WHUFC.com
Strength and character were the manager's watchwords as he reflected on the
weekend
13.12.2010
Avram Grant is heading into a major month for West Ham United having seen
his team come up second best against high-flying Manchester City - although
it was not for the want of effort. When asked his words for the supporters
in the wake of a 3-1 home defeat on Saturday that ended a five-match
unbeaten run at home, the manager called for everyone to stay United. "The
supporters are great and my message to the fans is simple," he said.
"Everything is possible and I am sure we will be OK. We will do everything
we can to achieve our targets and never give up. "I believe in this team and
this club. Of course, this is the time to take points - we are coming to the
middle of the season. There is time to recover but we need to change things
and get points. I am sure we will do it. It won't be easy, but we can do
it."
Grant was aware that results were needed and sooner rather than later - even
if he did not expect to have Jack Collison and Thomas Hitzlsperger to aid
the cause just yet.. "I am not happy about this situation. It is not a time
that I like but if I am asking the team to be strong and show character,
then I have to be the first one to do that. I have to lead, be strong and
show character. "Every week we have to make changes. When you have a settled
team it is easier. But we are a squad and I have faith. We were beaten by a
very good team on Saturday, I cannot tell you anything different to that.
They were stronger and had more quality and physicality."
With a trip to Blackburn Rovers to come on Saturday, the manager was certain
his team would be ready to go again come kick-off. "It will not be difficult
to lift the players. I am sure what we want to do is possible. We will take
this club up the table and we have games in the next month that we can make
an impact. We need to play them and take the points. "I am not thinking
about myself - only that the future of this club will be good. It is a
difficult time but I am sure we will come out of it. We will fight to do
this in every game. The time has come to stop saying 'we are playing well,
but...'"
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Stanislas states intent
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas knows West Ham United's next five Barclays Premier League
fixtures could be pivotal
13.12.2010
Junior Stanislas believes West Ham United's next five Barclays Premier
League fixtures could decide the destiny of the club's season. The Hammers
travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and Fulham on Boxing Day before
welcoming Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Boleyn Ground on 28
December and New Year's Day respectively and heading for Newcastle United on
5 January. With four of those matches against teams in the bottom half of
the table on the agenda, the winger is targeting the victories that have
proved so elusive so far this term. "I think they games we can pick up
points from," Stanislas told WHUTV. "We're not going to play Manchester City
every week, so we've got a good chance against Blackburn. We'll be fully
focused on that and will hopefully get something."
While the No25 is naturally looking forward to future challenges, he also
believes West Ham could have done better against big-spending Manchester
City at the weekend. The Hammers went down to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of
Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled side, but Stanislas insisted there
was no reason why he and his team-mates could not have secured at least a
draw. With the game still goalless, the England Under-21 player cut inside
Jerome Boateng before working Joe Hart with a low drive. The 23rd-minute
chance turned out to be West Ham's best of the match. "They are a good team
but when you play against any team, you can get something off them if you
play well. Even if they play well, you can nick something but things didn't
really go our way. "We conceded a goal that, personally, I think we could
have stopped. I don't think we did too badly. We just got caught on the
break one or two times. "Obviously everyone is disappointed to lose because,
even though they are a good team, we thought we could get something out of
them."
For Stanislas himself, the disappointment of defeat was tempered by the joy
of making just his fifth first-team appearance of the season - two of which
have come in the Carling Cup. Having featured in three of the club's last
four matches in all competitions, the 21-year-old is keen to be involved
again at Ewood Park. "For me personally, just playing is the main thing.
I've played and I know I can always do better, so I'll be working hard in
the week so I play next week."
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Grant on... Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th December 2010
By: Staff Writer
Despite yet another home defeat, Avram Grant maintains that West Ham's
fortunes will change soon...
Avram: do you think 3-1 was a little bit harsh?
It was a little bit harsh, especially in the second half. But they are a
good team with good players, also very strong physically. We tried -
especially in the second half we started very well - [and up] until 75
minutes we were on top of them then they scored from a counter attack which
was very difficult again. They have a lot of quality in this team.
It looked like you had a shout for a penalty before their second goal - a
handball in the penalty area?
Yes, I saw it [just] now, it was a penalty but the referee didn't see it. It
could change the game but we don't want to complain about this.
