WHUFC.com
He may or may not get a chance this weekend, but Frank Nouble is happy to be
at West Ham United
02.01.2010
Frank Nouble has spoken about his progress at West Ham United ahead of the
FA Cup meeting with Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground. The 18-year-old striker is
finding his feet after joining from Chelsea in the summer but has done well
to date. He is still eligible for the FA Youth Cup and well aware he has
time on his side but, with key players missing including Carlton Cole,
Guille Franco and Zavon Hines, is hopeful of getting a chance to shine
sooner rather than later. "I am eager to play," he said. "I am getting
experience by training with the first team and watching but I want to get
experience by playing longer in matches. The manager has always been giving
me good feedback from training sessions, saying I have done well throughout
the year. "I have played a few reserve games with some good performances and
goals as well. I just have to wait my turn but I want to show what I can
do."
Nouble was coveted by many clubs last summer but the England Under-19
forward has no doubts he made the right choice in heading east from west
London. "The manager has been really good to me. He is very open and good to
talk to. His opinion obviously counts for a lot and as a former striker he
has been in the situations we face. He can relate to you really well. "Steve
Clarke and Kevin Keen are also very encouraging to young players and there
is a great environment here for us. The staff have been brilliant to me.
They are trying to let me have time to develop but at the same time they
know I am eager to play."
Nouble has made six league and cup appearances to date but all have come off
the bench. He is hopeful of getting his first start or an extended run-out
before too long. "It is tough to come on with a few minutes to play. You
might be trying to defend a lead, or if you are winning you are sitting back
so you are not going to get too many touches.
"Against Millwall in the Carling Cup I got nearly an hour and it was good.
The first ten minutes I hardly touched the ball but after that I was
involved in the play. If I can get a half maybe I will be able to show what
I can do."
Arsenal are very much in the title race but the Gunners may well rest
players when they arrive at the Boleyn Ground. Nouble though will not be
focusing on the opposition should he get the nod. "I couldn't care less who
Arsenal put out. It is just a case of me showing the best of what I can do
and play for the team. We shouldn't worry about who will face. Sunday is a
big game and we have to start winning matches. Everyone is working really
hard for that."
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'It's a one-off game'
WHUFC.com
2006 finalist Danny Gabbidon believes West Ham United can spring an FA Cup
upset on Sunday
02.01.2010
Danny Gabbidon believes West Ham United can upset the odds and knock Arsenal
out of the FA Cup on Sunday. The Wales defender - the Hammers sole survivor
from the team that reached the final in 2006 - has told the official
matchday programme Gianfranco Zola's side can silence the Gunners. The
30-year-old, who is battling to overcome a hamstring injury suffered last
month, said the Hammers have the talent to overcome Arsene Wenger's Barclays
Premier League title-chasers.
"We were obviously hoping we'd get an easier team, but it's a good game.
Arsenal are a top quality team, and to win the cup you have to knock the
best teams out, so why not start straight away with Arsenal? "It's a one-off
game, so we go out there and we'll try our best and you never know what
could happen. That's what the cup is all about so we're looking forward to
it."
In a revealing interview, Gabbidon talks about the 2006 final, when
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard broke Hammers hearts with a last-gasp equaliser
before the Reds triumphed in a penalty shootout. The 2005/06 Hammer of the
Year also expresses his sympathy for Dean Ashton following the England
striker's retirement through injury. Sunday's matchday programme is packed
with exclusive features, including interviews with West Ham's 1975 and 1980
FA Cup-winning captain Billy Bonds, former Arsenal, West Ham and Republic of
Ireland midfielder Liam Brady and ex-Gunners, Hammers and England left-back
Nigel Winterburn. Alessandro Diamanti names his Dream Team, James Tomkins is
Talking Football, while Turkey Under-17 goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet is Learning
His Trade. For all this, plus Gianfranco Zola's thoughts on Sunday's FA Cup
showdown with the Gunners, grab your copy of the official matchday
programme.
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Zola steeled for Sunday
WHUFC.com
The FA Cup visit of Arsenal is one to savour for the whole squad, according
to an upbeat Gianfranco Zola
02.01.2010
Gianfranco Zola is relishing the prospect of the FA Cup meeting with Arsenal
on Sunday. The manager is likely to be without some experienced players
because of injury and suspension such as Scott Parker and Guille Franco
respectively, although both should be back to face Wolverhampton Wanderers
on Sunday week. It could mean opportunities for the recalled Freddie Sears
and Frank Nouble, while the likes of Luis Jimenez and Alessandro Diamanti
will hope to make their debuts in the competition. The match is the second
meeting of the clubs at the Boleyn Ground this season after a 2-2 draw in
the Barclays Premier League back on 25 October. Zola said he would name the
strongest squad possible. "The FA Cup needs to be honoured," he said. "We
are going to play and try to win the game. We are at home against Arsenal
and we will have a go. I know it is maybe not the priority but we will be
there and up for it. "We will see what we will do [with regard to young
players]. I don't think we have much choice. But we will put out a good
team. "I have told the players to continue what they are doing. We are
getting to a point where all of the hard work and commitment will come back
to us. It is a matter of being strong mentally and I have no doubt we are
destined for many good things."
