All the action as it happened as Everton took the spoils in Sunday's
Barclays Premier League match
08.11.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Everton
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 8 November 2009
3pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
Full time. Alan Wiley brings the game to a close and it is Everton who will
leave with the points. West Ham were much the better team and will feel very
hard done by not to have got anything from the game today. With the
international break now upon us, there is a two-week break before their next
match away at Hull City.
91 min - Diamanti feeds Parker, he crosses and first Hines and then
Stanislas cannot quite get a touch on it.
90 min - First minute of stoppage time gone, four more to go.
89 min - Zola is out at the edge of his technical area showing his players
some encouragement. The news that there will be five extra minutes should
also be a boost to the players in claret and blue.
88 min - Just two minutes to go now and Diamanti tries his luck again from
all of 40 yards. That was probably the worst of his shots so far but it has
got to the stage where they need to try anything now.
85 min - Everton win a lucky corner by Da Costa is there with an immense
header away. West Ham need to do something fast if they are to get anything
from this game.
82 min - Diamanti tries his luck again from just outside the area with the
outside of his boot but Howard watches it wide.
78 min - Diamanti - who else - takes it and forces Howard into a diving save
down to his left. The Italian has only been on the pitch 20 minutes but
deserves a goal for his efforts.
77 min - Hines has looked lively over the past five minutes and he is tugged
down by Yobo as he looks to get on another ball forward. Mr Wiley's opts for
a yellow rather than a red and West Ham have a free-kick from 30 yards.
76 min - Hines misses another chance seconds later after some more
brilliance from Diamanti. The England Under-21 international had been put
through by the Italian's pass. Lucas Neill makes his Boleyn Ground comeback
as he comes on for Gosling.
75 min - A great chance is passed up by Hines as Parker plays him in. He
tries to find the bottom corner but puts his effort wide.
72 min - More brilliant play from the Italian as he tricks his way past two
challenges before trying an audacious curler from the edge of the area.
70 min - It is all one-way traffic here and Diamanti has made a big
difference. He has just sprayed a delicious ball out to Stanislas, whose
cross was just a little too firm.
66 min - Well that goal has given everyone a lift and the fans have found
their voices again. John Heitinga is booked for a tackle on Parker.
65 min - GOAL! But the Hammers hit back straight away. Diamanti's chipped
ball is perfect for Stanislas and his touch loops it over Howard. The ball
bounces slowly towards the goal and Hibbert can only smash it into the roof
of his own net on the line. A lifeline for West Ham.
63 min GOAL! But sadly they do not get their reward as Everton double their
lead. Yakubu feeds Gosling and after his initial shot is saved by Green, he
smashes is past the England goalkeeper at the second attempt.
63 min - The home support are giving it their all to try and get their team
back into the game.
62 min - So close! After Parker's shot is blocked the ball falls to
Stanislas and his shot from 25 yards is inches wide. I'll be honest, I
thought it had gone in.
60 min - Parker has been a real driving force and once again it is he who
nearly makes something happen for the Hammers. He tries a deft cross from
the corner of the penalty area. It evades everyone but still has Howard
scrambling across his goal.
57 min - Diamanti comes on with Jimenez making way. Everton follow suit by
swapping Saha for Yakubu.
56 min - A great ball forward from Da Costa comes close to giving Jimenez a
chance but he cannot quite get it under control.
54 min - That could change as Alessandro Diamanti is being readied on the
touchline.
52 min - Like the first half, West Ham have started really brightly but once
again they cannot find that killer final pass.
49 min - Fellaini follows him into the book for barging into Behrami.
48 min - Hibbert is booked for a strong tackle on Hines.
47 min - Stanislas is involved straight away. He wins a corner and takes it
short and once the ball is played back to him his left footed cross is
headed inches wide by Jimenez.
46 min - We are underway in the second half and Junior Stanislas is on for
Collison.
Half-time - That was to be the last action of the first period and the
players and the 32,466 other people inside the Boleyn Ground today will head
off for their half-time refreshments.
45 min - It is cleared as far as Spector and just as he is head back in he
is tripped. Jack Rodwell disagrees with Alan Wiley's decision and is booked.
Jimenez tees up Manuel Da Costa for the free-kick but his shot is sliced
high and wide.
45 min - Two more minutes of added time at the end of the first half. More
good work from Parker wins a corner.
43 min - Everton win a corner after Spector tackles Gosling. The flag-kick
makes its way all the way to Saha but his header is three yards wide of the
target.
38 min - Everton have Leighton Baines down on the far side and he is being
tended to by their physio. When play resumes Franco is brought down in full
flight by Fellaini 25 yards out. Jimenez takes the set piece but a
deflection in the wall sees is sail safely through to Howard.
34 min - The home side have not let their heads drop though and continue to
have more of the ball. They just need to have a bit more luck in the final
third if they are to get back into the game before half time.
33 min - The goal has silenced the home support somewhat and most of the
noise is coming from the away section of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.
28 min - GOAL! Everton take the lead. Tim Cahill rolls the ball along the
floor to Louis Saha, who beats Green with a low left-footed shot from the
edge of the area.
25 min - Great play from Franco. Although he lost the ball to begin with, he
battled hard to out-muscle Tony Hibbert and force him into giving away a
free-kick. Jimenez takes it but Yobo heads it clear.
23 min - Parker is having a blinding match so far and another strong run
forward takes him past two players. He then tries to play in Hines but his
ball is a little heavy and Joseph Yobo comes across to clear.
20 min - First decent shot of the match as Scott Parker forces his way
through on the left and curls a shot straight at Howard.
18 min - Turkey U17s have taken the lead in Nigeria - if it stays like that,
Turkey will play either Italy or Switzerland.
15 min - It has taken a little while for us to finally decide but West Ham
are playing the usual 4-4-2 diamond formation with Jimenez behind Hines and
Guille Franco.
13 min - It must be getting a bit colder as Zola is wearing the new bench
coat today for the first time.
10 min - Dan Gosling is down and Collison sportingly puts the ball out of
play. The Everton No19 is soon back to his feet and the visitors return the
ball to Green.
8 min - Great chance for the home side, who look really up for this today.
Parker sprays a pass out to the right to find the feet of Julien Faubert.
His cross is almost perfect but Franco cannot quite get a good enough
contact on it to force the ball home.
4 min - Behrami and Jimenez should be easy to spot today with their bright
blonde barnets.
3 min - Early touch for Green on his 100th consecutive Premier League start.
