Daily WHUFC News - 16th September 2012

Big Sam content with 'hard-earned' point
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce accepted the draw and clean sheet West Ham United collected at
Norwich City on Saturday
15.09.2012

Sam Allardyce was left harbouring mixed emotions following West Ham United's
goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Norwich City. Big Sam was happy to
see his side achieve a third clean sheet in four league matches - four in
five in all competitions - this season, but lamented the lack of a clinical
cross or finish in the final-third that denied his team victory. Speaking to
West Ham TV, the manager saw his team start well at Carrow Road, only for
Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole and Ricardo Vaz Te all to be denied an opening
goal. Norwich came back strongly, with one goalmouth melee seeing Jussi
Jaaskelainen make two fine saves before the break.
Into the second half and the end-to-end nature of the game continued as
Jaaskelainen thwarted Simeon Jackson and Robert Snodgrass, while substitute
Matt Jarvis saw one shot deflected narrowly wide and a succession of crosses
come agonisingly close to producing an opening. "It was unbelievable that it
finished goalless for both sides, really," said Big Sam. "In the early
stages were the dominant side in terms of chances created and the
disappointing thing for us was not getting our noses in front at that
particular stage in the first ten or 15 minutes. "I didn't expect us to miss
those chances, to be honest, with the way we were finishing against Fulham.
The chances that fell to us on Saturday were easier than the ones we scored
against Fulham. "Norwich came back into the game and we needed some
desperate defending at times to keep our clean sheet and keep them out. We
then got back in the game again but couldn't get the final ball right to
create more chances until Matt Jarvis came on. "Matt had a chance on the
edge of the boxes and put two great crosses in that we could have done
better with. The only disappointing thing was the fact Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt
Taylor, Joey O'Brien and Guy Demel didn't produce the sort of ball in the
final-third to punish Norwich. "Particularly going into the last
half-an-hour when they had lost their rhythm and shape, we were playing on
the break and exposing the space they were leaving. We were getting to the
final-third with no challenge from the opposition but fluffing the final
ball, be it the cross or the shot. That was the only frustrating thing for
me in the second half."

With Jaaskelainen and man of the match Winston Reid outstanding, West Ham
kept a third clean sheet in four Premier League matches played. That record
has seen the Hammers collect seven points from 12 and lose just once - an
error-strewn defeat at Swansea City. Big Sam believes that defensive
resilience will aid West Ham's hopes of enjoying a productive first season
back in the top-flight, labelling clean sheets the 'platform' on which
victories and valuable draws will be achieved. "Looking at the overall game,
I think it was a well-earned point because it could have gone either way
when you look at the 90 minutes. So, in saying that, a point away from when
you're just starting back in the Barclays Premier League is more than
acceptable. We started with a clean sheet and ended up with it and you have
to build a platform to be a successful side. Resilience is very important in
this league and we showed some really good resilience and determined
defending and showed some quality football apart from the final pass, cross
or shot. "The platform to build any successful side on is to concede fewer
goals than anyone else and if you do that then one goal wins you three
points. Generally, if you know you have a solid defence then you will end up
winning games two or three-nil because you are so confident about your
defending that the opposition open themselves up to try to break you down
and you punish them even more. "It builds the confidence of everybody to
know we're a solid unit and we're not going to have to score two or three
goals every time we play to win a game."

Norwich had started the second half in the ascendancy, but the Hammers were
able to turn the tide following the introduction of Jarvis and Modibo Maiga
just before the hour-mark. Jarvis helped lift the pressure with his running,
dribbling ability and pace, while Maiga offered a willing figure to trouble
the Canaries' centre-backs.
With Yossi Benayoun also appearing late on, Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and
George McCartney also on the bench and Andy Carroll and Jack Collison close
to returning from injury, the manager believes the strength in depth in his
squad can only be of benefit going forward. "I couldn't include Gary O'Neil
on my bench today - that's how strong my squad has got. He was very
disappointed that he didn't get his place on a seven-man bench but that
shows the depth and the talent in the squad now. Gary will get his chance at
some stage, I am sure about that. "Andy Carroll and Jack Collison are also
back at the training ground getting treatment, so there are another two
players. We have a 22-man squad with talent. The talent came on today and
tried to help us go up to that next level and win when the talent that was
already on the field was a little bit tired. "That's a massive thing to be
having on your substitutes' bench because if you haven't got it, then you're
bringing on a fresher player but reducing the talent. I don't think we're
doing that. We have players who can come on and make a difference from the
bench."

