15.08.2008
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
3pm
Referee: Steve Bennett
MATCH REPORT
West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Upson, Davenport, Neill, Faubert (Boa Morte
85), Parker (Mullins 73), Noble, Etherington, Cole, Ashton (Sears 73)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Spence, Bowyer, Reid
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Melchiot (De Ridder 82), Figueroa, Palacios,
Boyce, Scharner (Koumas 82), Cattermole (Sibierski 84), Valencia, Kapo,
Heskey, Zaki
Subs: Pollitt, Brown, Bramble.
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Ashton double downs Wigan - WHUFC
Two quick goals from Dean Ashton helped West Ham United to an opening
victory but it was not easy
16.08.2008
West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
On-looking England coach Fabio Capello saw Dean Ashton kick-off West Ham
United's season in superlative style at the Boleyn Ground with a quick-fire
double on Saturday afternoon.
With England due to play the Czech Republic in Wednesday's Wembley friendly,
the once-capped striker could not have picked a better time to plunder two
goals inside the opening nine manic minutes, although he was substituted in
the closing stages to leave a question mark hanging over any midweek
international involvement. Amr Zaki struck for the improved Latics early in
the second half but it was still not enough to prevent West Ham United from
collecting their first three points of the campaign.
Curbishley had handed new signing Valon Behrami his Barclays Premier League
debut at right-back in a reshuffled defence that saw skipper Lucas Neill
switch flanks to left back, while Calum Davenport and Matthew Upson took
their places at centre-back, in front of another England hopeful, Robert
Green. With anchormen Scott Parker and Mark Noble in midfield alongside the
probing Julien Faubert and Matthew Etherington, the West Ham United manager
paired Ashton and Carlton Cole in attack.
With seven substitutes now allowed to be named, there were first appearances
on the home bench for on-loan goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka and England youth
starlet, Jordan Spence, alongside the more familiar faces of Luis Boa Morte,
Hayden Mullins, Kyel Reid, Lee Bowyer and Freddie Sears. Steve Bruce gave
debuts to summer signings Lee Cattermole, Zaki and Olivier Kapo but the
Latics new boys were still finding their feet on the rich, green Boleyn
Ground grass, when Ashton got Curbishley's men off to that fantastic flyer.
Indeed, just three minutes were on the clock, when the No9 collected
Faubert's slide-rule pass into the Wigan penalty area and, after turning the
flat-footed Paul Scharner, he lashed an unstoppable, rising 15-yard shot
beyond the well beaten Chris Kirkland. That clinical finish must surely have
brought a nod of approval from Signor Capello, who then saw the striker
double his tally six minutes later, when he bundled the ball in from a
couple of yards after Noble drove Cole's flick-on towards the far post.
With the shirt-sleeved claret and blue fans, amongst an opening day crowd of
32,758, cheekily chanting 'We are top of the league' Cole then saw Kirkland
tip over his looping back-header as Wigan well and truly wobbled. On the
quarter-hour mark, however, the industrious Cole was back in his own area
nodding out from under his own bar and, then he found himself back at the
other end, steering the ball to the grounded Kirkland after the
barn-storming Behrani squared into the visitors' six-yard box.
Parker was booked for a foul on Wilson Palacios and, although the luminous,
yellow-shirted Latics had forced a handful of corners and fired a sprinkling
of speculative efforts towards Green's goal, it was the claret and blue
jerseys, who departed at the interval well on top, albeit Bolton Wanderers'
three-goal lead over Stoke City meant that Gary Megson's men were sitting at
the Premier League summit.
If the hosts had got off to an electrifying start in the first-half, Bruce's
boys took less than two minutes of the second period to claw themselves back
into the contest, when Zaki volleyed in from eight yards after Palacios
nodded on Manyor Figueroa's long-throw into the danger zone. Just moments
later, the Egyptian striker might have snatched a second, too, but as he
looked to break into the West Ham United area, he tumbled under the
challenge of Davenport, who followed Parker into referee Steve Bennett's
book.
That was a wake-up call for the home side, who saw the flying Faubert send a
20-yarder into Kirkland's ribcage, before Cole also went close to restoring
the two-goal margin, but with Wigan now finding width, Curbishley's men were
no longer having it all their own way. With 20 minutes remaining, the
injured Ashton walked down the tunnel to be replaced by Sears, while Mullins
came on for Parker and then Luis Boa Morte for Faubert
Cole, who was still playing his part at both ends of the pitch, and Sears
combined well in the closing stages as West Ham United looked to see out the
victory although the Latics continued to press. Curbishley's men had done
just enough though to open the season with a welcome win.
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England call for Upson - WHUFC
Matthew Upson has been called up by Fabio Capello for his squad to face the
Czech Republic
16.08.2008
Matthew Upson has been rewarded for his tremendous form with a call-up for
the England squad to face Czech Republic on Wednesday at Wembley.
The West Ham United defender helped the club to a 2-1 opening day win
against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, with England manager Fabio Capello
watching on from the stands. Upson was imperious at the back in a tricky
encounter at the Boleyn Ground.
The midweek international will be the final Three Lions friendly before 2010
World Cup qualifying begins away to Andorra in Barcelona on 6 September.
That will be followed four days later by a trip to Croatia. Upson has eight
caps and played under Capello in last February's 2-1 win against
Switzerland.
There was no place for the impressive Robert Green or two-goal hero Dean
Ashton, who had to come off on Saturday with a calf problem that he hoped
was a severe cramp. Despite injury keeping him out, the striker was in
upbeat mood. "I was really pleased with my goals today and to get them so
early on in the first game of the season is really nice. I am really pleased
they are the goals that won the game for us," said Ashton, who will have a
scan on Sunday or Monday to assess his condition.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Hart, James, Robinson
Defenders: Bridge, A Cole, Ferdinand, Upson, Johnson, Terry, Brown, Woodgate
Midfielders: Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham, Carrick, J Cole, Bentley,
Downing
Strikers: Walcott, Rooney, Heskey, Defoe
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West Ham 2-1 Wigan - BBC
By David McIntyre
England boss Fabio Capello saw Dean Ashton score twice to help West Ham make
a winning start to the season. Ashton collected Julien Faubert's early cross
and turned past Paul Scharner before firing into the roof of the net. The
striker then scored from close range after Wigan failed to clear Faubert's
left-wing corner. Eygpt striker Amr Zaki pulled a goal back with a stunning
left-foot volley on his Wigan debut but also missed three golden
opportunities to equalise. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley began the day as
the bookmakers' favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked this
season and had nine first-team players already sidelined through injury. But
his team made a great start at Upton Park, where Ashton put them ahead with
a fine finish after just three minutes. Ashton then punished some shoddy
Wigan defending to score again six minutes later. Wigan did not deal with
Faubert's delivery and Calum Davenport was able to hook the ball past
goalkeeper Chris Kirkland for Ashton to apply the finishing touch from three
yards out. Curbishley gave a debut to Swiss defender Valon Behrami, his £5m
capture from Lazio, while summer signings Olivier Kapo, Lee Cattermole and
Zaki made their first appearances for Wigan. It was a tough start for
Wigan's new arrivals but Steve Bruce's team recovered and went close when
West Ham striker Carlton Cole cleared Emile Heskey's header off the line.