The West Ham No1 came racing off his line to pick up a stray ball in the
area.
2 min - Early attack from the hosts there as Jimenez slips a ball in for
Hines to chase. His touch is a little heavy and the ball slides through to
Howard.
1 min - Everton get us going and they will be attacking the Bobby Moore
Stand in the first half.
3pm - We are just about to start the minute's silence at the Boleyn Ground.
2.59pm - Ludo Miklosko is out on the pich again warming up Robert Green.
This is his second game back following an injury to his back.
2.57pm - Deniz Mehmet is also in action today for Turkey at the FIFA
Under-17 World Cup. Their quarter-final with Columbia kicks-off at the same
time as the match here so we will keep you updated on how he is getting on.
2.55pm - 'Bubbles' has just started playing and the teams are making their
way out.
2.45pm - The first set of soldiers have formed a guard of honour around the
edge of the pitch as the players make their way back to the dressing rooms.
We have just seen some pictures of Sir Trevor Brooking at the unveiling of a
plaque earlier outside the front of the ground in memory of the 'West Ham
pals' - a group of West Ham fan soldiers from the World War One. We will
have a minute's silence before kick-off to honour them and all of the other
members of the armed forces from around the world.
2.35pm - It's a chilly afternoon here at the Boleyn Ground. As we head
deeper into November, it appears winter is finally starting to bite. Both
sets of players are trying to keep warm with a spot of keep-ball.
Gianfranco Zola has made three changes, two of them enforced, to the eleven
that started Wednesday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League win over Aston Villa.
Hamstring-injury victims Herita Ilunga and Carlton Cole are replaced by
Jonathan Spector and midweek match-winner Zavon Hines, while Luis Jimenez
comes in for Mark Noble. It is the Chilean's first start since the 2-2 draw
with Fulham on 4 October.
Robert Green makes his 100th straight league start for the Hammers - a run
stretching back to the visit of Watford on 10 February 2007.
West Ham are seeking their first victory over Everton since winning 1-0 at
the Boleyn Ground in April 2007. However, today's visitors have not won in
seven matches in all competitions, a run stretching back to a UEFA Europa
League success against Belarusian side BATE Borisov on 1 October.
The Toffees have former West Ham defender and captain Lucas Neill among
their substitutes.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector, Behrami, Jimenez
(Diamanti 57), Parker, Collison (Stanislas 46), Franco, Hines
Subs: Kurucz, Daprela, Tomkins, Kovac, Noble
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Heitinga, Gosling (Neill
76), Rodwell, Fellaini, Cahill, Saha (Yakubu 57)
Subs: Nash, Wallace, Jo, Agard, Baxter
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Toffees steal it
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fell to an undeserved 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by
Everton on Sunday
08.11.2009
West Ham United fell to a scarcely believable 2-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat to Everton on Sunday. Despite dominating for almost the whole 90
minutes and scoring through a Tony Hibbert own-goal, the Hammers were hit by
two sucker punches new world heavyweight champion David Haye would have been
proud off from Louis Saha and Dan Gosling. The 32,466-strong Remembrance
Sunday crowd observed an immaculate minute's silence before kick-off,
honouring the memory of all those who have lost their lives in conflict.
When the game began, West Ham started the better of the two sides, quickly
finding their passing rhythm and nearly going ahead seven minutes in, only
for Guille Franco to divert Julien Faubert's cross just the wrong side of
the far post. With the lively Zavon Hines showing willingness to run at the
Everton defence, it was not long until the England Under-21 striker's
persistence created an opening for Scott Parker, but the midfielder could
only shoot straight at Tim Howard from an acute angle on 20 minutes. Two
minutes later, Parker almost returned the favour for Hines with a clever
through-ball, only for the alert Joseph Yobo to snuff out the danger at the
vital moment.
It appeared only a matter of time before the Hammers would break the
deadlock, only for Saha to hit the home side with a goal out of nothing on
27 minutes. Tim Cahill held the ball up inside the 'D' before laying off for
the Frenchman to belt his fifth Everton goal in three matches against West
Ham into the bottom left-hand corner. Having fallen a goal behind, the
Hammers continued to hold the upper hand in terms of possession and
territory, with the ball and both sets of players spending the majority of
the opening 40 minutes inside Everton's half. The visitors did finish the
opening stanza strongly, though, with Saha heading narrowly wide and Cahill
slicing straight at Robert Green.
The Hammers began the second period as they had the first, and it was not
long before both Hibbert and Marouane Fellaini had been booked by referee
Alan Wiley as they attempted to stem the home tide. Both Luis Jimenez and
Franco had half-chances before Zola replaced the former with crowd favourite
Alessandro Diamanti on 57 minutes. The Italian was quickly into the action,
feeding a short corner to Parker that the England man stabbed narrowly wide.
Moments later, Stanislas fired inches wide of the same post after Parker's
shot had been blocked. Amazingly, despite offering next to nothing as an
attacking force, Everton would again score completely against the run of
play. Having seen his initial right-foot shot blocked by Green's legs,
Gosling smashed a left-foot finish into the net to put the Toffees two goals
clear on 64 minutes. A minute later, the Hammers finally had a reward for
their efforts when Stanislas latched on to Diamanti's exquisite through ball
before lofting the ball over the advancing Howard. The covering Hibbert
looked favourite to clear the danger, only to hack the ball into the roof of
the net with his left foot. With the home crowd cheering them on, West Ham
spent the remaining 25 minutes almost exclusively camped inside the Everton
half, Diamanti, in particular, continued his good work, curling a teasing
effort just over. Visiting substitute Yakubu stung Green's palms with a
rising shot, but it was still the hosts who carried by far the greater
threat, with Hines twice shooting wide when it looked odds-on that the
forward would add to the first league goal he netted against Aston Villa in
midweek. Hines created chances too, winning a free-kick that led to Yobo
being booked and Howard making an acrobatic save to keep out Diamanti's
curling strike. The Italian then poked a shot wide from 20 yards before
Howard saved bravely from Franco as the American's goal miraculously
remained intact. Manager Zola and his players will find it hard to believe
they did not take at least a point from the game. They will now return to
the training pitch during the two-week international break before the trip
to Hull City on Saturday 21 November.
