WHUFC.com
The manager was delighted with the way his team responded to reach the
Carling Cup last eight
28.10.2010
Avram Grant hailed the half-time reaction of his players for sparking a
Carling Cup turnaround against Stoke City and reaching the last eight.
Having been frustrated at the weekend by the way his team flagged after the
interval against Newcastle United, the manager got the opposite reaction on
Wednesday. Inspired by Scott Parker - who struck the crucial late equaliser
to cancel out Kenwyne Jone's early header - and three lively substitutions,
the Hammers roared back to win 3-1 after extra time. "We wanted to show that
Saturday was an exception for us," said Grant, who will now look forward to
Saturday lunchtime's draw for the quarter-finals. "We didn't start the game
well but the reaction in the second half was great. We played well,
dominated the game, and scored three goals. "We spoke about what we were not
doing right, the mentality and the character. We changed the tactics a bit
at half-time, and I was delighted at the response. "We had two good chances
in those last ten minutes of the first half. We were holding the ball and
creating half-chances. I thought if we continued to play like this, we'd win
the game. In football, you have to be careful, especially against a team
like Stoke who are so dangerous at set-pieces and defend so well."
The manager had said after the Newcastle loss that he wanted people to
remember the five-match unbeaten run previously and it was the "spirit and
character" of those games that showed itself again in an exciting cup tie.
"The turning point was a few weeks ago, after we lost but didn't give up and
continued to do the right thing. We had three draws where we deserved to
win. One game was affected by the decision of a referee. "Even on Saturday,
we started the game like a top team then someone pushed a button and we
stopped. We have a plan and a project for many years, and I think we're
doing the right things. We just need to be more stable. "I must say that the
second half on Saturday was not good. But, if you look at our last seven
games, it's been the exception. It happens to any team. Even Arsenal and
Manchester United - some top teams don't always play well. The most
important thing is you have to recover from it and respond. I know other
teams that don't perform well cannot recover."
Hailing the off-the-bench impact of the "energetic" Valon Behrami, Victor
Obinna, who clinched the win with the third, and Mark Noble, who created the
second for Manu da Costa with a Maradona-esque dribble past three players,
the main praise once again went to captain Parker. "We've spoken so much
about him. I don't think any of us can say a negative word about him. He's
trying hard, he's a great lad and an intelligent person. "He's one of the
players that you're happy to have in the team: professional, always trying,
showing heart when the game was not good in the first half. He was a good
captain and an example to many players."
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Hammers await last-eight draw
WHUFC.com
Arsenal and Manchester United are among the club's potential quarter-final
opponents
28.10.2010
West Ham United will learn their Carling Cup last-eight opponents on
Saturday lunchtime. The Hammers will take their place in the draw, knowing
they just one win away from a two-legged semi-final and only two ties from
Wembley. Manager Avram Grant has a Wembley pedigree with Chelsea and
Portsmouth, and believed this year's competition could have a hugely
positive impact on his men. "I believe in this team, I believe in this club.
I believe if we do the right things, as we are trying, we will succeed.
We're going forward step by step. When you want to build a winning
mentality, you need to show desire and passion. "For us it is a good
competition. We wanted to be in the last eight after working so hard in the
previous round before Stoke against Sunderland. Now we just want to be in
the last four. A home draw would be good but we will see."
The other seven teams in the hat are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham City,
Ipswich Town, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic.
The tie will be played in either the week beginning 29 November or 6
December - depending on European commitments.
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Cup hero Pablo in store
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera is due at the Stadium Superstore on Thursday afternoon after
his key role against Stoke
28.10.2010
Pablo Barrera will be at the Stadium Superstore on Thursday afternoon fresh
from his star turn against Stoke City. The Mexico winger enjoyed his best
night so far in a Hammers shirt on Wednesday, making the crucial equaliser
for Scott Parker with a superb cross in the closing stages. That propelled
the Hammers into extra time and led to goals for Manuel da Costa and Victor
Obinna. Freddie Piquionne will also join Barrera in-store for the latest
half-term signing session after Victor Obinna and Lars Jacobsen were at the
Lakeside Thurrock store on Monday 25 October. The visit is provisionally
scheduled for 2.45pm. Anyone planning to attend on Thursday is advised to
get there early to avoid missing out. In order to ensure as many fans are
catered for as possible and to avoid exploitation by professional autograph
dealers, players can only sign items purchased from the shop on the day.
