Craig Bellamy's first-half strike helped West Ham United earn an impressive
point at Chelsea on Sunday
WHUFC.com
14.12.2008
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v West Ham United
Sunday 14 December
4pm
Referee: Mike Riley
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Collison,
Parker, Noble, Cole, Bellamy
Subs: Lastuvka, Mullins, Faubert, Boa Morte, Tristan, Di Michele, Sears
Chelsea: Cech, Ashley Cole, Terry, Alex, Bosingwa, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard,
Deco, Joe Cole, Anelka
Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Bridge, Belletti, Kalou, Drogba
A heroic defensive performance and a fine Craig Bellamy goal saw West Ham
United grab a superb point at Chelsea.
The Hammers were full-value for a draw that extended their unbeaten Premier
League record away from the Boleyn Ground to four matches. The point also
lifted United above Manchester City into 16th place in the table - after
Newcastle United had won earlier on Sunday afternoon.
Gianfranco Zola marked his return to Stamford Bridge by making three changes
from the 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, replacing calf- injury victim
James Collins, Hayden Mullins and Julien Faubert with Calum Davenport, Mark
Noble and Jack Collison.
As well as Zola, assistant manager Steve Clarke, fitness coach Antonio
Pintus, midfielder Scott Parker and striker Carlton Cole lined up against
their former club. Teenage forward Freddie Sears, who scored twice in a
midweek reserve win over a Major League Soccer under-21 side, was named
among the substitutes alongside fellow forwards Diego Tristan and David Di
Michele.
It was Zola's starting eleven, though, who stole the show, producing a
resolute, backs-to-the-wall performance that the manager would no doubt have
been immensely proud of. At the back, Davenport and Matthew Upson were
commanding, making countless heroic blocks and tackles as the Blues rained
long-range shots on Robert Green's goal.
In midfield, youngsters Collison, Noble and Valon Behrami ran themselves to
a standstill to thwart the combined talents of Deco, Michael Ballack, Frank
Lampard and Joe Cole, while Carlton Cole and Bellamy were also in lively
form up front.
It was Bellamy who opened the scoring on 33 minutes, expertly controlling
Noble's cut-back on his chest before lashing a low half-volley past Peter
Cech from 12 yards. The goal, the Wales captain's second of the season, was
a fitting reward for his colleagues' determined defensive display.
There can be no argument that Chelsea saw the vast majority of the ball in
the opening half-hour, but Luiz Filipe Scolari's side failed to force Green
into a single save. In front of the goalkeeper, Davenport, Noble and Herita
Ilunga repeatedly threw their bodies into the path of Chelsea shots, denying
Lampard, Ballack and Jose Bosingwa.
United's luck ran out six minutes into the second half, however, when
Nicolas Anelka finished a flowing four-man move to level the scores. Mikel,
half-time substitute Didier Drogba and Lampard were all involved in an
exquisite one-touch move that culminated with the Frenchman notching his
14th Premier League goal of the season and the 100th of his nomadic career.
While the majority of the 41,675 supporters inside Stamford Bridge might
have expected Chelsea to go on to win the game, Zola's side were not to be
denied their point.
The chief reasons for that were the peerless performances of, in particular,
the returning Davenport, the energetic Parker and England stopper Green.
While the former blocked no fewer than five goalbound shots, Parker headed
his goalkeeper's wayward punch off the goal-line and the latter produced
fine stops to deny Lampard, twice, and Drogba.
Referee Mike Riley then waved away Chelsea's claims for a penalty after
Lampard went to ground as he attempted to round captain Lucas Neill.
And United could even have condemned Chelsea to their third home league
defeat in five matches had Cech not dived low to his right to keep out
Cole's 91st minute strike following a driving 40-yard run from the tireless
Behrami.
Zola's men have now won at Sunderland and drawn at both Liverpool and
Chelsea in the past month and will now go into next weekend's home game with
Aston Villa in confident mood.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mixed luck for loan stars
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players out on loan had varying degrees of fortune over
the weekend
14.12.2008
Seven of West Ham United's eight loanees had a mixed weekend with their
adopted clubs, while James Tomkins will be hoping for victory on Monday
evening.
There were fine wins for Jimmy Walker's Colchester United, Bondz N'Gala's MK
Dons and Josh Payne's Cheltenham Town, a draw for Kyel Reid's Blackpool but
defeats for Nigel Quashie's Birmingham City, Jordan Spence's Leyton Orient
and Junior Stanislas' Southend United.
Kyel Reid
The left winger, 21, produced a lively display as Blackpool secured a
hard-fought goalless draw at Nottingham Forest in the Championship. The
Tangerines, who sit 16th in the standings, have lost only one of the four
matches Reid has started since his loan move to Bloomfield Road.
Nigel Quashie
The 30-year-old Scotland international midfielder played a full 90 minutes
as Birmingham City fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Preston North End.
Despite Saturday's disappointment, the Blues remain second in the
Championship table. Quashie was booked for a foul on Ross Wallace during the
game, which was won by Jon Parkin's last-minute goal at Deepdale.
James Tomkins
Central defender Tomkins will hope to be recalled to the Derby County
starting eleven for Monday evening's Championship trip to Charlton Athletic.
The 19-year-old has played four games for The Rams since moving to Pride
Park on a month-long loan deal at the end of November. England Under-19
international Tomkins was a second half substitute in last Tuesday's 3-0
defeat at table-topping Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jimmy Walker
Goalkeeper Walker was in typically impressive form as Colchester United
secured a memorable 2-1 victory at Leeds United in League One. Goals from
Dean Hammond and Mark Yeates earned the U's a memorable win at Elland Road
after Richard Snodgrass had earlier given the home side the lead. The Essex
side, who sit 16th in the table, have won two of the three matches they have
played since Walker arrived on a month-long loan late last month.
Josh Payne
Youth team captain Payne played 77 minutes as Martin Allen's Cheltenham Town
secured a fine 2-1 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday. The 18-year-old, who
was playing the final match of a three-month loan stay with the Robins, saw
goals from Barry Hayles and Ian Westlake secure victory at the Matchroom
Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Orient's goal was scored from the penalty
spot by Adam Boyd. Payne, 18, scored once in 12 League One and FA Cup
matches for Town.
Bondz N'Gala
Central defender N'Gala was not involved as MK Dons secured a 4-2 League One
win at Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday night. The Dons, managed by
Roberto Di Matteo, who was at Stamford Bridge to watch West Ham United's
first-team take on Chelsea on Sunday, are third in the standings. N'Gala,
who has made three appearances for the club, will hope to return to action
when they host Leeds United on Saturday.
Junior Stanislas
England Under-19 international winger Junior Stanislas endured a
disappointing afternoon as Southend United fell to a 1-0 home defeat to
Huddersfield Town in League One. The Shrimpers, for whom the youngster has
made three league and FA Cup appearances since joining them on a month's
loan last month. Stanislas marked his debut for the club by scoring twice in
a 3-1 FA Cup second round win over Luton Town.
Jordan Spence
The talented England Under-19 international defender was an unused
substitute as Leyton Orient succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat to Cheltenham
Town in League One.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola delight at 'special day'
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola praised the players and fans who gave him a memorable
Stamford Bridge return
14.12.2008
Gianfranco Zola believes the impressive 1-1 draw his West Ham United side
achieved at Chelsea can lay a solid foundation for the upcoming busy
Christmas period.
