WHUFC.com
01.11.2008
Barclays Premier League
Middlesbrough v West Ham United
Riverside Stadium
Saturday 1 November
Referee: Andre Marriner
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Faubert,
Mullins, Sears (Etherington 73), Bellamy, Boa Morte (Bowyer 84)
Subs not used: Walker, Tomkins, Lopez, Di Michele, Tristan
Goal: Mullins 21
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater (Hoyte 46), Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor,
Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard (Arca 55), Downing, Tuncay, Afonso Alves (Mido 66)
Subs not used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, Grounds
Goal: Mido 82
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager has praised his players and staff as the squad prepare for two
games at the Boleyn Ground
03.11.2008
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to two successive home games after a
deserved away point was achieved in the 1-1 weekend draw against
Middlesbrough.
The matches to come against Everton and Portsmouth at the Boleyn Ground on
successive Saturdays will conclude two months in charge for the new manager
and he is still relishing every minute of the job. "It is hard but I'm
enjoying it because I've got a great group of players and my staff are
fantastic," he said. Just two points separate West Ham United and
seventh-placed Everton - this weekend's visitors - making it a key chance to
push on up the Barclays Premier League table.
The way his team performed at the Riverside also gave Zola plenty of
encouragement, not least in their willingness to keep playing football and
take the game to their hosts. "It's very, very encouraging for me because it
means they are there, they are confident and believe in themselves and that
is such a valuable thing.
"It could be a huge point [against Middlesbrough] because it was a difficult
game after four defeats, playing away against a team that has won their last
game and drew the previous one. It was a testing match for us and I'm
pleased with the way we played. When you play away in the Premier League
it's always tough and we were playing against a team with a lot of
confidence. We played really, really well."
Zola has been able to see more of his squad in the past couple of games and
is learning about the depth of young talent at his disposal. While the
Academy side were winning 6-1 on Saturday, the likes of James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Freddie Sears were all firmly in his thoughts, with Collison
and Sears getting a chance to shine by being named in the starting eleven.
Their emergence, and the presence of Diego Tristan, will give Zola much to
think about but he is not worried about difficult decisions - even if the
job is more demanding than his days lighting up the Premier League as a
player. "It is more tiring to be on the bench than to be on the pitch," he
said with a smile. "I'm picking up things all the time and getting better
and better in many aspects of the job."
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Reserves back in action
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer is looking for another derby victory when his West Ham United
reserves go to Tottenham on Monday
03.11.2008
Alex Dyer will lead West Ham United reserves back into action on Monday
night with a derby date away to Tottenham Hotspur.
The reserve-team coach has achieved two wins in his three games in charge
since Gianfranco Zola's arrival and will look for another success against
Spurs, in a match to be played at Leyton Orient. To underline the importance
of Dyer's role, the likes of James Collins, Hayden Mullins and Freddie Sears
all staked successful first-team claims by impressing in the reserves' last
outing - a 1-0 win against Arsenal.
"The reserves are very important," said the Forest Gate-born Dyer.
"Sometimes you can forget how important the job is. You want to develop the
young lads but at the same time you have got the experienced pros who need
to get games. The ones that have come in for me have been great and their
attitude has been excellent. We have had two wins and a loss since I have
been in charge and it has gone well."
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Youngsters cheer Zola
WHUFC.com
The performances of Jack Collison and Freddie Sears this weekend were
highlighted by Gianfranco Zola
02.11.2008
Gianfranco Zola has paid tribute to Jack Collison and Freddie Sears for
their performances in the 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough.
"I am really pleased with Sears and Collison," said the manager. "They were
really good. It was a tough match even for experienced players. They didn't
look like young players and that is a big compliment. Some of the players
played really well, especially the young ones." To underline his strong pool
of homegrown talent, the manager also had fit-again defender James Tomkins
on the bench along with winger Kyel Reid.
Collison, already a full Wales international, was making his first start of
the season under the new manager and very nearly got a late winner. As he
showed in his frequent reserve-team run-outs, he is well used to making
driving runs into the box and twice went close at the Riverside. "I can't
complain," Zola said about his chances spurned. "He's played very well."
With two home games to come, the manager believed the away draw after four
defeats "may turn out to be a huge point for us". He added: "I thought in
the end we were going to get a victory but we were unlucky. You know some
details are costing us very much; but I am pleased because it was not an
easy game for us.
"We were coming in from four defeats and playing a team that has been
playing well over the past couple of games. The players were really very
good and at the end of the day I am disappointed for them because they
deserved more but on the other hand I am very pleased with how they played."
Hayden Mullins had put the visitors on their way with a 21st-minute volley
but a late Mido free-kick dashed hopes of the victory. Zola said he would
review the way the equaliser seemed to go through the wall. "Sometimes these
things can happen, we will take a look at it to prevent these things from
happening but maybe we should have taken our opportunities when they came
because that is the key.
"You can't concede goals like that away from home so maybe we should have
done better on a couple of occasions but I have no complaints. The players
were fantastic. Considering the personnel I had at my disposal it made sense
to play 4-4-2. That was the best way and on the pitch it proved right.
"[The change from the 4-3-3 formation] worked very well. I don't stick to a
formation because I like it in particular. I play a system that I believe is
the best way to play for that team. [Middlesbrough] was a different story
because I had loads of players missing so I had to change it because I
thought it was the right way."
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Bajner back with a bang
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s turned on the style on Saturday thanks to Balint
Bajner and Danny Kearns
01.11.2008
Southampton 1-6 West Ham United
Balint Bajner enjoyed a stunning return to club duties with a hat-trick on
Saturday having also scored a treble on international duty with Hungary.
The young striker, a summer recruit, had helped his country to qualify for
the Elite round of the European Under-19 Championship at the end of last
month, including a 16-minute treble in a 6-0 defeat of San Marino. He
underlined his good form with a brilliant treble away to Southampton
Under-18s -although the lively Northern Irish youth international Daniel
Kearns was also deserving of the spotlight after a superb attacking display.
