Daily WHUFC News: 02/01/09

West Ham United 0-0 Arsenal
31.01.2009

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v West Ham United
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 31 January
3pm
Referee: Steve Bennett

West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Savio 69), Collison, Cole, Di Michele (Boa Morte 82)
Subs not used: Stech, Spector, Lopez, Sears, Tristan
Booked: Neill, Collins

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson, Eboue (Vela
35), Diaby (Song 89), Adebayor, Bendtner (Van Persie 67)
Subs not used: Fabianski, Djourou, Ramsey, Gibbs
Booked: Diaby, Vela

Attendance: 60,109

A solid defensive display helped West Ham United extend their unbeaten run
away from home to more than three months.

In a game of few chances, both sides had efforts cleared off the line at
either end of the first half, while an Abou Diaby header clipped the top of
the bar. Matthew Upson and James Collins were imperious in defence, helping
to ensure Robert Green did not have a save of note to make all afternoon.

Gianfranco Zola named the same starting XI that had beaten Hull City so
convincingly in midweek. There were two enforced changes on the bench
however. James Tomkins picked up a hamstring strain in training on Friday
and Julien Faubert was in Spain putting the finishing touches to his move to
Real Madrid. Their places were taken by Walter Lopez and Jonathan Spector.

The match got under way with a bitterly cold wind circulating around north
London and the home side quickly set about trying to make their guests feel
even less comfortable. France attacker Samir Nasri was at the centre of most
things his side produced, causing concern with several dangerous crosses.
The Hammers' defence was not in the mood for buckling, though, and dealt
with everything Nasri and his team-mates tried.

The one exception came as early as the fourth minute when a Nasri corner was
headed goalwards by Diaby. The ball clipped Collins and then the crossbar
before bouncing for the relative safety of a corner. Despite the early
danger and continued Arsenal pressure, United stood firm for the rest of the
half with Green only having routine catches to deal with.

Scott Parker won every tackle, Valon Behrami harried everything in a red
shirt and Carlton Cole - looking to score for the sixth league game in a row
- was doing sterling work in holding the ball up when his side looked to
break. The trio were unlucky not to go into the interval in front as a
Collins header from a Mark Noble corner was headed off the line by Gael
Clichy.

Five minutes after the restart, the Gunners came close to taking the lead
when Kolo Toure's hooked shot was headed off the line by the outstanding
Collins. Emmanuel Adebayor missed a further opening fifteen minutes later as
Bacary Sanga broke down the right and crossed for the Togolese
international, who could only divert the centre wide with Green beaten.

Chances were to be few and far between as both teams continued to cancel
each other out - a Denilson shot from distance the only chance of note.
Arsene Wenger sought to change that by bringing in on Robin van Persie for
Nicklas Bendtner with a little over 20 minutes remaining and his West Ham
United counterpart responded by giving new signing of Savio his first taste
of a London derby by introducing him for the tireless Noble.

Carlos Vela - who had joined the action as a first-half substitute for
Emmanuel Eboue - was then booked for a going down a bit too easily in the
penalty area for referee Steve Bennett's liking, while at the other end Cole
fired straight at Manuel Almunia.

Luis Boa Morte came on for David Di Michele with seven minutes remaining to
face his former club and with action switching from one end to the other it
was anyone's guess in whose favour the match would conclude.

Lucas Neill was booked for a foul on Vela with four minutes to go, but aside
from a 94th-minute corner that Robert Green expertly punched away, the
Hammers were untroubled before Bennett bought the proceedings to a close.

The vivacious away support among the 60,109 in the Emirates responded with a
song of 'We are unbeatable' - a claim that perhaps will be put to the
ultimate test when champions Manchester United visit the Boleyn Ground next
Sunday. But, for the time being, the claret and blue army can travel home
undefeated again, something they have come to get used to since the last
away defeat - ironically at Manchester United - on 29 October.

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Collins keeps on going
WHUFC.com
An eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions owes much to James Collins'
weekend display at Arsenal
01.02.2009

James Collins has remarked on the strong team effort that bought about a
well deserved point for West Ham United against Arsenal.

The Welsh international had a starring role in a match that saw West Ham
frustrate the home side on Saturday to earn a goalless draw and make it
eight games unbeaten in all competitions. Collins said the result was one he
and his team-mates deserved.

"When you come to the Emirates you know you are not going to have an easy
game but we are on a fantastic run. The lads knew that if we came here and
defended well and kept playing like we have been doing, we would be able to
get a result and that is what we did."

The team received praise from Arsene Wenger for their resolute approach and
Collins welcomed the compliment. "People are saying we are tough to break
down and that is good," he said. "Since Mister has come in everyone can see
the difference.

"Earlier on we were not getting the wins to go with the performances even
though we were playing nice football. Now we have turned the corner in terms
of results and hopefully that will continue."

Collins was busy alongside Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Herita Ilunga in
the heart of the defence but also had a chance at the other end, and he is
eager to get on the score-sheet. "There was the shot from [Kolo] Toure that
I headed off the line. I was just in the right place at the right time to
cover it.

"At the other end I had a header. I haven't scored for a long while. I had a
chance against Hull in midweek and now another one against Arsenal. I would
like to chip in with more goals if I can but, at the end of the day, my job
is to stop them going in at the other end and that's what I had to do
first."

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Stalemate leaves Clarke content
WHUFC.com
The coaching staff were satisfied with a draw at Arsenal but are looking for
more in the weeks to come
01.02.2009

Steve Clarke admitted it was a measure of West Ham United's side progress
that the management team were "a little bit disappointed" with a goalless
draw at Arsenal.

Although the point preserved the hold on eighth spot and moved the Hammers
to within four points of sixth place, the first team coach revealed he had
expected a little bit more going forward after the midweek masterclass
against Hull City. That said, he could not fault the rearguard resilience in
front of Robert Green - who made it three clean sheets in a week after the
2-0 wins against Hartlepool United and Hull City.

"It was good," said Clarke. "[The Emirates] is always a difficult place to
come. We expected a hard game. We did very well. We kept our shape. I am a
little bit disappointed if I can be honest, that we didn't create enough
going forward. We didn't keep the ball well enough at times but I think when
you look overall it is a good point.

"Defensively the team played well, everybody did what they should do. The
shape of the team was good. Our work ethic was fantastic. Sometimes James
[Collins] stands out a little bit more because he throws himself around and
gets a few blocks in but I thought all the defenders were top class."

