Gardner
Barclays Premier League 6th October 2007 Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Villa Park Attendance: 40,842 Referee:Steve Tanner
A stirring, solid second-half performance could not prevent West Ham United
from sliding to a third, successive Premier League defeat, at Villa Park. On
a grey day in Birmingham, Craig Gardner's blistering, albeit deflected,
free-kick, midway through the first half proved enough to give Aston Villa
victory. But Alan Curbishley will go back to Upton Park knowing that on
another day, his hard-working Hammers could have returned to London with a
share of the points and he will be equally concerned by the worrying late
knee ligament injury sustained by Dean Ashton that could force him to
withdraw from the England squad for next week's Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Following his 11th-placed side's defeat against Arsenal last weekend, Curbs
had made three changes as Danny Gabbidon and Matthew Etherington replaced
Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) and Scott Parker (knee), while Hayden Mullins
came in for substitute Mark Noble.
Despite seeing his side sensationally surrender a three-goal lead on a mad
Monday evening at White Hart Lane, Martin O'Neill kept an unchanged side
after Villa, in ninth-spot, had drawn 4-4 against Tottenham Hotspur, five
days earlier. While that meant Nigel Reo-Coker lined up against his old
team-mates, there was no place in the hosts' 16-man squad for ex-Upton Park
striker, Marlon Harewood.
And straight from the kick-off, the former Hammers' skipper was predictably
jeered by the Hammers' visiting fans amongst a 40,842 crowd watching the
Premier League's only 3:00 p.m. Saturday start.
But with just eight minutes on the clock, the home supporters soon found
their own villain, too, when the consequently booked Henri Camara punched
Etherington's teasing left-wing cross into the net, in a fruitless attempt
to deceive, eagle-eyed referee Steve Tanner, who duly brandished a yellow
card at the flying forward. At the other end, Villa's attempts to break the
deadlock via more legal means saw the alert Robert Green make smart saves in
front of the watching Steve McClaren, to claim Luke Moore's tricky, low
20-yarder and Gabby Agbonlahor's point-blank back-header.
Midway through the half, though, the Hammers' defences were finally breached
when Agbonlahor tumbled under Gabbidon's challenge on the edge of the area
and Gardner rubbed salt into the wound, when he sent the resulting 18-yard
free-kick sizzling through the West Ham wall and in-off the luckless Welsh
defender's right shin.
In reply, Freddie Ljungberg almost conjured up an instant response but the
Swede's angled diving header was clutched at the near post by Scott Carson,
who had been called into the England squad.
Having received his own long-awaited international call-up, Ashton was
equally looking to impress McClaren ahead of next week's Euro 2008
qualifiers but, apart from a looping header and a hopeful long-ranger, he
enjoyed little joy in a first-half that saw Zat Knight deservedly booked for
an over-zealous 35th-minute tackle on the Hammers' marksman.
Ashton also saw his limping strike-partner, Camara, replaced by former Villa
loanee Carlton Cole and, as the half drew to a close, Carson was then forced
to race from his line to bravely pluck the ball off the toes of the breaking
Etherington to preserve his side's lead at the break.
Ten minutes after the restart, Reo-Coker was cautioned for one tackle too
many on Lee Bowyer, before Olof Mellberg followed him into the book for
tripping Etherington. Although, the pace of Ashley Young and Agbonlahor was
a constant threat, West Ham certainly looked more menacing in the second
half as Cole twice got himself into good positions, only to see his
eight-yarder saved by Carson, who then breathed a huge sigh of relief as the
substitute's downward header bounced agonisingly beyond the far post.
Ljungberg also unleashed a dipping 20-yarder that narrowly cleared the Villa
crossbar and, with West Ham looking like they could still salvage something
from the match, Curbs introduced both Noble and Luis Boa Morte at the
expense of Mullins and Etherington for the final ten minutes, but in the end
time simply ran out for the Hammers, who also had to endure the agony of
Ashton's late medial ligament injury.
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Curbs: We Deserved A Point - WHUFC
07/10/2007 16:40
West Ham United suffered a triple blow at Aston Villa, where the 0-1 defeat
was compounded by injuries to both Dean Ashton and Henri Camara.
And with Steve McClaren watching from the Villa Park stands, too, the
England coach was equally concerned to see Ashton hobble off at the final
whistle having sustained a late knee injury that makes him extremely
doubtful for next week's Euro 2008 qualifiers.
"Deano swung to clear a ball and tweaked his medial ligament," revealed Alan
Curbishley before heading back to Upton Park to assess his ever-growing
casualty list. "After that, he was labouring and couldn't run around, so I'd
imagine that's it for him as far as England is concerned.
"It depends how badly he's injured his knee but at least he's walking
around, whereas Scott Parker did the same thing last weekend and he couldn't
even do that. We'll have to wait and see but I'd imagine that a comeback
within a week or a fortnight is looking tight and that's disappointing
because Deano's worked ever so hard lately.
"This latest set-back just sums things up for us at the moment and our
growing catalogue of injuries is making things very difficult for us right
now.
"Ironically Henri Camara got his chance because of all the injuries we've
got and then he hurt his hamstring, while George McCartney took a knock and
Luis Boa Morte picked up a deadleg. It's just incredible what we're going
through," continued the disappointed Curbs after seeing Craig Gardner's
debatable, deflected, first-half free-kick settle the match in Villa's
favour, despite Hammers' spirited second half rally. "We played a decent
side today and I was pleased with our performance after the break. People
forget that Villa are on a good run and that we were only one point behind
them coming into today's game.
"We're disappointed with the final result and I'm sure that Martin O'Neill
and Aston Villa will be well pleased that they got all three points,"
concluded Curbs. "It was a game of two halves but, once again, we gave away
the first goal and found ourselves chasing the match just like we did
against Newcastle United and Arsenal.
"They were the sharpest side in the first half but we were the better team
after the break and I thought that we deserved at least a point.
"Although we didn't create the perfect chance, unfortunately we just
couldn't take one of the half-chances that came our way".
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Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham - BBC
By Jon Barbuti
Craig Gardner scored for the second match in succession as Aston Villa ran
out deserving winners at Villa Park. The midfielder fired home a deflected
free-kick in the 23rd minute after Danny Gabbidon tripped Gabriel Agbonlahor
on the edge of the area. With Ashley Young prominent on the wing, Villa
created great chances that Luke Moore and Agbonlahor squandered. West Ham
threatened only sporadically, though they did have an Henri Camara effort
disallowed for handball. Having shown their Jekyll and Hyde nature in
building and then throwing away a three-goal lead at White Hart Lane on
Monday, Villa sought to demonstrate their positive traits by going straight
on the attack. Ashley Young skinned Gabbidon down the left wing and crossed
but Moore completely missed his kick from eight yards. Against the run of
play, West Ham had the ball in the net in the ninth minute, though the
effort was quickly ruled out.