Tony Carr's team had been looking to bounce back after a home defeat by
Chelsea last time but faced tough opposition in Southampton. Kearns opened
the scoring on the quarter-hour mark before Bajner doubled the advantage 20
minutes later. The Saints pulled one back ten minutes after half-time, a
goal which gave no indication of the scoring spree to come as Bajner
completed his hat-trick either side of an Ollie Lee goal and Anthony Edgar
wrapped things up.
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Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham
By Julian Shea
BBC.co.uk
Ross Turnbull's late double save from Lee Bowyer and Jack Collison earned
Middlesbrough a highly entertaining draw with West Ham. Hayden Mullins's
volley rattled in off the bar after 21 minutes in a first half dominated by
the visitors. Boro raised their game after the break and Justin Hoyte had a
diving header ruled out for offside before Mido levelled with a low
free-kick. West Ham almost claimed the win late on but were denied by
Turnbull's heroics. After an initial flourish by Boro, West Ham took charge,
with Freddie Sears putting a shot just wide and only being denied another
great chance by a superbly timed Chris Riggott interception from Julien
Faubert's cross. When the first goal came, it was from the least likely of
sources. Luis Boa Morte laid the ball into the path of Mullins, who failed
to connect with an embarrassing airshot, but kept his balance to strike the
ball cleanly with his right foot at the second attempt. It flew into the net
off the underside of the bar, via the slightest of touches off Sears. Boro
struggled to handle the youthful enthusiasm of Sears and Collison, and
Bellamy's pace gave them more headaches. In the dying seconds of the first
half West Ham were nearly made to pay for failing to take their chances as
Afonso Alves twice went close for Boro, but the home side will have been
much the happier at the break. Collison should have made it 2-0 after being
set up by Bellamy, but he shot into the ground allowing Turnbull to make an
easy save. Julio Arca and Mido were then introduced as Boro looked for a way
back into the game, and it certainly livened up their threat, with Gary
O'Neil drawing a good save from Robert Green. Boro then piled on the
pressure but struggled to find a way through to Green's goal, and when they
looked to have done so, Hoyte's diving header from Andrew Taylor's cross was
ruled out for offside.
But when James Collins hauled Mido down on the edge of the box, the Egyptian
made no mistake with his low free-kick, which flew into the bottom corner.
Middlesbrough then went all out in search of a winner, stretching themselves
at the back, and they were nearly made to pay at the death. But Turnbull
repelled both Bowyer and Collison from close range in injury-time to deny
the visitors the three points.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on the disallowed goal: "It was a
tough call for the linesman but we had one that went for us the other week
and these things tend to even out of the season. "The pleasing thing was
that we did not let our heads drop even though it was chalked off. "We were
really flat in the first half and the players' response was great."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "I thought we would get a victory but I am
pleased because it was not an easy game for us. "We came into the game from
four away defeats and the players were great so I'm upset with the result,
not them. "We are going to try and improve some things and maybe we should
have taken our chances better."
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater (Hoyte 46), Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor,
Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard (Arca 56), Downing, Sanli, Alves (Mido 67).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Adam Johnson, Grounds.
Booked: Wheater, Riggott, Arca.
Goals: Mido 83.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Collison, Mullins,
Boa Morte (Bowyer 84), Bellamy, Sears (Etherington 73). Subs Not Used:
Walker, Lopez, Tristan, Tomkins, Di Michele.
Booked: Neill, Collison, Boa Morte, Bellamy.
Goals: Mullins 21.
Att: 25,164
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match on 90 minutes:
West Ham's Hayden Mullins - 7.64 (on 90 minutes).
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Middlesbrough 1 West Ham Utd 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st November 2008
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers ended a run of four consecutive defeats with a point in a
thrilling game of football against Middlesbrough at the Riverside this
afternoon.
But Gianfranco Zola's side - who took the lead midway through the first half
thanks to Hayden Mullins' first goal of the season - will be disappointed
not to have taken all three points from a game they were just six minutes
away from winning and from recording their first clean sheet since February.
On a sodden pitch at a blustery, wet Riverside the Hammers were undoubtedly
the better side for much of the game but failed to make the most of the
numerous opportunities they created. Zola's side - featuring four changes to
the team that lost at Old Trafford in midweek - produced possibly their best
45 minutes of the season in the first half but were left to rue their
failure to turn superiority into goals when former Spurs striker Mido, on as
a second half substitute stepped up to blast home the equaliser on 84
minutes.
That opening half gave a brief glimpse of a possible bright future under
Zola, with the Hammers playing sleek, fast-flowing football that left
Middlesbrough quite literally in their wake at times. With teenage striker
Freddie Sears, a real livewire today ably complemented by Craig Bellamy the
front two - the first such partnership under Zola's stewardship - asked
plenty of questions of the 'Boro rearguard, and were ably supported by Luis
Boa Morte and Julien Faubert on the flanks with Hayden Mullins and Jack
Collison beavering away diligently in the engine room.
Lucas 'Skip' Neill, back in after his recent virus and having the kind of
game that tempted Alan Curbishley to bring him to the club marshalled the
back four superby, and Upson, Collins and Ilunga were performing excellent
supporting roles. For once Rob Green was barely called into action as United
turned the form book on its head. Zola, who had been accused of tactical
naievity in recent weeks appeared to have got one over the far more
experienced Gareth Southgate.
The Hammers created a number of chances throughout the half and made the
important breakthrough on 21 minutes when a flowing move involving Craig
Bellamy, Fredie Sears and Luis Boa Morte ended up with Hayden Mullins,
reinstated to the team due to injuries to Mark Noble and Scott Parker
thrashing the ball home off the underside off the crossbar at the second
attempt after his initial effort had been blocked.
United continued to cause problems for Gareth Southgate's side and created
six efforts on goal in the opening 45 minutes - a marked improvement on the
last three games. Freddie Sears - likewise reinstated by Zola in place of
David Di Michele - almost registered his first for the season with a 20-yard
drive early on.
Craig Bellamy, James Collins and Jack Collison then went close to increase
the lead as the home side threatened to capitulate. A late rally in which
Rob Green had to work for the first time in the game by 'Boro gave a glimpse
of what the home side were capable of - although a marked improvement would
be absolutely necessary.
