WHUFC.com
08.02.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Manchester United
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 8 February
4pm
Referee: Phil Dowd
Final score- West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United
91 min - Yes It is. It has been another strong performance by Zola's men but
they just could not break down the visitors' back line. On this form it is
easy to see why Ferguson's side have not let a goal in for so long. The
Hammers are back at the Boleyn next Saturday to face Middlesbrough in the
fifth round of the FA Cup.
90 min - Three minutes of added on time. Collison fires a shot wide. Will
that be the Hammers' last chance?
89 min - Ronaldo fires a free-kick straight into the wall and the Hammers
break away.
88 min - He is, but first Tevez leaves the action for Park. Tristan then
comes on for Behrami. Can the Spaniard make a crucial contribution in the
last few minutes?
86 min - It looks like Diego Tristan is going to be joining the action.
82 min - The Hammers are continuing to press. Behrami has just been bought
down by Ronaldo on the right touchline. Savio whips it in but it is cleared.
77 min - Zola makes his first change with Savio coming on for Noble. It is
the German's third appearance for the Hammers.
73 min - Clever play from Behrami as he sneaks the ball away from Giggs.
69 min - The home side are continuing to press but are struggling to test
van der Sar. Cole has another chance but it is blocked behind for a corner.
64 min - Corner to the home side as they look to get straight back into the
game. Neill's through-pass is deflected behind. Noble's ball in from the set
piece is headed away by Vidic.
62 min - GOAL! The visitors take the lead. Giggs collects the ball on the
left and beats Cole and Parker before drilling home with his right foot from
the edge of the area.
60 min - It is floated in by Noble, but the men in white shirts get it
clear.
59 min - Neill is booked for a foul on Ronaldo and then at the other end
Cole does brilliantly to control the ball and beat three men. Eventually he
is brought down by Vidic, who is booked. The Hammers have a free-kick 25
yards from goal.
55 min - Cole has another snap-shot blocked. Fabio Capello is here to check
on his newest recruit. The West Ham United no 12 will not have been the only
person to have caught his eye as Scott Parker and Noble have been very
impressive in the centre of midfield.
50 min - Darkness is descending in east London and the floodlights come on.
The 34,958 fans crammed inside the Boleyn Ground are making plenty of noise
to try to cheers their sides on.
49 min - Corner to Alex Ferguson's side, but it is wasted.
48 min - Good shot by Neill after the ball fell to him on the edge of the
area. His left-footed shot was caught van der Sar as he dived to his right.
46 min - Manchester United get us underway in the second half.
Half-time - No we won't. It has been an interesting opening period to the
game, with both teams trying to play in the right manner. What will the
managers be saying to their teams in the dressing rooms to try to break the
deadlock.
45 min - There will be one minute of stoppage time. Are we going to see a
goal this half?
45 min - We're approaching half-time and it has been pretty even so far. One
real chance to either side with the goalkeepers coming out on both
occasions.
41 min - A moment of humour as Upson fouls Tevez in the centre circle and
the former Hammers star loses his headband as he falls to the floor.
39 min - The other three outfield subs also start to warm up. Kovac is
sporting a hat which keeps his blonde locks under cover for now.
37 min - Substitutes Savio, Luis Boa Morte and Jonathan Spector are all
warming up. The trio get a warm round of applause as they begin their
stretches.
34 min - The Boleyn Ground is heaving today without a spare seat in sight.
There are several hardy fans who are trying to catch a glimpse of the action
from the streets outside.
30 min - Green is tested for the first time. A free-kick from the right is
rolled along the floor to Scholes and he drives a shot in. The effort looks
to be going wide until Berbatov deflects it goalwards, forcing Green into a
smart one-handed save.
28 min - Manchester United nearly take the lead. Gigg's corner is met
strongly by Ronaldo but it flies just wide.
26 min - A great move by the home side leaves Cole with the ball in the area
with his back to goal. He tries to turn his marker but is crowded out.
Positive signs for the home side.
24 min - It is well dealt with by the Hammers' back line. Robert Green has
been well protected thus far.
22 min - The Champions are starting to test the home side's resolve. Another
attempted cross is well dealt with by Upson, but at the cost of another
corner.
20 min - Ronaldo tricks his way past Neill and crosses to the far post, but
Upson is there to head clear for a corner.
16 min - Neill brings down Cristiano Ronaldo. Mike Dean calls the Hammers
captain over for a stern word but nothing more.
13 min - The home side are on top. Cole races through to a through-ball and
holds of Rio Ferdinand. His attempted chip into the far corner is just saved
by the United No1
12 min - And they so nearly take the lead. Noble's corner falls to Neill and
he fires in a right footed shot that Edwin van der Sar gathers.
12 min - Corner to the Hammers. Lucas Neill crossed and Vidic headed behind.
10 min - The game has yet to settle as both teams test each other out. A few
passes have gone astray as both teams try to find their feet.
8 min - Ryan Giggs' delivery is good but James Collins puts Vidic under
enough pressure to force him to head over.
7 min - We're still awaiting the first chance of the match. James Collins
has put the ball behind for a corner so the visitors will have a chance to
change that.
5 min - Former Hammer Carlos Tevez got a rousing reception from the home
support. The Argentine waved to all sides of the ground in recognition.
3 min - Zola seems to have set his team up in the same shape that has
served him so well in recent weeks. Jack Collison is on the left with Mark
Noble at the point of the diamond in midfield.
1 min - We're underway at the Boleyn Ground. There is a fantastic atmosphere
and an extra special cheer for the England call-ups Matthew Upson, Carlton
Cole and Robert Green.
We are approaching kick-off at the Boleyn Ground. Gianfranco Zola has named
the same starting XI that drew 0-0 at Arsenal. New signing Radoslav Kovac
takes his place on the bench.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Noble, Parker,
Collison, Behrami (Tristan 87), Di Michele (Savio 77), Cole
Subs: Lastuvka, Spector, Kovac, Boa Morte, Sears
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo,
Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Berbatov, Tevez (Park 87)
Subs: Foster, Welbeck, Fabio, Eckersley, Fletcher, Nani
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Hammers edged out
WHUFC.com
Ryan Giggs' second half strike was enough to see Manchester United sneak
past West Ham United on Sunday
08.02.2009
West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United climbed back to the top of the Premier League table with a
narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground.
Ryan Giggs' superb individual goal 28 minutes from time - his first league
strike of the season - was all that separated the Hammers from the champions
on a cold day in east London. The veteran Wales winger showed all his
experience and ability to cut inside the challenges of Carlton Cole and
Valon Behrami before arrowing a low, right-foot shot through a crowd of
players and past Robert Green.
Defeat was harsh on a Hammers side who matched their illustrious opponents
for effort and commitment as well as skill and endeavour for long periods.
Naming an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth league game in
succession, Gianfranco Zola sent his team out to play Manchester United at
their own game, passing and moving all over the pitch. The plan so nearly
worked, but the home side instead fell to their first defeat in nine matches
in all competitions.
For all their neat, incisive interplay, Sir Alex Ferguson's men created
precious little in the way of clear-cut chances, instead settling for a
succession of long-range efforts that were either blocked or flew well
off-target. In midfield, Scott Parker was forever snapping at the heels of
his United counterparts, while behind him James Collins was an immovable
pillar at the heart of the defence.
Unlike the many teams whose sole aim is to survive for 90 minutes against
the Red Devils, Zola's players attempted to play their way past Ferguson's
side. As a result, West Ham were able to trouble the champions at the
attacking end of the field too, with Cole - called into the full England
squad for the first time alongside Green and Matthew Upson on Saturday
evening - and the unlikely figure of captain Lucas Neill both going close.
The Hammers'' two best chances of the opening half came within 60 seconds of
one another. First, Mark Noble's deep 12th-minute corner fell to Neill, who
took a touch before firing in a low shot that Edwin van der Sar - who has
now not been beaten for a British record 1,212 minutes - was able to gather
at the second attempt. Shortly after, the England Under-21 man sent Cole
free with a superb through-ball, only for the Dutchman to claw the striker's
chip out of the sky at full stretch.
For the visitors, the first half was one of frustration. Collins used his
head to block a Dimitar Berbatov snapshot, while Cristiano Ronaldo nodded a
Giggs corner powerfully wide at the near post. Minutes later, Green had to
be at his brilliant best to divert the ball over the crossbar after Ronaldo
had expertly flicked Paul Scholes' shot towards his net.
The second period followed much the same path as the first, with both sets
of players weaving intricate patterns without prising open their opponents'
defence. Neill again worked van der Sar with a well-struck shot, but the
veteran had precious little else to contend with. The same could be said of
Green until Giggs' intervention shortly after the hour-mark.