The manager is mindful that Arsenal are in flying form at the moment,
although they too are without at least eight first-team players for this
weekend. "They are going for the title and they have also a game in hand. I
like the way they play, the spirit they have, the kind of management they
have and I am not saying that now. I have always said that."
With James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas all likely to be
integral on Sunday afternoon, the manager said he would have no hesitation
giving more of the club's youngsters a chance. "In difficult circumstances,
the kids are doing well. The players are coping and the project is going
forward very much. "It is a good opportunity I will have the chance to play
some players and make some changes. It is an opportunity and will I use it
well. We will take it seriously. We are at home and we will try and win. "We
will have the best go we can give. We got a draw against them before. It is
maybe a good moment to play them but they still have big players to replace
them. We will see. We will have a go 100 per cent. "It would be great to get
past Arsenal and into the fourth round. The FA Cup is still an amazing
competition. It is the tradition and history that makes it so special, as
well as the passion it brings out in people. I was blessed to win it twice
as a player and it is one of the best achievements of my career in
football."
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West Ham United vs Arsenal (FA Cup 3rd Round): Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd January 2010
By: Preview Percy
We gave Preview Percy the option: either write us a match preview or
single-handedly finish off all the turkey sarnies left in the kumb fridge.
Unfortunately he wasn't hungry........
Next up comes a break from the travails of the Premiership as we entertain
Arsenal in the 3rd round of the FA Cup in a match that kicks-off at 4.15pm
this Sunday, which, at least, will give those of you that had a shandy or
several on New Year's Eve an extra day or so of recovery time.
Preparing previews for league matches is one thing. You can look at recent
form, selections, injuries etc and come up with some sort of guide as to
what one might reasonably expect to see in the match. Of course,
conventional wisdom/cliché informs us that the "form book goes out of the
window" for cup ties, a phrase that always raises an image of some poor
passer-by being knocked senseless by all these "form books" that we keep
carelessly lobbing out of windows. This match in particular is one that
ought, in theory, to have the passer-by reaching for his crash helmet since
it is likely to feature what is likely to be almost two reserve-strength
elevens, albeit for completely different reasons. For what it's worth
they've won five and drawn one of their last six having got back into title
contention following their 3-0 defeat by Chelsea that, according to all
pundits, officially ended their interest in the Premiership.
Perhaps surprisingly, over the years we have had the better of them in this
particular competition. In 14 FA Cup meetings we've won five, drawn six and
lost only three times. Those five victories include two classic matches
after which we went on to lift the trophy. In 1975 we were second favourites
to progress when drawn away to them in the quarter finals. However, the then
relatively unknown Alan Taylor bagged a brace on a real mudheap to send us
through. Then, of course there was 1980 where Sir Trev's oft-maligned but
actually very clever header capped John Lyall's tactical triumph. Some 18
years later I used to frequent a City bar owned by former Gunner's boss
Terry Neill who would habitually greet Hammers shaking his head with a
furrowed brow, muttering the words "Trevor Brooking? A header?" under his
breath. Much to our amusement.
It has, in recent seasons, been the habit of Arsene Wenger to play the
youngsters in cup matches and he has indicated that he will be rotating the
squad once more for this one. Talking of myopia, I didn't have my contact
lenses in when I started looking at the interweb for this one and it was
this that caused me to misread one particular headline as "Wenger prepares
to burn kids". Well it has been a bit nippy of late.
Once I'd found my specs – well you try looking for them without contacts – I
felt rather disappointed to discover that the headline actually read "turn
to kids." However, as well as the youth element, there are a number of what
one might consider to be more experienced players who are likely to feature
as they return from injury. Mikael Silvestre is tipped to start and a
fitness test is expected to determine whether or not Philippe Senderos will
make only his third first team start in over 18 months. His previous two
starts came in the League Cup and that, coupled with his spending last
season on loan with Milan, would seem to indicate that he's not exactly the
first name Wenger writes on his team sheet, unless there is a special column
headed up "Players NOT to select."
Also in contention, following a hamstring injury, will be Czech midfielder
Tomas Rosicky. Rosicky returned to the squad for the recent 4-1 victory down
at Pompey and just goes to show that other clubs' players a) have
hamstrings, and that b) they do "go" occasionally. It would, however, also
seem to show that other clubs have somehow managed to work out how to stop
one player catching "hamstring" from another. Clearly our backroom staff
need to raid the Arsenal labs for the vaccine.