Cole then missed a chance at the other end by shooting straight at Kirkland
after being picked out by Behrami. And Zaki, signed on a season-long loan
from Zamalek, missed Wigan's best chance of the first half when he blazed
over from Kapo's low cross.
He made amends by scoring his first goal in English football just after
half-time. Maynor Figueroa's throw-in was powerfully headed on by Heskey and
Zaki lashed home an unstoppable effort that gave keeper Robert Green little
chance. But Zaki squandered a great chance to score again when he headed
Kapo's cross wide of the target and also volleyed over following another
dangerous long throw from Figueroa. Wigan continued to put the Hammers under
pressure and the home side's cause was not helped when Ashton limped off on
72 minutes after hurting his calf while taking a free-kick. The injury could
make Ashton a doubt for England's friendly against the Czech Republic on
Wednesday. Curbishley's men held on, with Green producing a save to keep out
Wilson Palacios' shot. And in injury time, Zaki missed another great chance
by shooting over after good work on the left from substitute Daniel De
Ridder.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on being tipped for the sack: "I was saying
to Steve Bruce before the game that I've made 19 other Premier League
managers pretty happy. "I've been a manager for 20 years and I've usually
looked down the list and been an outsider, so now I know what it feels like
to be the favourite. I've just got to get on with it. "We played well in the
first half and perhaps could have been 3-0 up by half-time. Wigan then got
on top of us but we defended fantastically."
Wigan boss Steve Bruce: "We think we did pretty well in the second half and
gave West Ham a bit of a doing. Their fans will go away thinking that Wigan
are a decent side. "But we're disappointed with the way we started. We
prided ourselves last season on being disciplined and hard to beat. "I'm
delighted with the way we played but for the first 15 minutes. We gifted
them the game - that's the disappointing thing."
West Ham: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert (Boa Morte 86),
Parker (Mullins 72), Noble, Etherington, Ashton (Sears 73), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Reid, Bowyer, Spence.
Booked: Parker, Davenport.
Goals: Ashton 3, 10.
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot (De Ridder 83), Scharner (Koumas 83), Boyce,
Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole (Sibierski 85), Palacios, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Kilbane, Brown, Bramble.
Booked: Palacios.
Goals: Zaki 47.
Att: 32,758
Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Dean Ashton: 8.92 (on 90
minutes).
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West Ham Utd 2 Wigan Ath 1 - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 16th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers are off to a winning start in this season's Premier League
thanks to a Dean Ashton brace at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon. But Alan
Curbishley's men were forced to survive a second-half onslaught in order to
take all three points in a classic game of two halves. Ashton got United off
to a perfect start when firing home an unstoppable volley after just three
minutes. The England striker - in front of watching England manager Fabio
Capello - turned his marker expertly on the edge of the box before blasting
home, giving keeper Chris Kirkland no chance. West Ham's lead was doubled
just six minutes later when Ashton notched his second of the afternoon from
close range. A Julien Faubert corner was turned on by debutant Valon Behrami
leaving Ashton with a tap-in from just three yards. Alan Curbishley's side
could have been three-up inside the first quarter of an hour but for a good
save by Kirkland, who had to be at his best to turn over a Matthew
Etherington effort. At the other end Wigan's only meaningful chance of the
first period came when a goalward header was turned off the line with Robert
Green well beaten. However the second half was to prove a far different
affair as the Hammers found themselves penned into their own half for
virtually the entire second period - and it was only thanks to the Latics'
profligacy in front of goal (the away side enjoying superiority in terms of
efforts on goal by 17 shots to 13) that the Irons managed to hold on for a
win. Wigan new boy Amr Zaki got the visitors back into the game within two
minutes of the restart when he finished brilliantly from close range with
the United defence half asleep. From then on in the Hammers were on the
backfoot with the kind of insipid display that typified last season's
run-in.
If nothing else it was a clear indication that should the Hammers board fail
to allow Alan Curbishley to improve his squad prior to the end of the
transfer window a real struggle could ensue given one or two major injuries.
After all, this was no Chelsea or Manchester United that had run the Hammers
ragged - but a team that finished 14th in last year's league and one that
few have tipped to better that position this term. Unsurprisingly the
Hammers failed to come through the game unscathed and Curbishley saw
match-winner Dean Ashton limp off with a calf injury late on - a situation
that could leave the United manager without both main strikers for the visit
to Manchester City next week. But despite the worrying second half display
and the injury to Ashton, Curbishley will no doubt take today's result which
should go some way to easing the pressure rather unfairly placed upon him
this week.
Match Facts
West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Upson, Davenport, Neill, Faubert (Boa Morte
85), Parker (Mullins 73), Noble, Etherington, Cole, Ashton (Sears 73).
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Spence, Bowyer, Reid.
Goals: Ashton (3, 10).
Booked: Parker (39), Davenport (49).
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Melchiot (De Ridder), Figueroa, Palacios, Boyce,
Scharner (Koumas), Cattermole (Sibierski), Valencia, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki.
Subs not used: Pollitt, Kilbane, Brown, Bramble.
Goals: Zaki (47).
Booked: Palacios (68).
Referee: Steve Bennett.
Attendance: 32,758.
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Deano double for Hammers - SSN
Debut man Zaki scores stunning volley
By Hayley Paterson Last updated: 16th August 2008
Moment of the match: Dean Ashton's double brace within the first 10minutes -
great way to open the season.
Attempt of the match: Man of the match Wilson Palacios' well-driven strike
was denied an equaliser as Rob Green was equal to it.
Save of the match: Once again it was Rob Green's save from a Palacios drive.
A Dean Ashton brace was enough for West Ham to claim their first three
points of the season as they beat Wigan 2-1. Both teams came flying out of
the blocks in the Premier League opener at Upton Park, but it was the
Hammers who broke the deadlock in only the fourth minute. Julien Faubert did
well down the right and whipped in a glorious ball into the feet of big man
Ashton. With his back to goal, he spun past Paul Scharner and smashed a
superb strike into the roof of the net, giving Chris Kirkland no chance
between the sticks. It was that man again as Wigan failed to deal with a
West Ham corner, Calum Davenport hooked the ball back into the mixer and
England international Ashton was on hand to poke the ball home from three
yards. The Latics were the better team in the second half and their hard
work paid off when new signing Amir Zaki struck a stunning volley past
Robert Green's desperate dive, after great work from Emile Heskey to flick
it on to the Egyptian. In the 15th minute another corner by Faubert almost
led to a third goal when Carlton Cole's header had to be tipped over by the
leaping Kirkland. After the interval, it was Wigan who piled on the pressure
with Heskey setting up a strike for new Egyptian signing Zaki in the 47th
minute. It was all hands to the pump for West Ham.
