WHUFC.com
The chance to put things right will come for West Ham United in Sunday's
London derby against Fulham
29.09.2009
Herita Ilunga expects the team to "show a lot of character" when Fulham
arrive for a Barclays Premier League London derby this coming Sunday.
The DR Congo defender was speaking after his third game in a week since
returning from a facial injury that had kept him out since the first day of
the season. As such, Ilunga acquitted himself well in a difficult 3-1 defeat
by against a Manchester City side who will provide a stern test for most
top-flight teams this season.
He said: "We were up against a strong team with some great individual
players, that's obvious. We started on the wrong foot. We tried to play and
to get forward and we managed to get an equaliser [through Carlton Cole].
Unfortunately they then started pushing us back and got the second goal.
"We started the second half with a lot of good intentions, we tried hard,
but you could see why they've had a lot of success. They get forward very
quickly and they got their third goal."
Despite the reverse, Ilunga is focused on the positives. "Looking forward,
we need to show a lot of character because this is a difficult period for
us," he said. "But last year we had a difficult spell too and we need to put
a good run together and I hope it starts on Sunday against Fulham.
"We're a team that plays very good football. You see it in training - we
work a lot, the coaches insist on us playing football, keeping the ball,
good possession. But we need to play and win at the same time - it's not
enough to just play. We need results too.
"It is a state of mind. We need to get back our winning mentality. We have
to defend together, first of all, and then keep hold of he ball and get
forward at the opposition. It is very important we get ourselves right
mentally, recover our calm. We need to find the right spirit together and I
hope it will happen at the weekend in front of our own fans. It's very
important."
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Portsmouth 3-0 Reserves
WHUFC.com
29.09.2009
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
Portsmouth reserves v West Ham United reserves
Westleigh Park
Tuesday 29 September
7pm
Referee: Chris Powell
Full-time
90 min - Fierce drive from Smith forces Kurucz to show some safe hands as he
catches the ball to his chest.
89 min - We lose our final ball as Piquionne's attempt at getting his
hat-trick from a free-kick clears not only the stand but probably the car
park I would guess. It is a shame he did not do that when he had his two
chances earlier!
88 min - We are entering the final stages here now. Although the result is
not going to go their way, West Ham's youngsters have not let their heads
drop and continue to give it their all. Just as I write that Kearns tries a
little too hard and fouls Bopp and picks up a caution.
85 min - Final change for Pompey is Finnan for Pete Gregory.
80 min - We lose another ball as a cross is deflected off N'Gala and out of
the stadium.
77 min - The boys in claret and blue are still giving it their all out there
but are not getting much joy. Payne has just hit a ball over the top for
Nouble but the Pompey defenders shepherd it out for a corner.
74 min - A clever run and shot from Edgar looks like it has pulled one back
but sadly it is the side netting that is bulging and not the back of the
net.
71 min - A long-range effort from Payne causes Niemi a few problems but he
eventually smothers it after diving to his left.
69 min - GOAL! Samba feeds Piquionne with a through-ball and the forward
makes no mistake by sliding it under Kurucz. That could be it for West Ham's
chances of getting a result here tonight.
66 min - Second change for the home side sees Webber make way for Cerno
Samba.
64 min - Mahoto has picked up a knock from that Payne challenge and Mark
Smith comes on in his place.
63 min - The final change for West Ham sees Danny Kearns come on for
Quashie.
62 min - Nouble comes even closer to grabbing one back. He shows some real
speed to make a through-ball before Niemi, and with a clever touch takes it
round the stopper. He cannot quite get his angles right on the shot, though,
and his effort flies wide.
61 min - Edgar gets close to getting one back straight away but he is inches
away from charging down Niemi's clearance.
59 min - GOAL! The home side double their lead as Piquionne plants a firm
header past Kurucz from a Finnan cross. West Ham have their work cut out
now.
58 min - Payne's name is taken for a sliding tackle on Mahoto.
55 min - Dyer is out on the edge of his technical area to get some
instructions out to his players. The tactic seems to work as Nouble wins a
free-kick just inside the Portsmouth half. It is played short to Payne, who
drills a shot against the back of Edgar.
52 min - Quashie goes into the book for a strong tackle on Cowan-Hall.
51 min - The Hammers even up the shot count for the half soon after though
as Grasser tries one from distance. He probably would not like me to tell
this but it clears the stand behind the goal and leaves the stadium.
49 min - Pompey have the first shot of the second half as a Mahoto shot is
just too high.
46 min - Portsmouth kick us off. Dyer has used the break to make one change.
Ferrari comes on to replace Brookes. It looks like Eyjolsson will move to
right-back, Daprela in the centre with the new arrival slotting in on the
left of the back four.