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Green and Upson in
WHUFC.com
Two West Ham United players will join up with Fabio Capello's squad for the
match against Brazil
08.11.2009
Robert Green and Matthew Upson are in line to face Brazil in a glamour
international friendly next Saturday after being named in Fabio Capello's
latest squad. The West Ham United duo will join up with the national team on
Tuesday but club-mate Carlton Cole misses out because of a hamstring problem
that kept him out of the 2-1 home defeat by Everton. The match will be
played in Qatar on Saturday evening. With David James and Rio Ferdinand
absent, both Green and Upson will fancy their chances of making the starting
XI.
England squad
Goalkeepers
Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart.
Defenders
Wayne Bridge, Wes Brown, Gary Cahill, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John
Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, David Beckham, Michael Carrick, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine
Jenas, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young.
Forwards
Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager was at a loss to explain how his team threw everything at
Everton yet came up short
09.11.2009
Gianfranco Zola remained as mystified as everyone else inside the Boleyn
Ground as to how West Ham United failed to take anything from the Barclays
Premier League match with Everton.
After 90 minutes of a game that West Ham United dominated, somehow it was
visitors Everton who finished 2-1 winners on Sunday afternoon, ending the
Hammers' three-match unbeaten run in the process. Louis Saha made the most
of Everton's sole chance of the first half before Dan Gosling doubled the
lead in the second. The Hammers responded almost immediately, and hit back
through a Tony Hibbert own goal before late pressure saw a host of chances
come and go.
"It is very difficult for me to comment about a game like that," Zola said.
"We had so many chances and they had only two. That is a big question mark
for me because how can we lose a game like that?
"The players gave everything. Their attitude and their commitment was very
good and I can't say anything about that. We have to find out why [we didn't
do better] as it is not doing us any favours."
Although the result will have frustrated the manager, the effort and
application of his players certainly did not. Junior Stanislas and
Alessandro Diamanti were in sparkling form off the bench while Manuel Da
Costa was once again impressive. Zola will be using that positive ahead of
the trip to Hull City on Saturday week, when it is hoped Carlton Cole will
be fit to return. Jack Collison limped off at half-time on Sunday and is a
doubt for international duty with Wales.
"We started very well and had a couple of chances and couldn't convert them.
They had only one shot in the first half but what can you do? We will have
to have even more desire.
"When I look into things right now all I can see is that they tried until
the end. Physically we were very good but we need to improve a little bit
and we are going to work at that. That is the most important thing."
With the international break now, Zola will have to spend the next seven
days only working with those players not going away with their countries - a
period of time he plans to use to the full. When asked what areas he would
be working on, he was understandably keeping his cards close to his chest.
"I would like to discuss those problems with my players first and with my
staff rather than talking with the press because we have to analyse them
first and find solutions."
Diamanti was introduced as a substitute 12 minutes into the second half and
once again caught the eye with some incisive passing and thunderous
shooting.
"When he came on he had a very good impact like Zavon Hines did the other
day [against Aston Villa]. I know when he comes in he is effective and
that's why I prefer him to start later," said the manager in response to a
query about the Italian's claims for a starting berth.
The result leaves West Ham at the wrong end of the Premier League table, but
with the trip to Hull up next, followed by a home game with Burnley, Zola
sees opportunities ahead. Similarly, the club have more than held their own
against six of last season's top eight in the first half-dozen league
matches at home.
"[The position] feels bad and it is not very pleasant, but the team is
fighting. Yes we are making mistakes but we are fighting and they want to
change things and that is the most important thing.
"I am not worried as we can improve the situation. I am disappointed because
they deserved something more than that. I am concerned as is everyone around
West Ham but we are going to fight until the end and find the solutions as
quick as possible.
Confidence is key according to Zola and he is resolute that his players
continue to believe in themselves.
"I am confident and I have asked the players to believe they are the best in
the Premier League for me. We are determined to make things different.
"This team is good enough to stay up. All of us including myself and my
staff will have to look at ways of solving these problems. A team that plays
as well as us will get more points. There are a lot of things to work on and
we are going to be doing that."
With Cole missing though injury, Hines stepped into the starting XI and was
his usual lively self. He was on the end of a number of chances and the
20-year-old was unlucky not to register with any. His pace and movement
certainly tested the Everton back line, even if there was no goal to go with
his endeavour. Although the side had to do without the presence of their top
scorer, Zola was not prepared to make any excuses.
"Carlton Cole is a big player for us but it is something we have to cope
with. The other day we did very well without him but we couldn't do the same
but we know that Carlton is a big asset. [Carlton isn't] too bad and fingers
crossed he should be ready for the next game."
Cole's potential return from his hamstring injury would provide a boost in
the run up to what is now a vital game at the KC Stadium, with Hull one
point and one place ahead of the Hammers in the table. "It is a big game.
Hull won so will be full of confidence. It was always going to be a tough
match but we are prepared for that."
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Sir Trevor leads ceremony
WHUFC.com
A plaque has been unveiled at the Boleyn Ground in memory of a special band
of soldiers
08.11.2009
Sir Trevor Brooking led the way as the memories of a unique group of
soldiers were honoured with the unveiling of a special plaque at the Boleyn
Ground on Sunday morning.
Raised by the Mayor of the Borough in 1914, the 13th Battalion (West Ham) of
the Essex Regiment bravely fought alongside hundreds of thousands of
courageous young men in the First World War. Volunteers from all over east
London answered the call of their nation - ordinary men aged between 21 and
40 - leaving their families, jobs and their favourite football club, West
Ham United, behind to fight for their country.
To mark Remembrance Sunday, Sir Trevor joined descendants from that special
Battalion, members of the Royal Anglian Regiment, the Royal British Legion
and modern-day supporters of West Ham United at the West Stand main entrance
to mark the tremendous efforts of those men in keeping the nation safe.
Among those also present from the club were West Ham United CEO Scott
Duxbury, Tony Gale and Tony Cottee.
The original 13th Essex King's Colours will be paraded, while the Last Post
will be played by the last line of the Essex Regiment, the men of C (Essex)
Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment, with the 2nd Newham Scouts
forming the Honour Guard.
At 11am, two minutes of silence was held to honour those who never came home
to the east end. There will also be a minute's silence before the match
against Everton this afternoon, with the players wearing shirts featuring
embroidered poppies.
A special website has been set up to allow descendants and supporters to
find out more about the extraordinary efforts of the 'West Ham pals'.
The blog - http://westhampals.blogspot.com - features photographs, stories
and a wealth of information about the brave men who risked their lives for
their country, many paying the ultimate sacrifice.
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Loanee round-up
WHUFC.com
Four of West Ham United's loanees were in action for their respective clubs
this weekend
07.11.2009
West Ham United's quintet of loanees enjoyed differing fortunes on Saturday.
