A tremendous finish from Dean Ashton saw West Ham United fight back to get a
point at Goodison Park
22.03.2008
Everton 1-1 West Ham United
A bullet header from Dean Ashton earned West Ham United a point at Goodison
Park on Saturday evening on a day when another Academy ace made his debut.
Ashton powered in his second goal in as many games in the 67th minute to
cancel out Yakubu's first-half piledriver. The point was a welcome one for
Alan Curbishley's men after two heavy defeats in the previous two away games
and there were plenty of positives to be had - not least that the game ended
with four members of the club's youth academy on the pitch including James
Tomkins on his first senior appearance.
With Matthew Upson out with a calf injury and Jonathan Spector's late return
from the US after international duty, Tomkins, 19 next Saturday, was one of
three changes in Alan Curbishley's 4-3-3 formation. Last weekend's sensation
Freddie Sears was again on the bench, along with Spector, while Luis Boa
Morte returned in place of Bobby Zamora, who has been suffering from
blistered feet, and Mark Noble started at the expense of substitute Nolberto
Solano.
Tomkins came close to making an instant impact with the first moment of
drama in the game. In the fourth minute, he rose to meet Freddie Ljungberg's
corner only to see his header smack against the crossbar with Everton
goalkeeper Tim Howard beaten. The young defender was to come unstuck in the
eight minute, however, as Yakubu outmuscled him to a high ball before
latching on to it and smashing beyond Robert Green.
The home side's celebrations were cut short when Tim Cahill, who has been
suffering from a hip injury, was forced off on ten minutes to be replaced by
Manuel Fernandes. Everton had already begun without regulars Joseph Yobo,
Steven Pienaar and Andy Johnson. Once the game restarted, Ashton had a
half-chance but his effort flew wide and Yakubu quickly had an opportunity
up the other end only to miss as well.
Yakubu did have the ball in the net again on the quarter-hour mark but was
flagged offside even though Scott Parker had inadvertently played the ball
through. The Nigeria striker - who scored in both Everton away wins in the
league and cup at the Boleyn Ground in December - was proving a real handful
to both Tomkins and Anton Ferdinand. The latter also had to be alert on 25
minutes to deny Joleon Lescott a free header.
As the half-hour mark came and went, Mark Noble's cross caused confusion and
the ball fell to an unmarked Ashton on the turn in a central position but he
smashed his shot into the ground and it ran wide. The No9 was a tireless
performer and nearly picked out Ljungberg with a sublime pass six minutes
from half-time and, just before the interval, saw Howard only just save his
deflected free-kick - moments after Anichebe had been given a chance to
strike at Green.
Curbishley let five minutes of the second half go by before replacing Boa
Morte with Sears but Everton were still a threat. Leon Osman tried his luck
before Yakubu got a chance to connect with a Leighton Baines cross that
Green did well to hold. Sears soon began to find his feet though - showing a
good turn of pace and neat approach play. He set up Ashton for a low drive
that was just deflected wide before the No40's quick feet won a free-kick on
the edge of the area that Noble sent high and wide.
Green was having a good afternoon, closing down Osman on 65 minutes and,
within three minutes, United were level. Neill's cross found Ashton 12 yards
out and the striker rose above Phil Jagielka to power in a header that
Howard could not keep out. The visitors were in the mood and Ashton and then
Sears both had efforts as the game entered the final 15 minutes, although
Howard was worried by neither.
Curbishley made another change in the 80th minute with Ljungberg off for
Nolberto Solano before replacing Parker with Spector two minutes later -
just after a shot wide from Mullins ended a sweeping United move. There was
very nearly a dream finish when Noble let fly from 30 yards before, in the
next attack, Sears raced on to Ashton's flick. He knocked the ball beyond
Howard but the ball bounced agonisingly against the post and away.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Tomkins, McCartney, Ljungberg
(Solano 79), Mullins, Parker (Spector 81), Noble, Boa Morte (Sears 49),
Ashton
Subs: Walker, Spector, Solano, Cole
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Carsley, Cahill
(Fernandes 9), Arteta, Yakubu, Anichebe
Subs: Wessels, Nuno Valente, Hibbert, Gravesen
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'Great credit' paid to Ashton - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is delighted to see Dean Ashton making an impact in the West
Ham United attack
23.03.2008
Dean Ashton has been singled out for special mention by Alan Curbishley for
the way he led the line to powerful effect against Everton.
The in-form 24-year-old striker earned West Ham United a draw at Goodison
Park with a thumping second-half header and his all-round contribution left
his manager in upbeat mood. With eight goals in all competitions after his
second strike in as many matches, Ashton is the club's leading scorer and
looks to have put the ankle injury that ruined his 2006/07 campaign and the
knee knock of earlier this season firmly behind him
"This season has been difficult for everybody," said Curbishley as he
reflected on a positive display against a team challenging for Champions
League football. "Along the way, I have had to introduce players and get
them fit in the first team - and Dean has been one of them - and also pick
up results as well. He came back. Then he took a knock and was out six or
seven weeks. Then he came back again and, great credit to how strong he is,
he has managed just to pick it up again. I have changed the team as we have
gone along. I have played him up there with Carlton Cole and left him out
when I thought it was right.
"[At Everton] I asked him to play him up on his own - always thinking I was
going to put the young boy [Freddie Sears ] on - but I wanted to get a
decent start. People talk to me about Dean Ashton but I have never seen him.
He was injured for the whole of last season. I didn't know too much about
how he played for West Ham and what he has achieved, so I am delighted with
what has gone on now. He has, I think most West Ham fans would agree, looked
sharper in the last three games."
The manager said his striker had long been training fully but said there
were a number of factors that can impact on a striker's fortunes. "When you
have been out that long, there are going to be ups and downs. Certainly when
you are playing in the Premier League and sometimes we have not played so
well and given him the opportunities ? [Against Everton] he relished it with
the young boys around him and played the centre-forward role which we are
delighted with."