It is about now, of course that the African Cup Of Nations will start to
have an effect on team selections up and down the country. The visitors will
be without Emmanuel Eboue, though the in-form Alex Song won't leave to join
his Cameroon team-mates until after Sunday's match.
Irrespective of Wenger's squad rotational/winter fuel policy, there are a
number of players who won't be available through injury. These include
Walcott (chest), Fabregas (Hamstring – maybe that vaccine isn't so hot after
all) and Van Persie (ankle). Fabregas was being kept behind a glass panel
marked "for emergency use only," a panel that Wenger felt concerned enough
to break the other evening for the Villa match where the Spaniard's cameo
netted him two goals and the aforementioned hamstring injury.
Like the visitors, we shall be making changes, though in our case it'll be
less a matter of squad rotation and more a case of picking whoever happens
to turn up. Definitely out are Ilunga (hamstring), Parker (hamstring), Noble
(hamstring), Gabbidon (go on, have a guess) and Dyer (swine flu,
psittacosis, malaria, Q Fever, shingles, eczema, anthrax, myxamatosis, fowl
pest, that disease that Roy Harper allegedly caught from giving mouth to
mouth resuscitation to a sheep and, finally, concussion from being hit on
the head when walking past an open window through which a form book was
being thrown). Oh – I believe his hamstring has gone too.
It is up front that the bones would appear to be at their barest. Cole and
Hines have managed to avoid contracting hamstring by picking up "knee" and
Franco will be suspended. This has led to a recall for Freddie Sears from
his loan spell at Palace. This is good news as it means that the player's
exposure to the obnoxious Warnock will come to an end. Under normal
circumstances, Sears would probably require a few weeks acclimatisation
enable him to adapt to actually playing football as opposed to the
abomination that is normally served up by the sides that Colin normally
turns out. However, the injury crisis is such that his presence is almost
certain to be required at some stage during the proceedings, even if he is
on the bench to start with. Just keep him well away from anyone with a dodgy
hamstring.
The old sour grapes cliché always has it that cup exits can be a blessing in
disguise to a struggling side as it removes "the distractions that can come
with a good cup run". This is usually followed by the comment that "we'll be
concentrating on the league." I've never subscribed to this particular line
of thought. A win is a win and, surely, can only serve to improve confidence
rather than knock it. However, given the fragile state of the squad, in this
particular match it could be said that the worst result for us would be the
draw. A replay would probably be about as welcome as the Christmas jumpers
some of us will, no doubt, be wearing to keep out the chill on Sunday. So,
given the wretched luck we've had of late, I'll go for a 1-1 draw as my
prediction, with a trip to the New Library to follow on 13 January.
Enjoy the game – and Happy New Year!
Earlier this season: Drew 2-2 A Carlton Cole header and a Diamanti spot-kick
gave us an unexpected point as we came back from 2-0 down at half-time.
Danger Man: Andrei Arshavin one of those players who has the knack of
appearing to have done damn all for 90 minutes – apart from score. A knack
taken to extremes when he bagged all four in last season's 4-4 draw at
Anfield.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg Third time we've had him this season after he
spent last term on the sidelines suspended following allegations about his
personal finances. His performance in our away match at Hull certainly bore
all the hallmarks of someone desperate to blow his whistle as many times as
possible before the bailiffs came over to repossess it
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Behrami calls for stability
Hammers ace wants assurances over club's transfer plans
Last updated: 2nd January 2010
SSN
Valon Behrami believes West Ham's players need to be given assurances that
there will not be a mass clear-out. Speculation has suggested that a number
of the club's stars could be moved on in the January transfer window due to
the financial situation at Upton Park. England internationals Matthew Upson,
Robert Green, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole have all been tipped to embark
on fresh challenges elsewhere. Behrami admits the uncertainty is hard to
handle and he has called on the Hammers hierarchy to come clean about any
plans for a January fire sale. "I have spoken a number of times with the
people above us to make the situation clear and what is the real situation?"
said the Switzerland international. "Right now I am told to believe what the
media are saying but it is clear that we need to know our future. "I am
looking for someone in January to help us and (tell us) that we don't have
to sell players. "I am hoping the new year will be better for everyone at
West Ham and we can have some positive things because right now there is a
lot of negativity. "Off the pitch there has to be stability because when you
have problems like this it can affect you on the pitch and maybe the reason
why things are going like this for us."
West Ham take on Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday and
Behrami feels a victory could be just the springboard needed at such a
difficult time. "The FA Cup has arrived for us at a moment when we are
struggling in the Premier League and we have a lot of players who are
injured so this is not a good moment for us," he said. "We know the
competition can give us great emotions because it was very nice to play in
the FA Cup last year and it is a different atmosphere. "We need to be more
lucky in 2010 because we have too many injuries and we need to forget about
the situation in the Premier League. "When you are going down the only thing
you can do is move upwards. I think this is a very difficult moment for us.
