WHUFC.com
All the team news and background ahead of Monday lunchtime's major London
derby
27.12.2009
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
White Hart Lane
Monday 28 December
12.45pm
Referee: Chris Foy
• West Ham United make the short trip to north London on the back of a
morale-boosting 2-0 Boxing Day win against Portsmouth. The three points
acquired at the Boleyn Ground moved Gianfranco Zola's side out of the bottom
three.
• The game saw West Ham keep their first clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with
Blackburn Rovers on 29 August.
• This will be the second league meeting between the two sides and West Ham
United's first 'return' fixture of the season. Tottenham left the Boleyn
Ground with a 2-1 victory on 23 August.
• West Ham have failed to win at White Hart Lane in their last nine visits
to north London. The Hammers' last victory at Tottenham came in the shape of
a 2-1 success on 24 April 1999. Then managed by current Spurs boss Harry
Redknapp, West Ham would end the season in fifth, their record-high Premier
League finish.
• The clubs also met on 29 July this year at the Barclays Asia Trophy in
Beijing. Tottenham won 1-0 thanks to a Jermain Defoe strike in the 75th
minute.
• This is the 115nd league meeting between the two sides. Tottenham have won
46, West Ham have won 39 and there have been 29 draws.
Last time out
Saturday 26 December
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Portsmouth
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Kovac,
Parker, Noble (Jimenez 16), Diamanti (Behrami 72), Franco (Nouble 90)
Subs not used: Stech, Spector, da Costa, Stanislas
Goals: Diamanti 23 (pen), Kovac 89
Saturday 26 December
Barclays Premier League
Fulham 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Corluka, Bassong (King 89),
Jenas, Lennon, Kranjcar (Modric 71) , Palacios, Keane (Defoe 71) , Crouch
Subs not used: Alnwick, Huddlestone, Pavlyuchenko, Bale,
Last meeting
The two sides last met on 23 August 2009 when the north Londoners one by the
odd goal in three. Carlton Cole had given the Hammers a 49th-minute lead
with a stunning strike before goals from Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon. The
two sides that day were -
West Ham United: Green, Faubert. Collins, Upson, Spector, Parker (Hines 84),
Collison (Nouble 89), Noble, Jimenez (Kovac 78), Stanislas, Cole
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Payne
Goal: Cole 49
Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Corluka, King, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon,
Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric (O'Hara 86), Keane (Crouch 80), Defoe
(Naughton 90)
Subs not used: Button, Hutton, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko
Goals: Defoe 54, Lennon 79
Head to head (Premier League unless stated)
23 August 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
11 April 2009 - Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United
8 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
9 March 2008 - Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United
25 November 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
4 March 2008 - West Ham United 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur
Overall record v Tottenham Hotspur (all competitions) W 43 D 34 L 56
Next up
• West Ham United have six days to prepare before another big London derby
with Tottenham Hotspur's north London rivals Arsenal in the fourth round of
the FA Cup. Tottenham Hotspur play host to Peterborough United in the cup
the previous day.
Referee
• The match referee will be Chris Foy
• Not to be confused with the Australian actor of the same name, Foy will be
taking charge of West Ham United for the fifth time this season.
• The 47-year-old official was the man in the middle for the Hammers'
opening-day 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 3-1 loss at Manchester
City, the 2-2 home draw with Arsenal, when he appeared as a late replacement
for Steve Bennett and the 5-3 win against Burnley on 28 November.
• Foy, who was born in St Helens, Merseyside, has been a Barclays Premier
League referee since 2001, having originally made the Select Group list of
assistant referees in 1995.
• In 2007, Foy officiated the FA Trophy final at Wembley, before returning
to the Home of Football a year later to act as fourth official for
Portsmouth's FA Cup final victory over Cardiff City.
West Ham United
• West Ham have not beaten Tottenham since the last day of the 2005/06
season when they denied the Lilywhites a Champions League place with a 2-1
victory at the Boleyn Ground, and they have not won a league game at White
Hart Lane since April 1999.
• West Ham's biggest away win at Tottenham came in a First Division fixture
played on 2 September 1981. Then, the Hammers won 4-0 at White Hart Lane
with all four goals being scored by David Cross in front of a crowd of
41,200.
• West Ham have not won a London derby in the league in their last seven
attempts since prevailing 3-1 at home to Fulham in January 2009.
• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a league high.
• West Ham are without a win in any of their last eight Premier League away
games.
• Hanging on to leads is crucial if the club are to pick up their second
away win of the campaign. Three times they have failed to convert a two-goal
lead into a win so far this season.
• The Hammers have lost six of their eight games when they have been level
at half-time.
• At Christmas last season, West Ham were 17th. An impressive second-half
run saw them climb the table to finish in ninth place.
• West Ham have scored 28 goals this season with eleven different scorers
registering. Carlton Cole leads the way (seven), with Alessandro Diamanti
(five) and Guille Franco (three) next in line. Jack Collison (two), Matthew
Upson (two), Junior Stanislas (two), Manuel da Costa, Mark Noble, Luis
Jimenez, Zavon Hines and Radoslav Kovac have also registered.
• Cole is West Ham's top scorer this season with seven goals in 13 league
games. The England striker has scored 14 goals in 25 Premier League games
since Boxing Day 2008.
• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 107 successive league appearances.
• Matthew Upson made his 300th club career appearance against Portsmouth.
• Scott Parker has been booked seven times this season, while Julien
Faubert, Cole, Mark Noble and Guille Franco are each on four yellow cards.
• No side have been awarded more penalties than West Ham (seven) this
season.
Tottenham Hotspur
• Tottenham have conceded only one goal in their last four Premier League
encounters against West Ham.
• Tottenham claimed the double over West Ham last season for the first time
since 1994/95.
• It is 15 games since Spurs drew a Premier League home match, which was a
stalemate against Arsenal in February. They have won 12 and lost three (v
Manchester United, Stoke City and Wolves). The last time Spurs kept four
clean sheets in a row within the same season in the Premier League was in
the 2000/01 season (13/1/01-10/2/01).
• They have ended the year on a losing note in two of the last three years.
• Tottenham's biggest home win over West Ham came in the first meeting
between the two clubs on 4 November 1899. Spurs won 7-0 against Thames
Ironworks FC at White Hart Lane.
Team news
• Valon Behrami is pushing for a starting place after a lively run out from
the bench against Portsmouth. He could take the place of Mark Noble, who was
forced off with a hamstring injury in that game, although Luis Jimenez will
also be in the running. Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, Zavon
Hines, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport are also definitely unavailable.
• Cole is making good progress from his knee injury and is aiming for a
January return
• Dyer is out with a hamstring problem suffered at Bolton Wanderers on 15
December.
• Gabbidon is missing with the hamstring injury picked against Chelesa.
• Hines will be absent for some time because of a knee problem but it is
still too soon to know how long he will be sidelined.
• Boa Morte (knee) and Davenport (leg) remain long-term absentees.
• Ledley King is set to start for Tottenham in place of Sebastien Bassong,
who took a kick to the head against Fulham on Boxing Day.
• Top scorer Jermain Defoe could return to the Spurs side after being on the
bench at Craven Cottage, while Luka Modric is pushing for a starting spot.
Old boys
• Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made 175 appearances for West Ham between
August 1965 and April 1972, scoring eight goals. Redknapp served as
assistant manager under Billy Bonds before taking charge in August 1994. He
remained as manager until May 2001, overseeing 327 matches.
• West Ham defender Calum Davenport made 20 appearances for Tottenham
between August 2004 and January 2007, scoring one goal.
• Spurs striker Jermain Defoe came through the ranks at West Ham before
scoring 29 goals in 93 league appearances between 1999 and 2004. He is in
his second spell at White Hart Lane after returning in January 2009.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Ilie
Dumitrescu, Dave Dunmore, Matty Etherington, Les Ferdinand, Jimmy Greaves,
Fred Griffiths, Pat Holland, Chris Hughton, Bill Joyce, Bill Kaine, Frederic
Kanoute, Kenny McKay, Fred Massey, Fred Milnes, John Moncur, Jimmy
Neighbour, Tony Parks, Martin Peters, Sergei Rebrov, Mark Robson, Peter
Shearing, Teddy Sheringham, Mauricio Taricco, Mitchell Thomas, Michael
Carrick, and Bobby Zamora.
General information
For ticket information, click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here
Weather: Monday's forecast is for an overcast day with temperatures getting
no higher than 6C.
