WHUFC.com
20.12.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Chelsea
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 20 December
4pm
Referee: Mike Dean
Full-time score - West Ham United 1-1 Chelsea
94 mins - It's all over. A point is a point in any game, but against the
league leaders, that is a good result. Zola affords himself a smile and the
home crowd greet the final whistle with a cheer. The Hammers return to
action against the league's bottom side, Portsmouth, on Boxing Day.
93 mins - Diamanti works some space down the left, but he over-hits the
cross to Collison, who cannot control the high ball.
91 mins - Zhirkov fouls Parker, Diamanti lifts the ball into the area and
Chelsea clear their lines. The bouncing ball gives Faubert some trouble, but
he heads back to Green.
91 mins - At least three minutes of added-time will be played...
89 mins - Good defending from Tomkins, who has been superb all afternoon.
The ball is worked out to Diamanti, who is fouled by Ivanovic. Diamanti
curls the ball into Franco, who heads straight at Cech from close range, but
not before the linesman has raised the flag for offside. It looked like it
was Ilunga rather than Franco who had strayed beyond the last defender.
88 mins - Tomkins is forced to concede a corner by Drogba. The same player
flicks on the resulting corner and Zhirkov drives the ball over the bar from
25 yards.
85 mins - Ooooh, that was close! Zhirkov breaks on to Lampard's pass before
rolling the ball into the six-yard box. The goalkeeper can't gather the
ball, but Tomkins is able to hack it behind at the vital moment. Green rises
highest to claim Lampard's corner.
84 mins - Terry is booked for a high challenge on Faubert as the Frenchman
tried to clear the ball.
83 mins - Franco holds the ball up well again before feeding Parker inside.
The midfielder runs at the Chelsea back-four, only to lose control at the
vital moment.
81 mins - Big penalty appeal from Franco, who appeared to be barged by
Carvalho as he jumped for Diamanti's corner. Drogba flicks the ball out for
another corner, which Cech claims high above his head.
80 mins - Drogba is brought down by Ilunga just outside the penalty area.
It's close to the right touchline and very dangerous. Lampard crosses and
Diamanti clears the danger. West Ham break through Franco and Faubert before
Collison wins a corner.
79 mins - Good from Diamanti again, who cuts inside a challenge before
seeing his shot blocked by Terry. The ball bounces to Noble, who twists and
turns Lampard before seeing his cross cleared by Mikel.
78 mins - Tomkins finds Diamanti with a drilled 50-yard pass that the
Italian kills on his chest. Parker makes another lung-busting run into the
penalty area, only to slip and lose control at the vital moment.
75 mins - Chelsea are going to make their third change. It's going to be the
Russian Yuri Zhirkov to come on. Joe Cole is the man to make way.
74 mins - Another chance for Joe Cole, and again he can't keep his shot down
from the edge of the penalty area.
73 mins - Cech's resulting goal kick is flicked on by Drogba to Joe Cole,
but the midfielder's half-volley is also off-target.
72 mins - The two West Ham subs are back on the bench. We might not need
them as Diamanti stings Cech's palms with a well-struck half-volley from 20
yards. The ball ricochets back to Noble off Mikel, but his side-footer is
high and wide.
69 mins - Both teams could go on to win this, obviously. What I'm trying to
say is that neither side is dominating. In fact, it's turning into quite an
open game.
66 mins - Superb play from Parker, who bursts through two challenges before
finding Franco. Unfortunately, the Mexican was offside at the time and the
attack is brought to a halt.
64 mins - Stanislas and Frank Nouble are out warming up on the touchline.
Chelsea win a free-kick. Drogba curls it in and the ball bounces out for a
goal kick.
61 mins - GOAL! Lampard slots the ball into the corner, sending Green the
wrong way to level the scores.
61 mins - This is ridiculous! Lampard scores again, but there were six
players inside the box this time... Another re-take!
60 mins - Lampard drills the penalty low past Green, but referee Dean orders
a re-take, There were about eight players in the box.
59 mins - Lampard to take the penalty. Upson is booked for the foul.
58 mins - Good play down the left from Collison, who skips past Joe Cole and
finds Franco, but Chelsea scramble the ball clear. Chelsea break and Upson
appears to win the ball with a sliding challenge on Sturridge, but the
linesman gives a penalty...
56 mins - Diamanti goes down under a challenge from Ivanovic. The referee
gives nothing and Chelsea put the ball out for the Italian to receive some
treatment. After a short break, the game is on again.
54 mins - A moment of drama there. Carvalho belts a backpass towards Cech.
The goalkeeper's first touch is not the best, but he is able to clear ahead
of Noble.
52 mins - Kovac is penalised for a foul on Lampard. Noble kicks the ball
away and is booked. Lampard lines up another free-kick from about 35 yards.
He scuffs it towards Terry and Faubert eventually belts the ball clear.
49 mins - A decent interception by Tomkins sets up an attack for the
Hammers, which ends with Ilunga being fouled. West Ham waste the free-kick
and Cech belts the clearance up field to Drogba. The striker smashes the
ball on the volley from an almost impossible angle. It dips over Green and
just wide of the far post. That would have been an unbelievable goal,
similar to the one Marco van Basten netted in the 1988 UEFA European
Championship final.
48 mins - Chelsea are controlling possession early on, but Sturridge wastes
it with a 25-yard shot that flew an absolute mile over the crossbar.
46 mins - Chelsea kick-off the second half...
Two half-time changes for Chelsea. Kalou and Malouda are replaced by Daniel
Sturridge and Jon Obi Mikel.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea
48 mins - Parker is the latest player booked, for a late sliding challenge
on Ballack. It hands Lampard the chance to shoot from fully 35 yards. The
ball hits the wall and is half-cleared. Chelsea get it back into the box,
where Drogba flicks on and Kalou beats Green to the loose ball, only to stab
it wide from six yards. A let-off, that was. Green smashes the goal kick
high into the dark sky and Dean brings the first half to a close.
47 mins - Noble takes this time and Drogba heads clear. The ball is hooked
by Collison to Noble, who lofts a deep cross towards Diamanti. The Italian
hits the ball on the volley, but it's too close to Cech.
46 mins - We're into the first of three added minutes and Franco forces a
corner. The goalscorer takes and Ivanovic beats Upson to head out for
another corner.
45 mins - GOAL! Diamanti sends Cech the wrong way to put the hosts a goal
up!
44 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Collison latches on to Franco's pass and is
brought down by Ashley Cole, who is booked.
43 mins - Parker brings down former team-mate Joe Cole 35 yards from goal.
Lampard takes the free-kick quickly to Drogba, but he can only drive his
shot low into the side-netting.
41 mins - A couple of meaty challenges there. First, Noble goes in hard and
wins the ball, then Ballack goes in harder and does not. The free-kick is
curled into the box, but Chelsea clear through Terry.
38 mins - John Terry breaks down the left flank and, after a couple of
attempted tackles and clearances, gets the ball back and finds Lampard. The
former Hammers shoots too close to the goalkeeper and Green holds on at the
second attempt.
37 mins - Drogba's flick-on finds Joe Cole, who is allowed to turn 25 yards
from goal. He can't control his shot, however, and it screws well wide of
Green's goal.
35 mins - Noble's appetite for this game is impressive. He slides in to
challenge Kalou, forcing the Ivorian to pass the ball into the West Stand.
34 mins - Another chance for Lampard. Ashley Cole pulled the ball back from
near the left corner flag, but his England team-mate could only drag his
first-time shot wide of the far post.
33 mins - Franco is booked for backing into his marker. To be fair, that is
not the first free-kick the forward has conceded.
32 mins - So close for the Hammers! Parker finds Ilunga with a brilliant
pass between Carvalho and Ivanovic. Ilunga cuts the ball back to Collison,
whose shot is saved. The ball deflects to Franco, who is rightly flagged
offside. The move is met with a crescendo of noise.
30 mins - Franco, playing up top on his own, is giving the Chelsea back-four
a real working over. He may be 33, but the forward is clearly a fit man. As
I type, the forward is felled from behind by Carvalho, who is booked for his
troubles.
28 mins - A nice turn from Diamanti takes him past Ballack. He tries to find
Noble with a through ball, but Ivanovic gets his foot in to intercept.
27 mins - Diamanti curls in the corner and Cech punches well clear for a
throw-in.
26 mins - West Ham get up a bit of a head of steam, with Terry and Cech
miscommunicating. The defender heads clear before the Hammers force a corner
off Joe Cole.
25 mins - Ivanovic landed awkwardly after connecting with that header. After
some running repairs on the touchline, he is back on the pitch.
23 mins - Close! Malouda curls in a corner left-footed and it is headed
powerfully at goal by Ivanovic. Parker blocks the ball on the line with his
chest before hacking it clear. 'Super Scotty Parker' chant the crowd, and
they're right on the mark.
21 mins - Parker is penalised for a lunging challenge on Drogba about 30
yards from goal. The Ivorian takes the free-kick himself and it hits the
ball and loops over the bar.
19 mins - The England Under-21 man is on...
18 mins - Gabbidon is going to have to go off here. He looks to have injured
his hamstring chasing down a ball with Kalou a couple of minutes back.
Tomkins will be the man to replace him.
16 mins - Ivanovic's cross falls to Malouda, who is tackled in the nick of
time by Kovac. The ball rolls out to Ballack, who skies his shot from 25
yards.
14 mins - Joe Cole wins a corner down the right. Lampard crosses and
Ivanovic heads on to the roof of the net from 12 yards.
13 mins - West Ham look bang up for this today, and the home crowd are
giving them plenty of encouragement. Can they do a Fulham or a Portsmouth an
overcome one of the so-called 'Big Four''?
9 mins - Noble travelled with the team to Bolton, by the way. Back on the
pitch, Kovac finds Faubert with a 50-yard pass, but the Frenchman's low
cross is too close to Cech.
8 mins - Noble wins the ball back in midfield and finds Franco. The Mexican
turns neatly, but his shot his blocked. Noble has been lively so far, no
doubt eager to get back in the thick of the action after missing the midweek
defeat at Bolton.
7 mins - Good save by Robert Green. Joe Cole created some space for Lampard,
and the former Hammer smashed a shot that the goalkeeper did well to turn
aside for a corner. Lampard himself curls in the corner, which somehow
eludes everyone and the chance is lost.
5 mins - Some action! Noble sends a neat through ball for Franco to chase.
He appears to get there just in front of Terry before going to ground, but
the Mexican doesn't appeal for a foul. The ball rolls through to Cech.
Hmmm...
4 mins - Quietish start here at the Boleyn Ground. Both teams are having a
bit of trouble actually keeping the ball on the field of play, which doesn't
bode too well!
2 mins - Drogba tries an outlandish first-time ball to the rampaging Ashley
Cole, but it flies out for a goal kick.
1 mins - The game starts at a real pace, with both teams zipping the ball
around. Maybe the players are just trying to keep warm?
4.01pm - West Ham will kick-off, attacking the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end
of the ground...
4pm - The home team's names are read out, complete with some very flash new
graphics on the big screens. The home crowd seem to like them!
3.59pm - Russell Brand and pop star Katy Perry are also in the crowd. Katy
is sporting a West Ham scarf. Good girl!
