Gianfranco Zola has plenty of positives to report ahead of the visit of
Bolton Wanderers this Sunday afternoon
03.10.2008
Gianfranco Zola is pleased with his start to life as manager of West Ham
United as he looks ahead to the televised Barclays Premier League game
against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
The manager has enjoyed two wins from his first two top-flight games but
thinks that the good form is mainly down to the players' professionalism on
the Chadwell Heath pitches. He said: "I saw how the players trained in the
first week and I told them after one week 'if we can keep this attitude and
transfer what we are doing on the training ground to the pitch then we have
a very good chance to perform well'.
"They did so - I'm surprised but not that much. Nothing comes by chance, if
you train well then do the same things on the pitch then most of the time
good things come. The players are enjoying what they are doing first and
they believing what they are doing so we are getting the right results just
for that."
Matthew Etherington also appears to have enjoyed Zola's arrival, scoring in
the last two fixtures and his boss singled him out for particular praise.
"The first day we played some possession ball and I saw him and asked him to
play more in the middle and he was actually one of the best. It is something
that he knows how to do and he has always known how to do that. Maybe in the
past a manager has asked him to do something different but he can do that
job and I can assure he will get much better."
Zola was also happy about how quickly his new-look management team have
gelled. "Steve Clarke's contribution is immense, the same as Antonio Pintus
and also Kevin Keen - we have established a fantastic group here. When you
come into work and it so pleasant to work, the players feel this and they
are responding. You get the best out of yourself if you are enjoying what
you are doing and that's what we try to do. So far things have gone well and
we hope we can keep it [going] for a long time."
Although he has enjoyed the bright start, the manager knows there will
inevitably be some tougher points still to come. "Now it is easy because we
are doing well but there will be moments that things will not be the same
but we need to carry on what we are doing. I'm really drilling this into the
players that they focus on the game, the system and the way we play. All the
other things will come along."
With several senior players nearing a first-team return - Zola revealed the
Bolton game may have come slightly too early for James Collins and James
Tomkins - and the youngsters impressing for the reserves in midweek, 'Mr',
as the players refer to him, could soon be spoilt for choice. "I'm sure that
as that everyone is playing well and we are going to have [Craig] Bellamy
back and we have Freddie Sears who is pushing, it gives them motivation and
another reason to train well. Competition is one of the most important
things to keep you alive and keep you fresh all the time."
Bellamy has enjoyed a good week in training and the manager hopes that the
Welshman can play a key role this season. "He knows he is a very important
part of this team. [Against Fulham] he played for 20 minutes, maybe next
time he will play more. We will see. He knows that if he doesn't play
straight away now he is still a very important player for this club."
Dean Ashton, who will not play again until 2009, underwent ankle surgery
this week and Zola is happy with the initial reports back, although he
stressed it was "too early to say" when the No9's return date would be. "The
main thing is the operation went well. Now we need to wait a little bit to
see how long it will take. As far as I know there were a few particles that
needed to be removed but the main thing is that it went OK," he explained.
Zola, who also confirmed that out of contract Spanish striker Diego Tristan
was training with the squad but that no decision had been taken about
signing him, faced Sunday's visitors during his playing days and knows what
to expect. "Bolton are a straightforward team, a very direct team. They are
a team we have to respect. Last time they lost 2-0 to Manchester United but
they were very unlucky and played very well so it is going to be tough. They
put many bodies behind the ball so it won't be easy to find space for us.
They are a threat from set-pieces so we will need to perform well against
them."
When some new managers arrive at a club, it is often the case that the first
thing they change is the eating habits of the squad. Zola revealed with a
smile that he has had no such problem at Chadwell Heath. "The food is fine
so the players don't have that problem. To be honest when I see the players
in here they eat properly. I see what the cook prepares and it is very good
... I prefer to stay here actually but don't tell my wife as she may take it
the wrong way!"
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Behrami banking on Bolton - WHUFC
A tough game is in prospect this weekend but Valon Behrami is confident in
his new team-mates
04.10.2008
Valon Behrami is ready for "a big game" on Sunday as he looks forward to
helping West Ham United in their bid for a third straight league win under
Gianfranco Zola.
The unassuming midfielder is proving a revelation for the club, having only
signed in the summer from Serie A giants Lazio but already become a firm
favourite with the fans who appreciate his work-rate as much as his ability.
He has particularly excelled in his new midfield role - a position he knows
well and where he will line up for Switzerland next week on World Cup duty.
An energetic and enthusiastic performer who is usually one of the last to
leave the Chadwell Heath training ground every day, Behrami is expecting the
team to come out on top against Bolton Wanderers. He said: "It is a big game
on Sunday. We don't need to talk so much about it but just let our actions
speak for themselves. People are starting to talk more about West Ham but we
just have to do our work on the pitch."
He is refusing to get too carried away by the form that has taken the club
to fifth in the fledgling league table. "I don't know where we can finish. I
don't like to predict the future but just take it game by game. I think we
have a good way of working. We are working hard for success and that is the
most important thing."
The 23-year-old said the club's set-up is "what I had been searching for
this summer". Speaking to the match programme, he added: "For me, it is
important to have found a team like West Ham United. The fans are
incredible. All the people that work here are very good. It is like a family
here and I like that a lot. We work very hard and all work in the same way.
That is important for me. Every day when I wake up I am happy to go to the
training ground."
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Captain's Blog - Everyone on a high - WHUFC
The skipper speaks of the confidence in the camp and the need for the
winning run to continue
04.10.2008
It was fantastic to come away with all the points at Craven Cottage and
secure our first away win of the season against Fulham.
As I expected, the support from our fans was great and it was rewarded with
a victory. I thought the game was not a comfortable one, but one in which we
worked hard and always looked the more threatening, despite Fulham's huffing
and puffing. The only disappointment was to concede a goal and not get a
clean sheet. Also, that we didn't make the scoreline more comfortable,
especially when it was eleven men against ten. We had other chances that we
did not take, but that is something we will learn from for the future.
However, if you asked us at the start of the season if we would be where we
are now and would we take it? The answer of course is - yes.
This weekend we welcome Bolton Wanderers. We need the support of our fans
more than ever, because I really feel this is a game that if we win, it can
set us up for an exciting run into Christmas. Every win from now until then,
will see us remain in the top six and when you are in amongst that leading
pack all year, you want to stay there. If you do drop points, hopefully you
would have done enough to remain in that top pack, so you can go again. You
are always in sight of the big guys and are hungry all season. It keeps
everyone confident and just makes the whole club a better place to be at.
It has been another good week in training - 'Mister' introduced us to his
first morning and afternoon sessions this week - something that is going to
become a lot more familiar to us in our schedule. Once again, it will take
time to get used to different ways of doing things but with each training
session we are settling in to what is required of us and everyone is working
hard.
Following the Bolton game, many of the players including myself, will be on
international duty, so we wish everyone well. Hopefully everyone will then
come back batteries fully charged and ready to go again when we play Hull
City.
Lucas Neill
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Upson has double ambition - WHUFC
Matthew Upson wants to make it three wins in three for West Ham United and
earn another England call
05.10.2008
Matthew Upson is hoping to end the weekend with a twin cause for celebration
- victory against Bolton Wanderers and then inclusion in Fabio Capello's
England squad.
The defender has played a key role under new manager Gianfranco Zola,
helping the club to back to back league wins for the first time in a year. A
3-1 home success against Newcastle United was followed by last weekend's 2-1
win away to Fulham. "Confidence is high and people are realising this is an
opportunity to put us in an excellent position for the start of the season,"
Upson said. "A win on Sunday will really confirm a good start to the season
for us."