Matthew Etherington crossed, but Camara's use of the hand in converting was
blatant and he could have few complaints about getting booked. Young,
showing flashes of inspiration, was prominent as Villa continued to create
and waste chances. The winger had shouts for a penalty before sending in a
cross that Agbonlahor could only head straight at Robert Green. But their
pressure paid off on 23 minutes. Gabbidon tripped Agbonlahor 20 yards out
and paid the ultimate price as it was his deflection that sent Gardner's
free kick past Green.
Camara, who made more of an impact with his hand than his boot, was replaced
by Carlton Cole in the first half, but the impetus remained with Villa.
Lucas Neill, bearing the brunt of the chants as news of England's win
against Australia in the Rugby World Cup filtered through, continued to toil
against the pace of Young. And Young was the provider again with a cross
that narrowly evaded both Moore and Agbonlahor. West Ham's chances were
sporadic, but Cole should have done better when the ball fell to him 10
yards out after a weak clearance in the 56th minute. Villa had shouts for a
penalty turned down on 75 minutes as Young tormented the defence once more.
His cross after cutting in from the left appeared to brush Neill's arm, but
referee Steve Tanner was unmoved. Temporarily awoken from their slumber,
West Ham briefly threatened as Cole volleyed narrowly over from 15 yards.
But the chance failed to spark any concerted pressure and even the
introduction of Mark Noble and Luis Boa Morte failed to lift the disjointed
Hammers.
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill"I am very, very pleased with the team. "We
played some great football in the first half, then we saw it through and
deserved to win. "Ashley Young was in splendid form and, at times, was
unplayable. The young players all did brilliantly, as did Martin Laursen in
defence. He was like a Trojan for us. "It looked like Gabriel Agbonlahor
should have had a penalty, but we won so I can be magnanimous."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley "We are desperately disappointed not to
pick up anything. As the game wore on we got better.
"The free-kick (which led to the goal) was completely wrong. That's two bad
decisions in the past two weeks. "There was no contact and the referee has
got it wrong. Everything that can go wrong is going wrong at the moment."
Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Gardner (Petrov 78),
Reo-Coker, Barry, Agbonlahor, Moore (Maloney 66), Young.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Davies, Osbourne.
Booked: Knight, Reo-Coker, Mellberg.
Goals: Gardner 24.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Bowyer,
Mullins (Noble 80), Etherington (Boa Morte 81), Ashton, Camara (Cole 36).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins.
Booked: Camara, McCartney.
Att: 40,842
Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
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Green: no explanation - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 7th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Hammers keeper Rob Green says he is mystified as to his continued omission
from the national squad. Like the vast majority of United supporters, Steve
McClaren's latest decision to ignore Green for the forthcoming European
Championship qualifiers has stumped the 27-year-old stopper. "You try to
work logic and sense into these things and the only thing you can say is
they don't regard me as good enough," said a perplexed Green last night.
"I've had no explanation from England. I only found out I wasn't in the
squad when it came up on Teletext. No-one has contacted me. "From my point
of view I am playing as well as I have done in my career. When I was at
Norwich - in the Championship - I got told I was good enough to be in the
squad. "Now I am playing for West Ham in the Premiership and playing well,
it seems I'm not good enough."
Meanwhile Alan Curbishley has spoken of his sadness over the injury to Dean
Ashton which has once again prevented him from making his full international
debut. "It's a big blow for England, but it's also a big blow for us as we
have injuries aplenty up front," said Curbishley following yesterday's 1-0
defeat at Villa Park. "It all depends how badly he has hurt his ligaments.
We will have to wait and see, but I would say things are looking a bit tight
for the next two weeks. "You feel sorry for the lad because he has had his
fair share of bad luck and has worked ever so hard to get himself back fit
and playing."
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The injured XI - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Injuries today to Dean Ashton and Henri Camara leaves Alan Curbishley shy of
ELEVEN first team players. With Camara hobbling off in the first half and
Ashton sustaining a knee injury in today's 1-0 defeat at Villa Park the
Hammers are short of an entire team of players - although some are expected
to recover in time for United's next fixture against Sunderland in a
fortnight's time.
Alan Curbishley bemoaned hs luck tonight when he said: "Everybody knows the
situation we're in - we've got a lot of injuries. We've copped another
couple today so it is disappointing. "You can see we are being stretched at
the minute."
With the international break looming Curbishley can expect to regain the
services of some, although the extensive injury list will still be causing
major concern. The players currently out of action - and their expected
return dates - are as follows:
Anton Ferdinand (hamstring): The defender pulled his hamstring during the
1-0 defeat against Arsenal last weekend. He is expected to be back for the
Sunderland game.
Nobby Solano (fitness): The transfer deadline signing is yet to feature for
his new club due to a lack of fitness. Should be ready for consideration in
time for the Sunderland game.
Calum Davenport (ankle): Centre-half Davenport has suffered several niggles
since rejoining the Hammers in January, although is recovering well from his
latest knock. Set to return within a fortnight.
Craig Bellamy (groin): The Welsh striker is expected back in action within a
fortnight after undergoing a hernia op in Munich last week.
Bobby Zamora (knee): The striker underwent an operation to correct a knee
problem at the end of September and is expected to be ready for selection
again by the end of the month.
Scott Parker (knee): Midfield general Parker suffered a recurrence of the
knee problem which had kept him out of United's opening games during last
week's defeat against Arsenal - his league debut for the Hammers. Likely to
be out until the end of October.
Henri Camara (hamstring): The third Hammer to suffer a tear in recent games,
Camara is likely to miss the rest of October.
Dean Ashton (knee): Ashton is said to have suffered medial knee ligament
damage which could keep him out until December, at worst - although a
four-week lay-off is average for such injuries. Likely to miss the next two
games against Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Nigel Quashie (ankle): Quashie, signed from West Brom in January has been
out of action since last season with a problematic ankle. Whilst he is
currently in recovery no date has been set for his return.
Julien Faubert (achilles): Just weeks after joining the Hammers in a £6.1m
deal French international Faubert tore his achilles during a pre-season game
in Austria. He is not expected to play until the new year.
Kieron Dyer (fracture): The £7m summer signing suffered a double fracture to
his right leg in the 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers in August.
Unlikely to be playing until early February.
Eight of the 11 injured players have been signed by Alan Curbishley since
last January.
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Ashton in England doubt - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Dean Ashton is almost certainly out of England's forthcoming European
Championship qualifiers after picking up a knock in today's 1-0 defeat at
Aston Villa. Ashton - who played until the end of the game despite picking
up the injury - is believed to have suffered medial knee ligament damage
which could keep him out of action for several weeks, depending upon the
severity of the injury. The news will come as a huge blow to Alan Curbishley
who is already without Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora, leaving him with just
Carlton Cole and loan signing Henri Camara as fully-fit strikers. Ashton -
who has made just 24 appearances for the Hammers since joining the club a
year and nine months ago - was set to make his international debut last
August before breaking an ankle in training. He was named in the latest
England squad by Steve McClaren yesterday for the first time since
sustaining the original injury 13 months ago. West Ham United's next game is
the Premier League fixture against newly-promoted Sunderland at the Boleyn
Ground on Sunday, 21st October.
