All the action as it happened from Sunday's match at the Boleyn Ground
25.11.2007
Barclays Premier League
Referee: Mike Riley (Yorkshire)
FULL-TIME (For a full match report, click here)
90min - Green saves from Defoe's spot-kick. The roof nearly comes off the
Boleyn.
90min - Neill concedes a penalty after bringing down Defoe.
90min - Three minutes of added time will be played.
89min - Ashton combines with Cole before firing in a terrific shot that
Robinson does well to save. So close to being the winner. McCartney's header
from the resulting corner is cleared off the line by Jenas.
87min - Tottenham win a corner but Dawson heads well over.
85min - Neill twices fires into the box but each time the visitors clear.
84min - Parker sends in a stabbed shot at goal after good work by Cole.
Robinson palms it round the post for a corner - the set-piece comes to
nothing.
83min - Chimbonda handles to concede a free-kick. Neill takes and the ball
falls to Parker but his shot goes wide.
81min - Defoe is booked for dissent.
80min - Cole fizzes a shot just wide after cutting in from the line.
Robinson was diving low to save anyway.
78min - Jermain Defoe is coming on for Keane.
77min - Malbranque's shot is well-saved by Green after a strong run from
Bale.
75min - Cole wins a free-kick. Tottenham are able to clear though. The game
is a bit scrappy at the moment.
73min - Neill sends a looping ball into the box. Cole meets it but cannot
direct the header on target.
72min - Dean Ashton is coming on for Boa Morte.
70min - Tottenham win a corner. Bale takes it but it comes to nothing.
69min - Boa Morte wins a corner after strong play by Cole. The referee spots
an infringement in the area and Tottenham can clear.
68min - Etherington is booked for a foul on Lennon.
67min - GOAL - Dawson heads in from a Jenas free-kick. Green came for the
set-piece and was caught in no-man's land.
65min - Mullins has been outstanding and breaks up another attack just as
Tottenham began to look lively.
63min - Scott Parker returns as sub for Mark Noble.
63min - Upson clears for a corner after Keane threatened. From the resulting
set-piece, Green claims comfortably.
61min - Boa Morte gets the chance to head at goal but cannot get any pace or
power on the ball.
58min - Bale's free-kick is easy for Green to save.
57min - Spurs free-kick in a central position. Gabbidon was booked for
bringing down Keane.
54min - The first change as Darren Bent comes on for Kaboul. Berbatov drops
into the hole behind Keane and Bent.
53min - Dawson is booked for a foul on Boa Morte on the edge of the penalty
area. Great free-kick chance for West Ham United but Solano's effort hits
the wall.
52min - Chimbonda is booked for dissent.
51min - Boa Morte wins a corner. But Tottenham clear and only a swift Upson
clearance stops a goalscoring chance at the other end. From the resulting
corner, Malbranque shoots wide.
50min - Steed Malbranque fires just wide but the French midfielder was
offside. It all came after a strong break by Jenas.
49min - Bale's free-kick is comfortably claimed by Green.
48min - Ashton, Parker and Spector are all warming up. Alan Curbishley has
plenty of options should he want to change things this half.
46min - We are under way for the second half.
HALF-TIME
45min - There will be one minute of added time.
45min - Mullins goes close with a header from Solano's corner.
44min - Solano is having a stormer. He sets Cole away and the striker then
puts pressure on Kaboul to concede a throw-in deep in Tottenham territory.
41min - Keane goes down under pressure from Green when a Jenas ball forward
split the home defence. Keane knocked the ball wide before going to ground.
The referee waves away appeals for a penalty.
39min - Solano gets the ball back into the six-yard box but Etherington
cannot get enough force on his header to trouble Robinson.
38min - Great play involving Noble, Cole and Etherington ends in the hosts
winning a corner. Solano takes it but Robinson palms away the danger.
35min - Cole does brilliantly to deceive Kaboul and Dawson but the move
breaks down when he tries to find Boa Morte.
34min - Bale gets the chance to send in a free-kick but Green plucks it out
of the sky with ease.
32min - Cole loops in a header on goal but Robinson claims with ease.
31min - The corner breaks down after a handball in the area. Green gets the
chance to clear from the resulting free-kick.
30min - Neill is leading by example with some committed challenges and good
forward thinking. Spurs are a threat though and Solano has to clear for a
corner after a speedy break by Didier Zokora through the middle.
28min - Berbatov fires high and wide after a swift Spurs counter. Bale had
crossed to the back post, just eluding Mullins, but Berbatov could not keep
his shot on target as Robert Green closed down the angle.
26min - Boa Morte fires in a shot from close range that Robinson clears for
a corner. It came after terrific approach play by Cole.
24min - Outstanding play. Mullins fires in a shot that Paul Robinson just
about holds after a fine counterattacking move started by Gabbidon's
challenge.
23min - The atmosphere is terrific inside the Boleyn Ground. After a tense
opening, the home side have settled and look determined to make the most of
their lead.
20min - GOAL - Cole scores after a mistake by Kaboul. Boa Morte races away,
finds Solano with a reverse pass. The Peruvian centres across the box for
Cole to slot in past Robinson.
18min - Lucas Neill nearly finds Boa Morte in the area but Tottenham crowd
out the Portuguese attacker, who is playing alongside Cole up front today.
16min - Corner to Tottenham. Jenas's free-kick goes all the way through but
George McCartney gets it away just as Pascal Chimbonda looked likely to get
on the end of it. Upson sorts out the resulting set-piece.
13min - Cole is booked following a challenge on Bale.
11min - The fans are continuing to give good support to the side. The game
is a bit stop-start at the moment with several fouls in quick succession.
Tottenham fire in a free-kick from Gareth Bale but Gabbidon heads clear and
the referee blows for offside anyway.
9min - Didier Zokora becomes the first player in the book after a challenge
on Danny Gabbidon.
7min - Carlton Cole's header sends Matthew Etherington free on the left, but
the referee spotted an infringement when Cole won the ball.
4min - Lennon follows up a Jermaine Jenas shot that Robert Green saved. The
England winger put the ball in the net but was offside.
2min - Aaron Lennon's fast break on the right leads to a Tottenham corner.
Matthew Upson had cleared the danger. Hayden Mullins then gets the corner
away.
1min - Luis Boa Morte and Mark Noble get us under way, kicking towards the
Centenary Stand. Tottenham are in their usual white shirts and blue shorts.
KICK-OFF
13.27pm - The players are out, led by captain Lucas Neill. The home fans are
in good voice and have every reason to be so after five games unbeaten -
although Tottenham have also been in strong form of late.
13.24pm - Expectancy levels are high as the teams wait in the tunnel.
12.53pm - The teams, wearing T-shirts to promote the PFA's One Game, One
Million charity appeal, take to the field. A particularly loud cheer is
reserved for Ashton, who is back after six weeks out.
12.30pm - The teams are in and Hayden Mullins and Mark Noble return in
midfield, with Lee Bowyer suspended and Jonathan Spector dropping to the
bench. Scott Parker and Dean Ashton both make the bench. For Spurs, Gareth
Bale and Younes Kaboul are both fit to play at the back.
12.20pm - The first few fans have begun to take their seats for today's
hotly-anticipated derby. The Tottenham Hotspur players have already been out
for a quick look at the pitch on a clear but chilly afternoon at the Boleyn
Ground. Juande Ramos has also made an appearance, signing autographs for
fans gathered around the tunnel area while visiting coach Clive Allen
catches up with some old West Ham United friends.
Lineups
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano
(Spector 81), Noble (Parker 63), Mullins, Etherington, Boa Morte (Boa Morte
72), Cole
Subs: Wright, Collins
Tottenham Hotspur: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul (Bent 54), Bale,
Malbranque, Zokora, Jenas, Lennon, Berbatov, Keane (c) (Defoe 78)
Subs: Cerny, Lee, Boateng
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Bolton youth cup tie confirmed - WHUFC
The Boleyn Ground will stage the FA Youth Cup third-round tie next month
25.11.2007
West Ham United will play Bolton Wanderers in the FA Youth Cup third round
on Wednesday 19 December at the Boleyn Ground.
The 7pm fixture, which has to be played to a finish on the night, is the
first match in this season's competition for Tony Carr's Under-18 side. The
2007/08 edition began with the preliminary round back in September before
the first and second rounds were played. The third-round draw was made on
Friday 16 November.