Bolton Wanderers earned four points off West Ham United last season and
Upson knows that he and Lucas Neill need to be on their toes against the
lively Kevin Davies. The centre-back is expecting a direct game with Bolton
mixing up good football with a combative approach. "You do mentally prepare
differently for every game in terms what you might face and Bolton are no
different. I think every game is physical but Bolton especially like to use
that to their strengths and you've got to be prepared for that
"Set-pieces are important - organisation, attacking the ball and being
strong in the air. All these things have a slight extra importance than if
you were playing someone like Arsenal who are more of a ball on the floor,
pass and move style team so you have to prepare slightly differently."
West Ham United have not kept a clean sheet since last February, a run of 18
games stretching back to 23 February. It is not for the want of trying,
especially since the arrival of Zola and Steve Clarke. "We've not kept as
many clean sheets as we'd have liked, but with the style of play we're using
we're always going to be an attacking team at the moment," Upson added.
"Defensively we need to work out and be a bit more organised and hopefully
get a few clean sheets."
Under the new management, a big emphasis has been placed on the rearguard
organisation. "We've done some back four work in terms of shape and
positioning, overloading the back four, seven versus five so we have to deal
with an overload of bodies. We've been working on that every week and the
training's very structured. I'm very much enjoying it. It's a good
opportunity for all the players to improve their game and the training is
based on improving technically and tactically so that's something we can all
benefit from."
Upson is also feeling the benefits at Chadwell Heath of being involved in
the England set-up, with the 29-year-old earning his eighth cap in the
tremendous 4-1 win in Croatia last month. "It has definitely helped my game
[being with England]. This is a very similar set-up to that in terms of the
amount of work we do. The 'no days off' training and the double sessions is
maybe the mentality that Italian managers have and I think it's something
that could bring success so I'm excited."
The England squad to face Kazakhstan at Wembley next Saturday and then
travel to Belarus on Wednesday week is named tonight and Upson is crossing
his fingers he is involved. "I hope I'm selected and if so I look forward to
the ten days of training and the two games. Let's see what happens. [Against
Croatia] it was a tough ten days mentally and physically so we have to work
hard and be very focused while we're there. It's interesting and you learn a
lot."
While John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are ahead of him in the pecking order,
Upson knows he just has to maintain his club form to stay in contention.
"It's up to me at the moment, I have been given an opportunity to play and
it's down to me and that's all I want. Lots of things can happen so I've got
to keep hanging in there and improving and proving to the manager I can do
the job." He is also hopeful that he is joined by club-mates with a number
of players in form. "It's great to get as many people in the squad. It's a
top quality squad to be involved in - some of the best talent around."
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Derby dates moved for TV - WHUFC
The matches at home to Tottenham Hotspur and away to Chelsea will be shown
live on television
03.10.2008
West Ham United can confirm two fixture changes with two forthcoming London
derbies being selected for live broadcast on television.
The home game against Tottenham Hotspur will take place on Monday 8
December, kick-off at 8pm, live on Setanta Sports. The club's trip to
Chelsea the following weekend has been moved to a 4pm start on Sunday 14
December. This will be shown live on Sky Sports.
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Hall shines for England - WHUFC
Robert Hall got two assists as the Young Lions cruised to a 6-0 win in an
Under-16 international on Friday
03.10.2008
Robert Hall turned in an impressive display on his debut for England
Under-16s on Friday night as the Young Lions ran out 6-0 winners against
Northern Ireland Under-16s in Ballymena.
A half-time substitute, the 14-year-old Hall made an instant impression with
a driving run from the halfway line right to the edge of the hosts' penalty
area before being upended. He was to show his attacking intent inside the
box with a couple of half-chances, before sliding in team-mate Jake Fowler
for the fifth goal and then seeing his saved shot followed up by Ra'vel
Morrison for the sixth.
The Under-16 contest was the first game of the 2008 Sky Sports Victory
Shield. Hall has been with the club since he was seven and proved to be a
prolific goal scorer as he has progressed through the Academy ranks. Hall is
following in the footsteps of other West Ham United products to have
featured in the Shield including Trevor Brooking, Joe Cole and current U19
international Jordan Spence.
Academy director Tony Carr said: "Robert follows a long list of young
strikers we have produced over the years and we wish him every success. We
have got high hopes for him as a promising young player for the future."
The Victory Shield sees England, winners of the last seven editions and
managed by Kenny Swain, take on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in a
mini-league format with the team who finish top of the group lifting the
trophy. England will next be in action against Wales in Llanelli on 31
October before concluding the round-robin tournament on 29 November against
Scotland.
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West Ham United 1-3 Bolton - WHUFC
05.10.2008
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers
Sunday 5 October 2008
Kick-off: 1.30pm
Referee: Mike Dean
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Parker, Behrami,
Noble, Di Michele (Bellamy 54), Cole, Etherington (Sears 79)
Subs: Lastuvka, Davenport, Lopez, Mullins, Boa Morte
Goal: Cole 69
Booked: Noble, Faubert, Bellamy, Parker
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Samuel, Andrew O'Brien, Cahill, Gardner,
Nolan, Muamba (Joey O'Brien 80), Steinsson, McCann, Elmander (Taylor 73),
Davies
Subs: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Riga, Shittu
Goals: Davies 30, Cahill 34, Taylor 86
Booked: Nolan, Taylor, Andy O'Brien
Attendance: 33,715
West Ham United's magnificent home form came to an end on Sunday afternoon
when Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill and Matthew Taylor struck to give the
visitors a first away win this campaign.
Bolton shocked the home support with two quick-fire goals on the half-hour
mark. Davies took advantage of a mix-up involving Robert Green to give them
the lead in the 30th minute and Cahill doubled the advantage four minutes
later when he finished after the United goalkeeper had superbly saved a
Gretar Steinsson volley. Carlton Cole got the home side back in the contest
but a late free-kick from Matt Taylor ended their hopes.
Gianfranco Zola had the luxury of naming the same starting XI for the third
straight league game. Bolton were also unchanged, selecting the same side
that lost 2-0 to Manchester United last weekend. The hosts were looking for
a third straight win in the league for the first time since the end of the
2006/07 season with the added incentive that if they succeeded they would
move to the top of the Barclays Premier League - albeit temporarily before
the results of the later games were known.
The rain that had been drenching east London had cleared just in time for
the match to get underway at 1.30pm, although the pitch was still bearing
the signs with a lot water on the playing surface. Perhaps this explained
the cautious opening couple of minutes as both teams carefully sought to
keep the ball. Herita Ilunga was the first to enjoy possession in a
threatening area and his trickery won a free-kick near the 18-yard box.
Julien Faubert curled it round the wall but Jaaskelainen smothered it
comfortably.
Mark Noble received an early caution - going in Mike Dean's notebook after
catching Steinsson late. The resulting free-kick forced Ilunga to make a
vital headed clearance. Cole had gone into the match in red-hot form and his
confidence appeared high as he turned his marker and tired his luck from 25
yards. Almost instantly Bolton broke away and Johan Elmander found himself
with a clear sight of Green's goal but Wanderers' record signing could only
fire tamely at United's No1.
Ilunga was having a lively opening quarter on an hour and another surge down
the left saw him burst dangerously into the Bolton penalty area. His cross
to the far post was just long for his team-mates.
As expected the visitor's early attacks mainly involved high balls into the
penalty area but Matthew Upson and, in particular, Lucas Neill seemed up to
anything thrown at them. The pair helped United deal with four straight
corners and when they finally got the ball back, a classic break involving
Mark Noble, Scott Parker and David Di Michele let the Italian curl a
left-footed shot from the corner of the area just wide.