The players are back out and the second half is about to start.
46 min - Piquionne has a great chance double the home side's lead with the
last kick of the half. The French forward lept highest to meet a right-wing
cross but put his header the wrong side of Kurucz's goal from four yards.
45 min - They have one more minute to do that as the fourth official signals
that amount of time should be added on at the end.
44 min - We are in the last few minutes of the half and West Ham are going
to have to hurry if they are to get level before the break.
41 min - More good goalkeeping from Kurucz there as he races from this goal
to save at the feet of Webber. The home side are finishing this half as they
began it.
38 min - We are back playing again and Danny Webber forces a smart save from
Kurucz. The Portsmouth No10's strong shot required two hands to turn it
around the post.
35 min - We have got a break in play now as Eugen Bopp is down with a knock.
32 min - Good burst forward from Daprela there helps West Ham force a
corner. After a bit of head tennis, N'Gala's looping header forces Niemi
into a smart tip over the bar. The visitors' best chance so far that.
30 min - I have just been told we have 324 people inside Westleigh Park
tonight. Among them are a group of Hammers fans just in front of me who are
giving the team some good vocal backing.
28 min - A late tackle from Edgar earns him the first booking of the game.
The tackle was on Cowan-Hall, who did not take to it too kindly and is also
carded by Mr Powell, who is, by the way, not the Chris Powell!
26 min - West Ham are forced to make a change as it looks like Lee picked up
a knock when taking that shot a minute ago. He leaves the field and Georg
Grasser comes on.
24 min - Portsmouth break out and Quashie is forced to concede a free-kick
25 yards from goal. Mahoto takes it but smashes it straight into the wall.
That looked like it could have hurt!
23 min - Another free-kick. This time from the right-hand side. Edgar takes
it once more but it is cleared for a throw-in.
20 min - More positive play from West Ham sees a 20-pass move create a
shooting chance for Lee. Sadly the young midfielder drags his shot well
wide. A good spell this for Londoners.
18 min - Corner to West Ham after Edgar's shot it deflected wide. The winger
takes the flag-kick himself but Niemi is there to claim it.
17 min - Portsmouth are awarded a free-kick on the right after Daprela
tangles with Paris Cowan-Hall. Gautier Mahoto curls it in but Peter Krucz is
there to take an easy catch.
12 min - Although there is quite a young team out there, West Ham still have
four players with first-team experience. N'Gala's debut at Bolton a week ago
helped him join Nigel Quashie, Josh Payne and Frank Nouble in that club.
9 min - It is Edgar that takes it but his curling effort flies inches over.
7 min - Aside from the goal West Ham really have not started too badly here
at all. They are zipping the ball about on the floor to good effect. Just as
write that, another slick move sees Oliver Lee felled on the edge of the
penalty area. Edgar and Nouble are standing over it.
5 min - As usual, Dyer's side are using a 4-3-3 formation. Nouble is once
again the central striker, with Edgar and Montano supporting him.
4 min - Well I am sure that is not the start the visitors would have wanted
but they have not let it affect them. Fabio Daprela takes a tumble in the
Pompey area but Mr. Powell waves away the calls for a penalty.
2 min - GOAL! The home side take the lead with the first attack of the game
as Gael Nlundulu's looping shot from the edge of the area flies into the top
corner.
1 min - We are underway.
7.04pm - The players are out now and captain N'Gala goes forward for the
coin toss. He wins it and West Ham will kick-off.
7pm - Well it looks like kick-off may be slightly delayed as we are still
awaiting the teams. Think we should be underway by five past, though.
6.55pm - The floodlights are on and the players leave the pitch to make
their final preparations before kick-off, which is now just five minutes
away. It looks like we will have a decent turnout tonight. The Hammers have
certainly got some support here as there are a couple of claret and blue
shirts in the crowd.
6.45pm - Just to give you the background, Dyer's side are third in the
Barclays Premier Reserve League South with four points from their first
three games and a goal difference of plus five. Pompey are a point and three
places behind with a minus four goal difference.
6.40pm - We are going to need the floodlights on soon as darkness is rapidly
falling. Luckily a kind man from Havant and Waterlooville has come and
turned a light on in the press box so we can all see what we are doing.
6.35pm - Some rather smartly dressed ladies have just taken their seats in
front of me. If I was a betting man I would say that that may be the wives
or girlfriends of one of the Portsmouth players as they seem to be paying
them a lot of attention. Meanwhile, on the far side Dyer and his team are
doing some one-touch passing drills to get the players ready.
6.30pm - The rest of the players have joined the 'keepers on the pitch and
the atmosphere is starting to build with to music blaring through the PA
system.