With boss Alan Curbishley having to field a team missing seven other
first-team players - including Anton Ferdinand and Craig Bellamy - the
Hammers were further rocked when their powerful hitman Ashton, appeared to
strain his calf after taking a free-kick in the second half, and having to
go off with 17 minutes left. Both he and Scott Parker went off and Zaki, who
has scored 27 goals in 48 matches for Egypt and is on a season-long loan
from El Zamalek missed two further chances to earn Wigan a point. Wigan kept
trying to come forward as Carlton Cole forced Kirkland to tip over his
back-header from another Faubert corner, and then cleared off his own line
to deny Zaki once more. Two minutes after the break, Wigan got their just
rewards when Zaki showed he is one to watch this season with a superb volley
to rifle home from Heskey's header. The Latics continued to threaten, but it
was the Hammers who managed to hang on for the three points.
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Curbs revels in pressure - SSN
West Ham boss delighted with opening win
Last updated: 16th August 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley had the perfect start to his Premier League
campaign with a win at Upton Park and rubbished rumours he could be facing
the sack. The under-fire West Ham boss feels he is always the one that is
the favourite to be shown the exit first in the league, and that this season
is no different. However, with a 2-1 win against Wigan under his belt thanks
to a brace from Dean Ashton, Curbs said he is not affected by the pressure.
"I've just got to get on with it," he told Sky Sports. "As I said to (Wigan
manager) Steve Bruce, I've made 19 other managers in the Premier League
quite happy but we just have to get on with it. "I've been a manager for 20
years now and most years when I look at that I'm a 14/1 outsider." On the
opening win, he said: "We had a fantastic start. "You're sitting there and
thinking, 'well, you need a third' especially on the opening day, people run
out of legs and we weren't quite sure and didn't get it. "Wigan got on top
of us and we had to make enforced changes and they defended very well."
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Vinny's Wigan Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sat Aug 16 2008
West Ham United 2 Wigan Athletic 1
2008/09 season began with victory as Dean Ashton's early goals were enough
to give West Ham all three points despite Wigan dominating large parts of
the second period. Although there has been little to be optimistic about
going into the season, I couldn't help but feel glad that the season was
about to begin again. Personally, I was desperate for the end of the last
campaign and was pleased when it was over. This was by no means a vintage
performance, but there again, I don't think we will ever see a vintage
performance whilst Alan Curbishley is manager of the club and I certainly do
not see us playing the type of quick passing football that we want to see.
The starting line up was pretty much as expected with the injury problems
still very much part of this squad. In goal was of course Robert Green, and
in front of him was Lucas Neill at left back, Matthew Upon, Callum Davenport
and our only meaningful summer signing Valon Behrami at right back.
In midfield, Matthew Etherington was on the left, Julien Faubert on the
right with Noble and Parker in the middle. Up front was Dean Ashton and
Carlton Cole as Craig Bellamy was again out injured, as he usually is. The
fans needed a good performance and result from the team. We needed a bit of
a lift as last season had bogged many down due to many uninspiring showings.
If there was ever a suitable beginning it was in this game as we had gone
one up in under three minutes through Dean Ashton. Wigan had begun brightly
and were having the bulk of the possession but a counter attack saw Faubert
slide the ball into the area for Ashton to take a touch around the defender
and blast into the roof of the net to bring Upton Park to life once more. It
was a pleasing goal to watch as it was taken so well by a player who we all
have many hopes for this season. We know that if he can stay fit he will
score goals and is going to be vital if we have any aspirations to do
anything this season.
Wigan seemed rattled by that goal after their calm start and we looked to
take full advantage by attacking them on the counter and getting it down the
flanks for both Etherington and Ashton. Ten minutes were not even on the
clock when we doubled our tally and once again it was that man Ashton was in
the right place at the right time. If the first goal was sublime the same
can hardly be said about the second as a corner drifted into the area by
Faubert caused an almighty scramble with a scuffed shot from Behrami finding
Ashton practically on the goal line to score his second.
The Deano chant rung around the Boleyn and that shortly turned into "we are
top of the league"! A third was nearly found moments later after another
corner was drifted to the near post by Faubert for Carlton Cole to flick the
ball towards goal only for Kirkland to tip over.
Although it was fantastic to be leading so early on, we had not actually
seen us play much football with the game taking a long time to settle down.
I was hopeful that the early lead would see us calm the game down and start
knocking the ball about but we seemed to find this difficult to do with
Wigan using their physical advantage to break up the play.
Cole was unlucky not to get a better connection on a nice move down the
right as a free kick was taken quickly and the low cross from Noble missed
Ashton but found Cole under pressure and his sliding in shot was easily
claimed by the keeper.
Wigan in their nauseating away shirts started to come into the game more and
we were beginning to look a little shaky with many free kicks being given
away. Most of them were soft challenges which could have gone either way but
referee Steve Bennett was beginning to frustrate the Upton Park crowd with a
number of poor decisions.
A hard challenge (but fair) from Parker on Palicios led to not only a free
kick to Wigan but a booking for Parker when there were questions to whether
it was even a foul.
This was the beginning of Wigan's best spell of the first half with the
visitors earning a number of corners which we just seemed to deal with.
Taking a 2-0 lead into the half time break was everything we could have
hoped and although Wigan had come back into the game as the half wore on,
their chances were generally speculative long range efforts which posed the
old dear in row z more problems than Robert Green.
The second period was like a different game and although not surprising to
many, we never got going and Wigan dominate. It was frustrating to watch us
unable to string a couple of passes together as a number of our players put
in sub standard performances.
The distribution from the defence was shocking, and the midfield were so
void of any quality we were lucky to survive the half without conceding more
than the one goal that we did.
Two minutes of the second half were on the clock when Wigan got that dream
start and a way back in the game. A long throw from Maynor Figueroa's was
flicked on well by the troublesome Heskey and Wigan's debutant Amr Zaki hit
an unstoppable volley past Green.
We were rattled and at times like this you are looking at the more
experienced players like Neill, Upson and Parker to help get the rhythm back
in our football and keep the heads up. None of this was apparent as Wigan
went at us again and again.
A mix up in our midfield led to the ball breaking forward for Zaki to run
through on goal. He was bundled over by Davenport who had been left for
dead. Davenport went into the book for the challenge and if there hadn't
have been another defender near by he would have seen red.
The resulting free kick was smashed towards goal but took a heavy deflection
and went away for a corner.