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Kova glad all over
WHUFC.com
In-form Radoslav Kovac was delighted to score against Portsmouth and wants
victory again at Spurs
27.12.2009
Radoslav Kovac has spoken of his delight at scoring his first goal at the
Boleyn Ground ahead of the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.
The experienced midfielder had arguably his best game in a West Ham United
shirt in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat of Portsmouth that lifted the club out
of the bottom three. He capped off a fine display as the midfield anchor
with a terrific late headed goal to make the game safe. It was evident how
much it meant to him by the way he ran to the Bobby Moore Stand to celebrate
with the fans.
A senior figure in the squad who is approaching his first anniversary in
east London since leaving behind the captaincy at Spartak Moscow, Kovac is
loving life in London. In much-improved English, he said: "It was amazing to
score because it hasn't been an easy time for us," he said. "I am very
happy for the team. Now we have won and I think we can keep this habit
going.
"It was my first goal here because my only other one was at Everton last
season so I was really happy to score in front of them and repay them for
all of their support. I hope we can keep it going against Tottenham. I know
it means a lot to the fans."
Kovac was singled out as "outstanding" by Gianfranco Zola, with the manager
having also claimed he was "incredible" in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last
week as well for his selfless play and tireless running. Scott Parker also
reserved special mention for his Czech international team-mate, with Kovac's
defensive play allowing the man of the moment the time and freedom to get on
the ball and push forward when the time was right.
"We showed last week against Chelsea that we could play very well," Kovac
added. "The manager said to us to do the same again, play the same way at
the same level and the three points would come in the end. He was right and
we are very happy about it."
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Upson speaks on Spurs
WHUFC.com
The captain Matthew Upson has been giving his views on the major Monday
meeting with local rivals Spurs
27.12.2009
Matthew Upson has spoken exclusively to WHUTV about his thoughts on the trip
to Tottenham Hotspur and the delight in the camp after a solid display
against Portsmouth.
The England defender will have the honour of skippering his side at Spurs
and sees no reason why the Hammers cannot return with all three points. "It
is just a case of getting the body back intact, getting as much rest as we
can and putting on a good away performance at Tottenham," he told WHUTV. "It
is always a game I look forward to. It will be a great atmosphere and the
local rivalry means it is a good game to be involved in."
Upson said the visitors' chances would be boosted by the return of Valon
Behrami, who looked lively off the bench in the 2-0 weekend win against
Portsmouth. Upson added: "He did very well, his work-rate is really missed
in the team when he is not there. When he is fit and going, he is a big
player for us." Log on to WHUTV now to see more from Upson on the spirit in
the camp and the manager, as well as his detailed thoughts on the Boxing Day
triumph.
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Tottenham v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Venue: White Hart Lane Date: Monday, 28 December 2009 Kick-off: 1245 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score, Sky
Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Ledley King is expected to start for Tottenham, and Sebastien Bassong should
be cleared to play despite a kick to the head against Fulham on Boxing Day.
Top scorer Jermain Defoe will return to the side after being on the bench at
Craven Cottage, while Luka Modric is pushing for a starting spot.
West Ham's Luis Jimenez or Valon Behrami will take the place of Mark Noble,
who has a hamstring injury. Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon
are all ruled out.
MATCH PREVIEW
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp proclaimed himself happy with a point
against Fulham on Boxing Day, but the feeling amongst many fans is if Spurs
are to claim a Champions League spot they have to win fixtures like that,
such is the competition for a top-four place this season.
Striker Jermain Defoe was rested at Craven Cottage with the West Ham match
in mind and Spurs looked a poorer side without him, but he is always
motivated when playing against his former club.
Although West Ham are without a win at White Hart Lane for 10 years, this is
a derby match that is always extremely keenly contested and Gianfranco
Zola's men will be buoyed by their crucial win over Portsmouth.
That lifted them out of the relegation zone and was a much-needed fillip for
a club that may be forced to sell their best players when the transfer
window opens.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Tottenham have conceded only one goal in their last four Premier League
encounters against West Ham.
• West Ham have not beaten Tottenham since the last day of the 2005/06
season when they denied the Lilywhites a Champions League place with a 2-1
victory at Upton Park, and they have not won a league game at White Hart
Lane since April 1999.
• Tottenham claimed the double over West Ham last season for the first time
since 1994-95.
Tottenham
• It is 15 games since Spurs drew a Premier League home match, which was a
stalemate against Arsenal in February. They have won 12 and lost three (v
Manchester United, Stoke City and Wolves).