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Aston Villa 1 West Ham United 0 - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United slipped to a third consecutive Premier league defeat against
Aston Villa at Villa Park this afternoon. A 24th minute goal from rookie
Craig Gardner was enough to condemn the Hammers to defeat, a second
successive one goal reversal following last weekend's home defeat against
Arsenal. Like last weekend the Hammers enjoyed plenty of possession whilst
creating a number of goalscoring oportunities, but once again they failed to
make the most of them. Most guilty perhaps was fifth-choice striker Carlton
Cole who spurned two gilt-edged chances to earn United something from the
game - one coming in the 94th minute which would have left the home side no
time to regain their lead. However that Cole was even playing in the game
was testament to United's failure to land a top-class striker to replace
Carlos Tevez during the summer transfer window. With West Ham's only front
line summer purchase, Craig Bellamy, out of action for at least a fortnight
West Ham's shortcomings are being exposed, with just one goal scored in the
last three games (all defeats).
Whilst that statistic may pale in comparison with last season's club record
run of eight games without a goal, Alan Curbishley will no doubt be worried
about the lack of impact his team are having in the opposing half of the
pitch. Dean Ashton - slowly nearing full fitness again - was, as always, a
handful for the Villa rearguard - whilst strike partners Henri Camara
(injured after 36 minutes) and (replacement) Carlton Cole had the kind of
games they will wish to forget.
Villa - featuring Nigel Reo-Coker, who was reminded at every opportunity by
Hammers fans exactly how they felt about the lies he told in order to
procure a move away from East London - were perhaps fortunate to take all
three points from a fairly even game. There was a more than touch of luck
about the goal which won the game; a Gardner free-kick on the edge of the
box was fired through a crowd of players - including the wall - before
cannoning off the unfortunate Danny Gabbidon into the bottom corner.
Question marks could perhaps be asked about United's defending for the
set-piece, and as to why no player was placed on the post at which the goal
was scored. But the real concern tonight should be about the lack of goals
scored at the other end of the field - plenty of food for thought for Alan
Curbishley as he looks to arrest a worrying slide which leaves the Hammers
in the bottom half of the table this evening.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Upson, Gabbidon, Bowyer, Mullins
(Noble 80), Ljungberg, Etherington (Boa Morte 81), Camara (Cole 36), Ashton.
Subs not Used: Wright, Collins.
Booked: Camara (9), McCartney (73).
Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Bouma, Knight, Gardner (Petrov 78),
Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Moore (Maloney 66), Agbonlahor.
Subs Not used: Taylor, Davies, Osbourne.
Goals: Gardner (24).
Booked: Knight (36), Reo-Coker (55), Mellberg (68).
Referee: Steve Tanner.
Attendance: 40,824.
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Ashton admits injury woes - SSN
Striker stunned by knee blow
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 8th October 2007
Dean Ashton has admitted his disappointment at his England 'injury
nightmare'. The West Ham striker sustained suspected medial knee ligament
damage in The Hammers' 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday and is a doubt
for England's forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Ashton underwent scans to diagnose the extent of the injury on Sunday and
will find out the results on Monday. If the scans confirm the damage Ashton
will join Everton forward Andy Johnson, who undergoes ankle surgery on
Monday, on the sidelines for England's qualifiers with Estonia and Russia on
13th and 17th October respectively.
It could be the second time in 14 months Ashton has been ruled out of an
England squad through injury. The 23-year-old broke his ankle during England
training having received his first call up to manager Steve McClaren's squad
for the friendly with Greece in August 2006 and missed all of last season as
a result. Ashton, who was called up to the squad in place of the injured
Emile Heskey, has admitted his despair at the prospect of missing out again.
"It's like a nightmare," Ashton told the Daily Mirror. "I've tweaked
something in my knee but it feels okay walking so hopefully it won't be too
bad. "I've got to see what the scan reveals but if I have to miss out on
England I'll be devastated. It almost seems like there is something against
me and it is frustrating. "If the worst comes to the worst and I can't be
involved with England I'll be devastated because it feels like it is my
chance again in the squad to show what I'm about. "I'll be gutted because of
all the hard work I've put in to get to this stage. "If I am out of the
qualifiers because my knee, I'll make sure I come back from that as well."
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Gardner earns Villa victory - SSN
Villa record fourth straight home win
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 6th October 2007
Aston Villa earned a hard fought 1-0 win over West Ham in Saturday's only 3
O'clock Premier League kick-off. A 24th minute Craig Gardner free-kick was
enough to steer Villa to their fourth successive victory at Villa Park.
Meanwhile, West Ham slumped to their third straight league defeat as they
failed to consistently threaten Scott Carson in the Villa goal. West Ham had
the ball in the back of the net, but Henri Camara's effort was disallowed
for a blatant handball and this was to be as close as they came. Villa then
struck on 24 minutes when Gardner blasted home a free-kick from 18 yards,
which took a late deflection off Daniel Gabbidon to deceive Robert Green in
the Hammers goal. West Ham then enjoyed the majority of possession and were
unfortunate not to be awarded a second half penalty when Zat Knight hauled
down Carlton Cole in the 18-yard box, but they looked blunt in attack and
failed to muster an equaliser.
Villa had chances to seal the points in the first half, despite an improved
performance from West Ham in the second 45 minutes. The pace of Ashley Young
caused problems for the Hammers down the left flank and he must have
impressed watching England coach Steve McClaren. Another member of
McClaren's latest England squad, Dean Ashton, had a quiet afternoon and
picked up a knee injury which could rule him out of the forthcoming Euro
2008 qualifiers with Estonia and Russia. The first decent opening fell to
the home side after five minutes when Young turned past Gabbidon and sent
over an inviting low cross, but Luke Moore failed to connect with a volley.
Green was called into meaningful action for the first time when he parried a
low drive from Moore after good play by skipper Gareth Barry. The home side
then looked to have strong claims for a penalty after 13 minutes when Lucas
Neill appeared to tug at the shirt of Young as he burst into the Hammers
box, but it was turned down by referee Steve Tanner.
Villa were looking threatening and an inviting cross from Young picked out
Gabriel Agbonlahor whose glancing header was saved by Green. It was no
surprise when Gardner struck for the second time in five days to put Villa
ahead after Agbonlahor was brought down right on the edge of the Hammers box
by Gabbidon. West Ham tried to retaliate and Freddie Ljungberg ran at full
tilt to meet a deep centre by Matthew Etherington but his flying header was
well saved by Carson who was perfectly positioned. Villa looked dangerous
every time the likes of Young and Agbonlahor ran at the West Ham defence.
The visitors were forced to make a substitution when Camara limped out of
the action with a hamstring problem to be replaced by Cole. Villa were soon
back on the offensive as they attacked a packed Holte End in the second half
and Agbonlahor had a header blocked by Matthew Upson from Young's cross.
Reo-Coker, who was giving the West Ham players little room to manoeuvre in
midfield, was yellow-carded for a challenge on Bowyer.