3.56pm - Quite a few familiar faces have returned to east London for today's
game. From the 1980 FA Cup-winning squad, Paul Allen, Frank Lampard Sr, Pat
Holland and the aforementioned Phil Parkes are all in the stands. Here come
the two teams...
3.54pm - For those of you who don't live in the south east of England, I can
inform you that it is a cold day here at the Boleyn Ground. However, it
doesn't look like we're going to have any more snow following last night's
flurry. The sky is a pale blue colour and devoid of any clouds. While that
doesn't bode well for the temperature when the sun sets in about
half-an-hour, it at least means we shouldn't be seeing any more of the white
stuff! Plenty of claret and blue Santa hats are sprinkled around the
stadium, as opposed to the ten Father Christmases who made their way to St
Andrews eight days ago!
3.50pm - Wolverhampton Wanderers' 2-0 win over Burnley at Molineux has
lifted Mick McCarthy's side up to 12th in the table on 19 points. A win for
the Hammers today would take them to within two points of Wolves. That is an
illustration of how close the table still is. Elsewhere, Everton and
Birmingham City are drawing 1-1 at half-time in the 3pm kick-off. If that
game stays the way it is, Everton will have 18 points and sit in 15th place.
3.45pm - West Ham great Phil Parkes is introduced to the crowd. The
goalkeeper talks about the pre-match ceremony held to honour Hammers great
John Lyall. The main gates at the Boleyn Ground have been re-named in the
former manager's honour. Following Parkes' interview, Lyall's son Murray is
also introduced. Both men receive a warm round of applause from the
supporters.
Gianfranco Zola has made two changes to his West Ham United team for the
visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Matthew Upson returns from injury for his first appearance since the 3-3
draw at Hull City on 21 November, while Mark Noble returns from the one-game
suspension he incurred by being sent-off at Birmingham City eight days ago.
James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas drop to the substitutes bench. Marek
Stech is included among the replacements for the first time this season, as
regular reserve goalkeeper Peter Kurucz is sidelined with a minor shoulder
injury.
For Chelsea, Nicolas Anelka is missing, but former Hammers Frank Lampard and
Joe Cole are both in Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup. Didier Drogba is
partnered by Ivory Coast team-mate Salomon Kalou in attack.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Gabbidon (Tomkins 19), Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Kovac, Parker, Noble, Diamanti, Franco
Subs: Stech, Spector, da Costa, Jimenez, Stanislas, Nouble
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A.Cole, Ballack, Lampard, J.Cole
(Zhirkov 75), Malouda (Mikel 46), Kalou (Sturridge 46), Drogba
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex
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Diamanti make his point
WHUFC.com
Alessandro Diamanti's penalty sees West Ham United earn a Barclays Premier
League point against Chelsea
20.12.2009
A much-improved West Ham United shared a thoroughly entertaining 1-1
Barclays Premier League draw with Chelsea in Sunday's London derby at the
Boleyn Ground. Alessandro Diamanti had given the hosts the lead from the
penalty spot with the clock just a minute shy of the break. Chelsea
equalised through a penalty of their own, which Frank Lampard converted at
the third attempt. Both teams made it an engrossing spectacle by pushing for
the win, but could not find the breakthrough and had to settle for a point
each.
There was a certain bite in the air as the match got underway and if Robert
Green's fingers had been feeling a little numb, they were soon warmed by a
rasping Lampard effort from 20 yards, which he pushed round the post. The
new defensive partnership of Danny Gabbidon and the returning Matthew Upson
lasted just 19 minutes as the former was forced off through injury to be
replaced by James Tomkins. For the second weekend in a row, West Ham had
Scott Parker to thank for a goalline clearance after he first chested and
then hacked away Branislav Ivanovic's headed effort from a corner.
Gianfranco Zola had set Guille Franco the task of leading the line on his
own in a new 4-5-1 formation, and it was a responsibility the Mexican
appeared to relish despite several strong tackles from his markers. After
the third or fourth, referee Mike Dean had seen enough and promptly showed
Ricardo Carvalho a yellow card. The Mexican was carded himself soon after a
number of niggly fouls.
West Ham were awarded a penalty a minute before the break when Ashley Cole's
sliding tackle halted Jack Collison's run as he latched on to Franco's
through-ball. Cole was booked and Diamanti confidently sent Cech the wrong
way from the spot to send the vast majority of the 33,388 crowd into wild
celebrations. There was still time for Parker to become the fourth player
booked in the opening 45 minutes, but it was West Ham who went into the
interval a goal to the good. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was clearly not
pleased with what he had witnessed and used the break to make two changes,
with Daniel Sturridge and John Obi Mikel introduced in place of Florent
Malouda and Saloman Kalou.
Soon after, Drogba came within inches of scoring one of the goals of the
season when he hit a half-volley on the turn from an acute angle but,
thankfully for the hosts at least, it bounced the right side of the post.
Mark Noble had been recalled following his return from suspension to play
just behind Franco, but he was in trouble with the referee too as Dean took
his name for kicking the ball away. The visitors levelled the game in
somewhat controversial circumstances when they were awarded a penalty of
their own 13 minutes after the interval. Upson had been adjudged to have
fouled Sturridge in the area, when replays suggested he had played the ball.
After two re-takes for encroachment, Lampard sent Green the wrong way to
level the game. A few chances came and went for either side - Noble firing
over for the hosts before Joe Cole followed suit for the visitors. It was to
be Cole's final contribution before he was subbed for Yuri Zhirkov.
In a thrilling end to the match both teams went all out for the win, with
several promising counter-attacks from the Hammers failing to produce a
clear-cut chance. Franco did force Cech into a point blank save but was
flagged offside, while at the other end, they were grateful to their own
goalkeeper as Green got a vital right-hand to push away Zhirkov's dangerous
cross before the excellent Tomkins hacked the ball clear. The result moves
West Ham a point above Portsmouth, who they meet next in a mouth-watering
Boxing Day match at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Gabbidon (Tomkins 19), Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Kovac, Parker, Noble, Diamanti, Franco
Subs: Stech, Spector, da Costa, Jimenez, Stanislas, Nouble
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A.Cole, Ballack, Lampard, J.Cole
(Zhirkov 75), Malouda (Mikel 46), Kalou (Sturridge 46), Drogba
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex
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'The passion was remarkable'
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has hailed the spirit of his West Ham United team following
Sunday's draw with Chelsea
20.12.2009
Gianfranco Zola hailed the passion of his West Ham United players after
seeing them secure an impressive 1-1 draw with Barclays Premier League
leaders Chelsea. Alessandro Diamanti fired the Hammers into a half-time lead
against Carlo Ancelotti's table-toppers from the penalty spot, only for
Frank Lampard to net a controversial equaliser from the spot midway through
the second half. While there was no question about Ashley Cole's foul on
Jack Collison for the hosts' spot-kick, Matthew Upson clearly won the ball
when he challenged substitute Daniel Sturridge inside the Hammers penalty
area. Zola believes that, aside from the point gained from Sunday's fixture,
the performance and attitude of his players will serve as a launchpad ahead
of the busy Christmas and New Year period. "Nobody could have said anything
if we had got the three points, but that doesn't take anything away from the
performance of the players. I'm happy because the atmosphere, the passion
and the courage they put on the pitch was remarkable. "I think it's a very
good starting point and it will inspire everybody from now on. "Even in the
past we played some good games, but I never felt the atmosphere we had
against Chelsea. The way the players were encouraging each other and working
each off each other was really contagious. "On the bench, everybody was
involved in everything. There was a kind of positivity and it kept everybody
very sharp. "Scott Parker is a very influential player for us, but there
were many others who were really good, starting from the defenders. The
goalkeeper was very good and the amount of running that Jack Collison did
was unbelievable. I was very pleased with the performance of everybody. "I
liked their passion on the pitch. They were tired but they didn't look it.
I'm sure they could have played another 90 minutes."
Zola's only disappointment was in referee Mike Dean's decision to award
Chelsea the perfect route back into the match 16 minutes after half-time.
The official initially appeared to ignore the Blues' penalty claims, only to
award the penalty on the advice of his assistant, who raised his flag to his
chest to signal a foul by Upson. After the drama of two re-takes, Lampard
sent England team-mate Robert Green the wrong way from 12 yards. "It was a
harsh decision. I think the referee got it right in the first place, then
the linesman put his flag up and the referee changed his mind. His first
impression was the right one, but he didn't stay on his position, which was
a pity. "The players were disappointed, especially with the linesman. I
don't think it was the referee's decision. Obviously it was, but the
linesman put his flag up and that's why he gave the penalty. He wasn't going
to give it, and it's a pity because he was positioned better than the
linesman. "We don't need to speak about it any more. It's gone and it's a
pity, but nothing takes away from the performance of the players."
Sunday's result meant the Hammers go into their Boxing Day encounter with
Portsmouth a point ahead of Pompey. Having held the division's top club to a
draw, Zola wants his team to adopt the same approach when they take on the
top-flight's bottom side on Saturday. "We knew that the team we had in front
of us was better than us, so we had to do something different. We had to
give something more and that was the key factor. We just played with
passion. We dragged the crowd on our side and it made a difference, really.
It's such an important factor in football, this."
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Parker peerless
WHUFC.com
Yet another star turn from Scott Parker helped West Ham United to a
noteworthy display against Chelsea
20.12.2009
Scott Parker has hailed the "fight and passion" in the West Ham United ranks
after a tremendous display against the league leaders Chelsea. The England
midfielder has been nothing short of inspirational in recent weeks and was
deservedly the man of the match in a thoroughly entertaining London derby.
He may have relinquished the captain's armband to the commanding Matthew
Upson on Sunday afternoon but Parker played a leading role as the team
earned a 1-1 draw that could have been so much more. It was not so much the
point but the performance that delighted him most, ahead of the Boxing Day
visit of Portsmouth. "That is important. It is a massive result for us.
Obviously we would have loved to have got the three points but we have come
out with one. "We have another massive game coming up against Portsmouth. It
is a big lift for us. A lot of people weren't expecting us to get anything
and hopefully we now go and push on."
Alessandro Diamanti fired the Hammers in front with a penalty on the stroke
of half-time after Jack Collison was upended but Chelsea were given a route
back into the contest with a harshly-awarded spot-kick on the hour. Despite
the disappointment of Frank Lampard's equaliser, Parker focused on the
positives. "It was a battle. It was do or die for us. We have gone out there
and given it our all, including all out attack. We were coming up against a
very good Chelsea side and one thing we have been lacking is a little bit of
fight, a bit of passion and the gritty stuff. We definitely did that sort of
stuff and we had to."
Of the penalty, Parker felt it was a harsh decision to punish Upson for a
tremendous tackle on Daniel Sturridge but was not dwelling on the matter. "I
don't think it should have been given. It is harsh. From where I was the
ball has gone off at the angle and Matty seems to have tackled him. The
linesman took it upon himself to give it. He thought it was and that's how
it goes."
