A last-gasp penalty from Mark Noble gave West Ham United three precious
points on Wednesday night
30.01.2008
West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
Mark Noble held his nerve to fire in a last-gasp penalty that gave West Ham
United the richly-deserved victory that saw them end a seven-match losing
streak against Liverpool.
Jamie Carragher's stoppage-time foul on Freddie Ljungberg gave the England
U-21 midfielder the chance to seal a dramatic late victory and he made no
mistake. Although they went agonisingly close in 2006's epic, 125th FA Cup
final at the Millennium Stadium, West Ham United came into this latest
encounter without a victory over Liverpool in their previous eleven
meetings.
Having gone nine games unbeaten since mid-December, Rafa Benitez's,
sixth-placed, side had also made it into the last 16 of this season's FA Cup
competition, too, after finally dispatching plucky part-timers Havant and
Waterlooville at Anfield, on Saturday. But after seeing his red-faced Reds
rescued by a hat-trick from former Boleyn Ground midfielder Yossi Benayoun,
the Liverpool boss made eight changes following that faltering 5-2 win.
Indeed, only the Israeli playmaker, Sami Hyypia and Steve Finnan survived,
as Xabi Alonso came in for suspended old boy Javier Mascherano, while
skipper Steven Gerrard Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio, Harry
Kewell, Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt each returned to the fold.
West Ham United's last win over the Merseysiders came courtesy of Trevor
Sinclair's lone strike back in November 1999, but sitting in tenth spot,
Alan Curbishley had every right to feel confident that his unchanged team -
with the fit again trio of Dean Ashton, Matthew Etherington and Nolberto
Solano also on the bench - could turn the tide following their 1-1 draw at
Manchester City ten days ago.
However, it was the reshuffled Reds, who looked more dangerous in the early
stages as Torres tried his luck with a hopeful, long-range grass-cutter in
the opening seconds before Benayoun sent a rising effort into the middle
reaches of the Bobby Moore Stand. Then, on 18 minutes, with the linesman's
flag staying down, Torres raced clear from halfway only to be thwarted by
Robert Green's perfectly timed charge from his area that saw him clear from
the sprinting Spaniard.
With Anton Ferdinand gradually getting the measure of Liverpool's £27m
marksman, West Ham United visibly grew in belief as Luis Boa Morte fired
over after the ball was frantically scrambled off Lee Bowyer's toes, and
then the relieved Reina could only stand and stare as the impressive Noble's
inswinging, left-wing free-kick was nodded on to his own crossbar by Finnan.
Five minutes before the interval, Aurelio hauled down the fleeing Ljungberg
at the expense of a yellow card and, as West Ham United began to shade an
absorbing first half on points, Reina's timely punch cleared the ball off
the head of toiling lone-striker Carlton Cole to keep it goalless at the
break.
Just after the restart, Ljungberg just could not connect with ever-present
George McCartney's cross into the six-yard box and then Boa Morte scuffed
wide from six yards to the frustration of the claret and blue fans amongst
the sold-out crowd of 34,977. That was the cue for both Etherington and
Ashton to enter the fray at the expense of Bowyer and Boa Morte for a final
half-hour that saw the home side revert to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation.
Benitez immediately responded by bringing on Lucas for the subdued Kewell,
who had also got little joy out of the other Lucas - fellow Aussie Lucas
Neill. The Brazilian substitute soon fired just past the base of Green's
right-hand post and, midway through the half, he also strolled on to the
galloping Gerrard's square pass, before shooting over the home 'keeper's
left-hand angle, too.
After Gerrard uncharacteristically sent an 18-yarder high and wide, Torres
found himself booked for dissent before Benayoun trudged away to be replaced
by Ryan Babel. With the game ebbing and flowing more and more as it moved
into the final quarter-hour, both Cole and Ljungberg went close before
Neill, at the far past, sent his shot crashing into the boards, while Torres
was also thwarted by the outstretched leg of Green.
Jonathan Spector came on for the final ten minutes as Cole departed to
deserved applause but with West Ham United reverting back to a 4-5-1
formation a goalless draw, by now, looked the only realistic outcome.
But with just seconds of the three added minutes remaining, the breaking
Etherington had other ideas and when he picked out the supporting Ljungberg
inside the box, referee Alan Wiley had no hesitation in pointing to spot
when he fell under Carragher's challenge. Ice-cool, Noble did the rest with
a low, spot-kick kick beyond the outstretched left arm of the diving Reina.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer (Ashton
58), Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg, Boa Morte (Etherington 58), Cole (81)
Subs not used: Wright, Solano
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Aurelio, Benayoun (Babel 73),
Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell (Lucas 61), Torres, Kuyt
Subs not used: Itandje, Skrtel, Crouch
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Curbs thrilled by 'fantastic result' - WHUFC
An understandably upbeat Alan Curbishley has once again paid tribute to the
effort made by his players
31.01.2008
Alan Curbishley could not hide his elation after West Ham United once again
showed their tremendous form with a superb 1-0 triumph against Liverpool.
It was the first time in 12 meetings that the club had got the better of the
Reds, and the manager had plenty of words of praise for the way his team -
from Robert Green at the back to Carlton Cole in attack - stuck to the task
before deservedly taking the points with a late Mark Noble penalty. Although
Pepe Reina dived the right way in the Liverpool goal, the shot arrowed into
the corner of the net to send the Boleyn Ground wild.
"It was a fantastic result for us," he said. "We have had to keep it tight,
work ever so hard. Everybody played their part, Greeny made the saves when
he needed to and the back four once again have stood really firm. We've got
a terrific defensive record and we needed it. I am delighted for the
players.
"It was mentioned yesterday that West Ham have had a turbulent record
against Liverpool. I wasn't fully aware of it. As they have shown all
season, they gave everything. We are chopping and changing a lot of the time
but they have given everything. It is nice when you get the result in the
last minute and we will take it."
Talking about the penalty that won it, he said he left it up to the players
to decide who was going to take the responsibility. "Reina's good on
penalties and I saw Dean Ashton walking towards it as well. Mark took the
one at the Birmingham, while Deano was the penalty taker last year but Mark
took it and put it on the spot. He was confident I think but you have to ask
him how confident."
The manager added his only concern after the goal went in was that Noble did
not pick up his fifth yellow card of the season for an over-zealous
celebration - which would have meant a one-match ban. He was also concerned
that the referee did not add extra time. As it was, the final whistle blew
seconds after the restart and Curbishley was able to keep on looking
upwards.
"We have got to keep the run going," he said, already thinking about
Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic." We have had to use everything we have
got. We have had players playing out of position, we have had to change
things during the game and perhaps put people in unfamiliar places. They
have shown great character. I think West Ham fans should be looking at them
and saying what they are producing is fantastic - a great attitude."
As well as Nolberto Solano's return as an unused substitute, the manager
confirmed that Julien Faubert, Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora are all close.
"Bellamy and Zamora are in full training, Faubert is back in training - so
we have got one two of them perhaps who are looking as if they are going to
be back in the next couple of weeks. We will have to see."