Clarke, who spoke to the press with the manager heading abroad straight
after the final whistle made it eight games unbeaten away from home and no
defeats on the road since 29 October, rejected claims the side had set out
to stifle. "We didn't send the side out any differently to what it has been
the last few weeks. We didn't come here to defend. Sometimes when you play
against a good team you have to defend.

"Arsenal moved the ball around, they caused us one or two problems. Not too
many because they didn't have too many clear-cut chances but we certainly
didn't come here with the intention of defending.

"We are a bit disappointed that we couldn't pass the ball and create many
changes. I think if you look at the changes we made late in the game, we
brought on another striker [Savio] to try and force things going forward. It
is a little bit harsh to say we just set up the team to defend.

"I think it is very important in the confidence and belief of the players
that they can come to these places and get positive results. Obviously the
next stage would be to come to these places and win the match.

"That would be a progression but, for the moment, from where we were in
October to where we are now, there has been a significant progress at the
club. [It is down to] hard work on the training pitch and hard work out
there in the matches.

"The attitude of the players is fantastic. They want to learn, they want to
get better. You can see now that we are a team that knows what they are
doing and are working hard for each other. You get the rewards now."

Clarke, who revealed efforts were being made to add depth to the squad,
possibly in midfield to complement recent recruits Savio and Radoslav Kovac,
reaffirmed that he expected none of the key squad members to leave before
Monday evening's transfer deadline. It is the midfield diamond that has done
much for the team's fortune of late and Clarke explained how the coaching
staff had come to settle on that system.

"[After arriving] we had to feel out the players a little bit. We tried to
play [4-3-3]. We would have liked to have continue playing that way but we
just weren't getting the results. Some of the performances were good but we
couldn't see the matches out and we lost a lot of away goals so we decided
to change it.

"We went to a flat 4-4-2 for a couple of games and that helped us to turn
the corner. We got a good result at Anfield, got a victory at Sunderland and
slowly with the strength of the players we have got we decided on a midfield
in a diamond shape and it has worked very well for us."

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Faubert finalises Madrid switch
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert's loan move to Real Madrid has been completed with a view to
a permanent switch
31.01.2009

West Ham United can confirm that Julien Faubert has completed his loan move
to Real Madrid until the end of the season.

The clubs agreed the deal on Friday - which includes the option for a
permanent transfer in the summer - and the French midfielder signed for the
Spanish side on Saturday after agreeing personal terms. West Ham United CEO
Scott Duxbury said: "We can confirm that the deal has gone through and
Julien will be with Madrid until the end of the season. This is a good move
for all parties and we wish Julien well."

The 25-year-old Faubert's departure coincides with the arrival of Czech
Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac after Savio signed earlier in the week.
First team coach Steve Clarke suggested Kovac would bring much to the squad
and hinted that there was a possibility of further strengthening.

Clarke said: "Kovac will bring experience. He gives us more depth in the
squad. We have lost a few players in the transfer window so he brings us
depth and experience. We have got a young squad and he can help us to
develop the players. He is a good addition.

"The transfer window is close to closing and the quicker it gets to Monday
evening the better. We may look to bring one more in before it closes. It
would give us more depth in the squad but if it doesn't happen then we are
happy with what we have got."

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Hall floors Addicks
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's England Under-16 international striker scores late to see
off Charlton Athletic
31.01.2009

A goal at either end of the 90 minutes was enough to see West Ham United's
Under-18 side continue their perfect start to 2009 with a 2-1 victory over
Charlton Athletic.

Tony Carr's team won their third consecutive FA Premier Academy League game
in difficult, blustery conditions at Little Heath. The Hammers opened the
scoring after just two minutes through Anthony Edgar. The Addicks, who had
won the reverse fixture by the same scoreline in November, came back
strongly and equalised on the half-hour mark, only for England Under-16
international striker Robert Hall to nick the three points with an
opportunist strike with only two minutes remaining.

Afterwards, Carr was delighted with his team's commitment and also the
performances of a number of Under-16 squad members - namely strikers Subuola
and Hall and full-back Miles Smith - called upon due to injuries to Balint
Bajner, Filip Modelski and Tony Brookes.

"It wasn't the best of games, I must admit. The wind played a massive factor
and it did spoil the quality of the game to be honest. We scored very early
from a Daniel Subuola cross and Anthony Edgar controlled and hit the ball
low, right-footed into the goal. That was one-nil, a really good start after
two minutes.

"We were bright for about ten or 15 minutes after that but Charlton had the
better of the remainder of the half and equalised on about 30 minutes and
made it one-one. In the second half the wind was at our backs and we really
pressed them. They had the odd counter-attack but it wasn't the best of
games.

"It looked as if it was going to peter into a draw. Their goalkeeper made
two outstanding saves - one from Conor Okus and one from Miles Smith - that
on a better day would surely have been goals. Christian Montano then put
through-ball to Robert Hall, who had come on as sub, and the goalkeeper
looked favourite to get it. He did get it at first but then, as he dived to
the ground, he somehow let it out of his grasp and Robert swivelled on it
and curled it into the net from an acute angle. We just nicked it in the
88th minute.

"This time of year we're starting to blood some of the younger players so
our squad will get younger as the season progresses. Miles, who made his
debut last week at right-back, is a schoolboy. Daniel started his first game
for us and Robert is a year younger at 15.

"We were obviously pleased to win it even if it wasn't the best of games.
We've now taken nine points from our last three games and it's pushed us
right up the table to fourth place. We stuck in there and just about edged
it on chances. It's a terrific start to the new year."

