WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as West Ham United kicked-off the 2009/10 season with a 2-0 win
15.08.2009
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Molineux
Saturday 15 August
3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
FULL TIME - A superb start to the 2009/10 season for West Ham United as a superb strike by Noble is added to by captain Upson's thumping header. As it stands at the final whistle, United are third in the Premier League table. Now just the small matter of Tottenham Hotspur at home next Sunday for the first game at the Boleyn Ground.
93 min - After four minutes of waiting for the ball to go out Nouble finally gets on in place of the superb Cole, who carried on exactly where he left off with England.
89 min - It looks like Frank Nouble may be getting his debut as Zola has spent the last few minutes giving him instructions. Meanwhile on the pitch, three corners in a row are all cleared by the Hammers. Three minutes of added time will be played. Surely the Hammers shold be safe now...
85 min - Apologies for the slight delay in getting you those last two updates as we had a few technical issues. To fill you in on what you may have missed, Jimenez had a great chance after a counter attack involving Parker and Cole played him into space in the area. 'Jimmy' had plenty of time but can only fire straight at Hennessey. It was a great chance for the Hammers to put the game out of reach.
80 min - One more change for the hosts, with Millijas leaving the field for David Edwards.
77 min - Without wanting to get too ahead of ourselves, West Ham would sit top of the Premier League table tonight if results stay the way they are. The only team challenging for that honour are Wigan, who are winning 2-0 at Aston Villa.
75 min - Wolves have not given up the chase just yet, though, and they seek to add to their firepower by bringing on Sam Vokes for Foley.
73 min - He is and comes on to replace Dyer, who has put an impressive shift supporting Cole.
71 min - If they were not enjoying it enough before the Hammers' fans certainly are now and taunt the home support with a chant of 'You're going down with the Tottenham'. On the touchline, Stanislas looks like he could be ready to come on.
69 min - GOAL! Cole forces a corner on the left. Noble takes it and Upson rises to plant a firm header low past Hennessey. What a start to the seaon this could be!
67 min - First change for Wolves as Mancienne is taken off to be replaced by Richard Stearman.
65 min - Concern for the Hammers here as Ilunga is forced off after a nasty clash of heads. The defender manages to get to his feet to walk off and Spector is brought on on to replace him.
62 min - A great save from Green again as Ebanks-Blake out paces the back line and tries to flick the ball in. Green comes out quickly, though, and saves with his legs.
58 min - Stanislas, Hines and Jonathan Spector are all warming up on the touchline. Cole looks like he may be limping so Zola could turn to one of them if he needs to go off.
55 min - More positive play from the Hammers as Dyer gets in space in the penalty area twice in a minute. He almost has too much time to pick his pass and Wolves manage to clear the danger. Surely they cannot hang on much longer with the Hammers in this kind of form.
53 min - Collison has a superb chance to make it two as he collects Faubert's ball and rounds Hennessey. With just a defender on the line, he takes the wrong option and tries to roll the ball in allowing Kevin Foley to clear.
51 min - The Hammers have settled now and are looking more dangerous.
47 min - Even better from Green as he blocks another goal-bound shot. The Hammers are under real pressure.
46 min - Wolves get us under way and go on the attack straight away. Green has to be at his best to turn a deflected shot over the bar and from the resulting corner, West Ham struggle to clear their lines. Collins eventually hacks the ball away to set the Hammers on a counterattack, which only breaks down when Noble's pass goes astray.
Half-time - Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 West Ham United
45 min - We are into the last minute of the half here and barring a late goal it will have been a near perfect start for Zola's side. After a slightly tricky start, the Hammers have grown as the game has gone on. In fact, Parker has won a free-kick on the right after being brought down. Jimenez takes it but the ball is headed clear.
41 min - Appeals from the home side for a penalty as Faubert catches Jarvis just inside the area. Replays confirm the referee was right and there was not contact.
40 min - Another fantastic cross from the right by Faubert presents Collison with a free header in the penalty area. The Wales international appears to not realise how much time he has, however, and attempts to head the ball back across goal and the chance goes begging.
37 min - Much better from West Ham. A move of ten or so passes sees Dyer try to float a ball over the top for Scott Parker to chase. The Hammer of the Year races through on goal but can only just get a foot to it and the ball bounces through to the goalkeeper.
35 min - Danny Gabbidon, Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas are warming up on the touchline. I do not think they will be needed at the moment with the way things have been going.
33 min - The West Ham fans get the first chant of 'Handball' going after a half-hearted penalty appeal from the home side. The away support are starting to enjoy themselves in the away stand.
30 min - This is shaping up to be quite a game. At the other end, Cole rounds Hennessey, but his shot his blocked and the ball falls to Dyer. He sidefoots the ball goalwards but it is hacked off the line. From the resulting corner Herita Ilunga gets up highest to power a header at goal that Hennessey had to turn over the bar. Seconds later Dyer tries to score with a cheeky back heel before the ball is eventually cleared.
29 min - A good chance for the home side to restore parity. A powerful burst forward from Keogh sees him tee up Jarvis, put he puts his shot over.
27 min - This ground holds some fond memories for Noble as he made his debut here in 2005.