Please note all appearances are subject to change for footballing reasons.
STADIUM SUPERSTORE
Boleyn Ground
Green Street
London
E13 9AZ
Tel: 020 8548 2794
Non-matchday opening hours:
9.30am-5pm (Mon-Sat)
Please note store is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays
LAKESIDE THURROCK
Unit 71 (by Debenhams)
Lakeside Shopping Centre
Thurrock
RM20 2ZP
Tel: 01708 890 258
Opening hours:
10am-10pm (Mon-Fri)
9am-9pm (Sat)
11am-5pm (Sun)
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West Ham 3-1 Stoke (aet)
BBC.co.uk
Victor Obinna booked West Ham's place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals as
the Hammers scored twice in extra time to see off Stoke at Upton Park.
Obinna's 118th-minute strike sealed the win after Manuel da Costa's
96th-minute goal had put the Hammers 2-1 in front. Scott Parker sent the
game into extra-time when he launched himself at Pablo Barrera's 84th-minute
cross. Kenwyne Jones had headed Stoke into the lead after six minutes when
he converted Jermaine Pennant's corner. After opening the scoring early on
the Potters continued to carve through the West Ham backline with almost
embarrassing ease. West Ham did finally settle with both Barrera and Carlton
Cole looking lively, yet the hosts always looked vulnerable in defence.
Despite the danger at the back West Ham might have been level at the
interval, but for a hopeless air shot from the rusty Benni McCarthy.
The South African, making his first start in seven months, completely missed
his kick from Cole's cutback. Following a hapless first-half display the
Hammers looked far from likely winners, but it was three second-half
substitutions by boss Avram Grant which swung the match back in his side's
favour.
The hosts could have levelled in the 54th minute when Stoke goalkeeper Asmir
Begovic flapped at Barrera's corner and James Tomkins put a diving header
just wide. That led to Grant replacing Radoslav Kovac with Obinna after 64
minutes, and Valon Behrami came on for Luis Boa Morte eight minutes later.
But it was the introduction of Mark Noble, who came on for the ineffective
McCarthy after 72 minutes, that really changed the game. Noble gave captain
Parker some much-needed support in midfield and the two combined well to win
the battle for possession. West Ham pushed forward in search of an equaliser
and peppered the Stoke City goal with crosses as the Upton Park faithful
roared their approval. The home supporters then thought they should have had
a penalty when Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross tangled with Julien Faubert in
the box, but referee Howard Webb decided the English defender had timed his
tackle well. But the fans' anger was soon assuaged as the inspirational
Parker nodded home Barrera's inswinging cross from close range and sent the
game into extra time. Noble then waltzed past a static Stoke defence to give
the Hammers the lead as he crossed for Da Costa to sweep home from seven
yards. And he then put Obinna through with a magnificent slide-rule pass to
wrap up the win with two of the 120 minutes remaining.
West Ham manager Avram Grant: "When substitutes succeed, I am happy. "We
didn't start the game well but the reaction in the second half was great. We
played well, we dominated the game, and we scored three goals. "Even, the
first half, we were playing well. We had two good chances in the last 10
minutes of the first half. "I thought if we continued to play like this, we
would win the game."
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis: "We're disappointed. We thought we played
well first half. "I thought we had more opportunities. Our final pass was
poor but we needed that second goal. "West Ham threw everything at us in
that second half, as you'd expect. "We worked very, very hard for a good 75
minutes today and we tired a little bit at the end - but I have got to give
them credit."
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Frank's back
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th October 2010
By: Staff Writer
Frank Nouble has been recalled from his loan spell at Swansea. The
19-year-old striker joined the Swans on a three-month loan deal last month
that would have taken him up to Christmas. However the injury sustained by
Frederic Piquionne at the weekend has prompted the former Chelsea
goalscorer's early recall. Nouble made six appearances for Swansea during
his month at the Liberty Stadium (two starts, four substitute appearances)
during which he scored the one goal, in a 3-2 win against Watford.
Elsewhere fellow loanee Freddie Sears made his second appearance for
Scunthorpe at the weekend in the Iron's 2-0 win at Watford. Sears, 20, is
yet to score despite hitting the post in his first game at Preston
(Scunthorpe winning 3-2).