Just about the only time West Ham have been off the bottom this season was
when they didn't play last week. What's going to change?
You know, Manchester City are a better team than us - especially when we're
missing seven or eight players that normally play. Today they were players
that weren't even on the bench. But the boys tried and [soon] we are playing
against teams that we have played before - teams that we were better than
but didn't take points. What's important for us is the next month.
Do you think Manchester City are potential title winners?
They can take the championship, for sure. They have quality players that can
score for you. In the second half [today] they were not even in the game and
then [clicks fingers], from one moment they score. The first half was the
same, they didn't create many chances and then a fantastic goal from a great
player. But they have good technique and that's what won the game today,
quality. They're also very physical and very difficult to compete with both
physically and [in terms of] quality so I'm sure they can go all the way.
Do you accept that defensively the first two goals were very poor?
I think every game we've conceded it's looked like we're poor defensively.
[For the first goal] the ball was with us, we gave the ball away cheaply
like we did many times in the first half and they passed the ball very well.
We lost Yaya Toure by half a centimetre and they scored. The second goal was
when we were on top of them; the ball again was at our feet, we lost it and
they made a very good counter attack.
Are you concerned at your position now? Becasue the teams above you are
picking up points.
A month ago they were five or six points above us... I think that when we
are not even in the middle of the season - it's not a good situation, we
don't like it - but we can turn it [around], there is time to turn it. I
know that we are saying it all the time but still we can do it, that's
what's important. Against Manchester City it was difficult for us.
Have you got any idea how many points you might need to stay up? Because at
the moment you're not even going to get 27 points if you carry on picking
points up at the same rate.
I don't know how many points. I know that if we win two from the next three
games - which we can do even though it's not easy - it'll be a better
position, that's what's important.
But you've only won two our 17, so most people wouldn't expect you to win
two out of three.
Look, I don't know what people expect but I know what we expect from
ourselves. We'll analyse our quality - not the game against City who are a
stronger side than us - but even today we could do something with this. All
the teams we have played against from eight place down, you have seen the
games - they were not better than us. But we didn't pick up points so it's
real that we can do it and pick up points. That's what we need to see, not
calculate so many things.
Okay. So do you see January as an opportunity to really change things in
terms of the shape of the squad?
I think yes. The squad also depends on the number of injuries, you know.
Today I think eight players didn't play because they were injured so we need
to see if they can play. We need to be stronger but not so much; if they
cannot play and the injuries continue we'll need to think about it and
January is an opportunity for us to be[come] stronger.
How many players would you like to bring in?
It toally depends on the players. Today, I think, was Lars Jacobsen; Danny
Gabbidon; Kieron Dyer, who could play only 30 minutes; Behrami could not
play; Hitzlsperger; Mark Noble and others. It depends how long-term their
injuries are - if we see the injuries again and again we need to think about
more players. For the moment we are thinking about two or three positions
that can help us.
Have you spoken to the owners after the game and have you spoken to them
about January?
Yes I've been speaking with them. WIth their limited resources they are
trying to do their best for the team.
Have you spoken to them today?
No. I need to speak with you first...
When you hear the crowd booing or when it's quiet it's not a typical Upton
Park. Does it concern you that your employers might not actually maintain
their nerve and hold patience until you do manage to turn things around?
Even the supporters know that to play without so many players adds pressure,
but the players that they played against were such a strong side. We wanted
to produce a good result, we tried to get a good result but it would have
been a bonus - even if we like bonuses. The next game is more important and
I think in the last month, two months, even before, we did progress even if
we didn't take more points. It's not what I want but what's important is if
we can do it in the future and not speak too much about the past, no?
So you think January is going to be a key month for you?
First we have games now, this month - so we want to win those and then think
about January. But I think because of our position - and even though we have
many games [to go] until the end of the season, remember than we are not
even at the halfway point of the season - we can turn things around. We need
to play like we've been playing but also pick up points.
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Kidd on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th December 2010
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd stands in for the preoccupied
Roberto Mancini to reflect on a job well done...
A good win, Brian?
Yes, everybody's happy with it. It was a good performance because we knew it
was going to be tough playing the Hammers, but I think we ran out
comfortable winners.
Do you now think all the elements are coming together?