The home side would have been frustrated to not be in front when Davies gave
Bolton the lead. Green came out to the edge of the area to claim a long ball
but could not hold on and it fell to the feet of the No14 who prodded it
into the unguarded net. Noble almost restored parity straight away but his
free-kick went just over.
Bolton then extended their lead two minutes later. A free-kick from the
right was volleyed goalwards by Steinsson. Green saved well but could not
hold on and Cahill followed up to force the ball over the line.
The second goal was a body blow to United, who had started so brightly. To
compound matters five minutes before the break, Ilunga, who had impressed,
had to leave the field for five minutes for treatment to an arm injury.
Upson headed over as United tried to get one back but it was the visitors
who went in two up at half-time.
The first effort of the second half saw Cole's deflected shot from 20 yards
superbly tipped on to the post by Jaaskelainen. Faubert was then booked for
arguing a bit too strongly about a decision and in the 54th minute Di
Michele made way for Craig Bellamy as Zola looked to add some extra pace up
front.
Cole got United back in the game in the 69th minute. A corner from the right
was headed goalwards by Upson and the striker got to it ahead of the Bolton
keeper to head in off the crossbar. The home support amongst the 33,715 in
the Boleyn Ground responded by roaring the team on and Behrami was inches
away from equalising a minute later with a drive from 20 yards.
Etherington made way for Sears, who struck four goals in midweek, as the
game entered its final stages but it was Bolton who had the final word.
Substitute Taylor, on for Elmander, converted a fierce free-kick from the
right that Green could do nothing about. Parker, Cole and Andy O Brien all
received late bookings as United's great form at home came to an end.
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Zola looking for response - WHUFC
Gianfranco Zola thinks his side will respond positively to the defeat by
Bolton Wanderers
05.10.2008
Gianfranco Zola may have seen his side come up short against Bolton
Wanderers on Sunday but he expects them to be better for the experience.
The manager said he hopes to turn the 3-1 defeat into a positive for his
squad, who still sit in sixth place and within striking distance of
third-place Hull City who they meet in a fortnight. "It might be rhetoric
but games like this can help you too - one step backwards and two steps
forward. We need to improve the mentality. Sometimes you are 1-0 down and
you need to react to that and not accept it," Zola said.
After the home side had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, Bolton
scored two quick goals to lead 2-0 at half-time. Zola said: "When you find
your team playing well as we were before the goal and you expect to score at
any moment and then instead the goal comes from opposition it was quite a
surprise. But this is football and we need to improve and we need to believe
that it won't be like this all the time.
"Until the goal we were completely in control of the game and we were doing
what we were supposed to do. Sometimes they were sitting with six players on
the back line and three players in front of them so it was very difficult
for us to find a place to break in."
Zola tried to change things round by bringing on the fresh legs of Craig
Bellamy and Freddie Sears as his side worked hard to break through a
stubborn Bolton back line. "We tried to find the solution but it wasn't
easy. There were too many bodies in there and the only way round them was on
the flanks. We tried to do that and we created one chance when [Valon]
Behrami had a great shot. But it's not easy when you come up against a team
defending so well the way they do."
Zola had no complaints about his team's attitude in the first half, saying:
"To be fair to the players they were doing exactly what they were supposed
to be doing. We had a couple of chances in which we could have been better
and also scored. It's not easy when you are playing well and you give a goal
away and then five minutes later you give another one away with the only
chance they had. That can really destroy your confidence."
Several members of the first-team squad will be joining up with their
respective international squads this week but for the players remaining at
Chadwell Heath, Zola will use the time to good use. "It's a pity that we
could not play next week as I would like to have had a game but I'm sure the
players will come back stronger. I'm totally confidant that through the work
they'll be doing during the week they're going to get better and going to
get stronger mentally."
Robert Green was involved in both the visitors' opening goals - some
confusion at the back allowed Kevin Davies to score and then for the second
he made a fantastic save only for Gary Cahill to put the rebound in. Zola
though had nothing but praise for his stopper, who has again been selected
by England. "He's disappointed. But I have nothing to say as he's a great
goalkeeper and he has all my trust and all the team's trust. Everybody
believes in him. Today it has been a bad day for him ... football is like
that. You should always have confidence in what you are doing."
Carlton Cole's fourth goal of the season gave some hope late on but that was
wiped away by Matt Taylor's late free-kick. It confirmed the defeat, and
hardened Zola's resolve for next time. "It is painful. It was painful as a
footballer and it is a manager, maybe even more so. It is painful to lose,
but more painful to lose when you don't think you deserve to. But we will
come back stronger after this. I feel bad inside when I'm losing a game like
that and you should react quickly."
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England call Green and Upson - WHUFC
West Ham United will again be well represented in the England squad with two
key players named
05.10.2008
Robert Green and Matthew Upson have been selected in the England squad to
face Kazakhstan and Belarus in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The duo were both given the boost after the 3-1 home defeat by Bolton
Wanderers on Sunday afternoon. Green has one cap to his name, while Upson
will hope to add to the eighth England appearance he made as a late
substitute in last month's 4-1 win in Croatia. England are at home to
Kazakhstan at Wembley this Saturday before the trip to face Belarus on
Wednesday week.
England squad
James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham United), Carson (West Bromwich Albion);
Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand
(Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham United), A Cole
(Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott
(Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Lampard
(Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips
(Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan Athletic), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney
(Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth).
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West Ham 1-3 Bolton - BBC
By Ian Hughes
Two Robert Green errors and a stunning Matthew Taylor free-kick secured
victory for Bolton at West Ham. The Hammers keeper gifted Bolton their
opener when he dropped a hopeful cross at Kevin Davies' feet and the striker
poked the ball into an empty net. Green then failed to hold the ball after
saving Gretar Steinsson's volley and Gary Cahill was on hand to tap in.
Carlton Cole headed in from a corner to give West Ham hope but Taylor
smashed in from 40 yards to secure the win. Although Bolton's tactics were
defensive at times it was probably no more than they deserved from a
disciplined performance. It might have been very different as West Ham's
confidence was evident early on, as they looked to secure a third successive
league win. Their passing game quickly had Bolton on the back foot, with
on-loan left-back Herita Ilunga a particular danger with some strong
running. Cole also looked a threat but failed to keep his shot down after a
sharp turn. However, it was Bolton who created the first real opening and
Johan Elmander should have done better than to direct a tame shot straight
at Green. Back came West Ham and Ilunga almost worked his way through on
goal but was denied at the last by Jlloyd Samuel. And as Bolton sat back,
the hosts looked on the verge of making their dominance tell as shots came
in from David di Michele and Valon Behrami. But then in the space of four
minutes, the game was turned on its head. First, Green came out to collect a
high ball but dropped it for Davies to gratefully slot home. And then the
unfortunate keeper failed to cling on to Steinsson's well-struck effort and
Cahill was quickest to the loose ball to make it 2-0 to the visitors. West
Ham tried to push on and set about getting themselves back in the game, but
their earlier swagger had gone and they looked stunned. The hosts must have
received a stern talking-to at half-time as they emerged after the interval
with renewed fight. And they almost halved their deficit when Cole's curler
seemed to be heading for the top corner until Jussi Jaaskelainen clawed it
away and on to the post. Bolton hit back and Gavin McCann went close with a
fierce strike before a Matthew Upson backpass nearly heaped more
embarrassment on Green.
Then, from a set-piece, West Ham gave themselves a lifeline when Upson
headed back a corner for Cole to nod in, with the help of a slight
deflection. West Ham were now in the ascendancy as Bolton sat back trying to
protect their lead. But despite having much more of the ball, the Hammers
were finding it impossible to break their opponents down. Instead it was
Bolton who struck again when Taylor's brilliant swerving 40-yard set-piece
easily beat Green and ensured Bolton left Upton Park with all three points.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "It happens, sometimes it is the
goalkeeper, sometimes it is the striker. I've missed chances from virtually
the goal line. "I'm sure Robert will come back and we'll be thanking his for
saving a penalty or something. "We have total faith in him and I have total
faith in the whole team."