Those "young boys" were the likes of 18-year-old duo Sears - who "is an
unknown quantity and was unlucky not to score" and James Tomkins, who was
making his senior debut and "got stronger as the game wore on". Added to
that was the form of two other homegrown talents in Anton Ferdinand and Mark
Noble and it was not hard to see why Curbishley concluded there were "some
plus points for us out there".
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Curbs cheered by fighting spirit - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley believed his team could have taken all three points but was
happy with the effort at Everton
22.03.2008
Alan Curbishley paid tribute to his players after they fought back from
going a goal behind for the fifth straight game to earn a point at
high-fliers Everton.
Dean Ashton's header midway through the second half cancelled out the blow
of conceding in the eighth minute to Yakubu's piledriver. That goal for the
hosts came about after 18-year-old debutant James Tomkins found himself on
the wrong side of the Nigeria striker but Curbishley was fulsome in praise
for the way Tomkins "got better and got stronger - as did the team" in a 1-1
draw on Saturday evening.
Speaking to Setanta Sports, the manager said: "It has been well documented
the dreadful run we had. Going one-nil down after eight minutes we expected
the worst but we dug in and battled away. We started playing and we created
the chances ... in the second half we began to pass it a lot more, we just
couldn't get the winner."
A victory would have moved United to within three points of a trio of teams
above and Curbishley felt it was there for the taking - especially with
Freddie Sears and Ashton linking up well in the second half. "We are sitting
here a bit disappointed because we think we had some decent chances. Young
Freddie [Sears] came on and caused one or two problems. We will have to sit
down again and see if we deserved all three points."
Assessing Tomkins' game further, Curbishley added: "[The goal] could have
deflated him but he got stronger. He had an excellent game with Anton
Ferdinand. They are two homegrown players which is great for us. I always
wanted to get young Freddie on but I just felt coming here perhaps we needed
a decent start. When he came on he was very lively and could have ended up
with a couple of goals but we will take a point. I did say I will blood some
of the younger players and look to the future and that is what we will do in
the remaining games."
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Upson ruled out for England - WHUFC
Matthew Upson is out of the England squad to play France but Freddie
Ljungberg is on international duty
22.03.2008
Matthew Upson has been ruled out of the 23-man England squad to face France
in Paris on Wednesday because of a calf injury.
The 28-year-old defender, capped eight times, played the full 90 minutes
last month in Fabio Capello's first match in charge, a 2-1 win against
Switzerland. However, he has missed the last three West Ham United fixtures
- including Saturday's 1-1 draw at Everton. The club will still have two
players on England duty next week, with James Tomkins and Freddie Sears set
to play for the U19s in a friendly against Russia at Milton Keynes on
Tuesday. Mark Noble has been rested by the U21s for their home friendly
against Poland on the same evening.
Also in action this Wednesday are Freddie Ljungberg, who will captain Sweden
in a glamour tie against Brazil in a match to be played at Arsenal's
Emirates Stadium, and John Pantsil who will play for Ghana against Mexico at
Fulham's Craven Cottage. On the same day, Lucas Neill and Jack Collison, for
Australia in China and Wales U21s in Bosnia-Herzegovina respectively, are
the only two players who will be involved in competitive action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wright starts well at Saints - WHUFC
Richard Wright turned in a solid performance on his debut for Southampton at
the weekend
23.03.2008
West Ham United goalkeeper Richard Wright made a solid start to his
month-long loan at Southampton with a clean sheet against Coventry City on
Saturday.
The 30-year-old has been allowed to get valuable playing time with the
Championship club and helped shore up a defence that had conceded five
unanswered goals in their previous game against Hull City. Southampton are
just two points clear of the drop zone in the second tier of English
football, one point and one place better off than Coventry, and needed
Wright to make a good save from Michael Mifsud to ensure at least a point.
Jimmy Walker took Wright's place for West Ham United as understudy to Robert
Green away to Everton. Elsewhere on Saturday, on-loan Academy striker Jack
Jeffery got his first start for Conference high-fliers Cambridge City as
they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Weymouth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1-1 West Ham - BBC
By Phil McNulty
Everton dropped two points in their bid for a Champions League place as West
Ham earned a well-deserved draw. Yakubu's powerful finish gave Everton the
lead after eight minutes and he had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside
seven minutes later. But West Ham came back strongly, with Dean Ashton
missing a glorious chance before heading home Lucas Neill's cross after 68
minutes. West Ham substitute Freddie Sears then struck a post in injury
time.
The Hammers' teenage debutant James Tomkins almost made a dream start to his
career in the fourth minute when he met Mark Noble's corner with a firm
header only to hit the bar. Sadly, his lack of experience was quickly
exposed when he was turned by the wily Yakubu, who showed pace and power to
race clear and fire an emphatic finish past West Ham keeper Robert Green.
Everton suffered a blow in the ninth minute when Tim Cahill, who had been
doubtful before the game with a foot injury, suffered a recurrence and
limped off to be replaced by Manuel Fernandes. Yakubu should have had his
second after 15 minutes when he turned in a neat finish. The goal was ruled
out for offside, but replays showed the striker was onside and the final
touch through to him appeared come from West Ham's Scott Parker. West Ham
have had had their struggles recently, but they responded well and should
have been level by the interval. A communication breakdown between Mikel
Arteta and Phil Jagielka in the 31st minute gave Ashton the perfect
opportunity right in front of goal but he somehow shot wide. Yakubu was a
real physical threat and Green needed to plunge at the feet of Victor
Anichebe after he was played in by his strike partner. Ashton was frustrated
again two minutes before half-time when his 25-yard free-kick took a heavy
deflection off Joleon Lescott, but Everton keeper Tim Howard reacted
brilliantly to stretch out a foot to save. West Ham clearly felt they were
in with a real chance of drawing level, and boss Alan Curbishley wasted no
time after the break in making a change, sending on teenager Sears for the
dismal Luis Boa Morte. And the Hammers were level after 68 minutes when
Ashton rose superbly to head home Neill's cross - with Everton keeper Howard
getting a hand to the ball but failing to keep it out. A dreadful error by
Jagielka almost let in Sears with six minutes to go, but Howard came to the
defender's rescue with a vital interception. West Ham were by far the better
side in the closing stages, and midfield man Noble sent a fierce 30-yard
drive just over the bar. The lively Sears was too quick for Jagielka again
in the dying seconds, but his shot rolled agonisingly against the post with
Howard beaten.