"The draw was not very kind to us but we are at home and if we play like a
team, we can have a good result. A good cup run could help us in the league.
"Mentally this can give us a boost."
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Kovac - Cole the key
Kovac believes striker's return crucial to staying up
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 2nd January 2010
SSN
Radoslav Kovac believes the key to West Ham's survival prospects is the
return of team-mate Carlton Cole. The England striker has not featured since
sustaining a knee injury in the 5-3 win over Burnley back in November but
hopes to return this month. Gianfranco Zola's side currently sit just
outside the drop zone on goal difference and West Ham midfielder Kovac
believes Cole's return is crucial to their chances of staying up. He told
deniksport.cz: "We have a lot of injured players. The most devastating
absence is the one of striker Carlton Cole. "He is a fantastic player, he is
strong in keeping the ball under control. Now it is (Guillermo) Franco who
has been playing in his place. "Franco is also a great striker, but he is
all alone up front. I have recently seen the attack of Bolton or Tottenham.
They have Defoe, Crouch, Keane, Pavlyuchenko. "We have just Franco and the
young lads. That leaves us in some trouble when it comes to attacking." He
added: "Every single match is important for us now, we are fully aware of
what is at stake.
"As soon as Cole returns to action we will improve, I think. Personally, I
am expecting a new signing to arrive during January. We will recover."
Relegation rivals Portsmouth have lost six players to the African Cup of
Nations but none have gone from the Hammers. Kovac added: "It may be an
advantage. "Personally, I think Portsmouth will bring in some new players as
they have a new owner. "The clubs at the bottom of the table, who have got
enough finances, will be busy in the transfer window. "On the other hand,
the new players must adapt themselves to the conditions first and they are
unlikely to make an immediate impact. "It is good that our team will stay
together, but we will be wiser at the end of the season."
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Zola hopes to avoid sales
Hammers boss hoping to retain the services of key men
By Chris Burton Last updated: 2nd January 2010
SSN
Gianfranco Zola is hoping the January transfer window will be kind to
financially-troubled West Ham. The Hammers boss is already down to the bare
bones, with injuries continuing to hamper his first-team plans. That means
he can ill-afford to lose any bodies during the New Year sales, especially
as West Ham still find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight.
Reports have suggested that England international defender Matthew Upson is
attracting interest, while Valon Behrami, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole have
all been linked with winter exits. Zola, though, is hoping that the Hammers
board will let him retain the core members of his squad, while also allowing
him to bring in one or two fresh faces. "What is most important is we
maintain the spirit we have shown recently, that will be the key more than
anything else," said the Italian. "We need to adjust a few things but things
are improving and we are going to be much better." He added: "Of course I
don't want to lose my players. Actually I would like to do something to
improve the situation. We will see what happens and what we can do."
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Hammers rule out swap deal
Capital club have no plans to exchange Behrami and Rubinho
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 2nd January 2010
SSN
West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani claims the club have no plans to
swap Valon Behrami for Rubinho. The Hammers have been strongly linked with
the Palermo keeper over recent weeks, despite numerous denials of interest
from within the club. The speculation continues to rumble on now that the
January transfer window has opened for business, with the story now
involving a possible trade. Latest reports suggest West Ham could be willing
to offer versatile Swiss midfielder Behrami in exchange for Brazilian
shot-stopper Rubinho. However, Nani claims there is no such plan in place,
with Gianfranco Zola making it clear that Behrami remains an integral part
of his plans at Upton Park.
"What makes people think we could swap Behrami for Rubinho?" he told
mediterraneoonline.it. "Behrami is absolutely non-transferable, not for any
price, no-one has any idea what price we would value him at anyway. "The
possibility of an exchange with Rubinho does not exist at all."
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Zab set for Nurnberg trial
Reported West Ham and Sunderland target set for Nurnberg trial
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 1st January 2010
SSN
Reported West Ham and Sunderland target Radoslav Zabavnik is set to go on
trial with FC Nurnberg. The Slovakian international, who can play in defence
or as a defensive midfielder, is available on a free transfer after his
two-year contract with Russian club Terek Groznyj expired in December. His
agent Juraj Venglos has confirmed the Premier League interest but revealed
the 29-year-old is set to join Nurnberg on a week-long training camp in
Belek, Turkey, on Saturday where the German side will be preparing for the
second part of the Bundesliga season. Venglos told Slovakian daily Sport:
"On top of that (the Premier League interest) though, there is also interest
from other sides, for instance from some Bundesliga outfits. "At this
moment, nothing is as far as that we would be preparing to sign a contract.
