West Ham United 3 Sunderland 1
Cole, Gordon(og), Bellamy Jones
Barclays Premier League 21st October 2007 Kick-off: 16:00
Venue: Upton Park Attendance: 34,913 Referee:Chris Foy
West Ham United moved back into the top half of the table with a welcome 3-1
victory against Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground.
Carlton Cole's early header set them on their way, and although the
impressive Kenwyne Jones levelled early in the second half, an own-goal from
Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon and an added-time Craig Bellamy strike
made certain of three precious points. A late double substitution made all
the difference with Nolberto Solano and Luis Boa Morte more than playing
their part.
A hat-trick of Premier League defeats had seen West Ham United go into the
match in eleventh place in the table. But, following the loss at Aston Villa
a fortnight ago, Alan Curbishley had at least been able to recall the
fit-again Bellamy in place of Dean Ashton (knee), while Mark Noble and Cole
came in for Freddie Ljungberg (calf) and substitute Henri Camara, who was
joined on the bench by Solano for the first time since his transfer
deadline-day arrival.
Languishing in 16th spot, Sunderland came into this game without a win in
three games, too, and following his side's 3-2 defeat at Arsenal, Roy Keane
also made a trio of switches as suspended Paul McShane found his place taken
by Greg Halford, while Roy O'Donovan and Dickson Etuhu came in for Dwight
Yorke and substitute Michael Chopra.
The Black Cats made a lively start as Jones nodded Ross Wallace's free-kick
from the right-hand touchline over the top inside the opening minute. With
the Trinidad and Tobago international seemingly set to go it all alone up
front, it looked like Curbishley's men would need to spend the afternoon
patiently prodding and probing.
As it happened, they did not have to wait too long to find the breakthrough.
With just nine minutes on the clock, a methodical build-up saw Hayden
Mullins send George McCartney racing away down the left flank, and the
Northern Ireland international's pinpoint cross was met by Cole, who
outjumped both Danny Collins and team-mate Lee Bowyer, to send a clever,
eight-yard header looping over Gordon.
Despite suffering that early setback, the visitors still tried to find Jones
at every opportunity and when the £6m signing from Southampton let fly from
25 yards, Robert Green showed just why he has been knocking on Steve
McClaren's England door with a fantastic flying save to deny Sunderland a
15th-minute leveller.
As the contest ebbed and flowed, West Ham United also had chances to double
their advantage before the break as Matthew Etherington's low 18-yard shot
curled wide before Noble's deep free-kick was headed behind at the far post
by the disappointed Bowyer.
Keane introduced Chopra and Anthony Stokes in place of Wallace and O'Donovan
at half-time and it soon paid off. Within six minutes, Leadbitter's corner
was met by Jones, who sent a powerful header past the diving Green.
Having levelled, Sunderland then subjected West Ham to some nervy moments as
Leadbitter unleashed a 20-yarder that the home goalkeeper pushed on to his
right-hand post. Another carbon-copy corner saw Noble forced to scoop
Etuhu's goal-bound header off the line.
With the visitors gaining the upper hand, Curbishley responded with a
double-substitution of his own as Solano emerged for his debut alongside Boa
Morte, as Noble and Etherington retired.
On 77 minutes, those two new faces combined to restore the lead, when Boa
Morte's low left-wing centre found its way to Solano at the back of the
area, and although the Peruvian's shot struck the base of Gordon's left-hand
post, the ball rebounded off the luckless keeper and into the net.
Then, in added time, Bellamy marked his return to action with his fourth
goal of the season, when he rifled in Boa Morte's clever cut-back to put
Curbishley's men back on the winning trail.
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Green does it again - WHUFC
21/10/2007 21:16
Robert Green turned in another spectacular display as West Ham United
battled to a 3-1 victory against Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground today.
The England goalkeeper more than played his part in the win, not least
through a stunning save from Grant Leadbitter with the scores level just
before the hour mark. The young Sunderland midfielder cut inside from the
edge of the area and unleashed a stinging drive that seemed destined for the
net until the in-form No1 flew to his right to save.
Typically, the goalkeeper was modest about his heroics - despite manager
Alan Curbishley describing it as a "match-winning" moment. "It was one of
them things," Green said. "It is what you train for. He has hit it well and
probably wouldn't want to hit it any better. Thankfully I have managed to
get a couple of fingers on it and push it on to the post. It was pleasing to
make the save at an important time."
From that platform, the home side regained the lead - with substitutes
Nolberto Solano and Luis Boa Morte more than playing their part. For Green,
it was clear the result mattered more than the display. "All in all it was
one of them games where the goals proved critical above the performance and
it was an important win after the defeats that we had had."
He had positive words for visiting striker Kenwyne Jones, who had cancelled
out Carlton Cole's opener and had several other good chances. "He was a
threat," Green said. "They put great balls in and you know it was maybe a
case of trying to cut off the supply rather than dealing with him so much.
Five minutes after they scored, you would have taken a draw because they
looked a lot more threatening as a side than we did."
In the end, victory was achieved and Green was full of praise for the home
support who continue to sing his praises. He said: "They are a great bunch
of fans. It is fantastic to play here. It is a passionate crowd and it was
probably the flattest I have seen them today until the second half when the
game really got going. They will tell you what they think one way or another
and you'd rather it be like that."
Next up for West Ham United is Portsmouth away on Saturday evening and Green
has high hopes for another positive result against opponents who are likely
to have less of a defensive approach than today's opponents. "We know we can
play better. Maybe it will be easier next week when you know Portsmouth are
going to play and attack.
"You look at a team of Arsenal's quality and sometimes they find it hard to
break teams down so for are a team like us who are looking to improve and
step forward it is something maybe we are going to come across more often at
Upton Park."
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
22/10/2007 07:14
Alan Curbishley is "looking to push on from here" after West Ham United came
through a tricky test against Sunderland to claim a 3-1 victory.
With a tight Premier League encounter seemingly heading for a draw
yesterday, substitutes Luis Boa Morte and Nolberto Solano proved to be the
aces up the manager's sleeve, after he shuffled his pack with just over a
quarter-of-an-hour remaining. Mark Noble and Matthew Etherington made way
for the fresh legs of the two international-class players and they had an
instant impact.
"I got a bit of stick from the crowd for that double substitution but we had
to shake it up a little bit," Curbishley said after seeing his fresh-legged
duo engineer the win at the Boleyn Ground. In the end, a Solano-inspired
Craig Gordon own goal and a Craig Bellamy effort, set up by Boa Morte,
finally sunk Sunderland.