Everton boss David Moyes: "I am a little frustrated - I thought we thought
we did OK. "We tried to get at them early but give them a little bit of
credit because they came back well. "West Ham are playing well under less
pressure. We're in fifth and hoping teams don't catch us up. We're pleased
with a point but should have three."
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "We came here today and I asked them to pass
it around - we were disappointed we didn't take all three points.
"Freddie Sears came on and he gave our side a lift - he could have scored a
goal late on. "We have been on top in games but don't get enough goals to
finish off teams."
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Carsley, Cahill
(Fernandes 10), Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe.
Subs Not Used: Wessels, Hibbert, Gravesen, Nuno Valente.
Goals: Yakubu 8.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Tomkins, McCartney, Ljungberg (Solano
80), Parker (Spector 82), Mullins, Noble, Boa Morte (Sears 50), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Cole.
Goals: Ashton 68.
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Everton's Yakubu 7.52 (on 90
minutes).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1 West Ham Utd 1 - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 22nd March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Teenage striker Fred Sears was the width of a post away from being a Hammers
hero for the second Saturday in succession at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The 18-year-old, thrust into the game five minutes into the second half
raced through in the final minute of the match with just goalkeeper Tim
Howard to beat in order to emulate his match-winning antics against
Blackburn last weekend.
The youngster kept his cool and picked his spot - but could do nothing but
watch as his deft flick agonisingly rebounded against the post and away to
safety to preserve a point for the home side that had looked under threat
for much of the second half.
Alan Curbishley's team may have taken all three points home from the likes
of Middlesbrough and Fulham this season but make no mistake, this was an
away performance which was far more impressive than either of those.
Despite going a goal down early doors the Hammers were more than good value
for their point, and but for some impressive work by Howard in between the
Everton sticks could have taken all three home from Goodison Park for the
second time in three seasons.
Even more pleasing was that Curbishley's side ended the game with no less
than four Academy products on the field; Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble, the
aforementioned Sears and debutant James Tomkins who, despite a ricket for
Everton's goal, gave an assured performance.
Like Sears, Tomkins could have marked his debut with a goal - but his fifth
minute header from a Mark Noble corner cannoned off the crossbar with Howard
flailing. Three minutes later the young centre-half was given a harsh
reminder of the difference between reserve and Premier League level when he
was outfoxed by the experienced Yakubu who left him for dead before smashing
the ball beyound Robert Green to give Everton an eighth minute lead.
For a brief moment it looked as if the Hammers were going to repeat their
last two away results at Tottenham and Liverpool, but thankfully the
referee's assistant ruled Yakubu's 15th minute strike out for offside -
despite the burly striker being clearly onside AND played through by a
Hammers defender.
However as the half went on Curbishley's side became more assured and Dean
Ashton should have levelled the scores on 32 minutes when he fired wide from
eight yards after a mix-up in the Everton defence left him with just Howard
to beat.
At the other end Rob Green has to be at his best four minutes ahead of the
break when a superb reflex save denied Victor Anichebe a second Everton
goal, whilst Ashton almost pulled the Hammers level three minutes later when
his free kick took a wicked delection from Joleon Lescott forcing a great
save from Tim Howard.
The break seemed to give the home side a much-needed rest for it was they
who started the second half stronger. Alan Curbishley, oft-criticised for
dilly-dallying over his substitutions reacted immediately and just five
minutes into the half introduced Fred Sears for the yet-again disappointing
Luis Boa Morte, back in the side after suspension.
The substitution seemed to give the Hammers a much-needed lift as Sears set
about the Everton defence in much the same way as he tormented Blackburn's
at The Boleyn last weekened.
Despite the (considerable) size and weight difference the youngster put
himself about and was a constant nuisance to the experienced Lescott and
Phil Jagielka, Everton's stand-in centre-half.
It is often said that a 'little and large' partnership works best up front;
Sears and Ashton (who is gradually returning to his best) lent weight (no
pun intended) to that particular theory as they combined superbly to stretch
the Everton defence time after time.
It was a Sears flick that set Ashton up for a 20 yard drive on the hour
mark, whilst Ashton returned the complement twice later in the game
(including the aforementioned opportunity that could have won the game).
But Sears was - like much of the Everton defence - a bystander when Ashton
scored United's deserved equaliser on 67 minutes. Lucas Neill, who was also
having his best game for some time sent in a wonderful cross which Ashton
latched onto to send an unstoppable header beyond Tim Howard.
Ashton has suffered his fair share of injury problems this season (who
hasn't!?) but with his second in two games is once again becoming a real
attacking force - great news for Curbishley who is still struggling to find
two fit senior strikers week in, week out.
Everton - who had beaten the Hammers in both previous meetings this season -
are still fighting thier bitter rivals from across Stanley Park for the
fourth Champions League spot, and that much was apparent as they opened up
as the game wore on in search of a winner. This worked to West Ham's
considerable advantage and time after time they caught Everton on the break.
That's not to say that the home didn't have their chances; Rob Green had to
be at his very best to deny Yakubu and Baines late on. But it was the
Hammers who went closest to snatching all three points in the closing
minutes - firstly through Mark Noble, whose fierce drive fizzed inches over
the crossbar in the 89th minute and then through Sears who was the width of
a post away from making it two goals in two games.
Disaapointed though they may be at the final result given their late chances
the Hammers can be justly proud of their efforts today. This result, and
last week's win over Blackburn were the perfect antidote to the horror run
that immediately preceeded them.
With a particularly nasty run of fixtures behind them United can now look
forward to three games against teams in or around the relegation slots
(Sunderland, Bolton and Derby).
