matches."
Curbishley has similar concerns over Northern Ireland's George McCartney.
The defender played for only 30 minutes on Saturday. "The managers know our
view," added Curbishley. "I've never stopped people playing international
football, but they are not ready for it. I just ask for sense to prevail."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to rival Roma for Torino striker Di Michele - Footy Latest
Monday 01 September 2008 - 02:13:19 - Click to post or view
The Torino star stiker David Di Michele is desperate to leave Torino after
falling out with coach Gianni Di Biasi, and his preferred destination is
Roma, where he was born. But Torino are loathe to let him go to another
Serie A club, and today's Times say that West Ham have decided to try and
provide them with a solution.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Larsson: I'm staying in Sweden - Setanta
by Tom Adams, 31 August 2008
Former Celtic great Henrik Larsson has claimed he is ready to disappoint a
number of English suitors and stay at Helsingborgs this season. The
36-year-old has been made available for transfer and it has been reported
that clubs such as West Ham, Everton and Tottenham are all weighing up a
move for the striker. Larsson scored three goals during a loan spell with
Manchester United in the 2006-2007 season but appears ready to turn his back
on a possible return to The Premier League. "I will not go anywhere,"
Larsson told Helsingborgs Dabgblad. "It has never been my intention."
However, Larsson's agent Rob Jansen is not definitely ruling out a move to
England before Monday's transfer deadline, stating: "He feels that he can
still do a good job in The Premier League." Larsson scored 173 goals in 221
SPL appearances for Celtic and has also been linked with a return to former
club Feyenoord.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole: An Apology - West Ham Till I Die
I have justifiably come under fire for my rating of Carlton Cole's
performance in my match report yesterday. Having now watched the match on TV
I realise I made a huge error. It just goes to show how you can miss things
and be influenced by the crowd around you - who, to a man, agreed with my
assessment.
It's easy to understimate the contribution of a player like Cole. Because he
looks very awkward at times, and doesn't threaten the goal in the manner of
a traditional striker, you tend to miss what else he contributes. He also
looks so languid, that the effort he puts in goes unnoticed.
Anyway, I hold my hands up. I got it wrong. It happens!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will offer £8m for Johan Djourou - The Mirror
By Steve Stammers, sundaymirror.co.uk 31/08/2008
West Ham are set to make an £8million bid for Johan Djourou. Manager Alan
Curbishley is short of a central defender after the sale of Anton Ferdinand
to Sunderland and has identified Arsenal's Djourou as his replacement. The
21-year-old was born in the Ivory Coast but is a Swiss international.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would be reluctant to let Djourou leave,
especially after the loss of Philippe Senderos, who has joined AC Milan on a
season's loan. But Wenger now has experienced cover in defence following the
signing of Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United and could be tempted to
cash in on Djourou. Djourou played for his adopted country in the 2006 World
Cup and was also in the squad for the European Championship this summer. He
joined Arsenal five years ago from Swiss club Etoile Carouge and his
versatility has been evident since his arrival. Although his preferred
position is central defence, Djourou has also played at right-back and in
midfield.
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