The two sides do not meet regularly because Bolton compete in Group C of the
Premier Academy League, while West Ham United are involved in the
eleven-team Group A. The clubs have met twice in the past ten seasons. West
Ham United recording a 2-1 home win in an 1998/99 play-off game and drawing
0-0 in an inter-group game in the 2005/06 season, in a match played at
Leyland FC.
West Ham United have won the FA Youth Cup on three previous occasions -
1963, 1981 and 1999. The most recent success saw a 9-0 aggregate defeat of
Coventry City, when a team inspired by Joe Cole and Michael Carrick turned
on the style - particularly in the 6-0 second-leg win at the Boleyn Ground.
Only Manchester United and Arsenal with nine and six triumphs respectively
have a better overall record in the competition with West Ham United also
finishing as runners-up on four occasions. The competition dates back to the
1952/53 campaign.
Tickets for the Bolton fixture will be £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
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Reserves ready for Derby date - WHUFC
Scott Parker and Dean Ashton are set to figure on Monday night
25.11.2007
Kevin Keen's reserves will look to build on a fine run of form when they go
to Derby County on Monday night.
After a 1-0 home win against Tottenham Hotspur, a 1-1 draw at Fulham and a
2-2 home draw against Arsenal, the second string will leave the capital for
the first time in nearly two months to take on Derby County. The match, to
be played at Burton Albion FC, is set to feature Scott Parker and Dean
Ashton as they continue their recovery from knee injuries.
The Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture will be followed by a home game
against Chelsea on Monday 10 December. The club has confirmed this will be
held at the home of Bishop's Stortford FC. The full address is Woodside
Park, Dunmow Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5GZ. The kick-off will be at
7pm.
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Green makes Spurs pay penalty - WHUFC
Memories of last season's 4-3 defeat helped Robert Green to shine on Sunday
25.11.2007
Robert Green admitted memories of last season's 4-3 defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur helped him to make the penalty save that earned a precious point on
Sunday.
The England goalkeeper kept his nerve in added time to save Jermain Defoe's
spot-kick, ample revenge for the penalty he conceded when the sides last met
at the Boleyn Ground back in March. As last time, Defoe struck the ball low
to Green's left but on this occasion the goalkeeper got the better of the
situation - pushing it on to the post and away to safety to confirm a 1-1
draw.
"I remembered [where Defoe put it last season]. I am not going to forget a
game like that," he said. "I imagined he was going to put it there again and
I managed to do enough to save it." It was the goalkeeper's third such save
from the spot this season, with the 27-year-old admitting it was hard to
explain his penalty prowess - given that he had been on a "terrible run"
before the current campaign. "It might be another 250 games before I save
another one," he joked.
Tottenham believed they should have had another spot-kick just before the
interval when Robbie Keane went over after knocking the ball wide and then
appearing to collide with Green. Despite the visitors' protests, the referee
waved away all the appeals and the West Ham United No1 admitted he was not
sure what happened. "Honestly I don't know," he said. "I have gone for the
ball. I don't really know if I made contact or not. He seemed fairly adamant
but then again if it had gone in I don't think he would have been
complaining."
He added that he was disappointed with the goal Tottenham scored to cancel
out Carlton Cole's first-half opener, coming off his line but not getting
the ball as Michael Dawson headed in from free-kick. Green said he was
determined after that to claim the next cross, save the next shot and then
"when the penalty came along I was glad I could do my bit," he said. With
his manager Alan Curbishley describing his contribution as "fantastic" and
the fans singing his praises again at the final whistle, Green reigned
supreme again.
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley had plenty of praise for Robert Green after his heroics
against Tottenham
26.11.2007
Having taken 272 league and cup games to save his first penalty, Robert
Green has now incredibly stopped three in his last ten outings
After seeing his once-capped England goalkeeper thwart former West Ham
United striker Jermain Defoe in added time at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday
afternoon, manager Alan Curbishley wasted no time in hailing Green's amazing
hat-trick of spot-kick stops.
"Greeny's been fantastic all season," said the manager following the 1-1
draw against Tottenham Hotspur that extended his side's unbeaten run to
half-a-dozen matches. "He's been very consistent and, yet again, he made
some good saves.
"[On Saturday night], we sat down and looked at Spurs' last two penalties,
which were both taken by Robbie Keane, who put them in two different places.
But, luckily, we also had another look at the one that Jermain Defoe took
against him last season and perhaps that's why he decided to dive that way.
"It was a decent game and, in the end, a draw was probably a fair result but
it would've been very harsh if we'd been beaten in the last minute. You live
and die by the referee's decisions and he had two big ones to make today.
Some would say that Mike Riley got one wrong and one right, I don't know?"
continued Curbishley.
He had seen Keane's vociferous first-half appeal waved away by referee Riley
before Defoe's added-time stumble prompted the official to point to the
spot. "For the first one, I thought that Robbie was offside and I was
waiting for the flag to go up. Once he flicked it over Robert Green, there
may have been a bit of contact but I think Keane perhaps only realised that
there was that bit of contact once the ball was going wide.
"I could see why the referee gave the second one, though, because he was at
an angle where Defoe was masked by Lucas Neill but, like most people in the
crowd, I thought he'd awarded a goal-kick. Greeny has certainly come out of
the game feeling a lot happier and he definitely redeemed himself for their
goal, when he came for the ball and got beaten by Michael Dawson. Up until
then, I just couldn't see their equaliser coming because as the game wore
on, we were just getting stronger and stronger.
"When you decide to move off your goal-line like that, though, you just have
to get the ball but he's said sorry and has also made up for it with both
his all-round performance and that penalty save." Certainly, with so much
uncertainty hanging over England's No1 shirt, Steve McClaren's eventual
successor will be hard-pressed to ignore Green if he keeps up his
superlative club form.
"As I've said, Robert's been playing very well all season and that's all he
can keep doing," added Curbishley. "I don't think that he's got any hang-ups
about the England thing - the bottom line is play and perform and the
manager will pick you."
Indeed, that is the philosophy down West Ham way, too, where team selection
is a delicate balance between picking those in-form squad men who have
served the manager so well in recent weeks, and choosing the more
experienced names who are finally making a welcome return to fitness.
"I'm delighted with players such as Carlton Cole, who have come in and done
a job for me and, although some of the others are now coming back, it's
difficult trying to integrate them into the team.
"We've also got people who are playing out of position, while others are
having to get fit just by playing in the first-team. Mark Noble and Hayden
Mullins got pitched into the side and they really dug in for a tough game
against a resurgent Spurs side, who are now playing with a bit more freedom
than they were a while ago.
"I'm delighted with my boys. Spurs may have had a lot of possession but they
never really opened us up and I felt that if we just could've strung three
or four passes together on the break, then we might have won the game,"
concluded Curbishley, who now faces a second successive London derby at
Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime. "We dropped two points in the 93rd-minute in
our last home against Bolton Wanderers and that felt like a defeat but after
seeing Greeny make that late penalty save it was more like a win."
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Mullins pleased to be back - WHUFC
Having recovered from injury, Hayden Mullins tells WHUTV he was glad to be
involved
26.11.2007
Hayden Mullins was undoubtedly one of the key performers as West Ham United
kept up their unbeaten run with a 1-1 home draw against a resurgent
Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking exclusively to WHUTV, the midfielder revealed his satisfaction at
making it through his return to first-team action, having missed the 5-0
victory at Derby County a fortnight ago after picking up a foot injury in
the 50th-minute of the 1-1 home draw against Bolton Wanderers on 4 November.
After impressing in training, manager Alan Curbishley had no qualms about
throwing Mullins back into the fray.
"By the end I felt good," Mullins said of his contribution in a
fiercely-contested encounter up that saw him weigh in with some well-timed
challenges and also get forward on numerous occasions. It was an important
role as his younger midfield colleague Mark Noble was also finding his way
back to fitness after his hernia operation, performing admirably until he
made way for Scott Parker with just over an hour played.
"The first ten, 15 minutes it took me a while to edge into the game but
after that I felt fine and I think the boys got stronger as the game went
on," Mullins added. "In the second half certainly we edged it and George
[McCartney] had one cleared off the line and we had a couple of shots but
1-1 was the right result." Like Mullins and Noble, McCartney did well
despite only just overcoming an knock - underlining the determination within
the camp
For the 28-year-old midfielder, team spirit has been a factor in the squad
finding themselves tenth in the top flight and contemplating a Carling Cup
quarter-final. "[To draw] 1-1 against Tottenham is not a bad result at all.