Meanwhile the likes of Fred Sears, James Tomkins and Jack Collison can no
doubt look forward to many more minutes on the pitch.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs hails young Hammers - SSN
Sears and Tomkins earn manager's praise
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 22nd March 2008
Alan Curbishley saluted two of his emerging stars after West Ham came from
behind to take a point against Everton at Goodison Park. Young defender
James Tomkins made his debut at centre-back while teenage striker Freddie
Sears, who scored on his bow against Blackburn last week, almost grabbed the
headlines again. Sears was sent into the fray with the Hammers 1-0 down
after Yakubu Aiyegbeni's early opener and his presence unsettled the home
defence. Dean Ashton headed Curbishley's men back on level terms before
Sears had a chance to snatch the points in the dying seconds, only for his
effort to come back off the foot of the post. Tomkins hit the bar with an
early header, but was at fault for Everton's goal as he allowed Yakubu to
get away before powering a drive beyond Robert Green.
Curbishley said: "The way the game went after the break, we feel a little
disappointed that we didn't win it. "Certainly we grew into the game. James
Tomkins made an error early on and allowed Yakubu to 'roll' him for their
goal. But he hit the bar and got better and better on his debut. "And so did
we. And when we brought on Freddie Sears in the second-half, it gave us all
a lift again just like last week when he scored the winner on his debut. "He
gives us something different, and he could easily have scored again with
that late effort against the post. "Everton were desperate for the three
points and we were hitting them on the break. We just couldn't finish it
off."
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Hammers blow for Everton - SSN
Ashton header cancels out Yakubu opener
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 22nd March 2008
Everton's UEFA Champions League hopes suffered another dent as they were
held to a 1-1 draw at home by West Ham. David Moyes' men were looking to
move level on points with local rivals Liverpool and made the perfect start
with Yakubu Aiyegbeni lashing home in the eighth minute after Victor
Anichebe had flicked on. Yakubu should have had a second when he side-footed
home but was ruled offside, only for replays to show he was level and that
Hammers midfielder Scott Parker got the final touch as the ball came
through. Tim Howard produced a stunning save to deny Dean Ashton an
equaliser before the break, sticking out a leg after the striker's drilled
free-kick had deflected off Joleon Lescott. But Ashton was not to be denied
after the interval, climbing above Phil Jagielka to head home Lucas Neill's
cross from the right wing in the 68th minute. And West Ham could even have
won it in the closing stages, with teenage striker Freddie Sears denied by
Howard and then seeing a last-minute shot come back off the base of the
post.
The Hammers gave centre-back James Tomkins his first start, and it was
something of a baptism of fire against the power of Yakubu - even if the
England Under 19 international could have scored inside five minutes. For
Everton, Tim Cahill returned after a hip injury - while teenager Victor
Anichebe had also recovered from a similar injury to make only his ninth
start of the campaign in place of hamstring victim Andy Johnson. Leighton
Baines played on the left of midfield in the absence of Steven Pienaar, out
with a muscle problem. But it was Basildon-born Tomkins who almost made it a
dream debut. He met Mark Noble's corner 12 yards out, and his looping header
clattered against the bar. But three minutes later, after Anton Ferdinand
had lost out in the air to Anichebe, Tomkins was equally at fault when he
was out-muscled by Yakubu midway inside West Ham's half and the big Nigerian
surged away and scored past Green. Cahill lasted just two more minutes,
before suffering a recurrence of his injury, Manuel Fernandes replaced him.
Everton were searching for the second against an uncertain West Ham - and
Yakubu was wrongly adjudged offside when he scored from just inside the box,
the final pass actually coming off West Ham midfielder Parker. Everton had
plenty of the ball and had West Ham on the back foot, with Anichebe and
Yakubu causing problems, but the Hammers had their chances. Noble's low
cross was mis-kicked by Mikel Arteta, the ball fell invitingly for Ashton on
the six-yard line, but his shot went agonisingly the wrong side of Tim
Howard's right-hand post.
Green made a brave save at the feet of Anichebe, when Yakubu had played him
through four minutes from the break - but again West Ham could have
equalised soon afterwards. Ashton struck a low free-kick from 20 yards - and
even though it deflected wickedly off Lescott, Howard made a remarkable save
with his legs while going the wrong way. Five minutes into the second
period, Sears came on for Luis Boa Morte and was soon scampering around and
unsettling defenders. Everton still looked the most likely to get the next
goal, though - and when Baines produced a run and cross, it took a fine
Green save to halt Yakubu. Ashton drove wide, and then Noble struck a
free-kick over the bar. Lee Carsley responded with a 25-yarder, when given
too much space, but the effort flashed over. Then Green saved at Baines'
feet after 65 minutes. But three minutes later, West Ham were back on terms.
Neill fired over a cross from the right, and Ashton rose above Jagielka to
send his header in off a post. Freddie Ljungberg's pass then sent Sears in
behind Lescott, but his shot from a tight angle was held by Howard. When
Sears robbed Jagielka on the edge of the box the teenager was on his way
round Howard before the American goalkeeper just grabbed the ball. Noble
drove inches over the bar as West Ham put a fine passing move together; then
Sears got away from Jagielka again, and this time saw his stabbed shot hit a
post as Everton were left clinging on.