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Arsenal 0-0 West Ham
By Julian Shea
BBC.co.uk

West Ham stretched their unbeaten run to eight games as Arsenal's Champions
League hopes suffered a dent. Neither side managed a chance on target in a
dire first half dominated by Arsenal, and this was to prove costly. After
the break Arsenal were all over West Ham but Emmanuel Adebayor wasted the
game's two best chances with a shot wide and header straight at the keeper.
The visitors were on the back foot for almost the entire second half but
their stout defending earned them a point. Arsenal nearly made an ideal
start when West Ham defender James Collins was forced to head against his
own bar from a corner, but it turned out to be a false dawn for what proved
to be a dismal first 45 minutes. Neither side mustered a serious effort on
target, with Arsenal comfortably on top in terms of possession, but doing
very little to stretch the West Ham defence or threaten Robert Green's goal.
Emmanuel Eboue was industrious and involved in most of Arsenal's attacks,
but his afternoon came to a premature end when he limped off, to be replaced
by Carlos Vela, following a challenge by Scott Parker. Collins had West
Ham's only vaguely threatening chance with a header in first-half
injury-time, and the Welshman was at the centre of the action once again
shortly after the restart when he cleared the best chance of the game so
far. Green's poor punch clear only went as far as Kolo Toure, near the edge
of the box, and he hooked the ball back over his shoulder towards the goal,
but Collins was on hand to head clear. Twice in quick succession Matthew
Upson had to make blocks from Denilson efforts as Arsenal continued to play
at a higher tempo, and Adebayor wasted the best chance of the game so far
when he poked Bacary Sagna's cross wide of the post. Arsenal continued to
pile on the pressure, but another great chance went begging when Adebayor
put his free header straight into the arms of Green. West Ham barely left
their own half as they soaked up Arsenal's punches, but Carlton Cole's
easily held shot from distance showed the home side they could not afford to
be too complacent. The longer the game went on the more desperate Arsenal
became, and the full price of Adebayor's missed chances became clear. Adou
Diaby was stretchered off after a collision with Savio in injury time, which
summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Gunners.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We had 70-30 possession but they defended
very well as a team. "We were very close to scoring and gave everything, but
couldn't get the goal which would get us the three points. "You have to
continue fighting, usually we get a goal in last 15 minutes when they defend
like that us against us."

West Ham coach Steve Clarke: "It's always difficult when you come here
against a team who pass so well, you have to be disciplined and do the right
things. "Maybe I'm disappointed we didn't do more with the ball, but today
was more a defensive performance. "We came here with the intention of
playing as we have been playing recently and didn't concede too many
clear-cut chances which was pleasing. "If you want success at a club, you
have to start with basics. They're working hard for the manager and
themselves, and you can see the result of that on the pitch."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Vela 36), Diaby (Song
Billong 90), Denilson, Nasri, Adebayor, Bendtner (Van Persie 68). Subs Not
Used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Djourou, Gibbs.

Booked: Diaby, Vela.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble
(Nsereko 70), Collison, Cole, Di Michele (Boa Morte 83).

Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Tristan, Sears.

Booked: Collins, Neill.

Att: 60,109

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Arsenal's Samir Nasri 7.67 (on 90
minutes).

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Faubert seals loan switch to Real
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert has joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on
loan until the end of the season. The Frenchman, 25, was given permission to
talk to Real after struggling to secure a first-team place this season.
Real will pay a £1.5m fee for the loan, with the option to buy Faubert at
the end of the season on a three year-deal. Faubert, who joined West Ham
from Bordeaux for £6.1m in 2007, passed a medical in Madrid on Saturday and
will be officially unveiled on Sunday. Faubert ruptured his Achilles tendon
shortly after joining West Ham, which kept him out of action until January
2008. Madrid have been searching for a right winger during the transfer
window and have been linked with Jermaine Pennant, Aaron Lennon and Antonio
Valencia. The Hammers signed midfielder Radoslav Kovac on a loan deal on
Friday and have also signed striker Savio Nsereko during the transfer
window. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury: "I was first contacted by
Madrid on Friday and after extensive negotiations, we have agreed in
principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5m fee to take Julien
until the end of the season.
"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer, with a
significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this season and,
despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18 months ago, he
has not had the best of times. "He had asked the manager about a possible
move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid."

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Czech Kovac joins Hammers on loan
BBC.co.uk

Czech international Radoslav Kovac has joined West Ham on loan until the end
of the season from Spartak Moscow. Also linked with a move to Celtic, the
29-year-old Kovac, who was captain at Spartak, can play in midfield as well
as central defence. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury confirmed the
club have the option to make Kovac's signing permanent. Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola said: "He will give us competition in a midfield, which is
already very strong." Kovac brings a wealth of experience from his country's
World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008 campaigns, while he has also played in the
Champions League and Uefa Cup. "I'm pleased to have Radoslav here," added
Zola. "He has a lot of experience with the national team and I'm sure he
will help us with what we are trying to achieve this season." Earlier in the
week West Ham beat off "fierce competition" from Europe's leading clubs to
complete the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko.

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You thought they were joking too?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 1st February 2009
By: Staff Writer

Julien Faubert has confessed that he thought he was the victim of a prank
call when Real Madrid came calling. The French winger signed out of Upton
Park, possibly for the last time on Friday when he completed an unlikely
switch to the Spanish giants where he will act as cover for a talented first
team squad. Real have taken the 25-year-old on loan for the rest of the
season with view to a permanent deal in the summer - although given
Faubert's comments, it is unlikely that he will ever feature for the Irons
again even if that particular deal was to fall through.
Talking to L'Equipe last night about his move, Faubert - who had also been
in talks with two other clubs prior to accepting Real's offer - said:
"I got a phone call from a representative of Real Madrid. I wasn't very
polite to him as I thought I was being made fun of, that it was a joke.
"I had just found out that contacts with Lyon and Newcastle had fallen
through. I wasn't feeling good. But it's up to me to fight, to show that I
can get in the team."
Faubert, who has sadly failed to show very little of that 'fight' since
joining the Hammers 18 months ago in a £6million switch from Bordeaux also
claimed that he had been 'suffering mentally' since moving to London. "I
couldn't see a way out,'' he added. "I thought I would be staying at West
Ham, suffering.''

Mental mental radio rental: our top five favourite football loonies

5. Joey Beauchamp
Signed by Billy Bonds for £1.2million in the summer of 1994, Beauchamp
decided after less than a week with the Hammers that the daily run along the
A40 from his Oxford home was too taxing for him and demanded a transfer. Two
months later he was sold to Swindon for £800,000 having failed to play a
single competitive match for United. Now 37, Beauchamp was forced to retire
from professional football in 2002 through injury.

4. Julien Faubert
So you've been 'suffering mentally' Julien? Poor lamb, it must be a
nightmare earning a king's ransom every week for putting in sub-standard
performances whilst all around you the very people putting money in your
pockets are losing their jobs and homes. Good luck in Spain, you're going to
need it!

