Ashton the hero at Blackburn - WHUFC
West Ham United returned to the top half of the table with a fine away
display
09.12.2007
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
Dean Ashton came off the substitute's bench at Blackburn Rovers to inspire
West Ham United to a fourth away win of the season.
The 24-year-old striker has had to wait for an extended chance but wasted no
time upon entering the fray at half-time. Within seven minutes, he had
opened the scoring with a close-range finish and the visitors were able to
hang on for the three points. It moved the club back into the top half of
the table and left them just four points behind Blackburn in ninth.
While chances were few and far between for Alan Curbishley's side in last
Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea, it was a different story for his unchanged
eleven at Ewood Park on Sunday afternoon. Within two minutes, Lucas Neill,
back at his former club, surged forward and won a corner. The resulting
set-piece found Matthew Upson but he could just not direct his header on
target. Blackburn had their first attempt on five minutes, David Dunn
unleashing a shot that cleared Robert Green's crossbar by a matter of
inches.
Mark Hughes's side were in physical mood with Scott Parker feeling the force
of an Aaron Mokoena challenge before Andre Ooijer went into the referee's
notebook for a 13th-minute foul on Luis Boa Morte. It was the Portuguese
international, again alongside Carlton Cole in attack, who had the visitors'
first real shot - trying his luck with a speculative shot on 18 minutes.
Within two minutes, Upson strode out of defence and fed Matthew Etherington.
He in turn found the overlapping George McCartney but, despite a good low
cross, no one had got forward to find the finishing touch. Neill, with jeers
from the home fans ringing in his ears, was also getting forward as West Ham
United looked to take the game to Blackburn whenever possible.
Rovers seemed content to shoot from distance with Morten Gamst Pedersen -
the only change in the Blackburn ranks because of David Bentley's suspension
- firing in a drive that hit Neill as the half-hour approached. Parker also
had a go at the other end on 34 minutes, with his dipping effort just
missing the target.
After a half-chance for Nolberto Solano, Pedersen had the best moment of the
opening 45 minutes - finding space to the left of goal to fire in a shot
that Green did well to save. Curbishley's side closed out the half with some
neat passing but in truth, neither side had ever really looked like scoring.
It was a different story after the break with Curbishley making an instant
attacking move. On came Ashton for Matthew Etherington, who had a groin
problem, meaning Boa Morte went out to the left to allow the striker to
partner Cole. Blackburn also made a change, bringing on Robbie Savage for
Mokoena.
The Hammers were soon in front. Terrific work by Boa Morte on the left won a
corner and, after Blackburn failed to clear, McCartney found space to drill
a low cross into the six-yard box for the unmarked Ashton to score.
Blackburn came back strongly and only a magnificent low save by Green
stopped Christopher Samba levelling things up in the 57th minute.
Blackburn were in determined mood and Tugay and Pedersen both tried their
luck but the visitors always remained dangerous on the counterattack. A late
challenge by Cole on Samba earned him a 68th-minute yellow card before
Blackburn bought on Stephen Reid for Dunn.
Boa Morte could have made the game safe in the 73rd minute with a fierce
effort but Friedel did well to parry. With 15 minutes remaining, Roque Santa
Cruz rose above Upson to head for goal but missed the target. Curbishley
then bought on Jonathan Spector for Solano while Pedersen made way for Jason
Roberts before Santa Cruz conspired to miss from eight yards - having done
brilliantly to work an opening.
Ashton then missed a similarly gilt-edged opportunity in the 84th minute as
Ooijer limped off to leave the hosts down to ten men. It was a nervy finish
- not least when Upson just avoided scoring an own goal and Green
acrobatically pushed away a Tugay thunderbolt - but the visitors, who
brought on Henri Camara for Cole at the death, had done enough.
Blackburn Rovers: Friedel (c), Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Dunn (Reid
69), Mokoena (Savage 46), Kerimoglu, Pedersen (Roberts 75), Santa Cruz,
McCarthy.
Subs not used: Brown, Derbyshire
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano
(Spector 75), Parker, Mullins, Etherington (Ashton 46), Cole (Camara 87),
Boa Morte.
Subs not used: Wright, Noble
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England hopefuls rise to occasion - WHUFC
Robert Green and Dean Ashton were both key to the success at Blackburn
Rovers
09.12.2007
Robert Green and Dean Ashton have spoken of their satisfaction at coming
away from Ewood Park with a vital three away points on Sunday afternoon.
The goalkeeper and striker played pivotal roles in the 1-0 victory against
Blackburn Rovers, and could not hide their delight on Sky Sports after the
contest. Green produced some magnificent stops including a last-gasp save
from Tugay in the dying seconds while Ashton had earlier slotted in the
winning goal from close range - just seven minutes after coming on at
half-time
Speaking to Sky Sports, Green described the win as "excellent", adding:
"This is a tough place to come. They have got quality players and they are
playing good football. To defend like that for the last 35 minutes is a good
outcome for us." Of his wonder save at the death, he added: "I didn't see it
initially, I just saw it going to my right and the swerve on the ball took
it back inside but I just managed to get two hands on the ball. If it had
moved anymore I think I would have been in trouble."
Both men, along with fellow England hopefuls Matthew Upson and Scott Parker,
impressed in a gritty display from back to front. For Ashton, he was just
pleased to get an extended run-out, describing the goal as an additional
plus. "It is a bonus for me and for the team," he said. "To come to
Blackburn and win is a very good result considering the run they have been
on. I am really pleased for everybody that we have got a win to go into the
Christmas period."
Ashton, who was voted the broadcaster's man of the match, could have had
two, only to sky a good opportunity when well placed to score. Although
admitting he was "a bit embarrassed" by that, he was just relieved that his
earlier contribution proved the match-winner. With Everton to come in the
Carling Cup quarter-finals and league on Wednesday and Saturday
respectively, and Alan Curbishley praising his side's "sheer determination"
to achieve a "massive win" - the signs are good for a memorable week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cup contest takes centre stage - WHUFC
Lucas Neill is urging the home support to be the 12th man on Wednesday
10.12.2007
West Ham United have already turned full attention to Wednesday night's
Carling Cup quarter-final visit of Everton.
Having secured a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, Alan
Curbishley's men welcome the team from Merseyside full of confidence -
although as Everton were 3-0 winners against Fulham the day before they will
also be in upbeat mood. Lucas Neill, writing in his Captain's Blog column,
summed up what the contest meant to the Hammers.
"I am hoping for an intimidating atmosphere and a genuine opportunity to win
a game that will get us into a cup semi-final," he wrote in his message to
fans. "Both teams will fancy their chances but at home I am hoping that with
your support we will have the edge. Thank you in advance for the proverbial
12th-man support we are going to need against Everton on Wednesday."
Curbishley will not be able to call upon the cup-tied Nolberto Solano and
Henri Camara, although Carlton Cole's one-match ban after picking up his
fifth yellow card of the season against Blackburn is carried over for the
trip to Middlesbrough on 22 December. Dean Ashton's goalscoring return will
do his chances of a start no harm, while Lee Bowyer and the rested Freddie
Ljungberg will hope to return to the 16.