Craig Bellamy's goal just after the half hour mark sent the visitors in
ahead at half-time, but Chelsea, as expected, came out strongly in the
second period and pulled level when Nicolas Anelka scored five minutes after
the restart. Some teams may have buckled but Zola's side are made of sterner
stuff and defiantly held out for a deserved point. "This point and the
performance have been vital for our players, especially after last week's
performance which came as a big shock for us," Zola said.
"We came on the back of an away win and a draw at Liverpool and then we lost
a big game against Tottenham. Everyone felt it so this performance will help
to again build up our confidence and maybe this time when we play at home we
will have more freedom and less pressure."
The point denied Chelsea the chance to go back to the top of the Barclays
Premier League and, even though they failed to win at home for the third
consecutive home match, Zola was in no doubt about the scale of his team's
achievement. "It was a great result and a very good performance from my team
so it has been a great day.
"This place is not easy to come to let's make this clear. Today we were very
good and made it difficult for them and you have to concede to Chelsea that
when you play a Champions League match it drains you so we took advantage of
that very well. But it won't be easy for anyone to come here and pick up
points."
Bellamy ended his hunt for a goal by putting the Hammers in front after a
good spell of pressure. After being desperately unlucky not to score at
Anfield, the Wales captain made sure there was no mistake this time around
by drilling a low shot past Petr Cech at his near post.
"For the goal I was very happy for my players, especially Bellamy because he
needed that goal as he was working hard and was getting frustrated about not
scoring so I'm sure that goal will help him. It honestly felt like I had
scored, I'm very pleased for him."
Bellamy's partner in attack, Carlton Cole, may even have won it at the
death, but for a fantastic save from Cech. In the end the sides had to
settle for the draw, a result Zola thought was an honest reflection of the
game. "Cole had a good shot and Petr Cech has made a very good save and also
they had a very good chance but our goalkeeper was again outstanding so it
was a fair result."
The pre-match build up was always going to be about the Italian's return to
the place where he was a celebrated player, but he explains he did not need
to use that fact to give his team extra encouragement before the match. He
said: "We didn't even mention it to the players. We were playing live on TV
against a strong team and were coming back from a bad result so all the
motivations were there.
"The players have been good and are doing what they do all the time in
training, playing the ball and passing it very well and they work it out. If
they keep doing it all the time the results will continue to come."
The West Ham United manager received a warm reception from all four sides of
Stamford Bridge before the game started but it was the away end who made
most of the noise once the game got under way, with Zola responding to their
requests for a wave on several occasions.
"I have had a fantastic reception and it's amazing, this is a special place
for me and all of the supporters made this a great day for me. I must say a
special big thank-you to our fans who were superb today and I'm really
pleased we could get a result for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea 1-1 West Ham
By Russell Barder
BBC.co.uk
Chelsea missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Gianfranco
Zola's West Ham held on for a spirited draw. Craig Bellamy volleyed the
visitors in front, with Chelsea claiming Mark Noble had handled the ball in
the build-up. The introduction of Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea and
Nicolas Anelka levelled after a neat one-touch move. Frank Lampard wanted a
penalty after he appeared to be tripped by Lucas Neill, while Carlton Cole
squandered a glorious chance to win it at the death. It was a frustrating
afternoon for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea side who failed to turn their
dominance into goals. But for the Hammers, the point was reward for an
industrious and determined performance, typified by former Blue Scott
Parker. Before this season Chelsea had gone 86 games unbeaten at home, but
the aura of invincibility that once engulfed Stamford Bridge is not as
strong as it once was.
They have been defeated twice on their way to picking up just 10 points,
which is in direct contrast to their travels where they have won all eight
games. After Liverpool's 2-2 draw at home to Hull on Saturday, Chelsea knew
victory would send them a point clear at the top of the Premier League and
they started like they meant business. Zola, who spent seven seasons as a
player at Stamford Bridge, was given a rapturous reception by the home fans
but any notion of sentiment soon disappeared as the visitors were put under
immediate pressure. Michael Ballack fired a left-footed shot well over the
bar before Parker denied Joe Cole, having played a one-two with Lampard.
Alex headed a good chance wide but the Hammers managed to repel the initial
wave of attacks and they continued to defend manfully as Chelsea failed to
seriously test Robert Green's goal. Then, against the run of play, West Ham
went in front in controversial circumstances.
Chelsea were caught out by a quick throw down the left and Noble controlled
the ball with his shoulder before delivering for Bellamy to finish
emphatically. The home side were furious as referee Mike Riley ignored their
claims that Noble had used his arm to control the ball, with Ballack booked
for his part in the protests. Scolari reshuffled his side at half-time and
threw on Drogba in place of Ballack as the hosts reverted to an attacking
4-3-3 formation. The Ivory Coast striker was available again after
suspension but had to settle for a place on the bench, however, his
introduction paid immediate dividends. He was involved in a delightful
one-touch Chelsea move as he flicked the ball to Lampard who then played in
Anelka to hammer home his 100th Premier League goal. West Ham responded
brilliantly and Carlton Cole had a great chance to restore his side's lead
but he failed to connect properly with Bellamy's cut-back, before firing
just wide. Lampard and Drogba were both denied by Green and, on an eventful
afternoon for the West Ham stopper, his uncertain attempt at punching clear
was headed off the line and on to the bar by Parker.
He soon atoned for that error, however, producing a brilliant save from
Drogba's goalbound header as Chelsea hunted a winner. They might have
snatched victory in the dying minutes had Riley pointed to the spot after
Lampard went down in the box under a trip from Neill. But the best
opportunity fell to former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole in injury time.
After being played clean through by Valon Behrami, he scuffed his low drive,
allowing Cech to make a save low to his right and ensure Chelsea claimed a
point.
Chelsea boss Luis Felipe Scolari: "Our home is Stamford Bridge, not away,
and we need to be scoring more goals here. "We are not shooting from outside
the area enough and I need to work more with the players. "Didier Drogba is
in good condition and may play more in the next game, but the other players
must cooperate because when he came on we lost the midfield."
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "The performance was outstanding and the
point was totally deserved. "We are improving but we do not play with the
same freedom at home as we do away from home and we will fix that."
On the upcoming January transfer window Zola added: "We will not be selling
our best players, but some who are not playing in the first team may go."
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel (Belletti 80),
Deco, Ballack (Drogba 46), Lampard, Joe Cole (Kalou 74), Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Ferreira.
Booked: Mikel, Ballack, Ashley Cole.
Goals: Anelka 51.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Ilunga, Collison (Boa Morte 87),
Parker, Noble (Mullins 72), Behrami, Bellamy (Di Michele 90), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Faubert, Tristan, Sears.
Booked: Cole, Bellamy.
Goals: Bellamy 33.
Att: 41,675.
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Craig Bellamy on 7.77
(on 90 minutes).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea home form worries Scolari
BBC.co.uk
Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted he was baffled by Chelsea's home form after his
side were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals West Ham on Sunday. The Blues
have lost to Liverpool and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this season and
dropped 14 points in total. Blues boss Scolari said: "When we play here it's
different than the way we play away, we have more space away. "Maybe we are
now thinking 'this is not our home' and we're not scoring goals and I don't
know what happens." Nicolas Anelka scored his 16th goal of the season to
earn a point for Chelsea after Craig Bellamy had given the Hammers a
half-time lead. Scolari introduced Didier Drogba for Michael Ballack after
the interval and he made an immediate impact, helping to set up Anelka's
equaliser. But the former Brazil coach indicated that he would be reluctant
to pair them together on a regular basis. "I need co-operation from the
other players because when Drogba came in we lost the midfield," stated
Scolari.