Bolton manager Gary Megson: We spoke about the way West Ham would come onto
us and we had to try and negate that by taking the game to them and playing
in their half. "We've got work rate, resilience and character in spades but
today we played some decent football. "To come to a club that has won its
first three games of the season here, to beat them on their home patch is a
big thing for us."
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Di
Michele (Bellamy 54), Etherington (Sears 79), Cole.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins, Davenport.
Booked: Noble, Faubert, Bellamy, Parker.
Goals: Cole 69.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Andy O'Brien, Cahill, Samuel, Davies,
Nolan, McCann, Muamba (JoeyO'Brien 80), Gardner, Elmander (Taylor 73).
Subs not used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Riga, Shittu.
Goals: Davies 30, Cahill 34, Taylor 86.
Booked: Nolan, Taylor, Andy O'Brien.
Att: 33,715
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Bolton's Gary Cahill on 7.09 (on 90
minutes).
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Zola on ... Bolton - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 5th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on today's disappointing 3-1 defeat
against Bolton.
On the match ...
I think we started in the right way. We were controlling the game in the way
I wanted so I can't say much. Sometimes it happens when you're playing well
and you find yourselves losing 2-0. It's difficult to accept but sometimes
happens. I'm sure it's been a good lesson for us - and I'm also certain that
certain things will improve.
On his half-time team talk ...
Sometimes you're playing good football, you're playing well and you find
yourself losing 2-0. I said to keep your chin up all the time because you
have to cope with that. It's not easy but you have to cope.
On the final 25 minutes ...
I was expecting something to happen in the last few minutes - and it did,
but in the wrong way! It's been a game in which I've learned a lot, and I
hope the players did too.
We were at the end of the game and you have to understand that sometimes you
are tired. Sometimes you lose a little bit of concentration. I wasn't
disappointed for that [the third goal], I was more disappointed that we
found ourselves losing and we stopped playing football. But sometimes to
improve you have to go through bad games like this.
On Robert Green ...
It happens. Sometimes it's the goalkeeper, sometimes it's a striker. It's
happened to me where I've missed goals nearly on the goal line! I'm sure
Robert will come back and we'll be thanking him for saving a penalty or
something like that.
In football it happens, but we have total faith in him - and I have total
faith in the whole team.
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Bolton nail Hammers - SSN
Trotters pick up first away win
Last updated: 5th October 2008
Man of the Match: Kevin Davies led the Bolton line superbly and was alert
enough to score the first goal.
Moment of the Match: Robert Green's howler to let Davies score the opener as
he somehow spilled an easy cross.
Attempt of the Match: Has to be Matthew Taylor's stunning free-kick as noone
expected him to shoot from there.
Save of the Match: Jussi Jaaskelainen's tremendous one-handed save to tip
Carlton Cole's shot behind for a corner.
Talking Point: How will Gianfranco Zola react to his first defeat in charge?
Goal of the Game: Undoubtedly Taylor's fantastic goal to seal the points.
Gianfranco Zola suffered his first league defeat as West Ham boss after
seeing his side go down 3-1 to Bolton at Upton Park. Goals from Kevin
Davies, Gary Cahill and substitute Matt Taylor were enough to give Bolton
their first away win of the campaign and rendering Carlton Cole's goal a
mere consolation. Bolton were gifted the opener on the half hour mark when
Robert Green fumbled a high ball into the box to the feet of Kevin Davies
who gleefully poked the ball into the empty net. Cahill doubled the lead
four minutes later with his first goal for the club when he reacted quickest
to score from close range after Green had done well to parry Gretar
Steinsson's fierce shot. Cole reduced the arrears on 69 minutes when he
headed home in off the underside of the crossbar. Bolton made the game safe
four minutes from time when Taylor cracked a brilliant free-kick past a
startled Green. The first decent opening came after 12 minutes. Cole, the
Hammers main attacking threat following injury to England striker Dean
Ashton, collected the ball 25 yards out and made space for a shot, which
flew just over the crossbar. Bolton broke quickly and had a sight of goal
themselves when Sweden forward Johan Elmander was slipped through, but his
effort lacked any power to trouble Green. West Ham threatened again when
on-loan full-back Herita Ilunga burst into the left side of the penalty area
and towards the goal-line before his low, angled effort was blocked by
Jlloyd Samuel. In the 29th minute, Valon Behrami tried his luck from 20
yards with a low strike which skidded off the wet surface and just wide of
the left-hand post.
However, it was Bolton who took the lead on the half-hour following a bad
error by Green. The keeper came to the edge of his area to make what should
have been a routine collection from a high ball. However, the England squad
man fumbled and promptly dropped the ball right at the feet of Davies, who
hooked it into an empty net. Before the Hammers had time to regroup, they
were further behind. A free-kick into the penalty area was headed out, but
only as far as Gretar Steinsson, who sent in a fierce low strike. Green got
down quickly to make a decent reaction save - but the ball broke lose and
Cahill was on hand to prod it over the line for his first Bolton goal since
a £5million move from Aston Villa in January.
West Ham looked to find an early way back into the match following the
restart, but despite continued possession, the home side again lacked ideas
in the final third.
However, only a stunning save from Jussi Jaaskelainen prevented them from
pulling a goal back on 50 minutes. Cole made space for himself to turn some
25 yards out and sent in a looping shot which flew over the Bolton keeper -
but he somehow got his trailing hand to the ball and pushed it onto the
post. After Wales striker Craig Bellamy was sent on, the home side upped the
pace, but too often gave away possession. Gavin McCann almost wrapped things
up for Bolton with a side-foot effort from 25 yards which skidded just wide.
Jaaskelainen spilled a long-range shot from Scott Parker, but there were no
West Ham players following up - much to the despair of the Upton Park
faithful behind the goal.
The Hammers then had a lifeline on 68 minutes. Matthew Etherington's corner
from the right was nodded back into the six-yard box where Cole arrived to
head the ball in off the underside of the crossbar and chalk up a fourth
goal of the season. However, Bolton sealed a first away victory of the
campaign when substitute Taylor smashed in a 30-yard free-kick four minutes
from time.
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Zola not blaming Green - SSN
Italian says Hammers need to improve
Last updated: 5th October 2008
Gianfranco Zola refused to blame Robert Green following West Ham's defeat to
Bolton at Upton Park. Green make a horrible blunder to gift Bolton their
opener as Gary Megson's side recorded their first away win of the season.
The England keeper made a hash of collecting a long ball dropping it to the
feet of Kevin Davies who gleefully hooked the ball into the empty net. Zola
jumped to the defence of Green and says he will not be made the scapegoat
for his first league defeat. "I do not have to say anything to Robert Green.
He is a great goalkeeper," said Zola. "He has all my trust, all of the
team's trust. Everyone believes in him. "Today it has been a bad day, but I
am sure next game he is going to save two penalties - football is like that.
"The important thing is that you are always confident in what we are doing,
because they are the right things to do for us. "When you find your team
playing well, as we were before the goal, you expect your team to score at
any moment and instead when it comes from the opposition, that is quite a
surprise."
Zola added: "Everybody knew that it would not be so simple. "The players
need to improve certain things, you need to improve the mentality.
"Sometimes games like this can help you make one step back in order to make
two steps forwards. I hope it will be like that."