22 min - GOAL! And what a goal it is. Cole picks up the ball on the left before rolling the ball across to Noble on the edge of the area. The midfielder takes one touch and curls a superb right-footed shot in the top corner of the net. Unstoppable!
20 min - Better from the visitors. A smart passing move sees Noble cut the ball back to Dyer and the No7 attempts to curl one into the top corner. Sadly the ball only finds the top corner of the stand.
18 min - A half-chance for the Hammers as a long ball into the box finds Dyer in some space. The winger does his best to nod the ball back to Jimenez but cannot quite get enough power on his header.
17 min - Another shot on goal from Wolves as Keogh creates half a yard of space for himself on the edge of the area before curling his shot over Robert Green's bar. The home side have started the stronger here.
15 min - No goals here yet but there have been elsewehere. Sunderland are a goal up at Bolton Wanderers, Fulham have scored away at Portsmouth and Manchester City lead Blackburn Rovers 1-0.
13 min - Great chance for the home team as a deep cross from the left is headed back across goal. The ball falls to Andy Keogh but he totally misses the ball. Moments later, Ebanks-Blake has an even better chance with a free header but he puts it well over the bar.
11 min - West Ham look to have lined up in a 4-3-2-1 with Dyer and Jimenez providing the width from midfield. Noble has the Hammers' second effort on goal with 25 yard shot that skids well wide of Wayne Hennessey's right-hand post.
8 min - Wolves' first corner is won after Matthew Upson is forced to head behind and the set piece is met a massive roar from the fans packed into the Steve Bull Stand. Nanad Milijas takes the flag kick but it is far too long to cause any danger.
6 min - Another great ball in by Faubert from the right touchline, which just evades Cole's outstretched leg. The French international has had a promising start at right-back.
5 min - First corner to the Hammers. Craddock tried to head the ball back to his keeper but mis-judged it. Jimenez takes it but Wolves clear the danger.
3 min - Zola had talked before the game about this being like a cup final for Wolves and the home support are certainly treating it like that, making a huge noise to try to drive their team on.
2 min - Carlton Cole tees up Jack Collison on the edge of the penalty area, but his low shot is easily gathered by Wales team-mate diving low to his right.
1 min - New signing Luis Jimenez gets the new season underway.
2.58pm - The two teams emerge into the Wolverhampton sunshine, met by a deafening roar from the home supporters. A minute's applause is held in memory of SIr Bobby Robson before the two teams break for kick-off.
2.45pm Good afternoon and welcome to Molineux.
After 90 days of living without football in your life, the waiting is finally over. West Ham United kick-off the 2009/10 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking for a repeat of last season's 2-1 opening day win against Wigan Athletic.
Gianfranco Zola has named a strong team with only James Tomkins missing from the line-up that started the Bobby Moore Cup game with SCC Napoli. The England Under-21 international has a minor foot injury so James Collins comes in to partner Matthew Upson in the heart of defence. Luis Jimenez makes his Premier League debut, while 17-year-old forward Frank Nouble makes the bench. Danny Gabbidon is also included in a Premier League squad for the first time in 18 months.
Wolves name Michael Mancienne in their starting line-up following his arrival on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea. Record signing Kevin Doyle misses out through injury.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Ilunga (Spector 65), Parker, Noble, Collison, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Jimenez, Cole (Nouble 90)
Subs: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Spector, Payne, Hines
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman 67), Craddock, Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Keogh
Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, Jones
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Wolves worked out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United got the Barclays Premier League season off to a winning start at Wolves
15.08.2009
Mark Noble returned to the scene of his league debut to help fire West Ham United to a 2-0 opening day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
The former England Under-21 captain got the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League campaign off to the best possible start courtesy of a sumptuous 25-yard curler midway through the first half. Matthew Upson added the insurance with a powerful second half header from Noble's corner.
The opening goal, Noble's 13th for the club, came at the same stadium where he had made his Football League bow as a 17-year-old in January 2005.
Now 22, Noble was West Ham's sole survivor from that Championship fixture, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the home side.
On Saturday, the midfielder ensured Gianfranco Zola's side would gain revenge for that reverse, earning their first win at Molineux since November 1983 in the process.
Upson ensured the three points would be making their way back down the M6 with a superb downward header from Noble's left-wing corner - a set piece won by the sheer persistence of England team-mate Carlton Cole.
Last season's Championship title winners gave a decent account of themselves on a sunny day in the Midlands, but West Ham's top-flight quality shone through in the end.
Indeed, the final winning margin could have been wider had Jack Collison not seen his shot miraculously blocked on the line by Kevin Foley after rounding Wales team-mate Hennessey eight minutes after the interval.
Earlier, Kieron Dyer had twice been denied by Wolves captain Jody Craddock and Hennessey, while Cole saw a low shot blocked by the goalkeeper's legs.
It was far from all West Ham, though, as Mick McCarthy's newly-promoted side sprang out of the blocks, only for Andy Keogh and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to pass up presentable chances inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Wolves, who unveiled Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant as a Vice President before kick-off, rocked the Hammers with an equally fast start to the second 45 minutes.
However, Serbian summer signing Nenad Milijas found Robert Green in inspired form as he twice repelled well-struck efforts from outside the penalty area.
The England stopper had to be at his international best again on 62 minutes, blocking Ebanks-Blake's goal-bound shot with his left leg.