I was disappointed to see us clinging on for dear life in a game where we
had shown glimpses of quality and I know we had the players on the pitch to
get us going as an attacking force.
Faubert got the ball on the right and cut inside and managed to get off a
powerful left foot drive but it was comfortable for Kirkland.
Wigan should have equalised when a cross from Kapo from the left found Zaki
unmarked in the area in between two defenders, but his header was poor and
trickled wide.
Wigan's problem was their impatience, as a number of times when they had a
chance to build an attack and cause an already shaky defence more worries,
they tended to lose their heads and hit wild shots over the bar to the
annoyance of manager Steve Bruce.
Standing not too far away from Bruce was of course our own Alan Curbishley
who looked concerned about his side's collapse as a footballing side in the
second half. Changes needed to be made but there was one which was forced
which started the subs rolling.
A free kick from way outside the area was taken by Ashton who put it high
into the Bobby Moore Stand. He seemed to stub his toe when taking the shot
and very worryingly he had to come off injured. He was replaced by Freddie
Sears, and another change was made as the awful ball watching Scott Parker
was taken off with Hayden Mullins replacing him.
Mullins and Sears made a decent impact with Mullis picking up the pieces and
trying to get forward, and Sears kicking at the heels of the Wigan
defenders.
Wigan were unlucky to get that equaliser when Palicios hit a powerful drive
at goal from inside the area only for Robert Green to make an acrobatic save
and tip the ball over the bar.
Faubert was removed and replaced by Boa Morte which seemed to see the
Portuguese winger go to left back with Behrami at right midfield and Neill
back at right back.
We were happy to hold on and although Zaki had a decent chance in injury
time we saw out the remainder and picked up our first three points of the
season.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Not much he could do about Zaki's excellent strike and will be pleased with
his second half save from Palicios, especially in front of the England
manager (although I don't think that really matters). Looked a bit suspect
on a few crosses in the second half but gain more confidence as the game
progressed.
Valon Behrami
Making his full debut in English football was always going to be a learning
curve due to the pace of the game. He looked a little slow, and got caught
on his heels a number of times as Wigan were able to play passes behind him
too many times. Hopefully he will get up with the pace of the game soon and
prove his worth as there was not a lot of positives about his performance
today.
Callum Davenport
If Ferdinand, Collins or Gabbidon were fit they would all be in front of him
and it is not hard to see why. He is slow and when the going gets tough he
is the one who seems to look the worst. In the air he is beaten by few and
that was a plus side to having him in the side against a big Wigan side. But
when the ball is knocked in behind him he looks over the place.
Matthew Upson
Upson has never been blessed with pace but alongside Ferdinand this does not
seem to matter. But with an equally slow Davenport alongside him it was not
a surprise to see us struggle to keep up with some of the Wigan players.
Recovery-wise Upson was terrific and his timing of some of his tackles were
spot on.
Lucas Neill
Having been poor for the large majority of last season, it was welcome to
see Neill have a good game. He was playing out of his normal position with
George McCartney out injured, but he coped well and despite a few mis-placed
passes he put in a solid showing.
Julien Faubert
Having him in the side is like having a new signing as we still know little
about him and how he plays. He doesn't seem afraid to take on players and is
always looking to get an early cross into the area. He played big part in
both goals which is exactly what we want him to be doing. His final ball is
not always great and that is something he needs to work on if he is going to
have a successful season
Mark Noble
He has the ability to take control of a game and dictate its pace, but we
see this rarely and after an indifferent an indifferent campaign last
season, I am really hoping he is going to step up and become the player I
know he can be. On today's showing that is a long way off as he was out
muscled, out fought and out played by the Wigan midfield. His passing was
poor and he never got forward to assist with an attack. Much more needed
from Noble,
Scott Parker
If Noble was poor, Parker was shockingly awful. Let the game pass him by and
whether he was fit or not in beside the point. He was rightly taken off, and
although Mullins is not the answer, give me him over a performance like this
from Parker any day. Parker is a big player for us and one which we need to
be on top of his game. I hope this was just the start of season blues, and
he is just finding his fitness early on.
Matthew Etherington
A good first half performance was met with a clattering challenge which saw
him go off for treatment. From then on, he never looked the same and
although he completed his first 90 mins for us in a long long time, he was
hardly in the second half and the game just passed him by.
Carlton Cole
Worked hard and won a number of headers, but overall his performance was
poor and he never looked like a goal threat which is why he is never going
to be a top quality premiership striker. He does not score goals and I don't
think he will ever become a regular goal scorer no matter how many games he
plays. We need better.
Dean Ashton
His first goal was sublime and his second was a real goal poachers effort.
He ended last season on top form and has started it the same. Came off with
an injury which could well be cramp. A scan tomorrow will reveal if it is a
calf injury which will put him out of the England game. Regardless I just
hope Capello does not pick him and chooses Darren Bent instead. We cannot
afford to be without Dean Ashton as he is probably the most important player
we have got.
Subs
Freddie Sears (on for Ashton 73 mins)
Looked sharp and caused Wigan a few problems. Held the ball up well and made
some good runs into the channels which eased the pressure when we needed to
get rid of the ball from defence.
Hayden Mullins (on for Parker 73 mins)
Parker had to be replaced as he was just watching the game go past him.
Mullins came on and did what he is good at which is getting his foot in and
picking up the loose balls. He cannot be a first team starter any more but
still can do a job when coming on.
Luis Boa Morte (on for Faubert 86 mins)
On to give us a little bit more bite and made a couple of good challenges
when Wigan were breaking forward. Still a few boo's rang around when he came
on
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Reid, Bowyer, Spence.
Overall
It is always important to get off to a good start and of course I am please
that we have our first three points. But I am still concerned about the way
we play and the obvious positions which need strengthening.
What is more concerning is that they are the same positions which needed
strengthening last season. The problems we faced last season are the exact
same ones which we have now.
We need another striker as Bellamy and Ashton will get injured. Carlton Cole
although a willing trier is not good enough to replace these two as he does
not score goals and doesn't even look like a goal threat. I want him come
good but we keep saying the same thing about him far too often.
We need a creative midfielder and someone who will get into the area and
keep up with the attacks. Noble should be this player but he does do it
enough for my liking. If Parker or Noble are having a bad game and need to
come off, having Hayden Mullins as the replacement is not good enough.
I cannot believe Alan Curbishley cannot see these problems, and if he does
not sort them we will start to lose games, and he will be sacked.
Manchester City away next weekend and it will be interesting to see how we
fair against a side who will themselves be looking to improve on last
season.
Att: 32,758
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers see off Wigan revival - Times Online
West Ham 2 Wigan 1
Brian Glanville at Upton Park
IT MAY seem obvious to say that goals change a game but this match proved
it. You wouldn't have given Wigan a prayer after only 10 minutes, when they
were 2-0 down, let alone at half-time when the score was the same and they
had mustered scarcely one major attempt on goal.