The manager had a word for Luis Boa Morte who gave his all as he continues
his return from hamstring trouble while he explained why he had to take
Carlton Cole off late in the game. "It wasn't popular because people think
that it is a forward coming off but Steven Gerrard was running riot and I
had to do something about it. I put Jon [Spector] on there to try and stop
that and he did. Sometimes you have to do things in games that perhaps
people don't see but we have to do it."
The ends justify the means and with Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City,
Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and, of course, Liverpool, all dropping points
this week - the club are within striking distance of the European places.
"We are delighted. It means that we are looking straight at the two teams
above us now. Let's see if we can improve on it next week. I am only
concerned about us. We should be proud of what they have achieved so far."
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Nobes: 'I was so confident' - WHUFC
Mark Noble revealed he had no hesitation about stepping up to the spot in
the dying seconds
30.01.2008
Mark Noble revealed he was determined to take the last-gasp spot-kick that
gave West Ham United a valuable 1-0 victory against Liverpool.
When Jamie Carragher fouled Freddie Ljungberg in the penalty area, there was
only one thought in the 20-year-old's mind - especially as he had scored
from the spot in the only other penalty awarded to the club this season
against Birmingham City back on 18 August. With a smile, he said: "We have
only had two this year. I scored the first one, so my record was 100 per
cent.
"No one was going to go against me," he added, well aware that Dean Ashton
was moving towards the ball and also fancied his chances against penalty
expert Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. "I was taking it no matter what. As
soon as I picked up the ball I thought Reina's got a reputation...but I was
so confident that I was going to score, I didn't feel that nervous."
Alan Curbishley could not hide his praise for Noble's all-round
contribution. "For a young boy he has shown great maturity," the manager
said. "He really looked as if he was enjoying himself tonight. I left him
out a couple of times just before Christmas and he was playing with an
injury. He had this hernia problem, and he never told anyone. In the end he
had to have it done. The rest he had has done him good."
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West Ham 1-0 Liverpool - BBC
By Saj Chowdhury
Mark Noble's injury-time penalty gave West Ham a deserved victory over
Liverpool at Upton Park. Noble slotted the ball low past Pepe Reina with
virtually the last kick of the match after Jamie Carragher had brought down
Freddie Ljungberg. Earlier, West Ham's Luis Boa Morte twice missed from six
yards out while Xabi Alonso headed on to his own bar. Lucas Leiva missed
from eight yards for the Reds while Fernando Torres' shot was saved by
Robert Green.
The result must have buoyed West Ham boss Alan Curbishley whose best-laid
plans to frustrate Liverpool did not go awry. Although the Reds had not won
in the league for over a month they had beaten the Hammers in their last
seven meetings. But from the first whistle, the home side were intent to
bring an end to their appalling record against the Merseysiders and even
steal a win themselves. They had the best two chances of the first 45 with
Boa Morte blazing over from six yards and Alonso coming close to heading the
ball into his own goal - the crossbar denying Curbishley's troops. The
closest Rafa Benitez's men came to grabbing the lead was inside the first 10
minutes when former West Ham player Yossi Benayoun burst into the area but
fired his shot over the bar from eight yards. Liverpool's multi-million
pound strikeforce of Dirk Kuyt and Torres were often crowded out as soon as
the ball arrived at their feet by the dynamic duo of Anton Ferdinand and
Matthew Upson.
The defensive pair along with the rest of the backline and midfield worked
tirelessly over the 90 minutes to deny playmakers Steven Gerrard and Alonso
much time to weave their magic. After the break, the visitors from Anfield
should have been made to pay again for their lack of bite when Boa Morte
received the ball on the edge of the six-yard area but completely mis-hit
his effort embarrassingly wide. That was enough for a bemused Benitez who
brought on Leiva and Ryan Babel to insert some life into his side. The
Brazilian made a brief impression on the match, shooting narrowly wide from
Torres' low right-wing cross, while Babel found Torres with a short pass
only to see the Spaniard's effort saved low by Green - although it appeared
to be heading wide. The match was veering towards a draw until one of the
stars of the show, Ljungberg, motored into the area only to have his ankle
clipped by Carragher. Referee Alan Wiley was left with a no-brainer and
pointed to the spot. England Under-21 star Noble, who had an exceptional
match, was left with the pressure kick but showed no nerves to fire sweetly
into Reina's left corner.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "It's tremendous - if you're going to get a
penalty and score then it's a great time to do it. "Week in and week out
we've put in a lot of effort - the squad have a fantastic attitude and full
credit goes to them. "We've lost three games in the last 16 and that's gone
unnoticed."
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez: We had chances but couldn¿t take them. We
started really well and in the second half we had a lot of possession and to
lose following a counter attack in the final minute is disappointing. "For
them to score from a penalty so late on was terrible. We now need to think
about the next game."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Noble,
Mullins, Bowyer (Ashton 58), Boa Morte (Etherington 59), Cole (Spector 81).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Solano.
Goals: Noble 90 pen.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Benayoun (Babel 72),
Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell (Lucas 61), Torres, Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Crouch, Skrtel.
Booked: Aurelio, Torres, Alonso.
Att: 34,977
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Mark Noble 7.16 (on 90
minutes).
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West Ham United 1 Liverpool 0 - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 30th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Mark Noble is the toast of the East End tonight after his 94th minute spot
kick gave the Hammers their first win over Liverpool since 1999.
Noble stepped up to convert the injury time penalty after Freddie Ljungberg
was brought down inside the area in the 93rd minute. Despite the best
efforts of Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina the England under 21 midfielder held
his nerve to slot home the goal that gives the Hammers a vital three points,
leaving them just four points adrift of Liverpool and right back in the hunt
for a European spot.
Although the Hammers had controlled the first half Liverpool had seemingly
done enough to earn a share of the spoils with a solid second half
performance. But Ljungberg, the scourge of Liverpool over the years had
other ideas when he raced towards the visitor's goal three minutes into time
added on.
That it was a penalty was never in doubt, although 'Pool will pehaps feel
aggrieved that they weren't awarded one of their own earlier in the second
half when Lucas Neill saw the ball roll down his arm from a Reds corner.
Yet that aside Rafa Benitez's team - who have now earned just four points
from their last five matches and remain without a win in 2008 - have nobody
but themselves to blame for missing a series of second half chances to break
the deadlock and perhaps put the game beyond West Ham's reach.
But for as profligate as Liverpool were in the second period the Hammers
were every bit as wasteful in the first 45. For the first time in a number
of years the Merseysiders were clearly there for the taking and the Hammers
took full advantage of the Reds' recent misfortunes with an encouraging
first half performance that had everything but a goal.
The best chances of the half fell to Luis Boa Morte - who could only drill
his shot from six yards high into the stands on 22 minutes - and Carlton
Cole, who saw his shot on the turn from a similar distance well blocked on
the stroke of half time. However the best chance for the home side arrived
on 27 minutes via the head of Steve Finnan who inadvertently turned Mark
Noble's inswinging free-kick on to his own crossbar with Reina well beaten.