Zola was forced to re-shuffle his troops a short time later when left-back Herita Ilunga was left dazed after a clash of heads. Jonathan Spector, who enjoyed a superb summer at the FIFA Confederations Cup, was his replacement.
Moments later, Upson had scored West Ham's all-important second and the home crowd, in full voice until that moment, was finally silenced.
McCarthy sent on Wales striker Sam Vokes, a goalscorer in Montenegro in midweek, with 15 minutes remaining, but he was unable to find a way past Green.
Instead, it was West Ham who came close to adding a third, but debutant Luis Jimenez was unable to cap a lively first outing with a goal, shooting straight at Hennessey with eight minutes remaining.
Substitute Richard Stearman and Greg Halford both went close with headers in the closing stages as Wolves finished strongly, but West Ham held on to keep a deserved clean sheet. Cole was replaced by 17-year-old Frank Nouble - a summer arrival from Chelsea - in added-time.
Manager Zola will be more than happy with the way his side started the new season in front of 28,674 supporters - including 3,000 travelling fans.
With the midweek visit of Aston Villa postponed due to the Villans' UEFA Europa League commitments, the Hammers will have a full week to prepare for Tottenham Hotspur's arrival at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector , Collison, Parker, Noble, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Jimenez, Cole (Nouble 90)
Subs: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Payne, Hines
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman 66), Craddock, Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake
Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, Jones
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Kovi back in the fold
WHUFC.com
The presence of Radoslav Kovac in claret and blue once more bodes well for West Ham United this season.
15.08.2009
Radoslav Kovac's return to West Ham United has been well received by all at Chadwell Heath with the Czech international midfielder having left a lasting impression during his previous spell. The 29-year-old is a natural leader - he was captain at Spartak Moscow - and will bring extra experience to a squad filled with talented youngsters and fellow internationals. On the evidence of Saturday's win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, he and Valon Behrami will have a battle to force their way into the Hammers midfield. His 'debut' could come against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend but before training his first act was to say 'hello' again. Judging by the smiles of all who greeted 'Kovi', he is a popular member of the squad. There was handshakes all round and a quick joke with Herita Ilunga about why he has changed from No3 to No23 this season.
Gianfranco Zola was quick to sum up the significance of Kovac's arrival on a three-year contract. "I am very pleased because he is a player who last year did very well for us," he said. "He is a good player for us. He has got experience, he has got charisma, a good personality and he will be an important player for us."
With the manager having secured Herita Ilunga, Luis Jimenez and Kovac this summer - to go with talented youngsters like Fabio Daprela and Frank Nouble - he recognises there is not much more that needs to be done at a club where the majority are on new long-term contracts. However, more attacking options are still wanted. "We are working on it," Zola added. "We know it is the part that from last year we need to improve. I can't give you a percentage but it is our concern and before the time expires we will come up with something. No doubt we are looking for some strikers."
I think in midfield we have enough cover because we have a strong midfield. Right now I'm playing Jack Collison, Mark Noble and Scott Parker. I also have Kieron Dyer and Luis Jimenez plus Junior Stanislas can play. I have Josh Payne and now Kovac and, in a few weeks, Valon Behrami. "I have no problems in midfield. It is well covered and I don't need anyone else."
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Zola delighted with start
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was full of praise after his side's professional 2-0 opening-day win at Wolves
15.08.2009
Gianfranco Zola was understandably pleased after watching his side kick off the 2009/10 season with a 'perfect' 2-0 win away at newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mark Noble opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a delightful curling shot into the top corner before captain Matthew Upson made sure of the points 24 minutes into the second half. After overcoming the mystery and suspense that the first day of the season always holds, Zola was looking forward to building on a solid start.
"It was a very professional win," Zola said. "It was a good game for us. We conceded some chances to them but, on the other hand, we created so many opportunities to score. The team looked in control of the game but when you're winning 1-0, you fear that something could happen but, fortunately, the team was focused and we kept our composure, when they were coming at us. "I'm pleased, it's been a good performance. It was the perfect way to start the season. Upson met Noble's corner to power a header past Wayne Hennessey for his second goal in a claret and blue shirt. As well as marshalling the defence superbly, Zola was delighted to see his skipper playing his part at the other end. "I am pleased for Matthew's performance and his goal. It's quite funny because we were talking during the week and he said to me: 'I would like to score more goals this year.' Now, he has just said to me: 'We have to talk more often.' I told him: 'Any time!"
Despite being delighted to see the England defender get on the scoresheet, Zola added that it emphasised how important it is that the goals come from all sections of the team this season. "We can produce good football this year but we just need to make sure that the goals come from players other than Carlton Cole. Today has been good. Two goals - one from a defender and one from midfield. "I'm looking forward to seeing more goals in the future from other midfielders. That's a part of the game upon which we need to improve."
The only slight blot on a near perfect afternoon for the east Londoners was an injury to Herita Ilunga, who was forced from the field after a nasty clash of heads. Zola revealed that, thankfully, the prognosis is not too bad. "We have to assess Herita Ilunga - he took a knock on the jaw but I don't think that it's going to be too bad," said Zola, who can now look forward to the visit of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday with real optimism.