Well I think the work the manager's put in on the training pitch is
absolutely fantastic, it's a pleasure to see him work. Monday to Friday, his
work ethic is fantastic and his passion and desire is first class. We all
know that it doesn't come overnight but the work he's put in this season and
towards the end of last season is beginning to show now, in the performances
of the players. I think the club are very lucky to have him as a manager
because he's certainly a winner, no doubt about it.
Can he win the title?
Well, you know the way we've been brought up - you don't win anything in
December. Hopefully if we're still in the shake up come March/April we can
start thinking in those terms but at the oment there's a lot of hard work to
go in. People have said that the fixtures we've got coming up... like
everything, you've got to make sure you win your games.
That's not just being flippant, it's a long haul, the Premier League. When
you've been involved in it, you've seen it happen so many times in the past
where teams have flattered to deceive. Hopefully we're in contention come
March/April then we can start thinking about it.
[Question regarding squad rotation]
When you look at certainly David Silva, Mario [Balotelli], the role of Yaya
[Toure] as well - and Jo has come in and put a great shift in as well like
he did against Fulham, so the rotation was good. But he {Mancini] is not
happy because we've lost a goal at the end! That's the only thing, that's
the boss because obviously we want to keep clean sheets and the defenders
love that as well.
Why is Roberto not here tonight?
He's had to go back to Italy, to see his dad.
Is there a reason for Balotelli's substitution? Because he didn't look
happy.
No, it's purely tactical. Again, the reason the boss thought he was looking
for a little bit more drive down the sides of them and then Adam [Johnson]
came on and scored a great goal. Then James [Milner] came on... but it had
nothing to do with that whatsoever, it was purely tactical because we wanted
a little bit more drive.
They were coming into the game and the Hammers' crowd were behind them - and
they're a passionate crowd here, so they were putting a little bit of
pressure on us. When we got the extra couple of goals, that's what we were
looking for because by no stretch of the imagination did we think 1-0 was
going to be enough.
But was it felt that he reacted a little bit on the stroppy side?
Well he's a young player and he's come into the Premier League from Serie A,
but he's a great kid. He works so hard in training as well. You lads know,
you know you're going to be under the microscope in the Premier League. But
he's learning, he's got a lot of support, assistance and help which he'll
grow into. There's no doubt about that, because the boy is certainly a
talent, a fantastic player.
Did you hear the West Ham fans signing 'what a waste of money'?
Well we're certainly happy with what we've got, I can assure you of that.
The boy is a talent, make no mistake about that. But again, you look where
Yaya's come from - that midfield at Barcelona is credited as first class but
again, it does take time in the Premier League. Sometimes it may take
foreign players six months or it may take them a season.
You lads know better than me, you've heard it so many times - 'oh he's not a
Premier League player' - people make early judgments and you shouldn't do
that in the Premier League. Not so many years ago Sir Alec [Ferguson] bought
Evra and Vidic and people at Old Trafford were saying 'oh, they're not Man
United players' - and look what they've turned out to be. Nasri now at
Arsenal is finding his feet. Again with David Silva - what a technician that
lad is.
[Question regarding Mancini's title credentials]
It's fantastic to see him work. His passion, his commitment, his desire and
his will to win is unbelievable. His preparation is fantastic and to watch
him work on the training pitch, it's an education.
Is he a better manager than Alex [Ferguson]?
Flipping heck! No, we were laughing with the boss because we were saying
about his birthday and I was saying 'just think, you've got another 24 years
to go'! To be continued! No, but it's great to see what Sir Alec's done for
Manchester United but I'm pleased now for the boss. What he's put in and now
hopefully, bit by bit, it's bearing fruit and we're seeing it now when we
play, when we get the results.
In the Premier League you've got to be able to play well, you've got to win
ugly, you've got to have a massive bit of luck to be in contention for the
Premier League. There's no doubt about it. You've got to fight... it takes
all sorts to win games in the Premier League.
Was Roberto's absence tonight not planned?
No, no. His dad wasn't well in the summer and he's just managed to get a
break to go home. So he's flying straight out now and getting a day back
home with his family. He'll be back on Tuesday.
Despite what you say there has been some resistance to Roberto's methods. Do
you think everyone gets it now?