Into the valley: Nouble's Welsh adventure
* Played 90 minutes unless stated
Swansea 2 Scunthorpe 0 (substituted on 65 minutes)
Nottingham Forest 3 Swansea 1
Watford 2 Swansea 3 (came on as sub, 68 minutes)
Swansea 0 Derby 0 (came on as sub, 59 minutes)
Reading 0 Swansea 1 (came on as sub, 76 minutes)
Swansea 0 QPR 0 (came on as sub, 65 minutes)
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Obinna seals Hammers passage
Hammers overcome league problems to progress into last eight
By Ben Collins Last updated: 27th October 2010
SSN
Manuel da Costa and Victor Obinna struck in extra-time to give West Ham a
3-1 win over Stoke and send the Hammers into the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
Avram Grant's men are bottom of the Premier League having won just once in
the league this season and their problems looked set to continue as Kenwyne
Jones gave Stoke a sixth-minute lead at Upton Park. The second-half
introduction of Obinna, Mark Noble and Valon Behrami then helped turn the
fourth-round tie in the hosts' favour and captain Scott Parker drew them
level in the 84th minute to send the game into extra-time. Da Costa then
converted following a fine run by Noble and as Stoke pushed for an
equaliser, Obinna fired home two minutes from time to ensure the Hammers
reached the last eight for the first time since being denied a semi-final
spot by Everton in December 2007.
Rare McCarthy start
Both sides reverted largely to their line-ups from the previous round,
although the Hammers also handed Benni McCarthy his first start in more than
seven months. Stoke were keen to bounce back from two straight defeats and
took an early lead as Jones rose to power home Jermaine Pennant's corner.
The Hammers were demonstrating the defending that had seen them keep just
one clean sheet in the league this term, though they went close to levelling
in the 13th minute when Carlton Cole diverted Pablo Barrera's wayward strike
just over the bar. The lively Cole sent a weak long-range header at Asmir
Begovic, while Tuncay got plenty of power but not quite enough accuracy on
his effort at the other end. Tal Ben Haim almost sold goalkeeper Marek Stech
short with a backpass with Jones lurking and then incredibly almost gifted
the ball to the striker again moments later. Home defender James Tomkins did
nod a Barrera corner over the crossbar but Stoke were looking increasingly
dangerous on the break and Danny Higginbotham's cross was just too high for
Jones to connect with properly. Like Jones, Cole was looking sharp and a
fabulous turn almost saw him equalise but he could not keep down what was a
difficult left-foot finish. There was no such excuse for strike partner
McCarthy two minutes before the break when Cole put the ball on a plate only
to see the South African striker produce an air shot. Glenn Whelan saw a
dangerous 20-yard shot deflected behind as Stoke regained control of the
match at the start of the second half. Last-gasp challenges were then needed
at both ends as the intensity soared and West Ham should have levelled in
the 54th minute when Begovic flapped at Barrera's corner and Tomkins put a
diving header just wide. Stech turned behind Tuncay's half-volley from the
tightest of angles and Parker - once again carrying West Ham almost
single-handedly at times - flashed wide from 25 yards.
Key changes
Under-pressure Hammers boss Avram Grant threw on Obinna for Radoslav Kovac
in the 64th minute and the home side began to crank up the pressure after
Grant withdrew Luis Boa Morte and McCarthy - to ironic cheers - for Behrami
and Noble. Obinna immediately forced an athletic parry from Begovic with a
20-yard curler before Stoke shored up their midfield by bringing on Rory
Delap for Tuncay. Cole appealed in vain for an 81st-minute penalty after a
coming together with Robert Huth, whose defensive partner Ryan Shawcross was
then adjudged to have made the perfect last-gasp tackle on Julien Faubert,
much to the home fans' fury. It mattered not as Parker equalised, nodding
home Barrera's inswinging cross from close range, and West Ham completed the
turnaround six minutes into extra-time as Noble burst into the box
unchallenged and weaved along the byline before cutting back for Da Costato
rifle home his first goal of the season. Obinna was narrowly wide from 20
yards, while Parker was only able to cap a fine run into the area with a
weak finish after the change of ends. Dean Whitehead should have equalised
when he blazed over after Jon Walters got away with an aerial challenge on
Stech before Obinna sealed victory in the 118th minute after being played
clean through by Noble.