• The last time Spurs kept four clean sheets in a row within the same season
in the Premier League was in the 2000-2001 season (13/1/01-10/2/01).
• They have ended the year on a losing note in two of the last three years.
West Ham
• West Ham have not won a London derby in the league in their last seven
attempts since prevailing 3-1 at home to Fulham in January 2009.
• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a league high.
• West Ham are without a win in any of their last eight Premier League away
games.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Hoy
Assistant referees: Ron Ganfield & Dave Bryan
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell
MOST RECENT MEETING
West Ham 1-2 Tottenham (23 August 2009)
West Ham scorer: Cole 49
Tottenham scorers: Defoe 54, Lennon 79
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Jack Wilshere reveals interest in West Ham loan
By Soccernet staff
ESPN
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed he is keen to secure a loan
move to West Ham and admits he has little hope of making it to the World
Cup. Wilshere, who turns 18 on New Year's Day, made a big impact for Arsenal
in pre-season but has yet to establish himself in the first team and could
be set to make a loan move in January. Wilshere has already stated his
desire to move to another club in the English top-flight but, while Burnley
are known admirers, the player has indicated his preference for a move to
relegation strugglers West Ham. "I would prefer to go to a Premier League
club," he told the Sunday Times. "You'd rather stay in the league where you
are gonna play. I'd love West Ham but I'll go where the boss thinks best.
"When I came into the team, I felt ready, but now I see I've improved. I
know better when to pass and when I should dribble and the manager says I
can learn a little more. In training, I look at Andrei Arshavin - amazing
technique - and Samir Nasri, a player a bit like me. "You learn a lot from
the way Cesc handles himself, and Theo. He's English and the fans love him.
Theo also knows about handling the spotlight - he was at a World Cup at 17."
After Theo Walcott's surprise call-up for the tournament in Germany in 2006,
there have been suggestions Fabio Capello could follow Sven-Goran Eriksson's
lead by taking the relatively unproven Wilshere to South Africa. But while
Capello is known to be an admirer, Wilshere admits he has little hope of
breaking into the squad ahead of the summer.
"I'd rather there wasn't the hype," he said. "(England talk) is nice to hear
but it's difficult, too. I mean, I can look forward to things but I'm not
stupid. You've got to play for your club first and I'm looking to play
regularly for Arsenal before anything else." Regarding the World Cup, he
said: "Realistically, no, it's not going to happen. There's players ahead of
me. I wouldn't be heartbroken if I didn't go."
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Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
ESPN
Updated: December 27, 2009, 6:41 PM UK
Tottenham defender Ledley King could start Monday's Barclays Premier League
clash with West Ham. King made a late appearance as a substitute in
Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham after recovering from a hamstring
injury. Sebastien Bassong, the player King replaced, should be given the
all-clear after taking a kick to the head. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp
insists any doubts he had over Heurelho Gomes have been dispelled by the
Brazilian goalkeeper's commanding form. Gomes kept a third successive clean
sheet against Fulham, producing a string of fine saves as Spurs escaped
Craven Cottage with a point. Redknapp admits to be being mystified by Gomes'
reputation as one of the world's finest keepers when he initially assumed
control of relegation-mired Spurs in October last year. A succession of
high-profile blunders had shattered the 28-year-old's confidence and left
fans questioning just why the £7.8million signing from PSV Eindhoven was so
highly rated. But Gomes, with the help of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, has
flourished this season and Redknapp now understands the rave reviews. "There
was a time when I had my doubts about Gomes,'' said Redknapp. "When I first
arrived at Tottenham I thought 'we've got a problem here' because he was
going through a bad time. "Tony Parks coming has made a big difference. Tony
had him working on the training ground while before he was looking at the
technical side of it. Redknapp must decide whether to start with Robbie
Keane against West Ham following the club captain's ineffectual display
against Fulham. Keane has played second fiddle to Jermain Defoe recently and
Redknapp admits he is struggling to adjust. "Robbie Keane's been used to
playing all the time. Recently he's been subbed or hasn't started and he's
not found that easy,'' he said. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is a major
doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Portsmouth.