Finally, one player who has excelled so far this season - as he did last
term - is defender Reid. Despite travelling halfway around the world
following his midweek international duty with New Zealand, the 24-year-old
showed no signs of weariness to produce a truly outstanding performance. Big
Sam hailed the Kiwi's display, pointing to the development he has made as a
player over the past 12 months. "I don't want Reidy to get too big for his
boots but I think his growth in our team has been superb. When we had that
bad run of draws last season it's because he wasn't there. He was missing
because he got concussion playing in a friendly for New Zealand. "He missed
all those games and we conceded in most of those games. Winston Reid came
back and we went on to win, particularly at home, our games going into the
Play-Offs because he was there. "He has now carried that form into the
Premier League and shown that his all-round defending is exceptionally good
and I'm really pleased for him. His learning curve in one year has been
massive and he's looking excellent."

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McCallum making up for lost time
WHUFC.com
Paul McCallum has put an frustrating season behind him by starting the
season in fine form
15.09.2012

Paul McCallum is looking to continue his superb start to the 2012/13 season
when the Development Squad head to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. The
19-year-old striker has bagged three goals in three Barclays Under-21
Premier League fixtures so far this term, helping to fire the Hammers to
comprehensive victories over Reading and Everton. For the former Dulwich
Hamlet forward, it has been a case of making up for lost time after he
missed the majority of last season after suffering a fractured tibia. With
his first professional contract expiring at the end of the present campaign,
McCallum has every incentive to maintain his form. "I'm happy about scoring
three goals in three games individually, but collectively I'm really happy
for the team because they've been brilliant as well," said McCallum. "We
made a couple of changes and lost to Bolton in our third game, but we've got
to move on to The Hawthorns on Sunday and hopefully we can get another win.
"Last year, I was injured for the majority of the season, so I've had
determination to get back into the squad and do well. It was very important
that I had a good year last year, but I couldn't because of my shin. It's
made me even more determined to prove this year that I am good enough to be
here. "Playing at big stadia like The Hawthorns is a great experience.
Whereas before I was playing in front of a few people, we're playing in
front of big crowds and it feels good."

McCallum is part of a group of players who work with Development Squad coach
Ian Hendon on a daily basis. The teenager believes that the understanding
and team spirit among the club's younger players has been key to their
encouraging start. "I think it's good that we've been put into a reserve
league because last year we didn't have a proper league and were playing
friendlies here and there. This year we have a proper team and everybody
knows their job and straight away it has felt right. "Having Rob Hall
playing behind me has also given me a lot of confidence as well because I
know he is always going to be there when I bring the ball down."
As he continues to work on his own game and hones his skills as a targetman,
McCallum said he is looking forward to working with England international
Andy Carroll on the training pitch. "Andy Carroll has the aerial game that I
am good at and I need to show the gaffer that I can do it as well as the
other players and get into the first-team squad. "When I signed, we were in
the Premier League so that gave me a big boost in confidence, but last year
my confidence went right down. I've got three goals in three games now and
my confidence is high and I want to keep on scoring."

Looking further forward, the striker was named on the substitutes' bench for
the Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra. He is hoping for
a repeat when the Hammers host Wigan Athletic in the third round on Tuesday
25 September. "Against Crewe I was disappointed that I didn't get on, but on
the other hand I was very happy that I was on the bench. Against Wigan,
hopefully if I can get a few goals against West Brom on Sunday, then who
knows?" Sunday's match will be at The Hawthorns, with kick-off at 2pm.