3. Sol Campbell
Our Sol stormed out of Highbury at half time during West Ham's famous 3-2
win (the last by an away team at Arsenal's former home) having been
embarrassed by mistakes that led to goals for Bobby Zamora and Nigel
Reo-Coker. Arsene Wenger tried to protect his captain by telling reporters
"I took him off as in his mental state he was too down to come back," - but
Campbell, who later admitted off-field problems were the cause of his
downturn in form hardly helped the manager by going missing for several days
after. Currently out to pasture at Portsmouth.

2. Sebastien Schemmel
The former Hammer of the Year went bonkers just a week ahead of the 2003/04
season when he claimed then-manager Glenn Roeder was 'trying to kill me' -
all because he was out of favour at the club having experienced a string of
personal problems. A two week fine for his outburst on Sky didn't help, and
he was shipped out of the club weeks later. Now 33 and out of football,
Schemmel was last seen playing for Le Havre back in 2004/05.

1. Marco Boogers
Whilst the stories about him being found hiding in a caravan somewhere in
Holland having fled London sadly turned out to be an urban myth Boogers did
indeed walk out of the club the day after he was sent off for an horrific
challenge on Manchester United's Gary Neville. It was only his second
appearance for the Hammers since moving from Sparta Rotterdam for £750,000;
it was also to prove his last. Current whereabouts unknown.

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Clarke on ... Arsenal
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Steve Clarke, standing in for Gianfranco Zola this week, reflects on another
fine afternoon's work...

On the game ...

It's always difficult when you come here against a team that passes the ball
as well as Arsenal. You have to be disciplined and make sure you do the
right things defensively - and we did that. Maybe we're a little
disappointed that we didn't do more with the ball. We've been playing very
well recently and today was more a defensive performance.

On tactics ...

We came here with the intention of playing as we have been playing recently.
Credit to Arsenal, they pinned us back and kept the ball well. But we
defended well and kept our shape. We didn't concede too many clear-cut
chances - which was pleasing.

On back to basics ...

If you want to have success with any football club you have to start with
the basics; to defend well, and play as a team. The players we have at West
Ham United just now are doing that. They're working really hard for the
manager and they're working hard for themselves - and I think you see the
rewards for that on the pitch.

On the new signing ...

Kovac is done, he's a West Ham player until the end of the season which is
good. He brings experience, he gives us another option in midfield and he
can also play at the back. He's a good player to bring in, he's got a lot of
experience. We've got a lot of young players and he can help them to
develop.

On any more business ...

I think we're a little bit short in the squad just now, if anything happens
in the next couple of days ... we'll just have to wait and see. Julien
Faubert's gone out and it would be nice to get a replacement - but we're a
little bit short of time now in this window.

Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

They defended very well as a team and we had very few chances. Although it
was a derby it was a fair one and we gave absolutely everything, but
couldn't get that one goal that would have given us all three points.

I'm convinced that West Ham's defence produced a quality performance today,
you have to accept that. Usually we get a goal in the last fifteen minutes
when teams defend like that but today we couldn't get it.

*Steve Clarke and Arsene Wenger were talking to the BBC.

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Real confirm Faubert move
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Real Madrid are claiming the deal to sign Julien Faubert on loan for the
rest of the season has been completed. The Spanish giants confirmed that
they had landed the United winger in a statement on realmadrid.com, which
read: "Real Madrid and West Ham United have agreed to a deal that will see
Julien Faubert play for the club through the end of the current season. "He
is capable of assisting a defender and on the same play reaching the
opponent's byline to put in a cross. Faubert has perfected his shot from the
right flank and now hopes to put it on display with Real Madrid."
Whilst that description may leave some United supporters wondering if they
are talking about the same Julien Faubert that has failed to make an
impression at West Ham the deal represents further good business for the
club, who will now look for a replacement ahead of Monday's 5pm transfer
deadline. News of Faubert's surprise move emerged last night when West Ham
confirmed they had agreed a deal in priciple that would see the French
wide-man join Real on loan for a fee of £1.5million with view to a £6million
permanent deal in the summer.

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Hammers eye one more arrival
Upton Park assistant eager for one more signing before Monday
Last updated: 31st January 2009
SSN

West Ham assistant manager Steve Clarke has revealed the club would like to
sign one more player before the transfer window closes on Monday. The
Hammers have already acquired record signing Savio and loan arrival Radoslav
Kovac in January, and Clarke is hoping to see one more new face. Clarke is
keen to add to Savio and Kovac as the Upton Park outfit look to build on a
run of six games unbeaten in the Premier League. The Scot told Sky Sports:
"Maybe if we can get one more in before the close that would be better. If
it doesn't happen then we are happy with what we have got." But Gianfranco
Zola's right-hand man is also keen to see deadline day to ensure that West
Ham - who have already sold Matthew Etherington, Craig Bellamy and Hayden
Mullins - keep hold of their players. Speculation had suggested that the
Hammers, who have also loaned out Nigel Quashie, Joe Widdowson, Lee Bowyer
and Kyel Reid, were set to see a number of assets leave as owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson looks to raise funds. And, for that reason, Clarke is willing on
5pm on 2nd February, adding: "It is getting closer and the quicker it gets
to Monday evening the better."

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Kovac eager to impress
On-loan midfielder eyes permanent deal
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 31st January 2009
SSN

Radoslav Kovac is keen to forge a successful career in England after joining
West Ham on loan. The Czech Republic international joined the Hammers from
Spartak Moscow on Friday evening. He will stay at Upton Park until the end
of the season and could then secure a permanent transfer if he impresses
manager Gianfranco Zola. The midfielder watched West Ham's goalless draw
with Arsenal on Saturday and is itching to play in the Premier League.
However, he accepts that he is unlikely to be considered for the clash with
Manchester United next week as he continues to work on his fitness. Asked
about when he could make his debut, Kovac told Pravo: "We have not spoken
about that. It will not be any time soon, though. "I have only been keeping
fit in Russia and need to get some practice on the ball to get back into it.
I think it will be about ten days, maybe less. We will see."
The 29-year-old is confident he will do enough to earn a longer stay with
the Hammers. He said: "I was happy there (in Moscow) but England is a new
call. "I will be 30 and after four years I want to revive my career. There
is nothing better than the Premier League. "Moreover, West Ham are a famous
club, they are playing in the top of the table, competing for the European
cups. "I am looking forward to the new experience and will do my best to
stay here." Questioned about West Ham's match at Arsenal, Kovac added: "It
was fantastic. And we have fought out a point. I enjoyed it, the atmosphere
was amazing."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pressure mounts on Gunners
Wenger's men drop more points in race for the Champions League
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 31st January 2009
SSN

Man of the Match: James Collins. The West Ham centre-back was a rock for the
duration and Arsenal could not find a way past.