Hello and good evening from Westleigh Park.
It is a glorious evening down on the south coast and the goalkeepers are
just starting their warm-ups in the last of the sunshine. Alex Dyer has just
been out to take a look at the pitch but has gone back in to give some
further instructions to his players. The reserve-team manager has named a
youthful side for tonight's match, a side that sees three changes from the
goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers two weeks ago.
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson starts in place of Manuel Da Costa, 19-year-old Tony
Brookes comes in at right-back with Davide Ferrari dropping to the bench. In
attack, Cristian Montano replaces Daniel Kearns.
Portsmouth look to have slightly more experience in their side with UEFA
Champions League winner Steve Finnan returning from injury to take his place
at right-back. He will be playing just in front of 67-capped Finnish
international goalkpeeper Antii Niemi, while in attack Frederic Piquionne
has had considerable experience in the French league.
West Ham United: Kurucz, Brookes (Ferrari 46), N'Gala, Eyjolfsson, Daprela,
Quashie (Kearns 63), Payne, Lee (Grasser 26), Edgar, Montano, Nouble
Subs: Cowler, Abdulla
Portsmouth: Niemi, Finnan (Gregory 85), Sowah, Bopp, Williamson, Kilbey,
Cowan-Hall, Mahoto (Smith 63), Piquionne, Webber (Samba 66), Nlundulu
Subs: Ryan, O'Brien
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Zola on ... Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th September 2009
By: Staff Writer
A hugely disappointed Gianfranco Zola shares his thought on last night's
defeat ...
It's not good. I am not happy about it. In my opinion in the first 45
minutes we did not play at all and maybe there was a couple of mistakes from
the referee but that is part of the game. The standard that I am expecting
from the team is much more than that.
I think in the second half we were much better and we tried in a better way.
The first half in my opinion was not good enough. You can't afford to come
to places like this and just give presents to the opposition. They are too
good and will take advantage of a minimum opportunity and that's what they
did today?
Of course we have [a better team than position suggests]. But at the moment
we haven't been able to show. Unless we do more than we are doing it is not
good enough. I know the potential of these players and I have no doubt that
we are soon going to come back to the position that we deserve. But for the
moment it is not good enough. So for everyone, and I put myself first, we
need to ask more about ourselves.
I am angry with myself, with my team, with everybody right now that anyone
including is doing what he is capable of – it is as simple as that. I see
these players training and the way they train is absolutely fantastic and we
need to take that on the pitch as a team not as individuals so I am not
pleased. First of all with myself. I am the first one. I have blame for
myself first.
If the belief is not there it is better if we go and do something else. The
belief is always the main thing. Along with the belief there has to be a
better effort from everybody.
I was really impressed today with Manchester City and some of the quality
they played over there was outstanding. If they play this standard they are
going to be up there at the end. I think in the top four as they have the
quality to be there.
Please guys do not ask me to go into details. The details are for me and my
players and not for you with all due respect. We are preparing for a cup
final on Sunday so everybody will be picking up the best thunder they can
give, including myself.
[On Tevez] Great players like he is are also gentlemen and he showed that so
my appreciation to him. Not only for what he did after the celebration but
what he did in the rest of the game. I think he had been outstanding for
them. He and Bellamy were terrific today.
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Vinny's Manchester City Report
Vinny - Tue Sep 29 2009
West Ham Online
Manchester City 3 West Ham United 1
Three seems to be the number at West Ham these days with the club lying
third from bottom after three straight premiership defeats, and three goals
conceded in each of the last three games (league & cup).
It is very easy to become all doom and gloom about the current situation but
did anyone really expect us to go and beat Manchester City on their own
patch? At the best of times we struggle away at the City of Manchester
Stadium so to think we were going to get anything out of the game given how
much money they have spent would have been very wishful thinking.
But like the Liverpool game I come away not annoyed that we lost that
individual game but I continue to be frustrated at our performance away at
Blackburn & Wigan because it was those games that put us where we are. Our
lack of fight and desire in those put the pressure on us to get something
out of the difficult fixtures and when we do not confidence drains and we
all get a little uneasy seeing us in the bottom three alongside Hull City
and Portsmouth who as we have seen are just awful.
It is in the nature of the football fan these days to panic whenever your
side has a few defeats but we have seen that when clubs get stuck into
losing ways it is very difficult to get out of it. The match against Fulham
on Sunday becomes a vital one for another defeat would see the confidence
all but disappear out of the supporters and players and with Stoke away as
the following game you would have to wonder where the next point is coming
from.