Valon Behrami is available to step in after making his comeback from a knee
complaint off the bench against Pompey but Danny Gabbidon missed the match
with a hamstring problem. Striker Carlton Cole (knee) and forward Kieron
Dyer (hamstring) are both still sidelined. Scott Parker's form for West Ham
could lead to a new question for pub quizzes up and down the country if he
earns another England recall. The 29-year-old midfielder has three caps,
each while at different clubs, and the Hammers will be a fourth should Fabio
Capello look at him as an option ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next
summer. His form this season has seen Gianfranco Zola talk up his skipper's
chances for England, with his man-of-the-match performance against
Portsmouth getting West Ham three valuable Barclays Premier League points in
their bid to climb out of relegation trouble. "Hopefully I can get another
cap,'' Parker said. "We'll see what happens. All I can do is keep playing
well for West Ham and let other people decide. If I can do that I'll see
where it gets me.''
Parker struggled last season with a chronic groin problem but has declared
himself fully recovered and is feeling the benefit of a full pre-season. He
feels he is in his best form since 2005. "During my first year at Newcastle
I was playing some good stuff and felt pretty confident there,'' he said.
"I've realised that when things are going well in football you have to keep
the momentum going and keep running with it. There are times when things go
bad but at the moment it's going well on a personal level. "I've hit a bit
of good form and feel quite strong. I've not picked up any injuries and had
a good pre-season under my belt as well. It's from that. When you're
confident and playing well things seem to happen for you.'' With West Ham's
financial situation uncertain, Parker has inevitably been suggested as a
possible departure from Upton Park. Tottenham are looking for cover in
central midfield and Manchester City have also been linked with the former
Charlton, Chelsea and Newcastle man.
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Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Tottenham
Hotspur v West Ham United at Whie Hart Lane on Monday Dec 28 2009, kick-off
12.45 GMT.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Published: 8:00PM GMT 27 Dec 2009
Monday, 28 December
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
White Hart Lane
Kick-off: 12.45 GMT
TV: Live Sky & BBC1 MotD.
In August at Upton Park West Ham took the lead through Carlton Cole but
former West Ham striker Jermain Defoe replied within six minutes before
Aaron Lennon stole a 79th minute winner. The win maintained Spurs' good
record over West Ham, as their fourth successive win, home and away. And at
White Hart Lane, Spurs have beaten West Ham in five successive meetings.
Spurs have lost three home games, but they have won the remaining six,
scoring 24 goals at White Hart Lane and conceding just eight. Harry
Redknapp, their manager, faces his former club who have won just once  the
opening day victory at Wolves. Since then they have lost five and drawn two
on their travels.
Referee: Chris Foy.
Last season: West Ham 0 Tottenham 2, Tottenham 1 West Ham 0.
Stat of the game: West Ham have not won at White Hart Lane since April 1999.
In eight subsequent visits, West Ham have lost six and drawn two.
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Tony Fernandes increases West Ham takeover speculation with trip to Upton
Park
Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes attended West Ham United's Premier
League victory over Portsmouth and later met manager Gianfranco Zola, which
may fuel fresh hope that he could eventually get involved in the club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 8:35PM GMT 27 Dec 2009
Flying visit? Air Asia founder Tony Fernandes has sparked more takeover
speculation by attending West ham's Premier League victory over Portsmouth .
Fernandes said last week that he did not want to bid for West Ham United at
this stage, particularly because he had his "hands full setting up a Formula
One team", although he also questioned how the club had been managed as a
business. The 45 year-old is team principal for Lotus's return to Formula
One in 2010.
Telegraph Sport revealed last month that Fernandes had held detailed
discussions with West Ham chairman Andrew Bernhardt, but that the
negotiations had not come to fruition.
Fernandes has now distanced himself from any takeover talk. This has been a
source of great regret at West Ham as the innovative businessman, best-known
for setting up budget airline Air Asia, is regarded by many as an exciting
potential investor. Fernandes, 45, said last week that he might be tempted
to make a move at some point. However he did not indicate that it would be
any time soon and his attendance at the Portsmouth game is not thought to be
connected with any fresh talks. He is a committed West Ham supporter.
CB Holding, the company set up by the creditors of West Ham's former owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, appointed Rothschild bank to deal with potential
investors and talks have taken place with a number of parties, including
former Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan, although his bid of around
£46 million falls short of their valuation. CB Holding insists it is under
no pressure to sell and has a three-year plan to retain ownership of West
Ham if it does not find the right investor. However it is also aware that
new funding would help create greater stability.