"When we lose the ball, we need them coming back into the middle to help win
it back. "I need to have them training many times more together."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola paid tribute to the Chelsea fans after he
received an affectionate ovation on his return to Stamford Bridge. "The
reception was unbelievable," said the former Blues player. "One more time
the Chelsea supporters showed how great they are. "The first 15 minutes was
strange as the fans were singing my name and it was nice that I wasn't
forgotten."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on a decent result at Stamford Bridge
...
On the welcome ...
The reception was unbelievable. One more time they showed me how fantastic
they are and I thank them for that.
On the result ...
I'm very pleased with the performance. I think we were outstanding, some of
the players were unbelievable and we got a point that we most definitely
deserved.
The centre halves were brilliant; Scott Parker, Jack Collison as well, a
young player who's done fantastically well. Behrami; sometimes I think like
that guy can play, it's like he's playing in doubles! But the whole team
played well and they needed to do that because we're facing one of the best
teams in Europe.
On the strike force ...
I was so please for Craig [Bellamy], it was like I hadn't scored myself!
He's been working hard and trying so many times to score but he couldn't get
it. I'm sure this is going to be the first of a series of goals.
If Carlton [Cole] could score more often I think he would be an outstanding
player. But the amount of work he does on the pitch is incredible. But as I
said to him, if he keeps working like this I'm pleased even if he doesn't
score.
On moving up the table ...
I have to say that since I stepped in the players' attutude has been
excellent. Unfortunately sometimes we lacked some things and dropped points
that we didn't deserve to drop - but their attitude has been spot on all the
time.
Right now we're having some problems, sometimes we don't play at home with
the same freedom that we do playing away. But we're going to get it going,
we're going to fix it and I'm sure the next game's going to be different.
We're going to improve; we're just about there, starting to fly high. We
just need a bit more confidence when playing at home and everything will be
alright.
On the forthcoming transfer window ...
We're not going to be selling our best players, that's for sure. Maybe we're
going to be selling some players that are not playing very much in this team
and maybe we'll get some money to buy some players to improve the squad - I
don't know, we will see.
But it's very important that people know we're not going to be selling our
best players.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea 1 West Ham Utd 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Craig Bellamy earned a vital point for West Ham thanks to a first half
strike in today's big London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The Welsh striker gave the Hammers a first half lead with a close range
finish before Nicolas Anelka rescued a point for the home side early on in
the second half.
West Ham went into the game just one place above the relegation zone but
knowing that a win would catapult them up to eleventh spot. As it was the
point took them above Manchester City into 16th place but still well within
reach of the top half of the table.
Much has been made of United's fragile defence in recent weeks, but draws
first at Anfield and now here at Stamford Bridge will have altered that
perception somewhat. The Hammers were also weakened by the absence of
defensive stalwart James Collins today due to a training ground injury but
his replacement, Calum Davenport, had an excellent game alongside Matthew
Upson and proved an able stand-in.
Chelsea have been far from formidable at home in recent weeks, and
Gianfranco Zola sent his team out with no intention of sitting back. Whilst
the home side enjoyed the lions share of possession throughout the game
United created far more opportunities today than they have in this fixture
in recent years, and with a bit of luck could have even stolen the game at
the end.
Craig Bellamy - who had not scored since the opening day of the season -
clearly thrives in these kind of games and his 33rd minute goal was ample
reward for his recent effort. The former Liverpool striker converted a Mark
Noble centre from close range to stun the home crowd, who have no doubt come
to view this fixture as three points in the bag in recent years.
However journeyman Nicolas Anelka rescued a point for the home side with a
goal six minutes into the second half much to the delight - and some relief
- of a home crowd who had booed their team off at the break. How times - and
expectations - have changed over at Chelsea in recent years.
Frank Lampard - who, despite Gianfranco Zola's pre-match pleas was heckled
as vociferously as ever by the boisterous travelling supporters - always
lifts his game for this fixture and it was perhaps no surprise that he was
involved in much of Chelsea's most penetrative attacking play.
However his desperation to win clearly shone through in the final minute of
the game when he resorted to diving in the penalty box after the deftest of
challenges by Lucas Neill, much to the mirth of the travelling Hammers fans
who were once again celebrating getting one over their old foe - and in his
back yard too.
It could have been even better for the Hammers had Carlton Cole - who had
another one of those 'Carlton Cole days' - not fired weakly at Petr Cech
when sent through one on one in injury time. That summed up his day but the
point will still be looked at positively by Zola and assistant Steve Clarke,
who received a rapturous welcome from the home fans at the start of the
game. One suspects there won't be too many Blues lining up to shake the
pair's hands after the game however.
Next up for the Hammers is another difficult challenge, this time against
high-flying Aston Villa at the Boleyn. Although the form is definitely
improving, Zola and his team now need to start winning games in order to
avoid becoming embroiled in a potentially disastrous relegation battle.
West Ham Utd: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Davenport, Upson, Parker, Collison (Boa
Morte 87), Noble (Mullins 72), Behrami, Bellamy (Di Michele 90+2), C.Cole.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Faubert, Sears, Tristan.
Goals: Bellamy (33).
Booked: C.Cole (40), Bellamy (45).
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, A.Cole, Terry, Alex, Mikel (Belletti 80), Deco,
Ballack (Drogba 46), J.Cole (Kalou 74), Lampard, Anelka.
Subs not used: Hilario, Bridge, Ferreira, Ivanovic.
Goals: Anelka (51).
Booked: Mikel (21), Ballack (33), A.Cole (37).
Referee: Mike Riley (5).
Attendance: 41,675
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola issues Hammers warning
Upton Park boss concerned over future of hierarchy
Last updated: 14th December 2008
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has warned West Ham United that he could quit Upton Park if
the club makes changes in the New Year. The Hammers' Icelandic owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson faces an uncertain future following the collapse of
his business in the current worldwide financial crisis. Speculation suggests
that Gudmundsson is looking to sell West Ham, while players could also head
for the exit in January fundraising exercises. And boss Zola, who takes his
side to former club Chelsea on Sunday having recorded only three wins since
taking charge in September, admits he expects long-term promises to be kept
or he will consider his future. "I have been told the club won't change but
we will see," Zola said in the News of the World. "And if they tell me they
need to change their strategy I would have to think about my future because
the scenario would have changed. "When I agreed to come here as manager it
was because of the project of developing the players we have got, bringing
on the younger ones and keeping them to reach a point when we could compete
with the big clubs. "That was the project, but a lot of things have happened
on and off the pitch. We need time but the club must speak to me if they
need to change their strategy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hold Chelsea
Zola enjoys successful return as Blues drop further points
By Ben Collins Last updated: 15th December 2008
SSN
Man of the match: Scott Parker
Moment of the match: Carlton Cole wasted a late chance to secure a surprise
win for West Ham.
Goal of the match: Craig Bellamy took his goal really well to spark this
game into life.
Save of the match: Robert Green did superbly to turn Didier Drogba's
half-volley away from goal.
Talking point: Should Chelsea have been awarded a penalty when Lucas Neill
tripped Frank Lampard?