The usual smiling persona of Gianfranco Zola seems to be absent and his post
match interviews are seeing the man look more stressed with every passing
game. He seems to be perplexed at how the side are unable to play in the way
he is wanting but I looked at the side who started last night and thought
there was a terrible lack of balance with too players going missing for
large chunks of the game.
The starting line up as always saw a number of changes from the previous
game. In defence Julien Faubert returned to the right back slot in place of
Jonathan Spector. Manuel Da Costa retained his place at centre half
alongside James Tomkins with Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon both injured.
Kieron Dyer was out injured again but he did play 75 minutes against Bolton
in the League Cup so it would be silly of us to expect he could play again
anytime in the next month. In his place came in Luis Jimenez.
Carlton Cole came in for Zavon Hines who dropped to bench with Cole playing
up front on his own with Diamante and Jimenez on the flanks to support him
when needed. Not that this actually transpired.
Starting up front for Manchester City were two former hammers in Craig
Bellamy and Carlos Tevez. Both would get very different receptions from
travelling West Ham support (which could have been no more than 1000).
We started the game as many thought we would and although there was the
surprise that many of our predictions actually true even when you think
something will happen and it does there is still a shock to the system when
it does.
Manchester City started the game on fire with our side seemingly still back
in the dressing room as we just did not look as though we were up for the
game as Martin Petrov raced down the left wing beating Faubert and crossed
for Tevez to tap in from just a few yards out. Poor defending from Faubert
and Ilunga just watched Tevez move into an area where he would have the
simple task to score.
Tevez almost apologised to the West Ham fans as he ran past us and even
received a few applause from fans. Whilst I have no animosity towards Carlos
Tevez if it comes to scoring against West Ham I would rather he broke both
his legs than do so.
It seemed as though it would be a very long night with the hosts coming at
us once again and Tevez so nearly doubled the lead when a corner was not
cleared and found the feet of the striker who turned and shot with his left
foot only to see the ball go agonisingly wide.
Tevez should have had a hat trick already a few moments later when more poor
defending saw the ball break for him but his shot went over the bar when it
should have been testing Robert Green at least.
I thought at this point that we were going to get smashed. I really did
contemplate a result such as Reading away proportions.
But they took their foot off the gas a little and we started to knock the
ball about although most of this short passing would get us nowhere and
often resulted in Tomkins of Da Costa passing the ball back to Robert Green.
On 24 minutes everyone was stunned as out of nothing we stole an equaliser.
At the time I did not realise what a clever finish it was.
A free kick on the left hand side was swung in by Diamante and was only
cleared as far as Kovac who smashed the ball towards goal (although the shot
was going well wide) and Carlton Cole managed to flick the ball past Shay
Given for his third (there is that number again) goal of the season.
How we had managed to get back in the this one was a real turn up and gave
us hope that we may get something out of this game after all. City looked
rattled for the next few minutes and we nearly took the lead when a cross
from Faubert found Cole who head towards goal by Given got down well to keep
it out.
This new found hope was not to last long (it only lasted eight minutes) as
Manchester City regained their lead this time through a free kick that was
given away by Luis Jimenez just outside the area. It was given for a push on
Zabaleta and looked pretty blatant to me despite the protestations from our
players.
Up stepped Martin Petrov a player who has destroyed us a few times if I
rightly recall and his left foot striker went through the wall and through
Robert Green who I still think should have done better but seemed to see the
ball late.
Tevez nearly scored again soon after that goal when his jinking run had Da
Costa seeing stars but Green made a smart stop to deny the Argentinean
forward.
Before the half was up there was once incident that has left many supporters
(including myself) very annoyed and like away at Wigan I feel we have been
done a real injustice that if this had been Manchester United or Chelsea
playing we would have never heard the end of it.
A ball forward saw Cole nip the ball past Lescott and square for Parker to
score only for a free kick to be given against Carlton Cole for a foul on
Lescott. It was never a free kick not in a million years and this goal would
have set us up nicely going in to the second half and much like the ref
blowing up for half time when Cole had scored against Wigan we can feel very
harshly done by.
Given how we started the half going in at half time trailing 2-1 did not
seem that bad and having shown that we can score and but for a poor decision
by the officials should even be level there was a faint hope in my mind that
we could get something out of the game.
And when I saw how we reacted in the first ten minutes of the second period
I felt sure that we would in fact grab this equaliser as we seemed to be
camped in the Manchester City half in the early stages.
Our problem as always was the final ball and although we dominated
possession for those first ten minutes there were no real chances to talk
about although Jimenez did have a goal bound shot blocked by Lescott.