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Wolverhampton 0 - 2 West Ham
By Julian Shea
BBC.co.uk
Wolves were shown the size of the task ahead of them in the Premier League as they went down to West Ham at Molineux. Both sides began full of endeavour but West Ham scored the only goal of the first half, a curling Mark Noble shot. Nenad Milijas produced a couple of fine long-range efforts as Wolves threatened to equalise before Matthew Upson headed home a corner to make it 2-0. That ended the contest, with Wolves reduced to 10 men late on as Sylvain Ebanks-Blake limped off injured. Cheered on by an extremely enthusiastic home crowd, Wolves had the better of the early exchanges but failed to trouble West Ham keeper Robert Green. Andy Keogh failed to connect with Greg Halford's knock-back, shortly before the unmarked Ebanks-Blake headed tamely over from a threatening position. On one of West Ham's rare forays forward, Kieron Dyer wasted a great chance by shooting horrendously off target, much to the amusement of the home fans. But only a minute later it was the visitors who had reason to be cheerful, as Noble fired West Ham into the lead. Carlton Cole, out on the left, played a cross to the unmarked Noble in a central position just outside the box, and he curled a beautiful right-foot shot past keeper Wayne Hennessey. Matthew Jarvis went close for Wolves following good approach work by Keogh, before the home goal was given a pummelling by the visitors.
Cole sprang the offside trap and was only denied by a good Hennessey block, and in the aftermath, Jody Craddock cleared a goal-bound Dyer effort off the line. Herita Ilunga then had a header tipped over and Dyer went close with a back-heeled effort blocked by the keeper as Wolves narrowly avoided going into the break 2-0 down.
In the opening seconds of the second half, it was Wolves's turn to lay siege to the opposing goal. Milijas saw a fierce shot tipped over by Green, and from the resulting corner Craddock drew a fine one-handed block from the England goalkeeper, before the Serbian debutant went close with another decent effort from distance. Wolves' Kevin Foley cleared a Jack Collison effort off the line as the game continued at a relentless pace, and when captain Upson's simple header made it 2-0 in the 69th minute, the game seemed out of Wolves' grasp. In injury-time, Green underlined his international class with another fine save from substitute Richard Stearman.
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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:
"We began well in the second half but the England keeper-elect kept them in it for a while. "Overall it was a good performance, but it matters not, we've been beaten. As many opportunities as we had in the game, we had to take one and unfortunately for us, they did take theirs. "We're not a Premier League team, we're a group of players who won the Championship and earned the right to be here - not many of them have played in the Premier League before."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"I think it was excellent, we won away from home and played a good game. There's a a few things we need to improve but for a first game, it was very encouraging.
"We knew the beginning was going to be tough, and also the first five minutes of the second half, but the team prepared well and faced danger. "They came out with some good stuff, in the end it could have been more but they (Wolves) gave everything so they kept us close to them."
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Zola on ... Wolves
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola reflects on the 2-0 win at Wolves as KUMB once again bring you the manager's full, unedited comments from this afternoon's post match press conference...
"It was a very professional win. It was a good game for us. We conceded some chances to them but, on the other hand, we created so many opportunities to score. But I'm pleased, it's been a good performance. It was the perfect way to start the season.
The team looked in control of the game but obviously when you're winning 1-0, you know that something could happen at the last moment. You fear something like that but, fortunately, the team was focused and we kept our composure when they were coming at us. As I said before, we have been very professional.
I think we have to assess Herita Ilunga – he took a knock on the jaw but I don't think that he is going to be too bad.
Matthew Upson plays for West Ham United. I am very happy to keep him. Hopefully he will stay with us. I am pleased for his performance and his goal.
In the week we have been talking about that. It's quite funny you know and he said to me: "I would like to score more goals this year." We had a chat and talked about a few things. Now, he has just said to me: "We have to talk more often." I told him: "Any time!"
It was good. He played well and I know he is a very good player. There are teams that would like to have him in their side but he plays for us and we're pleased to keep him.
We are trying to focus on scoring this year. We can produce good football but we just need to make sure that the goals come from players other than Carlton Cole.
Today has been good. Two goals – one from a defender and one from midfield. I'm looking forward to seeing more goals in the future maybe from the other midfielders. That's one part of the game upon which we need to improve."
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A Spence force
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Reserve full back Jordan Spence is set to join Championship side Scunthorpe United on loan, according to reports. The England youth international, yet another product of the club's Academy is said to have been present at Glanford Park this afternoon as the Iron beat Derby County 3-2 to record their first win of the season. Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adams, talking to Radio Humberside after the game revealed that he was set to bring Spence in on loan offically from Monday. West Ham United are yet to comment; more news on this as we get it.
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Wolves 0 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's 2009/10 Premier League campaign got off to the perfect start with a comfortable 2-0 win at Wolves this afternoon.
A goal either side of the break was enough to take Gianfranco Zola's side to the top of the fledgling Premier League table on the first weekend of the season.
The newly promoted Wanderers - who were roared on by a full house - were no match for Zola's well drilled outfit, who scored twice, saw two cleared off the line and missed a hatful of chances to make the victory even more comprehensive.
However Rob Green still had to be on hand to make a number of vital saves at important points throughout the afternoon.
Gianfranco Zola had spoken earlier in the week about this being a difficult fixture to open the season with due to the opposition's staus as a newly-promoted club. However the Hammers had virtually silenced a bouyant Molineux within the first ten minutes as they took control of the game from the off.