Gianfranco Zola enjoyed a successful return to Stamford Bridge as his West
Ham side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. The ex-Chelsea striker, voted the
club's best-ever player after a memorable seven-year spell with the Blues,
inspired the Hammers to a resolute performance which prevented his former
club climbing back to the top of the table. Chelsea dominated possession
throughout but the visitors were solid at the back and snatched a surprise
lead through a 33rd-minute strike by Craig Bellamy. Didier Drogba replaced
Michael Ballack at the break and top scorer Nicolas Anelka equalised within
six minutes of the restart with his 100th Premier League goal. The Blues
were unable to maintain that momentum, though, and it was another ex-Chelsea
striker, Carlton Cole, that went closest to claiming a winner at the death.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have now failed to win in their last four domestic
games at home and have already dropped 14 points at the Bridge. Warm welcome
Chelsea fans had given Zola and assistant Steve Clarke a rapturous welcome
as they emerged from the tunnel to take their places in the visiting dugout.
But West Ham soon found themselves under pressure from a home side
determined to build on its midweek Champions League victory over CFR Cluj.
Chelsea started the game at a frantic tempo and Lampard's 16th minute
free-kick was headed wide by Alex. West Ham did exceptionally well to
weather the early storm and in the 20th minute John Mikel Obi was booked for
bringing down Carlton Cole in full flight. It gave Zola's side the chance to
test Petr Cech with a free-kick some 30 yards out, but Mark Noble elected to
chip the ball into the area and Michael Ballack headed clear.
Chelsea's woeful home record took a turn for the worse in the 33rd minute
when Zola's struggling side went ahead against the run of play and in
controversial circumstances. Noble looked to have used his arm before
crossing for Bellamy to fire past Cech at his near post from 12 yards.
Ballack was incensed by Mike Riley's decision to let the goal stand and was
shown a yellow card for his protests. In the 45th minute, Anelka finally
tested Robert Green with an 18-yard shot that was dealt with comfortably by
the West Ham goalkeeper.
Chelsea were booed off at half-time and clearly frustrated with Chelsea's
lack of a cutting edge, Scolari brought on Drogba, who soon had an impact.
For once Chelsea's neat approach play paid off with Mikel and Drogba
combining before Lampard chipped the ball neatly into the path of Anelka,
who coolly slotted the ball underneath the advancing Green for his 16th goal
of the season. Chelsea were now on top and when Matthew Upson failed to
clear a cross, Lampard sent the rebound into Green's midriff from the edge
of the penalty area. The visitors were happy to soak up the pressure on the
edge of their own penalty area, which invited Chelsea to try their luck from
distance. In the 64th minute Lampard let fly from 25 yards and his dipping
shot had to be held at the second attempt by Green. Three minutes later
Green pulled off a magnificent save to deny Drogba after he had volleyed
Lampard's corner towards the near post. Salomon Kalou replaced the
lacklustre Joe Cole in the 73rd minute and his first contribution was to
fire a 20-yard shot straight at Green. West Ham escaped in the 78th minute
when Green punched a Lampard corner towards his own goal but it was headed
off the line by Parker. However, Green was the hero seconds later when he
flung himself across goal to keep out a header from Alex. Chelsea appealed
for a penalty after Lucas Neill appeared to trip Lampard but it needed a
superb save from Cech at the other end to deny Carlton Cole an injury-time
winner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Quashie keen on Blues stay
On-loan midfielder eyeing permanent deal
By James Dall Last updated: 15th December 2008
SSN
Nigel Quashie would be delighted to make his loan spell at Birmingham a
permanent move. The West Ham United midfielder joined the Championship club
in October and has made nine league appearances since the switch. Quashie's
current deal at St Andrews is due to expire on 28th December but the
30-year-old is eager to prolong his stay. He said in The Sun: "If I could
sign for Birmingham, then I couldn't ask for any more. "I wouldn't hesitate
to come to Birmingham because I think it will be a new start for me. "I'm
really happy with how things are going and would not change a thing. "If I
could come to Birmingham I'd come straight away. Playing for Birmingham is
what I want to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola relishes Chelsea return
Ex-Chelsea striker delighted with Hammers' response
By Ben Collins Last updated: 14th December 2008
SSN
Gianfranco Zola admitted he had mixed emotions after making a successful
return to Stamford Bridge as his West Ham side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.
The ex-Chelsea striker, voted the club's best-ever player after a memorable
seven-year spell with the Blues, inspired the Hammers to a resolute
performance which prevented his former club climbing above Liverpool into
top spot. Craig Bellamy stunned the home crowd by giving the visitors a
33rd-minute lead and although Nicolas Anelka equalised six minutes after the
restart, West Ham's Carlton Cole went closest to winning it at the death.
Chelsea dominated possession throughout but the visitors were solid at the
back and deserved a share of the spoils, giving Zola something to celebrate
on his return to the Bridge. "The first 10-15 minutes I couldn't understand
what was going on because the crowd was singing my name and I have to say
'thank you very much' for that," he told Sky Sports. "It is fantastic to see
they haven't forgotten you. I'm sorry I didn't wave at the time. It was
unbelievable and at the end I think I was more tired than the players. "I
think they played really well and the result was excellent," Zola added.
"There was a point I thought we could maybe get something more out of the
game but it was a tough match and I have to say that the players did
fantastically well. "I was very pleased for the players, particularly
Bellamy because he got a goal."
Zola was delighted with his side's response after suffering a disappointing
2-0 home defeat by Tottenham last Monday. The point sent the Hammers above
Manchester City into 16th place and lifts some of the gloom at Upton Park
having won just once in their last 11 league games. "We know that it's not a
great time for us but we're confident, we believe in ourselves and we don't
feel any pressure," Zola said. "We just want to go out there and show that
we're a good team and the way we did that today was the right way. "The
players put the result against Tottenham behind them and came in determined
to bounce back. "The performance was outstanding not only in terms of the
result but also in the way they played. "It was a good reaction after a very
disappointing game, as it was against Tottenham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola explains emotional no-show
Hammers boss kept emotions in check due to respect
Last updated: 15th December 2008
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has admitted his immense respect for Chelsea forced him to
contain his emotions on Sunday. The Italian tactician returned to Stamford
Bridge, the ground of so many noteworthy moments for the striker, as West
Ham manager. The Hammers took the lead through Craig Bellamy's first-half
goal, but the strike did not coincide with celebrations on the visiting
bench. Zola did not want to get carried away with the goal or his side's
priceless point on Sunday as he did not want to disrespect his former
employers. "Inside, I was very happy for our goal, especially for Bellamy
because he needed it," stated Zola. "He has been working hard, playing well.
That goal I'm sure will help. "It was like I scored, I'm very happy for
him. I had to pay some respect to these people; I like to respect people who
have given me so much. "It was a great result, it has been a very good
performance from my team, and it's been a great day. "I've had a fantastic
reception, it's amazing. This is a special place for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham pile on agony for Scolari
Chelsea 1 West Ham United 1
By Sam Wallace
Monday, 15 December 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Luiz Felipe Scolari was in hospital on Saturday night with a kidney stone
complaint, although the real pain in the belly this weekend came from West
Ham. Painful but also embarrassing because Chelsea have dropped 14 points at
Stamford Bridge this season and they really do have problems when West Ham
can hold out for a draw.