Any good work we thought we had done was all for nothing as on the hour mark
Manchester City would score that killer goal to make it 3-1. A free kick was
awarded and swung in by Bellamy and with most of our defenders claiming
offside, Tevez (and about three others) was left unmarked to head easily
past Green.
We attempted to try and get back into the game but Manchester City were
simply too strong and although we had not capitulated after the opening goal
ultimately the side with the better players shone and we looked pretty
average up against all those big money signings.
Mark Noble saw a decent effort saved by Given and the Irish goal keeper was
called into action again a few moments later when Diamante saw his rasping
left foot shot tipped over bar after he had exchanged passes with Noble.
Jimenez and Kovac were taken off with just under twenty minutes remaining
with Hines and Stanislas coming on in their place. Neither really had an
impact on the game and it all fizzled out with chances for Petrov and Santa
Cruz being the only things of note to take place.
Beaten by a better and much stronger side no doubt, but still a very
frustrating game to witness.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Made a few smart stops throughout the game but I still think he should have
done better with the second goal. If he was unsighted then he should have
been screaming for the wall to move because when that ball came through he
seemed to have no time to react when the ball really went straight through
him.
Julien Faubert
Always involved in the game but when defending he was way out of his depth.
No idea of his positioning and often beaten by whoever was up against him.
He is an attacking right winger playing at right back and this sort of thing
is to be expected. We never replaced Lucas Neill, why this was the case I
just do not know.
Manuel Da Costa
A very hard game to make your Premiership debut in. He looked a little lost
and with only the young Tomkins beside him there was no one to pick up and
give him some words of encouragement. Up against Tevez for most of the game
and he was second best throughout. He will though have much easier games
than this.
James Tomkins
Not too bad from Tomkins who was part of the defence that was put under
immense pressure at times. He was better than Da Costa but that is not
saying much. Did not make too many mistake which was key in a game like that
and with all the injuries in defence it is going to be vital that he plays
well.
Herita Ilunga
Not a great showing from the left back who I thought was just too slow to
react for most of the game. When he got forward he often gave the ball away
and overall I felt this was a weak performance from Ilunga.
Mark Noble
Not really doing it at the moment and going through a spell much like he did
last season around the same time. Did not get into the game enough and found
it very difficult up against De Jong. One of my main issues is how slow he
looks and sometimes it is like he is carrying weights in his boots and he
just finds it hard to stride forward. His passing was also off and he gave
it away far too many times. Needs to get better.
Radoslav Kovac
Another performance from Kovac which really makes you wonder what he is
there for. What does he offer the team? What does he do in a game to merit a
starting place? Just seems to watch the game go by, puts his foot in now and
then but really I am yet to see why we felt the need to go out and actually
spend money on this man.
Scott Parker
Our best midfielder by a long way but he cannot do it all. I was impressed
with his determination and willingness to try and close their players down.
Had a goal chalked off when it should have stood so overall a good
performance from Parker.
Luis Jimenez
Very disappointing from Jimenez who I am yet to see put in a good
performance as of yet. I have been giving him the benefit of the doubt so
far but I just think he need to do more on the ball and having him and
Diamante in the side means they both need to work hard. Jimenez did not work
hard and looked a bit lazy and was wasteful in possession.
Alessandro Diamante
Better than Jimenez but not by much. At least he got involved in the game
but apart form a few good free kicks and corners when in possession of the
ball he was poor and gave it away on a number of occasions.
Carlton Cole
His first touch may have been heavy on more than one occasion but I still
thought he had a terrific game. Scored his third goal in six premiership
games which is not a bad record if he can keep it up. Worked his bollocks
off even in the late stages of the second half when we were 3-1 down with
City just playing keep ball.
Subs Used
Junior Stanislas (on for Kovac 71 mins)
Never saw enough of the ball to get into the game although when he did get
the ball I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if he would finally
beat his man. This vision continues to allude me.
Zavon Hines (on for Jimenez 71 mins)
Like Stanislas he did not see enough of the ball although he worked very
hard in an attempt to get the ball and was running around like a man
possessed.
Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Nouble, Spector, Payne, Ngala
Bookings: Diamante
Man Of The Match: Carlton Cole
Attendance: 42745
Overall
Like the Liverpool game the disappointment for me does not just come from
losing to Manchester City because it was not something I expected but the
pressure we have put on ourselves to get a result in games like this have
stemmed from our poor showings at Blackburn and Wigan where we simply did
not show enough quality.
The pressure to beat Fulham is quite high with anything other than a win
being unacceptable. Zola did not look happy after last night and the smiling
face seems to have disappeared. I don't know if I am the only one who is
please at this because I would like to seem him taking it all a little more
seriously.