Fernandes, who employs 7,000 people, is a colourful character and a
highly-successful businessman. He met with Zola, assistant Steve Clarke and
technical director Gianluca Nani after the Portsmouth match and afterwards
spoke of how excited he was and how pleased he was with the result. He rose
to prominence by turning Air Asia, a failing government-linked commercial
carrier, into a successful budget airline which is a publicly-listed company
and performing strongly. He founded the company just after September 11,
2001. "There's a fine line between brilliance and stupidity," he said in an
interview last month, and has described himself as "kindred spirit" to Sir
Richard Branson. Indeed, the pair are very similar characters with an
entrepreneurial, innovative spirit as well as a sharp business brain.
Fernandes, who was educated in England, is also renowned for his sharp
marketing ideas and original thinking – it is not unknown for baggage
handlers with his airline to rise to become pilots. He ascribes his business
acumen to his mother who could "sell ice to the Eskimos", while describing
his father as a "communist doctor". West Ham will hope he may, some time in
the future, be sold on them as a business idea.
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Scott Parker provides suitors with a timely reminder of his gifts
Gary Jacob says midfield player epitomises West Ham's resolve
The Times
Gary Jacob
Those Portsmouth fans who sought an escape from the post-Christmas sales
found no sanctuary at Upton Park, where Scott Parker showed that style never
goes out of fashion and the visiting team discovered that nothing they tried
would fit.
West Ham United emerged victorious in the basement battle, and for anyone
who had wondered why these teams were propping up the Barclays Premier
League before the match, the apprehension shown by both, the high number of
misplaced passes and the paucity of ideas on either side offered compelling
evidence of their shortcomings.
The home team recorded only their fourth Premier League win of the season to
climb out of the relegation zone, so Gianfranco Zola may be entitled to feel
that an upturn in fortunes is on its way. He recently told his players to
"pull their fingers out" and ignore the backdrop of a worrying financial
picture at Upton Park.
However, one downside to Parker's assertive recent performances is that they
will thrust the midfield player into the spotlight when the transfer window
opens on Friday.
Tottenham Hotspur, whom Zola's side face today, have joined the queue of
Parker's admirers despite twice being rejected by the player. No price,
though, is right for Zola.
"I'll keep my fingers crossed," the Italian said. "Scott is at his best so
I'm not worried about [alerting other teams]. I will take the risk. He puts
a lot of passion, desire and thought into his play. He is amazing. He
interacts with everybody on the same level.
"I hope he and the players can fulfil their expectations here. I believe
they love this club and are committed to what we are doing."
West Ham's resolve was epitomised by Parker's display and increasingly his
performance is a barometer of his team's confidence and rhythm. Against
Portsmouth, he was at his best, driving forward and probing the visiting
team's defence.
A former stalwart of Charlton Athletic's midfield, Parker was a square peg
in a round hole at Chelsea, then suffered from illness and injury at
Newcastle United. Zola has trumpeted him for an England recall, which could
earn Parker the distinction of being the first player to win four caps, each
with different clubs. Parker, however, has not played for his country since
the 2-0 defeat away to Croatia in a European Championship qualifying tie in
2006 and it is not obvious who would make way for him.
"I let other people decide if I am ready for a recall," Parker said. "I've
realised that when things are going well you have to keep the momentum
going. When you're confident, things seem to happen for you."
Parker began the move that led to Hayden Mullins anxiously tripping Luis
Jiménez for West Ham's seventh penalty of the season, the most in the
division. Alessandro Diamanti converted the spot-kick with aplomb. Radoslav
Kovac's header from Jiménez's free kick wrapped up the points at the end
after Portsmouth had spent the second period camped in West Ham's half. But
Portsmouth, as sluggish as they had been spirited in victory against
Liverpool seven days earlier, did not look likely to score and Asmir
Begovic, their goalkeeper, saved well from Jack Collison and Diamanti.
Avram Grant, the Portsmouth manager, believes that his side, who play
Arsenal on Wednesday, are too soft. Kevin-Prince Boateng, feeling the
effects of flu, looked lively after coming on as a substitute but could be
among the players made available to raise money and lift the transfer
embargo. "It's a big, big defeat," Boateng said. "The players are
disappointed. We have to concentrate against the teams around us and keep
the switch turned on. We can't always come of the pitch without one point."