Julien Faubert, restored to right-back following the failure thus far to re-sign Lucas Neill was proving a constant threat to the home side during the opening exchanges with a series of dangerous crosses. However it was a move that began on the opposite side of the pitch that led to United's opening goal on 22 minutes.
Carlton Cole, once again proving a constant thorn in the side of his marker picked up the ball wide on the left, in line with the penalty box. A short pass inside found Mark Noble, foraging forward. The young midfielder took one touch before releasing a piledriver of a shot that dipped into the top corne of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey's net to notch United's first goal of the season.
Zola's team were inches away from doubling their lead eight minutes later when Noble was again involved. His through ball found Carlton Cole who saw his effort blocked by Hennessey; the resulting ball fell to Kieron Dyer whose goalbound effort was scrambled off the line by the retreating Jody Craddock.
The home side, all over the place at that point rallied briefly ahead of the break and mustered a couple of efforts on goal - the pick of the bunch being Nenad Milijas' effort that flew just wide of Rob Green's far post. Despite that, the Hammers were good value for their half time lead.
Wolves were out of the blocks first after the break and Rob Green had to be at his best to pull off three saves in the space of a matter of seconds. However it was the only time during the game that the defence looked seriously threatened - testament to Zola and Clarke, who have virtually rebuilt the back four since succeeding Alan Curbishley last year.
As they pushed forward in search of the equaliser the home side inevitably began to leave gaps at the back and it was from one of those lapses that Jack Collison so nearly profited on 53 minutes. Having been put through behind the defence, the young Welsh international took the ball round the keeper before firing at goal. Had he fired anywhere but directly at the retreating Kevin Foley it would have been 2-0.
The Hammers nearly payed for their spurned chances when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, last season's Championship Player of the Year went through one-on-one with Green on the hour mark having capitalised on some poor defensive work from West Ham. Fortunately for United, England keeper Green was clever enough to divert Ebanks-Blake's goalbound effort away from goal to preserve the slender lead.
That heart-in-mouth moment was followed by a sickening clash of heads between Herita Ilunga and Kevin Foley inside the Hammers box. Both players went down but it was Ilunga who appeared to come off worse with the Congolese defender clearly out of it. He was immediately replaced, presumably with concussion, and replaced by Jon Spector.
Hammers fans could have been forgiven for fearing the worst at this point but their worries were dispelled just three minutes after Spector's arrival when Matthew Upson nodded a second goal home. It was a straightforward enough strike - Mark Noble's corner being nodded home by the 30-year-old centre half, who had peeled away from his marker - but Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy will no doubt be furious at his team's defending.
As the game wore on towards its inevitable conclusion McCarthy threw on a couple of strikers in search of a goal but that only served to leave gaping holes at the back - something which the Hammers so nearly profited from seven minutes from time. Scott Parker, tigerish in the heart of midfield won a ball deep in United territory before exchanging passes with (a by now limping) Carlton Cole. Luis Jimenez lay in support and was found by Parker - however the Chilean could only fire a weak effort straight at Hennessy.
Wolves managed to create one more half chance - Rob Green again on hand to superbly deny a far post point blank header - before Carlton Cole, who had been limping since the second goal was scored was finally replaced by Frank Nouble, making his debut following his summer move from Chelsea, deep into injury time. Seconds later and the final whistle was blown and the Hammers left the field to thunderous applause from a delighted travelling contingent of fans.
All in all Gianfranco Zola couldn't have expected much more from his troops and it was an excellent display in tricky circumstances. However delight at the win will be tempered by injury worries for both Cole and Ilunga, although the latter should be back in time for the visit of Tottenham eight days from now if concussion is indeed the diagnosis.
Wolverhapton Wanderers 0 West Ham United 1: match facts
West Ham Utd: Green, Faubert, Ilunga (Spector 65), Collins, Upson, Parker, Noble, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Collison, Jimenez, Cole (Nouble 90+3).
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.
Goals: Noble (22), Upson (69).
Efforts on goal: 13 (3, 22*, 28, 30, 30, 30, 31, 31, 31; 53, 68*, 82, 83)
Wolves: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Craddock, Mancienne (Stearman 66), Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake.
Subs not used: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, Jones.
Efforts on goal: 14 (14, 29, 40, 41, 45; 46, 46, 56, 59, 61, 62, 66, 76, 89)
Referee: Chris Foy (8).
Attendance: 28,674.
Man of the Match: Julien Faubert.
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Upson feels sales are possible
England defender believes Hammers could cash in
Last updated: 16th August 2009
SSN
Matthew Upson has admitted he does not know whether he will be sold to ease West Ham's financial concerns. Rumours persist over the severity of the problems, with reports at the weekend suggesting the likes of Upson, Robert Green and Carlton Cole could all be made available to help balance the books. And while Upson is yet to discover whether he will be made available, he believes he may soon have to consider his options. "West Ham's financial predicament is quite well noted," he said in The People. "Whether or not that means someone will have to be sold, I don't know, but I don't think the outlook is great financially. "It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to sell but, if there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was down to me whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in question and make a decision." Upson, 30, has been linked with Manchester City and Aston Villa.