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Norwich 0 West Ham 0
By Jimmy Smallwood
BBC Sport

Norwich are still searching for their first win of the season after a
goalless draw with West Ham. The hosts had appeals for a first-half penalty
rejected, with the referee correctly adjudging Andrew Surman to have been
fouled just outside the area. West Ham crafted several openings too, with
Canaries keeper John Ruddy forced into a number of point-blank saves. There
were enough chances today for this to finish 2-2. Norwich loanee Harry Kane
had two really good chances after coming off the bench, but couldn't find
the breakthrough goal. It's all a bit frustrating for the Canaries, and West
Ham will be the happier of the two teams with the outcome. But neither side
could break the deadlock, leaving Norwich winless and West Ham frustrated on
their travels. The visitors were having to manage without loan signing Andy
Carroll, a hamstring strain ruling the forward out of the Carrow Road
contest. Carlton Cole deputised in attack for the Hammers, who started the
stronger in an open, fluid game. The Canaries' England international
goalkeeper Ruddy was forced into a series of impressive close-range saves,
denying Ricardo Vaz Te, Cole and Kevin Nolan in the space of eight
first-half minutes.

In response, Norwich surged forward with Surman - brought into the starting
XI to replace the injured Anthony Pilkington - curling a dangerous effort
just wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen's right-hand post. When Hammers centre-back
James Collins then dived in recklessly on the same player on the edge of the
box, there were vociferous penalty appeals. However, referee Chris Foy - who
had already turned down one Canaries claim when Robert Snodgrass fell under
the challenge of West Ham captain Nolan - was adamant the foul was outside
the area. He awarded a free-kick and cautioned Collins, Norwich failing to
profit from the dead ball. Norwich continued to have the better of the game
in the second half, Simeon Jackson cracking a fierce 25-yard drive at
Jaaskelainen that the Finn could only palm over the bar. The Canaries
restricted West Ham to a series of corners and long-range efforts, with
substitute Matt Jarvis blazing over from distance, and they could, and
possibly should, have snatched a win at the end. On-loan Tottenham teenager
Harry Kane advanced on the West Ham goal having been played through by
Snodgrass, only to shoot tamely. Moments later Kane beat Guy Demel and tried
to return the favour by cutting the ball back to Snodgrass, but the Scotland
international's effort was blocked. A header from Steve Morison straight at
Jaaskelainen was the last action of the fixture, as Norwich recorded their
first 0-0 draw in the league since January and only their second clean sheet
in 18 games.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton: "We will look at the positives as it's a
clean sheet against a strong powerful West Ham side who will trouble a lot
of teams this season. "But we had better chances and, as long as we can
continue to play with that tempo and attitude, it will come. I'm
disappointed as I felt we could have won.
"It's about quality and a little bit of fortune. We got into some very good
positions and that final decision or pass could have been a little better.
"If we weren't creating chances I would be worried. Harry Kane will learn a
lot from this experience. I think he will be a super player."

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "For a goalless draw it was particularly
exciting considering the amount of chances there were. In the end, neither
of us had the quality to put the ball in the net. "From our point of view it
is a well-earned point. "It is our first point away from home this season
and another clean sheet is very satisfying. That's three clean sheets from
four since our return to the Premier League and that is a basis to build
from."

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Norwich City 0 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th September 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham grabbed their first point on the road of the current campaign with
a third clean sheet from four Premier League outings this season.

A backs-to-the-wall second half performance was the backbone of today's
goalless draw at Carrow Road, in which Sam Allardyce's side were more than a
match for their opponents in the opening 45 minutes but distinctly second
best after the break.

And but for recent signing Jussi Jaaskelainen, who made several important
stops - none more so than deep into injury time when he denied substitute
Harry Kane - West Ham could have been returning to London empty handed.

Although they struggled to get into their rhythm in the second half, the
Hammers were full of enterprise and creativity before the break. Whilst
Norwich perhaps had the slight edge, West Ham could have scored at least
twice.

United's best chances came firstly on 13 minutes, when Ricardo Vaz Te forced
a good save out of John Ruddy after some good work on the right flank and
Carlton Cole's resulting header, from the loose ball, was cleared off the
line.

And just six minutes later Kevin Nolan, fed by left back Joey O'Brien who
had worked his way around three Norwich players saw his shot from just six
yards well saved by Ruddy.