At the other end Liverpool managed just one meaningful effort on goal when
former Hammer Yossi Benayoun - who received a chorus of boos every time he
touched the ball and when he was substituted late on - saw his delicate lob
float over the bar.
It looked as if the Hammers had blown their chance after the break as
Liverpool came out a different side to that which had seemed so ordinary
before it. As few as four minutes had passed before Harry Kewell spurned a
golden opportunity from close range after good work on the flank by Dirk
Kuyt.
Yet the Hammers were to spurn two further opportunites before Liverpool's
dominance took hold. Freddie Ljungberg misread a George McCartney cross
(although a slight deflection by Aurelio may have been more responsible for
the Swede's mishit) and Boa Morte once again fluffed a sitter from close
range at the far post.
That was enough for Curbishley who replaced the out of form Portu-geezer
with Matthew Etherington to a chorus of approval from the home fans.
Etherington was joined on the pitch by Dean Ashton, who took over from Lee
Bowyer as the Hammers adopted a more attacking 442 formation.
Yet if anything this new system served to hinder the home side's progress as
the visitors began to profit from the new space afforded in the centre of
the park. Lucas - twice - and Babel has good chances to open the scoring
before the other Lucas - West Ham's Mr Neill - was perhaps a touch fortunate
to escape censure for the aforementioned penalty appeal (although there was
clearly little intent by the Australian ful-back).
As Liverpool pressed for the winner in the closing minutes the Hammers took
advantage with the kind of counter attack more often seen away from the
Boleyn this season and Ljungberg used all of his professional knowledge to
draw Jamie Carragher into a clumsy challenge which left the referee with
little choice but to award a spot kick - which Noble drilled into the bottom
right hand corner to win the game for the Hammers.
The win gives the Hammers renewed optimism in their push for Europe -
especially as Portsmouth lost at Man Utd and Man City could only muster a
draw against bottom club Derby. Whilst the Hammers remain in tenth spot with
36 points they are now just a single point behind Portsmouth and two behind
Blackburn with a game in hand.
As a footnote, last season it took the Hammers 36 games to accrue a point
less than they have already achieved this season - from just 23 games. That,
combined with a goal difference of +8 are quite astonishing statistics given
the short space of time involved and the fact that Alan Curbishley has been
so limited for choice this season due to a series of injuries.
With strugglers Wigan, Birmingham and Fulham to come in the next three
games, it seems as if the Hammers can only go from strength to strength.
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Curbs delight at late drama - SSN
Hammers boss jubilant after injury-time winner
By Joe Drabble Last updated: 31st January 2008
Alan Curbishley was left thanking the footballing gods after Mark Noble
struck a 94th minute winner from the penalty spot to defeat Liverpool 1-0.
West Ham themselves have endured their fair share of penalty heartache and
Curbishley admitted he was elated that the luck finally changed for his
side. "We've been on the end of penalties in the last minute and Robert
Green has pulled us out of it," said Curbishley. "Portsmouth was one,
Tottenham another one, and it's nice to spin it around. "It was a tough game
tonight, I think Liverpool are a top side and they put us under a lot of
pressure without really creating the chances."
The late substitution of Jonathan Spector replacing Carlton Cole signalled
Curbishley's intent to hang onto a point, and the ex-Charlton boss admits to
gain all three was a huge bonus. "I must admit with a couple of minutes to
go I would have took the point," he said. "But it's great that we have
picked up the three and that puts us within striking distance of the clubs
just above us now - let's see if we can attack that."
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Noble spot-on for Hammers - SSN
Last-gasp penalty sees Rafa's men stumble
By Joe Drabble Last updated: 30th January 2008
Liverpool's stuttering season continued as Mark Noble's last minute
spot-kick earned West Ham a 1-0 win at Upton Park. Jamie Carragher brought
down Freddie Ljungberg in the 94th minute, and Noble kept his cool as
Liverpool slipped three points behind Merseyside rivals Everton in the race
for fourth place. West Ham had the better of the first half with Noble
coming within inches of scoring when his direct free-kick rattled the
crossbar after a deflection off Steve Finnan. Liverpool dominated the second
period with Robert Green fantastically denying Fernando Torres with a smart
low save, and Lucas Leiva twice coming close from long-range. The West Ham
backline defended heroically, and after a superb late counter attack
Ljungberg was brought down by Carragher - and the Hammers stole the points.
Former Hammer, Yossi Benayoun had the first chance when he almost took
advantage of a mishap from Green. The goalkeeper's slice was worked to Dirk
Kuyt and then Benayoun, but his chip drifted over the crossbar. From a
relatively promising start for the visitors, it was the hosts who then
gathered momentum as the first half unravelled. Carlton Cole helped create
West Ham's first genuine opening, midway through the opening half. The
striker flicked on George McCartney's long throw, Liverpool were seized by
panic as Lee Bowyer tussled but Luis Boa Morte rushed his shot and blazed
over when the ball fell to him. The hosts got even closer in the 26th minute
when a free-kick was awarded on the left flank for Carragher's foul on Cole.
Noble took the set-piece, which was glanced by Finnan and cannoned off the
crossbar. Cole had a sight of goal in stoppage-time in the opening period
but Benayoun slid in to block and Liverpool went into the break level.
Kuyt created the first chance of the second half, three minutes in, when he
found room on the right flank and drove a cross into the danger area, but
Harry Kewell could not wrap his foot around the ball to finish. Matthew
Upson then flashed a backpass right across Green's goal, which the
goalkeeper had to watch drift wide. At the other end, Boa Morte fluffed his
finish when Noble's free-kick was headed into his path. Then came the ironic
cheers for Boa Morte's departure, with Bowyer also coming off for Matthew
Etherington and Dean Ashton, both back from injury. Liverpool midfielder
Lucas came on for Kewell and he was just wide with his finish after
releasing Torres down the right and getting on the end of the cross. Lucas
also went wide when he got on the end of a driving run from Gerrard. With
injury-time just about over, Carragher brought down Ljungberg in the penalty
area and Noble converted the spot-kick.
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West Ham 1-0 Liverpool: Reds' title dream over - Soccernet
Liverpool's hopes of getting back in the Barclays Premier League title race
took another blow after Mark Noble scored the only goal of the game in
stoppage-time for West Ham at Upton Park. Lucas Neill comes across to
prevent a Harry Kewell cross at Upton Park. With better finishing from Luis
Boa Morte, the Hammers would have had their first win over Liverpool since
1999 sealed before Noble struck from the spot in added time. But Boa Morte
wasted two sitters either side of half-time before home fans cruelly cheered
him off when he was substituted. Even a draw would have left Rafael
Benitez's men still well off the pace for the title and they remain without
a win in the league since Boxing Day. It was billed as a match between two
teams with contrasting styles of ownership - Alan Curbishley is left to get
on with by his Icelandic bosses, while the Americans at Anfield have created
a stir since taking over. On the pitch, only Noble's penalty was to choose
between them. West Ham knew victory or defeat would not have moved them from
10th, yet their display would have suggested they were trying to prove they
could rub shoulders with those chasing Europe. Their fans had a point to
prove as well, jeering Yossi Benayoun following his departure in the summer.