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Everton 1-1 West Ham: Toffees euro hopes hit - Soccernet
Scoring Summary
Everton West Ham
Ayegbeni Yakubu (8) Dean Ashton (68)
Match Information
Stadium: Goodison Park, England
Attendance: 37,430
Match Time: 17:15 UK
Referee(s):
M Halsey (Referee)
Updated: March 22, 2008, 3:41 PM ET
Everton's Champions League dreams were seriously damaged by Dean Ashton's
equaliser for West Ham in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. But it could have
been even worse for the Toffees. In the dying minutes, 18-year-old Freddie
Sears saw his stabbed shot hit a post and bounce along the line - and that
is how close West Ham came to a deserved victory. Everton had started with
power and pace, Ayegbeni Yakubu scoring his 19th goal of the season early
on. West Ham were poor at that stage and it seemed the home side would
cruise it. But West Ham, who had hit the bar through debutant James Tomkins,
were the better side after the break. Everton find themselves two points
behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who can have no greater spur to win at
Manchester United tomorrow than this misfortune to their neighbours. West
Ham have responded well to three 4-0 defeats in a week - with decent results
against two sides above them in the table, beating Blackburn last week and
now a point at Goodison. The Hammers gave centre-back Tomkins his first
start, and it was something of a baptism of fire against the power of Yakubu
- even if the England Under-19s international could have scored inside five
minutes. For Everton, Tim Cahill returned after a hip injury - while
teenager Victor Anichebe had also recovered from a similar injury to make
only his ninth start of the campaign in place of hamstring victim Andrew
Johnson. Leighton Baines played on the left of midfield in the absence of
Steven Pienaar, out with a muscle problem.
But it was Basildon-born Tomkins who almost made it a dream debut. He met
Mark Noble's corner 12 yards out, and his looping header clattered against
the bar. But three minutes later, after Anton Ferdinand had lost out in the
air to Anichebe, Tomkins was equally at fault when he was out-muscled by
Yakubu midway inside West Ham's half. The big Nigerian surged away and
scored past Robert Green. Cahill lasted just two more minutes, before
suffering a recurrence of his injury. Manuel Fernandes replaced him. Everton
were searching for the second against a tepid, uncertain West Ham - and
Yakubu was wrongly adjudged offside when he scored from just inside the box,
the final pass actually coming off West Ham midfielder Scott Parker. Everton
had plenty of the ball and had West Ham on the back foot, with Anichebe and
Yakubu causing problems. But the Hammers had their chances.
Noble's low cross was mis-kicked by Mikel Arteta; the ball fell invitingly
for Ashton on the six-yard line, but his shot went agonisingly the wrong
side of Tim Howard's right-hand post. Green made a brave save at the feet of
Anichebe, when Yakubu had played him through four minutes from the break -
but again West Ham could have equalised soon afterwards. Ashton struck a low
free-kick from 20 yards - and even though it deflected wickedly off Joleon
Lescott, Howard made a remarkable save with his legs while going the wrong
way. Five minutes into the second period, Sears came on for Luis Boa Morte
and was soon scampering around and unsettling defenders. Everton still
looked the most likely to get the next goal, though - and when Baines
produced a run and cross, it took a fine Green save to halt Yakubu. Ashton
drove wide, and then Noble struck a free-kick over the bar. Lee Carsley
responded with a 25-yarder, when given too much space, but the effort
flashed over. Then Green saved at Baines' feet after 65 minutes. But three
minutes later, West Ham got the goal.
Lucas Neill fired over a cross from the right, and Ashton rose above Phil
Jagielka to send his header in off a post. Freddie Ljungberg's pass then
sent Sears in behind Lescott, but his shot from a tight angle was held by
Howard. After 80 minutes West Ham sent on Nolberto Solano for Ljungberg;
then Spector replaced Parker. When Sears robbed Jagielka on the edge of the
box the teenager was on his way round Howard before the American goalkeeper
just grabbed the ball. Noble drove inches over the bar as West Ham put a
fine passing move together; then Sears got away from Jagielka again, and
this time saw his stabbed shot hit a post.
Robert Green admitted West Ham were disappointed at having to settle for a
1-1 draw after a stirring fightback against Everton at Goodison Park.
Man-of-the-match Green said: 'After eight minutes it seemed like a good
result. 'We carved out the better chances and played the better football -
now we are walking off deeply disappointed with a point. 'It was a credit to
the lads and everyone who has played today.' 'It (Sears' shot) was just half
the width of the post (from going in),' said Green. 'Just unlucky for the
lad. 'Freddie is sharp and is going to create havoc when legs are tiring and
that is what he has done today.'
Leighton Baines admitted he would be closely watching tomorrow's game
between city rivals Liverpool and Manchester United. Everton travel to
Anfield next weekend in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the chase
for sixth spot. Baines said: 'It's a big game now next week. Hopefully it
will go in our favour tomorrow.' The defender admitted they were
disappointed not to have won the game and put more pressure on the Reds,
saying: 'We are capable of winning all our games at home so it's
disappointing not to take all three points.'
Leon Osman described the game as good preparation for the derby saying: 'It
became 100 miles per hour out there today so it was good preparation.
'We were wanting three points but it wasn't to be. We will pick ourselves up
for the next game.' Hammers manager Alan Curbishley was also a little
disappointed despite having to recover from conceding an early goal. He also
reserved praise for debutant defender James Tomkins and Sears. Curbishley
said: 'We had a dreadful start which has been a pattern of the recent games.
'But (Tomkins) got better and stronger as did the team and so we are sitting
here a little bit disappointed. We had some decent chances. 'James started
well, he tried to win the header and I think Yakubu rolled him. But he had
an excellent game. 'Freddie was very lively and we could have got a couple
of goals. 'Going one nil down after eight minutes you expect the worst. The
second half we began to pass it a lot more and got forward but didn't get
the winner.'
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Everton must pay in Euros: Ashton's Goodison strike may cost £30m - Daily
Mail
Everton 1 West Ham 1
By JOE BERNSTEIN - More by this author »
Last updated at 22:20pm on 22nd March 2008
England reject Dean Ashton scored the goal that could end up costing Everton
£30 million. The West Ham striker capped a late surge to head past Tim
Howard and cancel out Yakubu's 13th Premier League goal of the season. It
was a huge blow to Everton in their race for fourth spot with neighbours
Liverpool, whom they face at Anfield next Sunday. David Moyes' team are now
two points behind, with Liverpool's game in hand at Manchester United today.