I think we would have taken that. We beat Derby 5-0 and you take what you
can. We have to build on top of what we have got. The team is looking
stronger and we have got a good mentality, a good squad and a good
work-rate. We are happy with the way things are going."
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West Ham 1-1 Tottenham - BBC
By Mandeep Sanghera
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe missed an injury-time penalty against his old club
in an exciting draw at West Ham. The Hammers seized on a Younes Kaboul
mistake to take the lead as Luis Boa Morte stole in to find Nolberto Solano,
who crossed for Carlton Cole to tap in. Spurs were furious at being denied a
penalty when keeper Robert Green seemed to have fouled Robbie Keane but
Michael Dawson's header hauled them level. Defoe won a penalty after a Lucas
Neill foul but saw his effort saved by Green. The match had started at a
frenetic pace and Spurs made the early running as they penned the Hammers
back. Jermaine Jenas had a strike parried by Green and Aaron Lennon thought
he had slotted the visitors ahead from the rebound only to be flagged
offside. At the other end, the theme of England players being booed after
their Euro 2008 qualifying failure continued with Spurs keeper Paul Robinson
being barracked with his first touch.
Robinson spilled the ball as he went up with Matthew Upson as the pair
challenged for a corner and was fortunate the referee blew for a free-kick
against the Hammers defender. Spurs had dominated the early stages but found
themselves behind after a mistake from centre-back Kaboul, whose poor
clearance was charged down by Boa Morte. He charged towards the Spurs goal
and slipped a clever pass to Solano and, after he drew Robinson and Dawson
towards him, intelligently crossed for Cole to slot into an empty net. The
home side grew in authority after the goal, while Spurs struggled to recover
from the blow as their play lacked punch. Boa Morte was worked into a
promising position only to power an angled shot straight at Robinson before
the visitors were denied a penalty on the stroke of half time. Keane, who
appeared offside, chipped the ball over Green and was caught by the keeper
as he tried to round him to slot in. The ball went wide and Spurs were left
in disbelief as referee Mike Riley failed to award the spot-kick. Spurs boss
Juande Ramos took Kaboul off shortly after the break and brought on striker
Darren Bent in an attempt to salvage something from the game. And they
equalised after West Ham repaid the favour of gifting them a goal. Dawson
met a free-kick and nodded into an empty net after Green failed to punch
away a free-kick. In an action-packed finish, Scott Parker and Dean Ashton
each had shots well-saved by Robinson as both sides chased the win. West Ham
had the better chances and George McCartney had a header cleared off the
line by Jenas. But it seemed Spurs were going to steal a win when substitute
Defoe was brought down by Neill and was awarded a dubious spot-kick. Defoe
picked himself up to take the penalty only to see Green palm his effort
against the post before the joyful Hammers cleared to earn a point.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "I'm knackered. The game went up and down.
"You have a penalty awarded so late and think that's it but it was a great
save by Robert Green. It was a deserved point and I think it was a fair
result. "I thought we were going to nick it. We've had big problems
injury-wise but the boys that have come in have done a tremendous job."
Tottenham assistant boss Gus Poyet: "I'm not happy but we are not going to
talk about the ref. "I think it was a penalty (when Robbie Keane was
fouled) and a red card (for Robert Green). That would have been a big change
for the rest of the game." He added: "I think we did enough to win it. We
are a little bit disappointed but that is football. We are still unbeaten
and we have to keep going."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Spector 82),
Mullins, Noble (Parker 63), Etherington, Cole, Boa Morte (Ashton 72).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins.
Booked: Cole, Gabbidon, Etherington.
Goals: Cole 20.
Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul (Bent 54), Bale, Lennon,
Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane (Defoe 78).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Lee, Boateng.
Booked: Zokora, Chimbonda, Dawson, Defoe.
Goals: Dawson 67.
Att: 34,966
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Stevenage recruit three loanees - BBC
Stevenage have signed Southend defender Zoltan Liptak, Colchester defender
John White and West Ham midfielder Tony Stokes - all on loan.
White, 21, has made just three appearances for the U's this season. Stokes,
21, has already had loan spells at Rushden & Diamonds and Brighton, both
during 2006. Hungarian Liptak, 22, joined Southend on a two-year deal in the
summer for £50,000 from Lombard Papa and is yet to make his first-team
debut.
Southend boss Steve Tilson said: "He's coming along nicely since we signed
him we said he was a long-term investment and he'd need time to adapt."
Meanwhile, Stevenage have also handed two-year contracts to 17-year-old
youth team pair Zak Burke and Liam McDevitt.
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Curbishley: a fair result - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 25th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has revealed that he was happy with a point from today's
Premier League clash with Tottenham. The Hammers boss - talking to the BBC's
Match of the Day - confirmed that he was happy with the team's performance -
althouh admitted that he thought the game had been lost when Mike Riley
awarded Tottenham a 92nd minute penalty. "It's one of those games again that
went up and down," he said. "You get to that last minute and have a penalty
given against you and think 'that's it'. "We had a game here a couple of
weeks ago where Bolton equalised in the 93rd minute and I'm looking at the
clock thinking 'we've lost another point here' in the 91st minute. "But it
was a great save by Greenie and I think we deserved the point. I think it
was a fair result in the end."
Prolific away from home, the Hammers have struggled to impress themselves on
games at the Boleyn this season having won just two of their seven home
league fixtures. For the second successive game United failed to improve on
an early lead and Curbishley was understandably frustrated that his team
failed to make the most of their numerous chances to put the game beyond
doubt. "It was a terrific goal," he said. "Luis Boa Morte has done well to
close [the defender] down but I think Nobby Solano's vision and
unselfishness was fantastic. It was a great goal. "But we needed that second
one. Goalkeepers have taken a lot of stick this week but Paul Robinson made
a great save from Luis Boa Morte, which would have made it two-nought.
"They changed it second half and I didn't know quite what they had done - I
don't think they did in some respects. But they got themselves back in the
game, although I still couldn't see them scoring. But they scored from a set
play. "However I think we got stronger as [the game] went on - and I thought
we were going to nick it in the end."
The games most contentious moments centred around the two peanlty decisions
- one granted, one denied - for Tottenham. Curbishley, unsurprisingly
perhaps, felt that his team had been hard done by. "For the Keane penalty
decision, I don't think it should have even got that far as it was offside
in my view," he added. "I looked straight across but we didn't get it, so
you fear the worst. "He's flicked it over Greenie, and I think Greenie's
caught him on the hip - not deliberately, but he's caught him. I think
Robbie sees the ball going wide and made out he was caught a bit more than
he should have done. If the ball was there to be put in he might have got
back up and finished it! "But I thought [Mike Riley] was going to give it.
You live and die by the ref's decisions; we thought he was going to give
that one and the tangle that Lucas Neill got involved in, he's given. "You
win some, you lose some."
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Keane blasts Riley - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 25th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has claimed that his team should have been
awarded THREE first half penalties in today's 1-1 draw at The Boleyn Ground.
Keane - who was furious when Mike Riley ignored his own penalty appeal
during the first half - accused the referee of failing to spot three
possible infringements during the opening 45 minutes. "Sometimes I don't
understand referees," he moaned. "We could have had three penalties in the
first half - Berbatov maybe, the hand ball where Carlton [Cole] caught it
and my one. And then he gives a really soft penalty in the last minute. "My
one was a blatant penalty - it's there for everyone to see. I don't
understand why he didn't give it. It was a strange decision because I'd have
just run on and got the ball. If he thought I'd dived he should have given
me a yellow card. "He said he didn't see it. I like Mike Riley as I think
he's one of the best referees in England but sometimes people make mistakes
- but I think there's too many mistakes there."
Tottenham's new number two, Gus Poyet, was equally unhappy with the referee
but refused to criticise Riley directly. However he was adamant that Rob
Green should have received his marching orders for the Keane incident. "I
think it was a definite penalty and a red card," he said. "It would have
changed the rest of the game. "I'm not happy but I'd prefer not to talk
about the referee. I got a really big fine this season for talking about the
referees. "But there were too many difficult decisions for him to make
today. He got a few right, a few wrong - but I'd prefer to keep my thoughts
to myself."