Villa, though, almost gifted West Ham an equaliser after 55 minutes when a
poor clearing header by Mellberg went straight to Cole just outside the
six-yard box, but he failed to make proper contact and Carson was able to
save. The pace of Villa's game had dropped considerably compared to the
opening 45 minutes and O'Neill brought on Shaun Maloney for Moore. Young
appealed in vain for a penalty when Neill appeared to deflect his cross past
the post via his right arm. However, Villa comfortably held on to secure the
points and move up to fifth in the league.
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Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham: Gardner hits hot streak - Soccernet
Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner struck for the second time in five days
to propel Martin O'Neill's side into fifth place in the Premier League via a
1-home win over West Ham. The England Under-21 player, who had also netted
against Tottenham on Monday, settled the issue with his 24th minute
free-kick to earn Villa a fourth successive home win. Villa had enough
chances to make sure of the points in the first half and, although there was
an improved showing by the Hammers in the second 45 minutes, Scott Carson
was only occasionally tested. It was a third successive league defeat for
Alan Curbishley's side, for whom Freddie Ljungberg posed the main threat
with a series of crosses whipped into the box. The pace of Ashley Young
caused all sorts of problems for the Hammers down the left flank and he must
have impressed watching England coach Steve McClaren. Another member of his
latest England squad, Dean Ashton, had a quiet game and looked less then 100
per cent match fit, which was unsurprising after his lengthy injury lay-off.
He was also given little opportunity to make an impression by Villa central
defender Martin Laursen, who had another outstanding game. From Villa's
viewpoint, the quicker the Danish international signs a new contract - his
current one expires next summer - the more relieved everyone will be at the
midlands club. Predictably, West Ham's former Birmingham defender, Matthew
Upson, and Villa's ex Hammers midfielder, Nigel Reo-Coker, were booed
everytime they touched the ball by the respective sets of fans.
The first decent opening fell to the home side after five minutes when Young
turned past Daniel Gabbidon and sent over an inviting low cross. But Luke
Moore, still searching for his first Premier League goal of the season,
failed to make proper contact with his attempted volley. Henri Camara had
the ball in the net for the Hammers after nine minutes, but he had clearly
used his hand to turn in Matthew Etherington's cross and was yellow-carded.
The Hammers' Robert Green was called into meaningful action for the first
time when he parried a low drive from Moore after good play by skipper
Gareth Barry. Villa looked to have strong claims for a penalty after 13
minutes when Lucas Neill appeared to tug at the shirt of Young as he burst
into the Hammers box. But it was turned down by referee Steve Tanner to
leave Villa manager O'Neill incensed on the touch-line. Villa were looking
threatening and an inviting cross from Young picked out Gabriel Agbonlahor,
whose glancing header was saved by Green. It was no surprise when after 24
minutes Gardner struck for the second time in five days to put Villa ahead
after Agbonlahor was brought down right on the edge of the Hammers box by
Gabbidon.
Up stepped Gardner, who had scored against Tottenham on Monday, to drill a
low shot through the Hammers' defensive wall which took a deflection off
Gabbidon before flying past Green into the net. West Ham tried to retaliate
and Ljungberg ran at full tilt to meet a deep centre by Etherington, but his
flying header was well saved by Carson, who was perfectly positioned. Villa
looked dangerous everytime the likes of Young and Agbonlahor ran at the West
Ham defence. The visitors were forced to make a substitution when Camara
limped out of the action to be replaced by Carlton Cole, who had a loan
spell at Villa two seasons ago.
Villa were soon back on the offensive as they attacked a packed Holte End in
the second half and Agbonlahor had a header blocked by Upson from Young's
cross. Reo-Coker, who was giving the West Ham players little room to
manoeuvre in midfield, was yellow-carded for a challenge on Bowyer. Villa
almost gifted West Ham an equaliser after 55 minutes when a poor clearing
header by Mellberg only went straight to Cole just outside the six yard box,
but he failed to make proper contact and Carson was able to save away to his
left.
The pace of Villa's game had dropped considerably compared to the opening 45
minutes and O'Neill brought on Shaun Maloney for Moore. Young appealed in
vain for a penalty when Neill appeared to deflect his cross past the post
via his right arm. Laursen, who had another outstanding game, finished the
game with his head heavily bandaged after blood had been streaming down his
face. Green denied Agbonlahor at close range with five minutes remaining.
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Ashton 'very doubtful' for England - Soccernet
West Ham striker Dean Ashton is rated 'very doubtful' for England's Euro
2008 qualifiers with Estonia and Russia after suffering a knee ligament
injury against Aston Villa. Ashton completed the 90 minutes, with the
Hammers having already used their three substitutes, but he looked laboured
and his worst fears were confirmed after the game. It is another massive
setback for Ashton, who had battled back from a broken ankle which he
suffered in training ahead of England's game with Greece 14 months ago - the
first of Steve McClaren's reign. McClaren was also at Villa Park to witness
this latest blow for Ashton, whose side were beaten 1-0 by a first-half
free-kick from Craig Gardner. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said: 'Dean
has hurt his medial knee ligament. You could see he was labouring and
couldn't really run about. 'I would think he is very doubtful for England.
He couldn't really run near the end so I imagine that is it for him. 'He
swung his leg to clear the ball and has caught his boot on somebody and
tweaked his medial knee ligament. 'It's a big blow for England but it's also
a big blow for us as we have injuries aplenty up front. 'It all depends how
badly he has hurt his ligaments. We will have to wait and see but I would
say things are looking a bit tight for the next two weeks. 'You feel sorry
for the lad because he has had his fair share of bad luck and has worked
ever so hard to get himself back fit and playing.' With Emile Heskey already
ruled out, McClaren's options for the two games which could decide whether
England reach next summer's finals are further limited.
West Ham slumped to a third successive Premier League defeat and Curbishley
was unhappy with the free-kick awarded against Daniel Gabbidon which led to
the goal from Gardner midway through the first half. He said: 'Martin
O'Neill and Aston Villa will be well pleased to have got the three points.
They were sharper in the first half and caused us a few problems. 'The
disappointing thing is that it wasn't a free kick. I thought that at the
time and I definitely think it now having watched it again. Their player
Gabriel Agbonlahor slipped over. 'You sometimes get those given, and
sometimes you don't. In the second half we were the better side and needed
to take one of our half-chances. We deserved the point on our second-half
display.'
O'Neill hailed the performance of winger Ashley Young who has also been
included in McClaren's latest England squad. He said: 'We played some great
stuff in the first half and Ashley was mesmeric. He was a great outlet for
us and caused havoc. 'There were moments in the game when he was unplayable.
The confidence he has got comes from having great ability. 'Agbonlahor was
also terrific for us and he is getting stronger and better by the game. 'We
should have capitalised more in the first half and then West Ham came at us
after the break and had the bulk of possession. 'I think our exertions at
Tottenham earlier in the week (where they were held to a 4-4 draw) may have
taken their toll and when we freshened things up we started to get a grip
again.'