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Fry leads loanees
WHUFC.com
Another solid turn by Matt Fry helped his loan club while Freddie Sears got
a full run-out for Crystal Palace
19.12.2009
Matt Fry got yet another 90 minutes under his belt with a solid turn in
defence as Gillingham won 3-1 at home to Stockport United on Saturday. The
19-year-old Academy graduate was once again at centre-back, where he has
played for the majority of his ten league matches to date. Fry, who earlier
this week agreed to stay for another month at the League One outfit, has
helped Gillingham to pull clear of the relegation zone and they sit in 16th
place in the 24-team table. Having featured in the previous round against
Southend United, he could play in the FA Cup third round at Accrington
Stanley on 2 January.
Meanwhile, Nigel Quashie was unable to help MK Dons avoid a 1-0 home defeat
by Brentford in another League One encounter. Up in the Championship,
forward Freddie Sears played 90 minutes as Crystal Palace drew 1-1 at home
with Barnsley while Jordan Spence had a free weekend as Scunthorpe United's
home match with Ipswich Town was lost to the weather.
Those four are the only Hammers out on loan with Marek Stech back from his
emergency loan at Bournemouth after just one game against Morecambe last
Saturday. The 19-year-old Stech has been back training at Chadwell Heath.
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West Ham 1 - 1 Chelsea
BBC.co.uk
Lampard admits to 'lucky' penalty
By Phil Dawkes
Chelsea failed to capitalise fully on Manchester United's shock defeat at
Fulham as they drew at West Ham. The Hammers took the lead just before
half-time when Jack Collison was fouled by Ashley Cole and Alessandro
Diamanti converted the resulting penalty. Chelsea's equaliser also came
from the spot after Matthew Upson was harshly judged to have fouled Daniel
Sturridge. Frank Lampard was made to take the penalty three times but kept
his cool to ensure the visitors grabbed a point. Whilst a draw is not the
ideal result for Chelsea, it caps a good week for them, after their win at
Portsmouth on Wednesday and United's loss at Craven Cottage. The Blues now
hold a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of the
important Christmas period. In contrast, West Ham remain in the relegation
zone, but boss Gianfranco Zola will take heart from the manner in which his
side battled against superior opposition. The Hammers had lost their
previous three matches heading into this fixture but did not look a side
short of spirit.
Lampard and fellow ex-Hammer Joe Cole were largely at the centre of all that
was positive about what was, in truth, a lacklustre Chelsea display. The
latter set up the former for the first effort of the match - a 25-yard drive
which Robert Green saved comfortably. Later in the half, Lampard released
Didier Drogba following a quick free-kick, but the Ivory Coast striker fired
wide.
These, along with a Branislav Ivanovic header from a corner, cleared off the
line by Scott Parker, were as close as the visitor's came to a first-half
goal. In contrast, West Ham's first-half endeavour was rewarded when Ashley
Cole felled Collison in the box and Diamanti dispatched the penalty with
aplomb. It was inevitable, considering the stakes for both side's, that the
second half would be a frantic and nervy affair - and so it proved. Within
minutes of the restart, Drogba had almost pulled the Blues level, collecting
a long kick from goalkeeper Petr Cech near the touchline and firing an
audacious, dipping shot that looped over Green but just past the far post.
Chelsea were level in controversial circumstances not long after. Lampard
found half-time replacement Sturridge in the box, and he went to ground
under a lunging tackle from Upson. The referee's assistant immediately
signalled for a penalty, and Mike Dean pointed to the spot despite
protestations from the West Ham players.
Lampard was forced to take the penalty three times by Dean because of
players encroaching in the box, but the England international scored each
time. Chelsea pushed hard for a winner, but it is a testimony to the home
side that the league leaders fashioned so few true goalscoring chances. Joe
Cole's ballooned shot over the bar was as good a chance as fell their way.
West Ham could also have claimed a winner, but Cech was a match for a
stinging drive from Diamanti.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "The performance was magnificent - the
enthusiasm, the passion, the character, it was all remarkable. We got a
point, but it should've been more. "I've seen the penalty decision again and
it was not correct. I think the referee saw it right in the beginning, but
the linesman made him change his mind. We needed that to go our way - it's a
pity but we can't do anything about that. "All we can do is build on all the
positives we got from today. It is important we make these performances a
habit - if we do that there are no limits to do what we can achieve."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti: "We didn't play well, the first half was
not good and the draw was the right result. In the second half we were
stronger and had more intensity.
"I don't like to judge the work of the referee because I am not a referee.
"Now is not the best moment (for Chelsea) but every team has problems in
this period. There are a lot of matches every three days and it is not easy
to maintain concentration, to maintain strength every three days."
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Upson tight-lipped on future
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th December 2009
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson has refused to be drawn on his immediate future following a
string of rumours suggesting he is about to leave West Ham United. The
current club captain, whose contract expires in July 2010 has refused to
sign a new deal leadding to a flurry of speculation suggesting he is set to
leave the club in next month's transfer window. When asked about the rumours
by the BBC's Jonathan Pierce following this afternoon's 1-1 draw with
Chelsea, Upson, who is 31 next April, refused to either confirm or deny
rumours of an imminent departure, saying: "That's a difficult question
because there's so many thangs that are outside of my contol and things that
may happen. All I've got to focus on is the next game, getting myself right
and being in the best form I can and hoping we pick up some points for West
Ham."
The England defender, who made a welcome return to action against Chelsea
earlier today also criticised the decision to award a penalty against him
for a suppposed foul on xxx in today's game. I got the ball cleanly so I'm
very disappointed with the linesman's decision really," he said. "I think it
was the one that swayed the referee to give the penalty."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 1 Chelsea 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th December 2009
By: Staff Writer
A battling Chelsea held West Ham to a draw in this afternoon's Premier
League London derby - but had to rely on a contentious linesman's decision
in order to snatch a point.
West Ham, frankly awful in recent outings defied the odds, as they have so
often in years gone by in fixtures such as these with a performance that
belied their lowly league position and gave the champions elect a real scare
at the Boleyn this afternoon.
Chelsea - who remain top of the pile this evening despite losing what they
will no doubt consider to be two dropped points - were harried and unsettled
throughout by an industrious Irons side, and having gone behind to a first
half Alessandro Diamanti penalty can consider themselves somewhat fortunate
to have earned the opportunity to restore parity in the same manner.
Not for the first time this season - and certainly not for the first time
with referee Mike Dean - West Ham were undone by a poor decision from the
match official. Matthew Upson's finely-timed challenge on substitute Daniel
Sturridge in the 61st minute was somehow deemed to have been a foul by the
errant linesman, who signalled for a penalty.
Dean, who clearly hadn't seen the incident took his assistant's advice and
awarded the penalty much to the fury of West Ham, whose player's surrounded
the linesman, all to no avail. Ex-Hammer Frank Lampard levelled - at the
third opportunity following a farcical situation whereby encroachment caused
the spot kick to be re-taken twice - and the Blues escaped with a point that
they barely deserved.
West Ham, who would have gone into Christmas bottom of the Premier League
had they lost today were rewarded for their enterprise in the closing
moments of the first half when Jack Collison was sent tumbling in the area
by a mistimed tackle from Ashley Cole.
Alessandro Diamanti, who continues to infuriate as much as he inspires cooly
sent Petr Cech the wrong way to give the Irons a lead they just about
deserved on balance of play. Sadly, it was one that they failed to
capitalise on - as has often been the case since the current campaign began.
Yet again there was more injury woe for Zola to contend with; Danny
Gabbidon, who has only recently begun putting a two-year injury nightmare
behind him limped off midway through the first half with a hamstring injury
that looks set to keep him on the sidelines into the New Year.
Still, the under-pressure manager will no doubt look back on this
afternoon's game as a good day's work, gaining a point that few would have
expected but most would have taken. However the real job begins here on
Boxing Day when bottom club Portsmouth, who beat Liverpool 2-0 yesterday,
visit the Boleyn for what promises to be a real Christmas cracker.
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Striker set for imminent return
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th December 2009
By: Staff Writer
Young striker Freddie Sears is set to cut short his season-long loan at
Crystal Palce in order to ease West Ham's injury crisis, according to Eagles
boss Neil Warnock. Warnock, speaking after Palace's 1-1 draw with Barnsley
told reporters that the 20-year-old striker, who is without a goal since
moving to Palace in the summer will return to the Boleyn in the coming
weeks. "West Ham have asked for him to go back in January," he said. "They
have one or two problems up front and he is their player at the end of the
day. "He'll be with us for the next two games but it's likely he'll go back
after that."
Sears, who was recently dropped by Warnock burst onto the scene as an
18-year-old in March 2008 when he scored the winning goal against Blackburn
on his Premier League debut. He made his England under 21 debut against
Holland in August this year. However he has thus far failed to live up to
his early hype, having failed to score a single competitive league goal for
either West Ham or Palace since that debut strike some 18 months ago.
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Redknapp charged
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 19th December 2009
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp will face legal action next month
regarding financial irregularities, it has been confirmed.
The news was revealed on Tottenham Hotspur's website this evening. A
statement posted after Spurs' 2-0 win at Blackburn read: "The following
statement has today (Saturday) been issued by solicitors, BCL Burton
Copeland, acting for Manager, Harry Redknapp: 'Harry Redknapp is extremely
surprised and disappointed to have been informed that HMRC intend to
institute proceedings against him in the week commencing 11 January 2010. We
believe that the decision to commence proceedings will, in due course, be
shown to have been totally misconceived.' The Club considers this matter to
be a private, tax issue which pre-dates Harry's employment with the Club and
which is not related to football matters. His position remains unaffected
and he has the full support of the Club."
Redknapp was arrested two years ago in relation to his financial affairs
when his home was raided by City of London police. He later won £1,000
damages after fraud charges were dropped, and the police said to have acted
unlawfully. The former Irons winger has long been the subject of rumour and
innuendo regarding shady dealings and his business affairs were extensively
examined and questioned in Tom Bowers' book Broken Dreams - without any
specific allegations being made. Redknapp also has a history of leaving
clubs in finanicial turmoil; Bournemouth, West Ham, Southampton and now
Portsmouth have all suffered critical financial problems in the years
following Redknapp's employment.
* Redknapp, who was linked with a move for West Ham captain Matthew Upson
earlier this week has been told that he has to sell before he can buy by
Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy.
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Toni available on free
Bayern lose patience with Italian front man
Last updated: 20th December 2009
SSN
Bayern Munich are ready to cut their loses on Luca Toni and let the Italian
leave the club for free in January. The powerful striker, who is thought to
interest West Ham, has been at loggerheads with his coach Louis van Gaal all
season. Bayern president Uli Hoeness has clearly grown exasperated by the
situation and is ready to do everything he can to ensure his departure. "We
still don't have a concrete offer, although we are prepared to loan or sell
him for no fee," Hoeness told German TV show DFS-Doppelpass. Toni, who
joined Bayern from Fiorentina in 2007, has started just three Bundesliga
games this term and his only goal of the campaign has come in the DFB Pokal.
Hoeness added: "If necessary we will not ask for a transfer fee. We want to
have peace."
