WHUFC.com
Liverpool go back to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over
West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground
09.05.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Liverpool
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 9 May
5.30pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
Full-time - West Ham United 0-3 Liverpool
93 mins - Kuyt's low shot does not trouble Green, but Liverpool are
finishing the stronger of the two sides. Into the final minute and Tomkins
concedes a corner. Lucas trots over to take the kick short to Mascherano and
ball breaks out for a goal-kick. Green hits the ball upfield and referee
Wiley blows for full-time. Despite the scoreline, the home supporters give
the Hammers a decent reception. They did not play that badly, instead
Liverpool simply took their chances when they were presented and now sit
back on top of the Premier League table. For West Ham, it may be a case of
having to win both of their remaining fixtures to secure seventh place at a
UEFA Europa League spot.
92 mins - Gerrard comes close to a hat-trick, but his shot is deflected into
the side-netting by Upson.
90 mins - Into the final minute and the home fans are in fine voice, to
their credit. There will be at least three minutes of added-time.
88 mins - Liverpool's supporters have had a good day and celebrate with a
traditional chorus of You'll Never Walk Alone as the clock runs down.
86 mins - Tomkins makes an uncharacteristic mistake in heading the ball
straight to Gerrard, but central defensive partner Upson makes up for it by
making a superbly timed challenge.
84 mins - GOAL! More bad luck for Robert Green. Gerrard finds Kuyt wide on
the right, he crosses to the back post where Babel is unmarked. The Dutchman
heads at goal and the ball hits the goalkeeper, only to bounce back into
Babel's path and he lashes into the net from close-range.
83 mins - There are now five Academy graduates on the pitch. Sears,
Collison, Noble, Payne and Tomkins are all in action.
82 mins - Liverpool make their final change, bringing on full-back Andrea
Dossena for Benayoun.
81 mins - Payne goes on a run down the right wing, producing a couple of
step-overs along the way, but his low cross is cut out.
80 mins - Boa Morte gets a good reception as he is replaced by Payne for the
final ten minutes.
79 mins - Josh Payne is going to come on for his second Premier League
appearance.
78 mins - Tristan has the ball in the net, but the assistant referee's flag
has long since been raised for offside.
77 mins - Boa Morte is brought down again. Mascherano receives a yellow card
for the challenge.
75 mins - Benayoun brings down former team-mate Noble and is quick to
apologise. Noble clips the ball into the box and Carragher does superbly to
head the ball clear.
72 mins - Torres' afternoon is over. He heads for the touchline to be
replaced by Ryan Babel.
71 mins - More good play from Noble nearly finds a way through but Skrtel is
alert and hooks the ball clear from inside the Liverpool six yard box.
70 mins - Di Michele is replaced by Freddie Sears.
69 mins - Super play from Noble. He skips past Lucas before delaying his
pass long enough to allow Ilunga in behind the Liverpool back-four. The DR
Congo man pulls the ball into the path of Di Michele, but the Italian can
only hook his shot wide of the near post from a tight angle. Good move,
though.
68 mins - Savio, Jonathan Spector and Payne are all warming up on the
touchline. Will any of them be called upon during the final 20 minutes.
65 mins - Benayoun feigns to shoot at least twice before pulling the
trigger, sending the ball just wide of the post from 20 yards.
64 mins - Collison's clever reverse pass sends Ilunga clear. He cuts inside
one challenge but over-runs the ball slightly and Liverpool clear. Seconds
later, Collison tries an ambitious pass with the outside of his boot that
skips just in front of a sliding Tristan.
60 mins - Boa Morte wins yet another free-kick down the right flank, the
latest for being barged over by Skrtel. Noble crosses and Arbeloa heads
clear to Collison, whose shot is blocked. Liverpool race clear on a
three-man counter-attack. Gerrard feeds Kuyt but Green makes a good save low
to his left to divert the ball behind. West Ham deal with the resulting
corner.
59 mins - Stanislas is the man to make way for fellow Academy graduate
Collison. The Wales international receives a big cheer when his name is read
out.
58 mins - Gerrard stings Green's palms with a low shot after Torres had
dummied Kuyt's low cross. Collison is now ready to come on.
57 mins - It looks like Jack Collison will be entering the fray soon.
56 mins - Upson's new shirt has no number or name on it.
54 mins - Liverpool come close-ish to a third goal. Kuyt bursts on to
Benayoun's ball and, eventually, crosses for Torres, who heads on to the
roof of Green's net from ten yards. Meanwhile, Aurelio is withdrawn in place
of 20-year-old Argentine Emiliano Insua.
53 mins - Boa Morte, who has been lively, wins another free-kick. Noble
takes it short to Stanislas, whose shot is deflected behind for a corner by
Mascherano.
51 mins - West Ham are down to ten-man for the time being as Upson receives
some running repairs on the sideline. It looks like he needs a new shirt as
his old one was bloodied. The England defender gets a few whistles as he
also changes his shorts. Liverpool nearly take advantage as Kuyt crosses
deep to the far post, but Benayoun can only direct his half-volley over the
crossbar.
50 mins - Gerrard is human, after all. Kuyt crosses to the edge of the
penalty area, but the midfielder's control is poor and the ball skips
through to Green. Boa Morte launches a one-man counter-attack and is blocked
off by Aurelio, who is booked for the challenge. Noble delivers the
resulting free-kick, but Tristan can only head over.
48 mins - Boa Morte tries to pick out Noble's run, but he underhits his
pass. Good idea, but poor execution. Today's attendance is 34,951, nearly a
full-house!
46 mins - And we're off and running again...
Liverpool are the first of the two teams back out on to the pitch.
Mascherano exchanges a handshake with former team-mate Freddie Sears, who
has been out warming-up during the interval. A minute or so later, West Ham
join their opponents on the playing surface and we're nearly ready to go
again. Can the Hammers salvage something?
Half-time - West Ham United 0-2 Liverpool
48 mins - Torres nearly makes it 3-0. Tomkins heads back towards Green but
Torres challenges Upson and the goalkeeper for the ball and wins the header.
The ball loops towards the net, only to bounce a yard wide.
47 mins - West Ham may be 2-0 down but they have far from been out-classed
here. An early goal after the break could see them get something out of this
game yet. Liverpool have had only a handful of chances, but they have taken
them and, as things stand, will go back to the top of the table at
full-time.