'We were hoping he would sign a long-term contract with us, but that didn't
happen,' wrote Hammers boss Curbishley in his programme notes. Benayoun,
Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia were the only survivors from the nervous
victory over Havant and Waterlooville at the weekend - and it was Benayoun
who had the first chance when he almost took advantage of a mishap from
Robert Green.
The goalkeeper's slice was worked to Dirk Kuyt and then Benayoun, but his
chip drifted over the crossbar. From a relatively promising start, with Kuyt
seeing the ball playing just off Fernando Torres, it was the hosts who then
gathered momentum as the first half unravelled. Curbishley used Carlton Cole
as the focal point of his attack, and the striker almost embarrassed Jose
Reina early on when the goalkeeper dwelt on the ball. Cole helped create
West Ham's first genuine opening, midway through the opening half. The
striker flicked on George McCartney's long throw, Liverpool were seized by
panic as Lee Bowyer tussled but Boa Morte rushed his shot and blazed over
when the ball fell to him. The hosts got even closer in the 26th minute when
a free-kick was awarded on the left flank for Jamie Carragher's foul on
Cole. Noble took the set-piece, which was glanced by Finnan and cannoned off
the crossbar.
Noble and Steven Gerrard battled in the middle of the park - England central
midfielder against his under-21 counterpart - and the senior man was
fortunate to escape a booking for one of his challenges. Fabio Aurelio,
though, picked up a caution for his foul on Freddie Ljungberg. Cole had a
sight of goal in stoppage-time in the opening period but Benayoun slid in to
block and Liverpool went into the break level. They were marginally brighter
in the second half.
Kuyt created the first chance, three minutes in, when he found room on the
right flank and drove a cross into the danger area, but Harry Kewell could
not wrap his foot around the ball to finish. Matthew Upson then flashed a
backpass right across Green's goal, which the goalkeeper had to watch drift
wide.
Torres also ran at pace into the penalty box but was outnumbered when he
looked to find a team-mate. At the other end, Boa Morte fluffed his finish
when Noble's free-kick was headed into his path. Then came the ironic cheers
for Boa Morte's departure, with Bowyer also coming off for Matthew
Etherington and Dean Ashton, both back from injury. Liverpool midfielder
Lucas came on for Kewell and he was just wide with his finish after
releasing Torres down the right and getting on the end of the cross. Lucas
also went wide when he got on the end of a driving run from Gerrard. Torres,
who was booked for dissent, was denied by Green at the near post from Ryan
Babel's cross, while Lucas Neill flashed wide for West Ham before the end.
With injury-time just about over, Carragher brought down Ljungberg in the
penalty area. Noble converted the spot-kick.
Rafael Benitez is confident he will be given time to turn around Liverpool's
season after the stoppage-time defeat to West Ham virtually ended their
hopes of getting back in the title race. The Spaniard said: 'Yes. We will
improve. Because we can improve.' 'Did we deserve to lose? I think we
deserved to win.
'If you analyse the game, you can talk about the game. If you analyse the
result you can talk about the result. 'I am a manager, so I have some
experience. We must think about how to improve, how to take our chances and
how to win games.' Benitez insisted he was not thinking about where
Liverpool stand in the title race, adding: 'I'm thinking just about the next
game and I will try to win the next three points against Sunderland. Our
next game is more realistic to think about.'
When asked if the American owners of Liverpool will be analysing the game,
he said: 'I don't know if they have a TV. 'Everything is behind (us) and we
will start thinking about winning games.' The main worry for Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley was Noble's celebrations, as the midfielder is flirting with
suspension on four bookings. He also was concerned with fans jeering Boa
Morte for his missed opportunities. 'It's happened a couple of times,' he
said. 'They need to get behind the players. Luis has been out a month and
came back at Manchester City and put everything in.' With players returning
from injury, Curbishley's men are also handily placed for a push for
European places. 'We've got to win our home games and keep the run going,'
he added. 'We've lost three games in 16, and those were to Arsenal, Chelsea
and Everton. 'We've had to use everything we've got. We've had players
playing out of position, and we've had to change players during games, but
we've shown great character. The fans should be pleased with the attitude.'
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Vinny's Liverpool Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Jan 31 2008
West Ham United 1 Liverpool 0
A last minute penalty from Mark Noble gave West Ham a precious victory over
Liverpool and closes the gap on the European positions which West Ham are
now only five points away from with a game in hand. Yes, I know it may be a
bit too soon to be talking about Europe but with out recent displays, our
upcoming fixtures and the knowledge that we have plenty of quality players
to return very soon, it is not crazy to suggest that our season may have
quite a bit of life left in it. Our first half performance was excellent and
we dominated the game and really should have gone in front. Luis Boa Morte
missed a sitter and he missed an even better chance just after the interval.
Liverpool would have surprised many with there flat performance and although
they do possess a few world class players, as a cohesive unit they do not
click and our hard work made sure they had no success in their attacking
play. Alan Curbishley made no changes to the side which started at
Manchester City keeping faith with Carlton Cole as the lone striker with Boa
Morte and Ljungberg either side of him. On the bench there were returns for
Dean Ashton, Matthew Etherington and Nolberto Solano. Liverpool started with
a fast pace and it did take us a little while to settle. What was evident
was our inability to clear the ball in this messy beginning to game, but we
did manage to start passing the ball about as we took control of the first
half. Torres was showing some terrific pace and running into space but our
defenders (Anton especially) were matching him every time in the tackle. Our
first chance of the first half fell to the much maligned Luis Boa Morte when
a corner was cleared, Bowyer was disposed but the ball fell to Boa Morte on
his right foot but the winger fired way over the bar. Another set piece
followed shortly after when a free kick was won the left hand side. Mark
Noble stepped up to swing it in and the cross was flicked on by Steve Finnan
and it flew past Reina but only crashed off the crossbar with Liverpool
frantically clearing their lines.
We were starting to see a lot more of the ball and our midfield was winning
every second ball and we were playing some good stuff. Freddie Ljungberg was
looking in the mood and looked to run at the Liverpool right back Aurelio at
every attempt which led to the Liverpool man hacking the Swede down and
being shown the yellow card. Carlton Cole had two half chances (if you could
even call them that) before the half time whistle. One from a long pass
where he nearly beat Reina to the ball but the goal keeper did well to punch
the ball away. The other chance was the final action of the first half as a
corner caused problems in the Liverpool area and the ball fell to Cole whose
goal bound shot was superbly charged down. The players received a deserved
applause as they left the field for the interval (although I doubt many
counted Boa Morte their applause), and there seemed to be a air of
confidence around Upton Park (or was it just me?) that felt that we would go
on to win a game which we had been largely dominant in even though we hadn't
created a plethora of goal scoring opportunities. The second half saw
Liverpool compete in a way which most would have expected them to do
throughout the entire game with their big names showing glimpses of their
true quality. We had started the second period in the way we had finished
the first with multiple free kicks being won and pressure being applied to
the Liverpool backline. A deep cross from George McCartney evaded everyone
but found Ljungberg at the back post unmarked but the winger seemed to take
his eye off the ball and it was put out for a corner. Noble (who had been
pulling the strings in our midfield) was cynically fouled by Aurelio and the
Liverpool man should have seen his second yellow card for yet another clumsy
foul. The resulting free kick was played in by Noble and after a poor
defensive header the ball fell to Boa Morte who was just a few yards out but
he completely scuffed his left foot shot wide to the anger of the Upton Park
crowd.