To West Ham's credit, they did not allow the 35-year-old's goal to take the
wind out of their sails. Cole continued to hassle and harry former Hammer
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, causing the latter to work his way into
referee Phil Dowd's notebook for a clumsy foul. The in-form front man was
also unlucky to see his goalbound flick from Noble's neat cutback deflected
wide by Ferdinand. Despite all his efforts, and the introduction of Savio
and Diego Tristan from the substitutes' bench, the elusive equaliser just
would not materialise.
While they were defeated, West Ham were far from disgraced in being defeated
by a United side that has now won its last eight Premier League matches and
kept a record 12 consecutive clean sheets. As such, manager Zola will hope
his players return from the midweek international break fit and raring to go
in next Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Middlesbrough.
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Cole gets England call
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is one of three West Ham United players who could play for
Fabio Capello in Spain next week
07.02.2009
Carlton Cole is in line for his first England cap after being named in the
squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Spain in Seville.
The 25-year-old striker has been in fantastic form this season, scoring ten
goals in 24 appearances - his best ever return during a single campaign.
Cole joins Robert Green and Matthew Upson in Fabio Capello's selection.
Capped 19 times at Under-21 level, with six goals, Cole will vie for a
starting berth with Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
While Cole has yet to figure for his country, Upson has been capped 12 times
and scored his first goal in an England shirt back in November in the 2-1
win against Germany in Berlin. Green's solitary cap came in May 2005 as a
second-half substitute in a 3-2 friendly win against Colombia played in New
Jersey, United States.
England squad
Goalkeepers: David James, Robert Green, Joe Hart
Defenders: Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen
Johnson, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Luke Young
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, David Beckham, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing,
Frank Lampard, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey
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West Ham 0-1 Man Utd
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC.co.uk
Manchester United moved back to the top of the Premier League as a sublime
Ryan Giggs goal saw them overcome West Ham. The Hammers gave United a stern
test but their best chance was an ambitious Carlton Cole chip that was well
saved. The visitors were not at their free-flowing best but Giggs cut in
from the left and curled in a shot to provide the moment of magic needed for
the win. The hosts pushed for a leveller but United stood firm to complete a
13th-straight clean sheet in the league. The result ended West Ham's run of
six league games without a defeat and, despite their good play, they just
could not find a way through United's defence. The Hammers showed plenty of
the style and vision that boss Gianfranco Zola was famed for in his playing
days as they tried to end United's run of seven league wins on the trot.
That was no mean task considering the visitors had not conceded a goal since
8 November, 2008, but the Upton Park side twice went close in the early
stages. A corner fell to Lucas Neill and his well-struck shot from the edge
of the area was well held by keeper Edwin van der Sar. In-form striker Cole,
who was called into the England squad on Saturday, was played through by
Jack Collison and, after shrugging off Rio Ferdinand, tried an audacious
chip which was easily saved. Rising star Collison then wriggled his way into
the United box but his lay-off to Cole was just behind the striker and
allowed the visitors to clear. United were also passing the ball around with
their customary ease and authority, although without penetration, and found
West Ham's defence in just as stubborn mood as their own. Former Hammers
player Carlos Tevez was being well-marshalled as the both midfields wrestled
for superiority. United did come close to a breakthrough when an off-target
Paul Scholes strike was diverted goalwards by Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw
keeper Robert Green tip the ball over. But Sir Alex Ferguson's side posed a
threat from every department and it was the veteran skipper Giggs who rolled
back the years to put his side ahead after collecting a sweeping Scholes
pass. He cut inside the diving challenge of Cole and into the Hammers box
from the left before curling a low right-footed shot through a crowd of
players for his first league goal of the season. Ronaldo could have had a
penalty late on after a trip by Neill but referee Phil Dowd waved away his
appeals. Ultimately, the visitors comfortably secured a 1-0 victory - their
ninth by that scoreline in the league this season - that lifts them two
points clear of rivals Liverpool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "It was a close match. Unfortunately for
us they have some great players and if you make a mistake they punish you.
"My team is a young team. They are growing up and improving. "I am pleased
with what they are doing. We need to give this team time."
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan: The result was important.
"We felt we needed to come here with the experience and with those two
(Giggs and Scholes) you don't get much more experience. "The match was great
value for money. Both teams attacked and we managed to get the win."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Tristan 87),
Parker, Noble (Nsereko 77), Collison, Cole, Di Michele.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Kovac, Spector, Sears.
Booked: Neill.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo,
Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Tevez (Park 87), Berbatov.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Nani, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher, Eckersley.
Booked: Vidic.
Goals: Giggs 62.
Att: 34,958.
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Ryan Giggs on
7.27 (on 90 minutes).
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Zola on ... Man Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 8th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
A not too down-in-the-dumps Gianfranco Zola reflects on this afternoon's
narrow defeat ...
On the game ...
We've grown up a lot and improved as a team, today's game proved that. It
was a close match and unfortunately for us they have really good quality
players that if you make a mistake, they punish you. That was the case in
today's game.
[Giggs is] an outstanding player and an outstanding professional. I have a
lot of admiration [for him]. He's one of the players that young players
should be looking to.
On league positions ...
We are in a good place but we want to improve our place in the table .We are
not happy to sit there, we want to get better and better. Today we tried but
as I said we've got to try again in our next game, try to win and try to
make it better.
On progression ...
I think I've got some lads that are doing very well and I'm pleased for
them. My team is a young team and is growing up, improving week by week and
I'm pleased with what they are doing. I'm sure we'll get to a point
eventually where they will be more precise and produce more quality.
We need to give this team time - but they're growing up very well.
Mike Phelan - Manchester United
We knew it would be a difficult encounter. West Ham are a traditional team,
they play football the way supporters expect it to be played and we played a
part in that. I thought it was great value for money, a terrific atmosphere,
both teams attacking the game all the time and we just managed to get the
goal.
W felt we needed to come here today with experience, but we also felt we
needed to come here with the likes of Ferdinand and Carrick - they've played
here and they know what it's like, they know how important this game is.
* Gianfranco Zola and Mike Phelan were talking to the BBC.
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Three Hammers in England squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Rob Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have all been selected for the
England squad to face Spain next week. Green and Upson both retained their
place in Fabio Capello's sqaud whilst Cole, as widely rumoured ths week, has
earned his first ever full international call-up as a result of his recent
good run of form.
However there was no place for midfielder Scott Parker, who has played a key
role in West Ham United's eight match unbeaten run. Cole is just one of two
uncapped players named in Capello's latest squad, the other being Aston
Villa's James Milner. England play Spain in Seville next Wednesday evening
(11th February).
Full squad:
Joe Hart ( Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West
Ham United); Wayne Bridge (Manchester City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio
Ferdinand (Manchester United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson
(Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Luke
Young (Aston Villa); Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (AC Milan),
Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Frank
Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips
(Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa); Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston
Villa), Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Emile
Heskey (Aston Villa)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lucky 13 as Utd go back top
Piece of Giggs magic sees off spirited Hammers
Last updated: 8th February 2009
SSN
Man of the match: Ryan Giggs - a masterful performance and brilliant goal by
the veteran
Moment of the match: Giggs' superb winner
Attempt of the match: In a game of not many chances on goal, it has to be
Giggs' goal.
Save of the match: Edwin van der Sar's save from Carlton Cole's chip
Talking point: Van der Sar breaking the British League record for
consecutive minutes without conceding a goal
Manchester United kept a 13th straight clean sheet in the Premier League as
a stunning solo goal from Ryan Giggs earned a 1-0 win at West Ham United.
The evergreen Giggs grabbed the only goal of a tight game at Upton Park just
past the hour mark as fellow veteran Edwin van der Sar set a new record in
goal.
West Ham matched the title favourites for long periods, with England new boy
Carlton Cole having his team's best chance in the first half as his
attempted chip was plucked out of the air by Van der Sar after he had been
sent clear. At the opposite end, Robert Green produced a smart reaction save
after Cristiano Ronaldo had turned Paul Scholes' wayward shot back towards
goal. In the 34th minute, Van der Sar set a British league record for the
longest run without conceding a goal and he was never seriously tested by
the Hammers thereafter. The reigning champions were not at their best, and
struggled to create chances until a moment of magic from skipper Giggs
settled the contest.
Scholes swept a fine ball out to the left flank on 62 minutes and Giggs cut
inside, jinking past two defenders before curling a right-footed shot beyond
Green.
Late Hammers pressure failed to yield an equaliser as the Red Devils
returned to the top of the table after being temporarily displaced by
Liverpool on Saturday.