Southgate sent his team out for the second half with one notable change;
temporary right-back David Wheater being replaced by former Arsenal player
(and Hammers target) Justin Hoyte in a tactical switch. It was one that
proved to be profitable as the home side attempted to get a grip on a
midfield that had passed them by before the break.
Hoyte's introduction paid immediate dividends as the youngster created a
good chance for his side with a low cross into the danger zone after good
work on the flank; fortunately, Rob Green was alert enough to snuff out the
danger. However Hoyte's inclination to play an advanced role led to areas in
which West Ham could exploit 'Boro on the break and it was from one such
opportunity that Jack Collison was presented with the opportunity to double
United's lead on 53 minutes. The young Welsh international profitted from an
intelligent nod down from Bellamy to find himself through on goal but his
eagerness to find the target resulted in a a scuffed shot that fell kindly
for 'keeper Turnbull.
A taste of things to come arrived on the hour mark when James Collins - as
steady as ever but equally prone to diving in rashly in dangerous areas -
gave away a free kick on the edge of the box after mistiming an unnecessary
tackle. Alves, often lethal from this distance stepped up to the delight of
the expectant Riverside crowd but their hopes were dashed when the Brazilian
balsted his shot high over the bar. It should have been a warning heeded by
the Hammers defence.
Gareth Southgate continued to tweak his team and tactics by introducing Arca
and Mido. Meanwhile Gianfranco Zola, who was at one stage witnessed in
lively discussion with Steve Clarke as both pointed furiously to various
positions on the pitch sat tight as his team began to concede more and more
possession to a resurgent home side, who had at last begun to test the
less-than-watertight Irons defence.
Upson and Collins produced great blocks to deny 'Boro an equaliser that was
looking increasingly likely. Downing and Tuncay both tested Rob Green before
Justin Hoyte had the ball in the back of the net only to see his effort
ruled out for offside - a very fortunate decision for the Hammers as TV
replays clearly illustrated. Zola finally made a change by introducing
Matthew Etherington for Freddie Sears who had been excellent, but had
drifted out of the game as it wore on. Question marks as to whether
Etherington was the right man to enter the fray whilst the far sturdier Lee
Bowyer remained on the bench were asked, but the decision to strengthen the
midfield at the expense of a striker was probably the right one.
'Boro however continued to pile on the pressure and Mido should have done
better with a near post header from another Hoyte cross, moments after Luis
Boa Morte had become the sixth player booked by Andre Marriner. The Hammers,
well under the cosh were counting the minutes down but still hanging on for
a win that at one stage had looked a virtual certainy. It's comforting
perhaps to know that in the current climate of uncertainty that some things
never change.
The turning point came eight minutes from time when James Collins
inexplicably repeated his previous error by tugging the shirt of substitute
Mido to prevent him from gaining an advantage. After some 90 seconds of
bustling inactivity (most notable for match official Marriner's Cleese-like
pacing-out of the 10 yards which left the Hammers wall on the cusp of the
six-yard box) the Egyptian striker stepped up to blast home through the wall
- which parted in a way in which Moses would have been proud of - to level
the game. Deservedly, one would have to grudgingly admit.
Lee Bowyer - who had been preparing to come on as Mido fired home the
equaliser - finally entered the fray to join a frantic final few minutes
that saw chances fall to both teams. Rob Green was particularly excellent in
denying Mido in the 89th minute from close range whilst Collison - again -
and sub Bowyer could have snatched the three points but for the equally
excellent Turnbull in the 'Boro goal.
But a win for either side would have been an injustice on the losers as both
sides more than deserved their point in a game which, on paper, may not have
looked the most mouthwatering prospect of the day but certainly delivered.
For the Hammers it was a good response to a run of four games without a
point and Zola's side can now look forward to next week's clash against
David Moyes' underperforming Everton side with renewed optimism.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Collison,
Mullins, Boa Morte (Bowyer 85), Bellamy, Sears (Etherington 74).
Subs not used: Walker, Lopez, Tomkins, Tristan, Di Michele.
Booked: Neill (39), Collison (61), Boa Morte (80), Bellamy (89).
Goals: Mullins (21).
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater (Hoyte 46), Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor,
Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard (Arca 56), Downing, Sanli, Alves (Mido 67).
Subs not used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, Grounds.
Booked: Wheater (17), Riggott (33), Arca (64).
Goals: Mido (84).
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
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Boro battle back for draw
Mido free-kick cancels out Mullins opener
Last updated: 2nd November 2008
SSN
Man of the match: Mido. The Egyptian is barely match fit, but emerged off
the bench to rescue a point for the home side and nearly secured a late win.
Moment of the match: The introduction of Mido off the bench swung the game
in Boro's favour. It just was not Alves' day, but Mido was too hot to
handle.
Save of the match: Ross Turnbull pulled off a superb double save in the
dying embers to deny firstly Lee Bowyer and then Jack Collison.
Talking point: Boro felt they might have equalised earlier in the contest
through Justin Hoyte's header. On another day the ex-Arsenal man's effort
could have stood.
Goal of the game: While both goals were of a high calibre I'm going to go
say Mullins' was better. Despite his air shot to begin the effort, his
second attempt was sweetly-struck.
Mido emerged off the bench for Middlesbrough to rescue a 1-1 draw against
West Ham at The Riverside. The Hammers controlled the first half and
deservedly led at half-time through Hayden Mullins' thunderbolt. However,
Gareth Southgate rung the changes after the interval and his substitutes
swung the match in their favour.
After a period of pressure they levelled matters when Mido's drilled
free-kick sliced open West Ham's wall leaving Rob Green with no chance of a
save West Ham nearly claimed the all three points late on, but Ross Turnbull
pulled off a fine double save to deny Lee Bowyer and Jack Collison at the
death. The home side started positively and Stewart Downing delivered a high
ball into the area in the fifth minute but Lucas Neill was able to clear the
danger. The lively Fred Sears robbed Boro defender Andrew Taylor of
possession in the ninth minute and ran towards goal, but he could only screw
his shot wide from a good position. Gianfranco Zola's side looked dangerous
on the counter-attack and two minutes later Julien Faubert broke down the
right flank and slid a low ball into the box, but Chris Riggott read the
situation and intercepted before Sears could get a touch.