Coincidently Matthew Etherington had just been about to come on, and with
that anger still in the air Boa Morte received a less that savoury reception
as he left the pitch. Don't get me wrong now, he was shocking, he missed two
great chances and had to be taken off, but the heckling he received as if he
was a enemy was a little over the top. I suppose I should have learnt by now
that West Ham fans are generally irrational. This wasn't the only change
which was made at this moment, and it was one of the turning points of the
game which nearly had Curbishley looking tactically inept. He decided to
bring on Dean Ashton and take off Lee Bowyer which saw us go to a
conventional 4-4-2. Whilst many supporters will think this was a bold move
which showed the ambition to win the game, I saw it as a bit of a naïve move
which was applied far too early into the second half. We had been the
better side, and were creating the odd chance, and if we kept going the way
we were we may well have got that goal we had been searching for, but with
Ashton on the pitch all we did was resort to the long ball with little
movement, and we became easy to defend against. In turn this saw Liverpool
gradually get a foot hold on the game, and as an attacking force we had
disappeared from the game. The visitors first decent chance fell to Harry
Kewell who had lost his marker to win the ball from a cross to the back post
but his shot was less than convincing and went well wide. A brilliant move
involving Gerrard saw the England Midfielder race into the space over on the
left hand side and cut the ball back for substitute Lucas to fire a shot
well wide of Robert Green's goal. The frustration was telling on the
Liverpool players faces with Torres slamming the ball down on the floor
after Lucas Neill won a throw in off him. The Spanish striker was booked for
his dissent. Lucas Neill saw the ball fall to him from a poorly cleared
corner but his shot went wide when he really should have been hitting the
target. Liverpool's best chance of the game fell to Torres whose shot was
brilliantly saved by Robert Green from point blank range with his feet.
The game was becoming more stretched and Liverpool were finding lots of
space to run into. Alan Curbishley had to backtrack on his earlier intent to
attack Liverpool (which had failed) by taking off Carlton Cole and replacing
him with Jonathan Spector who came into the centre of midfield to keep
Gerrard at bay.
Three minutes of injury time were to be played and there only looked one
side who could possibly get a winner and it wasn't us. Lucas Neill was
frustrated to concede a corner in the final minute of the three. I was
holding my breath at this point as I was very satisfied with gaining a point
and a clean sheet in this game. But what was to happen took myself and
everyone in the ground by surprise. From the Liverpool corner we managed to
clear the ball and it came out to Etherington who raced forward and played
the ball to Ljungberg. The Swede kept possession and played it back to
Etherington who looked around, took his time and swung a ball out to the
left where Ljungberg had run and the winger got into the area, knocked the
ball past Jamie Carragher only to be chopped down and the referee had no
choice but to point to the spot. It was a stonewall penalty as you are
likely to see and the Liverpool players didn't even bother protesting thus
was the obvious nature of the foul. Mark Noble stepped up to take the
penalty with the Boleyn falling deafly silent as he took the shot which went
past Reina to the delight and joy of every West Ham fan. The Liverpool
players only had time to kick off as the ref blew for full time. A fantastic
result and one of the best this season.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Made some good punches from a few good crosses. His kicking was a little
wayward at times but his excellent save from Torres in the second half more
than made up for that.
Lucas Neill
Up against his fellow countryman Harry Kewell, our captain came out firmly
on top putting in a really excellent display. His defending was at a high
and he was a good shout for man of the match.
Matthew Upson
There were a few shaky moments from Upson, and some strange passing which
put us under pressure at times. Was excellent in the air and won the battle
with Kyut.
Anton Ferdinand
His great form continues and tonight was a real test up against the quality
of Torres. Ferdinand matched him for the majority and I am pleased to see he
is doing the simple thing instead of trying to be flash.
George McCartney
Defensively yet again he was excellent, but going forward he really needs to
work on. He takes far too long to put in his cross and had a real lack of
movement when pushing forward. But I can't take anything away from his
performance because was very good once again.
Freddie Ljungberg
This is the player we hoped we had signed in the summer. Looked like a
proper winger where he really wanted the ball and wanted to take players on.
He gave Aurileo a torrid time and was constantly fouled throughout. Mugged
Carragher at the end and won the penalty which gave us the victory. His form
of late has been very good.
Lee Bowyer
Didn't see too much of him during his time on the pitch and although his
effort was evident, he didn't have any impact on the game.
Mark Noble
He was superb in the first half and pulled all the strings in our midfield.
Like our last game against Manchester City, he was our key man and you felt
if something was going to happen, Noble would be there or thereabouts.
Hayden Mullins
Quietly went about his job and did if very well. Up against some top
players, Mullins held his own and was strong throughout.
Luis Boa Morte
Whilst I thought the reaction to his substitution was a little over the top,
there can be no denying that he was awful and had to be taken off. His last
three games have provided us with nothing but shit, and he has a long long
way to go before he proves he is anything more than a very poor player.
Carlton Cole
Brilliant once again and all that was lacking was the goal. He gave the
Liverpool centre halves nothing but trouble and he won headers and brought
the ball down countless times whilst holding the ball up well. He must not
be dropped.
Subs Used
Matthew Etherington (on for Boa Morte 59 mins)
Didn't actually see much of the ball until the end but had a massive part to
play in our goal.
Dean Ashton (on for Bowyer 59 mins)
Looked leggy once again, and never got going.
Jonathan Spector (on for Cole 81 mins)
People groaned at his introduction but the part he had to play was vital.
Overall
Before the game I really thought this was one we could win as I had been
encouraged by the football we were playing. As the final minutes kicked in I
would have been pleased with the draw but to pick up all three points was
just utterly superb.
Nights like these are what it is all about, and to beat Liverpool at Upton
Park with a last minute penalty (how fitting was that) was just the script I
would have wanted for this one.
Up next are Wigan in what hopefully will be a great day, and after last
season I cannot wait for this one. We should be beating this lot and I am
sure we will.
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Liverpool hit by Mark Noble effort at West Ham - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 1:49am GMT 31/01/2008
West Ham United (0) 1 Liverpool (0) 0
Liverpool's problems continued at Upton Park where a penalty in the fourth
minute of added time condemned them to another costly defeat. Any slender
hopes Rafael Benitez had of gathering pace on the leaders disappeared into
the east London night when local boy Mark Noble dispatched the spot-kick
with remarkable coolness.