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Blades could up demands - SSN
Sheffield United considering asking for more compensation
Last updated: 5th October 2008
West Ham could now face a compensation bill of £50 million and counting over
the Carlos Tevez affair. The Hammers were already braced for a massive
pay-out after Sheffield United's case for damages was recently upheld by an
independent tribunal headed by Lord Griffiths. The Blades wanted just over
£30m at the time but are now considering upping that figure after being
advised that relegation in 2007 will have cost them a lot more. The legal
wrangles come after the Hammers breached the rules over signing Tevez but
were not docked points which would have seen them go down. Instead the
Blades took the fall and their chairman Kevin McCabe backs others - such as
the players at the time and ex-boss Neil Warnock - in making a claim against
the London club. He told the News of the World: "West Ham should have been
relegated, not us, so there's some validity for a claim from people who have
suffered financial loss for their actions. "I have sympathy for so many
people who have been affected by this sporting injustice."
The Blades supremo wants to know what action the Premier League are going to
take - as well as an apology. He said: "What are the Premier League going to
do about it? I'd love a letter of apology because they are fully aware
Sheffield United shouldn't have been relegated. "What action are they going
to take? "Any fair-minded person can't blame Sheffield United one iota for
this situation. An innocent party has suffered for the actions of one club
and one club only."
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Zola sings Bellamy's praises - SSN
Watch West Ham v Bolton live on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday
By Chris Burton Last updated: 3rd October 2008
Gianfranco Zola believes Craig Bellamy will be vital to the West Ham cause
this season. The Welsh striker is pushing for a first start under the
Hammers' new boss when they welcome Bolton to Upton Park on Sunday, having
successfully recovered from groin surgery. The fiery front-man has a
reputation as something of a troublemaker, but Zola has been impressed by
his attitude and hopes to utilise Bellamy's passion over the coming months.
"Craig's character is not a problem. I know he has his own character, a
strong one, but I'm not asking him to change," the Italian said. "I just
want him to play well on the pitch and get along with the others. "I'm sure
he understands that. He's doing that at the moment and is doing very well.
"If you want a winning team you need players with strong character. As long
as they are positive characters, I don't mind them at all."
Zola has made an impressive start to life in the Hammers hot-seat, claiming
back-to-back victories in his two Premier League games to date. The six
point haul has already made him a firm favourite among West Ham supporters,
but the novice boss insists he still has a lot to prove before he can be
considered a success. "I have just played three games - I wouldn't say I
have won the supporters over," he said. "But I'm on the way and I'm looking
forward to continuing this for as long as possible. "So far things are going
well and hopefully that will continue. The way the players trained in the
first week was unbelievable. "I told the players after one week that if we
can keep this attitude and transfer what we're doing on the training ground
onto the pitch, we have a chance of doing well. "They've done that so I'm
not so surprised by what's happened. Nothing happens by chance. If you're
training hard then it is no surprise. "We want to make training enjoyable
because you get the best out of yourself if you enjoy what you're doing.
"I'm a manager who's trying to do his job and establish new ideas.
Fortunately I'm working with a group that is responding so well. "The
players are enjoying what they're doing and believe it is the right way.
They are getting results because of that."
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Vinny's Bolton Report - WHO
Vinny - Sun Oct 5 2008
West Ham 1 Bolton Wanderers 3
Two Robert Green howlers gifted Bolton victory in a disappointing result on
a miserable Sunday at Upton Park.
This was a bit of a freak game which saw unusual circumstances ruin a day
which many (myself include) thought would be one which would see us emerge
as victors and continue our good run of form. Unfortunately it was not to be
and although this is not what I would call a terrible performance the result
was obviously very disappointing.
Up until Robert Green gave Bolton the opener, we had just been getting into
our stride and although we had not really tested the keeper, I believed that
a goal would come with patience. Giving Bolton a goal was bad enough but to
do it again just a few moments later effectively ended the game and although
we did have our moments in the second half and did manage to get a goal with
a healthy amount of time left it was just not to be.
Gianfranco Zola made no changes to the side which started against Fulham and
Craig Bellamy had to make do with a place on the bench with Di Michele
getting a further chance to show us what he can do.
Bolton won a free kick within ten seconds of the kick off and this would be
one of the main themes of this game as the ref stopped the game for just
about everything and this played into the hands of Bolton who like to
disrupt the tempo with their ugly style of football.
It took us a few minutes to actually get hold of the ball as Bolton were
powering their way forward in the opening stages but we did start to find
our rhythm and get players on the ball and into space.
It was down the left with Etherington and Ilunga where we looked most
dangerous and a strong run from Ilunga lead to a free kick being awarded. It
was taken by Faubert who whipped the ball in but despite the slippery
conditions, Bolton keeper Jaaskelainen held the ball well.
Mark Noble was shown the yellow card for a late tackle as ref Mike Dean
began his card happy afternoon. Carlton Cole saw a decent effort go over the
bar but the first real chance of the game came at the other end when
Bolton's Johan Elmander had a clear chance on goal but wasted it with a tame
effort straight at Robert Green.
We came straight back at Bolton with Ilunga showing great skill as he burst
into the box only for a last ditch block from Jay Lloyd Samuel.
Bolton were playing well and were very much in the game, but I was still
confident about our own performance especially when we were on the break.
Counter attacking is something we are good at and possesses some good
quality when doing so with players like Etherington and Noble who really
know how to drive forward.
An example of this was when from a Bolton corner we broke away with Noble
and Parker which ended with Di Michele hitting an excellent curling shot at
goal which went inches wide.
I thought we were battling well and although it had proven to be a difficult
game I was still confident our goal would come.
But then it all turns pear shaped as a mistake is made which you cannot
legislate for. A long hopeful cross into the area saw Robert Green go up to
catch but then drop and Kevin Davies stabbed the ball into the back of the
net. It was a real clanger and the handful of Bolton supporters (it would
have been less but for the free travel the club put on) were delighted with
the gift their team had received.
Our players seemed a little shaken up by such a freak goal but came back
with a free kick from Noble which went just wide with the Bolton keeper
struggling to get across.
Robert Green making one bad mistake is rare enough but to make a second was
a real shock to the system and when Bolton further their lead it seemed to
suck the life out of Upton Park with both players and supporters completely
deflated.
A well struck effort from Bolton's Steinsson was saved by Green but he
failed to hold onto the ball and Gary Cahill was on hand to tap the ball
into the goal to put the visitors 2-0 up.
Going in a half time losing by two goals was something I did not expect
before the game had kicked off. In fact, I think I was more confident going
into this game than any I can remember in the last couple of years. No
matter how many times West Ham do this sort of thing I never seem to learn.
The rain continued to fall at half time and our players came out a few
minutes earlier than the Bolton team and the officials.
I was of the thinking that if we were patient and got some confidence back
in our play (which had been lost with that second goal) we could still get
something out of the game.
Bolton were obviously going to shut up shop and with the physical ability
most of their team possess this was not much of a shock.
We were so close to reducing the deficit early on in the second period as
Jussi Jaaskelainen made a stunning save in front of the Bobby Moore stand.
It was Carlton Cole who received the ball, turned and hit a left foot shot
which seemed certain to find the back of the net but somehow Jaaskelainen
clawed the ball away.
Frustration levels began to rise with the referee not helping matters by
giving some very soft free kicks against us. One of the worst being an
alleged foul by Behrami who was penalised for a push. This saw Julien
Faubert show his frustrations at the ref and finding himself in the book.
Craig Bellamy entered the field of play in place of the poor Di Michele.
Bellamy seemed to move out to the left with Etherington coming over to the
right hand side.
We saw a lot of the ball but were having no luck in breaking Bolton down.
Some of our passing was very poor and Scott Parker was guilty of this far to
many times for a player of his quality.