West Ham took a warranted lead in the 21st minute after Luis Boa Morte broke
down the left and fed the ball to Mullins who mis-hit his first attempt at
goal. But the ball sat up and he made no mistake with his second effort to
smash a volley past Boro goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and into the top-right
corner of the net from 10 yards out. Riggott was booked for a handball in
the 33rd minute and Craig Bellamy whipped the ball into the penalty area
from the resulting free-kick but Wheater was able to head the ball clear.
Mullins almost added a second in the 40th minute when he lashed a long-range
shot at goal which Turnbull watched fly just over the bar. West Ham
goalkeeper Green was forced to make his first real save moments before the
interval when he tipped over a cross-shot from Downing. Southgate replaced
Wheater with Justin Hoyte after the half-time break to try to deal with the
pace of the impressive Boa Morte. A tremendous piece of play in the 52nd
minute almost saw Zola's side double their advantage. After neat build-up
play, Bellamy was picked out by a deep cross to the right edge of the
penalty area and his cushioned header dropped into the path of Collison. The
20-year-old midfielder drove into the box but could only strike his shot
from near the penalty spot at Turnbull who had rushed off his line.
Downing had been the home side's most effective player and his run in the
63rd minute culminated in a superb cross-field pass with the outside of his
boot to set up a good chance for Gary O'Neil. Green, though, was equal to
O'Neil's shot and parried the ball to safety before Southgate made his third
change of the afternoon when he brought on Mido for Alves. A sluggish Boro
finally came to life with 20 minutes left and had the ball in the net in the
79th minute through Hoyte. Taylor delivered the ball into the penalty area
and Hoyte sprinted into the six-yard box to head the ball past Green but the
assistant referee raised his flag to rule it out for offside. Boro equalised
in the 83rd minute when James Collins tugged Mido on the edge of the penalty
area as he attempted to win a header. The Egyptian took the resulting
free-kick and drilled a low shot past the wall and into the bottom-right
corner of the net. Mido then broke down the left edge of the box three
minutes later and forced Green to make a smart save with a snap shot.
Turnbull made a superb, close-range double save in injury-time from Collison
and Bowyer
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Zola happy with progress
Hammers boss pleased with application at The Riverside
Last updated: 1st November 2008
SSN
Gianfranco Zola feels West Ham are moving in the right direction after
drawing at Middlesbrough. The Hammers arrived at The Riverside on the back
of four consecutive defeats, a run that ended courtesy of a 1-1 draw. Hayden
Mullins gave West Ham a half-time lead, but Mido's late well-struck
free-kick secured a draw for Boro. Zola was pleased with his side's effort
and commitment and felt it was a shame they could not hang on to their lead.
"I think it was a pity because in the end we were going to win this game,"
he told Sky Sports. "It's disappointing because we deserved to win. I'm
pleased with the team as they did very, very well. "It was a tough match on
the back of four defeats. It was vital to get a point today. We need to
carry that on now. "I'm sure the players have been suffering and I'm sure
they'll do everything they can to keep the momentum going." Zola does not
believe wholesale changes are needed in order to get back to winning ways as
he feels minor mistakes are costing them dearly. "It was very encouraging
for me," he continued. "The players are on the right way and it's very
important we do this. "I'm sure in the coming matches we'll improve the
things that are costing us. They are not big changes, but if we fix that
we'll be much better."
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Hammers still hapless
Last updated: 2nd November 2008
SSN
Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham
Soccer Saturday analysis
Matt Le Tissier watched West Ham blow a golden chance to pick up their first
win in five Premier League games at Middlesbrough. Gianfranco Zola's side
did end a run of four straight defeats, but will return south knowing they
could have got more than a solitary point. Hayden Mullins' strike was scant
reward for a dominant first hald display and James Collins' unneccesary foul
enabled substitute Mido to blast a Boro equaliser seven minutes from time.
But even then, Lee Bowyer and Jack Hollison looked odds-on to bag a later
winner only to be denied by a sensational double save from Ross Turnbull in
the home goal. And that, says Le Tissier, was not just typical of Boro's
resilience, but also the Hammers' haplessness at the moment. "They should
have been out of sight in the first half," he told Soccer Saturday. "They
dominated the first half, had so many chances that the one goal didn't seem
a fair reward to be honest with you. But fair play to Gareth Southgate , he
shook things up at half-time and made some subs after half-time. Justin
Hoyte, (Julio) Arca and Mido all came on and all had an impact on the game.
"They did well to get back into it with Mido's free-kick but to be fair,
Ross Turnbull made a great double save late on from Lee Bowyer and Jack
Hollison, a young lad in the West Ham midfield who I was really impressed
with."
Le Tissier singled out Freddie Sears and Hollinson for injecting some
youthful enthusiasm to an out-of-sorts West Ham side, but was quick to
praise Middlesbrough for making a point. He pointed to Gareth Southgate's
tactical changes, as well as Turnbull's heroics, as the reason why the
spoils were shared. "Boro don't often win two games in a row though, do
they?" he said. "Even though they battered West Ham for about an hour in the
second half, they couldn't quite get the breakthrough until that free-kick
from Mido. "James Collins will probably be kicking himself because there
was no need to foul right on the edge of the box and from that distance,
Mido's strike was good and Robert Green had no chance."
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Vinny's Middlesbrough Report
Vinny - Sun Nov 2 2008
West Ham Online
Middlesbrough 1 West Ham United 1
Any West Ham fan who witnessed the full ninety minutes would all know that
West Ham should have picked up all three points. Failing to do this is very
frustrating as we put in an excellent performance, created many chances and
defended as well as I have seen for a very long time.
Everything seemed to be clicking and although you could argue that Boro'
were below par this should not take away from the effort our boys put in and
if we had only taken one more of those chances we would have been home and
dry.