Freddie Sears and Matt Fry were on the winning side as Crystal Palace and
Gillingham scored victories, but Scunthorpe United pair Jordan Spence and
Bondz N'Gala went down to defeat at Blackpool. Josh Payne, meanwhile, sat
out the weekend's action.
Sears returned to the Palace starting lineup as the Eagles soared to an
impressive 1-0 win against Gordon Strachan's Middlesbrough. The success
would have been all the sweeter for the 19-year-old, who was part of the
West Ham team beaten 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium in an FA Cup fifth-round
replay in February. Sears played for 88 minutes at Selhurst Park this time
around before being replaced by Alassane N'Diaye.
In the same division, reserve-team captain N'Gala made his Scunthorpe debut
as a 78th-minute replacement for fellow Academy graduate Grant McCann in the
4-1 loss at Bloomfield Road. Spence remained on the bench as an unused
substitute.
Fry made his FA Cup bow in Gillingham's impressive 3-0 first-round win
against Southend United at the Priestfield Stadium. The 19-year-old defender
was booked as the Gills gained revenge for the 1-0 League One defeat the
Kent side suffered at Roots Hall eight days previously.
Payne was not involved as Colchester United won 4-0 at Blue Square South
Bromley, as the Hammers had not given the midfielder permission to play for
the U's in the FA Cup.
Elsewhere, former trainee Moses Ashikodi scored the only goal as Blue Square
Premier high-fliers Kettering Town upset League One side Hartlepool United -
beaten 2-0 by West Ham in last season's fourth round - at Victoria Park.
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Street denies Fulham
WHUFC.com
Adam Street kept a clean sheet as West Ham United's U18s drew 0-0 at Fulham
on Saturday
07.11.2009
West Ham United Under-18s extended their unbeaten FA Premier Academy League
run to five matches with a goalless draw at Fulham on Saturday. Tony Carr's
side edged a close-fought contest at Motspur Park, and could have stolen all
three points had Danny Subuola and Cristian Montano not spurned presentable
goalscoring opportunities. At the other end, Canada U20 goalkeeper Adam
Street made a pair of fine saves to earn the Hammers their third clean sheet
of the season. Overall, Academy Director Carr said he was pleased with his
side's performance against an older, more experienced Fulham outfit. "It was
a game of missed chances which, had they been taken, either side could have
won," said Carr. "We edged the game in terms of possession and chances,
particularly before half-time, but we didn't manage to take advantage when
we were in the ascendancy. "Danny Subuola had a good chance, while Cristian
fired wide when, if he had hit the target, I'm sure he would have scored.
"We were very, very good in the first half, and later in the second, but we
were just unable to complete the final pass or put the finish to some superb
passing moves. We have not been clinical enough at times this season, and
that was the case again. "Defensively, we are looking much more secure and
we didn't allow Fulham to create many clear chances. When they did, Adam
pulled off a couple of very good saves. "Overall, it was a good team
performance, but we were not quite clinical enough to secure the win.
Hopefully, that is a situation that will change as the season progresses."
Next up on West Ham's fixture list are Chelsea, who visit Little Heath next
Saturday morning.
West Ham United U18: Street, Modelski, Craig, Sanchez, Driver, Barrett,
Okus, Moncur (Wearen 70), Subuola (Purdy 80), Abdulla, Montano
Subs not used: Smith, Brown, Lampe, Werndly
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West Ham 1 - 2 Everton
BBC.co.uk
by Harry Reekie
Everton survived a late revival from West Ham to register their first win in
the Premier League since September. The visitors were poor for long periods
but took the lead when Louis Saha drilled home Tim Cahill's lay-off. Dan
Gosling doubled the advantage after seeing his first shot saved by Robert
Green but a hapless own goal from Tony Hibbert brought West Ham back into
it. Zavon Hines had numerous chances to snatch an equaliser for the hosts
but Everton clung on for all three points. The game will not live long in
the memory for most neutrals but for David Moyes it may just mark an
important shift in his side's fortunes. The visitors suffered a miserable
October that saw them totally outplayed by Benfica, crash out of the Carling
Cup and not win at all in the league. Saha had missed the defeat to Benfica
with a calf injury but returned to notch his ninth goal of the campaign - an
impressive feat in such an under-performing side. West Ham desperately
missed the injured Carlton Cole up front, with his young replacement Hines
suffering something of a reality check after the euphoria that surrounded
his last-gasp winner against Aston Villa in midweek - the Hammers' first
victory in the league since the opening day. The 20-year-old had looked
nervous in the early stages, dithering badly on two occasions after being
sent free through the inside-left channel. Guillermo Franco was unlucky to
see a glancing effort drift wide from a driven Valon Behrami cross, while
Scott Parker bundled his way through and tested Tim Howard. But it was
obvious that both teams were struggling for form, as a series of long balls
and niggling fouls added up to a scrappy opening period.
Parker controlled proceedings impressively from central midfield but him
aside, the standard in the first half was indicative of two teams in such a
rut. Everton needed a spark from somewhere to force their way into the
game, and one was soon provided by a familiar source. Cahill picked up a
loose ball on the edge of the West Ham area and laid back to Saha, who
drilled low and powerfully into the bottom corner. It gave the visitors a
scarcely deserved lead, with an upbeat Upton Park crowd suddenly stunned
into silence. The Hammers at least upped the intensity of their play after
the break although Luis Jimenez failed to control after being set free by
Julien Faubert. Everton, meanwhile, were equally struggling to create
anything of note at the other end, and their efforts were not helped when
Saha was forced off with an apparent recurrence of his calf strain. The game
finally burst into the life midway through the second half when Gosling
increased Everton's lead. Yakubu - on for Saha - slipped the ball through to
the youngster who saw his first effort well saved by Green. But the West Ham
keeper, who was playing in his 100th consecutive league game, was unable to
keep out the follow-up. If anything, the second goal reinvigorated the
hosts, who burst forward with much more purpose and reduced the deficit
within 85 seconds. Alessandro Diamanti fed Junior Stanislas who chipped the
advancing Tim Howard. Hibbert appeared to have the ball covered, but in
attempting to clear only managed to slice dismally into his own net.
Hines had two superb chances to level soon after but dragged his shot wide
having been sent clear by Parker, and again following a mix-up in the
Everton defence. And the Toffees had their hearts in their mouths once more
in the dying moments when Parker, again the creator, teased the ball into
the six yard box. Franco arrived at pace but slipped at the crucial moment -
leaving the West fans, and manager, totally exasperated. Zola claimed his
side had turned a corner after the late win against Villa on Wednesday, but
on this evidence the Italian may have to think again.