45 mins - There will be three added minutes.
44 mins - Di Michele gets clear of the Liverpool back-four and bears down on
goal with Carragher in hot pursuit. He knocks the ball past the goalkeeper
and appears to lose his footing as it rolls wide. Wiley thinks the forward
has dived and books him. Replays suggest he simply fell over.
43 mins - Boa Morte is penalised for a foul on Aurelio. Kovac expresses his
displeasure to referee Wiley and follows the Portuguese winger into his
notebook.
41 mins - Credit to the Hammers for giving it a go. Tristan forces a corner
off Skrtel. Noble takes and Upson gets his head on the ball, only for it to
bounce harmlessly wide.
40 mins - Noble launches another free-kick into the Liverpool penalty area.
Tomkins rises highest but can only direct his header wide of the post.
38 mins - GOAL! Poor old Robert Green. The England goalkeeper dives
full-length to his right to keep out Gerrard's penalty, only for the ball to
spin across the six yard box for the midfielder to slot into the net from
two yards.
37 mins - Penalty! Boa Morte is penalised for bringing down Torres and
referee Wiley points to the spot. Boa Morte is booked for his troubles.
Gerrard will take the kick...
36 mins - A bit of controversy as Lucas appears to bring down Boa Morte, but
nothing is given.
34 mins - Noble does superbly to hold off Gerrard, leaving the goalscorer on
his backside before launching a fine cross-field pass to Neill. The Under-21
man is having a good game so far, regardless of the scoreline.
33 mins - Tristan tries a clever reverse pass over the Reds back-four to
Stanislas, but the ball is too powerfully hit and Reina collects. Liverpool
have had 56 per cent of the possession so far, but that number is coming
down all the time as the Hammers strive to find an equaliser before the
break.
30 mins - Steve Clarke and manager Zola are in deep conversation in the
dugout. West Ham are more than holding their own but lack a cutting edge.
What can the duo do to change that? The answer, for now, is to send Walter
Lopez, Jack Collison and Josh Payne for a trot along the touchline.
27 mins - Tristan gives the ball away and Gerrard plays in Benayoun, only
for Tomkins to make a superb tackle inside the West Ham penalty area. Top
defending that. West Ham break, but Tristan's long-range shot doesn't have
the power to trouble Reina.
26 mins - Noble, who has made a bright start, wins a free-kick down the left
after being held back by Arbeloa. Noble himself takes and Kovac heads over
from close-range. That was a decent chance.
25 mins - Good play from Kovac and Noble releases Stanislas down the left,
but the winger's cross is overhit and bounces out for a throw-in.
21 mins - Neill is penalised for a foul on Torres just outside the penalty
area. Tomkins appeared to win the ball from the striker, but referee Wiley
pointed at Neill as the perpetrator, much to the captain's annoyance. The
free-kick is 25 yards from goal. Aurelio rolls the ball to Gerrard, who
launches it into the Bobby Moore Stand.
20 mins - West Ham are back in this game, but they just cannot create a
clear-cut opening to trouble Reina. As I say that, Liverpool take advantage
of a loose Neill pass to threaten, but Upson clears the danger.
17 mins - Torres is sent clear again but James Tomkins defends superbly to
hold the Spaniard up and the ball is eventually cleared to safety.
15 mins - Liverpool force their first corner as Ilunga challenges Kuyt.
Gerrard takes, Green punches clear, Aurelio fires the ball back into the
penalty area where Skrtel feeds Torres, but the striker's shot is way too
high.
13 mins - West Ham nearly do just that. Noble clips the ball into the area
where Diego Tristan flicks on with his head, forcing Reina into a diving
save low to his left. Encouraging signs.
12 mins - It would be fair to say that Liverpool are controlling the game.
The Reds appear content to keep the ball at the back and knock it around in
a bid to draw West Ham out. To the Hammers' credit, they are holding firm
and seeing a fair amount of the ball themselves. It is just a matter of
doing something with it in the final third.
10 mins - Looking at Liverpool's formation, it looks like Gerrard has
licence to roam wherever he pleases. Kuyt has also been keen to get up and
join Torres.
7 mins - A bit of respite for the home side as Martin Skrtel brings down
David Di Michele on the halfway line. The Hammers work the ball forward deep
into Liverpool territory before Benayoun is able to clear. Boa Morte gets
round Aurelio soon afterwards, but his cross is gathered easily by Reina.
6 mins - Gerrard sets Torres clear down the right, but Upson does well to
muscle his way back and nick the ball off the Spaniard before clearing for a
throw-in.
4 mins - Gerrard nearly returns the favour for Torres, but Green is out
smartly to gather the ball on the slide.
2 mins - GOAL! From their first attack, Liverpool striker Torres plays in
Gerrard, who beats the West Ham offside trap before rounding Robert Green
and slotting the ball into the empty net. Not the best of starts for the
home side. Replays show Gerrard was being played onside by Lucas Neill. The
goal was timed at 77 seconds.
1 min - Liverpool get us underway.
5.30pm - Benayoun and Mascherano both receive a round of applause as the two
teams are read out. The cheers are much louder for the home team, though, as
you might expect. There is a slight delay as we wait for the go-ahead to
kick-off, probably something to do with the game being screened live by
Setanta Sports. Anyway, we're nearly ready to go now. West Ham will attack
towards the Centenary Stand.
5.27pm - Here come the two teams! The floodlights are on here at the Boleyn
Ground as West Ham and Liverpool enter the pitch to the strains of
'Bubbles'. Liverpool are in their change kit of dark green shirts, black
shorts and dark green socks. There is a good atmosphere in the stadium this
evening. No need for any cardboard 'clappers' at the Boleyn!
5.25pm - Five minutes to go until kick-off and the Boleyn Ground pitch has
received one last soaking from the sprinklers, making the surface nice and
slick for two teams who like to pass the ball. West Ham won this fixture 1-0
last season thanks to Mark Noble's 93rd minute penalty. More of the same
would be very welcome as the Hammers bid for a place in Europe for the first
time in three seasons. It will not be easy for Zola's men, though, as
Liverpool have been beaten just once in their last eleven matches, scoring
35 goals in the process.