As it is, we didn't take the three points, we still haven't kept a clean
sheet and this is now five games without a win. But there were some
encouraging signs and if we can take the positives from this game and bring
it into the next we might just be alright after all.
The journey to Middlesbrough is not a difficult one and I am surprised this
puts some people off. A three hour journey from Kings Cross with one quick
change at Darlington makes it one of the easier trips up north. I suppose it
was cold and it was raining but isn't that what football weather is?
We got to Middlesbrough around 1.00pm and went to the nearest pub to the
station "The Bridge Inn". West Ham had truly taken over and every song from
the West Ham songbook seemed to be sung (even Ooh Morley Morley!).
Into the ground about 2.30pm, the Riverside looks just like very other
ground that has been built in the last Ten years. No Character and not many
fans.
After a dismal display against Manchester United on Wednesday evening, Zola
made a number of changes both to the personnel and to our formation.
In defence the captain Lucas Neill was back and went to right back with
Faubert pushing up. James Collins kept his place (and deservedly so) at
Center half alongside Upson.
In midfield it was Faubert on the right with Valon Behrami injured, Jack
Collison made his first start of the season in the center of midfield
alongside Hayden Mullins and on the left Luis Boa Morte replaced Matthew
Etherington who dropped to the bench.
Up front Zola went for just the two with Bellamy being partnered by Freddie
Sears who replaced former footballer David Di Michele.
The subs bench had a very different look with Jimmy Walker, Diego Tristan
and James Tomkins all getting a look in for the first time this season.
The first chance of the game fell our way and young striker Sears will
probably be disappointed with his finish.
It was a good move in midfield which set Sears racing away with pace. He
stopped to set himself and hit a shot just inches wide as we signalled our
intent from the beginning.
As the game was progressing, Boro' couldn't get near us as we were picking
up possession frequently and mopping up anything they threw at us with ease.
A chance came when Faubert got down the right and crossed the ball for
Bellamy whose goal bound shot was charged down by Boro' defender Chris
Riggot.
Boa Morte was having one of those games where he plays like a man possessed.
This works well as he will run halfway across the pitch to win the ball back
and on one occasion when he did he was chopped down by David Wheater which
saw the young Boro' defender go into the book which would be the first of
seven bookings for both teams.
Boa Morte would again be involved in a free flowing move which saw the
Portguese winger receive the ball in the area, turn the defender and knock
it back for Hayden Mullins who took a wild swipe at the ball, mis-kicked it
completely but as it flew in the air he took it on the volley and smashed
the ball into the top corner.
It was a fantastic finish from a player not really associated with goals in
general.
We continued to press forward and control the game with the Boro' fans
beginning to become very unhappy with their teams display. I thought we were
at Upton Park for a moment as the boo's rang around the Riverside.
A free kick was won just outside the Boro' area and Bellamy knocked it
square to James Collins who hit a thundering strike at goal which went just
wide when for a moment before it swerved away looked as though it was going
in.
Mullins was obviously very excited by his goal as he went for another one
but his decent curling shot went over the bar.
Boro' offered very little going forward and but for a decent attempt from
Stewart Downing in the last few moments of stoppage time which Green saved,
this was a very comfortable half.
Every West Ham fan was aware that without the second goal we would leave
ourselves open and with our inability to keep a clean sheet would ultimately
fuck things up.
But we came out all guns blazing for the second half and should have had
that second only a few moments after the restart.
It was arguably our best move of the game and a quick passing move was
nodded down by Bellamy into the path of Collison who burst into the area and
hit a shot which was straight at the Boro' keeper Turnball when if he had
hit it either side he would have been celebrating his first goal for the
club.
Boro' started to come into the game more as they upped their game. We were
slowly losing our foothold on the game but as an away team this is to be
expected as the home side are always going to have spells of pressure. It is
how you deal with them which is the test and we were doing very well.
West Ham reject Aliadiere looked certain to score but for a wonderful block
from Matthew Upson in what was probably the greatest piece of defending in
this game.
With Boro' still failing to really test us, Gareth Southgate responded by
sending on Mido. He is a player who always seems to score against us which
we know from his Tottenham days.
Robert Green had to be alert to make a good stop from a Gary O'Neil shot
from about 25 yards out.
Zola brought on Matthew Etherington in place of Freddie Sears as Boa Morte
went to a more central position.
Boro' thought they had scored when a mis-hit shot found the head of
substitute Justin Hoyte who head past Green only for the linesman's flag to
be raised.
We started to become a little wasteful in possession, especially going
forward which only put pressure on our defence.
A foul on the edge of our area by Collins on Mido would be our downfall as
Mido stepped up and smashed it through Green to equalise for the hosts.
Having defended so well throughout the game it was always going be either a
spectacular finish or a free kick which would undo us and sadly this was the
case.
Lee Bowyer came on from Luis Boa Morte for the last five minutes.
There was still one more great chance and one even now I am struggling to
comprehend how we did not manage to take.
A break down the right by Bellamy saw the Welsh striker with no support, but
he waited for Faubert to join him and played the winger in down the line.
Faubert waited for players in the middle, took his time and crossed for
Bowyer to hit a shot from a few yards out but it was saved by Turnball. The
rebound came to Collison who somehow managed to shoot straight at the keeper
again as Boro' survived and left the West Ham players and supporters
thinking of what could have been.
Player reviews
Robert Green
Saw the shot from Mido late and there was little he could do given the sheer
power of the shot. Did well otherwise. Was obviously told to focus his kicks
to the right and where Faubert was and he succeeded in doing this on a
number of occasions.
Herita Ilunga
There was talk before the game of him being injured but thankfully this was
not the case. Another solid display and worked really well going forward
with Boa Morte.
Matthew Upson
A fine display from the England international as he put in one of his best
performances this season. Great in the air and made a number of blocks and
interceptions as he put in a really good all round showing.
James Collins
Will be frustrated with the clumsy foul which led to the equaliser but he
should not be too down hearted as he put in another performance which will
cement his place in the heart of our defence. Was unlucky not to score with
a good effort in the first half and like Upson he made a number of important
blocks and interceptions.