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West Ham 3 Stoke 1 aet
By PAUL JIGGINS
(aet, 1-1 at 90mins)
Published: 27 Oct 2010
MANUEL DA COSTA got his West Ham boss Avram Grant out of jail last night.
Grant's decision to make eight changes to his team that rolled over and lost
2-1 at home to Newcastle on Saturday looked like it was going to backfire.
Having trailed for 84 minutes of normal time, his Hammers levelled but were
heading for a penalty shootout until Da Costa fired them 2-1 up on 96
minutes. It was the ex-Portugal Under-21 star's third goal for the club and
his first since March and it completely altered the complexion of this tie.
Until Da Costa smashed home Mark Noble's cross with all the aplomb of a
striker, West Ham's place in the last eight was in serious doubt. But the
centre-back's coolness in front of goal set up a victory that had looked so
unlikely for most of the night. Victor Obinna's third goal was merely the
cherry on the cake. But for so long it looked as though Grant was going to
end up with egg all over his face. The manager's decision to shuffle his
pack so extensively bemused most Hammers' fans, who were looking for a place
in quarter-finals to lift spirits and kickstart their team's season. That
looked unlikely when they fell behind to Kenwyne Jones' sixth-minute opener.
The Trinidad hitman was given the freedom of the Hammers' penalty box as he
rose unmarked to head in Jermaine Pennant's corner. Tuncay nearly put the
visitors 2-0 up with another free header in the 19th minute. The Hammers
should have been level two minutes before the break but Benni McCarthy
produced an air shot from Carlton Cole's cross that Emile Heskey would have
been proud of. The forgotten South African was making his first start for
seven months after spending the summer at a health farm to lose weight and
win a new deal. He was not the only one who looked a shadow himself. Another
recall Tal Ben Haim was well out of sorts and seemed determined to gift the
Potters a second goal. Grant, whose team are bottom of the Prem after just
one League win this season, said in his programme notes his players needed
to handle the pressure. Well the heat was certainly on him as his men were
jeered off at the break.
Defender James Tomkins should have equalised for West Ham nine minutes into
the second half but he headed against a post after Asmir Begovic had flapped
at a corner. The home crowd's jeers turned to cheers when Luis Boa Morte was
replaced by Valon Behrami in the second half. And the disgruntled Portuguese
star looked upset as he walked to the touchline to a chorus of cheers. Grant
also sent on Obinna for Radoslav Kovac and the sub's 20-yard shot brought a
flying save out of Begovic. Had Grant's men lost again, then the writing
would surely have been on the wall. But somehow from the depths of despair
they clawed their way back into the game. Their increasing pressure on
Begovic's goal eventually paid off in the 84th minute when they equalised
through Scott Parker - who else?
The inspirational midfielder has been a talisman throughout these recent
dark weeks. And he was their saviour again as he headed Pablo Barrera's
cross past Begovic to make it 1-1 and take the game into extra time. But Da
Costa then broke Stoke hearts by putting the Hammers in front six minutes
into extra time. Sub Noble waltzed his way down the wing before cutting the
ball back to Da Costa - currently on bail after being arrested at an Ilford
nightclub last week on suspicion of sexual and common assault. And the
defender made no mistake from eight yards to settle the nerves around Upton
Park.
Grant's men began carving out the chances that have been missing in previous
matches. Their efforts in extra time were rewarded when Nigerian Obinna
raced clear in the 118th minute to slot past Begovic to make it 3-1. You
could taste the relief around Upton Park - and nowhere more so than in the
dugout. When asked afterwards, which team he wanted to draw in the next
round, Grant joked: "Any team we can beat!" On the first-half evidence, that
might well be a tall order.
STAR MAN - SCOTT PARKER (West Ham)
West Ham: Stech 6, Faubert 6, Tomkins 7, da Costa 7, Ben-Haim 3, Barrera 6,
Parker 8, Kovac 5, Boa Morte 4, McCarthy 4, Cole 6. Subs: Obinna (Kovac 64)
6, Behrami (Boa Morte 72) 5, Noble (McCarthy 72) 7. Not used: Green, Ilunga,
Reid, Nouble. Booked: Ben Haim.