However, they scored within a couple of minutes after the interval and took
it from there. Took the game, that is to say, emphatically to a suddenly
diminished and ineffectual West Ham, who were immensely lucky to hold on to
a 2-1 lead that seemed more fragile from minute to minute.
It might be argued that, as are so many things in football, it was all in
the mind. To dredge up a relevant cliche, having scored, Wigan plainly began
to believe, while West Ham mysteriously ran out of steam. They lost a
midfield that they had previously dominated and which now featured the
power, precision and technique of Honduras international Wilson Palacios.
But for all their possession, all the good football they now played, Wigan
found it hard to create concrete chances and so it was that West Ham
survived.
Yet in those first 10 minutes, they looked irresistible and Wigan looked
fragile in defence to a degree. First, Mark Noble found the French
right-winger Julien Faubert who crossed from the right. Dean Ashton, in
irresistible early form, pivoted dynamically and whipped in a tremendous
right-footed shot on the turn. There was nothing Chris Kirkland could have
done about it.
In the 10th minute, after a left-wing corner by Faubert, the ball came to
Ashton on the far post and it was 2-0. You wondered then, as Wigan looked
increasingly laborious, just how many goals would follow.
In the event, there was none at all, though on 14 minutes, a left-wing cross
by Faubert was met by Carlton Cole's strong header, which Kirkland jumped to
turn over the bar. Two minutes more, and Cole, at the other end, was
actually heading off his own goalline after a Wigan corner; Wigan's only
attempt of any consequence throughout the half.
Ten minutes after that, Kirkland went down low to take a shot from the new
West Ham right-back, Valon Behrami, but the score stayed at 2-0.
Just two minutes later into the second half and it was 2-1. The Wigan
left-back Maynor Figueroa took one of his long, searching throws from the
left, Emile Heskey, otherwise largely anonymous, flicked it on, and Amr
Zaki, the Egyptian international, whipped the ball in with his left foot. He
should really have got at least one more, notably on 67 minutes, when
another long throw by Figuro gave him an excellent chance that he booted
over the bar. Palacios, admired both by his own manager Bruce and West Ham's
Alan Curbishley, had Wigan's second most significant shot of the second
half, a fierce right-footed drive that the West Ham keeper Robert Green
soared to turn over the top, but that was as near as Wigan came to what
would have been a thoroughly well-merited equaliser.
Afterwards, Bruce said: "We have just given them a doing in their own
backyard. That's what disappointed me. You can't give two goals away. The
second one was pathetic. You can't expect to come here and score three,
though we could and should have done."
He spoke of how, at the instigation of Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, he
signed Palacios for his previous club, Birmingham City, and now he has him
profitably at Wigan. He spoke enthusiastically, too, about Zaki: "I thought
he could play in the Premiership and you saw it today. He's took the best
chance, his goalscoring record is unbelievable.
"You can see today he had five chances. He needs a little bit more
composure. Yes, I know I've got a decent team, but as we didn't defend
properly, we came unstuck. We took a long time to recover from the two
goals."
Star man:Wilson Palacios (Wigan)
WEST HAM:Green 7, Behrami 7, Davenport 6, Upson 6, Neill 6, Faubert 7 (Boa
Morte 86min), Parker 6 (Mull-ins 72min), Noble 6, Etherington 6, Ashton 7
(Sears 73min), Cole 6
WIGAN: Kirland 7, Melchiot (De Ridder 83min), Scharner (Koumas 83min),
Boyce, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole 6 (Sibierski 85min). Palacios 8, Kapo,
Heskey, Zaki
Referee:S Bennett
Attendance:32,758
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan Report - West Ham Till I Die
My trip to the ground did not get off to the best of starts. Driving up the
A20 I suddenly realised I hadn't put my season ticket in my wallet. Luckily
the ticket office happily issued me with a replacement.
But the day soon improved when an on fire Dean Ashton fired us two ahead in
the first fifteen minutes. It has to be said that Wigan had had the better
of the opening exchanges, and somehow you just knew that West Ham would
revert to type and fail to get the all important third. And so it
transpired.
We put together some neat one to one play, and always looked dangerous in
their penalty area, but just couldn't find the third. Wigan were by far the
better side in the second half and were unlucky to come away with nothing.
Let's face it, we were lucky to come away with all three points, but having
said that, so what? It was a reasonable performance for the first game of
the season and we should be grateful it was rather better than last season's
first game against Man City.
While I think of it, it was a bit odd seeing seven subs on the bench. I have
to admit I wasn't aware of that particular innovation. But it's great, and
means that a couple of the youngsters get some big match experience, even if
all they do is get splinters in their arses … although I doubt there are
many splinters on those new Recaro seats!
So, let's have a look at some of the individual performances. Deano
obviously gets the headlines, but he contributed far more than his two
goals. He was really mobile and chased everything. I just hope he hasn't
injured too much. Carlton Cole did well in the first half. He won a lot in
the air and constsntly harried. Freddie Sears looked very bright when he
came on for Deano. He has beefed up a bit and is more difficult to shake off
the ball. In midfield, Mark Noble was hugely disappointing and Scott Parker
wasn't his usual self. Their failure to control the agenda allowed Wigan to
dominate the centre of the pitch. Matty Etherington had a storming first
half but faded badly in the second. Julien Faubert was my man of the match.
He put in 100% effort, was great on the wing, wasn't afraid to shoot and had
a few good dribbles. I reckon he may get 10 goals this season. In defence
Lucas Neill was his normal self. He managed to get bypassed on at least half
a dozen occasions. Sadly, Vehrami was even worse. He was run ragged by the
Wigan left winger and must have wondered what had hit him. If right back is
his best position then … well, let's not be too harsh, it was only his first
game. In the centre Upson was stalwart and Davenport performed well too. And
Greeny was superb.
All in all, a satisfactory start.