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West Ham United 1 Tottenham 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 25th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham and Tottenham played out a well fought draw at The Boleyn in this
afternoon's Premier League clash. Carlton Cole's 19th minute opener was
cancelled out by Michael Dawson's second half strike to earn the struggling
vistors an away point. But it could have been even worse for the Hammers had
Rob Green not saved Jermain Defoe's injury time penalty. Alan Curbishley had
welcomed Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins back to the side, although fit-again
Dean Ashton and Scott Parker started on the bench, with Curbishley giving
starts to those who performed so well in the 5-0 win at Derby a fortnight
ago. Tottenham started the brighter of the two sides, keeping the Hammers
pinned back in their own half for the first fifteen minutes of the game.
Indeed, they had the ball in the back of the net but Aaron Lennon was
(rightly) ruled offside. But it was to be West Ham who drew first blood with
what was their first effort on target of the afternoon. Younis Kaboul - who
was having yet another nightmare at the heart of the Spurs defence - gave
the ball away deep in his own half. Luis Boa Morte, alert as always, picked
up the loose ball and drove towards the Tottenham goal before slipping it to
Nobby Solano on the edge of the Spurs box. Carlton Cole, who had made a good
run on the blind side received the perfect pass from the former Newcastle
man leaving him an open goal in which to score. Bouyed by the goal, Alan
Curbishley's side began to take control and could have gone two-up when Mark
Noble's fierce drive brought out a good save from the deposed England keeper
Robinson on 24 minutes. Two minutes later and Luis Boa Morte squandered a
good chance to double United's lead after being set up by the Premier
League's leading goal assister, Carlton Cole.
Tottenham then threatened at the other end when Berbatov blasted horribly
wide when a Hayden Mullins mistake left him unmarked at the far post on 27
minutes. Four minutes later and a Spurs penalty appeal was denied by referee
Mike Riley when Carlton Cole was given the benefit of the doubt as a cross
struck his arm.
West Ham once again began to take control however and Matthew Etherington
should have added a second goal instead of heading Nobby Solano's cross
straight at Paul Robinson. Four minutes from the break and the most
controversial moment of the half came when Robbie Keane seemed - at first -
to be pulled down in the box by Rob Green. However TV replays confirmed that
Keane ahd simply lost control of the ball and simulated a foul in order to
win a spot kick. Referee Riley was unimpressed despite the protestations of
the Irishman who was probably trying to hide his embarrassment at missing
what appeared to be a simple chance to level the scores. The first chance of
the second half fell to Tottenham five minutes in when former Hammers target
Steed Malbranque lofted his shot wide of Rob Green's far post when it seemed
easier to score.
As the game began to incease its intesity Tottenham saw Pascal Chimbonda -
another former Hammers target - and Michael Dawson cautioned within a minute
of each other. Not to be outdone, United saw Danny Gabbidon booked on 57
minutes for tugging Robbie Keane's shirt on the edge of the box. Gareth
Bale's resulting free kick was easily plucked out of the air by Green. On
the hour mark West Ham had a chance to double their lead but Luis Boa Morte
could only head tamely over the bar when trying to latch on to Carlton
Cole's cross. United's first change of the game came three minutes later
when the tiring Mark Noble was replaced by Scott Parker. The former
Newcastle midfielder had only been on the pitch for three minutes when
Tottenham equalised. Another Spurs free kick was lofted into the box; had
Rob Green stayed put on his line he would have had an easy save to make, but
instead he opted to come for the cross and was easily beaten to it by
Michael Dawson, whose weak header found an empty net. Green was visibly
distraught, but was to make amends later. With the scores level both sides
began to tread a little more gingerly, and it wasn't until Rob Green made an
excellent point blank stop from Steed Malbranque 13 minutes from time that
the game saw its next goalscoring opportunity. With Dean Ashton on for the
Hammers and Jermain Defoe for Spurs, both sides were clearly looking for a
winning goal. Carlton Cole nearly doubled his tally on 80 minutes after a
good run ended up with a 20 yard drive fizzing narrowly wide of Paul
Robinson's right-hand post. Three minutes later Scott Parker saw a shot fly
over the bar when he pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the Spurs box. A
minute later he went closer still with a shot destined for the bottom right
corner which Robinson somehow managed to tip wide. At the other end Dawson
saw a header from a corner miss its intended target before Carlton Cole and
Dean Ashton combined to create a good chance for Ashton which the excellent
Robinson once again managed to avert. With full-time rapidly approaching
both sides knew that any goal now would almost certainly decide the game. It
took the presence of Jermaine Jenas on the goal line to clear a goalbound
header from George McCartney, who had connected with a dangerous corner, and
deny West Ham a second goal. Then, two minutes into injury time, massive
controversy as Mike Riley ruled that Lucas Neill had pulled Jermain Defoe
down inside the penalty box. West Ham's players were furious, and TV replays
confirmed that it was an extremely soft penalty decision.
No doubt Riley, who had been badgered all game by several Tottenham players,
was mindful of the penalty appeal that he had denied the vocal Keane in the
first half. But cometh the hour, cometh the man - and Rob Green was on hand
to tip Defoe's penalty onto the post and to safety. It would be hard to
argue that justice had not been served; Green had more than attoned for the
earlier error which led to Tottenham's goal. Spurred on by Green's save, the
Hammers drove forward and Carlton Cole was unlucky not to win a free kick on
the edge of the Spurs box after being sandwiched between three Tottenham
defenders. That was enough for Riley who blew for full time, ending a game
as easily as exciting as last season's 3-4. The point ensures that West Ham
remain seven points ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League. United remain
in tenth place on 19 points, whilst Spurs stay in fourteenth place with 12,
just two points above the relegation zone.
Match Facts
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Upson, Gabbidon, Mullins, Noble
(Parker 63), Solano (Spector 82), Etherington, Boa Morte (Ashton 72), Cole.
Subs not used: Wright, Collins.
Goals: Cole (19).
Booked: Cole (12).
Tottenham Hotpur: Robinson, Bale, Chimbonda, Kaboul (Bent 54), Dawson,
Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Malbranque, Keane (Defoe 78), Berbatov.
Subs not used: Cerny, Lee, Boateng.
Booked: Zokora (9), Chimbonda (52), Dawson (53), Defoe (81).
Referee: Mike Riley.
Attendance: 34,966.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green stop denies Spurs - SSN
Keeper saves last-minute penalty
By James Dall Last updated: 25th November 2007
Robert Green's brilliant injury-time penalty save ensured a fiercely
competitive London derby between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur ended
in a 1-1 draw. Carlton Cole had put the home side ahead before Michael
Dawson levelled in the second half. Jermain Defoe was then presented with a
golden opportunity to secure three points from the penalty spot as the match
moved into added time, but Green saved expertly, tipping the ball onto the
post. Despite a bright start from Spurs, Alan Curbishley's men took the
initiative on 20 minutes when Luis Boa Morte capitalised on a Younes Kaboul
error to release Nolberto Solano who crossed for Cole tap home. Minutes
before half time referee Mike Riley chose to wave away strong penalty
appeals when Green felled Robbie Keane in the box. The visitors increased
their tempo in the second period and were rewarded when Green was caught in
no-mans land when he attempted to claim a free-kick, allowing Dawson to head
into an empty net. In the dying minutes Lucas Neill was adjudged to have
fouled substitute Defoe in the area, however a stunning dive from Green
denied the former West Ham striker.
Sharp
Tottenham began the game in sharp fashion and had a goal ruled out for
offside as early as the fourth minute after goalkeeper Robert Green could
only parry a Jermaine Jenas shot into the path of Aaron Lennon. The England
winger tucked the ball away from eight yards but was immediately flagged
offside. Tottenham had a penalty appeal waved away in the seventh minute
when Dimitar Berbatov appeared to be tripped inside the penalty area but
referee Mike Riley was unimpressed. On 15 minutes George McCartney almost
scored an own goal when he connected with a free-kick from Jenas but, much
to his relief, the ball went inches wide. But West Ham went in front in the
20th minute when they took full advantage of a dreadful defensive lapse by
Tottenham's Younes Kaboul. The Spurs centre-half tried to launch the ball
upfield but his clearance hit Boa Morte who burst into the penalty area
before finding Solano with a clever reverse pass. Solano shaped to shoot
home from an acute angle but instead smartly laid the ball across the
six-yard-box for the unmarked Cole to place into an empty net. In the 23rd
minute Hayden Mullens tested goalkeeper Paul Robinson with an 18-yard drive
which the England stopper had to collect at the second attempt. West Ham
were prevented from increasing their advantage in the 26th minute by a
stunning save by Robinson. The England international, axed by former boss
Steve McClaren for the 3-2 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat by Croatia, saved at
point-blank range from Boa Morte.