In defence of Zola, injuries have yet again taken its toll with Gabbidon,
Upson, Behrami and Collison all missing. We never seem to have less than
three or four first team players out and we cannot continue to sustain this.
I feel like I have been saying 'once we get everyone fit' for three seasons
now and something cannot be right to have this many injuries every week.
Players such as Noble and Jimenez really need to step up because they are
our play makers and hoping for goals from set pieces every week is not what
I expected to see with Zola playing so many technically good footballers.
Next Game - Fulham (h)
This is a game we traditionally do well in and have beaten Fulham (home and
away) in our last four fixtures. This simply has to be another victory as we
do not want to be sucked into a relegation battle and this is not something
we can over look because we play better football than some of the other poor
teams in the league.
One victory will give us some confidence and the doom and gloom which seems
to be around at the moment will be lifted for a few weeks at least. A loss
in this one and you have to wonder where we are picking up points after that
because I don't really see too many coming our way.
Zola' View
"In my opinion in the first 45 minutes we did not play at all. Maybe there
were a couple of mistakes from the referee but that is part of the game. The
standard that I am expecting from the team is much more than that.
"In the second half we were much better and we tried in a better way. The
first half in my opinion was not good enough. You can't afford to come to
places like this and just give presents to the opposition. They are too good
and will take advantage of a minimum opportunity and that's what they did."
"We are preparing for a cup final on Sunday so everybody will be picking up
the best thunder they can give, including myself."
"I see these players training and the way they train is absolutely
fantastic, but we need to take that on the pitch as a team - not as
individuals so I am not pleased. First of all with myself. I am the first
one. I have blame for myself first."
"Of course we have a much better team than our position suggests. But at the
moment we haven't been able to show. Unless we do more than we are doing it
is not good enough. If the belief is not there it is better if we go and do
something else. The belief is always the main thing. Along with the belief
there has to be a better effort from everybody.
"I know the potential of these players and I have no doubt that we are soon
going to come back to the position that we deserve. But for the moment it is
not good enough. So for everyone, and I put myself first, we need to ask
more about ourselves"
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Let's just enjoy this season
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th September 2009
By: Kyle Marvell
You could say after losing to Man City that this season is starting to look
a little bleak. I mean you can't judge this on just six games played in the
league but before all this negativity and lack of enthusiasm arises let's
just remember that we only live once, so why make West Ham stop you living?
We started the season with a certain degree of uncertainty in regards to
what we could achieve, whether it would be mid-table obscurity or a push for
Europe once again. The announcement of a tasty cup tie against Millwall
under the Boleyn Ground lights sparked celebrations as if we had already won
the game. That's what it's all about: enjoying the game no matter what
happens.
And so we faced a potential banana skin on the opening day of the season
away to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, but we surprised a few
pundits and won very professionally. Many Hammers fans thought 'maybe we
didn't need to sign those three players Duxbury promised us'. Beating Wolves
then put us in good spirits for the coming week when two local derbies
awaited us.
The Spurs game was almost like a dress-rehearsal for what was about to
happen days later. Playing two local grudge matches within a few days at
home, that doesn't come around often and the best possible way to experience
those two games would to simply enjoy them, remember them and to make the
most out of them - because we won't experience what happened for a long time
to come.
The Spurs game in general was a passionate affair that proved some fans'
points about Carlton Cole going from one extreme to another…Scoring a left
footed volley into the top corner with such precision and power but to
assist Jermaine Defoe expertly minutes later. Boy did that hurt, especially
splitting the defence single handedly into the path of the enemy. It
transpired that we lost the game due to the quality of in-form Aaron Lennon
(capitalising on Spector's slip). But hey, I enjoy the intensity of a London
derby - which you need to, when you lose against one of your biggest rivals.
Next up was Millwall. Anyone with half a brain cell would have guessed what
was going to happen that night, but the Police surprised everyone by using
limited resources. There were problems inside and outside the ground, three
pitch invasions and even a stabbing; just some of the reported incidents of
that night.
The match itself failed to prevent Hammers fans from getting edgy and
aggressive as Millwall's leading goal scorer of all time, Neil Harris, gave
them the lead after just 26 minutes. But when Junior Stanislas scored the
equaliser late on the whole of the East End took off their seats in
jubilation and a roar of passion, that only West Ham fans could describe,
grew louder and louder.
The goal caused a minority of fans to sprint onto the pitch as extra time
beckoned. I remember saying to my mate before extra time started that
Millwall actually out-played us the whole match - but that's football, and
so extra time began.
A penalty from Stanislas gave the minority another chance to invade the
pitch which caused echoes of boos from the sensible Hammers. The game was
done and dusted by a superb individual goal from Zavon Hines. Once the full
time whistle went it made me realise what it meant again to beat our arch
rivals - and money can't buy that kind of thing.