Green 8
Upson 8
Davenport 7
Neill 5
Vehrami 5
Noble 5
Parker 6
Etherington 7
Faubert 9
Ashton 9
Cole 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce bemoans defending -SSN
Wigan boss frustrated with backline
Last updated: 16th August 2008
Steve Bruce was disappointed with his Wigan players for gifting the second
goal that proved to be the winner against West Ham. The Latics boss was far
from happy with his side's organisation on a corner which led to Dean Ashton
having a three yard tap-in to make it 2-0 in 10 minutes. After just four
minutes, the England striker had opened his Premier League account for the
season when his blistering strike gave Chris Kirkland no chance. But Bruce
feels his side could have done better with Ashton's second. It was the worse
possible start," he told Sky Sports. "The one thing we prided ourselves on
the back end of last season was not giving anything away and it was a great
goal by Ashton, you can say nothing about that one, but the second one, is
appalling on our behalf. "It was a bog-standard corner which we just haven't
dealt with it's and very, very disappointing because it cost us the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton shows England credentials in West Ham win - Yahoo Sports
12 hours, 12 minutes ago
LONDON (AFP) - Dean Ashton scored twice in West Ham's 2-1 win over visiting
Wigan, demonstrating to the watching England manager Fabio Capello the error
of the claim that England lacks quality young players. Just three minutes
into the match at Upton Park, the Hammers' 24-year-old striker collected a
pass from Julien Faubert and his 12 metre shot found the top right of the
goal. Six minutes later, the ex-Norwich man again proved his England
international credentials when he converted a corner. Calum Davenport got a
touch on Faubert's kick which Ashton sent into the bottom of the net with a
powerful right foot shot. Wigan's response came soon after half-time, when a
high ball found Emil Heskey's head, the 29-year-old England veteran knocked
it to Amr Zaki and the Egyptian showed his class by volleying it high past
Robert Green, marking his first goal in English football. Ashton was
withdrawn from the field after 72 minutes, after hurting himself while
taking a free kick, and Alan Curbishley replaced him with Fred Sears. Green
denied Wigan a virtually certain chance a couple of minutes later, the
Hammers' dependable keeper tipping Wilson Palacios' accurate 25 yard strike
over the bar. The 24-year-old Honduran had shown himself to be effective
throughout the match, albeit collecting a yellow card after a foul on Carlon
Cole. In the final minutes, the Latics' recently-signed midfielder Olivier
Kapo had a couple of shots on goal: a left field effort from the Frenchman
missed the target. Seconds later an opportunity came for the 24-year-old ex
Birmingham man to cross to Zaki but the shot went high.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton times West Ham's double to perfection as Fabio Capello looks on
- Telegraph
West Ham United (2) 2 Wigan Athletic (0) 1
By Andrew Warshaw at Upton Park
Last Updated: 7:49PM BST 16 Aug 2008
Talk about furthering your international claims. In front of England manager
Fabio Capello, Dean Ashton got West Ham off to a winning start but a nervous
one too as Wigan all but managed to cancel out his early brace in a
proverbial game of two halves.
A pair of timely Ashton strikes in the first nine minutes narrowly secured
an opening-day victory but Hammers fans will not need reminding about their
team's frequent inability to see off opponents from a seemingly comfortable
position. Last season West Ham suffered the cruelest of injury crises and
again started with no fewer than seven absentees.
Time, you could say, had stood still but luckily they had Ashton. Out for
virtually half of the last campaign, the England striker brought the crowd
to their feet after just three minutes with a wonderful shot and turn and
quickly doubled his tally with a close-range effort.
Game over? Not a bit of it. With the second half less than three minutes
old, Wigan halved the deficit thanks a superb right-foot volley from on-loan
Egyptian striker Amr Zaki. West Ham were suddenly stretched and both Manyor
Figueroa and the influential Wilson Palacios lashed shots over the bar.
As the anxiety mounted, Curbishley made a couple of changes but Zaki wasted
two more efforts and Robert Green saved brilliantly from Honduran
international Palacios, a former Arsenal trialist signed by Bruce in January
on Arsene Wenger's personal recommendation.
There was relief all round at the final whistle but also a worry about
Ashton, withdrawn after 73 minutes with what Curbishley hopes is no more
than cramp. "We'll find out tomorrow whether he's OK," said Curbishley. "We
are desperately hoping there is nothing wrong." Curbishley admitted his team
were outplayed after half-time but had nothing but praise for central
defenders Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport, supplemented by Carlton Cole
who was regularly forced to help out at the back despite giving a fine
first-half display up front. "I've been told not to use the injuries as an
excuse, so I'm not going to mention them," said Curbishley.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce could not hide his frustration. "In the second
half we slaughtered them in their own backyard," he said.
Best moment: Ashton's first goal, a breathtaking turn and shot.
Worst moment: Zaki's last-minute miss from eight yards.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Early bird Ashton clips brave Wigan's wingsObserver report Match facts -
Guardian Series
Premier League
West Ham United 2 Ashton 3, Ashton 10
Wigan Athletic 1 Zaki 47
Stuart Barnes The Observer, Sunday August 17 2008 Article historyAlan
Curbishley had a spring in his step when he walked off at half-time with
West Ham basking in a 2-0 lead courtesy of Dean Ashton's clinical finishing.
The vultures Curbishley had admitted were circling after he was made
favourite to become the first Premier League manager to lose his job were
nowhere to be seen.
At the end the feeling was more of relief at hanging on to all three points
after Wigan mounted a commendable comeback that would have at least have
brought them level if some gilt-edged chances had been accepted.
It was the classic game of two halves and made for a thoroughly entertaining
afternoon in which the result was in doubt right up to the moment in
stoppage time when Wigan's new Egyptian striker Amr Zaki miscued the third
opening that came his way. Zaki's sweet strike in the 47th minute had turned
the tide for his side, who, for the rest of the game, were the dominant
force, thanks largely to the midfield drive, enterprise and subtle passing
of Wilson Palacios.
The Honduran carved great gaps in a tiring West Ham midfield, but as manager
Steve Bruce admitted: 'You can't concede two goals in the first nine minutes
and expect to get something out of the game. We prided ourselves at the end
of last season of giving nothing away, so that was the most disappointing
thing. You can't get away with it in this league. But there are still plenty
of positives.'
Ashton's contribution in front of the England manager, Fabio Capello, ended
prematurely with what Curbishley hopes will be nothing worse than cramp. 'We
shall know more [today],' he said. 'His first goal was terrific; the second,
a case of being in the right place at the right time.
'We played well in the first half. Our passing was not good enough after
that and there were some tired legs out there. But our defensive work was
great.'
West Ham could not have made a better start - and Ashton could not have done
more to impress Capello. With three minutes on the clock, he brought down an
angled cross from Julien Faubert, turned Paul Scharner and lashed an
unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Curbishley had challenged a new slim-line Ashton to pick up the threads of
last season's late burst of scoring - and he was there again when Faubert's
corner was helped on by Calum Davenport to the far post. Wigan, all over the
place defensively, then needed Chris Kirkland to flick over a looping header
from Carlton Cole. Faubert's delivery continued to be a feature of the game,
but two minutes into the second half, Emile Heskey flicked on a long throw
and Zaki buried a volley.