Saying that, one of his overhit passes actually led to the corner which in
turn led to our goal. A ball down the right hand side was overhit but
Etherington didn't give it up and picked up the pace, flicked the ball off
the defender and won the corner.
Etherington took the corner and it was met by Upson who head towards goal
and Carlton Cole got in front of his marker and flicked the ball into goal.
Back in the game and with over twenty minutes remaining, Upton Park had
found it's life again and we needed to keep the tempo up.
But Bolton know how to employ spoiling tactics and they dragged the game out
winning free kicks and making substitutions. They stifled us and we had
nothing to offer in a way of breaking them down.
A effort from Behrami went wide when he may have done better but there was
to be no great chance that would deliver itself.
Zola removed Etherington and replaced him with Freddie Sears who was fresh
off the back of four goals in midweek in a reserve game against West Brom.
With five minutes remaining Bolton killed off any hope of a comeback as they
stole a third goal. Another soft free kick was awarded by Mike Dean this
time against Ilunga. Bolton's Matthew Taylor (who had just come on as sub)
stepped up and hit a stunning 25 yard drive which flew past a slow-to-move
Robert Green.
Cue the fan exodus as the 33,715 quickly fell in numbers. We just did not
have enough in the second half to trouble Bolton who were tactically spot on
in nullifying our counter attacking. They doubled up down the flanks and
shut out every option of a pass.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Not much to say apart from his mistake cost us the game.
Herita Ilunga
Another very positive performance from the left back. He is looking better
as each game progresses. A good defender and wins just about every tackle he
goes in for. Also excellent going forward and seemed to have quite a bit of
skill about him.
Lucas Neill
When you concede three goals you would look at the two center halves and see
if they were at fault, but they were not today and with a difficult physical
task Neill played well again in this new found position. Bolton offer no
pace so this was playing right into the hands of Neill.
Matthew Upson
Like Neill he was not at fault of the goals today and defensively I thought
we and Upson did quite well. Apart from one dodgy back pass he did well
enough.
Julien Faubert
Having been happy with his performances in recent weeks at right back today
he was very disappointing. He was getting murdered by Ricardo Gardener (who
always does this to us) and when going forward his crossing was terrible.
Valon Behrami
The best of the three midfielders today. His work rate was the most
promising thing about his performance as well as actually being able to find
a West Ham player when passing.
Scott Parker
A very frustrating performance from Parker. Always wanted the ball and was
not afraid to get forward but his final ball was too often poor. He just
kept giving the ball away and making the wrong pass which is something he
seems to keep doing.
Mark Noble
Like Parker his passing was his main flaw today. He worked hard but some
lazy misplaced passes made his performance frustrating to watch.
Matthew Etherington
Started well but like the team seemed to be shell shocked by the two quick
fire Bolton goals. When he got going he looked good and did well in the
second half to win the corner for the eventual goal.
David Di Michele
Kept slipping over and losing the ball continually. Apart from one decent
effort in the first half he was again pretty anonymous.
Carlton Cole
Worked hard, was very unlucky not to score earlier than he did and
eventually got his goal. Slowly bringing goals into his game and with
Bellamy alongside him I am confident he will get more.
Subs Used
Craig Bellamy (on for Di Michele 56 minutes)
Had very little impact which was disappointing as we expected him to
galvanize us. But the plus point is that he did not get injured again.
Freddie Sears (on for Etherington 79 mins)
Hardly saw the ball.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins, Davenport.
Overall
A disappointing result no doubt, but not a terrible performance and let's be
honest the first two goals were simply down to goal keeping errors. This was
not tactical naivety by Zola, this wasn't a performance where we find out
the flaws of certain players, this was simply a bad day at the office.
We are in a healthy position in the league and Hull City are up next in a
game which we are more than capable of winning despite Hull's good form.
It could all be a lot worse - we could be Tottenham Hotspur.
Franco's Feelings
"It happens, sometimes it is the goalkeeper, sometimes it is the striker.
I've missed chances from virtually the goal line.
"I'm sure Robert will come back and we'll be thanking his for saving a
penalty or something.
"We have total faith in him and I have total faith in the whole team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bolton hand West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola a swift reality check -
Telegraph
West Ham United (0) 1 Bolton Wanderers (2) 3
By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:39AM BST 06 Oct 2008
The honeymoon period for Gianfranco Zola is over. Actually, his was more
like a short weekend in a two-star hotel, with a win over dispirited
Newcastle followed by a victory over 10-man Fulham offering promising early
signs under the Italian.
Yet in the wind and rain of Upton Park, against a spirited Bolton buoyed by
their first away win since April, Zola received a reality check, his side
punished by an uncharacteristic faux pas by goalkeeper Robert Green.
With the game the first to kick off yesterday West Ham could have gone top.
Instead their fans left en masse after Matthew Taylor's stunning late
free-kick, the few remaining supporters making their feelings known about a
poor display.
Earlier, Green dropped a cross to allow Kevin Davies an unexpected goal
before Gary Cahill added a quick second. West Ham were denied what would
have proved a valuable first when Jussi Jaaskelainen saved brilliantly from
Cole just after the interval. The striker did get a goal, but it came too
late.
Bolton manager Gary Megson had previously seen his side take one point from
five games and summed West Ham up succinctly when he said: "They did have
possession but it was mainly square and backwards and they had mainly
long-range shots."
Zola insisted he was not blaming Green. "Trust me, I made some worse
mistakes. Once I missed a goal it was much easier to score, but that didn't
change my value. Robert's a great goalkeeper and he has all my trust and the
team's trust. Everyone believes in him."
What will concern Zola is the way West Ham fell apart. They began well
enough but after 30 minutes, Ricardo Gardner's long ball was met by Green,
who then dropped it inexplicably, allowing Davies to prod in. It was
Bolton's 400th Premier League goal, and possibly one of their easiest, and
inside five minutes they had scored two for the first time since the opening
day.
A darting shot from Gretar Steinsson was parried well by Green but the
goalkeeper was let down by his defence with Cahill beating Herita Ilunga to
convert the rebound. Had Jaaskelainen not made a stunning save to deny Cole
in the 51st minute, it could have been different. Matthew Etherington's
corner was converted by Cole, but then Taylor dispatched a free-kick past a
non-existent wall to ensure Green's afternoon was ruined.
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Bolton Wanderers give Gianfranco Zola's West Ham - Daily Mail
a reality check
By Simon Cass Last updated at 1:18 AM on 06th October 2008
WEST HAM UNITED 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 3
Gianfranco Zola always knew that winning over the West Ham sceptics was
never going to be as easy as one-two-three.
Hunting their third straight Barclays Premier League win since Zola replaced
Alan Curbishley last month, West Ham came a cropper against the unlikeliest
of opponents thanks in no small part to normally reliable goalkeeper Robert
Green.
The last time West Ham strung three wins together was in their Carlos
Tevez-inspired act of escapology two seasons ago.
Sunday was all about living up to a growing belief that Zola can forge them
into a genuine top-six side. Instead, Gary Megson's team provided what could
prove to be a timely reality check.
Kevin Davies and Gary Cahill put Bolton ahead before the break and
substitute Matty Taylor's free-kick stubbed out any chance of a comeback
after Carlton Cole pulled a goal back.
It will take more than losing a game he felt they should have won to dent
Zola's infectious enthusiasm, but it is fair to say he will be looking for a
better reaction from his troops. 'We need to improve the mentality,' he said
.
'Sometimes you are 1-0 down and you need to react to that or accept it and
go 2-0 down. Sometimes games like this can help you make one step back in
order to make two forwards. I hope it's like that.