5.20pm - Today's referee is Alan Wiley, the same man who took control of the
2006 FA Cup final between the same two sides. If today's game is half as
entertaining, we're in for a cracker. Liverpool have three survivors from
that day, Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina and Jamie Carragher. Yossi Benayoun,
who played for West Ham that afternoon, starts today for Liverpool. Manager
Zola has confirmed that Carlton Cole, who returned to full training on
Friday, will be in contention for a place in the West Ham squad for next
Saturday's trip to Everton.
5.15pm - More good news for Hammers fans is the presence of England striker
Dean Ashton at today's game. Manager Zola has confirmed that the 25-year-old
is hoping to be back in action in time for the start of pre-season training
in early July. West Ham are now having a bit of shooting practice, with
Lastuvka and Kurucz taking turns in goal. Diego Tristan sends in a beauty
that hits both posts before bouncing to safety. Let's hope the Spaniard has
better luck once the action gets underway.
5.10pm - A few big names are in the press box today working for various
radio stations and newspapers. Ex-Arsenal man Ray Parlour is here, as is
former Charlton Athletic defender Steve Brown. Jack Collison and Josh Payne,
who have come through the Academy ranks together, are enjoying a passing
drill on what looks to be a fantastic playing surface here at the Boleyn
Ground. The tannoy is blasting out a tune by West Ham-supporting band The
Rifles, who are also here to watch today's game.
5.05pm - Liverpool's players are having a game of keep-ball but Fernando
Torres does not look interested. Instead, the Spain striker is going through
a series of stretches on his own. After a while, however, he joins in with
his team-mates. At the other end of the pitch, West Ham's players are doing
likewise. Interestingly, both teams in the West Ham game are wearing
different coloured bibs - red and green - while Liverpool have opted for the
one-bib option, with one team just playing in their club training tops.
5pm - While West Ham fight for a European place, the picture at the bottom
end of the table is just as cloudy. Defeat for Hull City at home to Stoke
City combined with a home win for West Bromwich Albion over Wigan Athletic
have made things even more interesting in the battle to stay up. Newcastle
United and Middlesbrough - who meet on Monday evening - and West Brom now
all have 31 points, with Hull on 34 and Sunderland, who drew 0-0 at Bolton
Wanderers today, on 36. Meanwhile, Liverpool's players are out on the pitch
for their warm-up.
4.55pm - The results from the 3pm kick-offs around the Premier League are
in. Tottenham Hotspur have drawn 1-1 at Everton, drawing them level on 48
points with West Ham but above Gianfranco Zola's team on goals scored. The
really bad news has come from Craven Cottage, where Fulham have beaten Aston
Villa 3-1 to climb into seventh place on 50 points. So, the Hammers will
start today's match in ninth place, but a victory over Liverpool will put
them back above both Spurs and Fulham into seventh with two matches
remaining. West Ham's other rivals for a UEFA Europa League place,
Manchester City, travel the short distance to Old Trafford to take on
leaders Manchester United tomorrow. For the Reds, a win tonight will take
them above United on goal difference.
4.50pm - Welcome to the Boleyn Ground for this afternoon's Barclays Premier
League clash between West Ham United and Liverpool. The stands are slowly
filling up, while Hammers' goalkeepers Robert Green, Jan Lastuvka and Peter
Kurucz are being put through their paces by Ludek Miklosko. The rest of the
squad emerge from the tunnel for their pre-match warm-up to a gentle round
of applause.
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola named an unchanged side from the one
that secured a 1-0 victory at Stoke City a week ago. On the bench, the only
change saw the return of Savio in place of Zavon Hines.
For Liverpool, Fernando Torres returned to the starting lineup after missing
last week's 3-0 win over Newcastle United with a hamstring injury, while
former Hammers Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun were also in Rafael
Benitez's team.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Payne 80),
Kovac, Noble, Stanislas (Collison 59), Di Michele (Sears 70), Tristan
Subs: Lastuvka, Spector, Lopez, Savio
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio (Insua 54), Lucas,
Mascherano, Benayoun (Dossena 82), Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres (Babel 72)
Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Degen, Ngog
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers off to Hong Kong
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer will lead a strong eleven-man squad to the prestigious Hong Kong
Sevens at the end of the month
09.05.2009
West Ham United reserve team manager Alex Dyer will lead a strong eleven-man
squad to the 2009 Hong Kong Sevens.
The Hammers will travel to the Far East for the second consecutive year on ,
having reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious 16-team competitions
last May before losing out to the Australian Institute of Sport.
In 2008 West Ham, featuring Junior Stanislas, Zavon Hines, Jordan Spence and
Oliver Lee, beat Chinese club Eagles 2-1 before overcoming Japanese side
Urawa Red Diamonds and drawing 0-0 with host club Hong Kong FC. After going
down to a defeat by their Australian opponents, the Hammers went into the
shield competition, beating Eastleigh 1-0 before losing 3-2 to Urawa in the
shield final.
This time around, West Ham will again field a strong squad. Stanislas,
Hines, Freddie Sears and Josh Payne have all played for the Hammers'
first-team this season, while Iceland Under-21 defender Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson, Czech Republic Under-21 goalkeeper Marek Stech and reserve team
captain Bondz N'Gala are also included.
Dyer's squad is completed by Under-18 quartet Lee, Daniel Kearns, Anthony
Edgar and Georg Grasser, all of whom have played for Dyer's reserve team
this season.
The West Ham party will also include physiotherapist Dave Singleton and
strength coach Donough Holohan.
Taking part in the tournament alongside the Hammers are Aston Villa, Glasgow
Celtic, Glasgow Rangers, Birmingham City, Australian Institute of Sport,
Chengdu Blades (China), Sheffield FC, Eastleigh FC, Singapore Cricket Club,
Yau Yee Select (Hong Kong) and a Kitchee Invitational Team.
Matches will be played at Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley between 29
and 31 May.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Our team is alive'
WHUFC.com
With six points still to play for and players returning from injury,
Gianfranco Zola is upbeat for his side
09.05.2009
Gianfranco Zola rightly found plenty of positives despite defeat by
title-chasing Liverpool on Saturday that complicated the club's UEFA Europa
League hopes.
The defeat - which was harsh on the likes of the excellent James Tomkins and
Mark Noble - allowed Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur to move just ahead of the
Hammers in the race for seventh spot but Zola knew there was much to play
for with two games to go. "It's strange because we are so close to each
other there. It doesn't matter really as our team is alive, it plays well
and above all every time we had a bad game we always came back strong.