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:"It's tough for me and for the players. The
guys gave everything until the end but we need to sort out the little
problems because they're costing us a lot. "It's not the first time we've
been a goal down late on. We just need to make sure we're not chasing the
game all the time. "I think we should have had at least a draw but it didn't
happen. We're just going to have to work even harder now. We know it's a
difficult season and we will work until the end."
Everton manager David Moyes:"We could have done better but the one thing we
do at Everton is know how to win. It might not be the best way but we know
how to do it. "We didn't start well and West Ham were on top. But when Louis
(Saha) gets chances he puts them away. It was important for him because he's
had a calf injury. "When we went 2-0 up you could have said it was a perfect
away performance but not in the last 30 minutes. We needed every hand to the
pump to get through it because West Ham put us under a lot of pressure. "We
know we can play a lot better than we've been doing. We've had some injury
problems but we've had to get the job done with the players available and
thankfully, we did."
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West Ham Utd 1 Everton 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 8th November 2009
By: Satff Writer
West Ham are back in the bottom three of the Premier League after going down
2-1 at home to Everton this afternoon.
A goal either side of the break for the visitors - who had gone seven games
without a win prior to this afternoon - was enough to take all three points
and leave Gianfranco Zola wondering just how his team managed to lose a game
they controlled from the off.
An understrength Everton side arrived seemingly intent on holding out for a
point and set out their stall accordingly, packing their half with bodies in
an attempt to frustrate United.
However West Ham were clearly intent on taking their haul for the week to
six points following the midweek win against Aston Villa and had the
visitors on the rack from the very first minute when Zavon Hines was inches
away from latching on to a Luis Jimenez through ball.
Despite all the hustle and bustle West Ham rarely threatened Tim Howard's
goal, and from a total of 16 shots overall only four were on target. Compare
that to Everton's five in nine and it's clear to see where the game was
lost.
Louis Saha put Everton in front against the run of play three minutes ahead
of the half-hour mark with a goal out of nowhere. Tim Cahill's hopeful low
centre was speculatively driven by the former Fulham striker from the edge
of the box into the bottom corner of Rob Green's goal, leaving the 'keeper
rooted to the spot. Not the greatest way to mark Green's 100th consecutive
Premier League start.
Spirits undampened, West Ham continued to push forward but were held at bay
for the remainder of the half. 0-1 at the break where the crowd of 32,466
were treated to a video of a tanned Paolo Di Canio muttering something
unintelligible and a version of 'We'll Meet Again' by a Vera Lynn tribute
act, marking Remembrance Day.
The second half began in a similar fashion to the first with West Ham on the
front foot but unable to make inroads in the final third of the pitch.
Everton, meanwhile, were having no such trouble and for the second time
caught United napping when their lead was extended on 63 minutes by Dan
Gosling, who was criminally allowed a second chance having seen his initial
shot well saved by Green.
West Ham's reply had to be immediate were they to get anything out of the
game - and so it proved to be, for within a minute Junior Stanislas reduced
the deficit to one with a delicate chip over the advancing Howard following
a great through ball by substitute Diamanti. The goal is however likely to
be credited to Everton's Tony Hibbert who had the last touch, hooking the
ball into the roof of the net as he tried to clear.
With twenty five minutes still to play there was plenty of time for an
equaliser but unlike against Fulham and Arsenal, it wasn't to be - despite
the best efforts of Zola's side, superbly marshalled by the tireless Scott
Parker who ran himself into the ground once again.
Young striker Zavon Hines, who had taken the plaudits in midweek for his
superb 93rd minute winner against Villa could have repeated his exploits but
sadly fluffed his lines, missing two gilt-edged goalscoring opportunities in
the final stages. Twice put through on goal, Carlton Cole's stand-in failed
to find the target on either occasion, screwing his first effort left of the
target and his second to its right with Howard helpless on both occasions.
So yet again West Ham's defensive lapses proved to be their undoing, and the
introduction of ex-Hammer Lucas Neill as a late substitution only served to
rub salt into the wound.
Despite his less than warm welcome ('one greedy b*stard' being the most
popular refrain, presumably in response to the former club captain's refusal
to sign a purportedly lucrative contract extension last summer) Neill was a
vital cog in West Ham's defensive wheel for the last two seasons and only
now is the full extent of his absence being realised.
This season, West Ham have already conceded 20 league goals - around 1.7
goals per game. Last season with the likes of Neill and James Collins in the
side they conceded just 45 all season - around 1.2 goals a game.
With Julien Faubert and Jonathan Spector both failing to convince as Neill's
replacement, that right-back spot has proved to be Zola's - and West Ham's -
Achilles heel thus far this season. Additionally, the failure to find a
convincing replacement for James Collins and partner for Matthew Upson
(James Tomkins, Danny Gabbidon, Bondz N'Gala and Manuel Da Costa have all
featured at centre-half already this term) has hindered the defensive unit's
progress.
So whilst the goalscoring problem of last season appears to have been
resolved the urgent problem for Zola and partner Steve Clarke now is quite
clearly at the opposite end of the field. This constant leaking of goals
simply has to be addressed if the club are to avoid facing a repeat of the
2006/07 season, which so nearly ended in disaster.
The problem is, and as things stand, this time around there is no
'billionaire' - skint or otherwise - preparing to pump vast sums of money
into player purchases during the forthcoming January transfer window. With
the club in a state of limbo under current owners CB Holdings the fear is
that quite the opposite will happen, with further sales sanctioned.
For those potential bidders waiting in the wings, time to save West Ham
could be running out. Meanwhile all Zola and Clarke can do is try to figure
out their best back four - and stick with it (injuries permitting).
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Zola bemoans lack of finishing
Boss upset after side fail to put chances away
By Steve Pass Last updated: 8th November 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola bemoaned his side's lack of finishing after West Ham lost
2-1 at home to Everton. Louis Saha gave the Toffees the lead against the run
of play in the first period before Dan Gosling doubled the advantage on 64
minutes. The Hammers pulled one back a minute later via a Tony Hibbert own
goal but despite creating numerous chances, Zola's side could not force the
leveller. The defeat - coupled with Hull's last-gasp win over Stoke - puts
the Hammers into the drop zone ahead of the upcoming international break.