Earlier, Kenwyne Jones had wiped out Carlton Cole's first-half opener but
Curbishley was pleased his players were eventually able to turn things
around. "Thankfully, we managed to break upfield and score a couple of goals
but that's the way games go sometimes and I'll happily take three points.
"It was proving to be a difficult time for us because Sunderland were
enjoying a lot of possession and they had got themselves on top but,
fortunately, we managed to weather the storm and I'm delighted with the
result.
"Nolberto Solano has been at the club for five weeks but he's also been away
on international duty twice since then and he's only trained with us about
five times. "He only arrived back in England from Chile yesterday morning
and I just thought that he'd be better employed as a substitute," explained
Curbishley after the debutant Peruvian met Boa Morte's centre to force an
own goal from Gordon.
"What Nobby did for us today was the very reason why I brought him into the
club. He's got a great first touch, he brings people into the game and he
calms everything down." Boa Morte also had a hand in Bellamy's stoppage-time
strike but it owed much to the fit-again Wales captain's desire to score.
"Bellamy and Cole haven't started a game together and while they were both
running out of steam towards the end of the match. I stuck with Craig
because I just felt that if a late chance came along, then he would take
it," revealed Curbishley. "Before that, Roy Keane had done ever so well
after changing his team around at the break and Sunderland were a different
proposition in the second half.
"Although they had tried to make it difficult for us with their 4-5-1
formation, we'd still managed to break them down with Cole's goal and I felt
that we deserved to be in front at the interval. In fact, I was looking
forward to the second half but then Sunderland got off to the better start,
they managed to pen us in and Kenwyne Jones brought them back into the game
with his equaliser.
"After that, we found ourselves under a bit of pressure and Robert Green
also had to make a great, match-winning save from Grant Leadbitter. That
stop summed up exactly what Greeny's been doing for us all season and he
certainly hasn't done himself any harm out there today.
"After the international break, one or two of my players found it a bit
tough but we dug in and we got a result," concluded Curbishley ahead of his
tenth-placed side's visit to Harry Redknapp's high-flying Portsmouth on
Saturday. "Now I'm looking forward to picking up some more points and
pushing on from here."
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West Ham 3-1 Sunderland - BBC
By Jamie Lillywhite
A cruel own goal by Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon helped West Ham to a
fortuitous victory at Upton Park. The Hammers went ahead on nine minutes as
Carlton Cole twisted to head George McCartney's cross into the top corner.
Kenwyne Jones was a constant threat as Sunderland fought back and he
levelled after the break with a firm header. But substitute Nolberto
Solano's shot hit a post and went in off Gordon's boot, and Craig Bellamy
made sure with an injury-time third on the break. One of the best chances of
the match came in the first minute, Jones finding space inside the six-yard
box but heading Ross Wallace's corner over the bar. McCartney, facing his
former club, was the architect of the first goal, chesting down a Hayden
Mullins crossfield pass and sending in a teasing cross from the left flank.
Cole had plenty to do, as the ball was behind him and angling away from
goal, but he turned his body superbly to head into the top corner. Hammers
keeper Robert Green needed to be alert to turn round a speculative 20-yard
left-footed strike from Jones. Sunderland had their fair share of possession
but it was profligacy from West Ham that led to their next chance, Mark
Noble gifting the ball to Liam Miller, who shot straight at Green when well
place on the edge of the area. Roy Keane made a double change at half-time
and his team had much the better of the play for the majority of the second
period. Jones got a deserved equaliser with a superb leap and a firm header
into the bottom corner and his aerial threat was soon evident again as he
flicked on Gordon's punt downfield. Grant Leadbitter collected the ball in
his stride and ghosted through the defence before unleashing a drive that
thudded against the inside of the post, Green at full stretch getting an
all-important touch on the stinging left-foot shot. Jones even proved
effective in defence when he managed to prevent Cole getting maximum power
with his shot on the turn and Gordon gathered. Sunderland continued to cause
problems from set pieces and Dickson Etuhu went close with a header that
Noble cleared on the line. With West Ham failing to cope with the crosses,
Jones drifted clear again but his header flashed past the post. But it was a
substitution from Alan Curbishley that led to the winning goal, in the most
unfortunate of circumstances for Sunderland. Solano replaced Noble and
clinically pounced on a loose ball inside the area. As Gordon lay on the
turf having seen the former Newcastle midfielder's cool effort come back off
the woodwork, the ball connected with his outstretched right foot and rolled
agonisingly into the net. Understandably the goal knocked the stuffing out
of Sunderland and as they pressed in the dying moments, Luis Boa Morte broke
down the left and crossed for Bellamy to flick home at the near post and
give the scoreline an unfair reflection.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "We were fortunate but another time we might
have the lion's share and come away with nothing. "I was expecting more in
the second half but we were stunned by their goal and Sunderland grew in
stature. "They came onto us and we did look dangerous on the break."
Sunderland manager Roy Keane: Annoyed would be an understatement. You make
your own luck and we've got to stop giving away bad goals. "I made a
mistake with the three in midfield but changed it and we got the goal back.
I always thought the next goal was going to win it."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble (Solano
73), Mullins, Etherington (Boa Morte 74), Cole (Ferdinand 84), Bellamy. Subs
Not Used: Wright, Camara.
Booked: Cole, Bellamy, Bowyer.
Goals: Cole 9, Gordon 78 og, Bellamy 90.
Sunderland: Gordon, Halford, Nosworthy, Higginbotham, Collins (Harte 80),
O'Donovan (Chopra 46), Leadbitter, Miller, Etuhu, Wallace (Stokes 46),
Jones. Subs Not Used: Ward, Connolly.
Booked: Leadbitter, Halford.
Goal: Jones 52.
Att: 34,913.
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
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Curbishley: we weathered the storm - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 21st October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley looks back on a game that could have had a very different
outcome ...
An inspired substitution? Well I got a bit of stick for it but we had to
shake it up, didn't we? I think Roy did ever so well second-half. He changed
his team and they was a different proposition.
We said at half-time I thought we deserved to be in front. Sunderland made
it quite difficult for us playing 4-5-1 and asked us to break them down, but
we did and I was obviously looking forward to the second-half.