"I'm confident that in the next two games my team is going to give
everything and I won't be surprised if we still get the results. We are
still very up for it. There are two games to go. Two difficult games,
especially the one on Saturday [at Everton], but the players are determined
and focused so don't be surprised if they surprise you."
A swift early strike from Steven Gerrard had put the home side on the back
foot and, despite some promising play, the Reds doubled the advantage
through Gerrard's follow-up after Robert Green's saved penalty just before
half-time and never looked back. Ryan Babel rounded out the scoring late on
despite Green's best efforts to give a 3-0 scoreline that the manager felt
was harsh on his side.
"I don't think on the pitch there was a big difference," he said. "The first
half probably we played better than them. The quality of the passing was
good, but 2-0 was too much really."
Referring to David Di Michele's unfortunate stumble after racing through on
goal and question marks over the Luis Boa Morte foul on Fernando Torres that
produced the spot-kick, the manager added: "It could have been 2-1, in my
opinion it should have been 1-1 but that's the difference really.
"I can't be too hard on my players as they played a good game, all the time
very high-quality football but it is just teams like Liverpool, they have an
opportunity and they punish you.
"I'm not going to have a go at the referee. He is a human being like that
can make mistakes, it doesn't really matter. Today unfortunately it wasn't
the case but in other times it can be the other way around so we are not
going to complain about that."
The manager has confirmed that Carlton Cole will be in contention for
Goodison Park next weekend after recovering from a groin problem while Jack
Collison could be in the frame to start that match after his second run-out
off the bench. "He's been terrific this year and to have him back fully is
very good," said the manager, who will also wait for updates on James
Collins (calf), Kieron Dyer (hamstring) and Scott Parker (groin) during the
week.
There was also the welcome sight of Dean Ashton around the first team on
Saturday with the striker in the dressing room before and after the game
having been given positive news by a specialist on his ankle at the end of
the week. In the continued absence of the striker and his fellow England
international Cole, Diego Tristan and Di Michele have stepped into the
breach and Zola had particular words of encouragement for the Italian.
"I have said many times that David does not get many goals but he is a key
player for us and makes the team play very well. It's a pity because if he
could score a few more goals he could be a top player because other than
that he really makes the team play very well."
When pushed on the spot-kick that swung the contest firmly in Liverpool's
favour, Zola said: "The penalty I didn't see, [Boa Morte] said it was a
free-kick before. I said before it's pointless we go back to that, it's part
of the game and we have to accept that. Although it is very painful because
the quality in the first half was very good from us."
"The gap between the top four or five teams and the others is huge. So for
teams like us to get on that level we have to work hard. As I said the way
the team played in the first half is encouraging. We need to improve a
little bit of quality in the last third and then maybe we can match teams
like that and I am confident we can do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins rises to challenge
WHUFC.com
An England U20 international already, James Tomkins again showed plenty of
promise in a tough encounter
09.05.2009
James Tomkins was singled out for special praise by Gianfranco Zola on
Saturday with a promising performance against a Liverpool attack spearheaded
by two world-class performers.
Despite the 3-0 scoreline that included a goal from a disputed penalty and a
late third when the game was gone, Tomkins and his central defensive partner
Matthew Upson stood up to the challenge of Steven Gerrard and Fernando
Torres well. The homegrown Hammer was sporting a black eye from an
accidental training ground collison with a team-mate but stood out more for
his play.
The 20-year-old was solid in the tackle and commanding in the air, while
time and again he stepped out from the back to read a forward pass and deal
with it in a composed and confident manner that belied his years. It was a
display that underlined why he had been voted the whufc.com player of the
month for April by fans - the first time he has taken the accolade.
Zola was mindful that England manager Fabio Capello was in the Boleyn Ground
crowd and would have taken notice of Tomkins - an established Under-20
international - as one for the future. Mindful that it is early days, the
manager said: "James Tomkins is playing well, week in, week out. Above all
he looks like a veteran. So don't be surprised if soon you see him playing
for the national team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hit by Gerrard
WHUFC.com
A brace from Steven Gerrard helped Liverpool to leave east London with all
three points
09.05.2009
West Ham United 0-3 Liverpool
A Steven Gerrard-inspired Liverpool proved too strong for West Ham United as
they hit three without reply at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Liverpool opened the scoring after just 77 seconds through Gerrard, and the
Liverpool captain got his second two minutes before half time - tapping in
the rebound after Robert Green had superbly saved his penalty. The Hammers
fought back and had several good chances of their own, but it was the
visitors who were to have the final say when Ryan Babel added a third with
minutes to go.
West Ham went into the game knowing a win would take them back into seventh
after Fulham's and Tottenham's results earlier in the day had left them
ninth. Gianfranco Zola set that task to the same starting XI that had
performed so admirably in the win at Stoke City last weekend. In fact, the
only change to the eighteen was the inclusion of Savio on the substitutes'
bench in place of Zavon Hines.
But nothing the West Ham manager had said in the dressing room could have
prepared his side for what happened just two minutes in. The game had hardly
had time to settle before Liverpool took the lead with the first attack of
the game. Fernando Torres flicked a ball through and the Liverpool captain
beat the offside trap before rounding Robert Green and rolling into an empty
net.
Moments later, the visitors could have doubled their lead, had Green not
raced from his line to smother the ball at the feet of Torres, who had been
sent clear by Gerrard.
Despite the early setback the Hammers soon found their rhythm and started to
enjoy some good possession in their title-chasing opponent's half. After a
couple of threatening moves, they had a great to chance to get back on level
terms 20 minutes before half time. After Alvaro Arbeloa had fouled Noble on
the left, the West Ham midfielder picked himself up to curl the set-piece
in. Radoslav Kovac got up well to beat Jose Reina to the ball but could not
quite direct his header under the crossbar.
Central to many of the good things the home side were producing was the
homegrown talent of Noble, who harried and hustled his way around every inch
of the pitch, but Liverpool's second soon destroyed West Ham's hopes of a
leveller before half time.
The penalty was awarded after Luis Boa Morte was adjudged to have tugged
back Torres in the box, with the Portuguese being booked for the
misdemeanour. Gerrard stepped up and just as he had done many times before,
Green guessed the right way, only to see the ball spin along the goal-line
into the path of the England midfielder, who rolled it into an empty net.