West Ham United (4-5-1): R Green 6 — J Faubert 6, J Tomkins 6, M Upson 6, H
Ilunga 5 — J Collison 7, S Parker 8, R Kovac 8, M Noble 6 (sub: L Jiménez,
16, 6), A Diamanti 5 (sub: V Behrami, 72) — G Franco 5 (sub: F Nouble, 89).
Substitutes not used: M Stech, J Spector, M da Costa, J Stanislas. Next:
Tottenham Hotspur (a).
Portsmouth (4-1-4-1): A Begovic 7 — S Finnan 5, Y Kaboul 5, T Ben-Haim 5, H
Hreidarsson 5 — M Brown 5 (sub: J Utaka, 79) — A Dindane 4 (sub: N Kanu, 54,
5), H Mullins 5, J O'Hara 6, N Belhadj 5 (sub: K-P Boateng, 46, 6) — F
Piquionne 5. Substitutes not used: J Ashdown, P Bouba Diop, H Yebda, M
Wilson. Booked: Dindane, Brown, O'Hara. Next: Arsenal (h).
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Parker eyes England recall
Midfielder sets national target
Last updated: 27th December 2009
SSN
West Ham skipper Scott Parker is eyeing an England recall ahead of the 2010
World Cup. Parker's man-of-the-match performance helped the Hammers to a 2-0
win over Portsmouth on Saturday, taking them out of the drop zone. In what
has been a troubled season for the Upton Park outfit, he has put in a string
of consistent performances which many believe will earn him a call-up to the
national squad. Parker, 29, already has three caps to his name, each while
at different clubs. Desperate to add to his national achievements, he says
he will keep on playing at the top of his game in the hope of making Fabio
Capello's squad. "Hopefully I can get another cap," said Parker. "We'll see
what happens. All I can do is keep playing well for West Ham and let other
people decide. "If I can do that I'll see where it gets me."
Parker struggled through most of last season with a chronic groin problem
but has recovered well and confesses that a full pre-season has helped him
get back to his best.
"I've hit a bit of good form and I feel quite strong," he added. "I've not
picked up any injuries and had a good pre-season under my belt as well.
"It's from that. When you're confident and playing well things seem to
happen for you."
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Spurs v West Ham preview
High-flying Spurs take on Hammers at The Lane
Last updated: 27th December 2009
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 3-1
SKY BET odds: Tottenham 4/9, Draw 3/1, West Ham 15/2
One to Watch: Peter Crouch
LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Spurs will be looking to maintain their top four hopes with victory over
resurgent West Ham in a London derby. While Spurs were being held by Fulham
on Boxing Day the Hammers gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm with a
crucial win over Portsmouth. Spurs will be hoping to keep up their
impressive form against the East Londoners having won six of their last
seven league meetings with West Ham. History is not on Gianfranco Zola's
side with their last White Hart Lane success coming way back in 1999 thanks
to Marc Keller's winner. Spurs are currently just outside the top four after
a three-game unbeaten run while West Ham moved out of the drop zone after
beating Pompey.
Tottenham defender Ledley King could start against Zola's West Ham on
Monday. King made a late appearance as a substitute in Saturday's goalless
draw with Fulham after recovering from a hamstring injury. Sebastien
Bassong, the player King replaced, should be given the all-clear after
taking a kick to the head. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp could give Robbie Keane
a start ahead of Jermain Defoe while Luka Modric could also come in for Niko
Kranjcar.
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring
injury in the victory over Portsmouth. Valon Behrami is available to step in
after making his comeback from a knee complaint off the bench against Pompey
but Danny Gabbidon missed the match with a hamstring problem. Striker
Carlton Cole (knee) and forward Kieron Dyer (hamstring) are both still
sidelined.
Possible starting XIs
Spurs: Gomes, Corluka, King, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Modric, Huddlestone,
Palacios, Lennon, Crouch, Defoe.
West Ham: Green, Ilunga, Tomkins, Upson, Faubert, Jimenez, Kovac, Parker,
Collison, Diamanti, Franco.