"The ice will be broken probably at the beginning of the New Year. I am
expecting that more about Rado's future should be revealed within the first
week of January." Nurnberg sports director Martin Bader says the club have
heard good reports about the player, who has 40 international appearances
under his belt. He told the club's official website: "We want to learn more
about him and see him in action as we have had a lot of good reference on
him. "He is a versatile defensive player and in the national team he has
been playing both as left-back and right-back."
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Arsène Wenger to rest key Arsenal players for FA Cup tie at West Ham
Frenchman putting Premier League title challenge first
Games against Bolton and Everton take precedence
Dominic Fifield guardian.co.uk, Friday 1 January 2010 22.30 GMT
Arsène Wenger's conviction that Arsenal can win the Premier League title
will be reflected in his selection for Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at
West Ham United. The Frenchman will make the need to take six points from
next week's league games at the Emirates his priority.
Arsenal will leapfrog Manchester United and move within a point of Chelsea
if they beat Bolton on Wednesday and they could top the division if they
beat Everton four days later. Arsenal have won five of six league games
since the 3-0 home loss to Chelsea in November that left them 11 points
adrift, form that suggests the Gunners could win the title for the first
time since 2004.
"I will have to rest some players," said the Arsenal manager, whose last
trophy came in this competition in 2005, when Manchester United were beaten
in the final. "We want to win but we want to protect [players] for our home
games against Bolton and Everton as well. That Bolton game becomes very
important for us. We want to keep our momentum going, so I will change some
players. That is sure.
"The Premier League is always more important but, in the eyes of the fans,
we are looking for trophies. However, the Premier League is so hard that you
want to take care of your position. Two years ago we had a very good chance
[to win the title] and we were not far away. At the moment we have to
maintain our spirit and our attitude, and then we will have a chance."
Cesc Fábregas, Denílson and Theo Walcott will be missing at Upton Park
thanks to hamstring, back and rib injuries. Wenger will not field an
entirely youthful side, but he will be tempted to rest Manuel Almunia, Samir
Nasri, Andrey Arshavin, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas. Alex Song will
play his final match before going to the African Cup of Nations. The
midfielder may return to find Wenger has strengthened his squad, though a
move for the forward Marouane Chamakh will not happen this month.
"Chamakh is in the Champions League with Bordeaux and at the top of their
league so he will not move now," Wenger said. "He has four months to go on
his contract and they have no interest in selling him. But I will move [in
the transfer window] as early as I can. For now, I am like I was when I was
a student and I had to study for an exam. I will wait a while."
West Ham's thoughts are on their struggle against relegation. Gianfranco
Zola, who may pick Freddie Sears in the absence of the suspended Guillermo
Franco, said: "We will have a go. Maybe the FA Cup is not a priority, but we
will be up for it. We'll have the possibility to play some different
players, but I will take it seriously. We want to honour the competition."
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola to keep faith in youth for Arsenal FA Cup
clash
Gianfranco Zola will keep faith with his youngsters and continue to copy
Arsène Wenger's template in the FA Cup third-round match against Arsenal on
Sunday.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 10:30PM GMT 01 Jan 2010
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is to keep faith with his youngsters in the
FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Zola insisted he would
respect the competition but would use the visit of Wenger's in-form side to
experiment. That is likely to include using home-grown players such as James
Tomkins, James Collison and Junior Stanislas. And Freddie Sears, recalled
from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, could also feature.
Sears has been at Selhurst Park all season and was expected to remain there
until the summer but the suspension of Guillermo Franco, and injuries to
Carlton Cole, Luis Boa Morte and Zavon Hines, plus Dean Ashton's retirement,
have left the West Ham manager short of attacking options. Sears did not
manage a single goal during his spell with Palace, although he infamously
had a perfectly good effort ruled out at Bristol City in August after the
ball rebounded back out of the net. Sears, who may start on the bench, said:
"It feels good to be back, it was brilliant to see everyone again. It is a
different type of football at Palace where I played a lot on the right wing.
There was not a minute of it that I didn't like and they have helped me
along. It has all been part of my learning curve. "This a great game to come
back to. You don't get any bigger than Arsenal in the third round of the FA
Cup at Upton Park. The scene is really set and I just want to do as well as
I can."
Zola, who is still unsure whether he will be able to spend money in the
transfer window, said: "The youth policy is working and in difficult
circumstances. The kids are doing very well. James Tomkins is one of the
very good youngsters, also Jack Collison and there are others. "We are
moving forward positively. Obviously there are difficult moments because the
table is not as ideal as I would want, but we will improve that. Against
Arsenal, we've still got a few options, but we want to honour the
competition so we're going to try to win the game. We're playing home
against Arsenal and we will have a go. I know that maybe the FA Cup not a
priority but we will be there and up for it. "I think it's a good
opportunity, we'll have the possibility to play some players and make some
things that I want to make. It's an opportunity I will use well."