It seemed that Liverpool were heading for their 11th Premier League draw
when Freddie Ljungberg, in attempting to turn Jamie Carragher, had his feet
taken away by the defender. Referee Alan Wiley gave the kick immediately
and, after stalling tactics from goalkeeper Pepe Reina, Noble buried the
ball into the bottom right-hand corner.
Liverpool made eight changes to the team who initially struggled against
Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday, though they showed only two alterations
from their previous Premier League outing, the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Javier Mascherano, once of West Ham and the possible subject of a full-time
move to Anfield today, was left out altogether.
Liverpool included former West Ham winger Yossi Benayoun and Alan
Curbishley, the home manager, admitted in his programme notes that he was
disappointed the Israeli had preferred a move to Anfield rather than accept
a new contract. Benayoun scored a hat-trick on Saturday but he soon received
a negative reaction from his former fans.
West Ham, after their 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the Premier League,
were unchanged, with Matthew Etherington, Nolberto Solano and Dean Ashton on
the bench.
Unusually, the teams had yet to meet this season, but Liverpool had won on
their previous three visits including last season's 2-1 victory a year ago
to the day. Indeed, West Ham went into the game without a win over Liverpool
in 14 League and cup games home and away.
That history may have offered Liverpool solace as they looked to claw back a
deficit of 17 points behind the Premier League leaders, a cause not helped
by four successive draws.
Yet in the opening minutes the 3,000 travelling fans were singing the name
of their manager and, in a lively opening in which the visitors moved the
ball around sharply, they were unfortunate not to take the lead.
West Ham's pedestrian defence laboured to clear an early Steven Gerrard
free-kick and, after Robert Green had cleared sloppily, Benayoun attempted
an audacious lob from a difficult angle, but the hosts survived.
Green, hoping to feature in Fabio Capello's first England squad today, had
to react quickly when Dirk Kuyt threaded the ball to Fernando Torres, with
the goalkeeper racing out to clear from the Spaniard's feet. And when,
minutes later, Torres attempted to beat the defence on his own, Anton
Ferdinand made a timely tackle.
West Ham finally responded in the 22nd minute when Liverpool's
indecisiveness allowed Luis Boa Morte an opportunity close in but the
Portuguese squandered the chance, sending it high over the target. And, five
minutes later, West Ham's revival from an insipid start continued when
Noble's free-kick took a headed deflection off Benayoun and bounced on to
the Liverpool crossbar.
Now it was Liverpool who appeared anxious and before half-time Boa Morte
offered Ljungberg a chance from a side position on the right, but the Swede
lost control of the ball.
Boa Morte was guilty again of squandering a wonderful chance in the 57th
minute. Noble's free-kick was headed out but only to Boa Morte and, to the
annoyance of the home fans, the midfielder, from five yards, slashed at the
ball and missed.
Curbishley made a double substitution with Etherington and Ashton
introduced. That Boa Morte was one of the players to make way brought a
collective cheer from an impatient Upton Park.
Liverpool then brought on Lucas, and within a minute he hit a shot just
wide. Then he combined with Gerrard before sending an effort just over.
Torres had a close-range attempt blocked and Lucas Neill drove another
effort just off target.
Ljungberg, though, won the crucial penalty and the manner in which Noble
calmly slotted the kick beyond Reina was admirable.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa Benitez shows strain of Liverpool defeat - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 7:25am GMT 31/01/2008
West Ham United (0) 1 Liverpool (0) 0
Rafael Benitez offered a defiant response to Liverpool's latest
disappointment last night, insisting that the club, in seventh place after
this defeat, could still qualify for the Champions League, while not
completely ruling out winning the title. Yet, after watching Mark Noble
convert a penalty in the fourth minute of added time, the Liverpool manager
carried the air of man under pressure.
Liverpool, once a big draw, have become specialists in stalemates. Just as
they were heading for their 11th draw of the season on a night when both
teams missed chances, a Liverpool local boy's error allowed a home-grown
West Ham product to deliver victory.
The fourth official had confirmed three minutes of added time, and there had
been 3min 58sec of extra play when West Ham went upfield and Freddie
Ljungberg had his legs taken away as he attempted to turn Bootle-born Jamie
Carragher.
Referee Alan Wiley, who had earlier rejected pleas for a Liverpool penalty,
pointed to the spot and West Ham's Canning Town-born Noble dispatched the
kick with remarkable coolness into the bottom right hand corner to add to
the strain on Benitez.
The Liverpool manager looked shell-shocked. He refused to blame his players
for another disappointment, but looked as though he could see his position
at Anfield weakening with each poor result. If falling behind twice in the
Cup to the taxi drivers and labourers of Havant and Waterlooville was hard
enough to take, the fact that Liverpool have not won in the League in 2008
does little to improve his relationship with the club's American owners.
Asked if Liverpool could still win the title, Benitez said: "I think just
about the next game. We try to win the next three points and that's it."
Then the Spaniard responded with a succession of curt one and two-word
answers.
Was he confident of qualifying for Europe? "Yes." Champions League
or Uefa Cup? "Champions League." And when asked what was going wrong he
responded with a question of his own. "Do you think we deserved to lose? I
think we deserved to win. I am confident we can qualify for the Champions
League because we will improve, we can improve."
Benitez received the backing of joint owner Tom Hicks at the weekend and
added: "Everything is behind us; now we can concentrate to win games." Asked
if he was confident of improving the club's position the response was
another one-word answer. "Yes."
The harsh realities are that Liverpool have drawn as many games as they have
won, they are 17 points behind leaders Manchester United, three points
behind fourth-placed Everton and a point outside the Uefa Cup qualifying
positions.
Had West Ham's Luis Boa Morte taken at least one of his chances, the outcome
could have been determined earlier than the final minute.
West Ham's pedestrian defence laboured to clear an early Steven Gerrard
free-kick and former West Ham winger Yossi Benayoun attempted an audacious
lob from a difficult angle, but the home side survived.
Then Robert Green had to react quickly when Dirk Kuyt threaded the ball
through to Fernando Torres, with the West Ham goalkeeper racing out to clear
from the Spaniard's feet.
West Ham responded in the 22nd minute when Liverpool's indecision allowed
Boa Morte his first opportunity, but the Portuguese squandered the chance,
sending it high over the target.
Five minutes later, West Ham's revival from an insipid start continued when
Noble's free-kick took a deflection off Benayoun and bounced onto the
Liverpool bar.
Now it was Liverpool who appeared anxious. Boa Morte wasted two more chances
in the second half, one a wonderful opportunity in the 57th minute, and his
subsequent substitution was greeted with applause.
In the 78th minute the ball struck West Ham defender Lucas Neill on the arm,
but the referee gave him the benefit of the doubt. Ljungberg then won the
crucial penalty when his turn fooled Carragher, and Noble converted the
penalty in style.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1 Liverpool 0: Noble on the spot to punish Liverpool - The
Independent
By Mike Rowbottom
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Liverpool's season began to unravel last night as a penalty in the third
minute of injury time from Mark Noble inflicted a defeat which distanced
them yet further from the sharp end of the Premier League and a position
which is not so much desirable as essential in the wake of their recent
£350m refinancing by the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George
Gillett.