I was looking for a better start but it was Sunderland who got the start and
Sunderland who was perhaps in the ascendancy and penned us in and played to
their strengths. Kenwyne Jones scoring brought them right back into the
game, you know.
It was a difficult time for us, but we weathered the storm and Greenie made
a great save. A match-winning save, if you like, and we knew we was under
pressure a little bit.
But we broke, scored a couple and perhaps could've scored again. But that's
the way games go sometimes, so I'll take the three points for sure.
Why hasn't Solano been in the side before? Well he's been at the club for
five weeks. Four of those weeks have been international breaks. He's only
trained five times and he arrived back in the country Saturday morning from
Chile and I just felt that he'd be better used as a sub.
But the reason I brought him in is because of what he did. His great first
touch, he brings people into the game.
It was a very difficult game for us so I'm delighted with the result.
A great save by Green? Oh, a match-winning save I think. Sunderland was on
top, I don't know how many chances they've created but they was obviously on
top and had the most possession and we was holding on.
It was a great save. I think it sums up what he's done this year. That's how
he has been and he hasn't done himself any harm.
Bellamy? Well we put Craig Bellamy back in with Carlton Cole and they've not
played together. Not even in pre-season, I think. Carlton Cole needed a game
as well.
The two of them were running out of steam at the end but I felt Craig was
perhaps the strongest and if there was a chance I'd like him to take it -
and that's how he did it.
It was a difficult game for us. One or two of them looked tired. I see Mark
Noble had pie and mash before the game; perhaps he had two or three pies, I
dunno - he obviously looked a bit leggy and I think he's got a sore foot.
One or two of them looked tired but they dug in and we got the result. I'm
looking forward now to perhaps picking up some more and pushing on.
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Keane: you make your own luck - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 21st October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Black Cats boss Roy Keane refuses to blame Lady Luck for his team's 3-1
defeat at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon ...
How did we manage to lose that? When you concede three goals there's every
chance you're going to lose a game of football and that's what happened. We
started sluggish. When you concede three goals it's going to be hard to win
any game.
The second goal? You look at it and fifteen, maybe twenty seconds before
that we did have possession. So I don't want to come here and start talking
about luck being against us. I think you make your own luck.
We were in a great position at 1-1 and if we score again I don't think we
lose the game - whether we win it remains to be seen but I don't believe
luck was against us.
Was it naivety? I wouldn't say that, no. We gave the ball away before the
lad scored and when you give the ball away like we did, a couple of times in
the first half as well, the beauty of the Premiership is you're going to get
punished.
Did the game turn on Robert Green's save? Well it was a massive part of the
game, of course. It was a fantastic save. Sometimes I can be critical about
players missing chances but sometimes you've just got to take your hat off
to the 'keeper - unbelievable save.
If we go 2-1 up there I certainly couldn't see us losing the game. Then they
go down the other end and score - that's the Premiership. But I don't come
here looking for sympathy. That's the Premiership and you've got to deal
with it.
Am I tired of going home empty handed from London? I've only been to London
how many times? Two times ... that's not many, is it? There's a few more to
come. That's probably the best we've played.
It was the same at Arsenal. We left there empty handed and people gave us
plaudits, but I'm not here for plaudits - I'm here to win football matches.
We have to come back to London again and make sure we win.
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West Ham United 3 Sunderland 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 21st October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
A huge slice of luck helped the Hammers to a first league win since
mid-September against a plucky Sunderland side at the Boleyn Ground this
afternoon.
Craig Gordon's own goal - one of the flukiest ever witnessed at this famous
old ground - was enough to turn the game in United's favour when it appeared
to be heading for a draw.
Debutant Nobby Solano - on as a second half replacement for Mark Noble -
popped up at the far post in the 78th minute only to see his shot cannon off
the post.
However the unfortunate - and at that point, prone Gordon - saw the rebound
bounce off of his ankle and trickle back over the line to give the Hammers a
lead that, at that point, they had hardly deserved.
Although Alan Curbishley's charges had led at the break thanks to Carlton
Cole's ninth minute strike it was the visitors who had enjoyed near total
domination between half-time and West Ham's second goal.
Having got the equaliser through Kenwyn Jones on 52 minutes they were
unlucky not to be ahead before Gordon's 'most embarrasing moment', with the
Hammers having been saved first by the woodwork and then by the outstretched
boot of Mark Noble who prevented a second Sunderland score with a goal-line
clearance.
But West Ham were always dangerous on the break and it was from one such
foray into enemy territory that the second goal arrived - and subsequently
the third, expertly finished by Craig Bellamy in the second minute of injury
time.
Carlton Cole had given the Hammers an early lead with his first goal of the
season. The big striker - only playing due to the absence of the injured
Dean Ashton - headed home a George McCartney cross to give the Hammers the
lead.
Rob Green - who may be forgiven for expressing a wry smile at England's
result against Russia in midweek - had very little to do in a fairly quiet
first half, but still remained alert to make a now trademark world-class
save to deny Leadbitter on 57 minutes with a flying save that diverted a
top-corner-bound effort onto the post.
At that time - and until the 78th minute - it seemed as if there would be
only one winner, and with the home crowd growing restless Curbishley made a
double substitution that would prove to win the game.
Both Solano and Boa Morte (on for Noble and Etherington respectively) played
major parts in the two goals that followed, even if Solano was perhaps the
more fortunate of the two given the timely intervention of Craig Gordon's
right boot.
The win takes the Hammers back into the top half of the table, six points
clear of Tottenham in 18th place and five behind Portsmouth in fifth.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Mullins, Noble
(Solano 74), Bowyer, Etherington (Boa Morte 74), Cole (Ferdinand 85),
Bellamy.
Subs not used: Wright, Camara.
Booked: Cole (12), Bellamy (80), Bowyer (81).
Goals: Cole (9), Gordon (og 78), Bellamy (92).
Sunderland: Gordon, Halford, Higginbotham, Nosworthy, Collins (Harte 80),
O'Donovan (Stokes 46), Leadbitter, Miller, Etuhu, Wallace (Chopra 46),
Jones.
Subs not used: Ward, Connolly.
Booked: Leadbitter (17), Halford (56).
Goals: Jones (52).
Referee: Chris Foy.
Attendance: tbc.