The striker was not in the match-day squad as Bayern claimed a 5-2 win over
Hertha Berlin on Saturday to make it six wins in a row. That run suggests
the club's early-season crisis is well and truly behind them, and Van Gaal
insists the best is yet to come. Bayern's resurgence has been achieved
without Franck Ribery, whom Van Gaal insists can take Bayern onto the next
level when he returns from injury in January. "With Franck Ribery, we can
probably do even better," said the Bayern coach. "And, if we do better than
we have done in recent weeks, then we also have good chances of winning a
title."
Bayern trail league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by only two points at the
midway stage of the season while they look forward to a tie with Fiorentina
in the last 16 of the Champions League, with Van Gaal's self-defined
"holistic process" now beginning to yield results. "I am very satisfied and
happy, also about the way we won," added the Dutchman. "That is how we at
Bayern Munich always want to play and we can now celebrate a relaxed
Christmas."
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Zola rues Chelsea penalty
Hammers boss praises players after battling point
Last updated: 20th December 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola rued a controversial second half penalty
awarded to Chelsea as his side had to settle for a hard fought point at
Upton Park. The Hammers enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes and
took a lead into the break after netting a penalty of their own through
Alessandro Diamanti. After the interval Chelsea improved but the manner of
their equaliser was shrouded in controversy as referee Mike Dean pointed to
the spot, after his assistant flagged, following a challenge from Matthew
Upson on Daniel Sturridge. The England centre-half appeared to play the ball
cleanly and Zola was left bitterly disappointed with the decision. He was,
though, thrilled with the commitment his players showed in what was an
entertaining capital derby. "Their attitude today was magnificent and
that's why we got a result," he told Sky Sports 1. "The referee saw it (the
penalty incident) right in the first place because he didn't give anything
and he was very close to it. "So I'm disappointed he trusted the linesman's
view. He was closer and should have kept his first decision. "But after the
penalty if there was a team that looked like they were going to score it was
us. "Trust me it was a big performance for us today. They really showed a
lot of character."
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, the game's outstanding player, hailed his
side's "do or die" attitude. "It was do or die for us," he told Sky Sports.
"And we've gone out there and gave our all against a very good Chelsea side.
"We've been lacking a little bit of fight, passion and a bit of the gritty
stuff of late but today we did that. "It's a massive result for us although
obviously we would have loved to get the three points. "But it's a big lift
and we were not expecting it. We've done really well and we can now push
on." Parker echoed his manager's sentiments with regards the award of
Chelsea's penalty: "I don't think it should have been one. "It's a harsh
penalty. But the linesman thought it was one. That's how it goes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A tale of two penalties
Controversial Lampard spot-kick earns Blues a point
Last updated: 20th December 2009
SSN
Man of the match - Scott Parker. Tigerish in the Hammers midfield.
Moment of the match - The linesman's decision that Upson had fouled
Sturridge for Chelsea's penalty. It changed the game and proved crucial to
the outcome.
Attempt of the match - Drogba's second-half effort from a tight angle which
brought back memories of Marco van Basten's Euro 88 final strike.
Save of the match - Green's late stop from Zhirkov may have been
unconvincing but without it West Ham could well have lost.
Talking point - The award of Chelsea's penalty - Upson appeared to get a
touch on the ball when he challenged Sturridge.
Goal of the game - Lampard's thrice-taken penalty has to take this award.
Fair play to the midfielder for keeping composed.
A tale of two penalties ensued in the capital as Frank Lampard's
controversial second half effort rescued Chelsea a point against a West Ham
side who had earlier taken the lead through a spot-kick of their own.
Roared on by a partisan Upton Park faithful the home side took a deserved
lead into the half-time interval as Alessandro Diamanti won his 12-yard duel
with Petr Cech, before Lampard's thrice-taken penalty was eventually allowed
to stand after the break. Chelsea's form has been patchy at best of late and
there was precious little to suggest they are any closer to finding their
customary fluid rhythm in what was a lacklustre first 45 minutes. There was
precious little wrong with Lampard's arching drive from the edge of the box
that stung Robert Green's palms in the opening sparring but thereafter their
exertions were insipid against a West Ham outfit snarling into every tackle.
Restricted to a Branislav Ivanovic header that was cleared off the line by
the impressive Scott Parker, Chelsea's efforts had their coach Carlo
Ancelotti looking increasingly exasperated on the touchline. Lampard had a
half chance after breaking from deep but his drive from the edge of the box
drifted wide, much to the amusement of the Hammers faithful.
Chelsea's frustrations were exacerbated on the stroke of half-time when Jack
Collison, who earlier in the half had drawn an excellent save from Cech's
feet, was brought down from behind by Ashley Cole's unnecessary lunge in his
own box. Chelsea's protestations were rightly given short shrift by referee
Mike Dean before Diamanti proved the coolest man in East London as he sent
Cech the wrong way from 12 yards. Ancelotti had seen enough and after
summoning John Obi Mikel and Daniel Sturridge from the substitutes' bench,
it was the latter that changed the course of the game when he went down
under Matthew Upson's challenge inside West Ham's box within ten minutes of
the restart.
The sight of an assistant referee with his flag across his chest had West
Ham's players livid as Upson looked to have played the ball cleanly but Dean
concurred and pointed to the penalty spot.
Lampard dispatched but was ordered to retake for infringement from both
sides. His second attempt, which Green got close to but could not keep out,
was again adjudged to have been illegal. Unperturbed by the most unusual of
interruptions Lampard showed remarkable composure in netting his third
spot-kick of the afternoon. This one was allowed to stand, although such
controversy could have been avoided had the correct call been made in the
first place. Didier Drogba was quiet all afternoon but reminded everyone of
why he is one of the world's best strikers with an outlandish hooked effort
from the tightest of angles that flashed just wide. West Ham could have let
their heads drop as they have done in recent months when faced with
adversity. But they did not and it took a diving save from Cech in the 72nd
minute to beat away a powerful left-foot shot from the lively Diamanti.
Chelsea escaped the strongest of penalty appeals when Ricardo Carvalho, a
master in the dark arts of defending, shoved over Guillermo Franco in the
box before Yuri Zhirkov, on for the fading Joe Cole, drew an excellent stop
at Green's near post. Zhirkov was a plus-point for Chelsea as he showed
glimpses of his undoubted talent having finally been handed a belated Blues
bow in the Premier League. It was a much improved display from Ancelotti's
side after the interval but it seems neither they or Manchester United are
ready to run away with the title. A point keeps West Ham off bottom spot
but should they continue to show similar commitment to the cause over the
next few weeks there should be plenty of festive cheer in East London.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole frustrated on sidelines
Hammers striker looking to return soon
By James Riach Last updated: 20th December 2009
SSN
England hopeful Carlton Cole admits it is not easy to see his international
team-mates scoring whilst he is injured. The West Ham striker is currently
sidelined with a knee injury and has been forced to watch on as other
English forwards stake their claim for a World Cup place. Cole has been
tipped to make Fabio Capello's 23-man squad for next summer's tournament in
South Africa, although there is fierce competition for seats on the plane.
The likes of Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey are regarded as shoe-ins to
Capello's squad, but Cole, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent and even
Michael Owen are all being tipped to take part. Cole scored seven goals in
13 Premier League games before he suffered his injury, and is desperate to
get back playing again to stake his claim. "It doesn't feel good to see
these guys scoring all the time," he said in the Daily Star. "But they're
all top players and it's what you expect. That's why I was so disappointed
when I got injured because I knew I would be overtaken in the goal rankings.
"I've been trying to keep up with the likes of Defoe, Bent, Rooney and
others - and to make sure I stayed in the top ten all season. "I think I
was seventh before my injury - so I know I've got to work hard to get the
problem out the way and come back strong in the second half of the season.
"It's been my dream to play and score at a World Cup finals since I was
little kid. Hopefully, I can keep that dream alive."
West Ham fans will also be hoping Cole can return as soon as possible as
they look to pull themselves away from the relegation zone. "I really want
to focus on West Ham," he added. "But, if you're going to be injured in
World Cup year, I suppose the earlier in the season it happens, the better
it is."
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Collison - Lamps is leading light
Hammers midfielder ready to tackle Chelsea ace
Last updated: 20th December 2009
SSN
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison is relishing the opportunity to go
head-to-head with Chelsea ace Frank Lampard. Emerging talent Collison and
his team-mates welcome the Premier League leaders to Upton Park on Sunday,
live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. Former Hammer Lampard is certain to be a key
figure in the match with his goals, creativity and energy in midfield. And
Collison believes coming up against the England international, who he rates
as the best in the business, will help him develop his own game. Collison
told The People: "I'm really looking forward to playing against Frank.
"He's a player I really look up to and admire - his consistency, the amount
of goals he scores and creates from midfield. "He's quite remarkable and,
for me coming through, it's something I'm trying to add to my game. "Frank's
definitely the most complete midfielder in the country."
West Ham are struggling badly at the wrong end of the Premier League and
will slip to the very foot of the table if they are beaten. But Collison
does not expect under-pressure manager Gianfranco Zola to abandon his
principles in the face of a survival scrap. He added: "People have asked
'Are you going to change the way you play?' I can't see that. The manager
wants us to get the ball down and play football. "Chelsea is a big game for
the manager and is an opportunity for us to turn things around and show
people we are a good team. "I'm going to be out there trying to prove a
point and show I am a good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Chelsea Report
Vinny - Mon Dec 21 2009
West Ham Online
West Ham United 1 Chelsea 1
West Ham made sure they would not be bottom of the Premiership at Christmas
with a hard fought draw against top of the league Chelsea. The effort and
determination which had been massively lacking in the last two games away at
Birmingham and Bolton was on full display to the delight of most of the West
Ham fans who had gone into this game bracing themselves for a heavy defeat.
Of course we can not get away from the fact we are still in deep relegation
trouble and a draw against Chelsea can't paper over the cracks but we must
take some positives out of the performance as we looked a much tougher unit.
The main talking point will be the penalty Chelsea were awarded in the
second half which TV replays have since proven was the incorrect decision
and we were once again on the receiving end of poor officiating as we have
been a number of times this season.
Coming off the back of what I consider our worst performance of the season
at the Reebok I was delighted that we dug in against arguably the best side
in the country and were never really dominated to the point where you
thought we were just hanging on.
Chelsea were not at their best and in the first half especially they lacked
the fluidity of a side who posses some very talented individuals but you
cannot take away the effort from our boys who stood up to the test and led
by Scott Parker in the midfield everyone played a part in earning a well
deserved point.
Gianfranco Zola made three changes to the side who were beaten at Bolton
last Tuesday night with the Captain Matthew Upson returning from injury to
replace James Tomkins at centre half.
In midfield Kieron Dyer was injured again but Mark Noble returned from
suspension to replace him. This saw Jack Collison go to the right wing with
Diamanti taking up a free role behind Franco.
Starting for Chelsea were former Hammers Frank Lampard Junior and Joe Cole.
There was a good atmosphere in the ground and I guess there should have been
due to it being a London derby against a side who we generally don't like.
It wasn't a game full of goal scoring chances but at the same time it was an
entertaining game with our crowd reacting to the tough challenges and strong
defending.
But as injury problems continue to plague us the defence was altered after
only nineteen minutes when Danny Gabbidon was forced to come off with injury
and James Tomkins came on to replace him.