Lucas Neill
With Faubert having a recent mare' at right back it was actually good to see
Lucas Neill back in the side. Did not look suspect and put in a good
performance. His distribution was spot on and full back is his position.
Luis Boa Morte
West Ham's hate figure saw himself get a surprise start but I suppose after
his positive showing against Manchester United it was not too much of a
shock to see him get his chance. This was a very hard working display where
we saw him win the ball back on numerous occasions. Looked decent going
forward and put in a couple of good crosses.
Hayden Mullins
West Ham's secondary hate figure saw himself get a surprise goal. A great
goal it was but his overall performance was what I was pleased with as he
looked every bit the Premiership midfield he is supposedly not supposed to
be. The reason I was pleased with his performance is that he is effective.
He does win the ball and he does play some good passes although sadly only
the misplaced ones will be noted by many.
Jack Collison
An excellent display from the youngster who was making his first start of
the season. He deserved to start and he took his chance - well I guess not
completely as he should have had at least one goal but apart from that I
thought he was a breath of fresh air. A good passer of the ball, physical
and not afraid to get stuck in. Also had the tendency to do what other West
Ham midfields such as Mark Noble fail to do which is get into the area and
into a position to have a chance on goal.
Julien Faubert
Still not impressed by what is looking like a very overpriced winger but at
least he was further up the pitch which made his failure to keep possession
a little less critical.
Craig Bellamy
Apart from a few frustrating wild attempts at goal this was a good display
from Bellamy who seemed to be a the heart of any move we created. Never
really got a chance to score but his build up play was very good.
Freddie Sears
Deserved to start this game and apart from failing to score he will be
delighted with his performance. I thought he worked really hard, was unlucky
not to score in the first half and his pace was an obvious concern for
Boro'.
Subs Used
Matthew Etherington (on for Sears 73 mins)
Saw little of the ball but made a couple of decent bursts forward. Not
really up for the physical challenge which made it easy for Boro' to get
past him.
Lee Bowyer (on for Boa Morte 84 mins)
Not on for long but got into the area to have a golden chance to win it
which he spurned.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Lopez, Tristan, Tomkins, Di Michele.
Overall
When you defend well, create many chances, and get done by a set piece there
can be cause for concern as you have played well and still not managed to
win.
But you have to take the positives from this game because there were many.
This for me was arguably our best performance of the season. The football we
played and the shape that we kept was very pleasing and of course I would
have rather the three points but I am encouraged by this display.
A defeat at home to Everton next weekend will see those encouraging signs
being taken down and replaced with "this way to relegation battle". I do
believe it could be that simple.
We have to start getting wins on the board because we are not far from that
relegation zone and if you think November is a difficult month just have a
look at the fixtures in December.
Att: 25,164
Franco's Feelings
"I thought we would get a victory but I am pleased because it was not an
easy game for us.
"We came into the game from four away defeats and the players were great so
I'm upset with the result, not them.
"We are going to try and improve some things and maybe we should have taken
our chances better."
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NO LAUGHING MATTER AS ZOLA BRAND FALLS WIDE OF MARK
Daily Express
Monday November 3,2008
By Niall Hickman Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 1
WITH 'comedian' Russell Brand as one of your most famous supporters, no
wonder West Ham have become a bit of a bad joke lately. At least they halted
a run of four straight defeats at the Riverside. But had Justin Hoyte's late
goal not been disallowed, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola would have been as
popular as one of Brand's jokes. Despite the fact they nearly lost as Boro
came on strong at the finish, Zola's side should have had the game wrapped
up by half-time, such was their dominance. But with only one goal to show
for their labours – a rare Hayden Mullins strike – West Ham's current
malaise, an alarming lack of finishing, nearly cost them dear. Craig Bellamy
was arguably the best player on view, but the gobby Welshman – who somehow
avoided getting booked until the last minute – despite all his pace and
pressure, ultimately could not provide the penetration. In nine top flight
seasons Bellamy has only once broken into double figures. This season
Bellamy has one league goal, Carlton Cole three, Dean Ashton two and David
Di Michele two – and there is the root of the problem, a chronic lack of
fire-power. That and the small matter of 23 games since they last kept a
clean sheet. They bossed the first half, with Freddie Sears and Jack
Collison going closest, but had only Mullins' finish to underline their
supremacy. Mido's late strike cancelled out Mullins' goal and the burly
Egyptian made a huge difference after going on for the ineffective Afonso
Alves.
In fact, Boro were a different side once Justin Hoyte, Julio Arca and Mido
went on and a point capped the end of an encouraging week following their
5-0 home thrashing by Chelsea. "It has been tough for us but to get five
points from three games is a decent return," said Mido. "We know we could
have done better but at least we have stayed unbeaten and that gives us
something to take forward." Just before Mido's equaliser, Hoyte had a
legitimate goal disallowed for offside, but Boro were indebted to keeper
Ross Turnbull for a stunning double save with seconds to go which ensured
they shared the spoils. However, these are worrying times for Zola. "We had
lost the four games before but what has been encouraging for me is that they
are all wanting the ball," he said. "They believe in themselves and that is
such a valuable thing. "I'm pleased with how it has gone over the first two
months and I'm sure the rest will be even better. Is it harder than I
thought? Well, it is hard. When I was a player, I thought it looked so
easy."
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Turnbull 8; Wheater 5 (Hoyte 46, 7), Riggott 7,
Pogatetz 6, Taylor 6; Aliadiere 5, Digard 4 (Arca 57, 7), O'Neil 7, Downing
5; Alves 5 (Mido 67, 7), Tuncay 6. Booked: Wheater, Riggott, Arca. Goal:
Mido 83.
West Ham (4-4-2): Green 6; Neill 6, Collins 7, Upson 6, Ilunga 6; Faubert 5,
Collison 7, Mullins 7, Boa Morte 6 (Bowyer 85, 6), Sears 6 (Etherington 73,
6), Bellamy 8. Booked: Neill, Collison, Boa Morte, Bellamy. Goal: Mullins
21.
Referee: A Marriner (Birmingham).