Enjoying the beautiful game is one thing but to celebrate it by running onto
the pitch three times in one game is another. However if this made the
minority take pleasure from the night then why not? They made the most of it
in some respects, I'm not saying it was acceptable but at the end of the day
it made their night more of an event.
Since that game we have just gathered one point in the league and have
crashed out the League Cup and yes, we may have a relegation battle on our
hands - but let's forget all of that and thrive on the game that gets us up
in the morning, whether it's a bitter away day up Bolton or an unforgettable
local derby.
Don't get me wrong, I am as passionate as any other fan but I have got to
the point where I've realised life is too short to worry about football too
much. Bring on the rest of the season and let's enjoy ourselves as it may be
our last season in the Premier League for some time to come.
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Premier League
Monday, 28th September 2009
Manchester City 3
West Ham United 1
by Hammer John
KUMB.com
In a game that, on paper, favoured the home side, the opening flourishes
were all City. Our former hero Carlos Tevez busied himself in the West Ham
penalty area, linking up well with SWP and Martin Petrov who was making his
return to first team action in over a year. Tevez opened the scoring on 4
minutes following a cross from Petrov; he duly apologised to the 900 West
Ham faithful behind Rob Green's goal.
It was pretty much consistent Man City pressure at that stage, our only
efforts in the opening 20 minutes coming from Alessandro Diamanti and Mark
Noble.
Realistically Tevez should have had a hat-trick before West Ham won a free
kick on 22 minutes. Taken by Diamanti, it was half-cleared by Joleon Lescott
to Radoslav Kovac whose shot was back-heeled into the net by Cole. Against
the run of play, we had an equaliser.
What followed was a brief but enjoyable spell of West Ham possession,
however normal service was soon resumed with Petrov (again) giving City the
lead with a well-taken free kick on 31 minutes. As we neared half time,
Carlton Cole was penalised for a foul just before he slotted the ball to
Scott Parker whose goal was somewhat harshly disallowed.
The first half saw a succession of City corners - six to our none - and a
little bit of play-acting by Julien Faubert who obviously still holds a
grudge against Craig Bellamy.
Diamanti showing skill but without that final touch; Herita Illunga and
James Tomkins strong in defence. Parker and Jimenez still industrious and
the lone figure of Cole fighting for every ball. Tevez showing why so many
clubs were courting him, and Bellamy showing his strength and vigour.
The second half began with a good spell for West Ham; Diamanti and Jimenez
again linking up well but with no end product. On the hour Bellamy's
industry laid on the ball for Tevez to head the ball past a helpless Rob
Green. 3-1.
Bellamy, desperate to get on the score sheet against us blasted over his
effort on 62 minutes and again West Ham countered. Jimenez had his shot
blocked only to see Diamanti have two shots on goal within a minute. Despite
going close and good build-up work, we were being outplayed and outclassed.
Diamanti was booked for West Ham and Bridge for City in what was a keenly
fought game that gave both travelling and home fans good value for money.
Zola made two changes on 70 minutes; Jimenez and Kovac being replaced by
youngsters Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas. Neither made any real impact.
City replaced SWP with Roque Santa Cruz, making his debut, while Michael
Johnson made his long-awaited return in place of Barry.
For me the man of the match was Martin Petrov, no question he was incredible
for a man who has been out with a serious knee injury. Our man of the match?
Diamanti gave his all, Ilunga was solid, Faubert worked hard but Cole, for
me, never stopped running all night.
It finished 3-1 but the gulf between the sides was greater, We played well
and can take heart from this West Ham team. We don't look like a bottom
three side, and with players returning in the coming weeks we look a decent
prospect this season.
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Zola v Hughes: what a difference a year makes
The Times
Frank Praverman, Gary Jacob and James Ducker
This time last year, Gianfranco Zola couldn't put a foot wrong with West
Ham, taking over from Alan Curbishley and turning a workmanlike, second-rate
team into an attractive Premier League force. Now he can't buy a victory.
Despite the arrival of Sheikh Mansour, the billionaire Arab at Manchester
City, Mark Hughes's team too often flattered to deceive, a good home record
disguising a lamentable one on the road as the manager faced persistent
speculation about his future. Such concerns seem a lifetime ago now, though.
Our experts run the rule over the former Chelsea team-mates.
JAMES DUCKER ON HUGHES
What's changed?