With respect to Gianfranco Zola, his return to Chelsea as West Ham manager
was supposed to be a fond celebration of the club's greatest player followed
by Zola watching his team being soundly beaten. It never worked out that
way. Nicolas Anelka was required to score the equaliser and Scolari had to
reconcile himself with the fact that he has already dropped four more points
at home than Jose Mourinho did in his entire first season.
Scolari said he was hoping the stones disappear with medication and, failing
that, he will have an operation to remove the persistent irritation - and
this time we are not talking about Craig Bellamy, scorer of West Ham's goal.
"I've heard that having kidney stones is more painful than having a baby,"
said Scolari, and only slightly less agonising than seeing your team, who
have won just two out of the last five league games, blow it against West
Ham.
Yesterday Scolari complained, justifiably, about the referee Mike Riley's
failure to give his side a penalty in the last two minutes when Lucas Neill
- by his own admission - tripped Frank Lampard in the box. He also said that
the three strikers he played in the first half - Anelka, Didier Drogba and
Joe Cole - failed to understand the brief. "I need them to understand they
are not fixed in position," he said. "They need to come back and win the
ball."
They are just one point behind the Premier League leaders Liverpool after a
weekend in which every one of the original big four drew their games. The
truth for Scolari is that Chelsea are struggling to generate momentum. They
are not the free-scoring machine of years gone by, and Deco is badly out of
sorts. They are still relying on the old guard - Lampard, in particular - to
get them out of trouble and even he cannot be expected to do it every week.
There were boos for some of the Chelsea players as they left the pitch from
their own fans, an outpouring of dissatisfaction that Scolari said he could
sympathise with. He will have noticed that they sang Zola's name all
afternoon but are yet to make their minds up about their Brazilian manager.
When Bellamy scored Zola stayed in his seat because, he said: "I like to
respect people who have shown me so much respect." Along with his assistant
Steve Clarke, formerly of Chelsea, the Italian instinctively went to open
the home changing room door when he arrived at Stamford Bridge. "It was a
special day for me," he said. His team's record is still just one win in 11
but, after the defeat to Tottenham last Monday, this was respectability at
last.
The heroes for Zola were his centre-back Matthew Upson, Scott Parker in
midfield and Robert Green in goal. They could easily have collapsed after
conceding the equaliser on 50 minutes but West Ham held it together. If
Carlton Cole had kept his nerve with just Petr Cech to beat in injury time
this would have been a historic, if slightly undeserved, victory.
Chelsea should have scored on seven minutes when Lampard and Joe Cole
exchanged passes and the latter got into the West Ham box, where his shot
was blocked by Parker. The home side were in control yet found themselves
going in at half-time a goal down, mugged on 33 minutes by the persistence
of West Ham's midfielder, Mark Noble.
It was Noble who got his foot up an inch higher than Jose Bosingwa did on
the left flank and nicked possession away from the right-back. Noble
sprinted to the touchline, chesting the ball down to his feet - Chelsea
would protest he had handled it - cut it back sharply to Bellamy, who
controlled it and hit it on the volley past Cech at his near post.
It was a tetchy affair with five bookings, including one for Ashley Cole,
who thought better of arguing with Riley, with whom he had that unedifying
scene at White Hart Lane last season. At half-time, Scolari substituted
Drogba for Ballack and switched to the 4-3-3 system that he would later
criticise for being inflexible. Nevertheless, it did help create the
equaliser, with Lampard instrumental in making the chance for Anelka to
scored.
It was a beautifully worked move beginning in midfield with Lampard, on to
John Obi Mikel, to Drogba and back to Lampard. His through ball found
Anelka, who beat Green from close range. West Ham continued to resist and
were lucky when Neill clipped Lampard's foot in the area but Riley waved
play on. Green messed up with a punch on 79 minutes, Parker having to head
off the line, then the West Ham goalkeeper saved brilliantly from Alex's
header. "To be in this stadium is always incredible for me," Zola said. He
was talking about the reception he got from Chelsea fans but he might as
well have been discussing the unlikelihood of getting a draw.
Goals: Bellamy (33) 0-1; Anelka (51) 1-1.
Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, A Cole; Mikel (Belletti,
80); Deco, Ballack (Drogba, h-t), Lampard, J Cole (Kalou, 75); Anelka.
Substitutes not used: Hilario (gk), Ivanovic, Bridge, Ferreira.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga; Collison
(Boa Morte, 87), Parker, Noble (Mullins, 72), Behrami; Bellamy (Di Michele,
89), Cole. Substitutes not used: Lastuvka (gk), Faubert, Tristan, Sears.
Booked: Chelsea Mikel, Ballack, A Cole; West Ham Cole, Bellamy.
Referee: M Riley (West Yorkshire).
Man of the match: Upson.
Attendance: 41,675
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker: Irons got their just deserts
10:26am Monday 15th December 2008
Echo
SCOTT Parker insisted West Ham deserved a point after they held Chelsea to a
1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Luiz Felipe Scolari's team would have
gone back to the top of the Premier League with a victory after Liverpool
only drew with Hull on Saturday, but again dropped points at home. Craig
Bellamy gave the Hammers - managed by former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco
Zola - a first-half lead but Nicolas Anelka equalised six minutes after
half-time with his 100th Premier League goal. Former Chelsea midfielder
Parker said: "We went a goal up early on and we expected to be put under
pressure but we were solid and put in a good shift. I think we deserved a
point. "I think we can push on from here and climb the table."
Chelsea had a strong appeal for a late penalty turned down when Lucas Neill
appeared to foul Frank Lampard, and the Hammers defender admitted he had
caught the Blues midfielder. "Yes there was contact but I don't think I
could have got out of the way. I think the ref did really well," the Hammers
skipper said. But Neill was frustrated the visitors could not hang on to
their lead for longer. "As always we shot ourselves in the foot," he added.
Zola, meanwhile, was delighted with both his reception from the Chelsea
fans, who used to idolise him as a player, and the result. It lifted West
Ham into 16th place and Zola could not hide his satisfaction. "It was a
great result," said Zola. "It was a very good performance from my team.
Chelsea is a special place for me but my team made it a great day. I had a
fantastic reception from the Chelsea supporters. "I think it was a fair
result and very important for us especially after last week's performance
against Tottenham. "It was a big shock for us. We lost a big game and
everybody was down and nervous in the week. "This performance will help
build our confidence and maybe at home we will have more confidence, freedom
and less pressure. This point and performance have been vital. "We made it
very difficult for them but when you play Champions League football it is
very demanding and it drains you. But it won't be easy for anybody to come
here and get something."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HATCHET MAN: No need for Zola keep quiet while Hammers silence Chelsea
Last updated at 9:08 AM on 15th December 2008
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has taken the trend of not celebrating when returning to a
former club too far. The Italian sat emotionless as West Ham took the lead
at Chelsea yesterday and it made no sense. Usually, it is the scorer's
celebrations which are muted, not the manager's.
Everyone knows what Zola feels about the Stamford Bridge club but he has
moved on, he is in management now and Craig Bellamy's goal was important in
his new team's fight against relegation. Surely, Chelsea fans would have
forgiven him punching the air when West Ham scored. At the very least it was
worth finding out in order to show how he feels about the club who pay his
wages, their fans and players - where his allegiance should now lie.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nicolas Anelka saves poor Chelsea with 100th Premier League goal
Chelsea (0) 1 West Ham (1) 1
Telegraph
By Henry Winter at Stamford Bridge
Last Updated: 8:20PM GMT 14 Dec 2008
Stamford Bridge staged the Ex-Factor show on Sunday, a truly thrilling event
when old boys returned with a vengeance. So many of the visitors had Chelsea
connections. So many delivered. Scott Parker won the 50-50 tackles, even the
40-60 ones. Carlton Cole bullied Chelsea's defence. Gianfranco Zola, his
name sung by home and away fans, masterminded tactics that brought more than
a point. It brought a feeling of pride and hope to West Ham.