There was also plenty of action at the other end - with the most notable
incident occurring just ahead of the half time whistle. A desperate lunge by
James Collins, as he challenged Andrew Surman on the edge of the box, looked
to be a penalty as the advancing Norwich player hit the ground inside the
area.

But as TV replays confirmed, referee Chris Foy called it absolutely right
when he awarded a free kick, with the point of contact being inches outside
the box.

That was the third time Norwich had asked for a spot kick following appeals
in the first and 17th minutes - the first for hand ball and the second for a
foul. As on the third occasion, Foy was correct to deny Norwich those
either.

With Ricardo Vaz Te firing blanks from the right wing, there was very little
suplpy for Carlton Cole or his replacement Modibo Maiga to work with after
the break - although Matt Jarvis, a 57th minute replacement for Matt Taylor
at least offered one or two glimpses as to why West Ham considered
£10.75million a worthy investment.

West Ham were restricted to a handful of half chances in the second half
with Momo Diame, Vaz Te and Jarvis and all having pop shots. Meanwhile
Norwich worked Jaaskelainen in the West Ham goal on several occasions and
none more notable than when he tipped Jackson's goalbound effort over the
bar just six minutes after the restart.

The flying Finn was also on hand to deny Kane in the final minute of added
on time when City threatened to snatch all three points as they countered a
West Ham free kick. Kane, released on the left attempted to slip the ball
under Jaaskelainen but the former Bolton man was alert enough to dny the
Tottenham loanee.

The point leaves West Ham with seven from a maximum twelve in their first
four games which is a fine return. Some will point to the fact that West Ham
are yet to face any of the division's top sides but as the old adage goes,
you can only beat what's in front of you.

With West Ham having done that on both occasions at the Boleyn, today's
useful point gives Sam Allardyce's side the perfect platform for when
Sunderland visit Upton Park next weekend.

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Calling it right
Officials got it spot on, says Sky Sports pundit
Last Updated: September 15, 2012 3:32pm
SSN

Dean Ashton paid tribute to referee Chris Foy for correctly turning down two
Norwich penalty appeals against West Ham. "The second one was inches away
from the line and he made a great call. He can feel pleased with himself
that he's had a good game." The home players twice called for a spot kick
during the first half of Saturday's clash, which ended goalless, firstly
when Robert Snodgrass went down under a challenge by Kevin Nolan and then
when Andrew Surman was tripped by James Collins. The referee waved away the
first penalty claim and awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area
following the second incident. And Sky Sports expert Ashton said Foy
deserves credit for getting the key calls correct. He told Football Special:
"We get the luxury of getting to see it time and time again and slowing it
right down - and he doesn't - but I think he got both penalty incidents
right. "James Collins will look back and think he shouldn't challenge as he
has behind Grant Holt, but when you slow it right down you can see that
Surman's foot was still just outside the box as he planted it. "The
referee's got to make a split-second decision and go with what he thinks is
right. I'm sure he'll want to take the plaudits. "Fans always think they
should have penalties when perhaps they shouldn't, but I think any honest
fan would look at that and say it was just outside. "It is millimetres, but
you could see a little bit of grass between his foot and the white line.
It's such a big call for the referee and I'm sure he'll look back and be
glad he got it right. "On first thoughts I felt the first incident was a
penalty, but looking back on it you could see that Kevin Nolan just pulled
out at the last minute and didn't make contact. "Good referees get
themselves in good positions and he made a great decision there as well."

Speed

Ashton, who played for both Norwich and West Ham during his career, feels
it's tough for referees to keep up with the pace of the modern game. And he
says the officials should receive praise when they get the big decisions
correct. He added: "We slate referees enough and I think we should praise
them when they get decisions right. "He got two big decisions in West Ham's
favour and he got them right. I think we should praise him for that because
it's very difficult being a referee with the speed of the game. "The second
one was inches away from the line and he made a great call. He can feel
pleased with himself that he's had a good game."