The hosts reserved their usual white-hot atmosphere for a Red Devils visit
on 'Bobby Moore day', in recognition of a man who will shortly have to share
top billing with David Beckham on 108 caps for England. That appreciation
continued once the match started too, as Matthew Upson slid in on Giggs to
execute a perfect tackle of which Moore himself would have been proud. By
that point, Giggs had already sliced a volley wide in an encouraging start
for the champions that also involved a couple of trademark piledrivers from
Scholes, one of which Ronaldo turned goalwards, forcing Green to make an
impressive save. A brilliant passage of close control involving Giggs,
Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov ended with the Bulgarian lashing a volley
goalwards that James Collins found himself accidentally in the way of.
Another move of similar quality brought a Nemanja Vidic shot into the body
of the same man as pretty passing failed to result in clear-cut chances.
Instead, with Upson outstanding and Scott Parker snapping into a series of
tackles in midfield, the Hammers slowly got themselves a foothold in the
contest.
If ever there was a man needing to impress watching England coach Fabio
Capello, it was Cole. Unfortunately, Cole turned like a giant barge as he
collected Jack Collison's short pass with his back to goal. What seemed like
a clear shooting chance quickly disappeared as Vidic and Ferdinand converged
on the former Chelsea man, who seems set to win his first cap in Seville on
Wednesday. Cole had earlier managed to gain half a yard on Ferdinand to
reach David Di Michele's through ball but he is not the first striker in
recent times to find Van der Sar too big a wall to knock over. When the 34th
minute ticked by, Van der Sar eclipsed the record of old Aberdeen stalwart
Bobby Clark, who went 1,155 minutes of league action without conceding a
goal during the 1970-71 campaign to claim that British record. The veteran
Dutchman's goal was still intact when Di Michele was crowded out on the edge
of the visitors' penalty area and the loose ball fell to a marauding Lucas
Neill, whose curling shot probably did not stretch Van der Sar enough.
It was a similar story for the Red Devils, with Ronaldo in particular
getting increasingly agitated with his team-mates, John O'Shea receiving one
mouthful and even Sir Alex Ferguson getting a passionate response as the
Scot made a point to Ronaldo on the touchline. Yet if the bad temper was
taken as a sign the champions' focus was not fully wired in, West Ham got it
horribly wrong. After Giggs had his corner half-cleared, Scholes swiftly
spread the ball back to his long-time colleague. Cole flew in to make a
tackle by the touchline. He failed, as did his Hammers team-mates, who
expected Giggs to eventually transfer the ball to his generally lethal left
foot. Instead Giggs struck it with his right, beyond a startled Green, and
into the net. Ronaldo, his mind back on the job, watched his thunderbolt
effort curl just wide after taking a deflection before Neill's next,
wayward, shot.
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Zola - We stood up to leaders
Hammers chief admits one moment made the difference
Last updated: 8th February 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola was proud of how his West Ham United team stood up to
Manchester United, despite the 1-0 defeat. The Hammers' six-match unbeaten
run in the Premier League came to an end courtesy of Ryan Giggs' individual
goal in the second half. But West Ham matched the leaders for long periods,
with Carlton Cole having his side's best chance in the first half when his
attempted chip was saved by Edwin van der Sar. Zola was happy with how his
team restricted the opposition's chances and believes it is an indication of
the progress being made at Upton Park in recent weeks. "I think it's a good
sign, for certain, because it has been a close game," Zola told Sky Sports.
"I believe that our goalkeeper made only one save, so I think it was a close
match. "That's the difference when you play the best team in the world, if
you make one mistake you pay and it's costly. "I'm very happy with the
performance of my players. It was a tough match and they stood up to Man Utd
in a very good way."
The West Ham boss did not want to criticise Cole, who has been called up to
the England squad to face Spain, for not taking advantage of his team's best
opening.
Zola added: "He wanted to chip it over and maybe he should have gone for
power, but to be honest he has played a great match. "I can't say anything
to him and in the second half there were a couple of chances where we were
close." The Italian continued: "I don't just see the defeat, I see the way
the team plays and they stood up to the best team in the world right now and
they played just as well as them."
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Zola won't leave for Blues
Hammers boss rules out Stamford Bridge return
Last updated: 8th February 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists he would not quit West Ham in order to take over at
his former club Chelsea. With Luiz Felipe Scolari's position at Stamford
Bridge becoming increasingly unstable, reports suggest the Blues may be in
the hunt for a new boss in the near future. Former fans' favourite Zola
would be an obvious choice, helping to appease those supporters who have
grown disillusioned with the club. The Italian has made a positive impact
with the Hammers this term, his first managerial post, having stepped into
the void created by Alan Curbishley's departure in September 2008. He has
led the club into the Premier League's European hunt and has received
widespread acclaim for the manner in which he goes about his job. However,
he has made it clear that an emotional return to Chelsea is out of the
question, insisting he has every intention of repaying West Ham's faith in
his credentials. "In football you never know what lies round the corner but
I have no intention of walking out on West Ham," Zola said in the Sunday
Mirror. "I owe a lot to them. Not many clubs would haven given me this
opportunity. "My main aim is to do well here and repay the faith West Ham
and their supporters have shown in me. "It's not in my nature to walk out on
something that has only just begun."
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Collison tips Dragons to roar
Youngster sees Wales heading in the right direction
Last updated: 8th February 2009
SSN
Jack Collison sees no reason why Wales cannot reach a major international
tournament in the near future. The West Ham star is one of a host of
promising youngsters currently being blooded into the senior Welsh side by
boss John Toshack. The likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley
have all made the step up with ease and appear to have the success-starved
nation heading in the right direction once more. Wales have not graced a
major international event since the 1958 World Cup, preventing a
star-studded list of top talent from gracing football's showpiece occasions.
Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs is widely regarded as one of the best
players never have qualified for a major tournament, but Collison believes
the latest batch of Welsh wonders are capable of making amends for over 50
years of hurt. "For players of my generation, Ryan Giggs is an obvious
inspiration," the Hammers midfielder told the News of the World. "He is one
of the greatest every players, not just for Manchester United but for Wales
and the rest of the nation. He is a great role model as well. "He has won so
much but maybe I could do something that he hasn't. "With Wales we now have
a lot of good talent coming through. England only just pipped our U21 side
to the Euro finals in a play-off and that has given us belief that, in the
next few years, we can qualify for a World Cup or European Championship.
"There is a real good chance under John Toshack because he has not been
afraid to give younger players a chance, even in big games."
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Lambert waits on Walker answer
Colchester hope to hang on to keeper
Last updated: 7th February 2009
SSN
Paul Lambert says he will be an 'angry man' if Colchester United are unable
to keep hold of Jimmy Walker. The experienced goalkeeper is currently on
loan at Colchester from West Ham United, but his deal expires over the
weekend. Colchester boss Lambert has made an attempt to extend Walker's
stay, but is awaiting a response from the Football League. The paperwork has
been sent in and Lambert is unhappy that the League One club have yet to
receive a decision on whether Walker can stay. "Signing Jimmy Walker is now
my priority, and I'll be an angry man if we lose him," Lambert told a press
conference. "I've lost count of the number of points that he has saved us
since he's been at the club. "It's no secret that I want him permanently.
The club knew a few weeks ago that I wanted Jimmy to stay longer, but we are
still waiting for a response from the Football League. "There doesn't seem
to be any consistency. There seems to be one rule for some and one rule for
others, whether you are a big club or not. "It's all very confusing, with
some players signing before and others after the deadline has passed. People
don't know where they stand. "We sent our stuff through on time, but we've
had two days without a response. Every club should be treated the same."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola urges Ryan Giggs to prolong career
Gianfranco Zola has urged Ryan Giggs to prolong his career at Manchester
United after the Welshman scored the goal that takes his side back to the
top of the Premier League.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 12:02AM GMT 09 Feb 2009
Giggs' first league goal of the season not only secured United their eighth
straight Premier League win, but it enabled the winger to boast an unmatched
record of scoring in each of the 17 Premier League seasons. "I have a lot of
admiration for Giggs," said the West Ham manager. "He is a fantastic player
and although I was on the opposite side I enjoy watching players like him.
"I think he is a very good advertisement for football, and for young
players. When somebody has got such a talent, it's all down to the desire.
If you have the desire to carry on playing and enjoy challenging yourself,
you can play for many years. "It's up to him, but when I was at his age I
just didn't want to give up, I wanted to get better and better, that's why I
kept playing for more years. And looking at him, I am sure he has the same
desire. "I would have him at West Ham, please! He is one of those players
you would love to have in your team."
Giggs' contract expires at the end of the season and the 35-year-old,
currently taking his coaching badges, has hinted at moving to the coaching
side. Such is the esteem United supporters hold Giggs, a player with 28
major titles during his time at Old Trafford, that a petition has begun,
urging United to retire the number 11 shirt once he decides to retire. Sir
Alex Ferguson has no doubts about the importance of Giggs' contribution. "He
is a credit to the game," said the United manager. "If anyone wants an
example of how to dedicate themselves to football, you could have no greater
example than Ryan Giggs."