Tottenham 4/9, Draw 3/1, West Ham 15/2
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West Ham star Jack Collison is doing it for dad
Published 22:35 27/12/09 By Nick Ive
The Mirror
West Ham's clash with London rivals Tottenham today will bring some painful
memories flooding back for Jack Collison. The Hammers midfielder's father
Ian was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 46 while he was on his
way to the Boleyn Ground to watch his son play Spurs in the corresponding
fixture back in August. Collison played 89 minutes of West Ham's 2-1 defeat
that afternoon and he did not find out about the tragedy until later that
evening. So today's clash at White Hart Lane takes on extra significance for
the 20-year-old. He said: "All the people at West Ham have been brilliant,
my family and friends. It's been an effort all-round and I'm trying to be
strong still for my family.
"The fans have been great to me as well. Football has been a nice
opportunity to get away from things, I enjoy playing and it's a nice release
for me. "I've got to pay a lot of people back and I'll work my best this
season to do that. "My dad was massive for me. Obviously for any young kid
growing up, your dad is the person that introduces you to football. "He took
me to the park on the back of his bike, kicking the ball about. It's a great
loss but now I have to get my head down, work hard and keep improving
because that is what he would have wanted - for me to keep getting better
and better. "I'm out there playing for him every time I go out on the pitch.
I know he's up there watching me, probably telling me where I'm going wrong.
"I'll keep doing it for him and be strong for my family." Collison also
revealed how Chelsea's England ace Frank Lampard sent him a text offering
his support after hearing the news. He added: "Frank Lampard is someone I
look up to. I never really met him before. I got a text out of the blue from
him because he went through something similar with his Mum. "He gave me real
words of support and I have to thank him for that because it really helped
me."
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West Ham 2 Portsmouth 0: Zola knows cost of living without priceless Scott
Parker
By Ivan Speck
Last updated at 7:59 PM on 27th December 2009
Daily Mail
How uncomplicated Scott Parker's life was as a 13-year-old when all he had
to do was play keepy-uppy in a McDonald's advert during the 1994 World Cup.
The midfielder is playing keepy-uppy again, driving West Ham out of the
relegation places with a display of poise and precision that was far too
beguiling for Portsmouth, following an equally potent display against
Chelsea six days earlier. No longer an unknown teenager, however, this time
everybody knows Parker's name. Worse still, they think they know the price
which would lure him away from Upton Park when football's January sales open
for business at the weekend. Therein lies the dilemma that faces Parker and
West Ham as they journey around the North Circular to face Tottenham on
Monday lunchtime. If Parker has another stormer against a club that is one
of the suitors for his services, Gianfranco Zola will surely find happy
shoppers prepared to camp outside his door in a bid to beat the rush to sign
the 29-year-old. If he doesn't, the likelihood is that West Ham will be
beaten at White Hart Lane and slip back towards the trapdoor that leads to
the Championship and an uncertain future. Accepting a £10million cheque next
month would ease the financial concerns in east London, but if that means
foregoing the £60m dished out to next season's Premier League clubs, it
would be the falsest of economies. Parker was magnificent against
Portsmouth, swooping time and again on to loose balls to establish pattern
and order whenever chaos threatened to envelop the search for a first league
win in a month. Zola said: 'Scott is such a good player to have in the team
because he interacts with everybody else on the same level. He puts a lot of
passion, a lot of desire and thought into his play. He has everything. 'Is
it good for him to be in form prior to the transfer window? It's OK. I will
take the risk right now. He is at his best, so I'm not worried about that.
Also, I know he is very concerned about what he is doing here. I hope he
keeps playing as long as possible like this.'
In fellow midfielder Radoslav Kovac, Parker has discovered a kindred spirit,
while outside him his young apprentice Jack Collison is benefiting from the
midfield platform that has been established. If only Zola had better
attacking cover for the injured Carlton Cole than the ineffective Guillermo
Franco, the West Ham midfield would surely inspire more comfortable
victories than this one. In spite of their superiority, a first-half penalty
from Alessandro Diamanti was all that separated the sides until Kovac headed
in Luis Jimenez's exquisite free-kick a minute from time. Parker said: 'In
the second half Portsmouth put us under pressure but we held out and nicked
one at the end. Four weeks ago, that wouldn't have been the case. 'We've
picked up a few good results and it's going well on a personal level. I've
hit a bit of good form and feel quite strong.' Portsmouth's fans would love
to be in the position where the only question mark surrounding their team
was the possible outgoings through the transfer window. With four players
heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, they remain adrift at the foot of the
table. Kevin-Prince Boateng said: 'We have to keep the switch on and not
turn it off like we did today. We're bottom and we have to get a result
every weekend.'
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