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Big Sam hails big decision
West Ham boss delighted with referee Chris Foy
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
September 15, 2012 5:43pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was pleased with referee Chris Foy for
getting right a 'make-or-break' decision. The game at Carrow Road finished
goalless and was always a tight affair but just before the break the home
side appealed for a penalty when James Collins fouled Andrew Surman on the
edge of the box and the home fans were insistent a spot-kick should have
been given. However, replays showed Foy correctly ruled the challenge was
just outside the area. Allardyce was thankful that Foy got it right, and
when asked if the referee deserved credit, he told Sky Sports: "No doubt
about that. Those decisions can make or break you. "Chris has made a correct
decision today and by the looks of it, where the player finished, he could
easily have thought that was in the box. "Luckily for us it was a major
decision the referee got right and I'm really pleased about that."

Happy

Allardyce was happy with a 'hard earned point' and his team's third clean
sheet in four Premier League games since their promotion but felt his side
could have taken something from the match. "I think we should have scored in
the first stage of the game, that is when we were at our best but the
chances came and went," he continued. "Then as I expected Norwich came back
into the game as they did and in the end, it is away from home and a hard
earned point and another clean sheet, three clean sheets in four games is an
excellent record to start back in the Barclays Premier League when you have
just been promoted. "It was an entertaining game, it was not as if both
teams sat back, we both went attacking and there were chances at both ends.
"Overall I am pleased as we picked up a point away from home, clean sheet
and we move on. "We enjoyed coming here and playing and we have got a result
and now move onto Sunderland where we look for three points."

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Canaries yet to take flight
West Ham take point from Carrow Road
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
September 15, 2012 3:57pm
SSN

Norwich City are still without a win in the Premier League after being held
to a goalless draw at home to West Ham United.

MATCH FACTS
Man of the Match : Robert Snodgrass - Comfortable on the ball, passed well
and always willing to get in the opposition box.
Moment of the Match : Late in the game young Norwich sub Harry Kane broke
free and could have won the game but needed more composure to put the ball
away
Attempt of the Match : A terrific passage of play saw Snodgrass have a low
parried before he and Holt had efforts blocked by a Wes ham defence who
threw their bodies in the way of everything
Save of the Match : Jussi Jaaskelainen made a superb tip-over save to deny
Simeon Jackson
Talking point : Norwich are still without a win this season, how worrying is
that?

On a day of few chances in Norfolk, the best actually came in the final
minutes when substitute Harry Kane was handed the chance for a dream debut.
But the on-loan Tottenham man fired straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen in the
West Ham goal who, like his counterpart John Ruddy, was almost a spectator
for most of the match - although he did make one excellent stop from Simeon
Jackson in the second half. Chris Hughton's men enjoyed the better of the
first half, and felt they should
have been awarded a penalty when James Collins upended Andrew Surman, but
referee Chris Foy correctly ruled the challenge was just outside the area.
West Ham also had their chances, with Carlton Cole's early chance blocked
and Ruddy saving from Kevin Nolan. Both sides, though, seemed to run out of
ideas as the match wore on - and it was Kane's chance which proved the best.

Early chance

There was an early opportunity for West Ham in the Norfolk sunshine when a
corner was only half-cleared and the ball flashed back across the Norwich
goal by Matt Taylor. At the other end, Surman, in for the injured Anthony
Pilkington, cut inside the West Ham box after a quick break down the left
and curled the ball just wide of the far post. Surman continued to press the
Irons back, with Guy Demel making a superb tackle to halt his charge into
the penalty area. However, on 13 minutes, it was West Ham who made the first
clear opening when Ricardo Vaz Te got away down the right and his cross was
headed goalwards by Cole, but Russell Martin knocked it off the line, with
Taylor lashing the loose rebound wide. Norwich felt they should have been
awarded a penalty when Robert Snodgrass weaved in from the right and was
blocked by Nolan as he cut back inside - but, in a sign of things to come,
referee Foy was having none of it. The Irons skipper then almost put his
side ahead when he got on the end of Joey O'Brien's cross after the
full-back's strong run down the Norwich left, but England keeper Ruddy made
a smart reaction save.
Norwich capitalised on some poor defending as Snodgrass dashed onto a loose
ball down the right, but his cutback towards Jackson in the six-yard box was
hacked behind by Collins. West Ham then produced a series of blocks and
saves by Jaaskelainen from the resulting corner to turn away successive
efforts from Snodgrass, Sebastien Bassong, Grant Holt and Surman. On 33
minutes, the home side went close again as Holt scuffed wide following a
knockdown from Snodgrass. Foy again incurred the wrath of the home crowd
four minutes before half-time.