Giggs retired from international football in 2007 in an attempt to extend
his domestic career, but at West Ham a player 10 years younger was
attempting to impress England manager Fabio Capello ahead of the friendly in
Spain on Wednesday. Carlton Cole failed to score but Zola believes he has an
international future. Zola said: "If I was in Fabio's position I would have
had a very good impression of Carlton Cole, especially in the second half
(against Manchester United). I think he's going to be a very, very good
player for him. "I've only been in the job six months so I can't really say
to Fabio 'do this. do that', but I am sure he will be a good player for him,
whether he plays (on Wednesday) or not. Carlton is a player who is improving
and I am sure he'll get better and better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZOLA DIGS COLE AFTER ENGLAND CALL
Posted 09/02/09 06:44EmailPrintSave
Football365
Gianfranco Zola insists Carlton Cole can be a hit with England even though
the West Ham striker failed to hit the target against Manchester United.
United went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League on Sunday thanks
to a second-half matchwinner from veteran winger Ryan Giggs. But United
goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar earned even more plaudits as he broke two more
goalkeeping records. It is now 1,212 minutes since he was last beaten in the
top flight. However, West Ham coach Zola was delighted with his team's
application and the warm applause they received at the final whistle was
proof the home fans agreed.
Cole's call-up by watching England coach Fabio Capello has raised a few
eyebrows but it was rightly earned on the back of six goals in nine games
and Zola believes the former Chelsea trainee will not disappoint if he gets
a chance against Spain. "I think Carlton will be a very good player for
England," said Zola. "I have just been in the job six months so I can't
really say to Fabio 'do this or that'. "I am sure he will be a good player
for him but whether he plays or not I don't know. "He had a couple of
opportunities but he had one man on top of him straightaway. "Carlton is a
player who is improving and am sure he will get better and better. "His
attitude has changed. When he was at Chelsea he was very young and it was
difficult for him to get a chance. "Now he has realised he has a big
opportunity. He needed to become more convinced about himself and become a
problem for the opposition. He is getting better and better.
"A successful player is the one that knows where he has to get and Carlton
Cole has all the attributes to be a winner." Cole had little chance against
a United defence that won even more plaudits from the Italian coach. The
Hammers lost their first game in seven league outings but Zola was able to
take some positives out of their defeat. "I knew it would be difficult if
they scored first," said Zola. "You don't expect a team like that to be so
strong defensively. "You expect them to be so good going forward. But (Sir)
Alex (Ferguson) has done a great job as always and they look very, very
strong. "For me it has been a positive match, I know that we lost but today
we were playing against the best team in Europe, if not the world, and we
just lost by one goal. "I am happy for my team. It has been another step
forward for us even though we lost the game. "I am sure it won't be easy for
anybody to come here and beat us but they did it in a very professional way.
"They just punished the only mistake we made. Our goalkeeper only made one
save. When you can win games like this you are very strong."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-1 Manchester United: Ryan Giggs shows he's still the man after 17
seasons in the Prem
The Mirror
By Mike Walters 9/02/2009
With a swing of that trusty right foot, Ryan Giggs maintained his record of
scoring in all 17 seasons since the Premier League's advent. And as
Manchester United spirited three points away from their traditional East end
graveyard, Giggs proved beyond dispute he is not just a sentimental pick.
United ayatollah Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't do nostalgia by teamsheets. And
on yesterday's evidence, Giggs - 35 going on 21- isn't ready for
superannuation just yet. Giggs might score with his right peg about as often
as London is blanketed in snow, but his 62nd-minute goal was enough to
deliver United's eighth consecutive win, six of them by 1-0 margins.
Forget squeaky bum time, the phrase Ferguson coined to describe nip-and-tuck
finishes on the final straight: United are sitting pretty, two points clear
of Liverpool with a game in hand, and they don't look like blowing it.
Fergie had always viewed trips to Upton Park with the same trepidation as
Dracula going to the dentist: you know the drill, but it's always
uncomfortable. When Kenny Brown's bolt from the blue denied United the title
17 years ago, he called the already-relegated Hammers' effort "obscene."
And when a combination of Ludek Miklosko's saves, and Andy Cole finishing as
if his bootlaces were tied together, let Blackburn through the catflap three
years later, Fergie boycotted jellied eels and rhyming slang in protest.
Giggs was a boy wonder in the days when United stumbled into those cockney
booby-traps, but he is now the old stager at Old Trafford with 10
championship medals to his name - and engravers can start work on the 11th.
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola, who played until he was 37, can envisage
Giggs carrying on even longer, saying: "It would have been better for me if
he had stayed in Manchester. "But when you have such a talent, it is all
down to desire - if you have the hunger to keep challenging yourself all the
time, you can play for many years. When I was at his age, I just didn't want
to give up. That's why I kept playing for so long."
It has never ceased to amaze the pearly king tendency that West Ham can
raise their game so regularly against the best team in the country but sink
to the occasion so effortlessly when lesser lights are in town. Under Zola's
tutelage, however, it promises to be a different story. Mixing high marks
for artistic impression and backbone in equal measure, Zola has taken just
five months, on his maiden voyage in management, to make wishful thinkers at
Stamford Bridge yearn for his repatriation at Chelsea. In the claret and
blue pantheon of cult hero centre forwards, Carlton Cole's name may not yet
be as revered as Hurst and Di Canio, or McAvennie and Cottee. But England's
latest contender for the No.9 shirt, called up by Fabio Capello on Saturday
night, could not be faulted for his industry, even if his finishing
ultimately lacked finesse.
Under the watching Capello's gaze, Cole came closest to ending Edwin Van Der
Sar's record lockout after just 12 minutes, but the flying Dutchman scooped
the danger out of thin air one-handed. And as Jack Collison, the latest
young thruster to graduate from the academy of football, enjoyed a showcase
for his expansive talents, Edwin Star was extended again by Hammers skipper
Lucas Neill's speculative curler. For all Cole's energy and Collison's
promise, however, Van Der Sar's box has become an unprecedented no-go-zone
and West Ham's enterprise petered out around the final third. United always
carried the more incisive threat, even if they had to wait for more than an
hour to prove that a Red Devil's trident is a more lethal weapon than a
Hammer.
From a half-cleared corner, Paul Scholes sprayed a pass out to the left
touchline like a farmer's muckspreader, and Giggs took it deliciously in his
stride. Cutting inside Cole's lunge and selling Scott Parker a dummy
straight from the shelves of Mothercare, Giggs drilled a low shot through a
crowded area beyond Robert Green's left hand. United held on comfortably
enough, despite their combustible knight of the realm almost blowing a
gasket when referee Phil Dowd declined Ronaldo's plaintive late penalty
appeal. For West Ham, consolation at end of their eight-match unbeaten run
may yet present itself in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough next Saturday.
But for United, still in the hunt for a mind-blowing Quadruple - Premier
League, Carling Cup, FA Cup, Champions League - the bubble shows little sign
of bursting.
WEST HAM: Green 6, Neill 7, Upson 7, Collins 7, Ilunga 7, Parker 6, Noble 6
(Savio, 76), Collison 7, Behrami 7 (Tristan, 87), Di Michele 6, Cole 6.
MAN UNITED: Van Der Sar 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, O'Shea 6, Carrick
7, Scholes 6, Giggs 8, Ronaldo 6, Berbatov 7, Tevez 6 (Park, 87).
REFEREE: Phil Dowd
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Giggs - where would United be without that trusty
right foot?
VILLAIN OF THE MATCH: Ronaldo - too much sulking, and his boots were a
putrid shade of green.
ANORAK: Giggs' winner was the first goal conceded by West Ham keeper Robert
Green in 400 minutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We're back on top – let's hope we stay there' says Ferguson
Independent.co.uk
By Sam Wallace
Monday, 9 February 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson virtually wrote off Chelsea's chances of winning the
Premier League yesterday after his team racked up a record-breaking 13th
clean sheet in their 1-0 win over West Ham. It leaves United two points
ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand and seven ahead of Luiz Felipe
Scolari's side, who stumbled to a goalless draw at home to Hull City on
Saturday.
Ferguson said: "It is going to be difficult for Chelsea, it is fair to say.
But in the context of football as we know it, mistakes can be made. We had
an 11-point lead over Arsenal in 1998 and lost it. We are not counting our
chickens and we don't think we should because this game can come and bite
you. We are saying in the dressing room this is a fantastic result and
performance. It is time to kick on."
Ferguson paid tribute to Ryan Giggs, whose goal was his first in the league
this season and means he has scored in every Premier League season since the
first in 1992-93. "I always felt one goal would be enough," Ferguson said.