Misjudged
Moments later Berbatov should have done better for Spurs when a cross from
Bale was misjudged by Mullins, but the Bulgarian failed to the hit the
target from the edge of the six-yard-box. West Ham carved open Tottenham
again in the 38th minute when Solano burst into space inside the penalty
area. He allowed Boa Morte to cross the ball for Matthew Etherington to try
his luck with a header from six yards. However, the former Tottenham
winger's effort was dealt with comfortably by Robinson. Referee Riley was at
the centre of controversy five minutes before the break when he refused to
award Spurs a penalty. Tottenham midfielder Zokora had found the unmarked
Keane with a delightful through ball and the Irishman only had Green to beat
in order to level the scores. The Spurs striker chipped the ball over the
head of the West ham goalkeeper who then appeared to trip him. The ball
flashed wide of the post and Riley waved away furious appeals for a penalty
from Keane and a host of other Tottenham players. Spurs wasted a glorious
chance to level the scores in the 49th minute when an unchecked run by Jenas
caused problems for the West Ham defence. Jenas eventually played the ball
to the unmarked Steed Malbranque who curled his short around Green's
left-hand upright. But Spurs hauled themselves level in the 66th minute when
a free-kick from Jenas was headed into the net off the underside of the
crossbar by defender Michael Dawson.
Reward
In the 77th minute a break down the left flank by Bale almost brought
Tottenham further reward. Bale's cross was met by Malbranque who hit a
rising drive straight at Green. Moments later Spurs replaced Keane with
former West Ham favourite Defoe to the expected howls of abuse from the home
fans. West Ham were still dangerous on the counter though and Cole sent a
20-yard drive flashing inches wide of the target in the 79th minute while
Parker forced Robinson into a stunning save moments later. Jenas then had to
clear a header from McCartney off the line in the final minute. But Spurs
should have won it in stoppage time when Defoe was brought down by Lucas
Neill. But the Spurs striker's spot-kick was saved by Green.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs - It was not a penalty - SSN
Riley decision angers Upton Park boss
By James Dall Last updated: 25th November 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley hit out at referee Mike Riley's
decision to award a late penalty in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Hammers enjoyed the better of the first half and went ahead when Carlton
Cole tapped home from close range. However, Spurs threatened and were denied
a spot-kick just before half time when Robert Green appeared to collide with
Robbie Keane. The away side did level though on 67 minutes through Michael
Dawson, and in the final minutes they were presented with a golden
opportunity to snatch all three points. Riley awarded a penalty when Jermain
Defoe went down under a Lucas Neill challenge, but Green made an outstanding
save to deny the former West Ham striker.
Deserved
And Curbishley has voiced his belief that a penalty should not have been
awarded in the first place. "I thought it was a good point, I thought we
deserved it," he told Sky Sports. "I think Tottenham will probably be very
disappointed with missing the penalty in the last minute. "I don't reckon it
[Neill's challenge on Defoe] was a penalty. I've seen both incidents, the
one of Robbie Keane and the one of Defoe. And certainly the Defoe one is not
a penalty." On the decision not to award Keane a penalty in the first half,
he said: "I'm convinced he was offside, so he should not have been in that
position."
Green admission
Hammers stopper Green admits he was at fault for the first goal in which he
was left in no-mans land after attempting to claim a free-kick. The
27-year-old also explained that he was shocked when Defoe was awarded a
penalty in stoppage time. "I've held my hands up for the goal. I really
should not have come," he said. "It wasn't a penalty, I thought the ref had
blown for a free-kick, for diving. For him to give it was disappointing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs blames the strain - SSN
Hammers boss bemoans pressure on managers
By James Dall Last updated: 25th November 2007
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley believes the pressure on managers is
stifling the emergence of young English talent. England's failure to reach
Euro 2008 has sparked debate on whether England are facing a drought of
technically gifted players. Footballing figures up and down the country have
put forward numerous suggestions, and now Curbishley has expressed his
thoughts on the matter. He claims the strain of Premier League life means
managers are less likely to take a chance with youth, and are more likely to
plump with foreign experience instead.
Short-termism
"Why isn't young English talent coming through?" he said in the News of the
World. "Well, one of the reasons might be that a Premier League manager's
life is based on short-termism. "If he goes three games without winning he's
called a donkey, a clown and told he doesn't know what he's doing.
Pressure
"In that atmosphere, the question is can he put young players in, hope they
do well and even allow them to have some bad game that will eventually be
for the good of the club. "Too often, the answer is no. Young English talent
is being stifled for a lot of reasons but the pressure on managers to
produce short-term results is high up there. "If I'm the new boss of
Birmingham or you're Steve Bruce at Wigan, are we going to go for young
players or look for experience that you can get with foreign players? It's
going to be the latter."
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Etherington's foreign fear - SSN
Winger reveals overseas concern
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 24th November 2007
Matthew Etherington has admitted Tottenham's reliance on foreign talent
forced him to leave White Hart Lane. The winger, now with West Ham, found
his route into the first-team blocked by Christian Ziege, who Etherington
feels was always selected ahead of him regardless of form. The
ever-increased number of overseas players in the Premier League has been
highlighted as a reason for England's failings on the international stage.
And Etherington claims he had little option but to seek a fresh challenge
after being unable to force his way into former England manager Glenn
Hoddle's plans at Spurs.
Disheartening
"That's probably the main reason I left Tottenham. I had Christian Ziege in
front of me and if he was fit he was playing, Glenn Hoddle more or less told
me that," said the 26-year-old. "That was fair enough - he was a German
international - but I had a spell where I played about 12 games in a row and
had done well, we were in the top three, and then he came straight back into
the team. "I was only young, 19 or 20, at the time but it is kind of
disheartening when you know you are doing your best week in, week out and
then Christian would just come straight back in. "It happened time and time
again so that's why I had to move to West Ham to get a chance, and now I'm
playing week in, week out and doing relatively well."
Exceptional
Etherington accepts that overseas players have had a positive impact on the
Premier League, but believes that talented English youngsters are paying the
price. He added: "The foreign players help the game and the supporters love
to watch the best players, but if you're an English player coming through it
definitely holds you back. "You see fewer and fewer lads coming through the
Premier League now. You've got to be exceptional to do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New op fear for Bellamy - SSN
Striker trying to solve groin injury issue
Last updated: 23rd November 2007
Craig Bellamy could require a second operation as West Ham United look to
solve the striker's troublesome groin problems. The Wales international
underwent an operation in October, but has missed the Hammers' last three
games due to a recurrence of the injury. He has visited another specialist
this week, with the club now deciding which step to take next. Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley concedes that his summer signing may be sent for more
surgery in an attempt to cure the player's injury problems.
Frustrating
"Craig is still struggling," said Curbishley. "We went down one route where
we sent him to Germany and he had an operation - which Mark Noble also had
done and it's worked for him. "It's a different problem that Craig has got.
He's been to see another specialist this week about it and we've now got to
decide what course of action to take. "One route is injections, which might
not be so long term if they work, and the other is another operation, which
would be longer.
"We have to decide in the next couple of days. It's so frustrating, a lot of
the players we have brought in over the summer just haven't been able to get
going, it's just one thing after another." Better news for Curbishley is the
return to fitness of Noble and knee-injury victims Scott Parker and Dean
Ashton ahead of Sunday's London derby against Tottenham.
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Upson 'worn down' last season - SSN
West Ham defender felt guilt over injury-hit start at Upton Park
Last updated: 24th November 2007
Matthew Upson has spoken of his stress and frustration at being unable to
help West Ham's survival bid last season. The former Birmingham defender
moved to Upton Park for an initial £6m in January with the club deep in
relegation trouble, but was injured half an hour into his debut and managed
just another 11 minutes for the rest of the season. And, while The Hammers
eventually pulled off a dramatic escape on the final day of the season
against Manchester United, Upson admits it was a very difficult time for
him. "I was stressed out because I felt a weight of responsibility," he told
the Daily Mail. "I was desperate to play. I could see West Ham in the
position they were in and I couldn't get fit. "If you are a human with
feelings and standards you will feel guilty and it's not nice to feel guilt
all the time. It can wear you down. "Together with the change of environment
and a move into rented accommodation, everything was disrupted.