If Zola's men perform with similar heart and discipline for the rest of the
season, and sharpen their cutting edge in front of goal, they will surely
avoid relegation. From the moment the claret-and-blue mascot won a pre-match
race with his Chelsea counterparts, West Ham's determination was clear.
Their fans certainly lacked for nothing in noisy defiance, particularly when
Frank Lampard came into view.
From back to front, Zola's players were filled with fortitude. Robert Green
made stunning saves from Lampard and Didier Drogba in particular. Matthew
Upson and Calum Davenport dealt well with Chelsea's aerial threat. Parker
was magnificent in turning Zola's tactical instructions into reality,
strangling the life out of Chelsea's midfield. Alongside Parker, Mark Noble
and Jack Collison ran their young bodies into the ground for the cause,
giving hope for the present as well as the future.
In attack, in a real tale of the unexpected, Carlton Cole dragged Terry
through an assault course of mind and body. During his Chelsea days, Cole
was hailed by Claudio Ranieri as "my lion'' but he has been as threatening
as a peacenik kitten in recent games for West Ham. Not on Sunday. Not on his
old stamping ground.
Cole first set Terry a physical challenge, backing into him constantly, but
sensibly changing tack after being cautioned, applying the little grey cells
more, using his pace to alarm Chelsea's back-line. He would have scored the
winner but for Petr Cech.
Chelsea's defence was breached only once, by Craig Bellamy, but they rarely
looked convincing. With Bellamy buzzing about like a hornet with a headache,
the game was as much jaw-jaw as draw-draw but he embodied West Ham's
determination. He started duelling with Ashley Cole, a scenario guaranteed
to cancel all leave in the FA disciplinary department, and then went to work
on Terry and Alex. Watching Alex's labours, Ricardo Carvalho cannot return
soon enough.
Bellamy's spitfire presence ensured the Derby-day temperature was typically
high. Chelsea themselves hardly sought to ease incipient tensions: the front
page of the programme carried a picture of Lampard clutching the Chelsea
crest on his shirt. Once of Upton Park, Lampard continues to be loathed by
West Ham fans and he was greeted caustically, a reception that will not have
bothered him one iota.
The first whistle sounded like a call to arms to those from along the
District Line. Hardly seconds had elapsed when Collison lunged at Deco. The
tone was set but moments of class were increasingly glimpsed amidst the
cordite. Joe Cole darted inside, exchanged neat passes with Lampard, but saw
his shot blocked by Parker. Inevitably.
John Obi Mikel, delivering another high-class display at anchorman, then
glided around Noble, but soon the tackles flew in again. Noble dived in on
Mikel and Parker hounded Jose Bosingwa almost up to Sloane Square. West
Ham's tactics were working, pressurising Chelsea's midfielders and
full-backs, denying them any space to create.
Out of the blue - make that claret and blue - West Ham even took the lead
after 33 minutes, sending their supporters into a frenzy of jubilant dancing
and chanting. Bellamy forced Terry into surrendering possession, bringing a
throw-in to the visitors. Herita Ilunga seemed to chuck the ball on,
stirring a sense of injustice in home hearts. Noble took charge, using his
shoulder to control the ball, nurturing a grievance in Michael Ballack who
was convinced there had been a handling offence.
Chelsea's defence was in disarray, key figures absent from their stations.
Noble cut the ball back to Bellamy, amazingly left unmarked. Alex sought to
close Bellamy down, so did Terry. They were too late. Showing control and
accuracy, Bellamy placed the ball expertly between Cech and the keeper's
right-hand upright.
As well as conceding a goal, Chelsea lost their composure, an incensed
Ballack raging at Riley, who duly booked the midfielder. Then Ashley Cole
caught Parker disgracefully late. Chelsea were troubled. Potential
champions? Not without Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast striker charged on at
the break, Ballack departing to little lamentation.
The switch proved inspired, immediately forcing West Ham deep, immediately
doubling the work-load for the defence. Six minutes into a compelling second
half, Chelsea were level following a move brimming with exquisite first-time
passes that flowed between Lampard, Mikel, Drogba and Lampard, who chipped
one of the passes of the season into Anelka's path. Lampard even imparted
the requisite spin for the ball to kick back perfectly for Anelka's right
foot, which duly despatched it past Green.
The rest of the half was pulsating, the game flowing from end to end.
Carlton Cole shot wide. Green saved from Lampard. Mikel make a good
interception on Bellamy. Chelsea then borrowed a trick from the old Spurs
manual, Lampard clipping a near-post corner to Drogba, whose volley drew an
exceptional save from Green.
The spotlight continued to shine on West Ham's keeper, showing up his good
and bad points. One moment he was punching a corner from Lampard almost into
his own net (that man Parker cleared), the next clawing away an Alex header.
Then Carlton Cole almost won it, muscling away from Alex but thwarted by
Cech.
Yet Chelsea should have had a penalty, Lucas Neill flicking out a foot and
clearly catching Lampard. Not the type to dive, the England midfielder's
frustration was understandable but Parker, Cole and the rest of Zola's men
deserved their point.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans right to boo Chelsea, says Luiz Felipe Scolari
(Marc Aspland/The Times)
The Times
Matt Hughes
Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted that Chelsea's fans were right to boo their
side off the pitch after yesterday's 1-1 draw with West Ham United. Nicolas
Anelka's 100th Premier League goal earned the home side a point after Craig
Bellamy had put West Ham ahead, but Chelsea missed a great opportunity to
return to the top of the table and remain one point behind Liverpool, the
leaders.
Chelsea's stuttering form is in danger of undermining their title challenge,
which is being kept alive by a 100 per cent record away from home. Scolari's
side have dropped 14 points at home this season and have won only one of
their past five league matches at Stamford Bridge, much to the manager's
annoyance.
"If I think about the competition and the games that we lost and the points
we lost here, I agree with the fans," Scolari said. "But they need to
understand the players try to do their best every time. They don't want to
draw, they don't want to lose, but sometimes we don't have the quality to
win."
Scolari's pre-match preparations were hindered when he was rushed to
hospital on Saturday night suffering with kidney stones. He may need an
operation this week, but Scolari was more concerned with Chelsea's poor
form.
Although frustrated by his players' inability to gel in the final third, the
Brazilian blamed the result on the failure of Mike Riley, the referee, to
award Chelsea a penalty when Frank Lampard went down under a challenge from
Lucas Neill towards the end of the second half. The Australia defender
admitted to making contact with Lampard, but claimed that he was unable to
get out of the way.
"It's a penalty - if you look at the television it's a penalty," Scolari
said. "The player touches Lampard then moves his foot. He knows that touch,
but the referee did not give it. Many clubs have three, four, five and six
penalties [this season], but for my players it's never a penalty.
"I am better. If tomorrow or the day after tomorrow the stones do not go, I
go back to the hospital again and have a little operation. It's normal, but
what I feel is not normal - a lot of pain. They say it's more pain than when
you have a baby, but I don't know about that."
Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, praised his players' application
after a successful first return to his former club that helped West Ham to
climb to sixteenth place. Newcastle United are alongside them on 19 points
but have a better goal difference after a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth, their
first away win of the season.
"It was a very good performance and it's been a great day," Zola said. "I've
had a fantastic reception and this is a special place for me.
"It is very important, especially after last week's performance against
Tottenham [when they lost 2-0 at home]. We came from one away win [against
Sunderland], a draw at Liverpool and then we lost a big game against
Tottenham. Everyone was down, everyone was nervous during the week, but this
performance will help again to build up our confidence."
Paul Ince, the Blackburn Rovers manager, received a day's grace in the
battle to hold on to his job as John Williams, the chairman, attended the
wedding of his eldest son. Ince, whose side have not won for ten league
games, is due to meet the directors in the next 24 hours for talks and is
expected to ask for one more match - at home against Stoke City on Saturday
- to turn things around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola summons West Ham performance of craft cast in his own image
The Italian chose the ideal venue - the ground where he was idolised as a
player - to demonstrate his management potential
Guardian.co.uk
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola greets his Chelsea counterpart Luiz Felipe
Scolari on his successful return to Stamford Bridge.
Sometimes good things happen to good people, and this afternoon Gianfranco
Zola left the scene of so many personal triumphs beaming with satisfaction
at the end of a match that suggested that he may not, after all, be one of
those supremely gifted footballers doomed to fail as a manager.
Whether or not his attempt to enter the home dressing room on arrival at the
ground was a charming joke ("I did it instinctively," he said), he handled
his return with characteristic grace. When Craig Bellamy put West Ham ahead
just over half an hour into the game, his -celebrations were restrained. "I
like to respect the people who have given me so much," he said of the
Chelsea fans who gave him their adoration during his five and a half years
at the club.
Returning to his former home in charge of a side hovering two points above
the relegation zone, and with only three wins in 13 league matches since he
was brought in to replace Alan Curbishley in September, the 42-year-old
Sardinian saw his players perform with a commitment indicating that better
things may lie ahead. For the long-suffering fans of a club under siege from
all sides there was the comfort of a performance showing not just spirit but
sound organisation in the face of superior forces. Zola sent his team out in
a conventional 4-4-2 with a midfield line whose -collective effort caught
the eye throughout, giving as good as they got from Chelsea's fancier names.
It was another returnee, Scott Parker, who established the side's approach
on the field. The defensive midfielder blocked Joe Cole's goalbound shot in
the seventh minute, and when the whistle went at the end of four minutes of
additional time he was driving hard at the left flank of -Chelsea's defence.
As the referee blew up he halted his run and bent down, putting his hands on
his knees, utterly spent. Parker had produced one solid tackle and
interception after another, and with 10 minutes to go he was on the line to
head the ball away after Robert Green's ineffectual punch - the one blemish
on the goalkeeper's performance - had -threatened to give Chelsea a winning
lead.
Next to him in the central area, the gifted Mark Noble prompted and hustled
until asked to give way to the more defensively minded Hayden Mullins with
20 minutes remaining. Valon Behrami, the 23-year-old Kosovo-born Swiss,
foraged diligently on the left, while Jack Collison, a 20-year-old Welshman
making only his seventh appearance in the Premier League, never flagged and,
when appropriate, showed a sense of initiative. -Chelsea's all-star midfield
quintet were never given a minute's peace.
"It was a great result," Zola said, "and apart from that it was a very good
performance. I want to thank them very much for making this a great day for
me. It was very important, especially after last week's performance" - a 2-0
home defeat at the hands of Tottenham. "We'd come from a draw at Liverpool
and we lost a big game. It was a shock for us. Everybody was very down. But
this will help us build up our confidence and give us more freedom and less
pressure."
Typically, however, he chose to point to Chelsea's midweek match as a factor
in the outcome. "When you play in the Champions League, it's very draining.
We took advantage. And it's not just this club [Chelsea]. It seems to me
that Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are also dropping points. But
also the smaller teams are getting better organised and playing more
tactically, which makes it harder for them."
His players had not needed the extra motivation of the day's significance to
their manager, he said. "They were playing live on TV, they were playing a
big team, and they were coming back from a bad result." But he was not
afraid to admit that the occasion had affected him. "It took me 10 minutes
to settle down, but I was all right after that."
Another returnee might even have won the match for him. In the 92nd minute
Carlton Cole, who had given John Terry and Alex a bruising time throughout
the game, sprinted on to Behrami's through ball but saw Petr Cech stop his
low side-footed shot from close range.
"I was thinking, 'Chip it, chip it,'" said Zola, who would assuredly have
done exactly that. "He had a good shot and Cech made a good save. But
Chelsea had another good shot and our goalkeeper made a great save."
Fair to the last, the little maestro does not, on the face of it, seem
naturally suited to the punishing life of a Premier League supremo. Next
month he may face a heavy dose of disillusionment if the club, under severe
financial pressure, finds it -necessary to renege on its promise not to put
the squad's best players on the auction block. Too much should not be made
of one good performance, but yesterday's display suggested that the
resilience that made him such a dangerous player is still at his disposal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A hero's return to Chelsea for Gianfranco Zola... but West Ham put the boot
into Blues
By John Cross 15/12/2008
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola clipped Chelsea's wings on his emotional return to Stamford
Bridge.
The Chelsea legend is the only Premier League manager to have a pilot's
licence and yet still has not got his full coaching badges.
But Zola ensured West Ham did not suffer another crash landing by
masterminding a gritty, battling draw which will raise the club's spirits
even though the Hammers have now managed just one win in 11 games.
It has been a real baptism of fire for Zola since taking charge at Upton
Park and you would not have given them much hope of survival after some
recent abject performances, particularly their lame surrender to Tottenham
last Monday.
This was all about Zola coming back to his beloved Chelsea before kick-off
and it was hard to believe the returning hero would be fired up to put one
over on his former employers judging from the reception he received before
kick-off.
Zola nearly went into the wrong dressing room and was then embraced by
members of the back room staff and former team-mates and he found it hard to
navigate his way past the handshakes and hugs in the tunnel and out onto the
pitch.
Luiz Felipe Scolari then gave Zola a warm embrace as the Chelsea fans sang
his name from the rafters to give the little Italian one hell of a
homecoming.
Zola, alongside another Chelsea stalwart Steve Clarke, might have found it
hard to stick the knife in - but he managed to inspire a superb performance
from his players.
This guy is supposed to be too nice to be a Premier League manager. He has
certainly lost his infectious smile and aged about ten years in the three
short but very difficult and turbulent months since he's been at West Ham.
But yesterday, Zola took a major step forward as West Hamshowed they have
got the heart for a relegation battle and their manager is not too nice to
start upsetting people - even at his beloved Chelsea.
West Ham were superb. Robert Green pulled off several terrific saves, Scott
Parker was outstanding in midfield and Matthew Upson absolutely magnificent
in central defence.
Parker won every tackle, scrapped for every loose ball and ran himself into
the ground.
Upson was commanding as he won every header, gave Chelsea's strikers very
little change and stood firm even in the face of some relentless late
pressure.
Chelsea's recent record is just one win in five at Stamford Bridge but this
was no easy point for Zola or West Ham.