"We have a challenge in terms of all the clean sheets we are keeping. It is
a great motivation for the players, particularly for Edwin. He has everyone
jumping out of their skin at the moment because of the record. When you have
that foundation, you are always hoping one of your skilful players can win
the game for you, Cristiano Ronaldo or Dimitar Berbatov. This time it was
Ryan.
"I am searching my memory bank for the last time he scored with his right
foot. I think it was against Coventry 12 years ago. Of all the things. He is
a credit to the game. If anyone wants an example of how to dedicate
themselves to football, you could have no greater example than Ryan Giggs."
The clean sheet for Van der Sar meant that he surpassed the British
goalkeeping record of 1,155 minutes without conceding, set by Bobby Clark
for Aberdeen in the Scottish first division during the 1970-71 season.
United's record now stands at 1,212 minutes unbeaten. Ferguson said: "Clean
sheets are going to be a topic but it doesn't change the emphasis on our
game. We've played some fantastic possession football.
"What the back four are doing is focusing and concentrating on their jobs.
They've got pace, they're quick and, of course, we've got a goalkeeper in
Edwin van der Sar who is just fantastic. I'm proud for Edwin. At his age he
has achieved everything, but you can see the way he is motivated by the
challenge of the clean sheets and it's an extra edge."
Van der Sar said: "It's down to hard work from everybody. Of course you make
a couple of saves but the defenders are incredible. Everybody tracks back
and it's a team effort.
It's fantastic and I'm very happy with it, but the main thing is we're back
on top – let's hope we can stay there."
Ferguson added: "Ryan and Paul Scholes have been here so many times and know
exactly what kind of temperament you need. Michael Carrick, Carlos Tevez and
Rio Ferdinand are former players here, that also helps to handle the
atmosphere. The fans always get behind their side. We've beaten a very good
team."
Gianfranco Zola said that his players' performance outweighed the
disappointment of the defeat. "We were playing against the best team in
Europe, if not the world," he said, "and we just lost by one goal in a very
tight match. I am happy for my team because it has been another step forward
for them despite the result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ryan Giggs takes Manchester United back to the top
Oliver Kay at Upton Park
The Times
At the end, as the final whistle was blown, four West Ham United players
flocked towards Ryan Giggs, all of them asking whether they could have the
shirt off his back. It was like seeing a Western tourist being pestered on a
beach in Koh Samui, but, charming to the last, Giggs offered an apologetic
smile and a handshake and continued on his way, accepting an embrace from
Paul Scholes and, finally, the adulation of the celebrating Manchester
United supporters.
This was just another ordinary afternoon in the extraordinary life of Giggs,
an occasion that will barely merit a footnote when the time comes to reflect
on the career of the most decorated player in English football history. But,
at the venerable age of 35, in the autumn of his football life, his every
contribution is to be savoured. The second-half goal that sent United back
to the top of the Barclays Premier League was merely a minor classic — a
couple of delightful body swerves and a right-foot shot that deceived Robert
Green — but, in the wider context, coming on his 786th appearance for the
club as he approaches the 18th anniversary of his first-team debut, it
seemed to carry an additional symbolism.
A generation of West Ham supporters have witnessed Giggs playing at Upton
Park, going back to his first visit as a skinny teenager in April 1992 in
the fateful week when United blew their chance of a first league title in a
quarter of a century.
Since then, Giggs has won the Premier League no fewer than ten times and,
never one to rest on his laurels, has set his heart on winning an eleventh,
as he showed yet again yesterday with a performance that disproved any
lingering doubts that people may have about whether he owes his place in the
team to Sir Alex Ferguson's underestimated sentimental streak.
It was not just the goal. It was the intelligence, the workrate, the
willingness to run the extra mile. These qualities were why Ferguson
selected him in an unfamiliar role on the right wing, in order to give young
Rafael Da Silva the kind of protection that Cristiano Ronaldo, even with the
best intentions, could never provide.
Sure enough, when Henry Ilunga, the West Ham full back, got away from Rafael
near the corner flag with ten minutes remaining and prepared to send a cross
into the United penalty area, it was Giggs who nipped in to take the ball
away, clear the danger and to ensure that his team's remarkable defensive
record — now up to 13 consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League —
continued.
Some will suggest that the record was never under threat, with Edwin van der
Sar having only one notable save to make, but such a verdict would be harsh
on West Ham, who showed why they have been able to make such progress under
Gianfranco Zola in recent months.
Some of their football was excellent, Scott Parker pulling the strings while
Valon Behrami, Mark Noble and Jack Collison tried to pick holes in the
United defence. No such holes were to be found, however. Even if Carlton
Cole, eager to impress the watching Fabio Capello, gave Rio Ferdinand and
Nemanja Vidic the odd awkward moment, there was always a United player
willing to get a foot to the ball to divert it to safety.
If there was a criticism of West Ham, it was that their devotion to neat,
one-touch football at times bordered on the overelaborate — a case of
Arsenal syndrome, as it might be known.
Cole is in such a rich vein of form, with six goals in eight matches before
yesterday, that he seemed at times to be afflicted by overconfidence. That
would apply to his unsuccessful attempt to chip Van der Sar in the twelfth
minute, after he had wrestled his way past Ferdinand, and to his belief that
he could beat Ferdinand for a second time in a crowded penalty area after he
was set up well by Behrami soon after.
United were below their best, struggling to raise their game, with Dimitar
Berbatov and Carlos Tévez, the former West Ham forward, both looking out of
sorts up front. Ronaldo, on the left-hand side, gave another of those
curious performances, looking uninterested for long periods but still making
some eye-catching contributions: an excellent run and cross from which Giggs
volleyed wide, an instinctive shot that Green did well to push over the
crossbar and, in the closing stages, a high-stepping run that was crudely
cut short by David Di Michele on the edge of the penalty area, with Phil
Dowd, the referee, turning a blind eye to the challenge.
By that stage, though, United had taken control, courtesy of Giggs. The
veteran's left-wing corner was headed away by Matthew Upson, but Noble,
unwisely, ran straight into Vidic 25 yards from goal. Scholes sent the loose
ball back out to the left-hand touchline and from then on it was the Giggs
show.
A first body swerve took him around the wild sliding challenge of Cole and
towards the penalty area. A second body swerve took him past Parker, who was
evidently expecting him to turn back on to his left foot.
And from there, on a diagonal run, he sent a right-foot shot through a crowd
of players and past Green into the bottom corner of the net. It was not the
greatest goal he will score, or even the most important, but, as United's
man for all seasons continues to shape his legacy, it felt as symbolic as
just about any other.
West Ham (4-1-3-1-1): R Green 5 - L Neill 6, J Collins 7, M Upson 6, H
Ilunga 6 - S Parker 7 - V Behrami 6, M Noble 6, J Collison 6 - D Di Michele
6 - C Cole 7. Substitutes: Savio (for Noble, 77), D Tristán (for Behrami,
87). Not used: J Lastuvka, J Spector, R Kovac, L Boa Morte, F Sears. Next:
Bolton (a).
Man Utd (4-4-2): E van der Sar 6 - Rafael Da Silva 6, R Ferdinand 7, N Vidic
6, J O'Shea 6 - R Giggs 7, M Carrick 6, P Scholes 6, C Ronaldo 6 - D
Berbatov 5, C Tévez 5. Substitutes: Park Ji Sung (for Tévez, 87). Not used:
B Foster, Fabio Da Silva, A Eckersley, D Fletcher, Nani, D Welbeck. Next:
Fulham (h).
Referee: P Dowd Attendance: 34,958
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Veteran Giggs rolls the back years as United edge past West Ham to reclaim
top spot
By Ivan Speck
Last updated at 1:37 AM on 09th February 2009
Daily Mail
Ryan Giggs exorcised Manchester United's Upton Park demons with a goal that
wrested back control of the Barclays Premier League title race and set a new
level for the Welshman's record which will never be broken. The 35-year-old
has now scored in every Premier League season — 17 in all — with Sunday's
mesmerising individual effort sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a
spirited West Ham side. In the process, United jumped back above Liverpool
on a ground where their championship hopes have been dented too often for
manager Sir Alex Ferguson's liking. What made Giggs' first League goal of
the season more remarkable was that it came from his right foot. Giggs said:
'It was a rare goal with my right, but I usually get one header and one with
that foot every season.
'We're hitting form at just the right time and we have players coming back
from injury after the international break.'
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar never looked in serious danger of being denied
a British league record for not conceding a goal that now extends to 1,212
minutes.
Manager Ferguson, however, was keen to play down the significance of a sixth
1-0 victory in United's last eight Premier League games. He said: 'The clean
sheets will be the topic that people concentrate on, but they don't change
our emphasis on the pitch because we have so many attacking players. Edwin
van der Sar has everyone jumping out of their skin at the moment because of
the record. 'When you have that foundation, you are always hoping one of
your skilful players can win the game for you. 'Today it was Ryan although I
am searching my memory bank for the last time he scored with his right foot.