Stoke: Begovic 7, Huth 6, Wilkinson 6, Shawcross 6, Higginbotham 7, Pennant
6, Whitehead 6, Whelan 6, Tuncay 5, Walters, Jones 7. Subs: Pugh (Pennant
55) 5, Gudjohnsen (Jones 58) 5, Delap (Tuncay 77) 5. Not used: Nash, Faye,
Tonge, Soares.
REF: H Webb 6
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West Ham United spring to life to overrun Stoke City in extra-time
Dominic Fifield at Upton Park
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 October 2010 22.28 BST
Manuel da Costa scores West Ham's second goal to put them in front against
Stoke City in extra-time. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images
The Carling Cup may just have sparked West Ham United into life once again.
The Premier League's bottom club recovered from a deficit and an apparent
inferiority complex to force their way past Stoke City in extra-time
tonight, with a quarter-final and hope of better things to come. The mood of
doom and gloom has momentarily been lifted.
The Hammers had played catch-up – and rarely coherently – until Scott
Parker, so often this side's inspiration, nodded them level six minutes from
the end of normal time. Manuel da Costa, currently on police bail until
December after an alleged sexual assault in an east London nightclub,
eventually forced them ahead after Mark Noble's fine dribble and delivery,
with Victor Obinna racing through to convert a third two minutes from time.
A trip to Arsenal may loom on Saturday but, for now, the sense of relief in
these parts is palpable.
The majority in an apprehensive crowd had arrived seeking a fillip, with
their side having reverted to early-season type by succumbing here to
Newcastle on Saturday. The chairman, David Sullivan, admitted in his
programme notes that everyone had been left "depressed" by a defeat that had
curtailed a five-match unbeaten run and ensured this team remained anchored
to the foot of the Premier League.
Home players had shrunk in Andy Carroll's physical presence, which was cause
for considerable concern as Kenwyne Jones and Stoke's assortment of
man-mountains rolled into the East End. The former Sunderland striker
represented the clearest threat tonight, all brawn and brute force whenever
able to attack a cross flighted from the flanks. Jones duly had his reward
after six minutes and, barely three minutes later, the home fans' grumbling
had turned to furious exasperation as Luis Boa Morte surrendered possession.
The mood was never likely to be lighter with such vulnerability eating away
at West Ham. This was a re-jigged back-line, Matthew Upson's hamstring
strain requiring James Tomkins' involvement at centre-half alongside Da
Costa, with the full-backs similarly replaced. Yet the fragility remained.
Tal Ben Haim looked uncomfortable at left-back, Da Costa forever laboured to
contain Jones in the air, and Tomkins was understandably rusty and
occasionally betrayed his lack of experience at the Portuguese's side.
They might have grown in stature had Stoke been contained for longer, but
the visitors' first corner, swung in by Jermaine Pennant, proved enough to
pierce the hosts. Jones, allowed a free run at goal, leapt above all-comers
to nod into the corner. Perhaps more disturbingly, Tuncay Sanli, a more
diminutive figure, might have added a second shortly afterwards with Marek
Stech static and aghast in the home goal. That effort drifted marginally
wide and West Ham, albeit fortuitously, breathed again.
They could find some measure of encouragement from what coherent
interchanges they mustered as an attacking force, particularly in a frantic
passage just before the interval when Benni McCarthy, starting his first
match of the season, air-kicked in front of goal. Carlton Cole had supplied
that opportunity having thrashed his own first attempt over the bar after
turning Ryan Shawcross as the home support wailed in frustration.
The anxiety hardly relented after the break, even if the sight of Asmir
Begovic flapping at Pablo Barrera's corner for Tomkins to dive in and nod
wide of a gaping goal at least offered the locals hope of a riposte. One of
the frustrations with this team – aside from their crippling defensive
frailty – remains their need for the reminding of urgency.
Only Parker, always such a blur of energy, offers consistent drive and
ambition. The captain fizzed an attempt just wide in his desperation for
parity, his industry succeeding at times in masking the sloppiness of his
team-mates in possession.
With that in mind, and with the sprinkling of substitutes injecting pace and
drive around him, it was always likely to be the England midfielder who
hauled his side level. A flurry of penalty appeals had gone ignored before
Parker ghosted in between the centre-halves to flick in Barrera's centre.