Moment of the Match: Not an encounter that will make any Top Ten lists for
great matches come the end of the season and the cheer that greeted Robin
van Persie's introduction was probably the highlight.

Save of the Match: Collins headed away when Kolo Toure looped an effort
towards an unguarded goal. If Arsenal had gone in front, West Ham could have
crumbled.

Talking Point: Can Arsenal qualify for the Champions League? Has this result
increased the need for Andrei Arshavin? Was it a mistake to start with Van
Persie on the bench?

The quantity of questions surrounding Arsenal's place in next season's UEFA
Champions League increased on Saturday as Arsene Wenger's side were held to
a goalless draw with West Ham at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal welcomed their
London rivals to the north of the capital already under pressure, trailing
fourth-placed Premier League rivals Aston Villa by five points, and the
doubts will have only increased following a failure to capitalise on
dominance. Wenger's men enjoyed the majority of possession, and
opportunities to create, but the home side - who were fortunate Villa were
held to an identical result against Wigan - sadly failed to produce
clear-cut chances, adding to demands for Andrei Arshavin. The first half
was a forgettable affair, with Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby creating the
only drama as his early header deflected off James Collins to hit the West
Ham cross bar. Arsenal, who surprisingly had Nicklas Bendtner in their first
XI in place of substitute Robin van Persie, came out with all guns blazing
after the interval and captain Kolo Toure saw a hooked effort cleared off
the line by the excellent Collins. West Ham continued to defend admirably
and suffered only one major scare when Emmanuel Adebayor failed to convert
when free at the near post. It was a bright start by the home side, who
almost snatched an early lead when Diaby's header from a corner deflected
off defender Collins and onto the crossbar. West Ham - who became the first
team to win at Emirates Stadium in April 2007 during their successful battle
against relegation - continued to sit back and invite pressure.
Samir Nasri was causing all sorts of problems with his pace down the left,
and Bendtner was only inches away from connecting with his cross into the
six-yard box. The young Dane should have perhaps done better than to head
wide when, in the 21st minute, he did get on the end of a deep centre from
the busy French winger. There was a hold-up when Emmanuel Eboue needed
treatment after being flattened in a challenge with Scott Parker. The
much-maligned Ivory Coast midfielder limped heavily on his return to action,
and was eventually replaced by Mexican youngster Carlos Vela with 10 minutes
to go before half-time. Nasri moved into the middle as Arsenal looked to be
more creative. However, while it continued to be one-way traffic, West Ham
held their defensive line well. To their credit, Zola's men looked to
counter attack as possible. Collins sent a header goalwards from a corner,
which was knocked away by Gael Clichy on the far post. Arsenal again enjoyed
a good spell following the restart after Hammers skipper Lucas Neill pushed
over Vela on the left. The free-kick was sent deep towards the back post,
where Bendtner knocked it down and Green punched out.
Kolo Toure acrobatically hooked the ball goalwards over his shoulder, but
Collins was on hand to head clear. Arsenal were on the offensive again when
some quick footwork created space for Diaby on the edge of the penalty area,
only for the midfielder to then drag his low shot wide. Denilson had two
efforts blocked as Arsenal again threatened the West Ham goal. A quick
counter attack released Bacary Sagna on the overlap down the right. His
cross towards the near post was met by Adebayor, who slid in ahead of his
marker, but could only guide the ball wide.
Denilson pulled the trigger again from just outside the box, and his angled
shot flew over the top corner. With 22 minutes left, Wenger turned to Van
Persie - who has had a hand in every Arsenal goal this month - as the
Dutchman replaced Bendtner. It was then West Ham's turn to make an attacking
change when record signing Savio went on for Mark Noble. Adebayor had
another golden chance when picked out in the middle by Vela's cross from the
left, but could only head the ball straight at Green. Vela was booked for
going down as he charged between defenders into the left side of the penalty
box, which looked somewhat harsh. With seven minutes left, West Ham
introduced former Gunner Luis Boa Morte for David Di Michele. Diaby was
carried off following an awkward fall in a challenge with Savio and was
replaced by Song. The Gunners pressed for a winner, but the visitors
remained resolute to the final whistle during four minutes of stoppage time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke - Let the good times roll
Upton Park assistant delighted with point at Emirates Stadium
Last updated: 31st January 2009
SSN

West Ham assistant manager Steve Clarke believes it is a 'good time' to be
at Upton Park. A goalless draw at Arsenal on Saturday ensured the Hammers
are now six games unbeaten in the Premier League, much to the delight of
Clarke. West Ham were forced to defend for the duration at Emirates Stadium
and Clarke, who moved to the club following the arrival of manager
Gianfranco Zola in September, was delighted with his players' attitude. "We
are pleased to get a point. It is a very difficult place to come," Clarke
told Sky Sports. "We are on a good run and it was important to keep it
going. We defended very well and worked as a team. "Maybe the only negative
was that we didn't pass the ball as well as we have been doing recently.
"The work ethic in the team is fantastic. They know what they are doing and
what they are trying to do. "We know what we are trying to achieve and all
the players are on board. It is a good time for the club."
Meanwhile, Clarke is pleased West Ham have captured Radoslav Kovac on loan
and expects the Spartak Moscow player to add vital qualities.
"He brings a bit of experience and a bit more depth," added Clarke. "He can
help us to develop the players. He can play in midfield or at the back so he
is a good addition."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RIP WEST HAM UNITED
sxlad2002 - Sun Feb 1 2009
West Ham Online

A few weeks ago I nearly choked on my corn flakes when I picked up a few of
the morning papers and read that the mighty WEST HAM UNITED (the team I have
loved since I was a boy) were going to be the first really big club to go
into receivership! I think it was the Daily Mirror which had a massive back
page headline screaming RIP WHUFC, or something similar.

The press were taking the piss out of us! We had the Mail saying all our
players were to be sold, and that we would have no money to spend in the
transfer window. We were also picked for a live game at Hartlepool because
yet again the press were expecting their pound of flesh and wanted to dance
on the grave of our beloved football club.