It took us a little while to settle from the change and Chelsea had their
best chance of the first half shortly after when a corner found the head of
Branislav Ivanovic but Scott Parker managed to stop the ball on the line and
completed the clearance.
From an attacking point of view we found it tough with Franco doing his
upmost to hold the ball up but most of the time there was little support or
he was being fouled by Carvalho who was shown the yellow card for his
persistent fouling on Franco.
Our first chance came after a good move where Parker played a ball through
to Ilunga who pulled the ball back to the edge of the area for Collison who
managed to find room to hit a shot which was well saved by Cech.
With half time approaching it would be Collison who would again be involved
but with even more significance as his run into the area was found by a
Franco pass and the Welsh midfielder was brought down by Ashley Cole with
the referee Mike Dean pointing to the spot.
Last season at home to Chelsea we had won a penalty which Mark Noble
unfortunately missed but this time it was Alessandro Diamanti who stepped up
to take the kick in front of the Chelsea fans behind the goal but the
Italian made no mistake and sent Cech the wrong way to send Upton Park wild.
I would have been happy with the performance even if we had been on level
terms going into half time so to be leading was a welcome surprise.
We all knew the second half was going to be difficult but I believe that is
the hardest we have worked as a team all season with even Radoslav Kovac
digging in an making his presence felt.
Chelsea nearly found their equaliser within a few minutes of the restart
when Didier Drogba tried a outrageous shot from the right hand side of the
pitch from an impossible angle which nearly beat Robert Green.
But just after the hour mark Chelsea did find their equaliser and in
somewhat controversial circumstances.
Lampard Jnr played the ball into the area for Daniel Sturridge to go down
after a challenge from Matthew Upson. The referee did not react but the
linesman was flagging intensely and the ref pointed to the spot.
The West Ham players were incensed and voiced their disapproval to the
linesman who had somehow decided that Upson had got the man first. All the
TV replays suggested that it was not a penalty although to be honest from
where I was sitting on first look I was sure it was a foul.
Stepping up to take the penalty was Frank Lampard Jnr who had of course been
treated to much abuse as he usually is when returning to the club where he
started his career.
Lampard dispatched the penalty past Robert Green only for the ref to order a
re-take due to players encroaching. So the Chelsea midfielder once again
stepped up to score for a second time but comically the ref ordered the kick
be taken for a third time due to the same offence.
Lampard would again make no mistake as he scored for the third time with
this one counting as Chelsea got back on level terms.
This was going to be a test for us now and the atmosphere had turned very
tense very quickly with the obvious concern that we would capitulate as we
tend to do.
But we kept going and matched them in every way we possibly could. We had
little to hurt them going forward and there was very little we could do
about this as there was nothing on the bench that could really do anything
to aid the situation.
So we had to just keep working and every player seemed to give it a bit more
and showed the type of effort that of course we should always get from the
players but the type of effort that we have not seen for quite a while.
Chelsea had one good chance to get themselves in front as a cross found its
way to Joe Cole who blazed his shot over the bar and was replace straight
after.
With the visitors finding only dead ends we gave it a little go and
attempted to play some football but couldn't create that one clear cut
chance that may have given us that valuable victory.
A cross from Zhirkov saw Green get down to claw away with James Tomkins
doing really well to make the clearance when the Chelsea strikers seemed
poised to pounce.
Three minutes of injury time past without any problems and the final whistle
went with the West Ham fans actually cheering. Cheering, not booing. Yes, I
was shocked too, ok maybe not as shocked as Brittany Murphy (too soon?) but
considering we came out of the Burnley game having actually won and having
scored five goals I would have thought a draw against Chelsea would have
caused a pitch invasion riot.
In the context of our season a draw is not enough but taking into
consideration the opposition and the vast improvement in effort and desire I
have to come out of this game pleased with what I saw and hoping that we
will take this into the vital game on Boxing Day.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Reacted well to the blunder at Bolton and made one early save from a long
range Lampard Jr effort which he strongly palmed away.
Julien Faubert
Played well, got involved, made few mistake and worked very hard to prevent
Chelsea from utilising their width.
Matthew Upson
It is not crazy to suggest that our improvement at the back coincided with
his return. When he is out of the team you can really see how much worse we
look and his performance was of high quality. Was very unlucky with the
penalty decision after he had made a good challenge.
Danny Gabbidon
Came off injured and may be out for a while.
Herita Ilunga
Have read a few comments that he played badly? I can't say I noticed too
much wrong with his performance and thought he was heavily involved and did
reasonably well.
Mark Noble
Thought he was very good in the first half and was running things for us at
times. Put himself about but also was calm on the ball. In the second half
he got booked and sadly his performance faded away.
Radoslav Kovac
So limited on the ball it is painful to watch but he certainly worked hard
and there was a lot more intensity to his performance. He isn't going to be
a great player on the ball but you can't knock the bloke for his effort.
Scott Parker
Another standout performance. His work rate never ceases to amaze me and he
made some crucial tackles throughout the game.
Jack Collison
A much better display from Collison who has been off the boil in recent
weeks. He is our main goal scoring threat from midfield so to see him burst
into the area on a few occasions was pleasing. Won the penalty after a good
run onto a nice through ball from Franco and put in a good display.
Alessandro Diamanti
The other night at Bolton despite his goal he was pretty shocking. In
fairness to him he worked hard and covered a lot of ground. Did little on
the ball and although you will see flashes of skill he seems to find it hard
to keep up with the pace of the game. Converted the penalty with confidence
to take his tally to four this season.
Guillermo Franco
I think I can officially say I am a Franco fan as I have been impressed with
him for most of the game I have seen him play. It is a shame Cole is out
injured because those two would be a big threat against most defences.
Franco gave the Chelsea defenders a hard time despite being isolated for
most of the game. I would think a goal or two might come against Portsmouth.
Subs Used
James Tomkins (on for Gabbidon 19 minutes)
Still feel he is lacking confidence but maybe that is understandable
considering the amount of goals we have conceded. With Upson beside him he
seemed to get better as the game wore on and we didn't see any of the
terrible distribution he served up at Bolton.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Jimenez, Da Costa, Spector, Nouble. Stanislas
Yellow Cards: Upson (1st) Parker (7th), Noble (3rd) Franco (4th)
Man Of The Match: Scott Parker
Attendance: 33,388
Overall
A loss would have seen us go bottom of the league and with confidence levels
dropping I feel it is significant that we go into the Christmas period not
in that position. Zola got his tactics spot on in this one and we made sure
we were hard to break down which was the most important thing about our
display because although we all want to flowing attacking football we need
to stop defending badly and we seemed to do just that. We all questioned the
effort and desire of the team (Parker aside) in those last two away games so
it was good to see that despite our awful form the players were able to pick
themselves up and dig in where it was needed. West Ham have always had the
issue of playing well against the top sides and struggling against what you
would consider the weaker ones so to think that a decent display at home to
Chelsea is going to kick start our season is a little optimistic. Don't
forget that when we drew with Arsenal earlier in the season that was meant
to be our turning point and then when we beat Aston Villa that also was
meant to be 'the turning point'.
Next Game - Portsmouth (h)
Anything other than a win will be considered a failure and will also
invalidate and of the good work produced during the Chelsea game. We simply
have to win this one and it was last season when we were on another poor run
of form when a Boxing Day game against Portsmouth kick started our season
and we went on a fantastic run. How we could do with the same this time
around.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas
and hope you all enjoy the festive period with thumping wins against
Portsmouth and then away to Tottenham making it even more memorable.
Zola's View
"Nobody could have said anything if we had got the three points, but that
doesn't take anything away from the performance of the players. I'm happy
because the atmosphere, the passion and the courage they put on the pitch
was remarkable. "I think it's a very good starting point and it will inspire
everybody from now on. "Even in the past we played some good games, but I
never felt the atmosphere we had against Chelsea. The way the players were
encouraging each other and working each off each other was really
contagious. "On the bench, everybody was involved in everything. There was a
kind of positivity and it kept everybody very sharp. "Scott Parker is a very
influential player for us, but there were many others who were really good,
starting from the defenders. The goalkeeper was very good and the amount of
running that Jack Collison did was unbelievable. I was very pleased with the
performance of everybody. "I liked their passion on the pitch. They were
tired but they didn't look it. I'm sure they could have played another 90
minutes." "It was a harsh decision. I think the referee got it right in the
first place, then the linesman put his flag up and the referee changed his
mind. His first impression was the right one, but he didn't stay on his
position, which was a pity. "The players were disappointed, especially with
the linesman. I don't think it was the referee's decision. Obviously it was,
but the linesman put his flag up and that's why he gave the penalty. He
wasn't going to give it, and it's a pity because he was positioned better
than the linesman. "We don't need to speak about it any more. It's gone and
it's a pity, but nothing takes away from the performance of the players. "We
knew that the team we had in front of us was better than us, so we had to do
something different. We had to give something more and that was the key
factor. We just played with passion. We dragged the crowd on our side and it
made a difference, really. It's such an important factor in football, this."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-1 Chelsea match report: The Daily Mirror verdict
Published 06:00 21/12/09 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
A pulsating contest to cap the most dramatic of Premier League weekends -
but you have to wonder: Does ANYBODY want to win this title. Forget
Liverpool, they are dead in the water and drifting out to sea. And Arsenal
have already lost four times this season. Manchester United slumped to their
fifth defeat - the first time in the competition they have ever lost as many
games before Christmas - on Saturday and Chelsea were handed a gilt-edged
chance to open up a six point lead at the top. That they even escaped with
one point yesterday was due to hapless assistant referee Simon Beck, who
gave neither trigger-happy referee Mike Dean, nor West Ham any assistance
whatsoever. How on earth could Beck, from the right hand touchline, overrule
Dean, who was right on top of the situation, to decree that Matthew Upson's
58th-minute tackle on sub Danny Sturridge was a foul? TV replays showed Beck
to be utterly wrong and yet he escapes scot free while West Ham are robbed
of two points that would have lifted them out of the bottom three.
More of Gianfranco Zola's men later. But for Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti
there must be real concern that they are failing to pull away in the most
open title race for years. When they crushed Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates
last month, even the punch-drunk Gunners players waved the white flag,
insisting the title was Chelsea's to lose. Since then, however, the Blues
have won just one of their next five - a jammy victory against Portsmouth in
which Avram Grant's men were actually the better side. Chelsea's other
League results in their dodgy spell have included defeat to Manchester City
and a 3-3 draw at home to Everton. Throw in the Champions League draw to
Apoel and the Carling Cup defeat to Blackburn (albeit on penalties) and you
begin to see why fresh blood may be needed in January to reinvigorate the
club's title bid. You can also see why City have dumped Mark Hughes with
fourth place in the Premier League - or even better - there for the taking.
Zola was succinct in his assessment of his former club, insisting that
although they have the right ammunition to do the job, they are not firing
on all cylinders at the moment. Particularly when you consider that prior to
yesterday's face-off Chelsea had won their last four visits to Upton Park,
scoring 12 goals and conceding just two. The Hammers, meanwhile, had
conceded nine goals in their last three home games and looked there for the
taking.
Instead, a display of resilience and industry saw Zola's men stand
toe-to-toe with Ancelotti's table-toppers and looking the likely winners
after taking a shock half time lead.