The eruption in the stands was one of relief, with the tie propelled
inexorably towards the extra period.
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West Ham United 3 Stoke City 1; aet: match report
Read a full match report of the Carling Cup fourth round game between West
Ham United and Stoke City at Upton Park on Wednesday Oct 27 2010.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:45AM BST 28 Oct 2010
The gloom hanging over Upton Park was lifted, temporarily at least last
night, when West Ham moved into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup for
only the second time in 12 years. West Ham, the Premier League's bottom
club, were just six minutes from going out of the competition before the
outstanding Scott Parker injected fresh hope with the late equaliser to
cancel Kenwyne Jones' early goal for Stoke.
With confidence restored and an opportunity open, extra time goals from
Manuel da Costa and Victor Obinna brought an air of relief where previously
there was mounting depression. Da Costa's goal came as welcome respite not
only from West Ham's problems but on a personal level as the French-born,
Portuguese Under-21 international is currently on bail after he was arrested
last week on suspicion of sexual assault and common assault.
West Ham's troubles would have increased with a defeat, and with it further
pressure on manager Avram Grant, but after a thoroughly deserved victory
they now face Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday with renewed confidence
and a belief in their ability to avoid relegation. Grant, hurt by his side's
poor display against Newcastle last Saturday, said: "We wanted to show that
Saturday was exceptional for us. We played well, dominated the game, and
scored three goals. We changed the tactics a bit at half-time, and I was
delighted at the response."
Grant reserved special praise for Parker and for Noble, whose run for the
second goal drew a flattering response from Grant, who added: "He was like
Maradona the way he ran into the area." But there were few signs, early on,
of the success to follow, with West Ham, showing eight changes from the team
beaten with by Newcastle, going behind to a goal after just six minutes.
Jermaine Pennant's corner floated invitingly, but hardly menacingly, to
Jones and the striker responded unchallenged from a deep position to head
his fourth goal of the season. West Ham's offered shoots of a recovery late
in the first half, but the improvement failed to satisfy a restless Upton
Park public who wasted little time in making their feelings known. And when
a miss-placed back-pass from Tal Ben Haim offered Jones a chance to
embarrass West Ham further it needed goalkeeper Marek Stech to race out and
clear. James Tomkins and Carlton Cole went close but when the striker turned
provider before the interval, Benni McCarthy was guilty of completely
missing the ball when he could have equalised.
In the 54th minute a Pablo Barrera corner was missed by Stoke goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic but Tomkins, diving in at the far post, was unlucky to direct
his attempt just wide. And then Parker sent another long range attempt wide
as West Ham looked desperately for the equaliser. However, with six minutes
remaining West Ham got the goal they deserved when, from Barrera's cross,
Parker stole in at the near post to take the game into extra time. Da Costa
put aside his personal problems to point West Ham towards the last eight
when he had the simple task of converting after Noble waltzed into the Stoke
area before pulling the ball back. Noble was the provider again, in the
118th minute, when he allowed Obinna, on loan from Inter Milan, to end any
doubts about the outcome.
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Hammers fightback to end Stoke's cup hopes
West Ham United 3 Stoke City 1 (after extra-time)
By Ben Rumsby, PA
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Independent.co.uk
West Ham's substitutes came to Avram Grant's rescue tonight as they helped
seal a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals with an extra-time victory
over Stoke. The Potters looked set to pile the pressure on Hammers boss
Grant after the home side missed several chances to cancel out Kenwyne
Jones' early opener at Upton Park. But captain Scott Parker finally
equalised with six minutes of normal time remaining before Manuel Da Costa
and substitute Victor Obinna completed the turnaround. Bottom of the
Barclays Premier League, the Hammers looked set to crash out of the League
Cup until the second-half introduction of Obinna, Mark Noble and Valon
Behrami. Grant was once again looking to use the competition to kick-start
his side's season, while the visitors were keen to bounce back from two
straight defeats. Both sides reverted largely to their line-ups from the
previous round, although the Hammers also handed Benni McCarthy his first
start in more than seven months. The South African had the first sniff of a
chance in the fourth minute with an air shot from Carlton Cole's knockdown
but Stoke took the lead just two minutes later, Jones rising to power home
Jermaine Pennant's corner. The home side were demonstrating the defending
that had seen them keep just one clean sheet in the league this term, though
they went close to levelling in the 13th minute when Cole diverted Pablo
Barrera's wayward strike just over the bar. The lively Cole sent a weak
long-range header at Asmir Begovic, while Tuncay got plenty of power but not
quite enough accuracy on his effort at the other end. Tal Ben Haim almost
sold goalkeeper Marek Stech short with a backpass with Jones lurking and
then incredibly almost gifted the ball to the striker again moments later.