The Carling Cup quarter-final, which will not be televised live, has to be
settled on the night - with extra time and then penalties to be played if
required. For the winners, the semi-finals will be staged over two legs on 9
and 23 January. The final is scheduled for Sunday 24 February at Wembley
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reserves ready for Chelsea - WHUFC
James Tomkins will hope to figure as Kevin Keen's men look for another
success
10.12.2007
Kevin Keen's reserve side will look to extend their unbeaten run to five
games when they take on Chelsea at Bishop's Stortford on Monday night.
Having won 8-0 in their last outing at Derby County a fortnight ago,
confidence is high among the second string with the likes of England youth
international defender James Tomkins and Wales Under-21 midfielder Jack
Collison particularly impressing this season. There may also be an
opportunity for some established names to get 90 minutes under their belt
ahead of a busy period for the first team.
The unbeaten run began with a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on 9 October
before 1-1 and 2-2 draws away and at home against Fulham and Arsenal
respectively. Then came that Derby demolition - with Collison joined on the
scoresheet by Hogan Ephraim, Kyel Reid and Scott Parker while there were two
goals apiece for Junior Stanislas and Dean Ashton.
Return to whufc.com later on Monday for team news and regular updates from
Bishop's Stortford against a Chelsea side that boasted Michael Ballack in
their last reserve outing a fortnight ago. Victory would move Keen's team up
to third from sixth in the ten-team Premier Reserve League while defeat
would allow their eighth-placed west London rivals to close to within two
points and one place.
The match gets under way at 7pm, with admission at £5 for adults and £2 for
concessions. Any fans wishing to attend should note the full address:
Bishop's Stortford FC, Woodside Park, Dunmow Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23
5GZ.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn 0-1 West Ham - BBC
Dean Ashton earned West Ham an impressive away victory at Blackburn. Ashton
tapped in from close range after George McCartney's pull back to bring a
low-key game to the boil. Rovers keeper Brad Friedel kept out a Luis Boa
Morte strike to keep his side in the game but Roque Santa Cruz headed wide
and blazed high at the other end. Ashton should have sealed it late on only
to sidefoot high but the visitors held on, despite Tugay's stinging shot
being saved by keeper Robert Green. West Ham skipper Lucas Neill left Rovers
for Upton Park in January 2007 and he was cast as the villain of the piece
when the game kicked off as he was booed with every touch. He lost
possession early on and Blackburn almost capitalised with David Dunn's
25-yard shot clipping the top of crossbar.
Blackburn settled the quicker and played some neat football before again
going close with a long-range strike as Tugay saw his effort curl narrowly
above the angle of the goal. West Ham also produced promising passages of
play but both teams lacked the cutting edge in the final third of the field
to engineer a breakthrough. Both defences were coping too easily with their
opponents as neither side took the game by the scruff of neck. But Stephen
Warnock misjudged a ball to allow Nolberto Solano a free run down the right
flank. The Peru international was not helped by the poor movement of
team-mates Carlton Cole and Luis Boa Morte and, after his cross found its
way back to him, he blazed a shot high. The lack of goalmouth action showed
little sign of improving after the break before Ashton breathed renewed life
into the game. Hammers right-back McCartney pulled a ball back from the
goal-line and Ashton, who came on for the injured Matthew Etherington at
half-time, was waiting on the six-yard line to apply the finish.
Blackburn belatedly upped their intensity and forced Green into a smart
double save. Christopher Samba saw a header parried before Andre Ooijer's
turn and shot from the rebound was also blocked by Green. Morten Gamst
Pedersen fired well high after a well-worked Rovers move gave him a sight of
goal on the right of the box as the Hammers started to come under increased
pressure. Santa Cruz glanced a header narrowly wide and then controlled a
beautifully lofted ball from Tugay to give himself a clean sight of goal.
But he uncharacteristically shot high from 12 yards before Ashton spurned an
equally gilt-edged chance when he side-footed over with the goal at his
mercy. Green did well to parry clear a fierce Tugay strike near the end as
West Ham won for the fourth time on their travels this season.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:"It's frustrating. We didn't play particularly
well, especially in the first half. "The way we conceded was disappointing
but their goal shook us up and we did better. Although we haven't played
that well we created a number chances. "David Bentley's (suspended) got a
little bit of craft and guile that we maybe missed."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley:"To go to Blackburn and get the result we
did is fantastic. Over the last three years they have been very consistent.
"It is a big win for us. Great credit has to go to players as everyone knows
the injury list we have. "The players in the team who may not have thought
they would play are grabbing their chance."
Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Dunn, Mokoena (Savage
46), Kerimoglu, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Reid, Derbyshire, Roberts.
Booked: Ooijer.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano, Parker, Mullins,
Etherington (Ashton 46), Cole, Boa Morte.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Noble, Spector, Camara.
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn 0 West Ham Utd 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 9th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham earned a vital three points in this afternoon's Premier League
clash thanks to a second half goal from Dean Ashton.
Ashton - who had only been on the pitch for seven minutes after replacing
Matthew Etherington at half time - converted a George McCartney cross to
score the only goal of the game and lift the Hammers back into the top half
of the table.
Alan Curbishley - whose team had inexplicably won more league games on the
road than at home prior to this afternoon's encounter - was again able to
leave the recovering Dean Ashton on the bench thanks to the recent good form
of Carlton Cole and Luis Boa Morte.
Meanwhile Scott Parker continued his rehabilitation by being named alongside
Hayden Mullins in midfield, whilst the back five - that had conceded just 12
goals in the league prior to this afternoon - remained intact for the NINTH
consecutive game.
On a bitterly cold winter's afternoon in the North West the Hammers started
the brighter and Matthew Upson registered the game's first attempt on goal
when he headed a Nobby Solano corner narrowly over just two minutes into the
game.
Blackburn - who went into the game seven points ahead of the Hammers in
ninth spot - saw their first chance fired over the bar by David Dunn on five
minutes. That effort was to prove typical of Blackburn's assaults on Rob
Green's goal, with the meanest United defence for some years limiting the
home side to a series of long range efforts.
The Hammers always looked the more likely of the two teams to score in the
first half, although a reticence to commit bodies in the final third of the
field meant that good work on the flanks by the likes of the ever-improving
George McCartney and Nobby Solano went unrewarded.
Meanwhile Carlton Cole, a virtual battering ram up front was enjoying a fair
bit of success against the equally sturdy Christopher Samba. However he was
often frustrated by his team mates' failure to pick him out when in a good
position.
Scott Parker, another player whose presence in the side is beginning to bear
fruit had United's best chance of the half on 34 minutes when his 20-yard
dipping drive narrowly evaded Brad Friedel's far post - fortunately for the
American, who was left flat-footed in the centre of the goal having not seen
the shot until late.
However the pattern of the first half was very much that of two fairly even
teams feeling each other out, so it was no surprise that both managers made
slightly more adventurous changes at the break.
Blackburn's Mark hughes introduced the tenacious Robbie Savage, whilst Alan
Curbishley played his trump card by bringing on Dean Ashton for the
disappointing Matthew Etherington, who had huffed and puffed for little
reward in the first 45 minutes.
But it was Curbishley whose tactical intervention proved to be the
masterstroke, and just seven minutes into the half Ashton proved just how
valuable he is to the Hammers by being in the right place at the right time
to convert George McCartney's low cross.