It came when the excellent Guillermo Franco threaded a ball through to Jack
Collison in the Blues' box. Ashley Cole, on his 29th birthday, somehow found
himself on the wrong side of the midfielder and took a swipe at Collison's
ankles. Dean immediately pointed to the spot and the superb Alessandro
Diamanti converted. It was a lead thoroughly deserved, given that West Ham
had dealt with everything that their Premier League betters had thrown at
them - including a Branislav Ivanovic header cleared off the line by Man of
the Match Scott Parker. The second half saw Chelsea huff and puff with their
efforts including an outrageous, if unsuccessful, attempt by Didier Drogba
to recreate Marco van Basten's wonder goal from the European Championships.
But then came that penalty decision to enrage the home fans and bewilder
most neutrals watching on TV. Dean, who has awarded more penalties than any
other referee in the Premier League over the last two seasons, clocked up
his 23rd - ten more than nearest official Phil Dowd - when he pointed to the
spot on the say-so of his assistant when Upson felled Sturridge. What
followed next could easily be a quiz question over the festive season: Who
was the last player to need three attempts to net a penalty. The answer?
Yakubu for Portsmouth, way back in 2005 against Norwich.
Yesterday, Dean ruled out two of Lampard's efforts from the spot for
encroaching and there were even players in the box when the Chelsea
midfielder's third attempt was allowed to stand. You'd have thought the
momentum would then have gone the way of the League leaders. But it was West
Ham who dusted themselves down and pushed for the winner, with Diamanti
stinging the hands of Petr Cech with a fierce drive on 73 minutes. The
Italian striker had another goalbound shot blocked by John Terry six minutes
later. And how Guillermo Franco did not get a penalty after Ricardo Carvalho
clattered him ten minutes from time only the officials will know.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp called it more "an assault" than a
spot-kick. Franco was understandably furious. Not as angry, however, as
Zola, who punched the air in frustration at being robbed of what should have
been a priceless victory. Consolation will come in the knowledge that the
Hammers are off the bottom and therefore not hostage to the statistic that
the team there on Christmas Day normally goes down. As for Chelsea, they
stay top. But playing like this you wonder for how much longer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury-hit West Ham to recall Freddie Sears from Crystal Palace loan spell
Published 23:00 20/12/09 By Steve Skerry
The Mirror
West Ham have recalled Freddie Sears from his loan spell at Crystal Palace
as Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola's injury problems mount up at Upton Park.
The relegation-threatened Hammers are without injured striker Carlton Cole
and midfielder Kieron Dyer hobbled off with a hamstring problem in last
week's defeat to Bolton. Forward Sears, 20, will play his last game for the
Eagles on December 28 at Swansea City after the Boxing Day clash against
Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park. Palace boss Neil Warnock confirmed:
"Freddie's here for two more games. They have requested he goes back. I
think what with Carlton Cole being out, they need everybody looking at their
situation."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker hails West Ham's 'do or die' attitude
Published 18:48 20/12/09 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker hailed his side's "do or die" attitude
after they held league leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. The visitors could
have gone six points clear with a win but the Hammers took a shock lead
through Alessandro Diamanti's penalty. Frank Lampard salvaged a draw for
Chelsea with a penalty taken three times, but Parker admitted even a point
was more than the Hammers expected. "It was do or die for us," said Parker.
"And we've gone out there and giving our all against a very good Chelsea
side. "We've been lacking a little bit of fight, passion and a bit of the
gritty stuff of late, but today we did that. "It's a massive result for us,
although obviously we would have loved to get the three points "But it's a
big lift and we were not expecting it. We've done really well and we can now
push on."
Lampard was relieved to score all three penalty attempts after referee Mike
Dean ordered two re-takes due to encroachment. He said: "I didn't need that
at all, especially after missing one the other week. "That feeling when it
hits the back of the net is nice but when you get told to retake it you
wonder if something bad is going to happen. "And when it happened again I
didn't know what to think so I was pleased to see the last one hit the back
of the net." Lampard added: "We didn't turn up for the first half and that's
the poorest we've played all season. They wanted it more than us "But we
came out in the second half with a different attitude. It was a fair
result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PARKER'S SCOTT TALENT AS BLUES ARE HELD UP
West Ham 1 Chelsea 1
News Of The World
By Adam Marshall, 20/12/2009
FOUR penalties scored, at least another three that weren't awarded. Mike
Dean was certainly kept busy, even if his over-officious attitude meant
Frank Lampard had to take his spot-kick three times before finally notching
the equaliser against his old club. Lampard's nervelessness was hugely
impressive in this bear-pit of an atmosphere, where his every touch was
jeered and a Lucozade bottle was lobbed at him at one point. However, the
best midfielder on the pitch played in claret and blue. Scott Parker ran
himself into the ground. With more than a point to prove against a club that
stunted the progress he made at Charlton before eventually selling him on,
the midfield dynamo refused to accept the inevitable defeat many Hammers
fans would have dreaded making their way to Upton Park. An away win and West
Ham would be bottom at Christmas and history tells you that's not a good
place to be. Instead, this battling point shunts Portsmouth back to 20th and
provides some hope that Gianfranco Zola can turn things around at the
troubled East London club. Playing their capital rivals certainly brings the
best out of West Ham, as the draw with Arsenal testified, and this was a
spirited showing from start to finish, epitomised by the tireless
performance of Parker. It was Lampard who nearly grabbed an early goal with
a swerving shot that was saved unconvincingly by a nervous-looking Rob Green
and Danny Gabbidon was fortunate not to concede a penalty when handling a
Salomon Kalou flick as Chelsea started to make inroads on the home goal.
When Branislav Ivanovic steered a header goalwards from a Lampard corner,
Parker (who else?) blocked on the line with his chest and then charged out
to eventually clear the danger.
Gradually, West Ham took heart from keeping the match scoreless and Jack
Collison did well to control a sharp pass from Herita Ilunga to force a
decent save out of Petr Cech.
It was Collison who would play a major role in the opener, working a one-two
with Guillermo Franco before being needlessly challenged from behind by
Ashley Cole. The England full-back clearly clipped the Welshman's heels and
Dean was right to point to the spot, even though it looked a soft decision
initially. Up stepped Alessandro Diamanti to send Cech the wrong way with 45
minutes on the clock and give the home fans some rare cause for celebration.
There was still time before the break for Green to clatter Florent Malouda
as he tried to reach a Didier Drogba flick-on but Dean ignored the pleas for
a penalty.
Carlo Ancelotti clearly wasn't happy and replaced Kalou and Malouda with
John Obi Mikel and Daniel Sturridge in a bid to inject more energy into his
league leaders, who knew a win would take them six points clear at the top.
Drogba had been frustrating, firing greedily into the side-netting instead
of squaring to a team-mate at one point, but he sprung into life with an
astounding volley from the right flank after chasing a long punt by Cech. It
deserved a goal but dropped inches wide of Green's right-hand post. The
equaliser was soon forthcoming, though, even if Matthew Upson's challenge on
Sturridge looked a clean one. Upson's return made a real difference at the
back and he was harshly treated by Dean's decision to point to the spot
again. West Ham protested furiously and maybe the referee realised he'd made
the wrong call. Lampard beat Green but was ordered to retake the penalty due
to encroachment. At the second time of asking, he found the net again but
Dean put him through the mill by again demanding a retake. It was ridiculous
refereeing as Chelsea's players were hardly the chief culprits on both
occasions but Lampard tucked away at the third attempt and this time could
celebrate a goal on his old stamping ground. That should have been the cue
for the title favourites to flex their muscles and show they will be the
team that takes the initiative and wants to run away with this title.
However, Joe Cole spurned three openings that could've brought him a goal
against his first club before being replaced by Yuri Zhirkov, who belatedly
made his Premier League debut.
Diamanti was still an occasional nuisance at the other end, warming Cech's
hands with one shot and blasting against John Terry after some neat skills,
and there was a decent penalty shout when Ricardo Carvalho flattened Franco
at a corner. There was a sense of anticipation that late drama would arrive.
James Tomkins cleared when Green could only parry a Zhirkov shot and the
Russian also volleyed over from the edge of the box. At the other end, Cech
saved superbly when Franco headed goalwards but the offside flag was raised
in any case. In injury time, there was one final nerve-wracking moment for
West Ham's long-suffering fans when Julien Faubert's headed backpass
appeared to escape Green's clutches for a moment. But West Ham saw it out
and can be well pleased with their efforts. Chelsea had an air of
superiority at times but it wasn't backed up by their effort. While Ballack
and Lampard strutted around the midfield, Parker did all the ugly leg work
and often used the ball sensibly when in possession. A lot of industry can
go a long way. Whether it will be enough to keep West Ham up remains to be
seen. But if Chelsea can apply themselves on occasions like these, the
league is surely theirs for the taking.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
John Terry receives support from Chelsea over newspaper claims
The Times
Gary Jacob
Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his support for John Terry after allegations that
the Chelsea and England defender received payments to lay on a
behind-the-scenes tour of the club's training ground in Surrey. The Chelsea
manager said that Terry had assured him the story was not true. "The club,
me and players have a lot of confidence in John; he did nothing wrong,"
Ancelotti said after the draw with West Ham United. "I have a lot of
confidence in my captain." Ancelotti insisted that Terry had not been
affected by the allegations in a Sunday newspaper as he prepared for the
match yesterday. "He was very quiet, very calm and very concentrated before
the game," he said. "He played a good game. He did his job." Ancelotti did
admit concerns about Chelsea's form, despite a four-point lead at the top of
the table. They have won only once in four league matches since beating
Arsenal last month. "It's not our best moment, but it's not so bad," he
said. "What happened in the first half was not good. But we have one point
more at the top and we can have a good Christmas."
Before the game the club said: "Chelsea FC host a large number of visitors
at the training ground throughout the year, the majority of which are made
up of club sponsors, our charity partners and supporters. "The players play
a big part in these visits and John Terry naturally has a leading role,
hosting a significant number of children and their families this season
through our partner charities Help A London Child and Right To Play. John
has organised visits for families with sick children as a result of personal
correspondence.
"Contrary to media reports and the appearance of edited video this morning
the club is confident that at no time did Terry ask for or accept money in
relation to visits to the training ground."
Terry's former Chelsea team-mate,Gianfranco Zola, now West Ham manager, last
night criticised Mike Dean for changing his decision to award a penalty
after the referee had noticed that Simon Beck, his assistant, was flagging
for a spot-kick. Protests from the West Ham players were backed up by
television replays, which showed that Matthew Upson, the defender, had
clipped away the ball as Daniel Sturridge, the forward, drove into the
penalty area. "The players are disappointed, especially with the linesman,"
Zola said. "I'm disappointed [Dean] trusted the linesman's view. It was
harsh. The referee was better positioned and his first impression was right.