Having seen his team slip to seventh, 17 points behind the leaders
Manchester United, Liverpool's manager, Rafa Benitez, fielded questions with
the brooding air of a man who was about to explode.
He remained cool enough to insist that the owners would give him time to
turn the side's form around, and that a Champions League place at least was
still within range. But he tacitly admitted that the title was now out of
reach, as he responded: "I think I will need to think about our next match,
against Sunderland. That's more realistic."
Given that Liverpool have now not won since Boxing Day, Sunderland might
even be starting to fancy their chances a bit. Certainly, if they can pursue
Benitez's men with the indefatigability the West Ham demonstrated here, they
will give themselves a chance.
Asked to confirm that he had recovered his equilibrium following the
breakdown in communication with the club's owners earlier in the season –
and the subsequent revelation that they had sounded out Jürgen Klinsmann for
the manager's position at Liverpool – Benitez replied dutifully, but
unconvincingly. "Everything is behind us," he said. "We will start thinking
now about how to win games."
Benitez insisted that his team had not deserved to lose, referring with a
touch of grim humour to the claim for handball in the area by Lucas Neill
after Sammy Hyypia had headed on Steven Gerrard's corner that the referee
Alan Wiley waved away in the 78th minute. Asked what he thought about the
penalty, Benitez replied with the ghost of a smile: "Both were penalties."
His confidence about regaining a place in the top four, he maintained, was
based on a simple reason. "Because we will improve," he said. "Because we
can improve." After four successive draws and a defeat, Liverpool
desperately need to improve.
The decisive moment occurred as West Ham engineered a final breakaway that
was masterminded by their substitute Matt Etherington. His ball in to
Ljungberg prompted Jamie Carragher into a rash challenge that saw the
referee point to the spot, and the 20-year-old Noble personified his team's
approach on the night by electing himself as penalty taker, grabbing hold of
the ball and then driving it low past Jose Reina's left hand to confirm a
victory that may yet transform his side's season.
Benitez had spoken beforehand of the "silly mistakes" that had undermined
his side's progress this season. Here, from their captain, was another.
West Ham's manager, Alan Curbishley, admitted afterwards that his immediate
concern after the goal was that Noble, who is on four bookings, might earn a
fifth and a suspension for over-celebrating. "But then, if you beat
Liverpool in the last minute, you're entitled to celebrate," Curbishley
added with a grin.
His team's task might have been more straightforward had they converted two
early chances against a visiting side to which Benitez had made eight
changes following the weekend FA Cup win over Havant & Waterlooville.
After 21 minutes, George McCartney's long throw-in from the left created
confusion in the Liverpool defence which allowed Luis Boa Morte to shoot
from 10 yards, but the midfielder hooked his effort over the bar.
As their supporters found their voice, the home side began to pick up
momentum, and five minutes later they came even closer to forcing an opening
goal when a free-kick driven in from the left by Noble deflected off the
head of Steve Finnan and cannoned away off the woodwork.
But Noble's flourish eventually earned the points which lifted West Ham to
within shouting distance of a Uefa Cup qualifying position. "The run-in
starts now," said Curbishley, who has long-term injured Craig Bellamy, Bobby
Zamora and Julien Faubert back in training. "Let's see what we can do."
For West Ham, optimism. For Liverpool, a growing sense of dire necessity.
Goal: Noble (90) 1-0.
West Ham United (4-5-1): Green; Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney;
Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Bowyer (Ashton, 58), Boa Morte (Etherington, 59);
Cole (Spector, 81). Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Solano.
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina; Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio; Benayoun
(Babel, 72), Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell (Lucas, 61); Torres, Kuyt. Substitutes
not used: Itandje (gk), Crouch, Skrtel.
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).
Booked: Liverpool Aurelio, Torres, Alonso.
Man of the match: Upson.
Attendance: 34, 977.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benítez defiant on top-four finish after losing to West Ham
Dominic Fifield at Upton Park
Thursday January 31, 2008
The Guardian
Rafael Benítez claimed last night that Liverpool would still finish in the
Premier League's top four despite a 1-0 defeat at West Ham leaving them in
seventh place and trailing Manchester United and Arsenal at the top by a
distant 17 points.
The Spaniard, who said he expected to be given time by the club's American
owners to turn round a stuttering season, cut a dejected figure here as his
side missed a series of chances and then, in the third minute of
injury-time, conceded a penalty when Jamie Carragher tripped Fredrik
Ljungberg after West Ham had raced upfield from a Liverpool corner. Mark
Noble converted confidently to hoist West Ham within reach of the race for a
Uefa Cup place and condemn Benítez's side to a fifth league game without a
win.
Asked whether he was confident Liverpool would still qualify for Europe next
term, the manager said: "Yes. The Champions League." His short, sharp
answers to questions thereafter betrayed a man weighed down by his side's
shortcomings. He was asked what was going wrong, only to cling to what
meagre positives he could glean from another chastening evening. "Did you
think we deserved to lose today? I think we deserved to win. We will
improve. We can improve."
Had the uncertainty surrounding the club's ownership, now firmly in the
control of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, affected his team? "Everything is
behind us," he said. "We will start thinking about winning games. That's our
idea. It depends whether you analyse the game or if you just analyse the
result. I don't know whether [the American owners] have a television so I
don't know what they think." But was he confident he would be given time to
turn this around? "Yes. We are only thinking about a win.
"We did everything we could to win it today but in the end we made a
mistake. We created chances. We had some good opportunities but we didn't
take them. Sometimes it's not just because their goalkeeper makes a save.
Other times we need to shoot on target when we get in good positions. But
all we can do is think about improving, taking our chances and winning some
games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley still upset over Benayoun's West Ham exit
tribalfootball.com - January 30, 2008
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley admits he was "stunned" by Yossi
Benayoun's move to Liverpool last summer. The Israeli, who scored eight
goals in 63 appearances for the Upton Park club, had agreed a new five-year
deal last May but hadn't signed the new contract by the time Liverpool
showed an interest. Curbishley said: "I thought Yossi was staying. He had
agreed a new long-term deal. I went on holiday for a week and when I came
back I was surprised to hear he was going to Liverpool. It was disappointing
as he is a good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham matchwinner Noble: I was always confident
tribalfooball.com - January 30, 2008
West Ham matchwinner Mark Noble had no doubts over his injury-time spotkick
against Liverpool last night. "We have only had two this year. I scored the
first one, so my record was 100 per cent," the midfielder told WHUTV. "No
one was going to go against me," he added, well aware that Dean Ashton was
moving towards the ball and also fancied his chances against penalty expert
Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. "I was taking it no matter what. As soon
as I picked up the ball I thought Reina's got a reputation...but I was so
confident that I was going to score, I didn't feel that nervous."