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Zola hopes to keep Upson
Defender on target in opening day win at Molineux
Last updated: 15th August 2009
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Gianfranco Zola is confident Matthew Upson will stay at West Ham United after the defender scored in the opening day win at Wolves. Upson has been linked with a move to Manchester City should the big-spending Premier League club fail to persuade Everton to sell Joleon Lescott. Aston Villa have also been mooted as admirers of the Hammers centre-half, who headed home his club's second goal in the 2-0 success at Molineux. Hammers boss Zola was pleased to see Upson on the scoresheet and is optimistic of still having the England international in his squad when the transfer window closes. "I am pleased with his performance and his goal," said Zola. "In the week we have been talking about that. He said to me he would like to score more goals. "After today's match he came to me and said we have to talk more often. I said anytime.
"He played well. I know he is a very good player. I am very happy to keep him. Hopefully he will stay with us."
Mark Noble had opened the scoring for West Ham midway through the first half and Zola wants his midfield players to weigh in with more goals this season.. He added: "That is one part of our game we need to improve as we know that we can produce some good football. "We have to make sure goals come from other players, not just Carlton Cole. Today has been good. We scored two goals, one from a defender, one from a midfielder. "We were very professional. It was a good game for us. We gave them some chances, but from our point of view we created so many opportunities to score. "I am pleased as it has been a good performance and a perfect way to start the season. The team looked in control of the game. When you are winning 1-0, something can happen and you obviously fear something like that. Fortunately the team was focused."
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Hammers ruin Wolves' return
Noble and Upson create a feeling of anti-climax at Molineux
Last updated: 15th August 2009
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Man of the Match: Nenad Milijas was on the losing side, but the Wolves debutant looks an excellent player and one to watch during the season.
Goal of the Match: Mark Noble's opener was a peach as he curled past Wayne Hennessey from 25 yards.
Save of the Match: Take your pick. Robert Green earned the points for West Ham and his stop from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was probably the best of the bunch.
Talking Point: Can Wolves stay in the Premier League? It was a disappointing start, however, there were plenty of reasons for optimism.
Wolves' return to the Premier League ended in disappointment as they lost 2-0 to West Ham at Molineux on Saturday. After a stint in the Championship, Mick McCarthy's side were hoping for a bright start, but goals from Mark Noble and Matthew Upson spoilt their celebrations. Wolves began well, but fell behind in the 22nd minute when England Under 21 midfielder Noble curled a brilliant effort past Wayne Hennessey. McCarthy's men came out with all guns blazing in the second half, and Robert Green saved well from impressive debutant Nenad Milijas and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Wolves, though, were punished for wasting their chances as Upson rose above a static home defence at a corner to head his team's second goal in the 69th minute to wrap up the points. The home side made a positive opening, and Ebanks-Blake headed over the bar from a good position in the 14th minute following a cross from Stephen Ward. Wolves were looking busy in front of their raucous supporters, clearly enjoying life back in the top flight. Andy Keogh then tried to curl a shot beyond goalkeeper Green, only for his effort to drift wide.
Caught napping
West Ham made the breakthrough after 22 minutes, with Wolves caught napping. Carlton Cole played the ball across the face of the area and Noble was given time and space to clip a shot over Hennessey. Wolves were stunned but hit back in the 29th minute when Andy Keogh released Matt Jarvis, but he could not get enough power or direction on his shot. It was West Ham, though, who looked dangerous every time they went on the counter-attack. Hennessey did well to parry Cole's effort and the ball broke to Kieron Dyer. He rattled in a shot, only for Jody Craddock to clear off the line and concede a corner. Noble picked out Herita Ilunga with his delivery but he headed over the bar from a good position. McCarthy's side were being exposed at the back and Jack Collison headed on Julien Faubert's long ball with ease in the 41st minute.
Collison, though, failed to pick out a team-mate and the home side were able to clear. Wolves made a rousing start to the second half and Green did well to turn away Milijas' shot in the 47th minute after seeing it late.
Mistake
However West Ham almost added a second six minutes later following a mistake by skipper Craddock. He played in Collison, who homed in on goal. He looked certain to score from inside the six-yard area but tried to place it and Kevin Foley cleared off the line. Collison was left shaking his head in frustration and little wonder after squandering a marvellous chance. Milijas then picked out Ebanks-Blake with a neat through ball, only for the alert Green to block his effort. Wolves continued to battle away, with Milijas their best creative option, but West Ham were looking comfortable and extended their lead as Upson nodded in at a corner. Milijas was given a rousing reception in the 90th minute when he was replaced by David Edwards. West Ham could have added a third in the 82nd minute but Jimenez's shot came back off Hennessey's chest. Wolves almost got a consolation goal a minute from time but Green blocked substitute Richard Stearman's effort.
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Iron agree Spence deal
Teenager defender in line to make debut against Middlesbrough
Last updated: 15th August 2009
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Scunthorpe United have agreed a deal to sign West Ham United youngster Jordan Spence on a month-long loan deal. Spence has yet to make his first-team debut for the Hammers, but enjoyed a loan spell in League One with Leyton Orient last season. He has now been offered a move to the Championship and watched Scunthorpe's 3-2 win over Derby County on Saturday. The deal is expected to be completed on Monday and the 19-year-old defender will be in contention for the game against Middlesbrough 24 hours later. The England Under 19 international can play at centre-half and right-back, and will provide cover in Nigel Adkins' squad over the next few weeks.