The injection of £140 million worth of talent into the squad, first and
foremost. Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry,
Joleon Lescott, Kolo Toure and Sylvinho arrived in the summer to transform
the make-up of Hughes's team and the investment has paid immediate
dividends. On top of that, disruptive influences such as Elano were ejected
while others deemed not good enough or surplus to requirements were shipped
out, leaving Hughes with a strong, cohesive, multi-talented squad.
How much credit can Hughes take and how much is due to the size of his
cheque book?
A lot. Money, of course, has been a huge part in City's emergence, but given
the domination of the established big four, it was always going to take some
sort of outlandish investment to ensure a team could challenge that
hegemony. Hughes has bought well, signing proven Premier League performers
with bundles of experience at the highest level, but money alone does not
explain the improved fitness and organisation in the City ranks. Hughes was
appalled at the level of fitness of the squad he inherited from Sven-Goran
Eriksson and devised a series of punishing regimes to ensure that did not
continue to remain the case. The effects of that are being seen this season.
Few teams look as fit as City going into the last 20 minutes of games.
Can he cope with the pressure and is he the man for the long haul?
Without question. He is his own man, a manager with complete conviction in
his abilities. If anyone doubted that, they may have been forced to think
again after watching Hughes's handling of Sir Alex Ferguson in the build-up
and aftermath of that tumultuous Manchester derby. Most are intimidated and
overawed by Ferguson. Not Hughes. He respects his former manager at
Manchester United but that's it. He won't be bullied by anyone and, as
Sheikh Mansour and his team have discovered, Hughes has never veered from
the message he first put across. He has one of the brightest coaching
networks behind him and the respect his players have for him says
everything. Like Ferguson at United, City's players know who is the boss.
How do the fans feel?
At first, they seemed to struggle to take it all in, but they have quickly
come around to believing they support a team capable of upsetting the
Barclays Premier League apple cart. Their backing for Hughes after the
initial scepticism which greeted the appointment of a legendary United
player has given way to admiration and respect and the chorus of approval
that often greets the manager on match-days is reflective of that. There
will always be some who resent his United ties and, as such, may never warm
to the manager, regardless of what he achieves, but most seem to recognise
that they have a man who can deliver on the promises.
What can we expect this season?
How long is a piece of string? This being City, it often helps to be
cautious, but without the distraction of European football, there is no
reason why the club cannot mount a sustained push for a top-four berth. The
loss of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to the African Cup of Nations may
derail any hopes of a championship bid, but if everyone stays fit and
largely in form, which is a big ask, then a tilt at the title cannot be
entirely ruled out. City may also prove a force in both of the domestic cup
competitions, certainly if they are lucky and keep getting drawn at home,
where they remain a formidable proposition.
GARY JACOB ON ZOLA
What's changed?
Nothing up front, where West Ham can't score goals. Carlton Cole has come on
leaps and bounds as a target man, but he's not assured and clinical enough
to be able to score 20 goals a season. No other striker could contribute
enough last season, adding more pressure on the team and Alessandro Diamanti
this term.
One difference is that the team did at least create more opportunities last
season. They play a narrow midfield and try to play through teams, and the
loss because of injuries to Valon Behrami and Jack Collison, two engines in
the midfield, have been crucial. Radoslav Kovac gives the ball away too
much.
The other difference has been at the back, where their concentration levels
have been poor. They were sloppy to lose away to Wigan Athletic, a game that
the opposition was there to beat. Equally, they conceded two poor goals to
lose against Tottenham. Two of the back four has changed. The loss of Lucas
Neill's experience has had an impact, despite Julien Faubert playing fairly
well in an unfamiliar position at right back, and James Tomkins is learning
his trade. That adds more pressure on Matthew Upson, who could probably be
at a top six club.
That all said, Zola had an uncomfortable start as manager last season, as he
tried to change the style and formation, and it wasn't until a 4-1 victory
away to Portsmouth in December that they kicked on.
How much is down to Zola and how much to the club's financial instability?
The financial instability has not helped because Zola has had to sell to buy
and two of the players that they wanted to sell, Luis Boa Morte and Calum
Davenport, suffered injuries. The club's new owners are unlikely to want to
put more capital into a club that has been losing money.
Can he cope with the pressure and is he the man for the long haul?
The pressure is different now, because he could cite having to change the
team as a reason for the form when he took over as well as being a new
manager. He has more experience now and yes, he is the man for the long
haul.
How do the fans feel?
Anxious and worried. The football is far better than under Curbishley, but
they need to pick up a few wins for confidence. They play Fulham on Sunday,
who might be feeling the effects of their European tie. They also have to
play Stoke City and Hull City in the next six games, both away, both
crucial.
What can we expect this season?
Last week, Zola said that he believed that they can finish in the top ten,
but a lower mid-table finish is probably the best that they can achieve.
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