I wish he'd stuck with it." Zola met with club officials last week and they
are likely to try to sell Upson next month to raise money to strengthen the
squad. "I never felt the atmosphere that I felt today," Zola said. "The way
the players were encouraging themselves was contagious. There was a
positiveness that kept everybody very sharp. "Considering all our
difficulties, we showed the right attitude. It was a big performance. We did
enough to win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1 Chelsea 1: match report
Telegraph.co.uk
By Henry Winter at Upton Park
Published: 7:00AM GMT 21 Dec 2009
Frank Lampard and Chelsea benefited from the controversial largesse of Mike
Dean, whose love of awarding penalties shows no sign of abating. The Wirral
referee has now given 23 in the past two seasons, 10 clear of his closest
challenger Phil Dowd. If Dean owns a dog, its name is probably Spot.
Upton Park saw more conversions than an estate agent yesterday. Dean had
correctly given West Ham a first-half penalty, ably despatched by Alessandro
Diamanti after Ashley Cole brought down Jack Collison. Yet shortly before
the hour-mark, Dean wrongly penalised Matthew Upson for a legitimate
challenge on Daniel Sturridge, presenting Lampard with his chance which had
to be taken three times because of encroachment.
West Ham United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2: match reportSo at the end of an
entertaining game they graced with skill and zeal, West Ham could reflect
ruefully of the eternal truth in these parts that fortune's always hiding.
Three of the best players wore claret and blue, putting more-heralded
visiting names to shame. Scott Parker, the captain leading by example, kept
driving through the middle, kept putting in tackles, kept showing the
resilience that West Ham will require if they are to escape the drop. He
even cleared off the line.
Gianfranco Zola unleashed another pedigree dog of war in midfield. The
greatest compliment that can be paid to Mark Noble is that he was neither
outclassed nor outpassed by Lampard, himself the pick of a disappointing
Chelsea bunch.Noble's energy and commitment warmed East End hearts on a
bitterly cold afternoon.
In attack, Guillermo Franco gave John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho a torrid
time. Wearing No.10 on his back but with the line-leading qualities of a
rampaging No.9 written all over his every move, Franco kept holding the ball
up, then either bringing his midfield into play or turning and going
himself. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho simply did not know how to deal
with the Argentinian-born Mexican international.
Terry tangled legs with Franco. Carvalho, clearly rattled, was cautioned for
going through the back of him. How the Portuguese centre-half got away with
one penalty-box challenge on Franco, resembling a linebacker taking out a
running back, was astonishing to behold, particularly given Dean's
propensity for pointing to the spot.
In the wake of three defeats, Franco, Noble and Parker gave West Ham the
kiss of life, showing the positive attitude Upton Park craved. Potential
buyers will note the character in the dressing room, and the importance of
moving soon before the transfer window opens. Parker, particularly, Upson
and Robert Green would all be targets. Chelsea must freshen up their squad
in January, particularly with players disappearing to the African Cup of
Nations. Carlo Ancelotti's side seem to lack urgency going forward and
concentration at set-pieces. Although Chelsea pushed four points clear of
Manchester United at the peak of the Premier League, altitude sickness seems
to be afflicting Ancelotti's side as well as Sir Alex Ferguson's. Does
anyone want to win this title?
Although Sturridge sped on, delivering a lively cameo, Chelsea's ambitions
would be strengthened with a recruit or two. For all the talk of the need
for cover in midfield and attack, another defender would not go amiss.
Harried by Franco, their back line was poor. Like Del Boy's disastrous
chandelier-cleaning service, Chelsea's defence looked vulnerable long before
Jack Collison's dart through the middle drew a foolish challenge from Ashley
Cole, gifting Diamanti his penalty chance. There was an inevitability of the
defence falling and shattering. It kept teetering under pressure exerted by
West Ham and particularly the excellent Franco.
A minute from the break, Franco suddenly dropped deep to sweep a low pass
through to Collison. The young Welsh midfielder controlled it with his first
touch and was about to take a second when Cole came diving in from the side.
The angle of Collison's run demanded that Cole challenge with his right
foot. He did not. Cole went in with his favoured left and paid the price.
Clearly catching Collison, Cole's 29th birthday acquired a sour note as Dean
rightly signalled a penalty.
Diamanti's confident body language spoke of a player who knew his penalty
would find the mark, who had already converted kicks here against Arsenal
and Liverpool, and who was already planning his celebration. Effortlessly
sending Petr Cech the wrong way, the flamboyant Italian embarked on lengthy
festivities.
Ancelotti was so angry he withdrew Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou,
sending on John Obi Mikel and Sturridge. Chelsea, clearly missing Nicolas
Anelka who was nursing a slight muscle tear, had enjoyed chances in the
first half, Lampard bringing a fine save from Green and then Branislav
Ivanovic's header forcing Parker to clear off the line, but the visitors
simply couldn't find their stride. Parker, Noble and Franco never let them.
Chelsea got lucky just before the hour. When Lampard slipped the ball down
the inside-right channel, Upson really did not need to challenge Sturridge
as Herita Ilunga was covering. The England centre-half certainly did not
need to leave the ground, always a dangerous tactic, especially with Dean
around. Yet it was the linesman who wrongly gave the decision against Upson,
indicating he had brought down the Chelsea sub when he actually made contact
with the ball.
If the decision sent West Ham temperatures to boiling point, it was
impossible not to admire the sang froid of Lampard. Predictably booed, the
former West Ham midfielder beat Green from the spot only for Dean to order a
retake because of encroachment by Didier Drogba and Joe Cole. Composure
personified, Lampard placed his second kick past Green. Again Drogba jumped
the gun. It was third time lucky for Lampard. Although Drogba had again
encroached, Dean gave it. If Lampard deserved his goal, West Ham deserved
more than a point.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Chelsea 1: Match Report
West Ham Till I Die
Make no mistake, this result wasn't a fluke. No luck was involved. The draw
was fully deserved and if it hadn't been for an outrageous penalty decision
by the referee we could even have won the game. The psychological impetus
this result will give us should not be underestimated. If we had been bottom
of the table at Christmas it would have been hugely depressing for everyone,
and quite difficult to bounce back from. We're only one point off the
bottom, but I still have full confidence that we will be out of the bottom
three for good by mid January.
Scott Parker's performance was again inspirational. He was everywhere and
everyone else took their lead from him. Even Kovac motored around making
himself annoying to the opposition, even if he contributed little that was
positive. Mark Noble buzzed around too and was at the centre of most of our
attacking play. Jack Collison was superb and did well to win the penalty. In
attack, only Diamanti disappointed. Apart from one rasping shot (and the
penalty!) he appeared to contribute little. Franco on the other hand put in
his usual tireless effort. He only got one chance, a bullet header right at
the end which Cech did well to get down to. But he caused real trouble for
the Chelsea defence throughout the game.
The key to this performance was the way West Ham defended. Tomkins and Upson
looked superb together. To me they are West Ham's strongest central
defensive pairing by far. They understand each other. It was unfortunate
that Gabbidon had to go off injured, but he had already nearly conceded a
spot kick. Luckily the referee didn't see it – just like he didn't see the
assault on Franco by Carvalho towards the end, which should have resulted in
another West Ham pen. Ilunga and Faubert did OK and certainly didn't look as
weak as they have done in previous games. Faubert's through ball towards the
end was a delight.
Just as an aside, I can't remember a game when Zola hasn't used at least 2
subs. Today he only used Tomkins. Perhaps that's because the bench was a
little weak, but there wasn't a point in the game when I felt he should have
altered the team, apart from perhaps when Noble picked up a stupid yellow
card.
This was one of our best performances of the season, with a team not at full
strength, against what most people reckon is the best in the league. We
should take a lot of positives from it.
Green 7
Ilunga 6
Faubert 6
Upson 8
Tomkins 8
Kovac 6
Parker 9
Noble 7
Collison 8
Franco 8
Diamanti 6
Gabbidon 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1 - 1 Chelsea
Lampard's penalty hat-trick
Updated: December 20, 2009, 8:10 AM UK
Frank Lampard showed the nerve which has made him one of England's finest
players to rescue a point which takes Chelsea four points clear at the top
of the Premier League at Christmas. Lampard, once hailed but now routinely
jeered inside the Upton Park ground he graced as a youngster, slotted home a
penalty in the second half which he was forced to take three times. Some
players might have been thrown by that. Lampard simply kept rippling the
back of West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green's net until referee Mike Dean
finally signalled the goal which cancelled out a first-half penalty by
Alessandro Diamanti. But if it signalled two dropped points for Chelsea in
their quest for the title, then for West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola perhaps
this was the corner he has been waiting to turn. The corner which means the
Hammers will not be bottom on Christmas Day, which is usually a prelude to
relegation. Instead, Zola can forget bringing in a psychologist, as he had
admitted thinking of, to boost the confidence of his West Ham players. All
he needs to do is show them the video of this battling performance, when at
last they added grit to their undoubted style. Maybe the improvement was
sparked by the fact that Zola was facing his old club and opposing manager
Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he used to play for Italy. You certainly could
not fault West Ham's work rate, nor their readiness to play football. They
were committed to the fluent, passing, scampering style of play for which
Zola has always been famed. Scott Parker, in particular, was a terrier in
the centre of midfield. So was Jack Collison, while Guillermo Franco was a
threat up front. True, Chelsea, with Joe Cole and Lampard back on the ground
where they learned their football, always had more physical power. They
might have taken the lead after 22 minutes when Branislav Ivanovic's
powerful header from a corner was chested off the line by Parker.
Lampard, who received a predictably hostile reception, also spurned a good
chance when he fluffed a left-footed shot from eight yards. But it was West
Ham who took the lead and no-one could say they did not deserve it, even if
it was via the penalty spot. Collison surged at the heart of Chelsea's
defence and as he bore down on goalkeeper Petr Cech, England full-back
Ashley Cole slid in. The tackle needed to be perfect. It wasn't and referee
Mike Dean had no hesitation pointing to the spot to allow Diamanti to send
Cech the wrong way. Cue the sort of Upton Park euphoria which has been in
scarce supply this season. It must have been an easy half-time team talk for
Zola. Carry on playing as you are. And they tried to, snapping and harrying
the blue shirts with a tenacity which made a nonsense of their lowly league
position. They were undone by what looked like a dodgy refereeing decision
from Mr Dean, who pointed to the spot when Matthew Upson tackled Chelsea
substitute Daniel Sturridge. It looked as if he took the ball, a message he
attempted to deliver to the assistant referee when he raced to the touchline
miming the shape of a football. No matter, Lampard took the spot kick and
scored, only for it to be scratched by the referee for encroaching players.
Lampard tried again and scored again, only for the picky Mr Dean to order
the kick to be retaken once more. To Lampard's credit he did not let it
upset him, stroking the ball home once more and this time the referee did
point to the halfway line. West Ham could have let their heads drop as they
have done in recent months when faced with adversity. But they did not and
it took a diving save from Cech in the 72nd minute to beat away a powerful
left-foot shot from the lively Diamanti. They also found the resilience to
keep out a surging Chelsea finish. ''Things can change very quickly in
football,'' Zola told the fans in the matchday programme. He was right. Now
the Hammers need a lot more of the same.
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker hailed his side's ''do or die'' attitude
after they held Premier League leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. ''It was do or
die for us,'' he told Sky Sports 1. ''And we've gone out there and gave our
all against a very good Chelsea side. We've been lacking a little bit of
fight, passion and a bit of the gritty stuff of late but today we did that.