With Wigan's two front men posing problems and Palacios exerting a growing
influence in midfield, the game took on a different complexion. Antonio
Valencia supplied Palacios who lifted his shot into the crowd. When Zaki
headed wide and drove over - both from good positions - West Ham were
struggling to keep a lid on this comeback.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton impresses Capello in opening day victory - Echo news
5:18pm Saturday 16th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
FABIO Capello must have been impressed. If England's head coach needs a
striker to shoot England to the 2010 World Cup, he need look no further than
West Ham United's Dean Ashton. All the talk a poor start to the new Premier
League season and sacking manager Alan Curbishley was cast aside as the
24-year-old fired the Irons to 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Upton Park
- in front of a watching Capello. The only downside was the forward's early
departure to a leg injury suffered while taking a set piece midway through
the second half. By then, however, Ashton had put Wigan to the sword with
two goals inside the first 10 minutes to set the Hammers on their way to an
opening day win. The in-form frontman's first goal arrived after just
three-and-a-half minutes. Julien Faubert, making just his fifth start for
the Irons, crossed for Ashton, who turned Paul Scharner brilliantly before
firing into Chris Kirkland's top corner. In response summer loan signing Amr
Zaki fired a shot well wide for Wigan, but it was not long before Ashton
gave Capello further evidence of his considerable talents by doubling the
hosts' lead. The game was not yet 10 minutes old when the £7.25million man
converted Calum Davenport's hooked centre from a couple of yards out. Upton
Park erupted as the home fans burst into a rousing chorus of "We are top of
the league".
Wigan's small band of travelling fans, like their players, were left
collectively stunned. The Lancastrians attempted to force their way back
into proceedings, but neither new signing Olivier Kapo nor Maynor Figueroa,
twice, could find the target from long-range. At the other end, Ashton's
strike partner Carlton Cole and Calum Davenport – with a header from
Faubert's free-kick – nearly made it 3-0, but Kirkland was equal to both
efforts. Unfortunately for the Hammers, they were made to rue those missed
chances just two-and-a-half minutes into the second half. Zaki, scorer of 27
goals in 48 games for Egypt, showed his international pedigree by lashing
home Emile Heskey's flick-on. As the Irons struggled to find any sort of
rhythm, Steve Bruce's side went in search of an equaliser, only for Wilson
Palacio and Antonio Valencia to fire efforts off-target. Having seen their
opponents lose goalscorer Ashton, who injured himself in bizarre
circumstances taking a free-kick, the Latics continued to press for a
leveler and Zaki should have done better when heading Kapo's cross woefully
wide. Palacios went close, forcing Robert Green to tip over his 25-yarder
with 14 minutes remaining before Kapo and Zaki – horrifically – both fired
over the crossbar. Wigan threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at
Curbishley's men in the closing stages, but the Hammers held on for a
valuable opening day success. Now, let's hope that injury is not too
serious...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 2 Wigan Athletic 1: Ashton displays true talents
By Hyder Jawad at Upton Park
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
The timing could hardly have been better for Dean Ashton. With Fabio
Capello, the England head coach, watching from the stand and enthusiasm rife
among West Ham United supporters, Ashton provided evidence to suggest that
the old-style English centre-forward is alive and well and ready to fulfil
exaggerated expectations at Upton Park.
Until Ashton limped off in the 72nd minute, he was the significant figure of
a bright match. His goals gave West Ham victory and went a small way towards
ending the debate about whether he has the attributes necessary for a club
of West Ham's ambition. Goalscoring is not his problem; avoiding injury
clearly is.
Indeed, when Capello came here to watch West Ham play Birmingham last
February, Ashton looked anything but a striker with international
credentials. Lacking confidence and pace, he cut an isolated and
disillusioned figure. It was painful to watch.
Six months on, the story could hardly be more different. Exuding style and
panache, Ashton scored twice within the first 10 minutes to give West Ham
what seemed to be a comfortable lead.
"Dean is definitely leaner," Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, said.
"He has worked hard with his diet and trained hard, as he always does. At
this stage, we think he suffered cramp but it's hard to say. "
The first goal, in the third minute, came when Ashton latched on to a cross
by Julien Faubert, turned Paul Scharner in one movement, and struck a fierce
shot from 12 yards into the top corner.
The second had rather less to commend it but said much about Ashton's
ability to find space even inside the six-yard box. With Wigan struggling to
clear, Calum Davenport turned the ball towards the far post to where Ashton,
inexplicably unmarked, was able to score from close range.
Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager, was less than impressed. "We pride ourselves
on our ability to give nothing away. But in the end, we were the better team
and I think even the West Ham fans will go away and admit we deserved
something."
Wigan had their old-style English centre-forward in the shape of Emile
Heskey but he did not emerge as a threat until the second half, by which
time Wigan had pulled a goal back and, with Wilson Palacios impressive in
midfield, threatened to change the complexion of the match. Heskey, also
hoping to impress Capello, having played under the previous three England
head coaches, flicked on a long throw for Amr Zaki to volley home in the
47th minute. It marked an excellent debut for the Egypt international.
Wigan had chances to equalise, with Olivier Kapo, the former Juventus
left-winger, twice testing Robert Green in the West Ham goal, but Ashton had
done enough even if, typically, he did not finish the game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton Masterclass Preceeds Usual Hammers Malaise - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 16 August, 2008 - 16:34.
A riveting brace scored by Dean Ashton within the first ten minutes under
the appreciative gaze of England manager Fabio Capello should have provided
the springboard for an emphatic victory, but despite dominating the first
half West Ham were not at the races for the second and were under the cosh
as soon as Wigan scored in the 47th minute, Hammers eventually ran out 2-1
winners.
Perhaps it was too much to expect a rip roaring tonking of Steve Bruce's
Wigan, but for just a while there was a glimpse of what might be. That
glimpse was obscured when Carlton Cole missing an absolute sitter that would
have put Hammers 3-0 up before half time although to be fair he did clear
the ball off the line just before, instead Wigan came out for the second
half pumped up and gave it a real go.
Jules 'TVG' Faubert was the provider for both of Ashton's goals, showing why
Hammers paid £6 Million to bring him to the Boleyn and was obviously hoping
to make a big impression.
Zaki missed Wigan's best chance of the first half when he blazed over from
Kapo's low cross
but scored his first goal in English football less than two minutes after
half-time.
Figueroa's throw-in was headed on by Heskey and Zaki lashed home an
unstoppable effort that gave Robert Green no chance.
Zaki then squandered a great chance to score again when he headed Kapo's
cross wide of the target and also volleyed over following another long throw
from Figueroa.
Wigan continued to put Hammers under pressure and things turned from bad to
worse when Dean Ashton limped off after 72 minutes after appearing to injure
himself while taking a free kick.
Hammers just held out, however, Rob Green was forced to produce a great save
to keep out Wilson Palacios' shot and in injury time, Zaki missed another
great chance by shooting over.