Kovac then joined Boa Morte in referee Alan Wiley's notebook for
remonstrating a little too strongly before Di Michele saw a great chance to
restore parity pass him by. The Italian capitalised on Jamie Carragher's
mistake to bear down on Reina's goal, but just as he rounded the stranded
Spaniard he lost his footing and the chance went begging. Wiley saw it that
Di Michele had gone down too easily and booked the forward for simulation.
Torres then nearly put the game out of reach before the interval but his
looping header bounced just wide.
Buoyed by some strong support among the 34,951 inside the Boleyn Ground, the
Hammers came flying out of the blocks for the second period and Fabio
Aurelio was forced into bringing down Boa Morte in full flight, earning
himself a booking in the process. It was to be the full-backs last
contribution as both teams made a change with Emiliano Insua entering the
fray in place of the Brazilian and Jack Collison coming on in place of
Junior Stanislas for the hosts.
Green, who had been so desperately unlucky in the first half with the
penalty, then had to be at his best as a swift Liverpool counter-attack left
the England international with Dirk Kuyt bearing down on him. He stood tall
and just managed to get a touch to divert the Dutchman's goalbound shot
around the post.
Both managers then made attacking changes for the final 20 minutes. Zola
introduced Freddie Sears in place of Di Michele, while Rafa Benitez swapped
Torres for Babel.
Former Hammer Javier Mascherano marked his return to the Boleyn with a
booking before Zola made his final throw of the dice by bringing on Josh
Payne for his home debut in place of Boa Morte, who left the field to
rapturous applause. Liverpool's final change saw another former West Ham
player, Yossi Benayoun, leave the field for Andrea Dossena.
Liverpool made sure of the win with a third as Kuyt crossed for Babel, whose
header was superbly saved by Green, but again luck deserted the West Ham No1
as the rebound fell to the substitute, who made no mistake from three yards.
Despite the result the Hammers will no doubt take heart from the
performances of their youngsters, with Academy products Noble and James
Tomkins particularly catching the eye. Their quest for UEFA Europa League
qualification continues next weekend, with a trip to today's visitors' home
city for a match against Everton.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan a happy Hammer
WHUFC.com
Pick up your copy of the official matchday programme to read an exclusive
interview with Diego Tristan
09.05.2009
Diego Tristan is fit, scoring goals, and enjoying his football again with
West Ham United.
The 33-year-old striker has hit the net twice in the Hammers' last three
Premier league matches in the absence of the injured Carlton Cole.
In an exclusive interview with the official matchday programme, Tristan
revealed that has rediscovered his love for the beautiful game since joining
West Ham in November.
"On a personal level I am proving something to myself and to those people
who might have wondered about me because I'd not played for a long time," he
said. "They can see I still have something to give and am still scoring
goals and doing it in an important league like this one which is the best in
the world along with the Spanish. It makes me feel happy and proud to be
showing I still belong at the top level."
Tristan's contract expires at the end of the current season, but manager
Gianfranco Zola has revealed that the forward's impressive form could see
the experienced hitman extend his stay at the Boleyn Ground.
"I came with the idea of playing this season and then we'd see at the end of
it. I will do my best in the three games we've got left and then we'll see.
I will speak to the manager and he will decide. I just hope that in these
three games I can keep playing well, scoring goals and helping this team
achieve their goal of qualifying for Europe."
To read more from Tristan, including his views on Fernando Torres,
Liverpool's Spanish contingent and life at West Ham United, pick up your
copy of Saturday's official matchday programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Upton Park
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were back in tandem to devastating effect
as Liverpool returned to the Premier League summit - at least temporarily -
with a comfortable victory at West Ham United. Liverpool's captain and the
Spain striker were making only their 12th league appearance of the season
together at Upton Park.
And they gave a demonstration of what Liverpool have missed in their absence
as they spearheaded the win that put Rafael Benitez's side back on top of
the table on goal difference - although title favourites Manchester United
crucially have two games in hand. The pair combined as Liverpool took the
lead inside two minutes when Torres unlocked the West Ham defence with a
perfect pass that allowed Gerrard to run clear and round West Ham keeper
Robert Green to finish in style. And, when Torres was fouled by Luis Boa
Morte seven minutes before the interval, Gerrard scored from a rebound after
his penalty was saved by Green. Liverpool wrapped up the formalities six
minutes from time when substitute Ryan Babel scored from Dirk Kuyt's cross
after his first effort was blocked by the unfortunate Green. West Ham
entered the game with their sights set on qualifying for the Europa League
via seventh place, but they never recovered from Gerrard's opening salvo and
anxious moments were few and far between for Liverpool. Radoslav Kovac
headed Mark Noble's free-kick over the bar, but their best opportunity was
wasted in almost comic fashion by David di Michele just before half-time,
when he stumbled and fell to the ground as looked poised to round Liverpool
keeper Pepe Reina and reduce the arrears.
Liverpool made light of the absence of influential midfield man Xabi Alonso,
out injured after the tackle that earned Newcastle United's Joey Barton a
red card at Anfield last Sunday, and always carried too much firepower for
West Ham. Benitez admitted before the game that all Liverpool could do was
to keep winning and hope to force a mistake from Manchester United, and it
was mission accomplished as they comfortably negotiated a fixture that was
widely seen as potentially hazardous. It means United drop to second place,
at least until they play neighbours Manchester City on Sunday, and while the
odds remain firmly in favour of the title staying at Old Trafford, Liverpool
and boss Benitez can rightly take much satisfaction in the fact they have
pushed them all the way. They Reds will also reflect on the fact that their
two players of undoubted world-class quality, Gerrard and Torres, have been
unable to inflict their deadly partnership on the Premier League on so many
occasions this season.
West Ham boss Zola, meanwhile, was given a close-up and sobering view of the
gap between his side and those operating at the top end of the table.