'I wasn't exactly calm at half-time, but it's not important. The point is
that you personally feel badly when losing a game like that. That's what I
tell the players, they should react quickly and win games like that. We have
to improve and believe it won't be like this every time.'
Such was the amount of West Ham possession in the first half that Bolton
could have been forgiven for forgetting what the ball looked like. But the
home side struggled to find the necessary cutting edge. Bolton stung Zola's
side with a classic counter-punch on the half-hour.
Ricardo Gardner's cross looked easy enough for Green to handle but,
inexplicably, he dropped the ball at the feet of Davies who gratefully
cracked it into the empty net.
Four minutes later Bolton were two to the good, with question marks again
hanging over Green. Steinsson's snapshot was a stinger, but instead of
palming the ball to the side the keeper could only push it into the path of
Gary Cahill.
Grumblings of discontent, rather than booing, accompanied the half-time
whistle, with West Ham fans perhaps sharing Zola's belief that their side
had been hard done by.
The locals were certainly more vociferous after the break and raised the
volume even further when Cole prompted thoughts of a comeback in the 68th
minute, heading home Matthew Upson's flick from a Matthew Etherington
corner.
But instead of placing Bolton under pressure with a late surge, the visitors
continued to keep their opponents at arm's length.
Subjected to some homophobic chanting as he entered the fray, former
Portsmouth midfielder Matty Taylor issued the perfect response by crashing
in a 35-yard free-kick after Green opted not to call for a wall.
Without a win since the opening day of the season, Megson was understandably
delighted. He said: 'We haven't won away games on a consistent basis.
'We just managed to stay up last year, yet our home record was only six
points different from when we qualified for Europe.
'Our away record has been shocking and it is something we need to improve
on.
'It was a great result for us, as was the manner in which it came for us.
However, we did not really have to deal with too many clear-cut chances.
'We wanted to make ourselves solid and knew West Ham would have a lot of
possession - but most of that was going square or backwards.'
Do not expect a change in philosophy from Zola, however. 'Until the first
goal we were completely in control of the game,' he insisted. 'We were doing
what we were supposed to do. The important thing is that you are always
confident in what we are doing, because they are the right things to do for
us.'
If he sticks to that philosophy, Zola will not go too far wrong in the eyes
of West Ham's fans.
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Blades all but end West Ham's hopes of appealing against Tevez ruling -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:01 PM on 05th October 2008
Sheffield United have crushed West Ham's hopes of appealing over the Carlos
Tevez tribunal judgment that could cost the Upton Park club as much as
£50million.
The Bramall Lane board, who are increasing their demand for damages from the
original £30m after revising their claim, have dismissed West Ham's hopes of
taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That would need the
support of both clubs and Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe poured
scorn on the proposal.
McCabe, who insists West Ham have no other avenue of escape ,said: 'It's
beyond me why anybody would think we would support an appeal. 'The FA
arbitration award is non-appealable, so I can't see any argument
whatsoever.'
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West Ham 1 Bolton 3: Error-strewn Green hands Bolton an easy victory
By Jon Culley
Monday, 6 October 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
No one pays more dearly for errors than a goalkeeper but Robert Green must
have wished fate had chosen a different moment to make it his turn to wish
there was somewhere to hide. Just as Fabio Capello was inking in the names
in his latest England squad, West Ham's No 1 was exposing himself to the
full glare of live television, making not one blunder but two.
Indeed, a case could be made for pinning the blame on him for all three
Bolton goals as Gianfranco Zola's third Premier League match in charge at
Upton Park saw his 100 per cent record abruptly ended.
It will not have helped his popularity in the dressing room that up until
the moment of his first mistake – the real howler of the afternoon – there
was only one team playing with serious attacking intent. And it was not
Bolton.
But then Green inexplicably dropped a routine catch from Jlloyd Samuel's
unthreatening 30th-minute cross right at the feet of Kevin Davies, handing
the Bolton forward an invitation to hook the ball into an empty net that he
did not pass up.
Of course, one horror moment is always excusable. But two? And, yes, Green
was careless, by the standards of international goalkeepers, in the manner
of Bolton's second goal, four minutes later, when he made a fine block from
Gretar Steinsson's snap shot but pushed the ball forwards instead of
sideways, allowing Gary Cahill, adding a goal to an assured performance at
the back, to flick it over him into the net.
"It was hard to take because we were completely in control," Zola said. "But
these things happen. It doesn't change Robert's value. He is a great
goalkeeper and the players have complete trust in him. Next time I wouldn't
be surprised if he saves two penalties."
What it did change was Bolton's interest in getting out of their own half.
Negligible at first – manager Gary Megson admitted that a clean sheet was
their priority – it was now almost non-existent. West Ham pulled one goal
back when Carlton Cole directed a header past Jussi Jaaskelainen but there
were precious few openings for the home side.
Five minutes from time, with West Ham players milling about near the edge of
the box and Green neglecting to organise a wall, substitute Matthew Taylor
added the final scene to the nightmare by sending a left-foot free kick from
wide on the right scorching into the far corner, securing Wanderers their
second win of the campaign.
Goals: Davies (29) 0-1; Cahill (33) 0-2; Cole (68) 1-2; Taylor (85) 1-3.
West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Green; Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga; Behrami,
Parker, Noble, Etherington (Sears, 78); Di Michele (Bellamy, 53); Cole.
Substitutes not used: Lastuvka (gk), Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins, Davenport.
Bolton Wanderers (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, A O'Brien,
Samuel; Davies, Nolan, McCann, Muamba (J O'Brien, 79), Gardner; Elmander
(Taylor, 73). Substitutes not used: Al-Habsi (gk), Hunt, Smolarek, Riga,
Shittu.
Referee: M Dean (Wirral).
Booked: West Ham Noble, Faubert, Bellamy; Bolton Nolan, Taylor, A O'Brien.
Man of the match: Cahill.
Attendance: 33,715.
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Bolton have the last laugh after Green's comedy of errors
Guardian
Premier League
West Ham United 1 Cole 69
Bolton Wanderers 3 Davies 30, Cahill 34, Taylor 87
Simon Burnton at Upton Park The Guardian, Monday October 6 2008 Article
historyInterviewed in yesterday's match programme, Robert Green said that if
a film were made of his life he would choose Steve Coogan for the starring
role. No one present here would dispute his decision to pick a comedian.
Initially dominant, West Ham's performance was decisively undermined by a
goalkeeping display which owed more to Mr Bean than Gordon Banks.
In truth the comedy was confined to five first-half minutes but in that time
he had a hand, quite literally, in two Bolton goals and his mind was
presumably still on them when a third, a few minutes from the end, flew into
his net from 35 yards.
"He didn't say a thing but I can imagine he's disappointed," said Gianfranco
Zola after his second defeat in four games since taking over as manager. "I
don't have anything to say to him. He's a great goalkeeper, he has all my
trust and the team's trust and everyone believes in him. Today it's been a
bad day but I'm sure next game he's going to save two penalties. Football is
like that."
However much the home side had impressed in the opening half-hour there must
always be an element of nervousness in a side who last kept a clean sheet in
February. But it was the speed with which their afternoon turned from
untroubled to unpleasant that proved particularly painful. "When you find
your team playing well, as we were before the goal, you expect them to score
at any moment and instead it comes from the opposition so it comes as quite
a surprise," said Zola. "It is painful to lose but it is more painful when
you think you didn't deserve to lose."
The Italian can barely have felt a flutter of concern after half an hour
when Ricardo Gardner floated a cross from near the half-way line towards an
isolated Kevin Davies at the edge of West Ham's penalty area. Green was
unchallenged as the ball sailed towards his outstretched hands but, a day of
unrelenting rain no doubt contributing to its slipperiness, it bounced right
out of them again and dropped at the forward's feet, and Davies sent the
ball bouncing towards goal.