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Gianfranco Zola To Quit West Ham United Over Financial Issues – Report
A British tabloid reports that all is not well behind the scenes at Upton Park...
16 Aug 2009 07:12:39
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is reportedly on the verge of quitting the club after having been informed he must sell players to raise funds before the transfer window closes. According to the Sunday Mirror, the Sardinian refuses to agree to sell some of his key men, thought to include the likes of Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Robert Green, and is now "at war with board". The club's Icelandic owners, the report continues, face huge debts and are adamant that selling big names is the only way forward. The Hammers, meanwhile, had been attracting a Middle East consortium, but their interest has since fizzled out and they were quick to explain why "The club are in a state of complete disarray," the spokesman told the tabloid. "The key personnel at the club like Zola, [chief executive Scott] Duxbury and coach Steve Clarke appear to be at war with the board. "Our interest in the club came to an abrupt end when we discovered what Straumur were intending to do."
The news will undoubtedly be a blow to Hammers' fans who watched their club begin the new Premier League season in fine style, with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Gill Clark, Goal.com
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Cash woes could spell Upson exit
Dave Kidd
The People
Matthew Upson has opened the door to a move away from West Ham by revealing that players are concerned about the club's financial plight. The England defender, who scored in the Hammers' 2-0 win at Wolves yesterday, knows he may have to be sold to ease the Upton Park club's cashflow. And Upson, 30, became the first Hammers player to break cover and publicly admit money worries may force sales at the club, which is owned by liquidation-threatened Icelandic bank Straumur. Predicament Upson said: "West Ham's financial predicament is quite well noted. Whether or not that means someone will have to be sold, I don't know - but I don't think the outlook is great financially. "It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to sell but if there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was down to me whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in question and make that decision."
Manchester City and Aston Villa have shown an interest in Upson, rated at £9million by the Hammers. But Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is desperate to snap up a central defender, with both Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King unfit.
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Noble effort teaches Wolves the importance of not switching off
Observer report Match facts
Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
West Ham United 2 Noble 22, Upson 69
Mikey Stafford at Molineux guardian.co.uk, Saturday 15 August 2009 17.14 BST
With only one fit striker on the West Ham books, Gianfranco Zola will have been happy to see a midfielder and a defender contributing the goals that defeated an ambitious if somewhat naïve Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet were it not for Robert Green's heroics, the contributions of Mark Noble and Matthew Upson might have been for nothing.
Following what he described as the "perfect" start to the season, Zola said he and his coveted centre-half had a discussion about him scoring more goals. A less pleasant conversation could be on the horizon should Manchester City turn their attention to signing the defender.
All around this stadium the pubs are festooned with banners proclaiming "We are Premier League" and despite this defeat there was plenty to encourage the Black Country crowd. Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant appeared on the pitch before the match to be anointed a club vice-president and there was a whole lotta love for the manner in which the home side tore into their feted guests.
With the club record signing Kevin Doyle not even fit for a place on the bench, Andy Keogh joined Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in attack and looked sure to score in the 13th minute before James Collins bravely took the ball off his toe.
Ebanks-Blake later headed over and Keogh again went close from the edge of the box. So far, so promising for Mick McCarthy's side and a raucous Molineux reverberated with noise as the Wolves faithful got the scent of blood.
However, Mark Noble administered an industrial-sized dose of realism in the 22nd minute when he was left completely unmarked 25 yards from goal. With choices left and right, he chose instead to curl a right-footed shot past Wayne Hennessey into the top left-hand corner.
The home side appeared to retreat into their shell and invite West Ham on to them upon going behind. Kieron Dyer had a shot cleared off the line by Jody Craddock and Herita Ilunga had a header tipped over by Hennessey.
Wolves, however, made it to the interval one down and almost drew level just before with a shot from Nenad Milijas, which a sprawling Green tipped around the post. The summer signing from Red Star Belgrade had two more efforts saved brilliantly by the England goalkeeper after the break as he unveiled his much-heralded left foot to English football.
Jack Collison seemed sure to double West Ham's lead when he rounded Hennessey but his tame shot was cleared off the line by Kevin Foley. Ebanks-Blake was next to be denied by Green, who advanced from his goal to block a low shot at close quarters.
McCarthy was sanguine afterwards regarding the hesitation of Hennessey and Craddock that allowed Upson to head home Noble's 69th-minute corner. The Wolves manager was happy with how his team performed and believes his players have received confirmation of what they already knew.
"When we play as well as that we have to take our chances and we have to score," he said. "There is something to learn – it is that just playing well and not getting owt isn't enough."
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Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 West Ham United 2: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on Saturday, Aug 15 2009.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Phil Shaw at Molineux
Published: 8:00AM BST 16 Aug 2009
Gold rush: Mark Noble wheels away after scoring for West Ham Photo: AP
Perhaps it just as well that Wolves do not encounter any of the Big Four until November. Returning to the Premier League after a five-year absence, they found the side who finished ninth last season too compact and composed, West Ham winning with goals by Mark Noble and Matthew Upson.