Liverpool knew only victory would suffice if they were to harbour serious
hopes of pushing the title race to the wire - and they got the perfect start
as they delivered the swiftest of blows to take the lead. Torres slipped a
slide-rule pass through to Gerrard, and as West Ham's defence appealed in
vain for offside Liverpool's captain rounded Green and finished expertly,
never looking for a moment like he would squander the opportunity. West
Ham's confidence was knocked by that early setback, but they did finally
muster a threat on Liverpool's goal after 26 minutes when Kovac beat Reina
to Noble's free-kick, only to send his header over the top. But any hopes of
a West Ham revival looked to be snuffed out seven minutes before the
interval when Gerrard doubled Liverpool's lead after an incident that left
the home fans fuming. Boa Morte clearly felt he has been fouled near the
edge of his own penalty area, but foolishly reacted by pulling Torres' shirt
inside the area, with referee Alan Wiley perfectly placed to give the
decision. Gerrard saw his spot-kick superbly saved by Green, but reacted
first ahead of West Ham's defenders to steer in the rebound as the keeper
scrambled desperately across his goal. West Ham then missed an opportunity
to grasp at a lifeline in a farcical incident three minutes before
half-time. Di Michele took advantage of Jamie Carragher's mistake to race
clear and round Reina, but he tripped right in front of goal and when he
tried to salvage the situation with a dive was left embarrassed as he was
booked by referee Riley.
Torres almost added to West Ham's hurt when a moment of defensive hesitation
allowed him to get in a header, but it looped agonisingly off target.
Liverpool almost put the game out of sight six minutes after the break when
- with Matthew Upson off the field receiving treatment - Kuyt found Yossi
Benayoun at the far post, but the former West Ham midfield man could not
keep his volley down. West Ham struggled to inflict any serious blows on
Liverpool's rearguard, and it was no surprise when Zola made a change after
59 minutes when he replaced Junior Stanislas with Jack Collison. But it was
Liverpool who made the next opportunity when they sprang on West Ham from
their free-kick to break clear, but when Gerrard found Kuyt, Green was alert
enough to make a crucial block. Liverpool rounded off an impressive
performance in style six minutes from time when Gerrard found Kuyt raiding
down the right. He found Babel unmarked only eight yards out, and he slammed
home an emphatic finish after Green blocked his first attempt. It crowned an
efficient display from Liverpool - and at least gave Manchester United food
for thought ahead of the derby at Old Trafford.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Payne 80), Noble,
Kovac, Stanislas (Collison 59), Di Michele (Sears 70), Tristan.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Nsereko, Spector.
Booked: Boa Morte, Kovac, Di Michele.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio (Insua 54), Benayoun
(Dossena 82), Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Torres (Babel 72).
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Ngog, Degen.
Booked: Aurelio, Mascherano.
Goals: Gerrard 2, 38, Babel 84.
Att: 34,951
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (8.90 on
90 minutes).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on today's disappointing reversal ...
On the game...
It was difficult because that [first] goal changed completely the story of
the game. But I can't be too disappointed because in the first half we were
playing some really good football and we were really unlucky not to get that
goal. Maybe it shouldn't be 2-0, maybe it's only 1-0 - but as I said, I
can't be disappointed.
The way the team plays week in, week out is always of a high standard so as
I said to the players, I applaud them because they're giving it everything;
they're playing very well.
On going a goal behind...
It's not easy to create something against Liverpool - especially when they
find themselves winning. I said it before the match, Liverpool is a team
that you want to play better at home rather than away. But they found
themselves 1-0 up and sat back and waited for us then counter attack - and
there they are the best.
On the controversial second goal...
Probably there was a foul on Luis Boa Morte before; he believed there was a
foul on him. It's something that can happen, the referee didn't see it - and
that was it really. I can't be too hard on him.
On taking chances...
That was the difference because in terms of good play maybe we played better
than them - in the first half, for sure. But obviously the difference with
the big teams is that whenever they have the opportunity they score, and
that's just down to the quality that they have in the team.
Other than that I can only say I was pleased with the players because they
played well. Every single week they perform.
On diminishing European aspirations...
It is a little setback but there's still two games to play and six points at
stake and I have so much confidence in my team that it's still on, we can
still make it. I really want it because I believe it will be a great
achievement for the players, and they deserve that.
Rafa Benitez - Liverpool
We were playing against a team that was doing well but the first goal was
crucial because going forward we had more space to play on the counter
attack. We were hoping to score an early goal but not so soon.
It's always difficult from the bench but it seems like it was a penalty.
Okay, there are a lot of tackles during the game and it's difficult to say
if it's good or bad. The referees can make mistakes but in this case I think
the penalty was clear.
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool
It was comfortable at times but West Ham had stages in the game where they
were controlling it. When you come to difficult places like West Ham it's
always important to start well and we were rewarded with an early goal which
gave us the platform to go and score more.
I was very close to the incident and there was a clear pull on Fernando's
shirt. I didn't see that [the foul on Luis Boa Morte preceeding the goal] so
can't really comment on it. If that's the case then it's a bit of misfortune
for West Ham I suppose, but the referee certainly got the penalty incident
spot on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gerrard keeps up title tilt
Liverpool skipper at the double against Hammers
Last updated: 9th May 2009
SSN
Steven Gerrard scored twice as Liverpool kept up the Premier League title
pressure on Manchester United with victory away to West Ham. With the Red
Devils not in action until Sunday's derby date with Manchester City, Rafa
Benitez's men took full advantage to climb back to the summit of the table.
Gerrard gave his side the perfect start with just 76 seconds gone when he
burst clear of the Hammers defence to collect Fernando Torres' incisive pass
and rounded Rob Green before rolling the ball home. Luis Boa Morte's foolish
tug on Torres' shirt gave Liverpool the chance to double their lead and
although Reds skipper Gerrard saw his initial effort well saved by Green he
followed up to slide home the loose ball. Substitute Ryan Babel made sure of
the victory with time running out as he fired home at the second attempt
after Green had saved his initial header from Dirk Kuyt's cross. Defeat
dents West Ham's hopes of qualifying for Europe next season, while Liverpool
must hope United slip up in their two games in hand to keep the title race
alive.
Liverpool's hopes this season have been built on the firepower of Torres and
Gerrard - and the pair combined after 76 seconds for the opener. Torres,
back fit after a hamstring problem ruled him out of the win over Newcastle,
received the ball in midfield but was given the time to turn and pick his
pass, threading ball through to Gerrard beyond the Hammers defence. The
hosts were claiming offside but James Tomkins had played Gerrard on, with
the England midfielder taking the ball around Green and finishing into an
empty net. The early opener stunned the hosts, who kicked off knowing Fulham
had won and Tottenham picked up a point earlier in the day in the race for
the Europa League next season. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola believes four
more points will see them secure seventh place - which will get them into
Europe if Uefa grant them a club licence - and they had their moments after
the setback of Gerrard's opener. As they attempted to find a way back into
the game, Diego Tristan flicked a header at goal from Mark Noble's free-kick
that required Jose Reina to save. They got a little closer just before the
half-hour mark when Noble earned a free-kick on the left and swung the
set-piece into the danger area. Radoslav Kovac got in front of Reina to meet
the ball but his header flew over the crossbar. Their progress was undone
when Boa Morte suffered a nightmare 30 seconds which resulted in conceding a
penalty just before the break. He was furious that no free-kick was given
when Javier Mascherano brought him down, then chased back to own penalty
area and hauled down Torres when Yossi Benayoun scooped the ball through.