Alan Curbishley could not hide his praise for Noble's all-round
contribution. "For a young boy he has shown great maturity," the manager
said. "He really looked as if he was enjoying himself tonight. I left him
out a couple of times just before Christmas and he was playing with an
injury. He had this hernia problem, and he never told anyone. In the end he
had to have it done. The rest he had has done him good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1, Liverpool 0 - post match analysis
Jan 31 2008 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post
BEFORE this game Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez called for his side to
start a winning run that would ensure all the talk at the club was about
football rather than the off-the-field issues. But this morning everybody
will be discussing the team again – and they're not uttering the words the
Spaniard wants to hear. The top-four spot that Liverpool should take for
granted slipped further away last night as Mark Noble's stoppage time
penalty inflicted a 1-0 defeat. Benitez's side, whose form in the Premier
League had seen them drawing more than the club's overworked architects who
have been forced to pencil-in a third draft for the new Anfield stadium,
were denied a fifth straight point when Jamie Carragher felled Freddie
Ljungberg in the 93rd minute and Noble slotted home from 12 yards out.
Despite winning their last six top-flight meetings against West Ham,
Benitez's side looked unlikely to extend that sequence to a lucky seven.
Instead, Liverpool, without a Premier League victory since Boxing Day,
increased their winless run to five and this defeat following shares of the
spoils against Manchester City, Wigan Athletic, Middlesbrough and Aston
Villa. Benitez made eight changes from the side that started against Havant
& Waterlooville on Saturday with Jose Reina, Fabio Aurelio, Carragher,
Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Harry Kewell, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres
coming in for Charles Itandje, John Arne Riise, Martin Skrtel, Lucas, Javier
Mascherano, Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Babel and Peter Crouch.
Hat-trick hero against the non-Leaguers Yossi Benayoun kept his place for
his first return to Upton Park since his summer switch to Anfield. Before
the game, the Israeli midfielder had set that he was looking forward to
going back to his former employers but was unsure as to what kind of
reception he would receive from the home fans. Needless to say, he was
mercilessly booed throughout by the Hammers' supporters who are notoriously
damning to old boys in opposition. In contrast, Lucas Neill, captaining the
hosts, was treated with great indifference by Liverpool's travelling fans
despite seemingly putting his bank balance before ambition a year ago by
favouring a move to the East End ahead of Anfield. Curiously, more than
halfway through the season, this was Liverpool's first trip to London of the
campaign and in similar fashion to the FA Cup fourth round tie at the
weekend, Benitez's side started in jittery fashion. Liverpool did threaten
early on and Fernando Torres looked the most likely to fire the visitors
into the lead with a sprinkling of magic but, often asked to take on the
home rearguard virtually single-handed, he struck a low 20-yard drive just
wide of Robert Green's right-hand post early on.
Benayoun also wasted an opportunity to silence his barrackers behind the
goal in the Bobby Moore Stand when he went for precision rather than power
but failed to get his radar correct with a flicked shot over the bar from a
Kuyt pass after both Green and Matthew Upson had sliced attempted clearances
up in the air. It was a rare piece of influence from the low on confidence
Dutchman who had another quiet evening while Crouch endured a frustrating
27th birthday picking up splinters on the bench. From then on, the Hammers
gradually started to gain a foothold on proceedings and Lee Bowyer should
have done better with a Ljungberg right-wing cross which was whipped low
into the area but the midfielder failed to make proper contact with a back
heel.
Luis Boa Morte blasted over the bar from point blank range after the
visitors were unable to deal with a long George McCartney throw-in from the
left as set pieces became increasingly nervous times for Liverpool. West
Ham's latest homegrown hero Noble curled in an in-swinging free-kick from
the left wing which Steve Finnan could only head back onto his own crossbar
and with Jose Reina forced to punch clear under pressure in an aerial duel
with Carlton Cole after McCartney had lofted another long ball into the
area, Benitez's men were relieved to hear Alan Wiley's half-time whistle.
However, the Hammers kept threatening to nail Liverpool from a dead ball
situation after the interval. The visitors were again all at sea from a
Noble free-kick from the right but among the chaos the ball dropped to Boa
Morte at the near post but he proceeded to scuff his shot wide. Within
minutes of the miss, Boa Morte's number was up as Alan Curbishley made a
double substitution and switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 as Bowyer also made way
with Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington entering the fray. But if Benayoun
had thought he was getting a verbal bashing from the West Ham supporters, it
wasn't anything like the abuse being dished out to a man still sporting a
claret and blue jersey as Portuguese midfielder Boa Morte became number one
target of the boo boys as he departed the field.
Three minutes later, Benitez shuffled his pack too, introducing Lucas for
Kewell and the Brazilian youngster – fresh from his first Liverpool goal on
Saturday – almost made an instant impact but his instinctive shot from a
Torres right-wing cross was deflected wide for a corner. And soon after he
was off target from just outside the area when making contact with a Gerrard
cross when the skipper broke free down the left flank. Increasingly
frustrated by the physical attention he was receiving from West Ham's
defenders, Torres was booked for bouncing the ball in anger and his
concentration levels also deserted him when he was denied from close range
by a Green block after another Benitez switch almost bore fruit early
courtesy of a Babel delivery from the right after the Dutchman had replaced
Benayoun – a move that proved the home support weren't all "booed out" for
the evening. At the other end, West Ham continued to ask questions when
Noble was able to pick his spot and when his right-wing corner-kick fell to
the feet of an unmarked Neill at the back post, the Australian wasted his
chance with what could only be described as a "defender's finish".
Just as the contest looked to be petering out to what would have been the
most tepid of five-straight Premier League draws for Liverpool, the visitors
threw away a point in the third and final minute of stoppage time. Allowing
the Hammers to break from a corner for the visitors, Benitez's side were
soon back on the defensive and there were no complaints when Carragher
felled Ljungberg in the area. After a delay to re-spot the ball, Noble held
his nerve against Reina, striking his winner low to the Spaniard's left with
the keeper going the right way.
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West Ham boss Alan Curbishley shows foreign managers how it's done - The
Mirror
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE WEST HAM UTD 1 LIVERPOOL 0 FROM UPTON PARK
Darren Lewis 31/01/2008
So Much for foreign bosses taking the plaudits from English managers in the
Premier League. This was a victory crafted in east London and built on hard
work, team spirit and a unity that Liverpool just do not have at the moment.
Under Rafael Benitez, the Reds are dropping like a stone and his position
looks untenable under the club's American owners. Under Alan Curbishley,
West Ham are going places, having seen off Manchester United this season and
done the double over both United and Arsenal last term. Under Curbishley,
West Ham are heading firmly into the European mix, having lost just three
times in their last 15 matches. Under Curbishley's calm stewardship only the
so-called Big Four have conceded fewer than the 21 League goals they have
let in so far this season. We do like to shout from the rooftops about the
almost mystical powers of the men from overseas but Curbishley is redressing
the balance this season, moulding the sum of his parts together to produce a
tough, battle-hardened outfit. How great it is to have the spotlight this
season on the successes of British bosses. The likes of Everton's David
Moyes, Harry Redknapp at Pompey and Curbishley are blazing a trail for
home-grown managers.
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