'I think it was against Coventry 12 years ago. 'He is a credit to the game.
If anyone wants an example of how to dedicate themselves to football, you
could have no greater example than Ryan Giggs. 'We needed players like Ryan
on the pitch today because West Ham are always difficult opponents for us.'
United still have a game in hand over their rivals but Ferguson believes
that Liverpool, now trailing by two points, are the only team who can really
threaten United's tilt at a third successive title. He added: 'It's going to
be difficult for Chelsea. But in the context of football as we know it,
mistakes can be made. 'We had an 11-point lead over Arsenal in 1998 and lost
it. 'We are not counting our chickens and we don't think we should because
this game can come and bite you. 'We are saying in the dressing room this
is a fantastic result and performance. 'It is time to kick on.'
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola, who shared a bottle of Sardinian red wine
with Ferguson afterwards, was upbeat despite his team's defeat. He said: 'I
know we lost but I consider it a positive match for us. 'We were playing the
best team in Europe right now if not the world. They punished us for the
only mistake we made. 'I knew it was going to be difficult if they scored
first. Even though we lost it was another step forward for us. If Ryan Giggs
had stayed in Manchester today, it would have been better for me. 'Although
you are on the opposite side, you enjoy players like him. 'When somebody
has such a talent, it's all about how long he wants to continue. 'It's up to
him, I really believe. Looking at him, I see the same desire as I felt when
I was at his age.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In-form Cole waiting in the wings as Heskey looks set to miss Spain clash
By Matt Lawton
Last updated at 9:34 PM on 08th February 2009
Daily Mail
Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is a major doubt for England's frinedly
against Spain due to an achilles problem. On a night when David Beckham will
be hoping to equal Bobby Moore's record as England's most-capped outfield
player, another international career is looking increasingly likely to start
in Seville. An injury to Emile Heskey could enhance Carlton Cole's chance of
a first cap against Spain on Wednesday evening. Heskey reported to the
England team hotel in Hertfordshire on Sunday but the achilles tendon
problem that forced the Aston Villa striker to limp out of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League win at Blackburn is a concern for Fabio Capello.
Heskey will be assessed by FA medical staff before a decision is made about
letting him join his international colleagues for training at London Colney
this morning. Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: 'Emile has a bit of an
achilles problem and it was getting worse as the game went on.' Capello is
desperately short of striking options for a friendly against the European
champions, with injuries to Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen and
Theo Walcott forcing the England chief coach to travel to Seville with just
Gabby Agbonlahor and Peter Crouch in addition to Heskey and West Ham's Cole.
West Ham hitman Carlton Cole could be handed an England debut against Spain
on Wednesday Beckham's performances while on loan at AC Milan have earned
him a place among Capello's midfielders and the 33-year-old's 108th
international appearance now seems to be a sure bet, even if Capello will be
keen to examine the potential of James Milner. Aston Villa's Milner was
named initially in Stuart Pearce's Under 21 squad last week but a player
Capello described as 'the future' has now been promoted to the seniors.
Wednesday represents an excellent opportunity to discover if that is the
case.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole makes unexpected England step-up
Carlton Cole, England international. That is a not a phrase seasoned
observers expected to be using this season, yet here was the West Ham
striker being watched by Fabio Capello ahead of Wednesday's friendly in
Seville.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 9:39PM GMT 08 Feb 2009
Cole's career has been nomadic; a striker with undoubted talent trying to
settle. Chelsea saw promise but Croydon-born forward made only 25 league
appearances in five years, scoring four goals. Cole was loaned out to try to
provoke a reaction, but spells at Wolves, Charlton and Villa failed to
trigger his career, with a modest return of eight league goals in 55 games.
His poor return continued for two seasons. And then came Gianfranco Zola and
Steve Clarke, familiar faces and men prepared to give Cole a cuddle. Prior
to their arrival as manager and assistant in September, Cole had managed one
more goal in the league, but all that has changed now. An impressive return
of six goals in seven games, from December into January, signalled Cole's
arrival at the age of 25, and Capello will not have been disappointed. Cole
suggested that he can offer England more than the likes of Chris Powell,
David Nugent and Jimmy Bullard, all surprise selections and all off the
international radar as quickly as they arrived. Cole soon displayed his
new-found confidence yesterday, holding off Rio Ferdinand before trying to
beat Edwin van der Sar. Cole continued to impress with his determination and
fortitude, and Capello will have left satisfied that the striker might just
have a place on the international stage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers undone by a touch of class
9:21pm Sunday 8th February 2009
Echo
West Ham 0 Manchester United 1
(Premier League)
WEST Ham's eight-game unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Premier
League champions Manchester United as Ryan Giggs turned back the clock to
bring the Hammers back down to earth with an excellent solo effort. In
truth, the 35-year-old's second half strike was United's only meaningful
shot on goal, with the hosts' defence applying the squeeze on the front trio
of Dimitar Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-Iron Carlos Tevez, who
received a rapturous reception from the West Ham faithful. Indeed, it was
the home team who began the brightest in the battle of the division's two
form sides. Lucas Neill's early shot was easily saved by Edwin Van Der Sar,
who was bidding to make it 13 consecutive league clean sheets. Just a minute
later, that record was under severe threat when some clever play from David
Di Michele created space for Mark Noble, who released Carlton Cole. The
striker, who was recently selected by Fabio Capello for Wednesday's friendly
with Spain, galloped away from Rio Ferdinand and elected to try and chip the
ball over Van Der Sar, when it seemed that putting his foot through it may
have been a better option. Cole is enjoying the best football of his career
with the Hammers, having scored six goals in his last seven matches prior to
this game. And the watching Capello will have felt fully vindicated in his
selection of the 25-year-old, as Cole was a constant thorn in the side of
Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand. West Ham more than matched their illustrious
opponents in possession, but neither team could find a cutting edge. Robert
Green's tip over from a deflected Scholes effort was the only shot on target
the visitors could manage in the first half. The hosts began the brighter
once again in the second period, with the superb Scott Parker going close.
But it was United who found the decisive breakthrough through Giggs. The
Welsh winger found space on the left and eluded the rash challenge of Cole
before selling Parker a dummy. That created the chance for him to let off a
right-footed shot, which he managed to steer through a mass of legs and past
Green into the bottom far corner of the net. West Ham huffed and puffed in
the final half an hour, but the lack of a telling final ball proved their
undoing, with Savio Nsereko and Diego Tristan thrown on in the hope they
could inspire a comeback. But it wasn't to be, as Van Der Sar extended his
record to 1215 minutes without conceding a goal. However, there are plenty
of positives for Gianfranco Zola to take from the game, not least the
performances of Cole, Parker and the imperious Matthew Upson, who was a rock
of stability at the heart of the defence.
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Capello knows Cole's no King
Published: 08/02/2009
Itv.com
Fabio Capello presumably did not need to be at West Ham on Sunday afternoon
to realise Carlton Cole is no Dimitar Berbatov. If the England coach was
making a straight choice between the Hammers' front-line forward and that of
Manchester United, he would not take too much time deciding. But the brutal
truth is Capello cannot call on a Berbatov, or a Didier Drogba, Nicolas
Anelka or Fernando Torres, who England will try to repel in Seville on
Wednesday. With no Wayne Rooney to call upon, Capello had Peter Crouch or
Darren Bent to assist Aston Villa pair Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
He went for Crouch but with Bent so badly out of form at Tottenham, Capello
has also concluded Cole's recent impressive goalscoring return merits
further attention. Now 25, it has taken the Londoner a long time to reach
the level Chelsea's youth development officers always felt he was capable
of. Has that been down to ability? Lack of opportunity? Attitude? Maybe it
is a combination of all three. But for the next three days at least Cole
will get an understanding of what it means to be a fully fledged
international. In all probability, he will not get much done on Monday.
After all the chasing around he did at Upton Park on Sunday, his first full
day at England's Watford training base will be one of recovery and
replenishment. So Cole needed to build on the positive impression he has
already made on Capello. In a number of areas, he did exactly that.
He hurried and harried Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, one of the players
Cole will next week call a team-mate. He tracked back diligently. He took up
good defensive positions and made a couple of clearances. But when it really
mattered, in the opposition penalty box, where all the damage is done, Cole
fell just short of what West Ham required. The first example came when David
Di Michele slipped a pass beyond the United defence which Cole, with
admirable strength, held off Ferdinand to reach. His attempted chip was
always going to be tough to carry out, so it was no surprise Edwin van der
Sar should make a comfortable save.