Green saved Gerrard's spot-kick but the rebound fell to the Liverpool
captain to tap home.
David di Michele should have pulled a goal back when he seized on a mistake
by Jamie Carragher. He raced through and got his feet tangled up as he tried
to take the ball around Reina. It was a shocking miss and referee Alan Wiley
rubbed salt in the wound by booking the Italian for diving. Boa Morte was
trying to atone for own his first-half error after the restart but one
powerful run was ended by Fabio Aurelio, earning the full-back a caution.
Liverpool threatened to score a third, with Benayoun volleying over from
Kuyt's cross and Torres looping a header just over the crossbar. The Hammers
defence looked under pressure but Matthew Upson was exposed in a different
way when he received a bloody nose - the centre-back had to strip down to
his underwear on the sidelines to change his kit. Upson was among the
players racing back when Liverpool broke on the hour mark, with the hosts
saved by Green rushing out to block Kuyt's effort. Benayoun then exchanged
passes with Torres before shaving Green's post with a drive. There were
ironic cheers when Di Michele was taken off for Freddie Sears, as there were
when Tristan put the ball in the net after clearly being offside.
The visitors were able to keep out any genuine efforts and added a third
through Babel with five minutes remaining.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola remains defiant
Hammers boss feels his men matched Reds
Last updated: 10th May 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola feels his side were closing to matching
Liverpool despite their 3-0 Upton Park defeat. Rafa Benitez's title hopefuls
needed just 76 seconds to break the deadlock with Fernando Torres combing
with Steven Gerrard for the England midfielder to score. Gerrard added a
second before the break, with Luis Boa Morte penalised for pulling back
Torres and the Reds skipper following up after seeing his spot-kick saved by
Rob Green. Ryan Babel added gloss to the scoreline with a late third, but
Zola feels his side were made to pay for not taking their own chances. "I
don't think on the pitch there was a big difference," he said. "In the first
half we probably played better than them, the quality of the passing was
good. "2-0 was too much, it could have been 2-1. In my opinion it should
have been 1-1, but that is the difference really."
It could have been different for West Ham if David di Michele kept his
composure when he seized on an error from Jamie Carragher and raced through
on goal. But he stumbled and lost his footing as Pepe Reina approached - and
to rub salt in the wound he was booked for diving. "I don't think he looked
for it," added Zola. "The referee booked him, but he just lost his legs and
lost his balance. "I don't think it was a simulation. What can I say, Di
Michele doesn't get many goals, but he is a key player for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool back on top of Premier League
It might not last long but Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier
League on Saturday, ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.
Telegraph
By Duncan White at Upton Park
Last Updated: 8:57PM BST 09 May 2009
Steven Gerrard scored twice as Rafael Benitez's side dismantled West Ham
with professional disdain, Ryan Babel adding a late third. The problem for
Liverpool is that the next time they take to the field United could be
champions. If Alex Ferguson's side take at least seven points from their
games with Manchester City today, Wigan on Wednesday and Arsenal on
Saturday, they will have retained the title before Liverpool even kick off
against West Bromwich Albion next Sunday.
Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson sets seven-win target to clinch
title"We did our job, we needed the three points to put them under
pressure," Benitez said. "It is a derby against City and these are not easy
games. If they make a mistake then they are under pressure. We are playing
better and better, with more control in every single game. We still have
belief — we'll wait and see what happens."
Liverpool have dropped only two points in their last nine games and their
superb late-season form should be ensuring they win the sprint for the title
line. Yet with so many points dropped in winter draws – West Ham one of
several supposedly inferior opponents not dispatched at Anfield – Benitez's
side were always going to struggle to catch United. The point was driven
home in Benitez's preparations for this game, with the Liverpool manager
admitting that he found it hard watching clips of missed chances from that
0-0 draw in December.
A large part of the problem has been the reliance on Fernando Torres and
Gerrard. The world-class pair have an extraordinary understanding of each
other's games but both are susceptible to injury. This was only the 12th
time they had started in tandem in the League this season.
The pair took all of 77 seconds to unravel West Ham's defence. Torres had
dropped deep in the right channel and his through pass found Gerrard, who
timed his run perfectly to stay onside. Gerrard eased round Robert Green and
passed the ball into the net.
As West Ham fought back – Radoslav Kovac went close with a header – Alan
Wiley did his best to antagonise the home crowd. He made a really poor
decision in punishing James Tomkins for a perfectly judged tackle on Torres
but worse was his failure to blow up when Luis Boa Morte was fouled by
Javier Mascherano. The otherwise impressive Boa Morte's response was idiotic
though, chasing the referee to protest and, clearly still angry, pulling
Torres' shirt in the box as the Liverpool striker chased Yossi Benayoun's
cute chip.
Wiley correctly awarded the penalty and Gerrard stepped up to take it. Green
saved superbly, diving full stretch to his right but Gerrard managed to keep
his balance and tuck in the rebound. That was his 15th goal in the League
and his 23rd in all competitions this season.
Dirk Kuyt had gone close after another fluid counter-attack before Liverpool
did add their third with five minutes to go. Kuyt's cross from the right was
met by Babel, on for the tiring Torres, but his header was saved by Green.
The rebound fell back to Babel, who slammed it in.
That made it Gianfranco Zola's heaviest defeat since taking charge of West
Ham but, while their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League are receding,
there is plenty to be optimistic about at Upton Park.
Zola thinks Tomkins is destined for the England team and with Junior
Stanislas, Freddie Sears and James Collison coming through, there is plenty
for the Italian to work with, although the return to fitness of Dean Ashton
and Carlton Cole cannot come soon enough on the evidence of this blunt
display from David di Michele and Diego Tristan.