Hammers defender James Tomkins did nod a Barrera corner over the crossbar
but Stoke were looking increasingly dangerous on the break and Danny
Higginbotham's cross was just too high for Jones to connect with properly.
Like Jones, Cole was looking sharp and a fabulous turn almost saw him
equalise but he could not keep down what was a difficult left-foot finish.
There was no such excuse for strike partner McCarthy two minutes before the
break when Cole put the ball on a plate only to see the South African
produce another air shot. Glenn Whelan saw a dangerous 20-yard shot
deflected behind as Stoke regained control of the match at the start of the
second half. Last-gasp challenges were then needed at both ends as the
intensity soared and West Ham should have levelled in the 54th minute when
Begovic flapped at Barrera's corner and Tomkins put a diving header just
wide. Stoke immediately brought off Pennant for Danny Pugh, shortly followed
by Jones for Eidur Gudjohnsen. Stech turned behind Tuncay's half-volley from
the tightest of angles and Parker - once again carrying West Ham almost
single-handedly at times - flashed wide from 25 yards. Under-pressure
Hammers boss Avram Grant threw on Obinna for Radoslav Kovac in the 64th
minute. The home side began to crank up the pressure and Grant made more
changes when he withdrew Luis Boa Morte and McCarthy - to ironic cheers -
for Behrami and Noble.
Obinna immediately forced an athletic parry from Begovic with a 20-yard
curler before Stoke shored up their midfield by bringing on Rory Delap for
Tuncay. Cole appealed in vain for an 81st-minute penalty after a coming
together with Robert Huth, whose defensive partner Ryan Shawcross was then
adjudged to have made the perfect last-gasp tackle on Julien Faubert, much
to the home fans' fury. It mattered not as Parker equalised six minutes from
time, nodding home Barrera's inswinging cross from close range and
ultimately sending the game into extra-time. And West Ham completed the
turnaround six minutes into the extra period thanks to brilliant work by
Noble coupled with appalling Stoke defending. The midfielder was allowed to
burst into the box unchallenged and run along the byline before cutting the
ball back for Manuel da Costa - on bail until December on suspicion of
sexual and common assault - to rifle home his first goal of the season.
Obinna, who had made a real impact from the bench, was narrowly wide from 20
yards, while Parker was only able to cap a fine run into the area with a
weak finish after the change of ends. Dean Whitehead should have equalised
when he blazed over after Jon Walters got away with an aerial challenge on
Stech before Obinna sealed victory two minutes from time upon being played
clean through by Noble.
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West Ham's Scott Parker saves the day but it may not be enough to rescue
Avram Grant
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 7:18 AM on 28th October 2010
Daily Mail
Avram Grant knows more than most how a Cup run can revive a struggling
manager's profile - even an ailing League campaign - but even he must know
that victory over Stoke City might only mean a stay of execution. Grant
miraculously steered a doomed Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last season,
but West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold may let the axe fall
despite last night's Carling Cup rollercoaster against Stoke. Sportsmail
understands the club are close to running out of patience with the Israeli
because of their disastrous start to the Barclays Premier League campaign,
which sees them at the foot of the table. Sullivan and Gold were left
distraught by their team's capitulation to Newcastle on Saturday and despite
their relief at last night's win, may be ready to terminate the four-year
deal - worth £1.3million annually - which Grant signed in June. Grant may
survive a further defeat at The Emirates on Saturday because of Arsenal's
calibre, although another uncommitted display would probably seal his fate.