For injury-hit Ashton, his goal represents a huge lift after being left out
of Fabio Capello's squad to face France. West Ham drafted in defender James
Tomkins, 18, for his debut and he learned all about the agonies of the
Premier League — at both ends — inside 10 minutes. Replacing the injured
Matthew Upson, Tomkins rose magnificently after five minutes to meet Mark
Noble's outswinging corner. His header cleared Leon Osman on the line but
bounced off the bar. But the Basildon-born stopper was punished in Everton's
next meaningful attack. He should have coped with Victor Anichebe's flick-on
but, put off by the menacing presence of Yakubu, he allowed the Nigerian to
turn him outside the penalty area. Yakubu did not waste the invitation,
scampering clear to fire past Robert Green. Everton, without Joseph Yobo,
James Vaughan, Andy Johnson and Steven Pienaar, also saw Tim Cahill limp off
early and will hope it does not rule him out next week. Tomkins, 19 next
Saturday, recovered well but the rest of the side caught the collective
jitters. Anton Ferdinand was not the steadying influence manager Alan
Curbishley would have wanted and only a linesman's flag prevented them
falling 2-0 behind when Yakubu beat Green from eight yards. The ball had
broken to the striker when Noble's tackle rebounded off Anichebe's shins
into Yakubu's path and TV replays suggested he was level with the last West
Ham defender. Anichebe, one of the strongest strikers in the Premier League
with the possible exception of partner Yakubu, then outmuscled Tomkins to
reach another Yakubu pass, but Green rushed out to make a brave block. Moyes
has based his side's impressive challenge for a place among Europe's elite
next season on sturdy defence, hard graft and diligent organisation. But
there was a distinct lack of communication approaching half-time when Mikel
Arteta and Phil Jagielka both tried to clear Noble's cross at the same time.
Chaos ensued as Arteta fired the ball against Jagielka's leg and Goodison
Park breathed a sigh of relief when Ashton fired the rebound wide. Then
Everton's rising star, England defender Joleon Lescott, had to thank
goalkeeper Howard for saving him. The American had Ashton's vicious
free-kick covered until it took a deflection off Lescott's boot. Howard
stuck out his trailing right leg and kicked the ball away. West Ham fans
greeted the introduction of young striker Freddie Sears with huge enthusiasm
early in the second half. Sears had scored their winner against Blackburn
last weekend and is a far more popular figure than the man who made way, £6
million misfit Luis Boa Morte. Everton were kept on the back foot for long
periods, although Yakubu was well denied by Green as he tried to turn in a
Leighton Baines cross on a rare breakaway. Sears then drew a foul from Lee
Carsley on the edge of the box after another exciting turn but Noble fired
the free-kick wide. Inspired by the youngster, West Ham snatched the
equaliser that could cost Everton so much. Nobody harried Lucas Neill by the
right-hand touchline and the Hammers skipper delivered a pinpoint cross
towards Ashton, the striker towering above Jagielka to power in a header.
Sears then almost stole the points when he raced clear of Jagielka and
flicked the ball wide of Howard only to hit a post.
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Everton 1 West Ham 1 - The Sun
Published: 22 Mar 2008
PHIL JAGIELKA did his best to extinguish Everton's Champions League dreams.
The Toffees midfielder allowed Dean Ashton to climb above him to cancel out
Yakubu's opener. And he twice let young Hammer Freddie Sears through on
goal, only to be saved by his keeper Tim Howard and then the post.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley said: "We had a dreadful start which has been
a pattern of the recent games. But the team got better and stronger and so
we are sitting here a little bit disappointed." Everton were denied a 2-0
lead when Yakubu's effort was wrongly chalked off for offside. David Moyes'
men are now two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. And all eyes at
Goodison will turn to Old Trafford on Sunday as their city rivals take on
Manchester United. Then, next Sunday, the Mersey rivals clash at Anfield for
what could be a winner takes all Champions League shoot-out. Curbishley
handed a debut to England Under-19 centre-half James Tomkins. And he endured
a topsy-turvy start to life in the Hammers backline. First he headed against
the bar from an early corner. Then he allowed Yakubu to turn him too easily
40 yards from goal before the Nigerian powered away to blast home the opener
on eight minutes. Everton poured forward and Yakubu netted again only to be
hauled back by a linesman's flag. But TV replays showed he was level, while
the final touch was from West Ham midfielder Scott Parker. Ashton turned a
shot the wrong side of Howard's upright. And at the other end Rob Green
denied Victor Anichebe. Ashton then tried his luck with a 20-yard free-kick
but Howard saved with his boot after a wicked deflection off Joleon Lescott.
Green excelled again to keep out Yakubu's next chance. Ashton drove wide and
then Mark Noble struck a free-kick over the bar. Lee Carsley responded with
a 25-yarder, when given too much space, but the effort flashed over.
Then Green saved at Leighton Baines' feet after 65 minutes. But three
minutes later, West Ham got the leveller they deserved. Lucas Neill fired
over a cross from the right and Ashton rose above Jagielka to send his
header in off a post. Freddie Ljungberg's pass then sent Sears in behind
Lescott but his shot from a tight angle was held by Howard. Sears robbed
Jagielka on the edge of the box but Howard smothered his shot on the turn.
Noble drove inches over the bar as West Ham put a fine passing move
together. Then Sears got away from Jagielka again but saw his stabbed shot
hit a post.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Carsley, Cahill
(Fernandes 10), Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe. Subs not used: Wessels, Hibbert,
Gravesen, Nuno Valente. Goals: Yakubu 8.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Tomkins, McCartney, Ljungberg (Solano
80), Parker (Spector 82), Mullins, Noble, Boa Morte (Sears 50), Ashton. Subs
not used: Walker, Cole. Goals: Ashton 68.
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
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Dean Ashton saves West Ham Brian Doogan at Goodison Park - The Times
FREDDIE SEARS almost made himself a West Ham hero for the second time in a
week, firing a shot past Tim Howard, the Everton goalkeeper, in the closing
moments only to see the ball come back off the post.
But the damage inflicted on Everton by the 18-year-old substitute and by
Dean Ashton, a continual threat who headed home the second-half equaliser,
was serious enough. Locked in a battle with Liverpool for the final
Champions League qualifying place, Everton meet their Mersey rivals next
Sunday at Anfield, where only a win may be enough to sustain their
challenge.