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Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 1: Hammers boss Zola finding out how tough it is at
the top
By Colin Young Last updated at 1:28 AM on 03rd November 2008
Daily Mail
As Gianfranco Zola discarded the woolly hat which protected him from the
elements, he looked exhausted. He is finding management a difficult task. 'I
am tired,' mumbled one of the Premier League's greatest players, leaning
against the wall. 'It has been a long week. When I was a player, I thought
management looked so easy. Absolutely. I have been in the job for a couple
of months now, and it has been tough. Sometimes I think it feels more tiring
on the bench than it is on the pitch.
'I'm pleased with how it's gone and I'm sure the rest will be even better.
I've got a great group of players and my staff are fantastic.' The West Ham
boss turned to youth in lively striker Freddie Sears, 18, and Jack Collison,
a 20-year-old midfielder who bossed the centre of a game they should have
won, after Hayden Mullins gave them the lead which was cancelled out by
Mido's late screamer for Middlesbrough. Zola was delighted with the pair. He
said: 'They were really good. It was a tough match for experienced players
so can you imagine what is was like for them? But they didn't look like they
were young players and that's a big compliment for them.'
After a double save from the impressive Ross Turnbull kept out Collison and
Lee Bowyer, Gareth Southgate compared his keeper's temperament to his old
England team-mate David Seaman and said he could eventually challenge for
the international shirt currently held by David James. Southgate said: 'We
felt Ross was a steady goalkeeper but he has shown another side to his game
by making match-winning saves. He has emerged as a real talent.'
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Turnbull 8; Wheater 5 (Hoyte 46min, 7), Riggott 5,
Pogatetz 6, Taylor 7; Aliadiere 6, Digard 4 (Arca 56, 9), O'Neil 6, Downing
6; Alves 6 (Mido 67, 7), Tuncay 6. Booked: Wheater, Riggott, Arca.
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 7; Neill 6, Collins 7, Upson 7, Ilunga 6; Faubert 6,
Collison 7, Mullins 7, Boa Morte 4 (Bowyer 84); Sears 7 (Etherington 73, 6),
Bellamy 8. Booked: Neill, Bellamy, Collison, Boa Morte.
Man of the match: Julio Arca.
Referee: Andre Marriner.
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Zola tired and emotional as Mido deflates Hammers revival
Guardian report Observer report Match facts
Premier League
Middlesbrough 1 Mido 83
West Ham United 1 Mullins 21
Simon Williams at the Riverside Stadium The Guardian, Monday November 3 2008
Article history
Mido equalised late on for Middlesbrough to dampen Gianfranco Zola's mood.
Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images
The eyes still glisten with enthusiasm, but the bags under them are dark and
pronounced, the side-effects of sleepless nights spent fretting over a newly
acquired responsibility. Like an exhausted new father with a screaming baby,
Gianfranco Zola has quickly discovered that, having looked forward to the
moment he was given control of a Premier League side, the reality, while
rewarding, has proven far more wearing than he imagined.
A 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough brought relief in that it ended West Ham
United's run of four successive defeats, but there was still enough
frustration and concern to ensure another draining afternoon for their
rookie Italian manager. Having dominated the first half and taken the lead
through Hayden Mullins, the visitors were outplayed in the second and were
clinging on for a point after the substitute Mido had scored Boro's
equaliser with a low free-kick that went through a gap in the defensive
wall.
Yet the Hammers still almost snatched their first win for more than a month
when in stoppage time Middlesbrough's goalkeeper, Ross Turnbull, pulled off
a wonderful double save to deny Lee Bowyer and Jack Collison.
No wonder Zola said he was tired as he reflected on a game that would have
yielded three points had his team made the most of their chances before the
break. "I have been in the job for a couple of months now and it has been
tough," said Zola, who has already been made the favourite by some
bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job after a
poor start at Upton Park. "Sometimes I think it feels more tiring to be on
the bench than it is on the pitch. You are learning things all the time,
picking things up and it is getting better and better in many, many aspects
of the job.
"Is it harder than I thought? Well, it is hard, but at the same time I'm
enjoying it. When I was player I thought it looked so easy. Absolutely. I
can assure you I thought it was much easier than this."
Boro's manager, Gareth Southgate, will concur with that view. His side were
supposedly full of confidence after a 2-0 win over Manchester City but were
abject for spells and failed to produce a single attacking move of note in
the first 45 minutes. They did improve after Southgate's half-time chat and
the introduction of Julio Arca for the anonymous Didier Digard provided the
impetus they needed in midfield to push West Ham backwards.
They gradually built up pressure and should have been level four minutes
before Mido struck, but Justin Hoyte's diving header was incorrectly ruled
out for offside. Yet they still needed Turnbull's late heroics to take their
share of the points. Southgate described the save as "phenomenal" and tipped
the 23-year-old academy graduate for international recognition. "Ross has
been excellent, he just needs to keep doing what he is doing and that
[England] will take care of itself."
Man of the match Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough)
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MIDO'S MAGIC RESCUES MIDDLESBROUGH AGAINST WEST HAM
Daily Express
FT: Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 1 Mido's saviour for Southgate as Hammers'
mettle shows
Saturday November 1,2008
By Clive Hetherington
THOSE waiting for the Hammers to fall now have to think again thanks in part
to the mercurial Freddie Sears. Hayden Mullins will no doubt have something
to say about it, but young Sears was last night claiming the goal that
should have seen his side end their run of four straight defeats with a
victory. But substitute Mido – not for the first time – came to Boro's
rescue, driving a free-kick through the defensive wall seven minutes from
time, for his fifth goal of the season. If it was Mullins who scored for the
Hammers, it was his first of the campaign, but teenager Sears staked his
claim as the stunning 21st-minute strike glanced off his head. This display
made a nonsense of the Eastenders' horrendous run, and backed up boss
Gianfranco Zola's assertion that they are too good to be dragged into a
relegation dogfight.
As for Jekyll-and-Hyde Boro, they simply can't find any consistency and the
scoreline at the break scarcely reflected West Ham's overwhelming
superiority up to that point. Boro were denied 12 minutes from time when
another substitute, Justin Hoyte, saw his header ruled out for a marginal
offside.