Zola, an FA Cup winner with Chelsea in 1997 and 2000, knows the size of the
task, believing that Arsenal are back in the title chase. "Why not? They
have also a game in hand and the championship right now doesn't look as if
there is one team who will dominate. Even Chelsea, who in my opinion are the
best team, are struggling. It's not easy, so yes they have a chance. "Plus,
I like the way they play, I like the spirit they have and also I like the
kind of management they have and I'm not saying that now, I've always said
that. It's something that West Ham would like to do the same. It will be an
interesting championship."
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All change for Arsenal in FA Cup with Arsene Wenger's focus on the league
The Times
Matt Hughes, Deputy Football Correspondent
Arsène Wenger has confirmed that he is planning to make wholesale changes to
the Arsenal side that beat Portsmouth 4-1 on Wednesday for tomorrow's FA Cup
third-round tie against West Ham United. The Frenchman is likely to rest key
players such as Thomas Vermaelen, Manuel Almunia and Andrey Arshavin, with
youngsters Lukasz Fabianski and Jack Wilshere coming in. Given the intensity
of competition in the Barclays Premier League and Champions League, the FA
Cup represents Arsenal's best chance of silverware since they last lifted
the trophy five years ago, but Wenger defended his decision, claiming next
Wednesday's Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers is more important.
Arsenal can climb to second in the table by beating Bolton and sustaining a
strong title challenge is Wenger's priority. "I will have to rest some
players because there were some knocks again against Portsmouth," he said.
"We want to win, but we want to protect our home games against Bolton and
Everton as well. Bolton becomes a very important game for us as we want to
keep our momentum going. I will change some players that is for sure. "The
Premier League is always more important than the FA Cup as we're looking
after trophies in the eyes of the fans. The FA Cup is important to me as
well, but the Premier League is so hard that you want to take care of your
position. West Ham is in a bit of a similar position."
Wenger believes that his side's success this season should be judged on the
consistency of their results and quality of their football across all
competitions rather than on whether or not they manage to win a trophy. The
Frenchman also expects Gianfranco Zola to field a weakened team tomorrow as
West Ham are battling to stay in the Premier League with a side ravaged by
injuries. "A cup is a cup and we want to do well, but a season is judged on
the overall achievement," Wenger said. "People look to who has won the
trophies, but I look as well at how we have done and how consistently we
have played. This team is enjoyable to watch, but also to manage because I
want to win every game.
"I think the pressure on Zola is more on the championship because of West
Ham's position, and less on the FA Cup. West Ham is a tricky game because
they are a good side at home."
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Credibility gap: West Ham fans stay away as Gianfranco Zola promises to
'have a go' in FA Cup clash with Arsenal
By Laura Williamson and Matt Barlow Last updated at 1:24 AM on 02nd January
2010
West Ham yesterday stepped up their desperate attempts to attract fans to
their third round FA Cup tie against Arsenal. As Sportsmail revealed, the
club sent emails to supporters begging them to attend what should be a
glamour tie. This was followed up by a fresh plea on their official website
yesterday that said: 'The match promises to be a keenly contested affair
with both clubs eagers to keep the dream of getting to Wembley alive. The
likes of Radoslav Kovac are excited by the prospect.' Kovac is then quoted
as being excited with the chance to play at Wembley.
Former Hammers skipper Alvin Martin also urged fans to show support. He told
talkSPORT: 'This could be as crucial a game in turning West Ham's season
round as the famous match when Mark Robins saved Sir Alex Ferguson's job at
Nottingham Forest. A win could rekindle the season. There are tickets
available, so please get yourself down there.'
West Ham supporters yesterday left messages on the Daily Mail website
venting their anger at the club as they face a bleak winter and a relegation
battle. They are only out of the bottom three on goal difference. The club
are optimistic they will have a decent turn-out for tomorrow's 4.15pm
kick-off, which is being screened live on ITV, but had sold fewer than
30,000 tickets, 5,200 of which were taken up by Arsenal. Upton Park's
capacity is 35,647 and large sections of the top tier of the East and West
Stands remained unsold.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: 'We want to honour it, so we're going to
play and try to win the game. We're playing home against Arsenal and we will
have a go. I know that maybe it's not a priority but we will be there and up
for it. 'I think it's a good opportunity, we'll have the possibility to play
some players and make some things that I want to make.'
Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a swipe at clubs who fail to
balance their budgets, accusing them of 'half-cheating'. The Hammers are
struggling with the implications of living beyond their means under the
leadership of Icelanders Eggert Magnusson and Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, but
they are not alone, with Portsmouth and Hull City in financial trouble.
'Professional football is about winning and balancing the budget,' said
Wenger. 'That is the basic rule and one I have fought for. All the rest is
half-cheating. For every club it has to be the same.'