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Green admits frustration - SSN
West Ham keeper wants answers from England camp
Last updated: 21st October 2007
Robert Green has pleaded with Steve McClaren to be handed a chance with
England after being overlooked for the recent Euro 2008 qualifiers. Despite
having played some of the best football of his career this season, the West
Ham goalkeeper has repeatedly been shunned by the national side. Paul
Robinson's poor form for Tottenham has added further weight to Green's claim
that he is worthy of inclusion, as England struggle to find a reliable and
consistent No.1. Green concedes that his omission has been mystifying as he
believes he was a regular in McClaren's squad when his form was not as
strong as it is now. I don't think that I've played any better than I have
been," he told The People. "I've played worse and been in the team. It's
difficult to understand why I'm not involved in the England set-up or even
had a look in at all - I find that a bit harsh. "Steve McClaren has said
before that I'm in his thoughts, but I'd like to know what I am doing or not
doing to be in with a chance. "I haven't been given any reason why I'm not
in the squad. There is an obvious frustration that comes with that and it
would be nice to get some answers - and hopefully I'll get some soon. "It's
out of my hands and the decision is something I can do nothing about."
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Hammers see off Black Cats - SSN
Hammers get back to winning ways with lucky victory
Last updated: 22nd October 2007
Craig Gordon's unfortunate own goal helped West Ham to a fortuitous 3-1 win
over Sunderland at Upton Park. The Scottish international unluckily put the
ball into his own net 12 minutes from time after Nolberto Solano's shot came
back off the post and hit the keeper on the back before agonisingly rolling
into the empty net. Craig Bellamy made sure of the win when he added a third
goal late on when flicking home Luis Boa Morte's cross. The result was harsh
on Sunderland who dominated large periods of the second half after Kenwyne
Jones cancelled out Carlton's Cole's early opener. Sunderland could have
been ahead in the first minute after winning a corner. Ross Wallace's corner
picked out the towering Jones but his unchallenged header flew over the bar
from about eight yards.
There was another early scare at the back for Hammers when keeper Robert
Green spilled the ball after Halford's throw-in was flicked on but the
England candidate soon recovered to snatch it at the second attempt. Hayden
Mullins then sent George McCartney down the left and the fullback's fine
cross was looped in over keeper Gordon by a header from Cole who scored his
first goal of the season in only his third start. Green was called into
action again though when he turned Jones' speculative shot from distance
over the bar for a corner but West Ham comfortably cleared the set-piece.
Etherington was fouled by O'Donovan as Sunderland started to pull back in
numbers and his free-kick was swept to the far post where unmarked Lee
Bowyer headed over the crossbar.
Sunderland showed little attacking ambition, often leaving the powerful
Jones up front on his own but despite his industry the former Southampton
striker was starved of real support. It was no surprise to see two
Sunderland substitutes on the field for the second half, former Arsenal
youngster Anthony Stokes and striker Chopra replacing the ineffective Ross
Wallace and Roy O'Donovan.
Keane clearly needed to knock Hammers out of their stride but it was the
familiar figure of Jones who levelled just seven minutes into the second
half. He made full amends for his early miss when Leadbitter flung over a
corner from the right, again outjumping the defenders and, this time,
powering is header into the corner of the net for his fourth goal of the
season for his new side. And there was a major let-off for West Ham on 58
minutes when Leadbitter's powerful drive seemed certain to put Sunderland
ahead as he raced on to Jones's aerial assist before Green palmed it on to a
post and it was scrambled clear for a corner. Another flying leap by Jones
forced Gabbidon to concede a corner which West Ham struggled to clear but
when they earned a dubious flag kick of their own - Danny Higginbotham was
convinced he was fouled by Bellamy - Cole almost forced a rebound home with
a stabbed shot which Gordon grabbed just in time. Then, after Bowyer knocked
Dickson Etuhu's header off the line, it was Etuhu whose last-ditch
intervention stopped Bellamy and Noble both tucking away a West Ham chance
in the six-yard area. Jones was just off target for Sunderland with a 69th
minute header as both sides went for the winner.
West Ham replaced Noble and Etherington with Boa Morte and debut-making
Solano in the 73rd minute and the pair combined for a goal four minutes
later, an unlucky own goal for goalkeeper Gordon. Boa Morte's run down the
left produced a deflected cross, with Solano, in acres of space at the far
post moving in for the kill. The Peruvian's careful shot beat Gordon but
came back off a post, hitting the keeper's legs before rolling in. Bellamy
made sure for Hammers in injury time, finishing off another left-wing run by
Boa Morte.
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Curbs: Win flattered us
Curbishley relieved to take the spoils
Last updated: 22nd October 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley conceded his side rode their luck in the
3-1 victory over Sunderland. The Hammers ended a run of three straight
Premier League defeats with a fortunate win over a battling Black Cats. An
unfortunate Craig Gordon own goal and Craig Bellamy's late strike gave West
Ham a much-needed three points and Curbishley admitted the result flattered
his side. "We'll take it because there's going to be another time we have
the lion's share of a game and come out with nothing," Curbishley told Sky
Sports 1. "We got stunned by the goal and it turned the whole thing round,
Sunderland grew in stature after that." Curbishley admitted Robert Green's
save from Grant Leadbitter in the second half had been crucial to the
outcome of the game. "It was a major save, if that had gone in it would have
been difficult for us to get back in," added Curbishley. "Sunderland will be
very disappointed but we will take it. "We won the game and I told the
players to enjoy it as much as you can. "It is a big three points for us."
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Curbs backs Green for England - SSN
West Ham goalkeeper tipped to replace Robinson
By Pete Allison Last updated: 20th October 2007
Alan Curbishley has urged Steve McClaren to turn to Robert Green to solve
England's goalkeeping concerns. Question marks have been raised over
McClaren's decision to stick by first-choice goalkeeper Paul Robinson, and a
series of poor performances have lead to close scrutiny over his
contribution to the national side. With Curbishley's backing, Green now
appears to be making a strong case for the No.1 jersey, and his manager says
he can see no reason as to why his player has not been brought into
contention. "He came out of the England squad through injury and has done
nothing wrong," Curbishley told the Daily Mirror.
He's been very consistent for us at the back end of last season and he's
started the same again this season. "All he can do is keep going, I spoke to
Steve McClaren before the Russia game about Robert and one or two other
things. "He is very aware that Robert is playing well. This weekend gives
Robert another chance to show everybody what he's about." Green will look to
again prove his worth as the attention switches back to the Premier League,
with West Ham taking on Sunderland on Sunday.