"I wouldn't say I was on the verge of a breakdown, but it was a difficult
five or six months."
European aim
Things have improved for West Ham this season, however, and Upson has set
his sights on securing a place in Europe, although he is not getting carried
away. "For our fans, it's important we finish above Tottenham. It's probably
the only thing most of them are bothered about. "It's not something we focus
on. We want to finish as high as possible and bring the European nights back
to Upton Park, but from staying up by the skin of your teeth to Europe is a
big jump in one season."
International dream
On a personal note, Upson is eager to get back into the England fold. "That
issue is not closed for me. "It's a personal goal to get back in and play
for my country again."
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Curbs out of England running - SSN
Hammers manager is happy at Upton Park
By James Pearson Last updated: 24th November 2007
Alan Curbishley has joined the ever-growing list of managers not interested
in becoming the new England boss. The list of British candidates in the
frame is dwindling after Curbishley followed in Aston Villa boss Martin
O'Neill's decision to exclude his name from the running. West Ham manager
Curbishley was tipped to replace Sven Goran Eriksson following the 2006
World Cup finals in Germany and was interviewed for the post. However, after
guiding The Hammers to a stunning relegation escape last season, he is not
currently interested in speaking to The Football Association this time
around. "I've ruled myself out of that because I'm happy here at a club I
want to be at," he told Sky Sports News. "Eighteen months ago it was a bit
different. Things have moved on. I won't be involved in that."
Foreign option
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho one of the favourites among fans to
replace McClaren and Curbishley thinks looking abroad is unlikely to cause
uproar.
"We've been talking about foreign manages this week and the quality that has
coming into the Premier League recently, such as (Rafa) Benitez, Mourinho
and (Juande) Ramos." he continued. "They've won things and been at the top
of their game in their countries and won European Cups, so you can't argue
with that. You can't argue with their records. "If the FA go down that route
this time then I'm sure, based on where we are at the moment, there won't be
too many complaints."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Tottenham Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Nov 25 2007
West Ham United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Robert Green's third penalty save of the season denied Tottenham all three
points in a closely contested London derby.
Referee Mike Riley decided that Lucas Neill was adjudged to have fouled
Jermaine Defoe in the area in injury time but Defoe's subsequent penalty was
brilliantly saved by Green who was atoning for an earlier error which gifted
Spurs their goal.
On reflection there was no doubt that a draw was the fair result with both
sides having chances to win the game. Of course we can feel a little
disappointed not have taken all three points seeing as we had taken the lead
and prevented Spurs from having many clear cut opportunities.
Two changes were made to the side which emphatically beat Derby County 5-0
with Hayden Mullins and Mark Noble returning to the side in place of Lee
Bowyer and Jonathan Spector.
Spurs started the brighter playing some nice possession football and it was
obvious to see that they have quality throughout their side.
The atmosphere was electric at the beginning and was as loud as I have heard
Upton Park in quite a while, but it was the Spurs fans who thought they had
something to celebrate as they had the ball in the back of net following a
shot from Jenas which was parried by Green and out to Lennon who put the
ball into the goal only to be denied by the offside flag.
The ref seemed intent on preventing Carlton Cole from jumping for the ball
as he gave constant free kicks to the opposition when Cole had gone for the
ball. This actually resulted in Cole being booked by the picky Riley.
Despite a bright start from Tottenham it was us who opened the scoring by
doing what Spurs don't like, and that is putting them under pressure.
Spurs defender Kaboul was in what looked like comfortable possession of the
ball but when he tried to clear he was closed down by Boa Morte and the ball
smashed off him and into space which Boa Morte ran into. Instead of
shooting, he played a nice ball through to Solano who also had a chance to
shoot, but the Peruvian played it square to the unmarked Carlton Cole who
tapped the ball into the back of the net.
Upton Park was rocking, and no doubt it was the biggest cheer for any goal
we have scored in this mundane season. It was a well worked goal, albeit out
of the blue, but you must take your chances when you get one and we did so.
Tottenham immediately went up the other end and forced a corner. Am I alone
in thinking this happens far too much when we score a goal? The other team
seem to force a corner or have a golden chance straight from the kick off.
The goal appeared to have settled us down and we started to play some decent
football and looked as though we really wanted the ball. A good chance to
get the second goal came after some good work from Cole on the left hand
side resulted in him playing in Boa Morte who took a good first touch, but
his shot was straight at Paul Robinson when he may have had better luck
going across goal.
Despite that save from Robinson, he endured constant taunts from the West
Ham fans and this made him a little nervous when coming for crosses but the
referee was there to save his blushes by giving free kicks.
Tottenham should have equalised when a cross from the left was misjudged by
McCartney who missed it and it fell to Berbatov who should have hit it first
time, but decided to take a touch, which was poor and it sailed over the
bar.
Controversy was to follow when a ball was played through to Robbie Keane who
appeared offside but the flag wasn't raised and the Irish striker went to
flick the ball over Robert Green and appeared to be caught by the keeper as
the ball went wide. The Spurs players protested furiously at the referee,
screaming for a penalty to be given, but he didn't want to hear any of it.
Being at the other end, I had no clear view of the incident, but even so I
thought it must have been a penalty. Until I see it again, I can't really
comment, but from what I have heard, he was offside anyway, so it really
didn't matter.
We could be happy going in at half time in the lead, and I was pleased with
the performance against a side who (although it pains me to say it) have
quality in abundance, and play some very attractive football. A second goal
though, was going to be needed if we were to secure the three points.
Like the first half, Spurs started the second period well as the pressed
forward looking for the equaliser. We had appeared to have given up any form
of attack and this suited the visitors. We could not keep the ball for any
amount of time and despite Cole and Boa Morte running for every ball they
were only fed scraps, and it was down to our midfield and defence to help us
through this period.
The game had turned into a very niggily affair with yellow cards being shown
left right and centre. Pascal Chimbonda was carded after going crazy at the
ref for not awarding Spurs a corner kick. The petulant cunt jumped in the
air raving at the ref and was correctly booked.
Another booking was shown; this time to Dawson who cynically took out Boa
Morte after the Portuguese attacker had found a way through the Spurs
defence.
Half chances aside, we were standing up to the test Spurs were posing, but
it was getting harder as tired legs began to show. Alan Curbishley decided
to introduce Scott Parker in place of Mark Noble who had faded and looked
knackered.
Parker wasn't on the pitch very long when Spurs found their equaliser. It
was from a free kick from the left hand side which was whipped in by
Jermaine Jenas and with Robert Green coming out for the ball, Michael Dawson
got there first to head into the back of the net.
The atmosphere soon turned silent, which surprised me as it was a goal for
the opposition granted, but it wasn't like we were losing.
My main concern from that moment was that Spurs would gain the upper hand
and we would struggle to contain them, but it seemed as though that goal
sparked us into life again and we started to actually attack.
Dean Ashton came on in place of Luis Boa Morte to give us a different option
up front.
Scott Parker had a great chance to score but the ball sat up and his shot
was blazed over the bar.
Parker would have another chance shortly after, this time curling the ball
around the defender for an unsighted Robinson to save at the last moment.
Some good link up between Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton led to the latter
hitting a great shot at goal which was well saved by Robinson.
It looked as though we had scored when McCartney's met the ball with a
header but Jenas was on the line to stop the ball from going in.
No matter how you look at today's game you can't help but pleased with our
reaction to conceding a soft goal. We had the chances to win the game in the
last fifteen minutes and little bit more luck would have seen us grab all
three points.
Three minutes of stoppage time were awarded and it looked as though being a
quiet ending to a frantic game.
But with Mike Riley in charge, any way to ruin our day was going to be
accepted, and when Jermaine Defoe burst into the area there was a coming
together with Lucas Neill and he pointed to the penalty spot deep in to
injury time.
From where I was sitting (which was not far away) I just couldn't fathom how
he gave a penalty. Sure the Neill went towards him, but it looked as though
he just tumbled to the floor looking for it.
The West Ham fans were irate, the Spurs fans were gloating, and ex West Ham
player Jermaine Defoe stepped up to take the penalty.
It looked as though Spurs would nick it right at the death for a second
season running but Robert Green pulled off a stunning save to deny Defoe,
and the West Ham fans celebrated like we had scored a goal.