Next up are Birmingham - the club Sullivan and Gold used to own - and defeat
then would surely see him sacked. Grant's departure could even signal an
emotional return to West Ham for former manager Alan Pardew, sacked by
Southampton at the end of August. Pardew, who led West Ham to the FA Cup
final in 2006, would be a popular choice with fans, and is available and
relatively cheap. Sullivan and Gold are also reportedly considering Glenn
Hoddle, Graeme Souness and even former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill,
even though they would command high wages. Grant is in such a precarious
position because of West Ham's worst League start in their 115-year history.
Having lost their first four games and conceded 12 goals, it seemed Grant
had stopped the rot with a four-match unbeaten run. But the upturn included
three draws and the Newcastle rang alarm bells. Sullivan and Gold have
invested £80m into the club since buying a 50 per cent stake in January, and
have increased their holding by a further 10 per cent. The pair paid off
£20m to banks of the club's £100m-plus debts and slashed running costs by
£6m. Whatever the cost of sacking Grant, relegation would undermine their
reign and raise questions over the plan to move West Ham to the Olympic
Stadium.
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Grant calls for more of the same after Parker drags Hammers through
West Ham United 3 Stoke City 1 (aet)
By Mark Fleming
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Independent.co.uk
West Ham United conjured up a rare and unlikely victory, coming from behind
with moments to spare before romping home in style in extra-time to move
into the last eight of the Carling Cup. Times have been hard for the club
this season, rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and hamstrung by
suffocating debts of more than £50m, but last night they eventually looked a
team transformed.
They were very poor in losing 2-1 to Newcastle on Saturday, and were poor
again to be 1-0 down to Stoke City at half-time, after an early goal from
Kenwyne Jones. But with the redoubtable Scott Parker at the forefront, West
Ham improved immeasurably after the interval to force extra time, thanks to
Parker's close range finish with six minutes to go, and goals from Manuel da
Costa, who is currently on bail on suspicion of sexual assault and common
assault at a nightclub in Ilford, Essex, after he was arrested last week,
and Victor Obinna made the tie safe.
They were aided by the decision by Stoke manager Tony Pulis to replace Jones
and Jermaine Pennant early in the second half, players he said afterwards
had been "under the weather". But that is not to take away from the
determined way West Ham pulled themselves out of trouble.
Co-owner David Sullivan wrote in the match programme that "we are all
depressed" by last weekend's defeat to Newcastle and said the club face "a
very severe test of character in the coming months, make no mistake." He
will have been cheered by what he saw last night.
The re-jigged team, which contained eight changes from Saturday's team, were
staring disaster in the face, and it came as no surprise when they were
booed off at half-time. They had gone behind when their defence left Jones
unmarked to head home from a corner after six minutes, had barely won a
header and did not force Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to make a save.
Parker was the inspiration, driving the team forward, at times almost
singlehandedly. It was fitting that he should score the equaliser, finishing
from close range after a powerful run into the penalty area.
There were also exceptional contributions from two substitutes, the lively
Obinna and the energetic Mark Noble, who created the final two goals for
West Ham.
Their winner came from their 24-year-old Portuguese defender da Costa. Six
minutes into the extra half hour he finished after a wonderfully inventive
run by Noble who beat two Stoke defenders – "like Maradona" according to
manager Avram Grant – before pulling the ball back to the penalty spot where
Da Costa fired home.
The victory was rounded off with a fine goal from Obinna. With two minutes
of extra time remaining the Nigerian international pounced on Noble's
brilliant through ball to finish emphatically with his left.
The challenge now is for West Ham to take this rejuvenated form into this
Saturday's visit to free-scoring Arsenal. Grant said, however, he is looking
further ahead. "We wanted to show that Saturday's defeat to Newcastle was
exceptional for us," Grant said. "We played well, dominated the game, and
scored three goals. We change the tactics a bit at half-time, and I was
delighted at the response.
"We have a plan and a project for many years, and I think we're doing the
right things. We just need to be more stable. We need to show desire and
passion to win every game."
West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Stech; Faubert, Da Costa, Tomkins, Ben Haim;
Barrera, Kovac, Parker, Boa Morte; McCarthy; Cole. Substitutes not used
Green (gk), Reid, Noble, Behrami, Ilunga, Nouble, Obinna.
Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham;
Pennant, Whitehead, Whelan, Walters; Tuncay; Jones. Substitutes not used
Nash (gk), Gudjohnsen, Soares, Pugh, Tonge, Delap, Faye.
Referee H Webb (South Yorkshire).
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