But it needed an astonishing double save from keeper Ross Turnbull at the
death from Lee Bowyer and Jack Collison to ensure a draw for the home side.
While they were in direct opposition on many occasions as players, this was
the first time Boro's Gareth Southgate and Zola had met in the managerial
arena. A measure of Southgate's satisfaction with Wednesday's impressive 2-0
home win against Manchester City, was the fact that he stuck with the same
starting line-up. But Zola had plenty to ponder after the Hammers' recent
run, and made four changes to the team that started the 2-0 setback at
Manchester United on the same night. Zola turned to youth by handing first
league starts this season to striker Sears, 18, and midfielder Collison, 20,
and the move almost paid an early dividend when Sears broke from halfway
before pulling his finish narrowly wide across goal. Sears' pace was a major
problem for the Boro defence and two minutes later only a last-ditch
interception from Chris Riggott denied the youngster another opportunity.But
West Ham weren't to be denied for long, as Luis Boa Morte beat Jeremie
Aliadiere on the left of the penalty area and set up Mullins. The midfielder
miskicked his first attempt before lashing the second in off the underside
of the bar in spectacular fashion – but with the aid of a deflection off
Sears. There was another scare for Boro in the 26th minute when Hammers
centre-back James Collins flashed a powerful drive wide from a free-kick
routine, and Andrew Taylor then had to block from Collison as the visitors
kept up the onslaught. When Boro attempted to return the pressure, Hammers
right-back Lucas Neil took matters into his own hands with a crunching
challenge on Aliadiere that earned the Aussie a yellow card. Boro's only
genuine first-half chance fell to striker Afonso Alves, who lost his footing
as he sent his close-range effort tamely into the arms of Robert Green. Boro
would have gone further behind in the 53rd minute had Turnbull not pulled
off a vital stop from Collison. Southgate then threw on Mido for Alves and
the Egyptian striker's stunning late free-kick rescued a point.
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Sheffield United take injunction in West Ham appeal
By Simon Mullock, sundaymirror.co.uk 2/11/2008
Sheffield United have taken out an injunction to prevent the Court of
Arbitration for Sport hearing West Ham's appeal over the tribunal decision
that could cost the Hammers £50m. An independent panel ruled in September
that the London club should compensate the Blades for their relegation in
2006 in the aftermath of the Carlos Tevez third-party ownership scandal. At
the start of last month West Ham asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to
make a judgment. That was followed up with a High Court appeal in which they
are claiming the tribunal came to an incorrect judgement. Now Sheffield have
made an application for an anti-suit injunction to be granted against West
Ham which would block the intervention of the CAS.
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West Ham sticking with Nani
02.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United will stick with the director of football model. "We are
patient and believe in the structure," said a board member to the Observer.
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Zola proud of West Ham players after draw
02.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
Gianfranco Zola was happy with his West Ham players after their 1-1 draw at
Middlesbrough. Zola said: "I thought we would get a victory but I am pleased
because it was not an easy game for us. "We were coming into the game from
four defeats away and the players were really good, so at the end of the day
I am disappointed with the result but not with them. "We are going to try
and improve some things and maybe we should have taken our chances better.
"But I cannot have any complaints with the players because they were
fantastic today."
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McAvennie: Clarke best West Ham signing in years
02.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie says Steve Clarke is the best signing
Gianfranco Zola could have made as manager. "West Ham have got a very good
man in Stevie Clarke," he said. "I know him well from our playing days at St
Mirren and he's absolutely superb. Anyone who can coach some of the best
players in the world at Chelsea has to be respected. "He knows how to deal
with big-name players and he's a strong character who won't take any
nonsense. He also has plenty of experience of working alongside top class
managers in the likes of Mourinho. "I think Steve could be the best signing
West Ham have made in a long time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turnbull stands tall to frustrate Zola's mini men
Middlesbrough 1 West Ham United 1
By Michael Walker at the Riverside Stadium
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United brought a stop to their four-game losing run yesterday yet
the dejection on their players' faces at the end spoke of another loss.
Having taken a grip of the game from kick-off, led through an early Hayden
Mullins goal and dominated for almost the entire 90 minutes – to the extent
where Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was forced into a brilliant
double save in injury-time – West Ham still drew. It felt like points
dropped. Justice it was not.
"Sometimes you just have toaccept a draw," said the Boro captain Emanuel
Pogatetz, but that was easier for him to say than Mullins or the impressive
Craig Bellamy. Pogatetz, like every home fan, knew that Boro had once more
stuttered at the Riverside and that Mido's 85th-minute equaliser was a
salvage operation.
West Ham knew it too, hence their demeanour. They were about to clinch a
first clean sheet in 25 matches when Mido drilled a diagonal free-kick low
through the wall and past Rob Green. Visiting heads dropped, but only
momentarily and the spirit was evident in the efforts of Jack Collison and
the substitute Lee Bowyer in the third minute of added time.
Turnbull, man of the match against Manchester City here on Wednesday, made
the first save with his right hand, the second with his left leg. "It's the
type of game we've lost in the past," said Gareth Southgate. "We're indebted
to a fantastic double save from our keeper but that's three games unbeaten
in a week. I'm delighted."
Considering four games ago here Turnbull let in five against Chelsea, Boro's
stability is a feat. West Ham could do with some of that and perhaps the
result will come to be viewed differently. "It might be a huge point," said
Gianfranco Zola. "We were very unlucky but I'm pleased, everyplayer was
really, really good today."
The task was complicated by West Ham's injury list. This meant that Bellamy
was the "big man" in a strikeforce with 18-year-old Freddie Sears. The
teenager, 5ft 7in, was making only his second ever start in the League but
inexperience was not a problem. Sears and Bellamy were electric as they
pulled Boro's nervous defence around.
In the 22nd minute and Mullins belted the ball into the top corner from 12
yards, having first fluffed his shot. A James Collins free-kick flew inches
wide four minutes later and Collison rattled Turnbull's legs after
half-time. Julio Arca's introduction made a difference to Boro, though,
andensured they kept going. Mido then stepped up and West Ham's three points
were chopped to one.
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