"The gap between the top four or five teams and the others is huge," Zola
said. "For teams like us, who want to get to the level, it is going to be
hard.
"The way we played in the first half is encouraging but obviously we need to
improve a bit of quality in the last third, then maybe we can match teams.
Although the gap is big, I'm confident we can do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dominant Liverpool hit three past Hammers
Viewlondon.co.uk
Liverpool kept up the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the
Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park. Captain Steven
Gerrard scored twice for Liverpool before half-time to put them in complete
control before Ryan Babel added a late third. Fernando Torres and Gerrard
only started together for the 12th time in the league and showed maybe
Liverpool could have been even closer to Manchester United had they played
together more often as the pair combined for the opening goal after just 76
seconds. It was Torres who was the provider as the Spaniard played a
beautiful through ball for Gerrard, who beat the off-side trap and rounded
Robert Green before rolling the ball into the net. West Ham looked
shell-shocked by the early goal and took a while to clear their heads and
get their passing going. The Hammers first chance came through a swinging
ball into the Liverpool penalty area from Mark Noble which Radoslav Kovac
got on the end of, but headed his effort over the bar. Liverpool all but
sealed the points with a second before the break. Luis Boa Morte was fuming
from not getting a foul and then stupidly took out his anger by pulling down
Torres in his own penalty area. Gerrard saw his penalty saved by Green, but
thumped the rebound home. A mistake from Jamie Carragher allowed David di
Michele to go though clean on goal. The Italian tried to take the ball round
Pepe Reina, but ending up losing his footing and then embarrassingly for the
striker, he threw himself to the ground in the hope of getting a penalty –
but instead got booked. Liverpool continued to be the better side in the
second-half and Dirk Kuyt had an effort on goal well saved by Green, while
former Hammer Yossi Benayoun fired wide from a tight angle. The Reds were
content in holding on to possession and hitting West Ham on the break. They
added a late third when they broke with pace and Kuyt lifted the ball into
the area and substitute Babel saw his header saved by Green, but tapped in
the rebound.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZOLA'S GET-OUT CLAUSE
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham deal sparks new Chelsea speculation
News Of The World
UPTON SPARK - Gianfranco Zola
By ROB BEASLEY, 09/05/2009
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola has a get-out clause in his new contract - and
so does Steve Clarke, the Italian's No 2. This will spark fresh speculation
about the pair's long-term futures at Upton Park, especially with former
club Chelsea announcing a new boss in the summer. The Blues are aware of the
get-out clauses although it would cost them more than £3million in
compensation to take Zola and Clarke to the Bridge. But that would be no
obstacle for Blues' billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, a known admirer of
Zola. Zola's pay has been boosted to £1.5m a year, with Clarke becoming the
highest-paid coach in the league on £850,000. But a summer switch across the
capital to swanky West London would see those pay packets rocket even
further. A Chelsea insider said: "Money is rarely a problem at Stamford
Bridge."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gerrard keeps the dream alive
Inspirational performance by Liverpool's captain allows his side to regain
the summit – for now at least
By Steve Tongue
Independent.co.uk
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Manchester United will have to wait until Saturday lunchtime at the earliest
to secure the Premier League title after Liverpool overtook them on goal
difference with a comfortable 3-0 win at West Ham.
But before Rafa Benitez's side play again, at West Bromwich Albion on
Saturday afternoon, United will have played three times, hoping to secure
the seven points they need. The champions are at home to Manchester City
today and at Wigan on Wednesday before Arsenal visit Old Trafford in the
early kick-off on Saturday.
"It's a derby, so they could make a mistake," Benitez said of today's game.
"Still we have to believe. We've lost only two games and we're playing
better and better." Yesterday they were much too good for West Ham, whose
manager Gianfranco Zola admitted: "I don't think Manchester United will let
the title slip away considering the experience they have."
Steven Gerrard scored two goals before half-time, equalling his best of 23
in a season, and Ryan Babel added the third. "We were in a very good
position because we scored the early goal," Benitez added. "When you have
Gerrard and Torres on the pitch, it's a massive difference."
Sir Bobby Charlton claimed last night the present United side may be the
best yet in the club's distinguished history. "Absolutely they could be the
greatest and they probably are," said Charlton, who is now a United
director. "It is a different game and you can't really compare, but it's
just magic and you have to enjoy it while it's here."
The only setback for United in the past week has been Darren Fletcher's
sending-off in the Champions' League semi-final at Arsenal, which means he
will miss the final against Barcelona.
Yesterday Chelsea's manager, Guus Hiddink, urged Uefa to review the decision
and the dismissal of Barcelona's Eric Abidal at Stamford Bridge. "I think
they have to reconsider," he said. "It wasn't Abidal's intention to tackle.
That's why we're asking for justice."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan delighted with West Ham form
10.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
Diego Tristan is delighted with the way he has revived his career at West
Ham United. The Spanish striker told the West Ham matchday programme: "On a
personal level I am proving something to myself and to those people who
might have wondered about me because I'd not played for a long time. "They
can see I still have something to give and am still scoring goals and doing
it in an important league like this one which is the best in the world along
with the Spanish. It makes me feel happy and proud to be showing I still
belong at the top level." Tristan's contract expires at the end of the
current season, but manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed that the forward's
impressive form could see the experienced hitman extend his stay at the
Boleyn Ground.
"I came with the idea of playing this season and then we'd see at the end of
it. I will do my best in the three games we've got left and then we'll see.
I will speak to the manager and he will decide. I just hope that in these
three games I can keep playing well, scoring goals and helping this team
achieve their goal of qualifying for Europe."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Tomkins close to England call
10.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
England boss Fabio Capello saw West Ham youngster James Tomkins impress
yesterday, despite their defeat to Liverpool. Afterwards, Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola said: "James Tomkins is playing well, week in, week out.
Above all he looks like a veteran. "So don't be surprised if soon you see
him playing for the national team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool boss Benitez not surprised by form of West Ham's Tristan
10.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez isn't surprised to see Diego Tristan now proving
his worth at West Ham United. Before yesterday's victory at Upton Park ,
Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "He is a very good player. "He did really well
when he was with Real Mallorca and Deportivo La Coruna. He was a big player
with great quality. "He will be dangerous, clearly. He doesn't have big pace
now but he has quality and he is clever. He can use both feet, so he's a
threat."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson1
Thank You so much to those who have already contributed
Posts