''It's a massive result for us although obviously we would have loved to get
the three points. But it's a big lift and we were not expecting it. We've
done really well and we can now push on.''
Lampard was relieved to score all three penalty attempts after referee Mike
Dean ordered two re-takes due to encroachment. He said: ''I didn't need that
at all, especially after missing one the other week. That feeling when it
hits the back of the net is nice but when you get told to retake it you
wonder if something bad is going to happen. And when it happened again I
didn't know what to think so I was pleased to see the last one hit the back
of the net.'' Speaking about the game, Lampard added: ''We didn't turn up
for the first half and that's the poorest we've played all season. They
wanted it more than us. But we came out in the second half with a different
attitude. It was a fair result.''
Parker was critical of the penalty decision with Matthew Upson looking to
have won the ball as he challenged Daniel Sturridge. ''I don't think it
should have been one,'' he added. ''It's a harsh penalty. But the linesman
thought it was one. That's how it goes.'' West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola
was also disappointed with the linesman's decision but was full of praise
for his players. Zola had called for a reaction following three successive
defeats and was pleased to see just that. ''Their attitude today was
magnificent and that's why we got a result,'' he told Sky Sports 1. ''The
referee saw it (the penalty incident) right in the first place because he
didn't give anything and he was very close to it. ''So I'm disappointed he
trusted the linesman's view. He was closer and should have kept his first
decision. But after the penalty if there was a team that looked like they
were going to score it was us. Trust me it was a big performance for us
today. They really showed a lot of character.''
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his players only started performing
after the interval. And has blamed the busy festive period for his team's
poor first-half display.
He said: ''We started only in the last 45 minutes. Before we played without
intensity and slow. We didn't move the ball quickly in midfield. We're not
in the best moment but every team has problems in this period. There are a
lot of matches, every three days, and it's not easy to maintain
concentration, to maintain strength every three days.''
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Penalty drama gives Chelsea draw at West Ham
The Times
(Rebecca Naden/PA)
In any other season, a stuttering draw away to a team mired in the Barclays
Premier League's relegation zone would leave question marks over any
self-respecting title challenger, but as Chelsea's players sat on their bus
outside Upton Park last night, the catcalls of the locals still ringing in
their ears, they can hardly have known what to make of it.
The season is becoming a slog for Chelsea, who have won only one of six
games in all competitions since their resounding 3-0 victory away to Arsenal
three weeks ago, but it must be hard for Carlo Ancelotti and his players to
fret when the competition are struggling to rise to the challenge.
The table shows that they are four points clear of Manchester United, who
lost for the second successive Saturday, and six points ahead of Arsenal,
so, for now, at least, mediocrity is good enough.
The danger for Chelsea is that they drift into a comfort zone, particularly
with tricky assignments against two in-form teams, Birmingham City and
Fulham, over the Christmas period.
Comfort was not something they were able to enjoy in the confines of Upton
Park, with West Ham United's players rising to the occasion and taking the
opportunity to take and make a well-earned point in their battle to avoid
relegation. But there was still the feeling, as the match entered its final
stages, that Chelsea had come to regard victory as a possible bonus rather
than a necessity.
For Frank Lampard, anything less would have felt like a grave injustice.
Back at his alma mater and subjected, as usual, to what he calls "dog's
abuse", the Chelsea midfield player came through an almost unfeasible test
of nerve on the hour when he was put on the spot not once, not twice, but
three times by Mike Dean, the referee, who appeared to have decided it was
time to declare war on encroachment at penalty kicks.
Only after Lampard's third successful kick did Dean declare himself
satisfied and Chelsea could celebrate the goal that made it 1-1.
What must not be lost amid the farce surrounding the penalty is that it
should not have been given in the first place. When Daniel Sturridge, a
Chelsea substitute, raced on to a loose ball in the penalty area, Matthew
Upson, the West Ham defender, took the ball off his toe with an expertly
timed tackle. For reasons unclear, the assistant referee flagged furiously
and Dean seemingly had little choice but to take his word for it.
Having taken the lead with a penalty of their own just before half-time,
Alessandro Diamanti keeping his cool after Ashley Cole had fouled Jack
Collison, West Ham were entitled to feel hard done by. From the first
whistle, they had responded to Gianfranco Zola's call for more belief, more
passion, more bravery and, in Scott Parker, they had the game's outstanding
player, one whose all-action performance against the league leaders is
likely to increase the interest shown in him by Tottenham Hotspur and
others.
Perhaps Parker feels that he has a point to prove when he plays against
Chelsea, where he had an unhappy time as one of the early signings of the
Roman Abramovich era, but he was not alone in snapping at the heels of
Lampard, Joe Cole et al. Collison and Mark Noble were at it, too, making
this a very British performance from a team managed by an Italian, and, as
half-time loomed, the concern for West Ham, having lost Danny Gabbidon to a
hamstring injury early on, was about whether they would find a way through
the Chelsea defence.
Their best bet always seemed to be to take the ball into the final third and
thread a pass behind John Terry and his colleagues for someone to run on to.
They had already tried that several times before the plan worked in the 43rd
minute. Guillermo Franco's pass sent Collison clear and elicited a desperate
and ill-advised lunge from Ashley Cole in the penalty area. As Upton Park
held its breath, Diamanti kept his composure from the spot and West Ham were
1-0 up.
Another crazy result in this increasingly unpredictable Premier League
season? Not if Chelsea could help it. With Sturridge and John Obi Mikel on
for Salomon Kalou and Florent Maldouda respectively, Ancelotti's team showed
more purpose after the interval. Didier Drogba was strangely subdued, but
came close to scoring a goal of the season contender four minutes into the
second half, hitting a dipping shot just wide of Robert Green's far post
from close to the corner flag.
The writing was on the wall for West Ham, but the penalty awarded against
Upson was undeniably harsh. If it was a cheap penalty, though, Lampard was
made to work for it. If the first demand for a retake was fair enough — if
unexpected, given that referees usually turn a blind eye to encroachment —
the second was bemusing, since it was three West Ham players who were
breathing down Lampard's neck when he took his shot.
As for the closing stages, West Ham were denied a second penalty with ten
minutes remaining when Franco was pushed by Ricardo Carvalho. Perhaps Dean
had seen enough penalties for one day. Either way, it was hard to escape the
feeling that, whatever their needs at opposite ends of the table, neither
team was too disconcerted by the draw.
West Ham (4-5-1): R Green 5 J Faubert 6 D Gabbidon 5 M Upson 7 H Ilunga 6 J
Collison 6 S Parker 8 R Kovac 6 M Noble 7 A Diamanti 6 G Franco 5.
Substitutes: J Tomkins (for Gabbidon, 19min). Not used: M Stech, M Da Costa,
J Spector, F Nouble, L Jimenez, J Stanislas. Next: Portsmouth (h).
Chelsea (4-3-1-2): P Cech7 B Ivanovic7 R Carvalho 6 J Terry 7 A Cole 7 F
Lampard 7 M Ballack 6 F Malouda 5 J Cole 5 D Drogba 6 S Kalou 4.
Substitutes: J O Mikel 6 (for Malouda, 46), D Sturridge 5 (for Kalou, 46), Y
Zhirkov (for J Cole, 75). Not used: Hilário, P Ferreira, Alex, J Belletti.
Next: Birmingham (a).
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Frank Lampard penalty for Chelsea frustrates West Ham's hopes of lift off
Kevin McCarra at Upton Park
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 20 December 2009 18.21 GMT
The clear decline of the Premier League elite is raising spirits everywhere.
Chelsea extended their lead over Manchester United to four points but in
days gone by they would have dealt severely with opponents from the
relegation zone. Instead West Ham are entitled to be exasperated that their
goal from a penalty was balanced out by a spot kick for the visitors, after
61 minutes, that ought not to have been awarded.
The referee, Mike Dean, took his decision on the advice of his assistant,
although Matthew Upson had connected with the ball when challenging the
substitute Daniel Sturridge. Chelsea's equaliser was still an ordeal as Dean
ruled out Frank Lampard's first two attempts because of encroachment by
other players. There was a calmly methodical reaction from the midfielder as
he shot home to left and centre before his penalty was deemed valid as if
flew home on the right.
It was a rare sign of calm authority by the visitors. Chelsea could have
fallen to yet another penalty but no offence was detected when Ricardo
Carvalho hurled himself at Guillermo Franco as a corner kick was delivered
nine minutes from the close. If the clubs in the upper reaches of the table
are no longer so secure, then those from the lower orders cannot be treated
dismissively.
West Ham had already taken a draw against Arsenal in this stadium and beaten
an Aston Villa team that is on the rise. Gianfranco Zola's merriness over
this result was not dimmed by the knowledge that, in practice, the club's
circumstances had taken a turn for the worse. Their relegation rivals
Wolves, who beat Burnley yesterday, are now four points clear of West Ham.
The West Ham manager was right to sense that this was not a moment for
statistics. "Nobody could have said anything if we had got three points,"
Zola said of his side's endeavour. "I like the passion they put on the
pitch. I am sure they were tired but they didn't look like it. In the past
we've played some good games but I never felt the atmosphere that I felt
today. The way the players were encouraging themselves and working it up was
contagious."
His opposite number made do with a phlegmatic tone. "We are one more point
ahead of second place," said Carlo Ancelotti, "but we didn't play a good
match. This period is not easy, playing games every three days. Now we have
a week to prepare [for a home game with Birmingham]. We'll benefit from
that."
Chelsea had met with stiff resistance from West Ham, who know they need to
stop games from being quite so eventful if they are to survive in the
Premier League. The side had been conceding at a rate of two goals a match
before this result. Yet no one accused them of a reckless romanticism here
and they threatened to hold on to the lead they had gained. Ancelotti's side
could never be in complete command when opponents such as Scott Parker were
putting up such a fight in midfield.
There were breaks on the flanks now and again but for the most part Chelsea
found 10 outfield opponents positioned to block their path. The visitors are
accustomed to that sort of approach but would not have anticipated the
implacable manner in which West Ham sustained that commitment. Any
reputation for brittleness had receded. Not even the muscle injury that
ended Danny Gabbidon's involvement had immediate consequences as James
Tomkins, who came on was at least familiar with the set up after starting
the previous three games.
It had looked unlikely that West Ham would score but a covering Ashley Cole
fouled Jack Collison from behind as he collected a pass and Alessandro
Diamanti sent Petr Cech the wrong way to convert the penalty in the 45th
minute. Chelsea's true difficulty, all the same, lay in a lack of
creativity.
They might well have had a penalty early in the game, when Danny Gabbidon's
hand made contact with the ball, but it did look as if they would be
dependent on Didier Drogba's individualism for a goal and at the start of
the second half he nearly scored with an angled volley from Cech's kick-out
that flew narrowly wide.
There is a narrowness to the football being produced by Ancelotti's line-up.
They did not cope well in the absence of Nicolas Anelka, a creator as well
as a scorer, because of a minor muscle strain. Since that authoritative 3-0
defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates three weeks ago, their command has
dwindled. Limited harm has been done but there will now be interest in
seeing how keen the club is to make signings in the transfer window.
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