Zola told Sky Sports: "I think they tried until the end and that is
something that I have to give to them. "We had so many chances in the second
half, we didn't take them unfortunately and they had two and they scored. "I
don't know what to think about it - certainly it is something for me to
think about and find solutions as soon as possible."
West Ham missed the firepower of Carlton Cole but Zola did not want to
criticise Zavon Hines, despite the youngster spurning several chances. "He
is a young player, he is doing a lot for us so I have no criticism for him,
he tried until the end and that's all I was asking for."
He praised Everton's ability to frustrate his side. "They work very hard,
they just put ten players behind the ball and it was difficult for us to
find the spaces. "We did find some space, created chances but we didn't
convert them - that was the difference."
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Toffees claim hard-fought win
Saha and Gosling score for Toffees, Hammers reply through Hibbert own goal
Last updated: 8th November 2009
SSN
Man of Match: Scott Parker ran his heart out for the Hammers but ended up on
the losing side.
Moment of the match: Louis Saha's opener. It came against the run of play
but gave the Toffees the springboard they needed to go on and win the game.
Attempt of the match: Alessandro Diamanti got from a tight angle on the
right and his effort went just over.
Save of the match: Howard saved well to his left to punch out a Diamanti
free-kick.
Talking point: Jospeh Yobo impeded Hines as the West Ham striker ran on goal
in the second period. He got a yellow but should he have been sent-off as
the last man?
Goal of the game: Saha's. His strike came out of nowhere and left Robert
Green with no chance.
Everton claimed their first league win in five attempts with a hard-fought
2-1 success at West Ham. Louis Saha put the Toffees ahead in the 27th
minute with a fantastic low effort into the corner from the edge of the box
after being teed-up by Tim Cahill. Dan Gosling then doubled the advantage on
64 minutes when slotting home from the rebound after Robert Green had saved
his original effort. But West Ham pulled a goal back a minute later when
Tony Hibbert put the ball in his own net as he attempted to keep out Junior
Stanislas' goal-bound shot. The defeat - coupled with Hull's earlier victory
over Stoke - dumps Gianfranco Zola's side back in the drop zone. West Ham's
England Under-21 forward Zavon Hines was handed a start for the injured
Carlton Cole, having netted a dramatic last-minute winner against Aston
Villa in midweek. The youngster again looked lively, bursting into the left
side of the penalty area, before going down under a shoulder charge from
Hibbert, as referee Alan Wiley waved away the half-hearted appeals for a
spot-kick. Everton deployed five in midfield and were content to let West
Ham have plenty of the ball, waiting patiently for their chance. However,
Zola's men continued to look dangerous, as Julien Faubert flashed a low
cross through the six-yard box following a sweeping passing move. Hines
again caused a threat down the left side, and Scott Parker almost
capitalised when he got past Joseph Yobo, but then shot straight at Tim
Howard. The Everton defender redeemed himself when coming across to cut out
Parker's through ball, which would have sent Hines clear. Then, out of
nothing, Everton took the lead on 27 minutes. Cahill battled to hold the
ball up on the edge of the West Ham box, before laying it back to Saha. The
French striker, 20 yards out, needed no second invitation - and drilled his
first-time shot low into Howard's bottom right corner. The goal was against
the run of play, and left Upton Park in stunned silence - apart from the
band of travelling Everton supporters on the far side. West Ham, who battled
back from 2-0 down to draw with Arsenal at Upton Park last month,
immediately looked to get on the offensive again. Everton, though, had much
more composure now, with Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini coming into
the game. Saha headed a corner wide as Everton came close to doubling their
lead before the interval. The home side had more impetus at the start of the
second half, Junior Stanislas having replaced Jack Collison. A sweeping long
ball forward from Manuel Da Costa almost fell for Luis Jimenez in the
Everton box, but he was crowded out.
The Chilean was then replaced by Alessandro Diamanti, who helped turn the
game against Arsenal. Everton also made a change on 57 minutes when Ayegbeni
Yakubu came on for Saha, who appeared to be troubled by his calf. Stanislas
then flashed a low drive just wide from 20 yards before Everton snatched a
second on the break after 64 minutes.
Cahill and Yakubu battled for possession at the edge of the penalty area,
before the substitute pushed the ball out to Gosling on the overlap down the
right. His first shot was blocked by Green, but the ball fell straight back
to the Everton winger, who this time drilled it into the net. West Ham,
though, hit back moments later. Diamanti sent a deep pass over the Everton
defence, on to which Stanislas ran. The West Ham forward then clipped his
shot past the advancing Howard, but the ball did not appear to have enough
pace to roll over the line and Hibbert looked set to hack clear - only for
the defender to boot the ball into his own net as Upton Park erupted. The
West Ham faithful sensed an equaliser, with Diamanti curling a 20-yard
effort just over before Hines stabbed wide after getting ahead of Yobo. Yobo
then impeded Hines as the West Ham striker ran on goal and received a
booking, with Howard saving Diamanti's effort from the resulting free-kick.
Everton then survived a couple of scrambles in the six-yard box as the
Hammers were denied a second successive dramatic finale.
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Everton back to winning ways as Louis Saha and Dan Gosling sink West HamBuzz
up!
Guardian report
Sachin Nakrani at Upton Park The Guardian, Monday 9 November 2009 01.19 GMT
Article history
The slump being experienced by Merseyside's other powerhouse has halted. A
sense of crisis may be enveloping Liverpool but for their neighbours came
respite yesterday. Goals in each half here brought a run of seven matches
without victory to an end for Everton, albeit with a sense of immense
relief. There appeared little danger to the visitors' control of this
contest after Dan Gosling had doubled their lead on 64 minutes but, moments
later, arrived a turning point from nowhere.
Junior Stanislas's delicate lob over Tim Howard was eye-catching but hardly
looked like leading to a goal, especially as Tony Hibbert was covering the
danger. Cue surprise, then, when the full-back thumped a straightforward
clearance into his own net. West Ham suddenly had a way back into the
contest and spent the final 25 minutes of the match driving forward in
search of an equaliser.
West Ham have now lost four of their seven home matches and it is no great
surprise when you look at how much time and space they give the opposition.
While Everton pressed their hosts all over the pitch, no West Ham player
made a single tackle in the Everton half at any stage of the game. Instead
they invited David Moyes's side to attack and it should come as no great
surprise that they went 2-0 down. Zavon Hines, who scored the Londoners'
late winner against Aston Villa on Wednesday, had two shots in a minute,
each drifting wide of the visitors' goal while the substitute Alessandro
Diamanti went close with a curling drive from the edge of the area. Further
efforts came but ultimately there was no breakthrough.