But when Jack Collison found him with a short pass not long afterwards, most
Hammers fans were left groaning as Cole, with his back to goal, took too
long to turn and was consequently robbed of possession. It was easy to
imagine faced with a similar situation at the other end, Berbatov might have
belligerently flicked the ball up and deposited it into the net. When Cole
fired into a wall of United defenders at the start of the second period, he
might have sensed it was not to be his day. But he gamely kept plugging
away, turning Vidic neatly at one point, only to be immediately sent
crashing to the ground by the Serbian, an example of the clinical ability
defenders use at the highest level. The same can also be said of the
forwards of course. So when Cole slid in on Ryan Giggs near the touchline
and the Welshman skipped effortlessly past him, he had a worm's eye view of
the finish that followed. Cole led the Hammers' response but nothing would
fall for him and he is not capable of the magical tricks Berbatov can
produce. That is not Cole's fault of course. In the right squad, with the
right amount of work, he could be a very useful asset - and Capello must be
getting used to furiously polishing rough diamonds by now.
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United shut out Hammers to reclaim top spot
West Ham 0 Man Utd 1
By Simon Stone, PA
Sunday, 8 February 2009
A rare right-footed goal from Ryan Giggs and a rather more predictable 13th
consecutive Barclays Premier League clean sheet were enough for Manchester
United to reclaim top spot. In a lacklustre game of huff and puff, with not
much else in between, Edwin van der Sar never looked in serious danger of
being denied a British record for not conceding a goal that now extends to
1,212 minutes. But United looked equally unlikely to score either until
Giggs stepped inside Carlton Cole, burst into the box and thrashed home a
shot that was enough to end West Ham's impressive eight-match unbeaten run
at Upton Park and edge closer to the championship triumph that will see the
Old Trafford outfit match Liverpool's impressive tally.
Hammers old boys Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick were given warm ovations
but Carlos Tevez received an even louder burst of applause in recognition of
his efforts in the Eastenders' survival fight two years ago, which continues
to cause the Premier League so much grief. The hosts reserved their usual
white-hot atmosphere for a United visit on 'Bobby Moore day', in recognition
of a man who will shortly have to share top billing with David Beckham on
108 caps for England. That appreciation continued once the match started
too, as Matthew Upson slid in on Giggs to execute a perfect tackle of which
Moore himself would have been proud. By that point, Giggs had already sliced
a volley wide in an encouraging start for the champions that also involved a
couple of trademark piledrivers from Paul Scholes, one of which Cristiano
Ronaldo turned goalwards, forcing Robert Green to make an impressive save. A
brilliant passage of close control involving Giggs, Tevez and Dimitar
Berbatov ended with the Bulgarian lashing a volley goalwards that James
Collins found himself accidentally in the way of.
Another move of similar quality brought a Nemanja Vidic shot into the body
of the same man and it seemed just a matter of time before United eventually
made the breakthrough. Instead, with Upson outstanding and Scott Parker
snapping into a series of tackles in midfield, the Hammers slowly got
themselves a foothold in the contest. If ever there was a man needing to
impress watching England coach Fabio Capello, it was Carlton Cole.
Unfortunately, Cole turned like a giant barge as he collected Jack
Collison's short pass with his back to goal. What seemed like a clear
shooting chance quickly disappeared as Vidic and Ferdinand converged on the
former Chelsea man, who seems set to win his first cap in Seville on
Wednesday. Cole had earlier managed to gain half a yard on Ferdinand to
reach David Di Michele's through ball but he is not the first striker in
recent times to find van der Sar too big a wall to knock over. When the 33rd
minute ticked by, van der Sar eclipsed the record of old Aberdeen stalwart
Bobby Clark, who went 1,155 minutes of league action without conceding a
goal during the 1970-71 campaign to claim that British record. The veteran
Dutchman's goal was still intact when Di Michele was crowded out on the edge
of United's penalty area and the loose ball fell to a marauding Lucas Neill,
whose curling shot probably did not stretch van der Sar enough.
It was a similar story for United, with Ronaldo in particular getting
increasingly agitated with his team-mates, John O'Shea receiving one
mouthful and even Sir Alex Ferguson getting a passionate response as the
Scot made a point to Ronaldo on the touchline. Yet if the bad temper was
taken as a sign United's focus was not fully wired in, West Ham got it
horribly wrong. After Giggs had his corner half-cleared, Scholes swiftly
spread the ball back to his long-time colleague. Cole flew in to make a
tackle by the touchline. He failed, as did his Hammers team-mates, who
expected Giggs to eventually transfer the ball to his generally lethal left
foot. Instead Giggs struck it with his right, beyond a startled Green, and
into the net. Ronaldo, his mind back on the job, watched his thunderbolt
effort curl just wide after taking a deflection before Neill's next,
wayward, shot allowed van der Sar to edge past Chris Woods and seal a rather
complicated British record for minutes without conceding a goal in domestic
combat. As Gamba Osaka scored three times against him in Japan recently and
Derby, twice, and Tottenham have found the net in cup combat against the Red
Devils recently when van der Sar has not been in goal, it is all rather
confusing. A rather more straightforward statistic is United are back on top
again, two points clear of Liverpool, with a game in hand, as they close in
on a record that really does matter; 18 league titles.
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Capello tips Cole for big future after giving West Ham striker a place in
England squad
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 5:04 PM on 08th February 2009
Daily Mail
Fabio Capello believes Carlton Cole could have a big England future after
naming the West Ham striker in his squad for the friendly against Spain.
Cole was given his first call-up and could feature in Wednesday's match
against the European champions in Seville. Capello said: 'Cole gets better
and better in every game. His movement and his strength impress me. 'When he
is in front of goal he has to be calmer. Sometimes he is too fast and he
wants to shoot too quickly. 'But he is young - he is interesting.' Cole has
scored ten goals this season, with six goals in his last eight appearances.
James Milner is the other new boy in Capello's squad, with the midfielder
enjoying a superb season for high-flying Aston Villa. But most eyes on
Wednesday will inevitably be on David Beckham, with the former captain
expected to be handed his 108th cap, equalling the legendary Bobby Moore.
Capello said: 'Beckham is a very important player, his form is OK now and he
is very fit now, too. I've watched him in Milan and my assistants Franco
Baldini and Italo Galbiati have seen him in some other games. 'Every player
in the squad has to play, not just train. This is very important for David
and for us. He is better than he was six months ago.'
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I won't walk out on West Ham for Chelsea, Zola tells Blues fans
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:44 PM on 08th February 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insists he will not walk out on the Hammers
after Chelsea fans called for the Blues legend to become their new manager.
Supporters hurled abuse at Chelsea chief Luiz Felipe Scolari after
yesterday's 0-0 draw at home against Hull City. Scolari's side have dropped
16 points at home this season and now trail Barclays Premier League leaders
Liverpool by five points. Scolari's days appear to be numbered and Chelsea
fans want Zola, who has made a huge impact at Upton Park, to takeover. The
Italian was voted Chelsea's greatest player by the club's fans but told the
Sunday Mirror: 'I owe a lot to them (West Ham). Not many clubs would have
given me this opportunity. 'My main concern is to do well here and repay the
faith West Ham and their supporters have shown in me. 'It's not in my nature
to walk out on something that has only just begun.'
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Manchester United should keep 'God' Carlos Tevez, says West Ham star Mark
Noble
The Mirror
By James Masters, sundaymirror.co.uk 8/02/2009
Carlos Tevez will be greeted like a god at Upton Park today - but even the
divine powers of the little Argentine maynotbe enough to earn him a
permanent move to Manchester United. Real Madrid are desperate to lure the
striker away from Old Trafford with United failing to offer a deal to stay.
And Hammers midfielder Mark Noble, who starred alongside Tevez during the
club's "Great Escape", reckons United would be missing a trick if they
allowed the forward to slip through their fingers. "Carlos is still a god
here and he'll get a wonderful reception because a lot of what happened in
our survival was down to him," said Noble. "Playing with him and just being
around him, I know he's a great asset."
Noble, whose West Ham side areunbeaten in their last eight, reckons a shock
could be on the cards. He added: "I've played United three times and beaten
them twice and the way we're playing there's no reason it can't happen again
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Noble really finding his feet under Zola and ClarkeAt the tender age of 21,
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is adapting well to playing for his fifth
managerial team at Upton Park
Paul Doyle The Observer, Sunday 8 February 2009
On Mark Noble's seventh birthday, his dad bought him tickets to his first
football match: West Ham against Manchester United. Noble's heroes were
vanquished that day, but the boy would grow up to become something of a
rarity – a player who has beaten United more often than he has lost to them.
"I've played them three times and been on the winning side twice," grins
Noble, who thinks that despite that improbable record his career has
witnessed far too many disappointments. While only 21, he is the
longest-serving player at Upton Park and has seen much upheaval, from
managerial instability to reports of impending financial meltdown. "I feel
a lot older than I am," he admits. Now, however, he believes manager,
Gianfranco Zola, and his assistant, former Chelsea No2 Steve Clarke, are in
the process of rejuvenating him and his beloved club.