Big decision

Surman was upended by Collins as he darted into the penalty box, but the
Merseyside official correctly ruled the clumsy challenge had taken place
just inches outside the line. Johnson crashed the free-kick into the wall,
before full-back Javier Garrido lashed the rebound wide. Norwich started the
second half brightly, with Jackson's 25-yard effort tipped over by
Jaaskelainen, who almost joined the Canaries before signing at Bolton.
Snodgrass was just off target with a low effort, and Johnson shot straight
at the keeper before West Ham made a double change on 57 minutes when Jarvis
and Modibo Maiga replaced Taylor and Cole. Norwich again tested Jaaskelainen
when Leon Barnett nodded a deep cross back into the six-yard box and
Bassong's looping header was picked out of the air. As the hour passed,
Canaries manager Hughton sent on Steve Morison for Jackson. The former
Millwall frontman tried his luck with a 20-yard effort after a smart
knockdown on his chest, but the shot looped over. England Under 21 forward
Kane replaced the ineffective Holt for the final 19 minutes. As the match
opened up again, Jarvis, signed from Wolves, saw his shot blocked after a
quick break into the Norwich half following a poor throw-in. Kane created
space for a shot on the edge of the area, but his effort was wide of the
mark. Then in stoppage time, the 19-year-old was played in on the overlap
after a quick break, but scuffed a tame effort straight at the keeper.
And there was still time for Kane to produce another chance, as he squared
the ball back for Snodgrass - but the Scot saw his goal-bound effort
deflected wide

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Norwich 0 West Ham 0
The Sun
By PAUL JIGGINS
Published: 15th September 2012

IT'S a good job Grant Holt signed a new contract in the summer — because he
is not earning any goal bonuses at the moment. The Norwich striker, who
scored 17 goals last season, is still waiting to get off the mark this time
around. And yesterday he looked a shadow of the frontman who bulldozed and
bamboozled Premier League defences last term. His lacklustre display against
the Hammers showed that England boss Roy Hodgson was right to ignore the
clamour to include Holt in his squad for Euro 2012. It also suggested that
maybe the Canaries were a bit hasty in buckling to their captain's demands
for a fat, new three-year deal in the close season. Boss Chris Hughton
denied that Holt's sluggish start to the season has anything to do with the
player enjoying life in the comfort zone after safeguarding his future. But
how else do you explain his disappointing display? In a game of plenty of
chances, Holt managed to register just one shot on target. Worse still, he
seemed sorely off the pace. But Hughton, who only took over at Carrow Road
in the summer, insisted: "I can only speak as I find and he has been very
focused in games and in training. I have not seen any lack of hunger "I have
seen the same desire in him that he's always shown."

You have to respect Hughton for backing his captain, but his comments will
not fool anybody watching this clash — especially the home fans who booed
when Simeon Jackson was subbed instead of Holt in the 64th minute. Nobody
was surprised when Holt was taken off seven minutes later. Hughton added:
"I'm sure that if somebody of Grant's quality keeps getting into the right
positions and we keep creating chances for him it won't be long before he
scores. "He will work even harder to make it right." Norwich created
numerous scoring opportunities. The Holt of last season would have gobbled
at least one up. As it is, Hughton's men had to settle for their third draw
in four matches, which is fine if your opposition included top-six teams but
worrying given they featured games against Fulham, QPR and West Ham.