"How could we lose a game like that?" asked the West Ham manager, Gianfranco
Zola, afterwards. "I don't know how many chances we created in the end but
it was a lot. Everton only had two."
Not quite. The visitors created nine efforts on goal – compared with West
Ham's 15 – but such was the desperation that marked their play in the final
quarter of this fixture that their manager, David Moyes, had to concede his
side were fortunate to win. "We had to hang on in the end," he said. "The
Everton of the last couple of seasons has played good football. This,
though, was like the Everton of two season prior to that – resilient, hard
to beat. We didn't show too much quality."
Considering the misery October brought them, Everton's supporters will only
care that their injury-ravaged side is winning again. The memories of the
5-0 thrashing by Benfica and the 3-2 reverse at Bolton, in particular, began
to ebb away after Louis Saha, back from a calf strain, gave the visitors the
lead with a curling shot from the edge of the area and drifted further after
Gosling struck. Had it not been for Hibbert, this would have been a wholly
comfortable return to form. For West Ham the misery is back. Having gone
three games unbeaten, they are back in the bottom three. "It feels bad [to
be in the relegation zone] but the team is fighting to change things," said
Zola. "We will now look for solutions."
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West Ham v Everton: Match Report
West Ham Till I Die
What a disappointment that was. I genuinely thought we'd tonk them 4 or 5-0
today. I know we have a bad record against them lately, but even so. They
were there for the taking.
We started well – like Villa, we were quickest out of the traps and battered
them in the first ten minutes. But to no avail. And then, at a time when
Everton were being outplayed again, up popped Louis Saha to do what he
normally does against us and score. Rob Green was rooted to the spot and
didn't even see it. Instead of reacting we just went to pieces for the whole
middle part of the game. It was only when Diamanti replaced Jimenez that we
came to life again. Once we scored we dominated and could so easily have
won. Hines spurned two cast iron chances, which summed up his whole game.
And Diamanti insisted on going for glory time after time, rather than play
the simple ball. But it has to be said that it's a mystery why he didn't
start and the ineffectual Limahl look-a-like, Jimenez did.
The difference between the two sides was named Fellaini. He had an
astonishingly influential game. There seemed to be two of him on the pitch
on occasion. He had an absolute stormer of a game. Everything Everton did
went through him. He won virtually every header, every tackle, and virtually
every pass went where it was intended. A fantastic performance.
Despite the fact that we conceded two goals – again – I thought we looked we
looked OK defensively. Da Costa had a great game – again – and looks so
comfortable alongside Upson, who also had a good game. Faubert was very busy
in the second half, but he really cannot cross a ball, can he? Spector had
one or two forays going forward, but he's no Ilunga in the opposition's
half. He improved at the game went on.
I assume Collison was subbed as he had picked up a knock. He hadn't been on
his best form but hadn't done anything wrong. Behrami looked great operating
centrally and I'd lilke to see him have a few games there. He and Parker
looked very comfortable together and as usual he was buzzing all over the
place. Jimenez did very little to justify his inclusion. You always felt he
was about to give the ball away, and he didn't disappoint. Scott Parker had
his best game of the season. He played a much more attacking game than usual
and was at the centre of everything we did going forward. He was our man of
the match by a country mile. Stanislas always looks dangerous and he has a
real eye for goal. He could so easily have bagged a second with a shot from
outside the area which just went wide.
Franco did very well in the second half after a largely anonymous first
forty five minutes. He held the ball up well but I don't recall a single
shot on goal. Hines had the proverbial mare. Nothing he tried came off and
for most of the first half looked thoroughly dejected and out of place. In
the second half he found himself out on the right, but it was only when
Diamanti came on that he brightened up. Indeed, he had to cast iron chances
which on another day he would have scored, But not today.
And then there was Diamanti. Quite why he doesn't start a game is something
only Zola can know. When he came on he changed the game. As he did against
Arsenal too. He is brilliant at set pieces and inventive too. He's also very
very frustrating as he is a glory hunter. He only has to have sight of goal
and he will shoot. Sometimes that's a good thing, but not when other players
have moved into good positions. He played some sublime passes forward, right
to feet, and if he is given a run in the team I am sure he will come good.
But where do you play him? Personally, I'd play him in the hole behind the
front two, as part of a four man midfield, alongside Collison, Parker and
Behrami. He's not an out and out striker.
Part of the reason why we didn't win today was that Zola reverted to a 4-3-3
fprmation to accomodate Jimenez. It didn't work. At all. I hope he won't
make that mistake again.
Green 7
Faubert 6
Spector 6
Da Costa 8
Upson 7
Collison 6
Stanislas 6
Parker 9
Behrami 7
Jimenez 5
Hines 5
Franco 7
Diamanti 7
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Gianfranco Zola: 'West Ham have got problems'
Published 23:00 08/11/09 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola admitted West Ham had "problems" after another home defeat
saw his side slip back into the relegation zone. But the Italian boss could
offer little explanation as the Hammers suffered a third loss at Upton Park
this season to end their three-match unbeaten run. "It feels bad to be back
in the bottom three," Zola admitted. "We had I don't know how many chances
and they had only two. And that is a big question mark for me because how
can we lose a game like that? "We have to find out straight away what is not
working well. When I look into things I can only see the team tried until
the end. "I'm disappointed but it's too early to worry. I'm concerned ,as is
everybody around West Ham. All of us, including myself, are going to have to
look for solutions to these problems. This group is good enough to stay up."
The only good news for Zola is he expects top scorer Carlton Cole to be back
from his hamstring strain for basement battle with Hull after the
international break. "Carlton shouldn't be too bad - hopefully he will be
back for the next game," he said.
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West Ham 1 Everton 2 (Home)
Posted by Billy Blagg 9 hours, 15 minutes ago
ESPN
One step forward, two steps back; there is no denying this was a desperately
disappointing result against a side that always seem to do us at home.
That's bad enough, but, like last season, the result was a travesty as the
Hammers deserved something from a game they dominated for long periods.
Everton's goals came against the run of play and picking the ball from the
net seemed to be the only thing Rob Green had to do all afternoon.
But, we lost and undid the good work of mid-week, been dumped back into the
trouble zone and also, once gain, surely given the fragile confidence a
knock. So what went wrong?