O'Neill was also delighted with the performance of defender Martin Laursen
who kept a tight rein on Ashton before he suffered his setback. He said:
'Martin Laursen is just brilliant for us. He is as brave as a lion.
Sometimes he goes in for balls he can't win. 'But it's better he's like that
rather than not going in at all. He has been majestic for us. He ended the
game with his head heavily bandaged after having three stitches in his head
but we wanted to get him back on.'
Gardner helped Villa reach fifth place in the table with his second goal in
five days, after having also scored from a free-kick in the high-scoring
draw at White Hart Lane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Aston Villa Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Oct 7 2007
Aston Villa 1 West Ham United 0
A goal midway through the first half was enough for Aston Villa to condemn
West Ham to their third successive defeat and set off alarm bells with
regards to the lack of creativity going forward.
This is a game which we should have taken something out of and although we
controlled the game we never really dominated in the way we should. We had
more shots on target, more shots off target and more corners, yet we never
really tested Villa.
There were a few changes to the side which lost at home to Arsenal last
weekend. Anton Ferdinand was out with injury and he was replaced by Danny
Gabbidon. In midfield, Mark Noble was surprisingly dropped to the bench and
replaced by the returning Matthew Etherington. Although it was no shock to
see Etherington return, leaving Noble out to accommodate Lee Bowyer in the
center of midfield did seem surprising. With Scott Parker out injured,
Hayden Mullins came into the centre of midfield.
With Craig Bellamy still absent, Henri Camera deputised alongside Dean
Ashton.
In the Aston Villa midfield, the West Ham fans were able to get another look
at former Captain Nigel Reo Coker. He would go on to endure a massive amount
of abuse throughout the game as the travelling West Ham fans let him know
what they thought him.
We started brightly, trying to get Etherington into the game as he had found
a bit of space and it was his cross that was turned into the net by Henri
Camera in the eight minute which momentarily had the travelling hammers
celebrating only for the linesman to ferociously flag and the ref to show
Camera the yellow card. It has become apparent that it was given for a
blatant handball.
Camera was involved again when he excellently played the ball through a
Villa defenders legs and race towards goal. He was surrounded quickly but
was very close to playing in Dean Ashton but for an excellent interception.
Reo Coker's abuse was turned up a notch when he put his hand in the face of
Lee Bowyer after an over zealous challenge. The referee gave nothing but
Bowyer needed treatment from the physio, with Ljungberg squaring up to the
Villa midfielder. Chants of "Boywer, break his legs" were chanted from the
West Ham fans.
Villa soon found their feet and started to play some neat quick football
with our right hand side being hurt by the pace of Young and Agbonlahor.
Lucas Neill was looking exactly like he has been looking of late which is
shaky and frail. He was getting beaten every time and although Gabbidon came
over to lend a hand he was beaten just as easily as Villa looked to make the
breakthrough.
They did manage to get that goal on the 24th minute from a very dubious free
kick. The ball was played into Agbonlahor who shielded the ball from
Gabbidon and then took a tumble despite little contact. It was a poor
decision from the referee and one which would ultimately cost us.
The free kick was taken by Craig Gardener who smashed it at goal, and
although it was going straight into the hands of Robert Green it hit Danny
Gabbidon, who for some reason was standing right in front of him. The
deflection took the ball into the goal to put the home side in the lead.
Villa then had their best spell of the game forcing a few corners and
general panic inside our area. It was all coming from the left hand side
with Ashley Young ripping us apart. His cross was somehow missed by
Agbonlahor and Luke Young and the West Ham defence looked fragile.
Henri Camera pulled up with an injury and was replaced by Carlton Cole on
the 36th minute.
We were struggling to create anything going forward and despite a header
from Ljungberg and a chance after a poor header back to his keeper by
Mellberg which nearly let Matthew Etherington steal in we went in at half
time knowing that we must up the tempo if we were to get anything from this
game.
Reo Coker was shown the yellow card just after the restart after committing
yet another foul and Mellberg was shown the same punishment after a poor
foul on Etherington.
Our best chance of the game fell on the 56th minute but unfortunately it
fell to Carlton Cole. Villa made a real mess of a Ljungberg cross and the
ball fell kindly for Cole who from a few yards out didn't manage to get good
connection with his left foot shot and the keeper easily saved to the
despair of the away support.
A few moments later, Cole should have been awarded a penalty after he was
dragged down in the area only for the referee to give a goal kick.
We just could not sustain any sort of pressure going forward and continued
to knock the ball into space for no one. It was frustrating to watch as
Villa had stopped playing in this second half and were happy to soak up
whatever we could offer – which wasn't much.
At the back for Villa the excellent Martin Laursen was immense as he won the
battle against Dean Ashton every time. He put in the type of performance I
would love to see one of our defenders do.
With time running out it actually looked as though we were running out of
steam which was shocking as we never really had any.
Villa were denied a stonewall penalty when Lucas Neill thought it would be
fun to push Ashley Young in the back and they had a good shout for another
penalty soon after as Lucas Neill appeared to handle the ball from a Ashley
Young cross.
With just under ten minutes remaining, Hayden Mullins was removed with Mark
Noble replacing him and Luis Boa Morte entered the field of play replacing
the poor Matthew Etherington.
Carlton Cole had another chance when a cross was met by the striker on the
volley but it just went over the bar. In fairness to Cole this was a good
effort and there was nothing more he could have done.
The final few minutes were painful to watch as Villa managed to keep the
ball in the corner for the majority of the four minutes injury time. Villa
did this really well wasting three minutes by simply keeping the ball.
Whenever we are in a similar position we always struggle to keep the ball in
the corner.
There was time for one last attack as Luis Boa Morte sped down the left hand
side and delivered a superb cross which was missed by Carlton Cole, Dean
Ashton and Freddie Ljungberg to complete a miserable day in Birmingham.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
The only thing he could have done about the goal was to tell Danny Gabbidon
to get the fuck out of his way. Apart from that he was sound as usual.
Lucas Neill
Another erratic performance from Lucas Neill and although up against a good
player in Ashley Young – he was second best far too many times. Was very
lucky not to give away two penalties and overall his performance was not one
I expect of the captain.
Matthew Upson
The first half performance was a bad one for the defence as it was put under
pressure and looked very close to buckling more times than it actually did.
But it got better and Upson was able to show a little more composure during
the second half. Made some good tackles and won his fair share of headers.
His distribution is a worry though and this was pretty apparent during
today's game.
Danny Gabbidon
I do not blame him for the foul which led to the goal as it was never a free
kick and he can count himself very unlucky. But why, as an experienced
defender would you go and stand in front of your goal keeper as a free kick
was going to be taken? It hit him and went in and that goal was his fault.
Got better throughout the game, but I can't say I'm too pleased with him.
George McCartney
Didn't seemed to be troubled much today as he put in another solid
performance.
Freddie Ljungberg
We were crying out for a creative player today and there were moments when I
thought Ljungberg was going to be it. But he never really go going
throughout the entire game and only flashes of good football were seen.