Wenger saw how such problems hurt supporters on Wednesday. His Arsenal team
tore Portsmouth apart as Pompey fans vented their anger on the board. 'It is
sad because basically, the clubs belong to the fans,' said Wenger. 'That's
all I feel my responsibility is, to keep the club in good financial
condition because you want people to keep the club alive.'
Carlo Ancelotti had a dig at Wenger this week, calling him 'a very good
magician' because the Arsenal boss had predicted Chelsea's form dip. But for
Wenger, London football's top illusionists are those at Stamford Bridge who
made their debt disappear this week by turning a £340million loan from Roman
Abramovich into equity.
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Valon Behrami calls for clarity at troubled West Ham
ESPN
January 2, 2010
Valon Behrami has called on the West Ham hierarchy to come clean about any
plans for a January fire-sale. The Swiss international midfielder fears the
debt-ridden club will cash in on their leading stars during the transfer
window. England internationals Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott Parker and
Carlton Cole have all been linked with moves away from Upton Park. Hammers
manager Gianfranco Zola admits he is not sure what the next month will hold
- and Behrami believes that uncertainty is beginning to affect the team.
West Ham head into Sunday's FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal with just
one victory from their last six games. Behrami said: "I have spoken a number
of times with the people above us to make the situation clear and what is
the real situation? "Right now I am told to believe what the media are
saying but it is clear that we need to know our future. I am looking for
someone in January to help us and (tell us) that we don't have to sell
players. "I am hoping the new year will be better for everyone at West Ham
and we can have some positive things because right now there is a lot of
negativity. Off the pitch there has to be stability because when you have
problems like this it can affect you on the pitch and maybe the reason why
things are going like this for us.''
In an ideal world, Zola would like to strengthen his squad over the next
month particularly given the injury crisis that has struck Upton Park. The
Hammers are hamstrung, with Mark Noble, Danny Gabbidon, Herita Ilunga and
Kieron Dyer all suffering from the same injury while Cole has a knee problem
and Guillermo Franca is suspended for the Gunners clash. Despite that,
Behrami is hopeful that a good result against their north London rivals - 30
years after West Ham beat Arsenal to win the 1980 FA Cup - could be just the
springboard West Ham need into the new year. "The FA Cup has arrived for us
at a moment when we are struggling in the Premier League and we have a lot
of players who are injured so this is not a good moment for us,'' he said.
"We know the competition can give us great emotions because it was very nice
to play in the FA Cup last year and it is a different atmosphere. "We need
to be more lucky in 2010 because we have too many injuries and we need to
forget about the situation in the Premier League. When you are going down
the only thing you can do is move upwards. I think this is a very difficult
moment for us. "The draw was not very kind to us but we are at home and if
we play like a team, we can have a good result. A good cup run could help us
in the league. Mentally this can give us a boost.''
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PUT US UNDER THE HAMMER SAYS BEHRAMI
News Of The World
By Rob Shepherd, 02/01/2010
WEST HAM midfielder Valon Behrami has urged the club's Icelandic owners to
sell the club this month to prevent total meltdown. Out of the Premier
League drop zone only by goal difference, the value of the club would tumble
if the Hammers are relegated. Potential new owners David Sullivan and David
Gold, and the American- backed Intermarket group, are willing to pay around
£50million for the club, absorb nearly £80m of debt and provide up to £20m
for new players. But both parties want to hammer out a deal this week... or
walk away. Ahead of today's FA Cup tie at Arsenal, Behrami said: "Off the
pitch there has to be stability because when you have problems like this it
can affect you on the pitch. "Maybe it's the reason why things are going
like this for us. "I have spoken a number of times with the people above us
to make the situation clear and what the situation is. "I am told not to
believe what the media is saying but it is clear that we need to know our
future. "I am looking for someone to help us in January and tell us that we
don't have to sell players. "I hope 2010 will be better for West Ham and we
can have some positive things - there is a lot of negativity now."
Hovering just above the relegation zone West Ham could be rendered worthless
should they fail to beat the drop. Crucial to survival chances is the
ability to bolster the squad during the January transfer window which opens
formally opens on Monday. West Ham did remarkably well last season to
overcome the blow of former owner Bjolgfur Gudmudnsson's business empire
going bust in October 2008 by ending up finishing ninth in the Premier
League. As it stands manager Gianfranco Zola will not get any new money to
invest in players. And even if he sells some of the club's top stars such as
Scott Parker and Mathew Upson in the hope of wheeling and dealing there is
no guarantee that C.B Holdings, the financial vehicle which runs the club
for striken Reykjavik financiers Straumer, will release funds to boost a
depleted squad.
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Cole's knee injury could cost him World Cup spot
Published 22:45 02/01/10 By Paul Smith Exclusive
The Mirror
Carlton Cole is suffering from a knee injury that threatens to undermine his
potential transfer value and cause major problems for England boss Fabio
Capello. West Ham's 26-year-old striker is a £20million target for several
Premier League sides – although any move is likely to be averted by the
imminent takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold.