Green immediately raised a hand to acknowledge his error but the next time
he used it was to assist in another Bolton goal. This time he saved well
from Gretar Steinsson's low drive but Green could not push the ball to
safety and it had rolled barely five yards from his goalline before Gary
Cahill sneaked in front of Herita Ilunga to score.
The home side might have hogged possession for much of the match but they
rarely broke through Bolton's massed defence. As at Old Trafford in his
side's last away game Gary Megson played Johan Elmander alone in attack and
instructed the rest of his team to drop back when their opponents had
possession. While his tactics could be criticised for negativity, the
attitude and application of his players was above reproach. "We wanted to
make ourselves solid," said Megson. "They didn't cause us a lot of problems.
In the first half they had way more possession than us but it was mainly
square and backwards. They had mainly long-range shots and we had the better
chances."
It is a style that relies on set-pieces and slip-ups if it is to produce a
goal, and they had the good fortune to profit
from both here. West Ham became increasingly frayed and frought as the game
progressed, and were only temporarily galvanised by Carlton Cole's
69th-minute strike, headed in from close range after Upson had flicked
Matthew Etherington's corner goalwards. Four minutes from the end the
substitute Matthew Taylor, continuing his comeback from a broken toe,
hammered a long-range free-kick past Green without being inconvenienced by a
defensive wall.
It was enough to test severely Zola's famous powers of positivity, but while
he admitted to losing his temper at half-time, it did not take long for him
to look on the bright side. "Sometimes you take one step backwards in order
to take two steps forwards. I hope it will be like that," he said.
"Sometimes games like this can help you." He might have a hard job
convincing Green of that.
Man of the Match - Gavin McCann (Bolton Wanderers)
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Green's a giant among keepers - Zola - TeamTalk
Gianfranco Zola maintained goalkeeper Robert Green should not be made a
scapegoat for Sunday's Premier League defeat to Bolton at Upton Park. The
27-year-old goalkeeper was on Sunday night included in the England squad for
the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus just hours after a
handling error had gifted Bolton the opening goal in a game the visitors
went on to win 3-1. However, Zola refused to slate his number one, instead
reflecting on a "bad day" at the office for the ex-Norwich stopper, whom he
backed to return stronger from the experience. "Robert Green is a great
goalkeeper," declared the Hammers boss, who took over from Alan Curbishley
last month. "He has all my trust, all of the team's trust. Everyone believes
in him. "It has been a bad day, but I am sure next game he is going to save
two penalties - football is like that. "The important thing is that you are
always confident in what we are doing, because they are the right things to
do for us."
Before the home side had time to recover from Kevin Davies' gifted opener
after 30 minutes, Green then could only parry a low shot which Gary Cahill
bundled in from close range. Although the Hammers got a lifeline through
Carlton Cole on the hour, substitute Matt Taylor made sure of a first away
win of the season for Bolton with a 30-yard free-kick four minutes from
time. The result was a reality check for West Ham, who had been carried on
the wave of euphoria which followed the appointment of the Italian as
Curbishley's successor and back-to-back league wins - another of which would
have, albeit briefly, put the east London club on top of the table.
"Everybody knew that it would not be so simple," said Zola, beaten for the
first time as Hammers boss in the Carling Cup at Watford a fortnight ago.
"The players need to improve certain things, you need to improve the
mentality. "We have to improve and believe that it won't be like this every
time. "Sometimes games like this can help you make one step back in order to
make two steps forwards. I hope it will be like that."
Bolton boss Gary Megson felt his side were never really under any threat,
but is aware more similar performances will be needed to steer clear of
another scrap for survival. He said: "We wanted to make ourselves solid, and
knew West Ham would have a lot of possession - but most of that was going
square or backwards."
Megson, though, stressed: "The football club have not won away games on a
consistent basis. "That is something like only our fifth win in the last 22
months. "If you are doing that, it is going to cause you massive problems
because then you have to be successful at home. We just managed to stay up
last year, yet our home record was only six points different from when we
had qualified for Europe. "Our away record has been shocking and it is
something we need to improve on."
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Green in blunder land as mistakes prove costly
West Ham 1 Bolton 3
Independent.
Monday October 06 2008
No one pays more dearly for errors than a goalkeeper but Robert Green must
have wished fate had chosen a different moment to make it his turn to wish
there was somewhere to hide. Just as Fabio Capello was inking in the names
in his latest England squad, West Ham's number one was exposing himself to
the full glare of live television, making not one blunder but two.
Indeed, a case could be made for pinning the blame on him for all three
Bolton goals as Gianfranco Zola's third Premier League match in charge at
Upton Park saw his 100pc record abruptly ended.
It will not have helped his popularity in the dressing room that up until
the moment of his first mistake there was only one team playing with serious
attacking intent. And it was not Bolton.
But then Green inexplicably dropped a routine catch from Jlloyd Samuel's
unthreatening 30th-minute cross right at the feet of Kevin Davies, handing
the Bolton forward an invitation to hook the ball into an empty net.
Of course, one horror moment is always excusable. But two? And, yes, Green
was careless, by the standards of international goalkeepers, in the manner
of Bolton's second goal, four minutes later, when he made a fine block from
Gretar Steinsson's snap shot but pushed the ball forwards instead of
sideways, allowing Gary Cahill to flick it over him into the net.
"It was hard to take because we were completely in control," Zola said. "But
these things happen. It doesn't change Robert's value. He is a great
goalkeeper and the players have complete trust in him. Next time I wouldn't
be surprised if he saves two penalties."
What it did change was Bolton's interest in getting out of their own half.
Negligible at first, it was now almost non-existent. West Ham pulled one
goal back when Carlton Cole directed a header past Jussi Jaaskelainen but
there were precious few openings for the home side.
Five minutes from time, with West Ham players milling about near the edge of
the box and Green neglecting to organise a wall, substitute Matthew Taylor
added the final scene to the nightmare by sending a left-foot free kick from
wide on the right scorching into the far corner, securing Bolton's second
win of the campaign.
- Jon Culley
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Anil Ambani eyeing Tottenham, West Ham takeover talks
06.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Indian billionaire Anil Ambani is eyeing takeover offers for Tottenham and
West Ham United. The Sunday Mirror says Ambani, the sixth richest man in the
world with an estimated fortune of £20billion, has been linked to a host of
Premier League clubs including Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton. But he flew
into Heathrow on Wednesday with the specific intent of making a move for a
capital club. It looks likely that he will switch his attention to the
troubled Hammers rather than become embroiled in lengthy financial
negotiations to purchase Tottenham. Ambani, 49, has been told the Hammers
could be purchased for £150million, some £350m less than he would be asked
to find to take control at Tottenham.
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Ambani eyes £150million West Ham United - FansFC
06:43 October, 6, 2008
Ani Ambani has reportedly turned his attentions to buying West Ham United
Football Club. The Indian billionaire is believed to be desperate to buy a
Premier League club, and has in recent weeks been linked with Everton and
Newcastle United. But according to the Sunday Mirror, the sixth richest man
has now turned his attentions to the Hammers, who he will hope to buy for
around £150million.
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Bolton boss Megson happy to see Taylor silence West Ham boo-boys
06.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson was delighted with Matty Taylor's strike
in their 3-1 win at West Ham. Megson was pleased Taylor had silenced some of
the crowd with his strike, the former Portsmouth winger having come in for
unnecessary jeers by a section of the home crowd. "I don't know why he was
getting all that stick when he came on, but it was nice for him to keep
people quiet," said the Bolton boss. "He has got a great strike and you do
fancy him to score from distance."
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