Continues to drift inside and leave a massive gap on the right. Doesn't look
like a winger at all. The problem on the right continues.
Hayden Mullins
Of course the anti Mullins mob will be out in full force when they read this
but I thought he was our best player today. Full of fight and determination
he matched Reo Coker throughout and got the better of him most of the time.
His tackling was spot on and didn't get caught in possession too often
(something that is usually a problem).
Lee Bowyer
The bloke still possesses the ability to pass the ball and pass it well.
Trouble is he needs too much time to do so. I have seen him play worse than
this and he cannot be slagged for this showing but when you have Mark Noble
– a younger, fitter, and quicker player, you do not need to play Lee Bowyer.
If this was Curbishley's master plan after losing the previous two games
then it failed.
Matthew Etherington
One of those games which Etherington retreated into his shell and stayed
there for the majority of the game. Up against bigger, stronger players he
looked frightened and was like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Never got
going and we will need much more from him in the coming weeks.
Henri Camera
Was lively throughout the time he was on the pitch and his link up play with
Ashton seemed to be improving. Was yellowed carded for the punch into the
back of the net and had to come off due to injury.
Dean Ashton
Never got into this one at all as he struggled to keep up with the pace of
the game. Looked leggy and tired and despite the odd flash of skill this
will not go down as one of his better performances. Won nothing in the air
and just gave away numerous free kicks. Has also picked up a knee injury… do
I dare utter those words..?
Subs Used
Carlton Cole (on for Camera 36 mins)
Gave his all but as usual he lacks the quality to be a premiership striker.
No stick was given from the West Ham fans as the away support looked to back
every player in a West Ham shirt. He had a golden chance which he fluffed
and although he was unlucky with a later opportunity he is never going to
score goals at this level.
Mark Noble (on for Mullins 81 mins)
Never got into the game.
Luis Boa Morte (on for Etherington 81 mins)
One good cross aside, there was little action for Boa Morte to get into.
Overall
The reality is that we are a mid to lower table side who will lose games
like this throughout this campaign. We will win a few no doubt but with the
team we are able to put out week in week out, it will not be good enough for
us to make any impact on this league.
We have suffered an amazing amount of injuries and of course we have to
allow Alan Curbishley that excuse as Dyer, Bellamy, Parker, and Zamora are
all players who would have a big part to play in the first team.
My main gripe is that when you lose players such as Carlos Tevez and Yossi
Benayoun and replace them with nothing, how do you expect to create goals? I
have no doubt that if just one of those had of been in our side today we
would have created a chance which would have led to a goal.
Villa were there for the taking, and after going one up in the first half
they sat back in the second as they were confident that they could deal with
whatever we had to offer.
Sunderland are up next and they will do the exact same from the very first
kick. They will defend for their lives and hope to hit us on the break. It
will be up to us to compete with them physically and then break them down.
This is something Alan Curbishley must concentrate on with the players from
now until that game because if we continue to play this route one football
in the hope that Ashton will do something on his own then we are going to
struggle.
And a loss to Sunderland with Portsmouth away coming up after, and we are
looking at the wrong end of the table yet again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green argues his England case - Telegraph
By Martin Smith
Last Updated: 12:55am BST 08/10/2007
Aston Villa (0) 1 West Ham United (0) 0
England have four goalkeepers of similar competence – and occasional
incompetence – but with only three places available in each squad, someone
is going to be disappointed. At the moment, that someone is Robert Green,
and he is not happy.
Green carried the resentment of being left out of the 27-man party to play
Estonia and Russia next week into West Ham's match at Villa Park; had he
known Steve McClaren and his goalkeeping coach, Ray Clemence, were in the
directors' box, he might have been tempted to punt the ball in their
direction.
Green did not hold back after the match, though. "It is not my job to call
myself up," he said. "In the summer [against Estonia], I was in the squad
and was told my position was there to lose – and I lost it through not
playing a game.
"I've been playing as well as I have done in my career. David James was
picked on good form and I lost my place on good form.
"In terms of choice, I'm obviously quite low down the pecking order. You try
and work logic and sense into things, and the only thing you can say is they
don't regard me as good enough. No one has rung me to say I wasn't in the
squad, and no one's rung me to say sorry."
Alan Curbishley, his manager, tried to dampen the flames of discontent. "As
I understand it, he was under close scrutiny," he said. "He has been very,
very consistent this season, but there's a long way to go. Perhaps the squad
that's been picked now, and the squad that is picked for the finals, if we
qualify, will be a little different."
Green was a veritable stone wall at Villa – as, at the other end, was Scott
Carson, who was picked by England alongside Paul Robinson and James. Green
could not be blamed for Craig Gardner's free-kick, which flew through a
disintegrating wall and deflected off Danny Gabbidon, who had stationed
himself right in front of his goalkeeper.
Green's displeasure took attention away from a bizarre refereeing
performance from Steve Tanner, in his first full season on the Premier
League list, who blew for less obvious, or non-existent, fouls but missed
the big ones.
West Ham, for instance, complained that Gabriel Agbonlahor slipped when
Tanner decided he was fouled by Gabbidon for the free-kick from which
Gardner scored. On the other hand, Villa had three copper-bottomed penalty
claims ignored, all against Lucas Neill, twice for pushing, once for
handball.
Not that it materially affected the result: Villa deserved the three points
that carried them to the dizzying heights of fifth place, albeit for 24
hours; it was just that their goal difference wasn't enhanced. Green had
something to do with that.
Man of the match
Matthew Upson (A Villa) ????????????? - PeterR
• Made 19 clearances
• Contested 18 tackles
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashley Young shines as Dean Ashton suffers - Telegraph
By Clive White at Villa Park
Last Updated: 12:20am BST 07/10/2007
Aston Villa (0) 1 West Ham United (0) 0
Steve McClaren was at Villa Park yesterday afternoon – well, it's not as if
there was anywhere else for him to go – ostensibly to run the rule over West
Ham's Dean Ashton and Villa's Ashley Young for the upcoming European
Championship qualifiers. The latter will have left the deeper impression
upon the England coach, along with his Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor,
rather than the lumbering West Ham target man.
It was probably just as well because the unlucky Ashton injured medial knee
ligaments late on and is rated "very, very doubtful" for England duty in the
next 10 days. Of course, had Ashton been on the receiving end of the kind of
delivery from wide positions that Agbonlahor and Young provided he might
have had more of an impact. Come to think of it, so might Villa. But,
without the injured John Carew, Agbonlahor and Young had to alternate
between wide man and striker.
Still, Villa looked more comfortable holding the one-goal lead, given them
in slightly contentious circumstances by Craig Gardner, than they had been
their three-goal advantage against other London opposition earlier in the
week and, with their fourth straight home league win, moved to fifth in the
table. Villa, like West Ham — perhaps it is the claret and blue colours they
share — have lost just once to them at home in 11 meetings.