Especially as Norwich's next four are Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea and
Arsenal. That means if results go to form, the Canaries could still be on
three points by the time we reach mid-October. Now Hughton is a widely
respected and popular coach, but if things do not improve, his hopes of
making Christmas will be as bleak as a Bernard Matthews turkey. But he said:
"I'd be sitting here a lot more concerned if we were not creating chances.
We need more guile and quality along with a bit more good fortune." But for
some poor finishing and superb keeping by Jussi Jaaskelainen, his team would
have won. His best effort was a double stop to deny Holt and Russell Martin
in a frantic goalmouth scramble. Norwich had two penalty claims turned away
by referee Chris Hoy — both right calls.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce agreed and said: "Major decisions have got to
be right. "It's a clean sheet and a very valuable point away from home and
I'm satisfied with that."

Norwich: Ruddy, Russell Martin, Barnett, Bassong, Garrido, Snodgrass,
Howson, Johnson, Surman, Holt (Kane 71), Jackson (Morison 63). Subs not
used: Rudd, Turner, Hoolahan, Fox, Tierney.

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, Diame, Noble, Vaz Te
(Benayoun 86), Nolan, Taylor (Jarvis 57), Cole (Maiga 57). Subs not used:
Henderson, McCartney, Tomkins, Diarra. Booked: Collins.
Att: 26,806
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

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Ref was spot on with penalty call, admits Norwich boss Hughton
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:25, 15 September 2012 | UPDATED: 19:25, 15 September 2012
Daily Mail

Chris Hughton could not fault the efforts of his Norwich players despite the
frustration of a goalless draw against West Ham which left them still
without a Barclays Premier League win. The Canaries enjoyed the better of
the first half and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when James
Collins upended Andrew Surman, but referee Chris Foy correctly ruled the
challenge was just outside the area. Jussi Jaaskelainen denied Simeon
Jackson with a fine save just after the restart, but both sides ran out of
ideas. On-loan Tottenham youngster Harry Kane could have won it for the
hosts in stoppage time, only to scuff his shot straight at Jaaskelainen.
'There is a bit of frustration because we have had three games where we
cannot fault the performance or the chances we have created,' said Hughton,
who took over from Paul Lambert after he left for Aston Villa in the summer.
'We coped with West Ham very well, but when we have our opportunities, we
have to be showing a bit more quality and guile, perhaps also a bit of
fortune in that final third. 'I felt we did enough today and on the balance
of play had enough to win the game. 'There can be a disappointment we have
not got the goals to win the game, but no-one can question the endeavour of
the players.'

The Norwich manager accepts Hoy's decision was spot on, but that perhaps the
hosts were out of luck. He said: 'The one on the line was very close. In
another game, with another referee, then that is given. 'I think the referee
got his calls right.' Norwich captain Grant Holt failed to test the West Ham
defence, scuffing wide his best chance in the first half when the ball fell
to him in the penalty area. Hughton maintains the 31-year-old has lost none
of his hunger, having agreed a new deal after handing in a shock transfer
request at the end of the season which saw him become a summer target for
West Ham. 'I have seen the same desire in him that he has always shown
here,' said Hughton. 'The fact he has not scored will be a disappointment
for him, because he is a striker, and will work even harder to make it
right.

'What we want from every player is to be showing their best. 'Strikers want
to score and that is what Grant has done here over the past few seasons. 'I
am sure that will be the case again.' Hughton added: 'He has been very
focused on the games and in training, and I am quite sure with somebody of
Grant's qualities, if he keeps getting in the right positions and we can
keep creating chances, then it wont be long until he scores.' West Ham also
had their chances, especially early on when Carlton Cole's effort was
blocked and John Ruddy saved from Kevin Nolan. Substitute Matt Jarvis, a
£7million signing from Wolves, also saw a late effort deflected wide.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: 'It could have been anybody's game with
the way it went and the chances created, which no-one took. 'In the end, we
got the clean sheet and a very valuable point away from home. 'We have to be
satisfied with that because our finishing was not as good as it should have
been, nor was our final ball. 'We defended well, so it was a good point and
clean sheets now in three games out of four is a great basis to build any
team on.' Allardyce praised Merseyside referee Foy for what could easily
have been a game-changing call. 'It is a good decision by Chris Foy,' he
said. 'I have looked at the replay and he has got it right by inches. He
could so easily have been persuaded to give the penalty by where the player
finished in the box. 'Major decisions have to be given correctly by the
referee, and in this case, it was.'

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