Tottenham supporters were crowing because they had just beaten us 2-0 at UP
and had put us in the bottom three, and we even had our own supporters (and
if I'm honest, I was one) who thought the whole world was about to cave in
on our great club, Allah Leeds United.

But despite all of this our board remained silent, and steadfastly refused
to take the bait! Our Chief Exec Scott Duxbury came out at the beginning of
the window and said that West Ham United would not be in the business of
selling our best players, (unless the fee was to our liking) and would
especially not be selling our best players to our main rivals such as
Tottenham. In fact he stated that West Ham were actually going to give any
money from sales generated, to Gianfranco Zola and Nani, to do with what
they wished!

Oh how the press howled with laughter at this one, Chairman of a club
without a pot to piss in, says we won't sell unless we want to! Next he will
be telling us that he's gonna sell Faubert to Real Madrid! I think one paper
actually had the hump because we refused to let Bellamy go for 9 Million
because they had written a headline the previous day to say it was gonna
happen at that price.

Well who's laughing now? RIP? You what? You're having a laugh mate……

West Ham United are now a club reborn again thanks to the work of five main
men; Duxbury, Nani, Clarke, Zola and Gudmundsson and 13/14 main players.
Between this band of brothers something amazing has started to happen down
at the Boleyn. As every West Ham supporter has started to actually believe,
that we as a club, are not gonna lie down any more and take defeat in the
good old fashioned West Ham way as we have done in the past.

In fact West Ham have started to play a brand of sexy football which has a
backbone of pure steel running through it. Oh… how it has been a joy to
watch our players in claret and blue, grafting for the whole 80 minutes, and
passing and moving like the team of 86.

If you speak to any West Ham supporter they will tell you a couple of
things, one is that we want to see West Ham playing good football, and
secondly maybe getting to the odd couple final or two. Well, in my opinion
we are getting that and more at the moment! To have our supporters singing
about being unbeatable is just not what you expect to hear as a long term
supporter, but there it was today loud and clear, for the world to hear! Yes
we do think that, and not only that, we are really starting to believe it!

Sadly there is only one thing missing from this whole wave of euphoric show
of support for the boys in claret and blue, and that is the boo boys who
still remain like some bad smell around Upton Park, hoping that this is a
mere blip and they can get on the case of yet another player who has hit a
bad bit of form of late. They really just don't get it do they? West Ham
supporters have been waiting for a new John Lyall to appear for many years
and we have had a couple of false dawns along the way with Harry and Pards,
but in my opinion I truly believe that in Zola and Clarke, West Ham really
have started to play some of the best football I have seen down at the
Boleyn for years.

These times don't come around often for us West Ham supporters and we have
been moaning for a long time that we have not had much to sing about over at
Upton Park. So isn't about time we gave the boys the proper support they
deserve (i.e. by having songs for them) instead of singing about other
clubs, ex players (negative and positive) and the away support. I really
think that the most irritating song sung over UP for the last few years has
been when we score a goal and start into the usual "Who are yaa!" bollocks
that appears every time…. Are we not original? Can we not come up with
something better than this? Would it not be a good idea to go back to what
we used to do and actually sing the name of the player who has just scored,
supplied the cross, or won the ball back to create the goal? Or even take
the piss out of the opposing fans as we used to do?

Who are ya!!! To Hull? Like we care? Like they care FFS!

Come on lets turn Upton Park into that fortress again, and what's not a
better way to start this than against the current best team in the world,
and show the whole poxy world (including the BBC/mirror/Mail/etc) that
indeed 'West Ham United RIP' is a load of old bullocks, and should be stored
away in the same place as those other great headlines like 'Titanic
unsinkable' and 'You can't win anything with kids'.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Arsenal Report
Vinny - Sun Feb 1 2009
West Ham Online

Arsenal 0 West Ham United 0

West Ham picked up a point at the Emirates as a superb defensive display
kept out Arsenal. It was not a performance where we could show off our
attacking football but it was a solid showing nonetheless and we will go
away the happier of the sides.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger commented after the game that it was a
'quality defensive performance from West Ham'. There could be no truer
statement as Upson and Collins in particular were outstanding.

Although Arsenal controlled the game this was not like the game two seasons
ago when we actually ran out winners. Arsenal did not have that many clear
cut chances and Robert Green did not have to make one great save in the
entire game. Emmanuel Adebayor had the two best opportunities but squandered
both.

Gianfranco Zola made no changes to the side which started against Hull City
last Wednesday. There was one change on the bench with the forgotten Walter
Lopez replacing Julien Faubert who has amazingly departed on loan to Real
Madrid. It is likely that we will never see Faubert again as he will be sold
in the summer and he will go down as arguably the biggest waste of money
this club has ever spent.

Arsenal started with a spring in their step as they looked to overcome their
recent frustrating form which has seen them slip to fifth place with Aston
Villa replacing them in the champions league qualifying places.

Unlike last season we did not succumb to the early pressure despite a scare
when a corner found the head of Diaby who via a deflection off Collins saw
his header clip off the cross bar and over.

Arsenal were seeing a lot of the ball and I was willing them to give us back
possession so we ourselves could start to play some of the attractive
football we have seen in recent weeks. It was only Di Michele who looked
capable of starting this as he looked confident and inventive every time he
received the ball.

We could not hold the ball when we moved forward and allowed the home side
to move forward in the quick style we are used to seeing from Arsene
Wenger's side.

For every Arsenal attack Collins and Upson were equal to it with Adebayor
looking lost and Bendtner looking as poor as he usually is.

As the half wore on we looked a lot more comfortable and we seemed to be
picking up confidence with every failed Arsenal attack. Behrami and Parker
were kicking at the heels of their midfield giving them little time to pick
out that killer pass.

Arsenal found themselves with no choice but to hit their shots from long
range with Emmanuel Eboue hitting two tame efforts at Robert Green.

Just before the half time whistle a half chance presented itself for us as
Gael Clichy gave the ball away to Di Michele who played the ball into the
area for Cole but his first touch took the ball away from goal. The striker
did manage to give the ball to Collison who burst into the box only for
Toure to get a foot in and it went for a corner.

The corner was swung in by Noble and it found James Collins who head towards
goal but it was cleared off the line by Clichy with the referee's whistle
sounding shortly after.