McCartney thought he had scored moments earlier when his close range effort
was cleared off the line. Undaunted, he remained in a forward position and
when Nobby Solano's excellent reverse pass found him out wide the Irishman
sent across a delicious low cross that Ashton merely had to divert towards
goal to give West Ham the lead.
The goal signalled a furious assault on the visitor's goal as Blackburn
strove forward in search of an equaliser. But with Rob Green in scintilating
form again - and his back four, marshalled by former Rover Lucas Neill,
imperious - they were restricted to just three real chances to grab
something out of a game in which they had failed to make an impact.
Roque Santa Cruz, like partner Benni McCarthy, was having the sort of day
he'll wish to forget. The South American had found his range 15 minutes from
time with a header that he nodded just wide (although Matty Upson's presence
was a major factor in him from doing so).
But there were no such excuses two minutes later when a clever lob from
Tugay left Roque Cruz behind the United defence, unusually flat-footed for a
change. However the unfortunate Paraguayan could only blast high into the
stand when it seemed easier to score, much to the chagrin of the home crowd
who were beginning to come to terms with the fact that it just wasn't going
to be their day.
Equally profligate was Morten Gamst Pedersen, who had blasted similarly high
and wide on 66 minutes when placed in a similar position by Brett Emerton.
However the Hammers also had their moments; goalscorer Ashton missing an
easier chance that the one he converted seven minutes from time when he
blasted over the bar from eight yards out with just Friedel to beat.
Fortunately that miss proved to be immaterial as Blackburn failed to find
the net - although Rob Green had to be at his very best to deny Tugay an
injury time equaliser when he managed to divert a fierce drive through a
crowd of bodies. "England's number one", chanted the travelling faithful;
surely it can't be too much longer before Green has the opportunity to win a
second international cap.
So an exciting second-half petered out as the Hammers hung on to their
slender lead, as Blackburn finished with just nine fit players having made
all three substitutions, losing Andre Ooijer late on to a hamstring injury
whilst keeping a clearly-injured Chris Samba on the field just to make up
the numbers.
Not that it made any difference to Curbishley and his players, who hung on
to record their fourth away League win of the season - as many as they
managed all last season.
The win lifts the Hammers back above Newcastle into tenth spot in the table
and back in contention with the likes of Everton, who the Hammers play twice
in the space of three days later this week.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Upson, Gabbidon, Mullins, Parker,
Solano (Spector 76), Etherington (Ashton 46), Boa Morte, Cole (Camara 88).
Subs not used: Wright, Noble.
Goals: Ashton (52).
Booked: Cole (68).
Blackburn Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Warnock, Mokoena (Savage 46), Ooijer,
Samba, Dunn (Reid 71), Tugay, Pedersen (Roberts 76), Santa Cruz, McCarthy.
Subs not used: Brown, Derbyshire.
Booked: Ooijer (12).
Referee: Alan Wiley.
Attendance: 20,870.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hang on at Blackburn - SSN
Ashton strikes to hand West Ham 1-0 victory
By James Dall Last updated: 9th December 2007
A second-half strike from Dean Ashton secured a 1-0 victory for West Ham
United over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. The first half was rather a
non-event, with both sides reduced to speculative long-range efforts.
However, the introduction of Ashton did much to inspire The Hammers, and
within seven minutes of the second half the striker took up a clever
position in the six-yard box to tap home. Ashton's goal sparked the
encounter into life, and as the game begun to stretch, Mark Hughes' men
piled on the pressure. But Rovers were guilty of missing decent chances,
specifically through Roque Santa Cruz who blasted over late on. With three
minutes remaining a stunning Tugay volley looked destined to hit the back of
the net, but Robert Green reacted superbly to deny Blackburn a point.
This was undoubtedly one of those cliched games of two halves as the first
was instantly forgettable, followed by a barnstorming second. The game was
played at a typically high Premier League tempo, but the number of
mis-placed passes and mistakes ruined the contest in the opening period. Too
often moves broke down due to players failing to find a team- mate with an
incisive pass when it was required most. Instead, for the opening 30
minutes, all that warmed fans on a cold Blackburn evening were two
long-range, yet close-shave efforts from David Dunn and Tugay. Scott Parker
initially threatened by stroking West Ham's first chance a yard wide in the
34th minute with a dipping shot from 25 yards. Blackburn swiftly responded,
forcing Robert Green into the first notable save made by either goalkeeper
as he turned aside a close-range strike from Morten Gamst Pedersen, with the
winger in for the suspended David Bentley. The game was in desperate need of
an injection of vitality, and it arrived at the interval with Hughes
replacing Aaron Mokoena with Robbie Savage.
That gave the midfielder his first taste of action since October 28
following a cartilage operation, but it was Hammers' substitute Ashton who
made the immediate impact. The 24-year-old striker, making his third sub
appearance since recently returning from an ankle injury, was left unmarked
in the 52nd minute to tap home his fourth goal of the season. Solano fed
George McCartney down the left wing and from the dead-ball line the
left-back teased a low cross into the area where Ashton was free to score
his first goal since September.
Mercifully, it led to the game opening up and so proving far more
entertaining, with Green then pulling off a double save just five minutes
later to preserve his side's advantage. Green initially tipped away a
downward header from Christopher Samba, and from the rebound he used his
feet to deny Andre Ooijer at point-blank range. That was followed 10 minutes
later by Pedersen rifling an angled drive into the crowd from 12 yards when
he should have at least hit the target from Santa Cruz's through ball.
Following Green's heroics at one end, Brad Friedel responded in the 73rd
minute with a sprawling stop to a Luis Boa Morte strike into the turf after
meeting a Solano cross on the volley. If West Ham should have been 2-0 up,
Blackburn should definitely have drawn level soon after as Santa Cruz missed
two chances in a matter of minutes. The Paraguay international first flashed
a header narrowly wide after rising to meet a superb left-wing cross from
Stephen Warnock. But then after delightfully controlling a cheeky dinked
ball from Tugay, he drove his 15-yard shot over the crossbar with the goal
at his mercy and as Green advanced. Ashton then sidefooted over a Cole
lay-off as the latter had taken advantage of an injury to Ooijer that led to
the Dutch centre-back limping off and leaving Rovers down to 10 men for the
last seven minutes. Even then Blackburn came close to claiming a point, but
for Green brilliantly pushing over the crossbar a Tugay volley from 30 yards
that had flashed through a crowd of players.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs hails determination
Hammers boss pleased after 1-0 triumph
By James Dall Last updated: 9th December 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley was full of praise for his side's
display after they claimed a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Dean Ashton came off the bench after the interval and handed The Hammers all
three points when he tapped home on 52 minutes. Curbishley was specifically
delighted with the work rate of his players, expressing his belief that his
men carried out their jobs in a professional manner. "I think [we won it]
from our sheer determination. I think we came here today and worked ever so
hard," he said on Sky Sports 1. "Once we scored, Blackburn put a lot of
pressure on us. But we dug in. I think we did a really good job." Following
Ashton's impressive 45-minute outing, Curbishley revealed that he may hand
the striker a start in Wednesday's League Cup quarter-final tie at home to
Everton. "We're getting players coming back and having to get fit in the
first team, which is very difficult and a problem we've had," he added.