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West Ham 3-1 Sunderland - Soccernet
Hammers stun Sunderland
Two late goals ended West Ham's three-match losing run after Nolberto Solano
and Luis Boa Morte came on to orchestrate a bubbling finale at Upton Park.
It was 1-1 when manager Alan Curbishley called for a double change in the
73rd minute amid cries of 'you don't know what you are doing' as midfield
favourite Mark Noble went off with Matthew Etherington. But Solano, a free
transfer from Newcastle making his Hammers debut after playing twice for
Peru last week, soon had the fans changing their tune. When Boa Morte's
cross from the left was deflected to him in acres of space at the far post
he applied a careful finish that beat keeper Craig Gordon and came back off
a post - only to dribble back into the net off the luckless Scotsman's legs.
Then, in injury time of a match Hammers seemed to have thrown away after
taking an early lead, another Boa Morte run laid on a simple tap-in for the
deserving Craig Bellamy, another player proving his fitness after an
international comeback for Wales following knee surgery. Sunderland seemed
likely to take at least a point when Kenwyne Jones headed them level from a
Grant Leadbitter corner seven minutes into the second half. And Leadbitter
was unlucky to see Robert Green make a flying save from his shot, palming
the ball against a post. But the Hammers late show was the deciding factor
in a match that got better the longer it went on. Sunderland could have been
ahead in the first minute after winning a corner when Ross Wallace picked
out the towering Jones but the former Southampton striker's unchallenged
header flew over the bar from about eight yards. There was another early
scare at the back for Hammers when keeper Green spilled the ball after
Halford's throw-in was flicked on but the England candidate soon recovered
to snatch it at the second attempt. But for the rest of the first half that
was practically all he saw of Sunderland apart from turning a long-range
effort by the hard-working Jones which soared over his crossbar.
Perhaps it was the fact that floodlights were on from the start despite a
bright, blue-skied autumn afternoon, that West Ham's passes consistently
found their targets in the first half. And it was a flowing move which ended
with them breaking their mini-drought - no goals in 238 league minutes -
when Cole, still deputising for injured Dean Ashton, notched his first of
the season in the ninth minute. Midfielder Hayden Mullins sent George
McCartney away down the left and the full back's fine cross was looped in
over Craig Gordon by Cole's header in only his third start of the campaign.
He blotted his copybook somewhat by collecting a booking just three minutes
later for a late tackle on Sunderland's Danny Collins but it was, in
charitable terms, perhaps a sign of renewed enthusiasm galvanised by the
goal and he was soon shooting again, a long-range drive well held by
£9million Scottish keeper Gordon. Gordon's opposite number Green was called
into action again when he turned Jones's speculative shot from distance over
the bar for a corner but West Ham comfortably cleared the set-piece and when
the combative Grant Leadbitter went in late on Lucas Neill, the Sunderland
man's name also went into referee Chris Foy's book. West Ham were sometimes
untidy in defence and slackness by Gabbidon allowed Liam Miller a shot from
20 yards that was too straight to really trouble Green. Up front they were
full of enterprise though, almost giving the lie to the fact that they had
lost their three previous league games and managed to beat Plymouth in the
Carling Cup only by a last-gasp Ashton effort before his latest injury.
Sunderland, without the still-injured Keiran Richardson and Dwight Yorke and
with Michael Chopra starting on the bench, were unable to emerge from a
defensive shell for long periods with Jones often marooned in attack on his
own. And before the break Matt Etherington's shot which skimmed just wide of
the far post before Lee Bowyer headed the winger's free-kick over the bar
from a promising, unmarked position. No wonder Roy Keane made two changes at
the interval, taking off first-starter O'Donovan and Wallace and sending on
ex-Arsenal youngster Anthony Stokes and Chopra. And it seemed to have reaped
a reward when Jones headed in to take his tally to four for his new club
this season. But Solano came on to take a bow and Boa Morte could have even
upstaged him had he converted an even later chance at 3-1.
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy hailed debutant Nolberto Solano as the
difference between the two sides following the Londoners' 3-1 win over
Sunderland.
After Kenwyne Jones had levelled for the visitors at Upton Park, the Peru
international drove the Hammers to victory, his shot rebounding off
Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon to restore the home side's lead. Bellamy
netted the third in stoppage time and praised his former Newcastle
team-mate. The Wales captain said: 'Fair play to Sunderland, they went
direct and got a goal from it but we deserved to get back. 'He (Solano) made
the difference when he came on. I fought a little bit to get him here
because he's an outstanding player.' West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admitted
the result flattered his side, but added: 'We'll take it because there's
going to be another time we have the lion's share of a game and come out
with nothing. 'We got stunned by the goal and it turned the whole thing
round, Sunderland grew in stature after that.'
Curbishley admitted Robert Green's save from Grant Leadbitter had been
crucial, adding on Sky Sports 1: 'It was a major save, if that had gone in
it would have been difficult for us to get back in. 'Sunderland will be very
disappointed but we will take it.'
Sunderland boss Roy Keane admitted he was annoyed not to get anything out of
the game, but felt the Black Cats were punished for basic mistakes.
'Annoyed would probably be an understatement but you make your own luck and
I don't want to be interviewed every week saying we've been unlucky,' Keane
said. 'I think we deserved something out of the game but that's football, we
gave away a couple of sloppy goals and got punished. 'We had to change it at
half-time, we were not in control of the game. We got the goal back and the
next goal was always going to win it and unfortunately it fell to West Ham.
'Credit to their goalkeeper, it was a fantastic save and helped them win the
game.'
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Vinny's Sunderland Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Oct 21 2007
West Ham United 3 Sunderland 1
To say we were fortunate to come out of this game with all three points
would be a bit of an understatement, and Sunderland will come away from
Upton Park this evening wondering how they didn't get the better of a
lacklustre and very mediocre West Ham side.
Yes, I know, a win is a win and we should just be happy that we came away
with a much-needed victory having lost three on the spin. But the phrase
"papering over the cracks" seems to be screaming out at me as once again I
watched West Ham play bland, unimaginative, boring football and once again I
watched an opposition who wanted the game more, and but for a world class
save from Robert Green, they would have got what their second half
performance deserved.
Changes were made from the side which were beaten at Villa Park a few weeks
ago. In midfield, Mark Noble returned to the centre in place of the injured
Freddie Ljungberg. This saw Lee Bowyer move out to the right hand side.
The two strikers were changed also as Dean Ashton was out with injury. Craig
Bellamy returned from his own injury problems to make his first start since
the home game against Middlesbrough and Carlton Cole replaced Henri Camera
who dropped to the bench.