Zola may not be quite as popular among the Chelsea faithful after another
setback in their title challenge. But his career as West Ham boss does seem
finally ready for take-off after a brave draw which deserved more than a
solitary point.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker makes a point as Chelsea slip up again
Published: 15/12/2008
Press & Journal
SCOTT Parker insisted West Ham deserved a point after they held Chelsea to a
1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Luiz Felipe Scolari's team would have
gone back to the top of the English Premier League with a victory after
Liverpool only drew with Hull City, but again dropped points at home. Craig
Bellamy gave the Hammers - managed by former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco
Zola - a first-half lead, but Nicolas Anelka equalised six minutes after
half-time with his 100th Premier League goal. Former Chelsea midfielder
Parker said: "We went a goal up early on and we expected to be put under
pressure but we were solid and put in a good shift. I think we deserved a
point." Chelsea had a strong appeal for a late penalty turned down when
Lucas Neill appeared to foul Frank Lampard, and the Hammers defender
admitted he had caught the Blues midfielder. "Yes there was contact but I
don't think I could have got out of the way. I think the ref did really
well," he said.
Zola was overwhelmed by the reception given to him by the home supporters on
his return to Stamford Bridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scolari feels the pain as Chelsea miss their chance to seize top
spotGuardian report Min-by-min Match facts
Premier League
Chelsea 1 Anelka 51
West Ham United 1 Bellamy 33
Kevin McCarra at Stamford Bridge
The Guardian, Monday 15 December 2008
The Premier League has become a picturesque landscape of fallen fortresses.
The ramparts of Stamford Bridge no longer look impregnable. An equaliser
here was until recently a down payment on near-certain victory for Chelsea,
but Luiz Felipe Scolari's side soon slipped back into faltering ways after
Nicolas Anelka had brought them level yesterday. The side has now won just
three of their nine League fixtures at home, dropping 14 points.
There is protective cover for this embarrassment since the leaders
Liverpool, a point ahead of Chelsea, are getting bogged down at Anfield. The
reigning champions Manchester United may not experience this syndrome
profoundly, but even they have dropped a couple of points at Old Trafford.
It might be valid to speak of a levelling down in the League, but West Ham
deserve great praise for rising to match Chelsea.
Having led, they might have lost had the referee Mike Riley detected Lucas
Neill's contact on Frank Lampard, following a pass from the substitute
Didier Drogba, in the 88th minute. "There was contact but I don't think I
could have done anything about it," said the Australian full-back with the
sort of explanation normally shunned by an official. It was typical of West
Ham's perseverance, however, that there was further action to take people's
minds off that incident. In stoppage time, the influential Valon Behrami put
Carlton Cole through, but Petr Cech reached his lame attempt.
There was an air of reunion about the fixture, with Cole just one of the
people returning to his former place of work. There was, naturally, greater
attention reserved for the arrival of Gianfranco Zola, coming back to foil
Chelsea initiatives rather than inspire them. He has, with alarming speed,
accumulated experience of the hazards of management, with doubts already
arising over his prospects of keeping the job.
As well as West Ham conducted themselves, there was nothing unduly delicate
about the line-up, despite the artistry that was once the essence of the
person who selected it. Scott Parker, yet another returnee, was tough and
effective. "Had Scotty stayed, he could have broken into our team," wrote
the Chelsea captain John Terry in his programme notes. The defender would
have wished those words had not gone on to seem so prescient.
The weekend was troubling for Scolari, who had spent the night in hospital
before the match because of kidney stones. "They say it's more painful than
having a baby," he said, as men are wont to do in this situation. It would
undoubtedly be flippant that his team causes him as much suffering, but he
is unhappy about his fortunes. "Don't forget," he said, "that [I haven't
had] a penalty in this competition. Any other club will have had three, four
or five by now. But with my players it's never a penalty."
This seemed to be the first sign of paranoia in the Brazilian, but, to his
credit, he faulted the display by his players and emphasised that there is
labouring ahead on the training ground. To his way of thinking, the
attackers had been too static. Scolari suggested that there will be no
purchases or sales in January, with the emphasis to be put on improving the
displays of those already on the payroll.
He might still have got his way, regardless of all that. Rob Green, largely
convincing, miscued a punch that would have brought an own goal in the 69th
minute, had Parker, on the line, not knocked it onto the crossbar. That
could have been a winner for Chelsea, who had levelled slickly after 51
minutes. That equaliser, with its confident one-touch passing, had been
redolent of the side's magisterial away form.
Lampard was at the start of the move and re-entered it, after Mikel John Obi
had linked with Drogba to send Anelka through for the leveller. For all
that, West Ham had seldom been outclassed. The opener was not a startling
development when the readiness to carry the game to Chelsea had been so
apparent. After a throw-in, Mark Noble appeared to control with a shoulder
and, while opponents screamed for a foul, he set up Craig Bellamy to convert
firmly.
Chelsea recovered to a certain extent, but they seem neither secure in
defence or incisive in attack at home. Since the loss to Liverpool at
Stamford Bridge they have mustered one win here.
There is something predictable about Scolari's line-up when it does not
enjoy the freedom experienced in away matches, where the onus is on the
opposition to take the initiative.
That problem might be addressed if Drogba were to be paired with Anelka from
kick-off, yet Scolari frets that two outright strikers could be denied
possession if Chelsea were thereby undermanned in midfield.
Zola himself had the confidence afterwards to speak not merely of the
benefits of meeting clubs who have been taxed by midweek Champions League
campaigns but also of "smaller teams who are getting organised and playing
more tactically." West Ham's showing had given him every right to make that
claim.
Man of the match Scott Parker (West Ham)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CHELSEA SUFFER SETBACK AS ZOLA'S WEST HAM HOLD BLUES
Daily Express
Sunday December 14,2008
By Mauro Galluzzo for express.co.uk Have your say(0)
Gianfranco Zola returned to Stamford Bridge and watched his West Ham side
keep Chelsea off the top of the Barclays Premier League by holding them to a
1-1 draw.
The struggling Hammers stunned Chelsea when Craig Bellamy put them ahead in
the 33rd minute with a well-taken shot from 12 yards. Chelsea levelled in
the 50th minute when Nicolas Anelka pounced for his 16th goal of the season
and his 100th Premier League goal overall but the home side failed to win at
Stamford Bridge in the league for the third game in succession. Chelsea fans
had given Hammers coach Zola and assistant Steve Clarke a rapturous welcome
as they emerged from the tunnel to take their places in the visiting dugout.
But the Blues poor home record took a turn for the worse when the visitors
went ahead against the run of play. Mark Noble reached the byline and
crossed the ball for Bellamy to fire the visitors in front from 12 yards.
Michael Ballack was incensed by Mike Riley's decision to allow the goal,
protesting that Noble used his arm to control the ball, and was shown a
yellow card. Didier Drogba came on as sub but hardly had time to get into
the game before Anelka supplied the equaliser. For once Chelsea's neat
approach play paid off with John Obi Mikel and Drogba combining before Frank
Lampard chipped the ball neatly into the path of Anelka, who slotted the
ball underneath the advancing Robert Green. West Ham escaped in the 78th
minute when Green punched a Lampard corner towards his own goal but it was
headed off the line by Scott Parker. However, Green was the hero seconds
later when he flung himself across goal to keep out a header from Alex.
Referee Riley then failed to award Chelsea a penalty when Lampard was
tripped by Lucas Neill, but it needed a superb save from Petr Cech at the
other end to deny Carlton Cole an injury-time winner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