"We've seen a lot of people return who are trying to gain full fitness, such
as Dean, and with Scott Parker another. "He (Ashton) was out for a few weeks
and played one practice match and one reserve game. "But in all fairness he
looked very sharp today and the game probably suited him with the way it
panned out. "We'll see what we do on Wednesday, but he's fit enough to start
and we'll have to see whether he lasts the 90 minutes. I'm sure he will
because he's put a lot of work in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn 0-1 West Ham: Ashton Hammers hero - Soccernet
Dean Ashton ensured Alan Curbishley celebrated a year in charge of West Ham
with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn. Interval substitute Ashton struck seven
minutes into the second half as the Hammers made it four successive wins
over Rovers to lift themselves into the top half of the Premier League. Mark
Hughes' side had the chances to at least clinch a draw, but after a run of
seven successive league and cup victories, Rovers have now taken just five
points from their last six games. This was undoubtedly one of those cliched
games of two halves as the first was instantly forgettable, followed by a
barnstorming second. The game was played at a typically high Premier League
tempo, but the number of mis-placed passes and mistakes ruined the contest
in the opening period. It was soured at the start by Rovers fans proving
they are unable to forgive or forget as they booed former star Lucas Neill
with his every touch of the ball. But as the opening 45 minutes wore on,
those same supporters soon became bored with jeering the Hammers right-back.
Unfortunately, it was not the action on the field that distracted their
attention as chances were few and far between courtesy of the fragility of
both teams' forward play. Too often moves broke down due to players failing
to find a team- mate with an incisive pass when it was required most.
Instead, for the opening 30 minutes, all that warmed fans on a cold
Blackburn evening were two long-range, yet close-shave efforts from David
Dunn and Tugay.
Although Blackburn had appeared the more dangerous team early on, they
surrendered that advantage due to those mistakes, much to the frustration of
an animated Hughes in the technical area. Scott Parker initially threatened
by stroking West Ham's first chance a yard wide in the 34th minute with a
dipping shot from 25 yards. Then Nolberto Solano had two bites of the cherry
in one particular counter-attack, but after his first drive was blocked, he
flashed his second over the bar. Blackburn swiftly responded, forcing Robert
Green into the first notable save made by either goalkeeper as he turned
aside a close-range strike from Morten Gamst Pedersen, with the winger in
for the suspended David Bentley. The game was in desperate need of an
injection of vitality, and it arrived at the interval with Hughes replacing
Aaron Mokoena with Robbie Savage. That gave the midfielder his first taste
of action since October 28 following a cartilage operation, but it was
Hammers' substitute Ashton who made the immediate impact. The 24-year-old
striker, making his third sub appearance since recently returning from an
ankle injury, was left unmarked in the 52nd minute to tap home his fourth
goal of the season. Solano fed George McCartney down the left wing and from
the dead-ball line the left-back teased a low cross into the area where
Ashton was free to score his first goal since September 26. Mercifully, it
led to the game opening up and so proving far more entertaining, with Green
then pulling off a double save just five minutes later to preserve his
side's advantage. Green initially tipped away a downward header from
Christopher Samba, and from the rebound he used his feet to deny Andre
Ooijer at point-blank range.
That was followed 10 minutes later by Pedersen rifling an angled drive into
the crowd from 12 yards when he should have at least hit the target from
Roque Santa Cruz's through ball. Following Green's heroics at one end, Brad
Friedel responded in the 73rd minute with a sprawling stop to a Luis Boa
Morte strike into the turf after meeting a Solano cross on the volley. If
West Ham should have been 2-0 up, Blackburn should definitely have drawn
level soon after as Santa Cruz missed two chances in a matter of minutes.
The Paraguay international first flashed a header narrowly wide after rising
to meet a superb left-wing cross from Stephen Warnock. But then after
delightfully controlling a cheeky dinked ball from Tugay, he drove his
15-yard shot over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy and as Green
advanced. Ashton then sidefooted over a Cole lay-off as the latter had taken
advantage of an injury to Ooijer that led to the Dutch centre-back limping
off and leaving Rovers down to 10 men for the last seven minutes. Even then
Blackburn came close to claiming a point, but for Green brilliantly pushing
over the crossbar a Tugay volley from 30 yards that had flashed through a
crowd of players.
Robert Green reflected on a perfectly-executed gameplan as West Ham grabbed
a 1-0 Premier League win at Blackburn on Sunday. Hammers goalkeeper Green
was outstanding as his team dug in to defend the lead given to them by
substitute Dean Ashton shortly after half-time. 'It is a tough place to come
to. They have quality players now and are playing quality football,' Green
told Sky Sports. 'To come here and put in the display we have and defended
like that for the last 35 minutes is very good - excellent. 'Away from home
we defend particularly well and hit teams on the break - and that is what we
were looking to do on Sunday.' Ashton, who came on as a second-half
substitute as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, described his
goal as a 'bonus' to go with the fact he also finished another match in good
health. Manager Alan Curbishley, celebrating a year in charge of West Ham,
congratulated his team on grinding out an appropriate result for him. 'There
was great determination,' he said. West Ham have a Carling Cup quarter-final
at home to Everton on Wednesday - and with one eye already on that match,
Curbishley was understandably heartened by on Sunday's win. 'Blackburn put a
lot of pressure on us, but we dug in,' he added. 'We've come here and done a
really good job. It is a massive week for us - that is the first leg.'
Rovers manager Mark Hughes admitted he could take few positives from his
side's display, and claimed they only got going after falling behind. 'We
never got anywhere near the level we are capable of - certainly in the first
half our passing was poor and we never got any tempo or momentum to our
play,' he said.
'They restricted us to playing in front of them. 'Second half, we were
disappointed with the goal we conceded - possibly we needed that to get us
going and after that we tried to ask questions of them. 'But it's one of
those games we want to draw a line under.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Blackburn Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Dec 9 2007
Blackburn Rovers 0 West Ham United 1
An impressive performance saw West Ham run out 1-0 winners at Ewood Park
thanks to a Dean Ashton goal in the second half.
I don't know about anyone else but I thought this was relatively easy
considering how well Blackburn have done this season and what the odds were
at some bookies for us to win.
There were a few moments when Blackburn applied pressure but that is to be
expected as they were the home side, but overall we edged it and deserved
our victory and our clean sheet in which the goal keeper and defence were
once again excellent.
Our away form has been good this season and this was our fourth away win of
the season. Our style of football suits playing away as it is us who will
counter attack and the home side will need to break us down. Alan Curbishley
has assembled a tough side to get past, and building from the defence seems
to be getting results.
No changes were made to the starting line up that from our last outing at
Stamford Bridge against Chelsea last weekend. There was one change on the
bench, with Freddie Ljungberg again disappearing and Mark Noble taking his
place. Dean Ashton was again named among the substitutes.
We started brightly with Blackburn taking time to find their feet. There was
plenty of space for us to run into and this suited our short passing game.
With a little bit of pressure applied, for Blackburn Captain Lucas Neill
forced a corner on the right hand side and that corner was met by Matthew
Upson who didn't really attack it as he would have liked and header went
wide.
As Blackburn settled a chance from outside the area fell there way with
David Dunn coming in from the right and unleashing a swerving right foot
shot which had Green beaten but thankfully it went over, clipping the cross
bar on the way.