Sunderland threatened with only a few minutes on the clock after winning a
free kick down near the corner flag. The cross from Ross Wallace was met by
Kenwyn Jones who head over Robert Green's bar.
After some possession football, we settled and started to pass the ball
about and found reward in the 9th minute.
Hayden Mullins found George McCartney racing down the left hand side and the
Northern Irish international put in an excellent cross which found Carlton
Cole who out jumped his marker and cleverly sent a looping header into the
back of the net for his first goal of the season.
He had been booed by sections of the West Ham "support" when his name was
read out and I actually think there was some who would rather he had have
missed so they could be proved right. But this goal hopefully would ram
their abuse down their throats.
Sunderland reacted well and nearly got themselves straight back on level
terms as Noble gave away possession cheaply to Jones who let fly from 25
yards with Green having to make a good save to deny the striker.
Sunderland took over in the possession stakes without really threatening.
The atmosphere inside Upton Park was proving to be as flat as our
performance and the away side nearly took advantage from yet another sloppy
pass from Mark Noble, gifting the ball to Liam Miller who shot straight at
Green.
We had chances of our own, one coming from Matthew Etherington who hit a
shot which went just wide after a mazy run.
A golden chance fell the way of Lee Bowyer as a free kick from Noble was
played deep and found the midfielder totally unmarked but he somehow headed
over the bar when a header anywhere on target would have seen us double our
advantage.
To be leading at half time is something that we all want to see so there was
little complaint to be made as we went in at half time 1-0 up. It had been a
nervy first half performance and although we had not been really tested any
rise in tempo from Sunderland may well unsettle our casual players.
Sunderland Manager Roy Keane had obviously not been too impressed with his
sides' first half performance and he made two substitutions introducing
Michael Chopra and Anthony Stokes in place of Wallace and O'Donovan.
This change seemed to make all the difference as Sunderland terrorised our
defence with Upson and Gabbidon looked all over the place. They were forcing
errors and winning corners and it was from one of these corner kicks where
they found their equaliser.
Grant Leadbitter took the corner in front of the travelling support and his
header was met by the excellent Kenwyn Jones who leapt up above everyone to
plant a header firmly past Robert Green to make it 1-1.
We didn't react and seemed to be in shock that they had got back on level
terms as they went at us again. Our players couldn't keep the ball and kept
giving the ball away cheaply.
There was only one team in the game at this point and Sunderland went
incredibly close to taking the lead. A long kick from the goal keeper Gordon
was flicked on by Jones, and after some weak defending the ball bounced
through to Leadbitter who set himself and smashed a powerful half volley at
goal which was somehow tipped onto the post by Green.
The West Ham fans were getting restless and annoyed by this point as they
tried to wake up a side which had just fallen apart in this second period.
Our first meaningful attack was down the left, and an eventual cross found
Cole who had to turn and shoot but didn't get great connection on the ball
and it was brilliantly charged down by Kenwyn Jones who showed his defensive
capabilities.
But it was still Sunderland in the driving seat and a header from Etuhu went
agonizingly wide of the post with Green looking beaten.
Changes were needed and Curbishley made them, removing the awful Mark Noble
and replacing him with Nolberto Solano who was making his debut for the
club. Lee Bowyer went into the middle with Solano on the right.
Another change was made with Etherington (who had faded badly) being
replaced by Luis Boa Morte.
Cries of "you don't know what you're doing" could be heard from the West Ham
fans. The trouble with this was that he obviously did, making West Ham fans
look stupid – again.
The change made all the difference as Boa Morte and Solano linked up to get
us back into the lead with the help of a big slice of luck.
Boa Morte played an excellent cross into the box which found Solano unmarked
and the Peruvian hit a low shot at goal which bounced off the post and
bounced off the goal keeper Gordon and into the back of the net.
I don't think I am alone in not caring how the goals come just as long as
they do.
Sunderland didn't manage to muster up any more meaningful attacks as the
game fizzled out nicely and we were able to keep hold of our lead.
The scoreline was made to look much sweeter in stoppage time as Boa Morte
(again) managed to get to the ball first and play a nice cross in for Craig
Bellamy to finish for 3-1.
Boa Morte nearly got a much deserved goal when he was set through but his
shot was well saved by the keeper.
But by then the game was over and three points were in bag.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Another display worthy of an England Call Up. Made a few excellent saves but
none better than the one from Leadbitter which he tipped onto the post.
Argubly our man of the match.
Lucas Neill
The Lucas Neill from the back end of last season is apparently dead and will
not be coming back. This Lucas Neill remains casual and lacklustre, this
Lucas Neill doesn't care where he clears the ball just as long as it is away
from him. When we were under the cosh in the second half I wanted to see our
Captain rally the troops. He didn't say a word to anyone.
Matthew Upson
Ran ragged by Jones and looked so average it was embarrassing. Lack of pace
once again exposed and despite a few solid headers clear I was once again
not impressed by his performance.
Danny Gabbidon
People can say Anton is casual but on this evidence none can be any more
casual than Mr Gabbidon. Every time he got the ball he wanted an age in
possession and when he did finally clear it the pass would only ever find a
Sunderland player. Needs to get his act together – or needs to go back to
the bench.
George McCartney
Up against his former club, McCartney put in a fearless and strong
performance. His run and cross for the goal was excellent but his defending
also deserves praise as he made countless well timed tackles and kept up
with his marker throughout the game. He and Green continue to be our only
consistent players.
Lee Bowyer
Slow and predictable but I can't say he had a bad game as he was effective
in parts. His effort was excellent and he got stuck in at every opportunity.
If you watched him off the ball you would have seen him really wanting the
ball and he never hid. Do I think he has the quality to sustain a place in a
premiership side? I still have to say no.
Hayden Mullins
Sunderland were the winners of the midfield battle as Mullins & Noble
struggled with the physical presence they possessed. Mullins had no time on
the ball whenever in possession and he was closed down very quickly. Without
a "man on" shout this saw Mullins get caught in possession far too often.
Mark Noble
Possibly the worst display I have seen from Mark Noble and hopefully I won't
see a performance from him like this again. His set pieces (free kicks and
corners) were truly shocking and his inability to find a West Ham player was
startling. His sloppy passes nearly cost us on more than one occasion and he
was rightly taken off.