Not really the start that many fans had hoped for, but at least it is three
points on the board. but at what cost? - Ed
West Ham
01 Green
21 Behrami
27 Davenport
15 Upson
02 Neill
20 Faubert (86 Boa Morte )
08 Parker (72 Mullins )
16 Noble
11 Etherington
09 Ashton (73 Sears )
12 Cole
Substitutes
24 Lastuvka, 13 Boa Morte, 17 Mullins, 28 Reid, 29 Bowyer, 33 Sears, 45
Spence
Wigan
01 Kirkland
25 Melchiot (83 De Ridder )
07 Scharner (83 Koumas )
17 Boyce
31 Figueroa
16 Valencia
04 Cattermole (85 Sibierski )
05 Palacios
23 Kapo
09 Heskey
13 Zaki
Substitutes
12 Pollitt, 06 Sibierski, 08 Kilbane, 10 Koumas, 11 Brown, 18 De Ridder, 19
Bramble
Ref: Steve Bennett
Att: 32758
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton and Crouch left out of England squad - viewlondon.co.uk
England manager Fabio Capello has left out Dean Ashton and Peter Crouch for
the friendly against the Czech Republic on Wednesday. Capello was at Upton
Park this afternoon and he watched Ashton score twice for West Ham in their
2-1 win over Wigan Athletic. But the striker was then taken off as he looked
to have injured his hamstring. Another striker on show at Upton Park was
Wigan forward Emile Heskey and he has earned a recall to the squad. But
there is no place for Crouch who moved to Pompey this summer for £11 million
from Liverpool. The 27-year-old has an excellent international record,
scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances. Aston Villa winger Ashley Young was
another surprise exclusion from the squad, but Arsenal star Theo Walcott has
been selected.
England Squad:
Goalkeepers
David James (Portsmouth), Paul Robinson (Blackburn), Joe Hart (Manchester
City)
Defenders:
Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Wes
Brown (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson
(Portsmouth), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham), Matthew Upson (West Ham)
Midfielders:
Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Joe Cole (Chelsea),
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Steven Gerrard
(Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Stewart Downing
(Middlesbrough), David Bentley (Tottenham),
Strikers:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Emile Heskey
(Wigan).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The best team doesn't always win - WHU 2 - 1 Latics - Match Report -
CockneyLatic.co.uk
By Jay T - 16/08/2008 22:08
After a disastrous first 10 minutes, Latics showed the gall, the
determination and the experience of a top Premier League club and pummelled
West Ham. Unfortunately the best team doesn't always win and Zaki's goal
wasn't enough after Ashton put Hammers in front.
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE - Boleyn Ground - Saturday August 16th 2008
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean Ashton 3, 10 2-1 WIGAN ATHLETIC
Amr Zaki 47
Referee: Steve Bennett
Attendance: 32,758
A cracking goal and an extremely lucky goal from Dean Ashton in the first 5
minutes saw Latics lose, even though the very impressive Zaki pulled one
back. After the early disappointment of an against the run of play double
from Dean Ashton a resilient and very attacking minded Latics side could and
should have won this match convincingly. From the kick off West Ham showed
signs that they were a good team, this was supported by them going two nil.
But after Dean Ashton had completed his double it was all Latics, Zaki and
Heskey were linking up really well and the shaky start by the new comers the
team was becoming a distant memory as they started to gel. If you asked me
who was playing in midfield for West Ham (the so called lovely passers of
the beautiful game) I wouldn't be able to tell you played there.
The ball was punted forward more than (yes I say MORE THAN) watching a
Bolton match. Ashton, even though he scored two goals was less than capable
and had we played them in two weeks time, we could have had a cricket score
against them. The few travelling supporters were demoralised after the first
ten minutes, but at the end of the game we all said how much the team
created chances. Although we didn't win today the team have showed us that
we are going to be a force this season. The Hammers are really going to
struggle if that is the best they have. Ashton opened the scoring after just
three minutes with a cracking volley. His second was extremely lucky as a
corner somehow found its way to him on the goal line for an easy tap in.
Everything after that was all Latics. The only opportunities that the
hammers and were counter attacks as they were mauled all over the park. The
extremely impressive Zaki is going to go down in folk law for Latics on this
performance. Every Wigan fan at the ground commented on his energy, skill
and eye for goal.
The Egyptian International was unlucky not to score five today, had it been
in two weeks time after a bit of match practise, this boy could have
embarrassed the 'We won the world cup you know' West Ham United. On
countless occasions the lads peppered the Hammers goal, Green had to be on
top form, but when he couldn't get near there always seemed to be someone
there on the line to clear. Early in the second half though, Zaki did make
his mark with a clinical finish from a flick on by Emile Heskey. With 43
minutes left of the game and with the boys in 'Viz' Yellow storming on, it
looked like there was only going to be one winner. But alas, the equalising
and ultimately the winning goal never came. Countless opportunities were
created but not converted and it turned into a very frustrating afternoon.
Even at the end when it looked like we were playing a 2-1-7 formation, it
showed that Bruce was brave enough to throw everything at it.
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Curbs frets over Ashton scare - Setanta
by Richard Field, 16 August 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is sweating over the fitness of Dean Ashton
after the striker appeared to strain a hamstring in the 2-1 win against
Wigan.
The striker produced a two-goal winning performance before leaving the pitch
in some distress. "We've just got to hope it's only cramp. With Craig
Bellamy and Kieron Dyer still out it's the last thing we need from our point
of view - to see Deano out as well," rued Curbishley. "He has done ever so
well and is in a real run of goals, scoring six in five pre-season
friendlies after his late burst last season. "He's leaner, too. He's worked
hard and has been on a different diet. It would be a real shame if he's got
another injury now but I think he'll be all right." England manager Fabio
Capello was at Upton Park to watch this Premier League game, but then
declined to name Ashton in his squad to face the Czech Republic at Wembley.
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West Ham boss Curbishley grateful to have Ashton
tribalfootball.com - August 16, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley was full of praise for two-goal Dean Ashton
after their victory over Wigan Athletic. Ashton went off in the 73rd minute
after appearing to strain a hamstring taking a free-kick. Curbishley said:
"Obviously Dean's got to be picked for England yet - but if he is and he's
pain-free in the morning he will be available to play. "We've just got to
hope it's only cramp. With Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer still out it's the
last thing we need from our point of view - to see Deano out as well."
England manager Fabio Capello was at Upton Park to see Ashton crash home a
superb opening goal in just four minutes and an opportunist tap-in from a
Julien Faubert corner six minutes later. The Italian gave Ashton his first
England cap against Trinidad and Tobago at the end of last season after the
former Crewe and Norwich striker's comeback from breaking an ankle a year
earlier, while training with Steve McClaren's England squad. Curbishley
continued: "He has done ever so well and is in a real run of goals, scoring
six in five pre-season friendlies after his late burst last season. "He's
leaner, too. He's worked hard and has been on a different diet. It would be
a real shame if he's got another injury now but I think he'll be all right."
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