As expected Blackburn enjoyed putting in some heavy challenges on our
players with Scott Parker feeling the full force of a lunging tackle from
Mokoena and then Boa Morte was hacked down by Ooijer which saw the Blackburn
defender go into the referee's book.
Blackburn were finding it hard to break us down and didn't have much joy
getting the ball into our area with their chances being limited to long
range efforts and Tugay saw a 25 yarder go just wide with Green stranded.
We were getting ourselves into good positions but wasting possession in
dangerous areas.
A ball through to Etherington was held up and eventually spread out to
McCartney on the wide left and he put in a telling cross which was
intercepted by goal keeper Brad Friedal.
With Blackburn still being forced to put in long range efforts our
confidence was growing and it was clear that they were there for the taking
and a little bit more conviction in the final third would surely see us
score.
With Scott Parker seeing his long range effort go just wide, a great
opportunity presented itself when Solano got the better of some poor
defending by Warnock and he found himself in acres of space running in from
the right hand side.
No one in the area would hold their run, and the eventual cross from Solano
really found no one and was cleared to the edge of the area where Mullins
took a wild shot which deflected into the path of Solano but his shot went
high over the bar.
The first half may have been boring to watch for the neutral, but I was
pleased with how we had played, and knew that if we just took a few more
risks in the second half we would get a chance to score.
Both sides made changes at half time with Matthew Etherington being replaced
by Dean Ashton. This saw Boa Morte move from a central striker's role to the
left hand side of midfield.
Blackburn brought on Robbie Savage in place Mokoena to give them a little
more bite in midfield.
It would only take us seven minutes to get ourselves in front after a bright
opening to the second period. Boa Morte did brilliantly to win a corner and
when Blackburn failed to clear the ball was played through to McCartney who
did well to get his cross in and it evaded the first defender and found Dean
Ashton who easily finished to the delight of the travelling West Ham fans.
The question now was could we hold on to this lead or even increase it?
The hosts reacted well and went straight back at us, looking to catch us off
guard, but we held firm and saw out the danger arising.
The first of this danger was from a Blackburn corner only minutes after we
had scored. The corner was met by the giant figure that is Christopher
Samba, and his low header was met by a wonderful low save from Robert Green,
although even if he had have missed it, Solano was on the line to clear.
Morten Gamst Pedersen found some space in the area but his touch was not
very good and his eventual shot went high and wide of the goal as Blackburn
were starting to turn on the pressure.
Some great work from Dean Ashton allowed Solano to cross the ball to the
back post for the unmarked Boa Morte to hit on the volley, but he didn't
catch it right although Friedal still had to make a smart save to deny the
winger.
Santa Cruz had two chances to score with a header going wide and then
another chance which was surely Blackburn's best opportunity of the game. A
lofted ball from Tugay was brilliantly controlled and when it looked easier
to score the striker blazed the shot over the bar to the despair of the home
fans, and to the jeers of our support (who were fantastic yet again).
Jonathan Spector made his usual appearance for the tired Solano and
Blackburn in turn made a change, replacing midfielder Pederson with striker
Jason Roberts.
In the 84th minute we had a glorious chance to seal the victory and make the
last few minutes much easier on ourselves but Ashton squandered it. A ball
through to Cole found him in acres of space and all he had to do was phase
it across to Ashton, but he waited and waited and when he did play the pass,
the defender had caught up and put Ashton off and his shot went high over
the bar.
Not surprisingly, Blackburn had a late rally in which Upson nearly put
through is own net and Robert Green had to pull off a stunning save from a
stinging Tugay shot.
But all in all we defended well and looked comfortable and despite there
somehow being four minutes stoppage time, we saw them out with ease and
secured a deserved three points against a side who are supposed to be one of
the better team in this division, although are quite clearly not.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Didn't see too much of the ball in the first half but had to make a few
saves in the second and a couple of them were fantastic. But this is what
you expect of top goal keepers and Robert Green continues to prove that he
is a top goal keeper.
Lucas Neill
Against his former club was obviously going to be a different occasion for
the captain but defensively I thought he kept a cool head through out and
although he did give the ball away going forward this was by no means a bad
performance.
Matthew Upson
With our defence really looking sorted at the moment it is no surprise that
this man has come into a rich vein of form. Upson was terrific today,
putting in a real centre halves performance. His all round game was at its
very best.
Danny Gabbidon
His poor form seems to be well behind him now as he again put in a very good
performance which will secure his place in the side until that form drops.
Didn't put a foot wrong and dealt with Benni McCarthy so well, it seemed
liked McCarthey wasn't even on the pitch.
George McCartney
Like the other defenders he put in a very worthy performance, and going
forward he was just as effective, setting up Ashton's goal with a good
cross. Got forward well throughout the first half with Etherington failing
to come out of his shell.
Nolberto Solano
Not the greatest performance we will see Solano put in. Never really go
going at any point and his set pieces left a lot to be desired. Had a good
chance to make a goal in the first half but with the lack of movement his
pass was poor. Remains the best technical player we possess.
Scott Parker
It seems that he is over the injury and is now ready to really play some
good football because for the second game running Parker has shown me that
he is a little bit better than your average footballer. Despite giving the
ball away a few times in the first half his all round performance was spot
on. He never hid, and always wanted the ball, and was my man of the match.
Hayden Mullins
Went about his job quietly but very effectively. We won the battle of
midfield and Mullins was a major part of that battle, always kicking at the
heels and make some nice cross field passes.
Matthew Etherington
His early season form is evaporating and the little weed is starting to grow
yet again, which means he needs to be taken out of the side for a while.
Luis Boa Morte
The guy never stops running and is starting to put in some effective
performances. He is unpredictable when in possession but his overall showing
was good enough and he doesn't deserved to be dropped at this moment in
time.
Carlton Cole
No faulting the effort but this was a quite performance in contrast to
recent weeks. Never really got going with the ball, and it was a shame he
didn't get the chance to really run at a defender one on one. Made a
nuisance of himself but will be disappointed not have had a opportunity in
the game.
Subs Used
Dean Ashton (on for Etherington 45 mins)
Really positive signs from Ashton, as he grabbed himself a goal and looked
sharp when on and off the ball. Put himself about, held the ball up well,
has terrific control – time to put him back in the starting line up.
Jonathan Spector( (on for Solano 75 mins)
Tried hard but didn't see much of the ball.
Henri Camera( (on for Cole 87 mins)
Everything he did, he did badly.
Overall
This was a fantastic three points and yet another win away from home.
Playing away seems to suit our style of football and we just need to
transfer this to the home games. If we can do this we will see a rise up the
table.
Alan Curbishley needs to be congratulated on a good tactical job, where we
set out our stall to frustrate Blackburn but also to attack ourselves. We
made space for ourselves, and made sure Blackburn had little.
Everton are up next in the League Cup Quarter Final for what is our biggest
game of the season. They will see this is a game they can win, and a
competition they can go all the way in, so we will have to be at our best to
get the result.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham - West Ham Online
Biscuits - Sun Dec 9 2007
It is hard to remember a time when West Ham were this organised, this solid
and this hard to beat. With a reputation for the sort of expansive football
which may gain the neutral's affections, if not overwhelming prizes, the
East Londoners are not famed for winning away in the North West on a cold
December evening.