In fairness, as the late West Ham manager John Lyall used to say, the
Hammers are spreading themselves a bit thin these days because of injuries.
Yesterday they were without Craig Bellamy, Bobby Zamora, Anton Ferdinand,
Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer among others. Now it looks as if they may also
lose the powerful Ashton again; he broke his ankle during England training
in August last year and missed the rest of the season. McClaren, who had
hoped that he might prove the ideal substitute for the injured Emile Heskey,
seems destined never to get his hands on him.
"I think it's very, very doubtful [he will be available for England]," said
Alan Curbishley. "He couldn't run near the end, so I imagine that's it
really, but it all depends how bad he's done it, obviously he's walking
around – Parker was in a position that he couldn't run last week, but I
imagine a week, even two weeks, looks a bit tight."
Early on, it looked as if the pace of Agbonlahor might be completely ruinous
for West Ham. Lucas Neill was given even more of a chasing by the young
Englishman than his fellow Australians in Marseille. At one stage he was
literally hanging on to the winger's coat tails and was fortunate not to
give away a free-kick in a dangerous situation.
advertisementIt was not long before West Ham did concede a free-kick in a
dangerous situation, although Curbishley strongly disputed that Danny
Gabbidon had fouled Agbonlahor on the edge of the area after 23 minutes.
Just as he had against Spurs, Gardner cracked home the free-kick with a low
shot that took a fierce deflection off the hapless Gabbidon.
Villa were unable to build on that lead, although they might have had a
penalty if the referee had seen a push by Neill on Agbonlahor in the second
half when Nigel Reo-Coker bore down menacingly on his former club's goal.
Martin O'Neill felt his team just shaded it and was full of praise for his
youngsters. "Young was mesmeric," he said. "I thought there were moments in
the game when he was unplayable. Everyone's off their seat the way he's
performing. For one who looks as though a good shower might kill him, his
ability to get back and defend for you — and Agbonlahor is exactly the same
— the knowledge of knowing where to be, for two players so young, is
terrific."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green bemused by McClaren snub - TeamTalk
West Ham's Robert Green has admitted his surprise that England boss Steve
McClaren has overlooked his good form to persist with Paul Robinson. Green
was called into Steve McClaren's squad for the summer games with Brazil and
Estonia and claims he was told "my position was there to lose". But he was
overlooked for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia at Wembley in
September and has again been left out of the double-header with Estonia and
the return meeting with the Russians in Moscow. Green claims he has been
given no explanation by McClaren who, along with England goalkeeping coach
Ray Clemence, watched him and fellow international hopeful Scott Carson in
action at Aston Villa on Saturday. Green performed capably enough before
being beaten by a deflected free-kick from Craig Gardner which earned Villa
a fourth successive league win. Green said: "In the summer I was in the
England squad and got told my position was there to lose - and I lost it
through not playing a game. "That's something, if people want to find out
about things like that, then it needs to be brought up with England. From my
point of view, I am playing as well as I have done in my career. "When I was
at Norwich in the Championship I got told I was good enough to be in the
squad. Now I am playing with West Ham in the Premiership and playing well,
it seems I'm not good enough. "Players have come in and David James got
picked on good form but I have lost my place when in good form. I'm
obviously in terms of choice quite low down the pecking order. "You try to
work logic and sense into these things and the only thing you can say is
they don't regard me as good enough. "I've had no explanation from England.
I found out I was not in the squad when it came up on Teletext. No-one has
contacted me."
Defeat to Villa, despite dominating the second 45 minutes against Martin
O'Neill's side, means West Ham have now lost three successive league
matches. Green said: "It shows how vital it is to get that first goal. Villa
defended deep in the second half and footballing-wise we battered them in
the second half. "But it is disappointing we didn't create many chances. I
don't think Scott (Carson) has had to make a serious save."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa 1 West Ham o - The Sun
ROBERT GREEN is flying high with West Ham but is off the radar when it comes
to England. Three Lions chief Steve McClaren and goalkeeper guru Ray
Clemence were at Villa Park on Saturday. Yet they might have been on a
different planet as far as Green is concerned. The Hammers keeper is puzzled
by the way he has dropped out of the England reckoning while on his summer
holidays.
Green was in the squad for the June double-date with Brazil and Estonia but
out of it by the time McClaren was planning for the Germany friendly in
August. Paul Robinson, David James and Scott Carson are the three names who
report for Euro 2008 duty this week. And one-cap Green, 27, is not happy. He
said: "It's not my job to call myself up. I was in the squad in the summer.
I was told the position was mine to lose and I lost it through not playing a
game. If people want to find out why they need to take it up with England.
"I've had no explanation. I found out the squad when it came up on teletext.
No one has contacted me. "David James got picked because of good form but
I've lost my place and I'm in good form. I'm somehow quite low down in the
pecking order. "The only thing you can say is they don't regard me as good
enough. "I was told I was good enough when I was playing for Norwich in the
Championship. Now I'm told I'm playing well for West Ham in the Premier
League but I'm not good enough. "I'm playing as well as I have done in my
career. But it isn't something I will lose sleep over. "If I never play for
England again it won't be for the want of trying or the passion to do it."
Green may not know but McClaren did ring Hammers boss Alan Curbishley a
couple of weeks ago to talk about the keeper and Scott Parker. Curbs said:
"Robert has been very, very consistent this season. He can feel really
disappointed to be left out of it. "Perhaps the squad that's picked now and
the squad that's picked for the finals, if we qualify, will be a little
different."
Green was beaten by a deflected Craig Gardner free-kick in the 24th minute.
Aston Villa failed to take advantage of a dominant first half then needed to
dig deep to cope with a Hammers fightback. Curbishley claimed the set-piece
that led to the goal was due to Gabriel Agbonlahor's slip rather than Danny
Gabbidon's challenge. He had a point but Lucas Neill should have been
penalised over three penalty shouts while Villa's Zat Knight should also
have conceded a spot-kick for hauling down Carlton Cole.Villa midfielder
Nigel Reo-Coker was taunted by fans from his old club who chanted 'You are
just a small Paul Ince' and urged Lee Bowyer to 'Break his leg'. Nice
people.
But Reo-Coker ignored them. Villa boss Martin O'Neill revealed: "I said to
him before the game, 'don't worry about proving things — that will take
time. Keep a cool head and that would be good enough for us'. "I was very
pleased with him. He'll get better for us. He has been a big player for West
Ham and over the course of the season that will benefit him here."
STAR MAN - Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)
A VILLA: Carson 6, Mellberg 6, Knight 7, Laursen 8, Bouma 6, Gardner 6
(Petrov 5), Reo-Coker 7, Barry 7, Young 8, Moore 6 (Maloney 6), Agbonlahor
7. Subs not used: Taylor, Davies, Osbourne. Booked: Knight, Reo-Coker,
Mellberg.
WEST HAM: Green 7, Neill 5, Upson 6, Gabbidon 5, McCartney 6, Ljungberg 8,
Mullins 7 (Noble 4), Bowyer 6, Etherington 7 (Boa Morte 4), Ashton 6, Camara
4 (Cole 5). Subs not used: Wright, Collins. Booked: Camara, McCartney.