It might have been different had Yakubu Ayegbeni, who smashed home his 19th
goal of the season after eight minutes, not been denied a legitimate second
goal eight minutes later. Victor Anichebe held off several West Ham players
on the edge of the penalty area before Scott Parker charged in and,
inadvertently, stabbed the ball directly into Yakubu's path off Anichebe's
calf. The assistant referee raised the offside flag even though Yakubu was
level with the last defender.
Ashton, however, supplied the game's defining moment, for it was transformed
when he scored his towering equaliser. Lucas Neill was given time on the
right to measure a terrific cross towards Ashton, who outjumped Phil
Jagielka and directed his header to Howard's left. The goalkeeper got a
glove to the ball but only knocked it against the inside of the post and
across the line. Suddenly, the visitors believed they could steal a win,
especially when Rob Green proved resistant to Everton's efforts to grab a
second goal.
On the break, the Hammers fought tenaciously and Howard had to race off his
line to save from Sears, who scored on his debut last weekend at Upton Park,
before the youngster beat the Everton keeper in the dying moments, only to
hit the post. "We're disappointed not to have won the game in the end," said
Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager.
"Young James Tomkins [like Sears, a homegrown 18-year-old and an England
Under19 international] went for the header when the ball came to Yakubu [for
the opening goal], he missed it and that rattled him. But he got better and
stronger after that and so did the team."
Ironically, Tomkins almost made a dream start on his debut. Mark Noble's
corner was delivered perfectly for him to direct a solid header, alas,
against the crossbar. Everton's narrow escape had a galvanising effect and
Leon Osman went close with a back-post header from a Phil Neville cross
before Yakubu ruthlessly exploited Tomkins' error from a hopeful flick-on by
Anichebe. The Nigerian turned and dispatched his shot past Green like a
bullet.
West Ham enjoyed a healthy share of possession but they were unable to
produce a telling ball for the industrious Ashton until, finally, an
innocuous cross floated in left-footed by Noble caused a mix-up between
Jagielka and Arteta, who contrived to set up Ashton in front of goal.
Incredibly, he dragged his shot wide, but this only increased his desire to
be the game's pivotal figure, which he was. Green also needed to be alert
when Anichebe got through and only a smothering save rescued West Ham.
Ashton almost equalised just before the interval with a 20-yard free kick
that got a significant deflection off Lescott, but Howard saved defiantly
with his legs, and Anichebe might have scored early in the second half when
Leighton Baines crossed to the near post, but he got only a glancing header
on the ball. The game became more open and a low cross from the left by
Baines forced Green to make a sharp save almost point-blank from Yakubu.
Then Ashton landed the hammer blow and Sears almost made Everton pay an even
heavier price when he ran past Jagielka on to a long clearance by Green and
shot against the upright. "Tiredness crept in and West Ham, playing under
less pressure, began to hit us on the break. We were still looking for a
second goal," said Everton manager David Moyes. "The second goal [when
Yakubu was denied by the offside flag] would have changed the game and the
linesman got it wrong.
"What is important now is that we show our strength and resolve to finish
the season in the way we have played for the majority of it."
Reports emerged last night that Moyes had won his libel action against the
publishers of Wayne Rooney's autobiography. Moyes challenged claims by
Rooney in the book that he had betrayed the striker's confidence and
effectively forced him out of the club. Rooney moved to Manchester United
for £27m in August 2004. It was reported that Moyes will now receive an
apology and an out-of-court settlement.
Star man: Dean Ashton (West Ham)
Player ratings
Everton: Howard 7, Neville 7, Jagielka 6, Lescott 6, Baines 6, Arteta 7,
Carsley 7, Cahill 5 (Fernandes 10min, 6), Osman 6, Anichebe 7, Yakubu 7
West Ham: Green 6, Neill 6, Tomkins 5, Ferdinand 5, McCartney 6, Ljungberg 7
(Solano 80min), Parker 7 (Spector 82min), Noble 7, Mullins 7, Boa Morte 5
(Sears 50min, 6), Ashton 6
Scorers: Everton:Yakubu 8 West Ham:Ashton 68
Referee:M Halsey
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Everton 1 West Ham United 1: Ashton flies high to stall Everton's pursuit of
fourth spot - The Independent
By Guy Hodgson at Goodison Park
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Fourth place will not inspire football balladeers but for the blue half of
Merseyside it matters. To pip neighbours Liverpool for the final Champions'
League spot would make it a season to savour for Everton, so this draw cut
deeply. Now they will probably need to win at Anfield next Sunday to have a
realistic chance.
Even that could be insufficient if Liverpool prevail at Old Trafford today,
which made the two dropped points all the more difficult to take. In the
programme manager David Moyes called for a "big finish to the season" to
make up for Everton going out of the Uefa Cup on penalties to Fiorentina 11
days ago; instead a domestic anti-climax looms.
What will be particularly galling for Moyes is that Everton took the lead
through Yakubu and had what appeared to be a legitimate goal ruled out for
offside. They had the bulk of the possession, too, yet West Ham United, who
equalised with a magnificent header from Dean Ashton, finished the stronger
and Freddie Sears, scorer of the winner against Blackburn Rovers last week,
hit the post in stoppage time.
The result leaves Everton two points behind Liverpool having played a game
more, but Moyes was stressing the positive. "It's a point gained on teams
below us and it consolidates fifth place," he said. "We've also gained
ground on our main rivals. It might turn out to be an important point."
The immediate repercussion of going out of Europe was Everton's first League
defeat of 2008 and they did not inspire confidence in the fifth minute when
their defence reacted slowly to Mark Noble's corner. James Tomkins, an
18-year-old centre-back making his West Ham debut, won a header that flew
past Tim Howard, but the dream ended there because the ball hit the bar and
bounced clear.
It seemed a crueller world for the England Under-19 player three minutes
later when Everton took the lead with a goal that was as route one as the
M1. Howard's long kick was flicked on by Victor Anichebe and Tomkins was
left trailing as Yakubu leaned into him, span away and then thumped the ball
past Robert Green.