Such is the work of Alan Curbishley though. He has his critics at Upton
Park, who question both the style of football and some of his signings, but
it is hard to argue with his results so far this season. Injuries have
denied him the opportunity to put out a first choice team as well, so
further judgement must surely be postponed until we see the likes of Craig
Bellamy and Julien Faubert in action.
However while those in reserve have deputised well, it was another returning
player who sealed this tight match. Dean Ashton has suffered his fair share
of knocks recently, but he is a frightening prospect in attack when fit and
well.
It was his close range finish in the 52nd minute which did for Blackburn on
their own patch, and was just reward for a considered away performance. The
home side- who sorely missed David Bentley- may argue they had chances to
take the game, yet they were never really allowed to build up any momentum
by the bustle of a Scott Parker inspired West Ham midfield.
The first half was a largely forgettable affair. While David Dunn and Tugay
went close for the home side with long distance efforts, and Morten Gamst
Pedersen forced Robert Green into a strong save, precious little happened.
Indeed the Blackburn fans quickly tired of booing their former captain Lucas
Neill, so stultifying was the football.
Ashton's introduction at half time changed all that and it wasn't long
before he provided the defining moment. His goal came at a time when West
Ham were enjoying a period of strong pressure, and sure enough, it told.
Nolberto Solano intelligently released George McCartney behind Brett
Emerton, and his low cut back was given the finish it deserved from Ashton.
Blackburn were rocked, yet came back with increased intent. Green had to be
at his usual best to keep out Christopher Samba and Andre Ooijer from
equalising immediately, as Blackburn turned the screw. Up the other end,
Brad Friedel stopped Luis Boa Morte from doubling the lead, and Ashton
should have had his second, only to somehow blaze over from Carlton Cole's
pass.
His was not the only embarrassing miss however, with Roque Santa Cruz
eqaully guilty. The big screen proclaimed that "Santa Cruz is coming to
town". Yes, it's that time of year again- maybe it explains why he was so
charitable in woefully shanking over with only Green to beat. Green probably
would have saved the shot if it had been on target anyway, if his brilliant
stop from Tugay's fierce volley is anything to go by. With that, Blackburn
were beaten.
Green- That England call up can't be far away now. Produced some excellent
saves to keep Blackburn out. 9
Neill- His passing could do with some work, but he defended well to silence
the boos. 7
Gabbidon- It's hard to see Ferdinand getting back into the side- Gabbidon
has more than seized his chance. 8
Upson- Strong in the air and a commanding presence at the heart of the
defence. 8
McCartney- Our only left-back, yet in such stirring form. Set up the goal
and was defensively sound. 8
Solano- He tires in the second half and has lost his pace, but he is an
intelligent footballer with an incredible work rate. 7
Parker- If he can just improve that final ball, he will more than justify
his fee, because the drive allows him to boss games. 8
Mullins- Kept things ticking over nicely to complement Parker nicely. 7
Etherington- Failed to really get into the game before going off with a
slight knock. 6
Boa Morte- He improved when moved to the flank and played an important part
in the second half performance. 7
Cole- No real goal threat but he provides the nuisance value to trouble
defenders. 7
Ashton- He added the extra dimension up front- hopefully he can stay injury
free from now on (and maybe locate some pace). 8
Spector- Shored the right side up well. 6
Camara- Hardly had any time to make an impact. 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton underlines return to fitness - Telegraph
By Phil Shaw
Last Updated: 2:15am GMT 10/12/2007
Blackburn Rovers (0) 0 West Ham United (0) 1
While the players massed in the tunnel, ready to return after a grimly
attritional first half, the public-address announcer summoned a tone of
ersatz excitement. "Ewood Park," he bellowed, "get ready to raise the roof!"
Unhappily for Blackburn, Dean Ashton took him at his word, the West Ham
substitute marking Alan Curbishley's first anniversary as manager with the
game's only goal.
As is the former Crewe and Norwich striker's wont, Ashton lifted the roof
somewhat gently, his fourth goal of another injury-affected season being
poached rather than powered into the net six minutes after he replaced the
injured Matthew Etherington.
It was certainly a more satisfactory manner in which to win than the way
West Ham prevailed on their previous visit to Blackburn in March, when
referee Howard Webb awarded Bobby Zamora a precious goal in their struggle
against relegation despite the ball not having crossed the line.
This time, with a largely British side in the top half of the Premier League
and nine points above the drop zone, there should be no winter of discontent
at West Ham.
If Ashton continues to show the single-mindedness that characterised
yesterday's cameo, they could yet join the cluster of clubs pushing for Uefa
Cup places, while the player himself may finally represent England after
being thwarted by ankle and hamstring problems.
"It was a great start to a very big week for us," Curbishley said, looking
ahead to two home games against Everton in the Carling Cup and Premier
League.
advertisement
"Apart from the injuries we've had, we have had players trying to get fit
playing in the first team, which is a very difficult thing to do. I had a
good chat with Dean on Saturday because he had been out for five weeks with
only one practice game and one reserve outing, but he looked sharp here."
Blackburn, who have already sampled European competition under Mark Hughes,
have hit something of a wall lately. Although this was not a reverse on the
scale of Aston Villa's four-goal rout, they have collected only five points
from six matches.
"I haven't really had an issue with our performances, but this was an
exception," Hughes said. "West Ham's game plan worked really well. They
counter-attacked us, though the goal was poor from our viewpoint."
The opening 45 minutes were enlivened only by the Blackburn crowd's
determination to cast Lucas Neill as a pantomime villain for having had the
temerity to leave east Lancashire for east London. Yet before they could
shout "behind you", George McCartney's cut-back evaded Andre Ooijer and was
side-footed home by Ashton from six yards.
The contest opened up and Roque Santa Cruz missed two easy chances while
Robert Green saved well from Christopher Samba and the outstanding Tugay.
Against that, Ashton set up Luis Boa Morte for a volley that Brad Friedel
did well to beat aside.
Man of the match
Robert Green (West Ham) 8
• Made six saves
• Also collected one cross
• Recovered the ball nine times
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn Match Report - West Ham Till I Die
December 9, 2007
The great thing about this performance was not the win, it was the
consistency. The team have performed with the same dogged determination now
for several games. It may not be pretty at times, but it's effective. When
was the last time we had a plus 8 goal difference? When was the last time we
had won four games away at this stage of the season? We should remind
ourselves that we have only let in 12 goals so far this season. At the same
stage last season it was 18. After 15 games last season we had 14 points. We
now have 22. We had scored 10 goals last season compared to 20 this season.
All in all, we should be really proud of what this team has achieved.
Imagine what might have happened if all the injured players had been
available.
There were no weak links today. Everyone gave their all. I thought Dean
Ashton was outstanding in the second half. Mullins and Parker ruled midfield
and the back four coordinated really well. Lucas Neill had a few dodgy
moments, possibly, but I'm nitpicking. Boa Morte could have had a couple of
goals and he seems a different player to the one I criticised so freely
earlier in the season.
And Robert Green. Well, his save from Tugay in the last few minutes said it
all. The man is pure class.