Cole injured the knee in November's 5-3 home win over Burnley and was
expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks. The Hammers'
leading scorer has failed to figure since leaving the Premier League
strugglers with a major crisis up front as they look to pull away from the
relegation zone. The news about Cole's degenerative condition is likely to
raise serious concerns for Capello. The England coach is expected to name
Cole in his provisional World Cup squad next May. Capello can ill afford to
gamble on the fitness of a player who will have to play a game every four
days if England progress in the tournament. Cole has battled hard for
recognition since leaving Chelsea in July 2006.
He was tipped to leave Upton Park just 12 months after joining the club when
he failed to secure a first-team place and was relegated to playing for the
reserves. But he resisted moves to go out on loan and insisted he would work
tirelessly to attain first-team recognition at Upton Park. He came to
prominence in the latter part of Alan Curbishley's reign when he was forced
to play Cole when injuries hit his front line. The striker's form eventually
caught the eye of Capello
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Sullivan and Gold on brink of £50million West Ham takeover
Published 22:45 02/01/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
David Sullivan and David Gold are on the brink of gaining control at West
Ham after the club's Icelandic owners agreed to sell a 50% stake in the
Premier League side. The £50million deal is still subject to formal
ratification but a 50-page legal document was dispatched to Sullivan and
Gold by the club's lawyers in the last 48 hours. The former Birmingham
owners could take control of the Upton Park club inside the next seven days.
Their accountancy advisers were at Upton Park last week and have performed
due diligence inquiries. Sullivan and Gold are not permitted to talk about
the deal because they are subject to a confidentiality agreement. But a
source close to the deal told Sunday Mirror Sport last night that a final
agreement between the parties is close to being finalised. Sullivan and
Gold's lawyers will go through the terms of the contract over the weekend
but expect any issues to be resolved in the next few days before a formal
press conference is called to announce the deal. The source said: "The
agreement to sell a 50 per cent interest in the club to David Sullivan and
David Gold has been agreed subject to contract. "The legal documents have
been sent to Sullivan and Gold's lawyers and, although there is likely to be
some amendments, everyone expects a deal to be concluded shortly." Sullivan
and Gold will plough almost £50m into the club and provide funding to enable
manager Gianfranco Zola to strengthen his squad and prevent the sale of key
players to address worrying debt problems. The Icelandic owners will retain
a 50 per cent stake in the club but will hand effective control of the club
to Sullivan and Gold. The incoming duo have no plans to make any immediate
changes. Scott Duxbury, the current chief executive officer, will be assured
his job is safe despite suggestions that Sullivan will want to take Karren
Brady, his former chief executive at Birmingham, to Upton Park.
Brady is likely to take up a part-time role as vice-chairman though and work
alongside Duxbury. One issue they will tackle is hanging on to West Ham's
star players such as England goal-keeper Robert Green, defender Matthew
Upson and midfielder Scott Parker. Stoke City have already declared their
interest in signing England international Parker. That approach will be
eclipsed by Manchester City's £10m bid this month. City's new manager,
Roberto Mancini, wants to bolster his midfield with 29-year-old Parker.
The threat of losing key men is a real danger to manager Zola. Parker is one
of West Ham's top earners and has thrived at Upton Park. Since his formative
days at Charlton he's been sold for about £20m in moves to Chelsea,
Newcastle and West Ham. But the Sullivan-Gold deal will offer stability and
the chance to resist unwanted approaches. Parker will be told he must stay.
The only remaining danger will be if the midfielder decides he wants to join
the Eastlands gravy train.
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Wenger: Gunners will show no mercy to West Ham
Published 22:45 02/01/10 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror
Arsene Wenger will show no mercy to crisis-hit West Ham as he attempts to
lead Arsenal into the FA Cup fourth round. It is a competition that has
always been special to Wenger, and he declared ahead of today's clash: "The
fans trust me to put out a very competitive side and they know how much I
love the FA Cup." Wenger is likely to freshen up his side with Jack Wilshere
– wanted on loan by West Ham – plus Bayern Munich target Philippe Senderos,
Mikael Silvestre and Carlos Vela. In front of them will be a decimated West
Ham side. Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga are all big doubts
because of hamstring problems, while striker Guillermo Franco is suspended.
But Wenger insisted: "I know what the FA Cup means to me, to the club and to
our fans. You want to give it your best shot and you want to win."
Wenger knows progress can lead to selection issues when the Champions League
resumes. He added: "The fifth round, if we are still involved, is just
before we play Porto.
"But you have to go for it. This is a derby, so it is intense." Arsenal
remain favourites to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, who will be a
free agent in June.
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