REF: S Tanner 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ephraim Returns To West Ham - Vital Football
Hogan Ephraim returns to Upton Park tonight after his current R's loan spell
ends, however, the teenage winger insists he wants to leave the club on a
high. Talking about tonight's game (live on Sky) against Peter Grant's
Norwich City, the 19-year-old told the official QPR website... 'It's a
must-win game for us. We've been saying that for the last few weeks, but
this one really is, because we're at home, against another struggling side,
in front of an audience of millions,' 'I'm one hundred per-cent confident
because I thought we produced a much-improved display on Wednesday night.'
'We scored two and could have scored another two or three. As a defensive
unit we still have a lot to work on, but the lads are working tirelessly in
training and we'll get things right.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa boss delighted with Reo-Coker after West Ham clash
tribalfooball.com - October 07, 2007
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was delighted with the way Nigel Reo-Coker
came through the taunting of West Ham fans in Saturday's victory. Reo-Coker
was taunted by fans from his old club who chanted 'You are just a small Paul
Ince'. But Reo-Coker ignored them. Villa boss Martin O'Neill revealed: "I
said to him before the game, 'don't worry about proving things - that will
take time. Keep a cool head and that would be good enough for us'. "I was
very pleased with him. He'll get better for us. He has been a big player for
West Ham and over the course of the season that will benefit him here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keeper Green can't believe England snub
tribalfooball.com - October 07, 2007
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has no idea why he was again overlooked by
England manager Steve McClaren. Green said: "In the summer I was in the
England squad and got told my position was there to lose - and I lost it
through not playing a game. "That's something, if people want to find out
about things like that, then it needs to be brought up with England. From my
point of view, I am playing as well as I have done in my career. "When I was
at Norwich in the Championship I got told I was good enough to be in the
squad. Now I am playing with West Ham in the Premiership and playing well,
it seems I'm not good enough. "Players have come in and David James got
picked on good form but I have lost my place when in good form. I'm
obviously in terms of choice quite low down the pecking order. "You try to
work logic and sense into these things and the only thing you can say is
they don't regard me as good enough. "I've had no explanation from England.
I found out I was not in the squad when it came up on Teletext. No-one has
contacted me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury heartache for Ashton - The Mirror
Euro 2008 qualifier: Five days to England v Estonia
By James Nursey 08/10/2007
Dean Ashton fears his injury jinx has struck again as he faces the
"devastating" prospect of pulling out of another England squad. West Ham
star Ashton missed all of last season after breaking his ankle while
training with Steve McClaren's squad before an August friendly against
Greece. The striker has battled back to full fitness despite fearing he
might never play again and England boss McClaren was set to select him
against Estonia on Saturday in the absence of the crocked Emile Heskey. But
Ashton sustained suspected medial knee ligament damage in West Ham's 1-0
Premier League defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday. And the former Norwich and
Crewe marksman is worried that the results from a scan yesterday will
confirm he must miss England's vital Euro 2008 qualifying double-header
against first Estonia and then Russia. "I've tweaked something in my knee
but it feels okay walking so hopefully it won't be too bad," said
23-year-old Ashton, who has three goals this term. "I've got to see what the
scan reveals but if I have to miss out on England I'll be devastated. It
almost seems like there is something against me and it is frustrating."
Ashton finished Saturday's game at walking pace, Hammers manager Alan
Curbishley unable to replace him because he had already used three subs. "If
the worst comes to the worst and I can't be involved for England I'll be
devastated because it feels like it is my chance again in the squad to show
what I am about," Ashton added.
"I'll be gutted because of all the hard work I've put in to get to this
stage. "If I am out of the qualifiers because of my knee, I'll make sure I
come back from that as well. "But that would be very disappointing because
of what happened previously with England and after hearing from Steve
McClaren that I was in with a chance of playing against Estonia. "To hear
those comments was flattering - and they are particularly nice to hear from
the England manager."
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Aston Villa 1 West Ham United 0: Ashton's dream of national service goes
awry again - Independent
By Mike Rowbottom
Published: 08 October 2007
Next time Dean Ashton is called up for England – and let's hope it is soon –
he could be forgiven a shudder of dread. Having been named on Friday in the
squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifying matches against
Estonia on Saturday and Russia four days later, Ashton now looks certain to
miss out after finishing this match walking wounded with a knee injury.
The former Crewe and Norwich forward had just got back into his powerful
stride for West Ham having spent the best part of last season recovering
from the broken ankle he suffered 14 months ago while training for England's
first match under Steve McClaren, against Greece. That England debut has
been postponed once again.
McClaren was present at Villa Park to witness Ashton's sad decline from
rumbustious line-leader to a crock obliged to continue hobbling after his
side had already employed all three substitutes.
There was little of comfort for the England manager either in the post-match
assessment by the West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley.
"Dean has hurt his medial knee ligament," said Curbishley, who has begun to
take on the lugubrious expression of last season as West Ham's bright start
has succumbed to injuries to a succession of influential players including
Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy, who is recovering from a hernia
operation similar to the one undergone by Michael Owen.
"You could see he was labouring and couldn't really run about. I would think
he is very doubtful for England. He couldn't really run near the end so I
imagine that is it for him. He swung his leg to clear the ball and has
caught his boot on somebody and tweaked his medial knee ligament.
"It's a big blow for England but it's also a big blow for us as we have
injuries aplenty up front.
"It all depends how badly he has hurt his ligaments. We will have to wait
and see but I would say things are looking a bit tight for the next two
weeks.
"You feel sorry for the lad because he has had his fair share of bad luck
and has worked ever so hard to get himself fit and playing."
Curbishley's counterpart Martin O'Neill gave a performance of customary
anguished passion on the touchline as he saw his side put aside the
traumatic circumstances of last Monday's game at Tottenham, where they let a
4-1 lead slip to draw 4-4.
Inspired by the left winger Ashley Young – one of McClaren's squad who
managed to finish this game in one piece – Villa scored what turned out to
be the decisive goal through a Craig Gardner free-kick in the 24th minute
after Danny Gabbidon had been adjudged to have felled Gabriel Agbonlahor on
the edge of the box.
Curbishley remained convinced it had not been a foul – but then he won't be
expecting any luck at the moment. The two-week break before West Ham's next
match, against Sunderland, is entirely welcome as far as he is concerned.
Goal: Gardner (24) 1-0.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Carson; Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma; Gardner
(Petrov, 78), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young; Agbonlahor, Moore (Maloney, 67).
Substitutes not used: Taylor (gk), Davies, Osbourne.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney;
Ljungberg, Bowyer, Mullins (Noble, 80), Etherington (Boa-Morte, 80); Ashton,
Camara (Cole,36). Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Collins.
Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset)
Booked: Aston Villa Knight, Reo-Coker, Mellberg; West Ham United Camara,
McCartney
Man of the match: Young.
Attendance: 40,842.
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