Green 9 - Three world class saves
McCartney - 8 Apart from a miskick, dealt with everything that came to him
Neill - 7 Drove the team on
Upson - 8 Kept both Blackburn strikers in his pocket
Gabbidon - 8 Ditto
Mullins - 8 He's transformed himself this season
Parker - 9 He's going to be a massive player for us. A real leader.
Solano - 8 A joy to watch
Cole - 7 Few chances but gave his all
Boa Morte - 8 Brilliant volley should have led to a goal
Etherington - 6 Not really on song and picked up an injury
Ashton 9 - Back on song. Imagine what he will be like by Christmas
So as I say, the fourth match in a row where the team has put in a
consistent performance full of vim and vigour. Bring on Everton!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton steps up to lift Hammers
Steve Bierley at Ewood Park
Monday December 10, 2007
The Guardian
This was a victory that may prove pivotal for West Ham in what is sure to be
an almighty scramble for both European football and Premier League security
next year. Defeat would have left them peering anxiously over their
shoulders but Dean Ashton's second-half strike lifted Alan Curbishley's side
into the top half of the table, and will have filled them with confidence
before this week's two matches against Everton in the quarter-finals of the
Carling Cup and then the league. For Blackburn Rovers it was their second
defeat in a sequence of three home matches, and Mark Hughes will regard it
as a squandered opportunity to have consolidated his team's place in the top
10.
Ashton, who has been troubled by injury this season, had replaced Matthew
Etherington at half-time, with Luis Boa Morte switching to the left where he
was so much more effective. The former Crewe and Norwich striker has had
more than his fair share of injury problems, twice missing out on chances of
playing for England, and his entry proved what an important player he is to
West Ham, and could be for his country. With him leading the attack they
were transformed, and Blackburn undone.
That said, Rovers created enough late chances to have at least drawn and
possibly won. Christmas could have come early for Roque Santa Cruz though
Hughes might have pondered that a reindeer would have done a better job with
the wonderfully perceptive little pass from Tugay Kerimoglu that the
Paraguayan controlled with consummate skill and then hoofed hopelessly over
the bar. Before that he had headed wide from a corner, while with minutes
remaining Tugay forced Robert Green into an excellent leaping save with a
long-range shot that might well have beaten lesser goalkeepers.
"England's, England's No1," chorused the West Ham supporters, and with
considerable justification. All in all it was an excellent afternoon for
them and their team, which might have been made just a little more
comfortable had Ashton not missed towards the end. Andre Ooijer had pulled
up suddenly, leaving Carlton Cole in the clear. His pass to Ashton was
perfect, but on this occasion the striker, with Brett Emerton rushing in,
lifted his shot over the bar. By contrast his 53rd-minute strike had been
totally conclusive. George McCartney had found space on the left and when
Ooijer was caught off balance and stretching with no hope of an
interception, Ashton side-footed home.
When Curbishley arrived at Upton Park he had the short-term objective of
saving the club from relegation, and he is now in the process of building
for an altogether brighter and more secure future. Whether England comes
calling is quite another issue, which he preferred to leave undebated. The
first half had been poor, with Scott Parker coming the closest to scoring
for West Ham with a long range shot that dipped beyond Brad Friedel's
right-hand post, near enough to cause the West Ham midfielder to clasp his
head for a prolonged period. Or maybe he was just trying to keep his ears
warm. Nolberto Solano was similarly frustrated but after half-time Ashton
changed all that.
Blackburn were without Ryan Nelsen, suspended after being sent off against
Aston Villa, and the reshuffle in the back four caused some awkward moments,
though Christopher Samba was excellent throughout. "Overall we were
disappointed with the level of play today," said Hughes. "West Ham were
strong and powerful, but we needed to show more than we did, particularly in
the first half. If we don't start well we often struggle." Curbishley, whose
side face Everton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, said: "Blackburn put a
lot of pressure on us but we dug in. We've come here and done a really good
job. It is a massive week for us."
Man of the match Dean Ashton
Bristling with confidence and controlled aggression, he immediately
exploited Blackburn's insecure defence
Best moment He continued to trouble Rovers after his goal and a lovely
one-two with Carlton Cole should have produced better from his co-striker
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers haunt Hughes again as Ashton pounces - Scotsman
BLACKBURN 0
WEST HAM 1
DEAN Ashton ensured Alan Curbishley celebrated a year in charge of West Ham
with another victory for his club over Blackburn - their fifth in six
meetings.
Interval substitute Ashton struck seven minutes into the second half as the
Hammers made it four successive wins over Rovers to lift themselves into the
top half of the Barclays Premier League.
Mark Hughes' side had the chances to at least clinch a draw, but after a run
of seven successive league and cup victories, Rovers have now taken just
five points from their last six games.
The match was settled when Ashton was left unmarked in the 52nd minute to
tap home his fourth goal of the season.
Solano fed George McCartney down the left and from the byeline, the
left-back teased a low cross into the area for Ashton to score his first
goal since 26 September.
Last updated: 10-Dec-07 01:15 GMT
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green and Ashton give Hammers boss Curbishley a happy anniversary - This Is
London
10.12.07 07:57
One year into the job and Alan Curbishley's West Ham are no soft touch. The
relegation survivors of last season have had more flair in their teams from
a different age — but Curbishley's controlled and pragmatic style, though
not winning too many friends, is winning points. Accused of being
over-aggressive against Chelsea in their last away game, West Ham produced a
disciplined effort at Ewood Park four days before Curbishley's anniversary,
a victory and a clean sheet that leaves them in a safe mid-table place and a
record that shows only 12 goals conceded in 15 Barclays Premier League games
this season. Much of that is down to goalkeeper Robert Green. Judged not
good enough to be in the England squad, he produced another brilliant save
to halt a Tugay drive that swirled through air as it travelled through a
crowd of bodies. "If it had swerved any more I'd have been in trouble," said
the goalkeeper whose penalty saves against Portsmouth and Tottenham recently
preserved West Ham's unlikely reputation for being mean. "We are defending
well away from home and hitting teams on the break."
Hardly the West Ham way.
But with Dean Ashton climbing from the bench to score in the 52nd minute, it
gave Lucas Neill a happy return to the club he left for Upton Park and the
riches of a new Icelandic master. Ashton, back after five weeks out with
hamstring problems, is set to start Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final
with Everton as West Ham face David Moyes' UEFA Cup heroes twice in four
days. Out-of-sorts Blackburn, still only four points off the top four
despite winning only once in six games, finished with 10 men after Andre
Ooijer was helped off with a calf problem six minutes from the end. Manager
Mark Hughes said: "For the first time, our performance wasn't anywhere near
the level it needed to be. We conceded a poor goal, they were strong and
powerful. They counter-attacked well." Rival Crubishley added: "It's a tough
place to come, so we're delighted. The first goal was always going to be the
decider."
Perhaps the match might have turned out differently had David Dunn's early
speculative shot not swirled inches over Green's crossbar. A goal then would
surely have concentrated some minds. But Blackburn appeared to be more
concerned with stamping their authority on the game after allowing Aston
Villa to walk away with the three points on their last appearance at Ewood
Park. Aaron Mokoena, again preferred to Robbie Savage in midfield, was lucky
to escape with a few words of advice from referee Alan Wiley after
clattering outstan ding midfielder Scott Parker. But defender Ooijer, having
a fine game and enjoying his settled run in Hughes' side, did collect a
yellow card for taking out Luis Boa Morte effectively but quite illegally.