The Arsenal crowd were frustrated with their first half display as they had
seen their side look toothless up front. From our point of view this had
been a good half and I was still in the frame of mind that we could go on to
win this.

My visions of how the second half would go were a little optimistic. Arsenal
looked a lot more dangerous and we really struggled to get out of our half
and make the ball stick up front.

The hosts came out for the second half in determine fashion and obviously
were eager to just get themselves in front. It nearly happened as a cross
into the area was poorly punched by Green and Kolo Toure saw his hooked shot
cleared off the line by Collins.

Arsenal piled forward but could not find that killer pass. A long range
effort from Denilson was again head clear by Collins.

It was around the hour mark when Arsenal had their best chance of the game
and it fell to Adebayor who should have buried it. It was a lovely sweeping
move from Arsenal as Sanga broke down the right wing. His cross found
Adebayor but the striker saw his prod go well wide.

For all their possession there was never a siege on our goal and although
their supporters will simply say we sat back, the performance we put in was
necessary to combat a team of their quality. We showed another way of
playing and although it wasn't pretty we dug in just like we did at Anfield
and Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

With around twenty minutes remaing Arsenal played their trump card with
Robin Van Persie entering the field of play in place of Bendtner. The Dutch
striker had saved them mid week at Goodison Park and they would be looking
for more of the same.

Zola responded by taking off Mark Noble and replacing him with Savio
Nsereko. The new signing went into centre midfield alongside Parker with
Collison remaining out on the left. This seemed a little odd considering the
size of the Arsenal midfield but Savio showed a lot of fight and went in
hard a number of times.

A cross into the area found Adebayor who lost Matthew Upson and head
straight at Green from inside the six yard box. That was to be Arsenal's
last great chance and to be honest if we are counting that was one of two in
the entire game.

A few corners aside we looked comfortable and although we were not able to
find that opportunity on goal in the final stages we can still be proud of a
determined and excellent defensive display which has given us a point and a
clean sheet.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
Unlike previous visits to the Emirates there were no fantastic saves that
Green had to make. He was called into to action for the routine stops and on
the whole he caught and punched successfully.

Lucas Neill
Found it hard up against the speed Arsenal possessed. In the first half it
was Nasri who had the better of him and in the second he was up against
Carlos Vela who he faired better again despite being booked. Get a winger
with pace up against him and he is in trouble.

James Collins
My man of the match. I thought he was outstanding and always seemed to be
there when we needed him. He put everything into this performance and anyone
who witnessed this game could not fail to notice.

Matthew Upson
Although I have given Collins my man of the match this should take nothing
away from Upson who was fantastic also. Apart from one occasion he had
Adebayor in his pocket and he will be pleased that he and the other
defenders have kept another clean sheet.

Herita Ilunga
Another solid performance from the Congalise left back. Again he showed a
lot of pormise going forward. My only concern is that when he did break
forward and we lost posession, Arsenal took advantage down that flank.
Overall though Ilunga was very good yet again.

Valon Behrami
I believe that you have to have players like Behrami in your side to
progress. He is not just a hard worker but he is very good on the ball. He
showed lots of skill and again won a number of free kicks. Now how does the
song go again…?

Mark Noble
Looked a little lost in this one which is nothing to be ashamed of with the
quality Arsenal have in midfield. Noble could not get anything going when he
was on the ball and looked tired as the game worse on. I was not surprised
to see Zola take him off in what was a hard game for the youngster.

Scott Parker
If we were going to get anything out of this game this man needed to be on
top form and he was. His firm but fair challenges really got to Arsenal as
every time they turned around Parker was there with a crunching tackle.

Jack Collison
I have noticed over the last two or three games that he is finding it harder
to get involved in the game. There were signs of his quality when he was
given time on the ball but playing on that left wing he was too slow when he
had to keep shifting the ball on to his right foot.

David Di Michele
Neither of the strikers could get into the game as there was no service. Di
Michele came deep to try and gain possession and make something happen but
was often snuffed out. Overall this was a good display from the ever
improving Di Michele.

Carlton Cole
Isolated more than ever and could never get into the game. He worked hard
and off the ball he was running his heart out. When he got the ball the
shock seemed to make him panic and he wasn't as confident in possession as
he has been in recent weeks. Ferdinand and Vidic will not relish playing
against him next week.

Subs Used

Savio Nsereko (on for Noble 70 mins)
Into centre midfield he went to everyone's surprised. He looked tough though
and this is something I have wondered since I saw him come on against Hull
the other night as the Premiership is very physical. Got stuck in and made a
few hard challenges one which saw Diaby taken off injured.

Luis Boa Morte (on for Di Michele 83 mins)
Up against his former Club he didn't really get to involved as by that time
we were just defending.

Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Tristan, Sears.

Att: 60,109

Overall

Our unbeaten record continues and we have picked up another point on the
road which means we have not been beaten away from home since we lost to
Manchester United on 29th October 2008. This is an amazing feat and one
which is testament to the improvements this management team have made.

With the transfer window shutting very shortly we must hope that there are
no last minute bids for any of our top players. If anyone is subject to a
big bid I feel it will be Scott Parker especially with his recent form.

As I have said in the last couple of reports, I am delighted with the
progress this club has made over the last few months. If Wednesday night
showed how far we have come in an attacking sense, this game showed the
defensive qualities. Everything that was wrong earlier in the season has
been put right and we just need to keep this run going.

Next up is Manchester United at Upton Park next Sunday. The last two seasons
have seen them defeated and with a happier crowd the atmosphere should be
excellent.

Clarke's Comments

"It's always difficult when you come here against a team who pass so well,
you have to be disciplined and do the right things. "Maybe I'm disappointed
we didn't do more with the ball, but today was more a defensive performance.
"We came here with the intention of playing as we have been playing recently
and didn't concede too many clear-cut chances which was pleasing. "If you
want success at a club, you have to start with basics. They're working hard
for the manager and themselves, and you can see the result of that on the
pitch."