Noble curled the first from 20 yards, midway through the opening half. Upson, who wears the captain's armband for West Ham, though he is reportedly a target for free-spending Manchester City, used his head to kill the contest at a similar stage in the second period.
Premier League: the pre-season so farGianfranco Zola, having endured a summer of uncertainty over West Ham's ownership, which has made it difficult for him to operate in the transfer market, was delighted. "The team looked in control," the Italian said. "When you're only one up, you fear something will happen, but fortunately the players were focused and very professional."
Pressed about the possibility that Upson may yet decamp to Eastlands, Zola insisted there was no pressure to sell the England defender. "Matthew Upson plays for West Ham, and we're very happy to keep him. He'll stay with us," Zola said. "During the week he told me,⃜'I'd like to score more goals this season'. Afterwards he said, 'We'll have to talk more often'."
For Wolves, missing record-signing Kevin Doyle because of injury, the search goes on for an opening-day victory. They last achieved one in 1999, and though they played far more creditably than on their previous introduction to the Premier League, a 5-1 battering by Blackburn six years ago, the Championship winners looked long on endeavour and short on guile.
All was not doom and gloom. Wolves did create openings and were unlucky to come up against Robert Green in the form that has made him a serious contender for the England goalkeeping jersey at next year's World Cup. Moreover, in their new, £2.6 million midfielder from Red Star Belgrade, Nenad Milijas, they look to have unearthed a player with the potential to score at the highest level.
A measured build-up, culminating in a pass by Carlton Cole, led to West Ham going ahead, Noble controlling the ball before placing a 20-yard shot beyond Wayne Hennessey.
Green showed his quality by denying Milijas, twice, and Jody Craddock at the start of the second half, but Wolves' hopes were extinguished when Upson rose unchallenged to collect only his second goal in 77 appearances for West Ham from Noble's corner.
Worryingly for Wolves, last season's top scorer, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, came off with a hamstring injury, leaving the hosts with 10 men.
Match details:
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley (Vokes 75) , Craddock, Mancienne (Stearman 67), Ward; Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis; Ebanks-Blake, Keogh. Subs: Hahnemann (g), Elokobi, Surman, Jones.
West Ham Utd (4-4-1-1): Green; Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 65); Noble, Parker, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Collison; Jiminez; Cole (Nouble 90).Subs: Kurucz (g), Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
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Iceman in Hammers talks
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:15 August 2009 - 2:46 PM
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has revealed he is involved in active discussions with Barcelona over the potential signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen. The former Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers forward has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League following two seasons on the fringes of the Barca first team and Zola would like him to join the Hammers. The Italian played alongside Gudjohnsen at Chelsea and is a keen admirer of the Iceland international. He said: "He's playing for Barcelona, he's playing in the UEFA Champions League - although he is not playing regularly - he is there. "The alternative is to come and play for West Ham which is obviously a smaller club. I can understand his concern. He is human. "We are a good club with a good future but maybe he doesn't see that. We will see what happens."
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Zola admits West Ham interested in Gudjohnsen
16.08.09 | Ian Ferris
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is working on a deal to bring Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen to Upton Park. "He's playing for Barcelona, he's playing in the Champions League - although he is not playing regularly, he is there," the Italian told the Daily Mirror. "The alternative is to come and play for West Ham - which is obviously a smaller club. I can understand his concern. He is human. "We are a good club with a good future but maybe he doesn't see that. We will see what happens."
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Zola, Duxbury at loggerheads with West Ham owners
16.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
There are fresh doubts over the future of West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola. The Sunday Mirror says Zola will not sanction the sale of his key players before the transfer window closes at the end of this month. Icelandic owners Straumur have demanded the immediate sale of key men like Carlton Cole, Mark Noble, Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Scott Parker to meet mounting debts. Zola and chief executive Scott Duxbury are embroiled in a war with the board. Duxbury is seen as a particular problem because he is so closely aligned to Zola and the project of mixing home-grown players with some big-name internationals. The pair are pushing hard for new strikers and are totally opposed to the sale of star men.
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Middle Eastern buyer withdraws interest in West Ham
16.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
A Middle Eastern group have withdrawn interest in buying West Ham United over reports that Icelandic owners Straumur intend to sell players before the summer market shuts. A spokesman for that consortium told the Sunday Mirror: "The club are in a state of complete disarray. "The key personnel at the club like Zola, Duxbury and coach Steve Clarke appear to be at war with the board. "Our interest in the club came to an abrupt end when we discovered what Straumur were intending to do."
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West Ham boss Zola: Fans must understand limited transfer budget
16.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he's prepared to work with a limited transfer budget - so long as fans understand the reality of the situation. He told the Daily Mail: " We do have a tough job. We are not competing with Manchester City on a financial front but on the football pitch, you never know. Money is important but it's not everything. Sometimes good work is done with passion, enthusiasm — presence can be as valuable as many millions of pounds. A job can be done. "As long as the people realise the difficulties and understand that you cannot compete for the first five places. But if people back us, and everyone stays positive, and we believe in ourselves…
"I don't think anybody at the club is interested in undermining us. We can't cry about the financial problems the club have endured. I'm sure the club are trying hard to strengthen the team. I'm sure players will arrive before the transfer window closes. But, in the meantime, we have to make sure the players we have are ready. We have some good players. Some exciting young players."
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