Well, I've been defending Gianfranco Zola this season but questions need to
be asked about his team selection here. It was desperately embarrassing
watching the MOTD2 team purring like my cat Morrissey when he jumps onto my
bed at night, over the skills of Allesandro Diamanti - a man whose posterior
was warming the bench for almost an hour. Diamanti wasn't thought worth a
place in the mid-week win over Villa either and it's just difficult to see
why he isn't starting.
On the other hand, Mark Noble hasn't looked up to pace all season but had
his best game for the Irons in their mid-week victory and his reward is to
be dropped to the bench in place of Jiminez, a man who looks like he is
going to be one of those people who spends so long adjusting to the pace of
the Premiership that his presence may end up with him plying his trade in
the Championship instead. If the Chilean made any telling contribution at
all before he was replaced by the sparkling Italian then I simply didn't see
it.
The loss of Carlton Cole was keenly felt - but then isn't this what has
worried every West Ham fan since the start of the season? - but Hines and
Franco looked likely to break the deadlock early on and were certainly worth
a goal or two between them after the Hammers had pulled the game back to
2-1. Most Hammers fans were concerned at the lack of strike options up front
but I'd have to say we look in better shape than last season as Franco looks
a decent squad addition.
Everton's goal had come against the run of play and the only thing you can
say about it was that it was at least inevitable considering the way recent
results have gone at Upton Park against the Toffee's. It was Cahill who held
the ball up for Saha to strike home sweetly in the 26th minute past a
bemused Green who never even moved. The only comment I would make is that it
shows that top class goal-scoring can win matches on its own. Everton did
seem to take confidence from the lead and pushed the Hammers back for a
while and Saha went close with a header from the corner as the Boleyn Ground
became hushed.
After the break though, the home side came more into the game although it
was a little odd to understand why the half-time substitution was of the
hard-working Collison; Stanislas coming on in what seemed to be some
tactical ploy. I'll admit I couldn't see what the tactic was - feel free to
write and tell me, I'm always willing to learn - but there is no doubt the
pressure increased as did the noise of the crowd. West Ham's sickening
reward for their enterprise was to go two goals behind five minutes after
the introduction of Diamanti, Dan Gosling drilling home on 64 minutes after
Green blocked his original shot and Spector had gone sprawling in attempting
to tackle back.
But there was barely time to consider if the Hammers could hit back when
they actually had. Diamanti's pass was picked up by Stanislas whose clip
past the keeper didn't appear to be strong enough before Everton's Hibbert
decided to clear it into his own net rather than over the bar. It was no
more than the Hammers deserved and they then set about trying to get
something late on from the match as they had against Arsenal and Aston Villa
in their last two games.
Diamanti was in sparkling form and came close with a free kick - he's worth
his place alone for the number of kicks he gets on target - when Howard
saved superbly. Hines went close on several occasions and a number of
attacks were scrambled away as the crowd roared the Hammers on. This time
though, it wasn't enough and the loss of at least a point ensured the
Hammers would be looking at an uncomfortable table during the international
break.
On such things can seasons turn; a result today would have meant an unbeaten
run of four matches, a mid(ish) table place and a confidence building two
weeks leading up to what could be crucial games against Hull and Burnley but
it wasn't to be and those games are now starting to look vital. Diamanti
must surely start those games now, it's not recorded what the Italian thinks
about being left out of the starting line-up but it must be frustrating for
the player and he must surely ask what it is he isn't doing that makes the
manager not pick him. It smacks of something odd; after all, Zola wanted the
player and paid a lot of money for him - allegedly it was why he had to sell
Collins - and every time the Italian has played he has looked dangerous, so
why is he being left out? Is it to accommodate Zola's diamond formation that
never works for us while the 4-4-2 does?
He has his critics but the fans haven't turned on Zola yet but rest assured,
strange decisions that cause us to lose again at home are now concerning
many. You've got a free week Gianfranco, sit down and talk it over with
Steve Clarke and get it sorted....err quickly!
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Zola: West Ham too good to go down
09.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
After defeat to Everton, West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola insists
they're too good to go down. Everton stunned the Hammers 2-1 at Upton Park
last night. "I am confident and I have asked the players to believe they are
the best in the Premier League for me. We are determined to make things
different," Zola told whufc.com. "This team is good enough to stay up. All
of us including myself and my staff will have to look at ways of solving
these problems. A team that plays as well as us will get more points. There
are a lot of things to work on and we are going to be doing that."
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Zola sees Diamanti as West Ham super sub
09.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says Alessandro Diamanti is better as
an impact player. Diamanti impressed in their 2-1 defeat to Everton last
night. "When he came on he had a very good impact like Zavon Hines did the
other day [against Aston Villa]. I know when he comes in he is effective and
that's why I prefer him to start later," said the manager.
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West Ham boss Zola won't give up on Ashton
09.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola refuses to accept Dean Ashton's career
is over. The 25-year-old is battling to recover full fitness from an ankle
problem, the origins of which stem back to an injury while on England duty
after his appearance in the 2006 FA Cup final. Reports have suggested the
former Norwich striker, signed for £7million in January 2006, was set to
retire, and seek compensation from the Football Association. Zola said:
"Until someone tells me he is not going to make it, I am still confident he
is going to come back. "For the boy and for us we hope he will make it. I
can't say more than that. "Dean is working his way back on his own and with
his own physio. I don't know when I will hear anything."
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West Ham's Quashie told to stay away from training
09.11.09 | Ian Ferris
West Ham have stunned Nigel Quashie by telling him to stay away from the
training ground and see out his £20,000-a-week contract, reports the News of
the World. The midfielder approached the Hammers last week about a pay-off,
after boss Gianfranco Zola ignored his claims for a recall. Instead Quashie
was told he no longer has to report for training. Despite several first-team
stars lobbying Zola to bring the player back in from the cold, the Italian
does not want him in the picture. The 31 year old is in the final year of
his contract with the Londoners and does not want to jeopardise his claims
to the remaining seven months of his contract. The midfielder wanted 80 per
cent of his deal paid up but the Hammers have refused to settle. He is
expected to take the advice of the PFA after being told to stay away and is
currently continuing to report for training.
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Sunderland to launch bid for West Ham keeper Green
08.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is chasing West Ham United goalkeeper Robert
Green. The News of the World says Bruce is set to offer £6million to take
West Ham's England keeper to the Stadium of Light. And insiders believe the
Hammers face an uphill fight to hold off their Premier League rivals. Bruce
will give the biggest indication yet of the size of the Black Cats'
intentions when the transfer window opens and he attempts to sign the 29-
year-old.
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