Matthew Etherington
I really thought he was going to be the star of the show today but he just
never got going. There were times where he threatened to spark into life but
once again we saw a few hard challenges go in on him and he faded into
oblivion before he was correctly taken off.
Craig Bellamy
Whilst Bellamy was injured we managed to score one goal. That was up at
Newcastle and it is no surprise that we have scored three today with him in
the team, not just because he got one of them but he is a constant threat
with his pace and aggression which just unsettles teams. People say Ashton
is vitally important but you could argue that Craig Bellamy is even more so.
You could argue that Craig Bellamy is the best player West Ham United
currently posses.
Carlton Cole
With Ashton and Zamora out, Cole is next in line and we need our strikers to
score goals. Carlton Cole finally got off the mark today and if he can find
some goal scoring form then the abuse he has suffered will become a thing of
the past. Won countless headers today and the Sunderland backline were never
comfortable with him and Bellamy pushing up on them. Took his goal really
well with a clever looping header. Can be pleased with his performance and I
am pleased with his contribution.
Subs Used
Nolberto Solano (on for Noble 73 mins)
Showed some nice touches when he came on and looks like a quality passer of
the ball. His first touch was a good ball into space for Bellamy. Made the
second goal (and most important of the three) with a shot which hit the post
and rebounded off the keeper. Might he start at Fratton Park?
Luis Boa Morte (on for Etherington 73 mins)
If Solano did well, Boa Morte was superb. Had major parts to play in the
second and third goals and his direct running at the defender had Sunderland
in all sorts of bother. We haven't seen enough of Boa Morte and he may come
good this season.
Anton Ferdinand(on for Cole 84 mins)
Why Did people boo him when he came on?
Overall
The three points were vital especially with Portsmouth at Fratton Park next
weekend. But I can't help but feel worried about how we are playing and that
despite injuries, the style of football we are playing will never change and
this is how Alan Curbishley likes his sides to play. It is all kick and rush
and very little passing football, and its really fucking boring.
Of course if we play boring every game and score three goals then thats fine
– but just like after the Middlesbrough game we all know that the score line
didn't tell the full story and to be 100% happy with today's performance
would be living in denial.
There were positives to take out of today's game and I by means want to
sound pessimistic. It was great to see two of our strikers get goals, great
to see Craig Bellamy back in the side, and great to see two players come off
the bench and change the game.
Pompey next weekend – they are on fire at the moment and we will have to up
our game to get anything out of them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Late double seals West Ham win - Telegraph
By Colin Spiro
Last Updated: 6:11pm BST 21/10/2007
West Ham (1) 3 Sunderland (0) 1
Lady luck shone on West Ham as the Londoners ended a three-match losing
streak thanks to a freakish own goal by Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon
and an injury time strike from Craig Bellamy. Alan Curbishley's team were
very much on the back foot in the second half after Kenwyne Jones had
cancelled out Carlton Cole's early strike but the introduction of Nolberto
Solano proved decisive as the diminutive Peruvian played an integral role in
West Ham's late revival.
The former Newcastle winger had only been on the pitch for a couple of
minutes when his side-footed shot bounced back off the post and struck
keeper Gordon on the legs before rebounding into the net. It was a cruel
blow for Gordon and Sunderland after they had fought back valiantly with a
rousing second-half performance, but their misery wasn't complete yet as
Bellamy scored in injury time to secure the points after further good work
by Luis Boa Morte, another second-half substitute. Until West Ham's late
strikes it appeared Sunderland might finally register their first away win
of the season, but Robert Green pulled off two excellent saves and Jones
wasted a couple of half-chances as they failed to make their superiority
tell.
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Alan Curbishley's slice of luck - Telegraph
By Clive Tyldesley at Upton Park
Last Updated: 1:02am BST 22/10/2007
West Ham United (1) 3 Sunderland (0) 1
A much-needed change of personnel brought a much-needed change of luck for
West Ham United. When manager Alan Curbishley introduced substitutes
Nolberto Solano and Luis Boa Morte for the last quarter of an hour, his
decision was greeted by chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' by a
section of the home support. Solano duly forced the own goal that gave West
Ham the lead and Boa Morte set up the goal that sealed the win over luckless
Sunderland. Little separates jeers from cheers in a manager's life.
After three successive Premier League defeats, the clouds were beginning to
gather above Curbishley. It was Sunderland who looked the more likely
winners entering the closing stages, but having bemoaned his recent luck
with injuries and refereeing decisions, the West Ham manager enjoyed a huge
slice of fortune as Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon unwittingly turned
the ball into his own net. It was the moment that turned the game too.
Carlton Cole scored for West Ham early in the first-half, but Kenwyne Jones
equalised for Sunderland early in the second, and the two half-time
substitutions made by Roy Keane appeared to be crucial. Jones was given
greater support by the introduction of Michael Chopra and Anthony Stokes and
proceeded to terrorise the West Ham defence with his height and heart. But
it was Curbishley's fresh legs who had the final say. "I got a bit of stick
for the changes, but we had to shake it up. Sunderland were in the
ascendancy," he said.
Having survived a scare in the opening minute, West Ham shaded the first
period and led through Cole's first goal of the season. Former Sunderland
full-back George McCartney was allowed to squeeze in a cross from the left,
and Cole guided a clever header past Gordon as he ran backwards. Jones might
already have scored for Sunderland from a Ross Wallace free-kick, and he
continued to worry the home defence with his rangy runs and towering leaps.
Keane obviously felt he deserved more help after the break.
The Sunderland manager changed the shape of his team, and the game, by
adding a second striker. Jones rose head and shoulders above the goalmouth
crowd to nod home Grant Leadbitter's corner. West Ham were treading water as
Upton Park chewed on its collective fingernails. Robert Green made an
outstanding diving save to turn Leadbitter's rasping drive on to a post
after Jones had won an aerial duel. When the West Ham goalkeeper was beaten
by Dickson Etuhu's glancing header, Mark Noble cleared off the goalline.
Then Jones came within a yard of adding another headed goal from Greg
Halford's whipped cross.
Enter Solano for his West Ham debut and Boa Morte, who has been out of
favour since the opening day of the season. With less than 15 minutes to go,
Craig Bellamy broke clear and fed Boa Morte on the left flank, and when the
excellent Nyron Nosworthy failed to deal with his cut-back, Solano
dispatched a crisp shot against the foot of a post. As the ball rebounded,
it hit the trailing leg of the diving Gordon and found its way into the net.