It was great to come out of the game on a high when for a few moments it
didn't seem as if we would be coming out with anything but anger and
frustration.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Looked at fault for their goal and his decision to come out for the ball was
a bad one. But he redeemed himself with a penalty save (his third of the
season) and that will be the lasting memory of this game.
Lucas Neill
His conceding of the penalty should not mask his good performance. Bale was
marked out of the game by Neill and he did not manage to get crosses into
the box while in play. Neill did his job well and this is the type of
performance we like to see.
Matthew Upson
Starting to show why we paid so much money for him. Up against the quality
strike force Spurs possess he looked comfortable and was solid throughout.
Won countless headers, made many clearances and put in a very good defenders
performance.
Danny Gabbidon
I have a lost a lot of faith over the last twelve months and despite playing
better today I will be happy when Ferdinand returns or Collins gets his
chance. He simply cannot distribute the ball and panics far too often. One
of his big strengths is his reading of the ball and that he did show today,
making many interceptions.
George McCartney
A top performance from the most consistent member of our team. He has
obviously been working on his forward play and linking up with Etherington,
and this was evident today as he showed good support for Matty.
Nolberto Solano
It's a shame he isn't five years younger because he has the best technique
out of any player we have, but he just doesn't have the legs to sustain a
full game in the premiership. He did well in the first half and will be
happy with his assist – another player would have shot, but he had the
vision to look up and spot an unmarked Cole. A good buy and brilliant squad
player.
Mark Noble
I haven't seen Mark Noble play well for what seems like a very long time and
unfortunately today he didn't manage to show me a good performance again.
Since his injury problems he hasn't been at the level that maybe we all
expect. How good Mark Noble is remains to be seen, and I still can't work
out what sort of midfielder he is. Is he an attacking player? A defensive
one? Is his game just about working hard? Because he put in massive amounts
of effort in the first half, but on the ball he did very little and the game
just passed him by until he was removed.
Hayden Mullins
He has his haters, but again I thought Mullins was excellent today. He
didn't just work hard to kick at the heels of the Spurs midfield, but he did
a really good job in picking up the pieces and was never afraid to get stuck
in.
Matthew Etherington
It was a decent performance but nothing spectacular. Was subdued for most of
the game and apart from a few dashing runs at the Spurs defence, he offered
little. Aaron Lennon was playing as a right back most of the time and his
pace was too much for Etherington who had nothing else in his locker.
Luis Boa Morte
Run his nuts off for all the time he was on the pitch. If you think he is
lazy then you are obviously a simple soul. His quality on the ball was very
patchy and often took one touch too many. Will be replaced when Ashton is
deemed fit, but Boa Morte is not as bad as some people make out.
Carlton Cole
I thought he was terrific against Derby despite not scoring, and was really
pleased for him when he got himself on the score sheet today. It wasn't just
his goal though, he put in a very assured performance showing not just
effort but also quality on the ball, and the myth that he has poor touch
surely must have been put to bed during this game.
Subs Used
Scott Parker (on for Noble 63)
We needed to make the change and although Spurs scored just after his
introduction, it was the right move. Gave us a bit more bite in midfield and
he helped out Mullins well. Should have scored, and then was unlucky with a
clever attempt. Was also great to see that he really does exist.
Dean Ashton (on for Boa Morte 72)
So close to winning us the game with a excellent shot on goal. Really good
to see him back and hopefully he will return to the side soon and carry on
from where he left off.
Jonathan Spector (on for Solano 82)
Solano was tiring and we needed fresh legs, and Spector was the only option.
Did well enough.
Overall
Although Tottenham have struggled this season, I don't think many would have
expected that this was going to be a easy game. With the amount of injuries
we have, I think this was the maximum this side could provide and a point
was a decent result.
We are firmly a mid table side and we can only hope that the players
returning from injury can push us on a little more in the coming weeks.
Chelsea are up next at Stamford Bridge in a game which I can't imagine
anyone thinks we are going to get a result. Anything other than a defeat
will be deemed as a result.
Fulham and Everton have both managed a point, so it can be done.
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Robert Green has last laugh against Tottenham - Telegraph
By Clive Tyldesley
Last Updated: 2:34am GMT 26/11/2007
West Ham United (1) 1 Tottenham Hotspur (0) 1
Just when Jermain Defoe thought the week couldn't get any worse. Of all the
England players ritually booed for their part in the European Championship
exit, nobody was jeered more loudly than Defoe on his return to his old club
West Ham. Those jeers turned to deafening cheers as the baying Upton Park
fans mocked him for a last-minute penalty failure that denied Tottenham
their first away win of the season.
As if to pile on the irony, it was an English goalkeeper who stopped Defoe's
spot-kick. Robert Green, overlooked by Steve McClaren, plunged to his left
to tip the ball on to a post and away. It was Green's third penalty save of
the season, and redemption for the moment of misjudgement that had presented
Spurs with their goal. The West Ham goalkeeper might also have been sent off
following a tangle with Robbie Keane shortly before half-time. Juande Ramos
felt short-changed by the result.
Spurs settled the quicker and Aaron Lennon would have given them a flying
start but for a marginal offside decision. Green parried a stinging shot by
Jermaine Jenas, and Lennon pounced on the loose ball only to find a
linesman's flag cutting short his celebrations.
But the same official surprisingly kept his flag down just before the
interval when Keane ran clear on to a lofted pass by Younes Kaboul and
lifted the ball over the onrushing Green. The Tottenham captain went
sprawling as Green's legs made contact with his own, but referee Mike Riley
dismissed his furious penalty claims. It was a crucial call made more
difficult by the suspicion that the bouncing ball was eluding the chasing
Keane, but West Ham could count themselves fortunate to escape without a
penalty award, let alone the loss of their keeper.
Tottenham had already conceded their early initiative and a 20th-minute goal
besides. Kaboul's casual defending was a liability right up until the moment
he was replaced soon after the interval, and when Luis Boa Morte charged
down his attempted clearance, Tottenham were undone. Nolberto Solano arrived
at Boa Morte's shoulder to square the ball for Carlton Cole to side-foot
into the empty net. Cole was outstanding throughout, troubling Spurs both
upstairs and downstairs with his heading and running ability.
Ramos waited just 10 minutes into the second period before fundamentally
changing the tactical set-up of his team. At least another 10 minutes passed
before any of his players seemed to grasp what their Spanish manager was
asking them to do. Darren Bent replaced Kaboul, Dimitar Berbatov drifted
into midfield and a three-man rearguard took vague shape amid confusion
throughout the Spurs ranks. "Ramos changed it and caused us a few problems,
but I still don't quite know what it was he did," admitted West Ham manager
Alan Curbishley afterwards.
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Both teams created openings in a rousing final quarter. Defoe had arrived to
the chorus of continuing acrimony over his departure from West Ham almost
four years ago. He rewarded the boo-boys by getting himself quickly booked,
but as the game ticked into stoppage time, Defoe tempted Lucas Neill into a
clumsy challenge and Riley pointed to the spot. Regular penalty-taker Keane
had already been replaced, so Defoe stepped up to silence his detractors. In
this week of all weeks, he really should have known better.
Man of the match
Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham) 8
• Made a match-high 53 passes, of which 87 per cent were successful
• Assist for goal
• Created an additional chance
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Graham Poll's Official Line: West Ham v Tottenham - Daily Mail
Last updated at 08:37am on 26th November 2007
Mike Riley had a tough game and two penalty appeals to deal with. The first
appeared straightforward as Keane was clean through with just Green to beat
and the keeper seemed to bring him down. Whether Riley allowed himself to be
swayed by the fact that Green did not intend to bring Keane down, or that if
he gave a penalty he would have to send Green off, I don't know. For me,
Spurs looked harshly done by.
People often think referees 'level things up' and the first view of the
penalty Riley did award to Tottenham might have supported that incorrect
opinion.
But Neill pulled Defoe back by his shirt and the award was absolutely
correct. At Fulham, Mike Dean made an excellent penalty award to the home
side. Nelsen intended to play the ball but brought down Kamara and Dean,
correctly in law, gave the spot-kick.