"I'm on my fifth manager now. I've seen Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley and
I also travelled a few times with Trevor Brooking and Glenn Roeder, but the
way these two [Zola and Clarke] bounce off each other is brilliant. They
complete each other and know exactly how they want us to play.
"The gaffer came in and he put so much belief into everyone that we go out
and play freely. You listen to him when he talks to you and he builds that
confidence inside you to go out, try your best for him and play with a smile
on your face. If you look at our matches against Fulham, Stoke and Hull, for
example, we played good football as well as scoring goals. People keep
coming up to me and telling me this is the best they've seen West Ham play
in years and years."
While acclaiming the manager's motivational skills, Noble has no doubt that
the main cause for the improved performances is improved training. "The
standard and speed has gone up massively from the first day he came in," he
says. "The drills we do, and some of the passing exercises, are fantastic.
We do so many keep-ball practices. It just gets into your head that if you
stay on the ball for more than a couple of seconds you're going to lose it
and if you lose it against the likes of United and Arsenal, you're going to
get punished. So everyone's got better with the ball. And because we've also
got more confidence, you see boys who were playing within themselves have
really come out of their shells. Look at how Carlton Cole has been lately,
for example. I think we're really creeping up in the right way."
Manchester United may have lost two titles at Upton Park, but as they look
to extend their winning streak to eight games, Sir Alex Ferguson preferred
to concentrate on another difficult away match they came through
successfully – the 1-0 Boxing Day win against Stoke on their return from the
Club World Championship in Japan. "We managed to scrape through with a late
goal and have kicked on from there while others have dropped points. We've
hit the top and feel we can go anywhere and win."
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DAVID DI MICHELE LOVES HAMMERS TIME
Italian striker keen to make Upton Park move permanent
News Of The World
08/02/2009
DAVID DI MICHELE wants West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola to make his loan
move permanent. The Italian striker, 33, is in impressive form and wants a
deal to the end of next season. He has netted four goals since arriving from
Torino and would cost £750,000 at the end of this campaign. Di Michele said:
"My objectives are to play more, score goals and at the end of the year to
stay at West Ham. It's been great here."
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Darren Fletcher: We'll cope with venom from West Ham support
Feb 8 2009 By Jamie Hewitt
Sundaymail.co.uk
DARREN FLETCHER has warned West Ham the more venom their fans throw, the
calmer Manchester United will remain when they clash today. The Old Trafford
side are used to rival fans hurling abuse at them on the road but the
atmosphere when they visit Upton Park ranks alongside Anfield and Elland
Road. Sir Alex Ferguson admitted this week he can't understand why the crowd
is full of so much hate. But Scotland star Fletcher reckons his Red Devils
team-mates have been round the block long enough to handle it. And he
insists the intimidating noise will only spur them on as they look to take a
stranglehold on another Premier League title. Fletcher said: "We are the
Premier League champions, European champions and world champions. "West Ham
want to turn us over and their fans will be right up for it. "The atmosphere
down there is hostile. Sometimes you watch a game on TV and it seems fine
but for us it is different somehow. "When you are successful people try to
knock you down - and long may it continue. "You must meet the challenge
head-on. If you go to take a corner and you are getting stick, you just have
to laugh it off. "You need to respond in the best way possible by winning
the match. "We will look to channel it into a determination to prove them
wrong. That is what we tend to do."
United have struggled on the Hammers' patch recently - losing on three of
their last four meetings there. Title challengers Liverpool and Chelsea will
be hoping that sequence continues as they look to take advantage of any
dropped points at this critical stage of the season. But Fletcher is adamant
they won't take their eye off the ball after establishing themselves as
strong favourites at the top. Fletcher said: "We have got ourselves into a
great position. We know if we win our games we will win the league." And the
25-year-old midfielder also hailed keeper Edwin van der Sar and the defence
for clocking up 12 successive clean sheets.
Darren said: "Edwin and the defence deserve most of the plaudits this
season."
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Zola praise for United defence
12:13am Monday 9th February 2009
Echo
HAMMERS boss Gianfranco Zola paid tribute to Manchester United's defensive
qualities as Edwin Van der Sar broke two more goalkeeping records at Upton
Park with another 1-0 win. Van der Sar has not been beaten for 1,212 minutes
but he is protected by a defence that earned special plaudits from the West
Ham coach.
"I knew it would be difficult if they scored first," said Zola. "You don't
expect a team like that to be so strong defensively. "You expect them to be
so good going forward. But Alex has done a great job as always and they look
very, very strong. "For me it has been a positive match, I know that we lost
but today we were playing against the best team in Europe, if not the world,
and we just lost by one goal. "I am happy for my team. It has been another
step forward for us even though we lost the game. "I am sure it won't be
easy for anybody to come here and beat us but they did it in a very
professional way. "They just punished the only mistake we made. Our
goalkeeper only made one save. When you can win games like this you are very
strong. Zola insists matchwinner Ryan Giggs can go on for years to come if
he retains his current desire. The United winger sold West Ham's defence two
dummies before scoring with his right foot.
Zola finally retired as a player just one week short of his 39th birthday
believes Giggs, now 35, can do the same if he wants to. "I have a lot of
admiration for him, he is a fantastic player, and although you are the
opposite side, you enjoy players like him," said Zola. "He is a very good
advertisement for football and young players. When somebody has got such a
talent it is all down to the desire. If you have the desire to carry on
playing and challenging yourself all the time, he can play for many years.
"It is up to him. When I was at his age, I just didn't want to give up. I
wanted to get better and better. That's why I played for more years.
"Looking at him, he has the same desire. He is one of those players you
would love to have in your team."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson joined Zola in a tribute to his team's defence
and revealed the challenge of keeping clean sheets was proving to a strong
motivational tool. "I always felt one goal would be enough," said Ferguson.
"We have a challenge in terms of all the clean sheets we are keeping. "It is
a great motivation for the players, particularly for Edwin Van der Sar. "He
has everyone jumping out of their skin at the moment because of the record.
When you have that foundation, you are always hoping one of your skilful
players can win the game for you, Cristiano Ronaldo or Dimitar Berbatov.
Today it was Ryan. "For Manchester United, over 20 hours without conceding a
goal is extraordinary because normally it is 4-3. Great credit to the
players. I am very proud of them."
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Collins pulls out of Wales squad
12:16am Monday 9th February 2009
Echo
MIDDLESBROUGH youngster Rhys Williams is in line for his first Wales cap
against Poland this week following the withdrawal of West Ham's James
Collins from the squad. The 20-year-old has been promoted from the under-21s
who are due to play Northern Ireland in Ballymena on Tuesday. That call-up
follows the withdrawal of West Ham's Collins from the squad due to travel to
Portugal for the game against the Poles in Vila Real St. Antonio on
Wednesday. Williams has just signed a new four-year contract at
Middlesbrough, and is currently on loan at Burnley. Collins finished today's
Premier League match with Manchester United with a knee problem, and West
Ham want him to have time to recover for their FA Cup fifth round tie with
Middlesbrough on Saturday. Wales have also lost Peterborough defender Craig
Morgan with a broken toe, so Williams stands a good chance of playing in the
match against Poland. Wales have also lost Fulham's Simon Davies with a back
problem, plus striker Craig Davies. Davies has just moved from Oldham and
his new club have asked for his release so he can spend time getting to know
his new south coast team-mates. Wigan's Jason Koumas is also out with a hip
injury, along with Robert Earnshaw, who has a hamstring problem. The
under-21s have had five withdrawals for the friendly tomorrow at Ballymena's
Showground.
Out are Nathan Craig (Everton), Jon North (Watford), Lloyd James
(Southampton), Andy King (Leicester), James Wilson (Bristol City) as well as
Middlesbrough's Williams. The replacements are Ashley Richards (Swansea),
Chris Maxwell (Wrexham), Billy Bodin (Swindon), Aaron Morris (Cardiff) and
Kai Edwards (Wrexham).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola won't quit West Ham for Chelsea post
09.02.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has said that he won't quit the club to
take up the head role at his former club Chelsea. Reports have suggested
that the diminutive Italian could find himself at Stamford Bridge due to the
failures of current boss Luiz Felipe Scolari but the man himself has denied
that as an option just yet. "In football you never know what lies round the
corner but I have no intention of walking out on West Ham," Zola said in the
Sunday Mirror. "I owe a lot to them. Not many clubs would have given me this
opportunity. "My main aim is to do well here and repay the faith West Ham
and their supporters have shown in me. "It's not in my nature to walk out on
something that has only just begun."
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