It could have been 2-0 after 16 minutes when Yakubu again had the ball in
the net. This time the linesman came to West ham's rescue, raising his flag
for offside even though there was an argument that the pass had been played
to the Everton striker by Scott Parker. More damning, though, was that
Yakubu appeared to be level with the last defender.
It had been a dreadful start by the Hammers yet they should have equalised
after 32 minutes when Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka got in each other's way
as they attempted to clear. The ball rebounded to Dean Ashton, who swivelled
and swung with emphatic certainty but then pushed his shot wide.
Anichebe should have scored for Everton after 41 minutes but Green charged
from his line to save at his feet but the greater escape was at the other
end when Ashton's free-kick deflected off Joleon Lescott and Howard reacted
brilliantly to change direction and save with his feet.
After the eventful end to the first half, the second started in a more
subdued fashion, although Everton appeared to be building momentum when West
Ham equalised after 68 minutes. A terrific goal it was too, because Ashton
used his power to brush off a challenge from Jagielka and then thundered a
header from the penalty spot that Howard could only tip against the post
before it went into the net.
Everton's swagger evaporated and West Ham might have got the winner. In the
85th minute Jagielka was caught in possession by substitute Sears and only a
dive at the young striker's feet saved the centre-back's blushes. Then, in
injury time, Sears burst on to Ashton's head on and beat Howard with a flick
of the outside of his right foot only for the ball to hit the post.
Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, was unsure whether it was a point
gained or two dropped. "I'll have to look at the match again," he said. "We
were hitting on the break but couldn't finish them off."
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Dean Ashton shows West Ham still fighting - Telegraph
By Graham Chase at Goodison Park
Last Updated: 12:11am GMT 23/03/2008
Everton (1) 1 West Ham United (0) 1
Those who claimed that the rest of West Ham's season was likely to revolve
around booking holidays and buying sun cream will be forced to think again
after Dean Ashton's equaliser stole a point at Goodison Park to leave
Everton's Champions League hopes severely dented.
Trailing to Yakubu's early goal, a heavy defeat looked on the cards but
Ashton, who had missed a fine opportunity just before half-time, headed his
team level midway through the second half to leave Everton two points behind
Liverpool with the Anfield derby to come next Sunday. In the end, it was
Everton who were holding on despite having dominated until Ashton's goal.
It was not a result that could have been predicted after a one-sided first
half, though West Ham defender James Tomkins, making his debut a week before
his 19th birthday, almost got his Premier League career off to a perfect
start when his header from Mark Noble's corner came back off the bar with
four minutes gone.
A couple of minutes later, Tomkins was left in no doubt about the reality of
life at this level as he found himself no match for Yakubu. Tim Howard's
long clearance was headed on by Victor Anichebe and Tomkins' challenge
bounced off Yakubu, who spun and rifled past Robert Green before the rest of
the West Ham defenders could catch him.
After Anichebe was held up on the edge of the box, the ball cannoned off
Scott Parker to Yakubu, who was level with the last defender and once again
beat Green only to be denied by the officials.
The make-up of West Ham's five-man midfield meant they looked comfortable in
possession but they rarely got within 50 yards of Howard's goal and when
they did the lone forward Ashton wasted a fine opening. Noble's sliced cross
caused Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta to collide on the edge of the box but
Ashton failed to hit the target from only 10 yards out.
advertisement
Yakubu should have made the game safe shortly after the restart but stabbed
straight at Green after the striker slid in front of Anton Ferdinand to meet
Leighton Baines's cross and the goalkeeper also stopped Baines from
close-range.
West Ham drew level when Ashton rose higher than Jagielka to get his head to
Lucas Neill's long ball forward, with enough power that Howard could only
push the ball onto the post before it crossed the line.
There was little response from Everton and West Ham's young substitute
Freddie Sears saw his low shot come back off the post in the final minute.
Best moment: Not troubled by his earlier miss, Dean Ashton's powerful header
for West Ham's equaliser was just reward for his great work-rate.
Worst moment: Last week it was Arsenal's Adebayor who referee Mark Halsey
wrongly denied a goal, and this week Yakubu can also feel rightly aggrieved
that his second goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside.
Man of the match
Dean Ashton (West Ham) 9
• Passing accuracy 78 per cent
• Six shots, one goal
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Sears again impresses for West Ham
tribalfootball.com - March 22, 2008
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley was full of praise for young striker
Freddie Sears after yesterday's 1-1 draw with Everton. He said: "When we
brought on Freddie Sears in the second-half, it gave us all a lift again
just like last week when he scored the winner on his debut. "He gives us
something different, and he easily have scored again with that late effort
against the post." West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green told Setanta
Sports 1: "After eight minutes it seemed like a good result. "We carved out
the better chances and played the better football - now we are walking off
deeply disappointed with a point. "It (Sears' shot) was just half the width
of the post (from going in). Just unlucky for the lad. "Freddie is sharp and
is going to create havoc when legs are tiring and that is what he has done
today."
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Nani reveals what's in store for West Ham
tribalfootball.com - March 22, 2008
New West Ham United technical chief Gianluca Nani has revealed to fans what
he is capable of achieving after eight years at Brescia.
He told WHUTV: "I think we did a good job because we brought some Italian
players to be world champions like [Andrea] Pirlo and [Luca] Toni. Other
players that were in the national team like [Aimo] Diana, [Daniele] Bonera,
[Stefano] Mauri, or players ... like Matuzalem, [Stephen] Appiah, [Marek]
Hamsik, [Fabiano] Santacroce, [Danny] Szetela, [Gilberto] Martinez, [Andrea]
Carraciolo."
He will "try to do the same job" in east London, but stressed there was a
key difference.
"Brescia was a small club and to try to survive, they have to sell players
each year. Here at West Ham we have another ambition, the ambition is to try
to build a team on and off the field ... We have to build a structure able
to find players. Young players and senior players and step by step try to
grow each year. We have to work hard, step by step."
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