Arsene Wenger

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham expected to offer £8m for Cardiff's Joe Ledley
The Mirror
By James Masters 1/02/2009

James Collins reckons Wales team-mate Joe Ledley would be the perfect
addition to the West Ham squad. The Hammers are set to return with an
£8million bid for the Cardiff midfielder after having an £5m offer rejected
by the Welsh club. The 22-year-old midfielder, who has won 24 caps, was the
subject of a failed £6m bid by Stoke City earlier in the transfer window.
Collins, who made the move from Ninian Park to Upton Park in 2005, said:
"I'm not surprised by the hype surrounding Joe. He's a great player. "He is
so young and yet he's probably played more games than I have. It's a matter
of time before he is playing Premier League football."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wenger's quality gaps exposed by West Ham

Arsenal 0 West Ham United 0

By Glenn Moore at the Emirates Stadium
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Independent.co.uk Web

Maybe Arsène Wenger is right, the solution to Arsenal's faltering season is
yet another creative player such as Andrei Arshavin, rather than a new
Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams.

Under a sky as blue as West Ham's shirts, but amid a piercing wind as chilly
as the foreboding seeping into Arsenal's season, Wenger's team again failed
to turn territorial dominance into victory.

Aston Villa's failure todefeat Wigan at Villa Park meant the damage done to
their Champions' League aspirations was limited but, though Wenger said he
was "not worried" about Villa, it added to the sense of a missed
opportunity. Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 League games, but have only won
five. Two years ago, when West Ham became the first visiting team to win at
the Emirates, Robert Green had an outstanding match. This time he was never
required to make a save out of the ordinary. In part this was due to the
excellent defending in front of him, testament to the coaching expertise of
Steve Clarke and the indomitable resistance of a back eight magnificently
led by James Collins. But it also owed much to a lack of imagination in the
Arsenal midfield. Wenger shuffled his pack, moving Samir Nasri inside, then
bringing on Robin van Persie, but he failed to find an ace.

"I'm disappointed with the result but not the spirit," Wenger said. "We had
70 per cent possession and restricted them to nothing. We lacked some
creativity in the final ball."

Arshavin, Wenger said, "maybe the player we need but we have other players
who can unlock defences like [Cesc] Fabregas, [Tomas] Rosicky and [Theo]
Walcott who are not available at the moment but could be in two months."

Arshavin could be available for the visit to Spurs on Sunday but while
Wenger said, "We are not far away [from signing him]," he added, "I don't
really know if I am confident, anything can happen in a transfer."

Clarke said: "We didn't come to defend, but we defended very, very well."
West Ham have now drawn at Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal and Clarke added:
"It's very important for the players' confidence to come to these places and
get a draw. There has been significant progress from October."

With Manuel Almunia a distant spectator Arsenal began with their customary
rush and nearly scored after three minutes. Collins rose with Abou Diaby to
meet a corner and got the last touch as the pair headed against the bar. It
would prove to be the closest Arsenal came to a goal.

As his team laboured Wenger's decision to rest Van Persie soon looked as
ill-conceived as some of Rafael Benitez's recent selections. Wenger said he
was wary of over-working a player who has had injury problems, but since Van
Persie's last act in an Arsenal shirt was to score the late equaliser at
Everton in midweek it seemed a costly decision.

The thought was underlined when Emmanuel Eboué limped off after 35 minutes
after a fair, but heavy challenge by Scott Parker. Carlos Vela came on, to
play wide left, Nasri, who had been the only threatening presence, moved
into the hole and Nicklas Bendtner was sent on to the right wing leaving
Adebayor as a lone forward. The move, designed to add width and, especially,
guile in midfield, made no difference. It was West Ham who came closest to
ending the half with a goal, Gaël Clichy heading clear a threatening Collins
header.

The Gunners began the second period as they had the first and Collins had to
head off the line after Kolo Touré hooked Green's punch back towards goal.
Collins then threw himself into a block when Denilson seemed poised to
score. A brace of chances came Adebayor's way but he turned Bacary Sagna's
cross shy of the near post then rose above the stationary Matthew Upson to
head Vela's cross into Green's arms

Gianfranco Zola introduced £9m signing Savio Nsereko, giving the former
Serie B striker his first taste of a London derby. Savio dropped into
midfield, a surprise, but Zola had four forwards and no midfielders on the
bench.

As the clock ticked down Arsenal's desperation grew with Vela booked for
simulation. The afternoon became grimmer still when Diaby was carried off
with a thigh injury which could keep him out for a month. Arsenal have
scored more late goals than anyone this season, and even Van Persie managed
to pull his shot wide in injury time.

Attendance: 60,109
Referee:Steve Bennett
Man of the match: Collins
Match rating: 5/10

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CALUM DAVENPORT CAN GO A-LOAN
Birmingham in talks with West Ham over centre-half
News Of The World
31/01/2009

BIRMINGHAM are negotiating with West Ham over a loan move for centre-half
Calum Davenport. The Hammers have been holding out for a £3million permanent
deal but Brum want to take him until the end of the season with an option to
buy him then. St Andrew's boss Alex McLeish made Davenport, 26, his No 1
target and has been chasing him throughout the transfer window. The
promotion-chasing Championship side have also run the rule over Doncaster's
Matthew Mills, 22, as well as keeping an eye on Manchester City's England
Under-21 star Nedum Onuoha, 22.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ASHTON AND DYER UP FOR GRABS
News Of The World
Hammers hierarchy fed-up with injury records of Dean and Kieron
By ROB SHEPHERD, 31/01/2009

WEST HAM will sell Dean Ashton and Kieron Dyer at the end of the season
because the Hammers hierarchy have become fed up with the injury records of
both players. Under boss Gianfranco Zola, the club is trying to slash its
massive wage bill and nurture home-grown talent as well as young stars with
sell-on value. Neither striker Ashton nor midfielder Dyer fit that bill and
will be moved on. The high-earning England stars are seen as a symptom of
the previous regime, which saw the Hammers brought to their knees
financially by free-spending Eggert Magnusson.
It is understood Newcastle will be at the front of the queue for Ashton, 25,
who, despite a string of long-term injuries, would still command a fee in
the region of £12million. He has failed to live up to the potential that
once saw Spurs bid £20m for him - and many at the club believe his best days
are now behind the former Norwich striker. West Ham will accept £3m for
Dyer, 30, who has broken down again after 17 months out of action since his
£6m, £60,000-a-week move from Tyneside. Zola and chief executive Scott
Duxbury are keen to promote youngsters from the club's academy as well as
bringing in the likes of Savio. The young Ugandan-born German's fee could
rise from an initial £5m up to £10m in a success-based deal. Despite the
financial problems of the Icelandic owners, West Ham were able to fund the
move thanks to the £14m sale of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City.