Tugay, having seen the ball move earlier under Dunn's influence, had a crack
of his own at outwitting Green from range and he was not far off squeezing
inside the angle.
West Ham, controversial winners here last season with the victory that
kick-started their late scramble clear of relegation, gradually began to
make their own mark on a dull game. Parker's snap effort from outside the
box whipped past Brad Friedel's right-hand post, but the goalkeeper would
have been more alarmed if he had seen the TV replay. Despite sterling effort
from Ooijer and Chris Samba at the back, without skipper and defensive rock
Ryan Nelsen — banned for his red card against Villa — Blackburn are more
vulnerable. The comedy of errors as half time approached, which ended with
Nobby Solano firing his free shot over Friedel's bar, was a warning that
would have been harsher had West Ham been a little sharper. They were after
the break, when Ashton replaced struggling Matthew Etherington. Blackburn
were soon caught out by raiding left back George McCartney and they paid
dearly. The defender's cut-back eluded Ooijer's attempt to intercept and it
was the West Ham substitute who beat team-mate Carlton Cole to the punch by
sweeping the ball home. It was only the fourth goal of an injury-restricted
season for the England striker, but it again highlighted Blackburn's
worrying tendency to get caught suddenly after looking comfortable in a
game. Rovers also missed David Bentley as the winger served a one-match
suspension, while Morten Gamst Pedersen has yet to regain his best form
under Hughes. Just as much of a concern to Hughes will be the failure of
either striker in the first-choice duo of Benni McCarthy or Roque Santa Cruz
to score in the last six games. Santa Cruz had suggested earlier that the
Premier League should consider a mid-winter break for England's sake. An
unkind soul might have suggested he was taking one himself regardless. When
the Paraguayan did at last have a late chance to score, he smashed the ball
hopelessly wide of the relieved Green's goal having done the hard work by
instantly controlling Tugay's clever lob.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa set to make Barnes bid as Hammers reconsider - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:10pm on 9th December 2007
Aston Villa are set to make a move in the January transfer window for Derby
winger Giles Barnes. The 19-year-old has previously been linked with
Tottenham and West Ham. The Hammers appeared set to sign the talented
midfielder but, according to the News of the World, Alan Curbishley has
cooled his interest leaving Martin O'Neill in pole position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton saves the day - The Times
Blackburn 0 West Ham 1
Tom Dart Ewood Park
"A typical Premiership game," Robert Green, the West Ham United goal-keeper,
said, which is not an assessment that the Premier League's marketing
department will thank him for. These teams are ninth and tenth and this was
predictably middling fare as two well-matched sides nullified each other,
until Dean Ashton scored for the first time since September to bring the
occasion out of its shell.
For drama and meaning it was a shadow of last season's fixture, when Bobby
Zamora scored what in Mourinho-speak is known as a "ghost goal" and a 2-1
win in March enhanced West Ham's survival prospects.
Expect West Ham to climb towards the top six, then lose their grip in the
spring because they are morphing into a higher-budget version of Charlton
Athletic under Alan Curbishley. Difficult to beat, solid, sensible,
predictable. Only four times in the league have West Ham scored more than
once and all those victims were strugglers. They are poised for more
progress as their extensive injury list clears but Curbishley, the manager,
is still not so much rotating his squad as spinning plates and hoping
nothing smashes. He left Fredrik Ljungberg out of the squad because he will
need him for Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton. Ashton,
back from a knee problem, came off the bench yesterday but will probably
start against Everton. "He looked very sharp," Curbishley said.
Another boost for West Ham was the fact that Scott Parker played 90 minutes
for the first time this season.
"I've got players coming back and having to get fit in the first team,
that's very difficult," Curbishley said. "The squad has stood firm and it's
made us stronger because people have come in and done a job. Competition
[for places] is what we need."
Blackburn were without David Bentley for the first time this term and lacked
invention in the first half. They won every game in October but only once
since. "Teams come here now recognising the threat we pose and try and do
something about it," Mark Hughes, the manager, said. The visiting team
looked more dangerous after Ashton's arrival after half-time as a
replacement for the injured Matthew Etherington. The goal came after 52
minutes. Nolberto Solano's clever pass left the Blackburn defence
flat-footed and George McCartney's low cross gave Ashton an easy finish for
the fourth goal of his stunted season. He missed an equally simple chance
late on, after Roque Santa Cruz had spurned two fine opportunities to give
Blackburn the point their creativity in the second period deserved, while
Green saved well from Tugay Kerimoglu's long-range effort. "Gritty,"
Curbishley said. Which is typical West Ham these days.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): B Friedel 7 - B Emerton 6, C Samba 7, A Ooijer 6,
S Warnock 5 – D Dunn 5 (sub: S Reid, 71min), A Mokoena 5 (sub: R Savage, 46
5), Tugay Kerimoglu 6, M G Pedersen 6 (sub: J Roberts, 76) – B McCarthy 7, R
Santa Cruz 5. Substitutes not used: J Brown, M Derbyshire. Booked: Ooijer.
Next: Wigan Athletic (a).
West Ham United (442): R Green 7 – L Neill 6, D Gabbidon 6, M Upson 6, G
McCartney 7 – N Solano 6 (sub: J Spector, 76), S Parker 7, H Mullins 6, M
Etherington 6 (sub: D Ashton, 46 8) – L Boa Morte 7, C Cole 6 (sub: H
Camara, 88). Substitutes not used: R Wright, M Noble. Booked: Cole. Next:
Everton (h).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham skipper Neill enjoys last laugh at Blackburn
tribalfooball.com - December 09, 2007
Lucas Neill mad his second return to Ewood Park following his
much-publicised move to West Ham last January. The Australian defender was
given a hostile reception when the Hammers beat Blackburn 2-1 in Lancashire
in March. His fellow compatriot Brett Emerton had urged Blackburn fans not
to be too harsh on their former player who had spent five years at the club.
Unfortunately this conciliatory message was not returned by Neill, who,
prior to the game, had labelled the Rovers fans as "childish" for their
response last time out. Neill had the last laugh though as the Hammers
triumphed 1-0 after a non-stop barrage of boos from the home crowd,
culminating in a constant chant of 'There's only one greedy b*****d.' Once
West Ham had taken the lead the Ewood Park faithful were silenced which must
have given Neill quiet satisfaction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley not looking to spend big
tribalfootball.com - December 09, 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley doesn't expect to splash out big in the
January market. "We are not actively looking," said Curbishley. "Unless we
have an absolute disaster in one area I am happy with the squad we've got.
"I can't even turn round to the board and say I'm disappointed with
so-and-so who I've signed - because I've not seen them all play! "We've not
been in a position where the new signings have been put in the team all
together to see what sort of side we've got. "I've got a big squad and I am
hoping one or two players will be fit before the window opens and during it,
and that will make us that much stronger."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn, West Ham battle for Arshavin
tribalfooball.com - December 09, 2007
Zenit St Petersburg winger Andrei Arshavin is a target for Blackburn Rovers
and West Ham. Highly-rated Russia international Arshavin - who is valued at
£8million - terrorised the England defence during the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Posts