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Hammers in heaven as Spurs star Defoe pays the penalty - Daily Mail
West Ham 1 Tottenham 1
By NEIL ASHTON - More by this author »
Last updated at 08:57am on 26th November 2007
When is a draw as good as a win for West Ham fans? When the man who scored
41 goals in 105 appearance for the club misses a penalty for the enemy in
the final minute, that's when. There was a time when the Upton Park penalty
area was Jermain Defoe's playground. The fox in the box got a free hit from
12 yards out in the final minute of a blood-and-thunder London derby. Bury
the ball and banish the bitterness of 30,000 West Ham supporters screaming
at him every time he touched the ball. A 90th-minute penalty should have
been nirvana for Defoe and the travelling Tottenham supporters but West Ham
goalkeeper Robert Green read his run-up and parried his effort away to
safety. Devastation for Defoe, who scored from the spot in Tottenham's
dramatic 4-3 victory at Upton Park last season, and more ammunition for West
Ham's delirious fans. Defoe will never be forgiven for his infamous transfer
request in May 2003. He can be sure this miss will never be forgotten,
either. The Tottenham striker, sent on by Juande Ramos in the 77th minute,
won the spot kick when he went down under the faintest challenge from full
back Lucas Neill. Hammers manager Alan Curbishley said: "I can see why he
gave it, but Green redeemed himself after his mistake for their goal."
Justice perhaps prevailed when Green, partially at fault for Tottenham's
66th-minute equaliser, saved from the spot for the third time this season.
"I was surprised the referee gave it because I thought he dived," said a
clearly aggrieved Green. "It was a dramatic finale, but that is just the way
we like it."
Upton Park was dripping with blood and thunder, shirt-sleeves had long since
been rolled up to their shoulders and both teams had hold of the battering
ram.
No quarter was given, especially in the centre of the park. Hayden Mullins
and Mark Noble slugged it out with Jermaine Jenas and Didier Zokora. They
clattered into each other throughout, dusting themselves down and
acknowledging their part in a fiery derby. West Ham drew first blood, taking
advantage of yet another mistake by Younes Kaboul. Luis Boa Morte, revelling
in a role behind Carlton Cole, charged down Kaboul's clearance and briskly
made his way towards the penalty area. Kaboul recovered but Boa Morte's
reverse pass made its way to Nolberto Solano racing in from the right and
Cole clipped his sideways pass into an empty net. "I thought we were in
control and I couldn't see Spurs scoring," admitted Curbishley. Neither
could anyone else. West Ham shuddered when Keane latched on to a long ball
from Kaboul five minutes before the break and rounded Green. Down went Keane
just as the ball bounced agonisingly wide, but the Hammers survived the
penalty appeals. Cue complaints from a small army of Spurs players. Ramos
reorganised his team after the break, sacrificing Kaboul in the 54th minute
and instructing his team to play 3-4-3. Alien to most English players, but
there was method in the madness. "I didn't know what Tottenham were doing,"
admitted Curbishley. Neither, at first, did Tottenham's players. Aaron
Lennon appeared at right back, Zokora was shunted into the centre of defence
and a three-pronged strike force laid siege to the West Ham goal. It took
them the best part of 10 minutes to work it out but they created an
equaliser when the penny finally dropped. Jenas sent in a free-kick from the
touchline, Green came racing off his line and Michael Dawson beat Matthew
Upson to the header. Tough on West Ham and tough on Green, but the West Ham
goalkeeper made amends in the final minute.
Defoe sent his penalty the same way when he scored at Upton Park last
season. It seems West Ham's supporters are not the only ones with a long
memory.
LION CUBS Carlton Cole is enjoying a renaissance at Upton Park. The knees
may not allow him to play twice a week but he is always a threat up front.
Physical and capable of scoring goals, Cole is becoming an important cog at
West Ham. Fine display, but not England class.
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Green's penalty stop caps Spurs' sense of injustice
Dominic Fifield at Upton Park
Monday November 26, 2007
The Guardian
Paul Robinson was approaching the entrance to the tunnel when the Tannoy
announcer urged the crowd, with unashamed glee, to acknowledge the
match-saving performance of England's No1. For a second the Tottenham
goalkeeper might have sensed an unexpected show of support. Instead the
plaudits were for Robert Green, still applauding the home support after
palming away his third penalty of the season in stoppage time. Realisation
prompted Robinson to muster a wry smile.
Life as an English goalkeeper is something of a trial at present. Robinson's
every touch here prompted ferocious boos and jeers from the West Ham
support, even though he had not been involved in the national team's
ignominious defeat by Croatia last week. The succession of smart reaction
saves which preserved Spurs' point late on were lost amid the abuse. In
contrast Green, who might have been sent off after Robbie Keane tumbled in
the area, was undoubtedly culpable in allowing the visitors to equalise, yet
still emerged as this contest's heroic figure. Robinson must wonder at the
injustice of it all.
Tottenham will have considered this a missed opportunity. The board of added
minutes had been raised when the substitute Jermain Defoe scuttled towards
the byline and was tugged, albeit faintly, by Lucas Neill. The striker
crumpled and Mike Riley, after an agonising pause, awarded the penalty.
Green had denied Reading and Portsmouth already this term and, with his
spring and parry, did the same to Defoe, who tried to plant the winner into
the bottom right corner. The save provoked wild celebration and the keeper's
early error was exorcised at the expense of a player West Ham love to hate.
In a second Robinson's own encouraging display at the other end had also
been eclipsed.
Such is his lot at present. His reputation is still in need of restoration
after losing his place to Scott Carson, himself exposed so cruelly last
week, in the national set-up. Others clamour for Green's elevation yet Alan
Curbishley conceded that his custodian had "redeemed" himself after failing
to reach Jermaine Jenas's free-kick midway through the second period,
Michael Dawson rising to flick Spurs' equaliser in off the crossbar with the
goalkeeper horribly out of position. "If you come out, you have to get the
ball but what he did at the end made up for it," said the West Ham manager
of his one-time England international. "At least he came out of the game
feeling a lot happier. Robinson made good saves, too, and his kicking was
superb."
Spurs would query whether Green should have even been in a position to
preserve West Ham's point. Five minutes before the interval Keane had
escaped a linesman's flag and clipped over the advancing goalkeeper before
tumbling as the loose ball bobbled wide. The Irishman was apoplectic at the
non-award of the penalty and presumably the lack of a red card. "That was a
key moment," complained Juande Ramos afterwards. "We would have been playing
against 10 men and had a penalty. That would have changed the game, so I'm
frustrated."
"I thought Keane was offside," offered Curbishley. "Once he flicked it over
Greeny, there was a bit of contact but I think Keane only realised there'd
been a bit a contact once he saw that the ball was going wide." That was
mischievous, though West Ham would have felt rightly aggrieved to have
surrendered this contest. It may never have thrilled as much as last
season's frenzied meeting, won 4-3 by Spurs, but it was utterly intriguing
throughout. These are clubs slowly on the climb.
West Ham's frustration was their inability to build on an encouraging first
half, sparked early when the hapless Younes Kaboul dawdled in possession
then had his clearance charged down by Luis Boa Morte. The Portuguese
slipped an over-lapping Nolberto Solano free down the right with the
Peruvian's unselfish centre tapped into an unguarded net by a rejuvenated
Carlton Cole. The striker was excellent, with this a workaholic display of
strength to suggest potential is at last being realised, though he was not
victorious.
Robinson's fine block on Boa Morte's near-post shot kept the Hammers on
edge, with other chances passed up, the busy Hayden Mullins heading over
before the flurry of late opportunities saw Robinson deny Cole and Dean
Ashton from distance. When the goalkeeper was by-passed, Jenas nodded George
McCartney's free header from the goal-line. Yet, by then, frustration was
welling among the home partisans as Tottenham had hauled themselves level.
Dawson's reward after Green's misjudgment had been secured following a
tactical switch by Ramos which saw Aaron Lennon drop into right-back, a move
that liberated Dimitar Berbatov to glide more into this contest. "I don't
exactly know what they did," conceded Curbishley, puzzled by the blur of
changes instigated by his opposite number. Spurs' players had taken time
themselves to come to terms with the switches, in which Kaboul had been
sacrificed for his own good, but they did enough to warrant a point.
They would have envisaged claiming all three after Defoe's tumble but the
striker must hate coming back to his former club. "He's naturally upset,"
added Ramos. "Vital points were lost today." Robinson will have hoped he
made a few of his own, even if they went unnoticed by the majority present.
Man of the match: Carlton Cole
Has been much maligned, but worked tirelessly here to unsettle the visitors'
back line. His late shot from outside the area, saved by Robinson, might
have yielded a win.
Best moment The work on the corner of the area which eventually saw Boa
Morte slipped in with Robinson saving
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