It was a heartbreaking, game-breaking moment for Sunderland.
The goal settled West Ham players and supporters alike. Boa Morte combined
smoothly with McCartney, and following their exchange of passes, the
Frenchman crossed for Bellamy to poke in a flattering third goal. Boa Morte
might even have added a fourth but for Gordon's defiance as West Ham
clambered back into the top half of the Premier League table.
Keane registered no complaints. "You make your own luck. If you concede
three goals, there is every chance that you are going to lose. That's the
reality and that is the beauty of the Premier League."
Results are everything for the present generation of football managers, and
the beauty for Curbishley is that the result proved he did know what he was
doing after all.
Man of the match
Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland)
• The lanky striker scored a goal from three shots on target in six attempts
and created four other chances for Roy Keane's side
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unhappy winger set for Hammers exit - all3points
22nd October 2007
By Staff Writer
Tottenham are weighing up a bid for West Ham's out of favour winger Luis Boa
Morte. Boa Morte has failed to start for the Hammers this season since his
substitution at half time in the first game of the season. Spurs were
thought to have been interested in signing Boa Morte from Fulham but lost
out to the Hammers and now believe they can sign the winger in a cut price
January deal as potential cover for new star Gareth Bale. West Ham paid
Fulham £5 million for Boa Morte but the north Londoners believe a bid of
around £1.5 million will convince West Ham to allow him to leave.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley: Solano has key role - Guardian
Nolberto Solano flew in from Chile to send a shiver down Sunderland's spine
as West Ham defeated the Black Cats 3-1 at Upton Park. His crazy in-off
goal, from his first meaningful touch of the ball, was the key moment as the
Hammers clinched a much-needed win, but the goal will not even be awarded to
to substitute Solano as it was officially recorded as an own goal by
Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley, who
raised a few eyebrows when he signed Solano on a free transfer from
Newcastle last month, said: "The reason I brought him here was just for
exactly what he did. He has a great first touch, brings other people into
the game and calms us down a bit when we need it."
He added: "He's actually been here five weeks but four of those have been
international breaks and he has only trained with us five times. "He arrived
back from Chile on Saturday morning and I thought it would be best used as a
sub, but we needed a shake-up in the second half and although I got some
stick for it I think I made the right changes."
Solano, who had retired from international football after a bust-up with
Peruvian officials, has returned to the South Americans' team and played
twice for his country last week. Curbishley has taken a gamble with him to
ease West Ham's injury problems and his entry to the fray proved timely
after three consecutive defeats. West Ham were under siege and may well have
been beaten again but for Robert Green's marvellous save to deny Grant
Leadbitter, whose rifling shot was turned against a post by the keeper who
admits he has fierce England ambitions. Curbishley enthused: "It was a
match-winning save if you like and sums up all that Greenie has done this
season. England He's certainly done himself no harm."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keane demands points not plaudits after Green saves West Ham's day
David Hytner at Upton Park
Monday October 22, 2007
The Guardian
Kenwyne Jones did not deserve to be on the losing team. Nor did a clutch of
his Sunderland colleagues, Grant Leadbitter prominent among them. But the
Premier League is nothing if not remorselessly cruel to its new members and
Sunderland were once again reduced to those empty long-range stares at
full-time.
Roy Keane wants points, not plaudits, and it came as no consolation to him
that his team won more of the latter, following their spirited second-half
comeback. When Jones restored parity in the 52nd minute Sunderland took such
a grip on proceedings that only one winner seemed possible. Leadbitter was
denied by a stunning save from Robert Green and the visitors had further
presentable chances.
Yet West Ham broke against the run of play to score the decisive goal and
the manner of its finding the net merely intensified the feeling of
injustice. Luis Boa Morte crossed from the left and, when the ball flicked
off Nyron Nosworthy's heels, it ran free for the onrushing Nolberto Solano.
The midfielder was one of three former Newcastle players to feature for West
Ham - Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy were also barracked by the travelling
support.
Solano, on moments earlier for his West Ham debut and going for precision,
was denied by the foot of a post but, when the ball bounced out, it cannoned
into the goalkeeper Craig Gordon and rolled back in for a comic own-goal. To
add further insult, Bellamy applied the gloss finish in injury-time to a
fine individual performance with his first West Ham goal at Upton Park, a
poacher's effort from another Boa Morte cross. After three straight defeats
they finally had goals and points.
"I don't want to talk about luck being against us, you make your own luck,"
said Keane. "I am not looking for sympathy. If you concede three goals,
there is every chance you are going to lose. That is the reality but also
the beauty of Premier League football. I am not here to welcome plaudits. I
am here to win football matches."
West Ham deserved to be ahead at half-time. They led through Carlton Cole's
first goal of the season, a header from George McCartney's cross, that
stopped the club's scoreless run in Premier League football at 247 minutes.
Although Jones twice went close, Matthew Etherington shot wide for West Ham
and Bowyer was wasteful with a free header from the corner of the six-yard
box.
Keane, though, changed his approach in the second half, giving Jones a
partner in Michael Chopra and going to a midfield four, and the tide turned
abruptly. Jones reached Leadbitter's corner before Matthew Upson to head
down and past Green and three times Sunderland went close to fashioning a
deserved lead. Leadbitter collected a flick from Jones and lashed a
left-foot half-volley on goal only for Green to reinforce his reputation as
a shot-stopper. He went right, got fingertips to the blast and heard his
upright shudder.
"It was a match-winning save," said Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager,
but Sunderland were not finished. Dickson Etuhu had a header from a corner
hacked to safety by Mark Noble on the line and Jones was narrowly off target
from Greg Halford's whipped centre. Sunderland's first Premier League win in
London since March 2001 looked on the cards.
Curbishley made a double substitution, sending on Solano and Boa Morte to
cries of 'You don't know what you're doing' from the home support but,
within four minutes, there was vindication for him, as the substitutes
combined, and heartbreak for Gordon and Sunderland.
"I got a bit of stick but I had to shake it up," said Curbishley. "They were
in the ascendancy. We were holding on."
After Bellamy's goal Boa Morte could even have added a fourth, when one on
one with Gordon. That, though, would have been too much.
Man of the match Kenwyne Jones.
Strong and dominant in the air, he showed his speed, touch and ability to
link the play. A persistent threat.
Best moment Won several important headers, one of which on 58 minutes led to
the Grant Leadbitter shot that Robert Green tipped brilliantly on to a post.
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