There hasn't been any resistance, that's the thing. Remember, the boss has
come over here from Serie A and he's been successful, that's why I think it
was a little bit disrespectful - you know, he's been over there and he's won
things. Then he's come over and it's been like a duck to water. There's been
no resistance. It like what the boss wants, he gets his points over and
that's it. Like we've said about Sir Alec, that's it - you do it.
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Pardew plans Barton stay
Magpies boss also considers Ben Arfa deal
Last updated: 12th December 2010
SSN
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew insists he has no plans to sell West Ham
United target Joey Barton. As revealed by skysports.com earlier this week ,
West Ham have targeted a move for midfield dynamo Barton when the transfer
window reopens next month. Newcastle are thought to have rejected West Ham's
opening gambit, but the Hammers are believed to be ready to come back with
an improved offer for the former Manchester Cityman. Pardew has been
impressed by Barton this season and he revealed he plans to hold talks with
the midfielder over his future. "He is a big part of my plans," Pardew said
of Barton. "I am going to speak to Joey because there is no doubt this
season has been a real turnaround for him. "He still has that hot streak he
showed the other day, but his performances have been excellent. He has been
one of the top three players of the season."
Pardew also revealed he plans talks with the club over a permanent deal for
on-loan Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa. Ben Arfa is currently injured after
breaking his leg against Manchester City in October, but the Frenchman
impressed during his first few outings and Pardew is ready to sign the
winger on a permanent basis. "He's in my thinking - strongly," Pardew said
of Ben Arfa. "I am going to speak to Derek (Llambias) about that and see if
we can resolve it some way."
Meanwhile, Pardew has admitted he has spoken with chief scout Graham Carr
about possible transfer targets. "I've had a brief meeting about potential
targets and positions with Graham Carr," continued Pardew. "I still need to
assess the group here. It would be unfair not to. But the window is an
opportunity and you have to keep an eye on it. "Hopefully it will be good
news."
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Stanislas wants Hammers spark
Winger says Hammers need something to get going
Last updated: 12th December 2010
SSN
West Ham winger Junior Stanislas claims the club must start showing some
belief if they want to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The Hammers
are currently sitting rock bottom of the division following Saturday's 3-1
defeat against Manchester City at Upton Park. However, Avram Grant's side
are only four points from safety going into a busy Christmas schedule. West
Ham head to Blackburn next weekend, before another away trip at fellow
strugglers Fulham, then home games against Evertonand Wolves, on New Year's
Day.
Confidence
Stanislas, fit again following a groin problem, said: "The next four or five
games are definitely ones we can get points form, so hopefully we will start
picking them up. "Even difficult fixtures we look forward to and think we
can get something, even if it is a draw, or play well and get confidence.
"However, these next runs of matches, we can definitely get points from."
The 21-year-old insisted: "The belief is still there, we just need a little
something, a little spark to get us going again. "The belief has to be
there, when you start losing your belief, you start losing your way, the
little ricochets and decisions which go against you are part of football,
you can only do what you do and try to affect the game that way."
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Grant not thinking of axe
West Ham manager concentrating on team
Last updated: 12th December 2010
SSN
Avram Grant has insisted his focus is on turning around West Ham's flagging
fortunes rather than his own future. The manager continues to have the
backing of the Upton Park board but the pressure is steadily mounting after
Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. The result left West Ham bottom of
the table and four points adrift of safety, leading to more questions about
Grant's job security. The Israeli, who replaced Gianfranco Zola over the
summer, insists such matters are not important as he is only concerned about
the team.
Improve
Grant knows the Hammers are struggling but feels the outlook could be
brighter by the turn of the year, with a series of upcoming games against
other teams in the bottom half of the table. "I am not thinking about my
position - I am thinking only that I need to do my job," he said. "Our
position is not so good and I don't need to think if my job is like this or
like that. "My job is to improve the team and take points, especially in the
next games."
West Ham travel to Blackburn next Saturday before facing Fulham, Everton and
Wolves over the Christmas period.
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Grant's got trouble and strife
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 12 Dec 2010
AVRAM GRANT faces his own problems with an unsettled star - his missus.
Israeli TV presenter wife Tzofit brought forward her flight home to Tel Aviv
to Saturday night once West Ham were condemned to yet another defeat. Glum
Hammers boss Grant sighed: "Whenever I lose she says I am miserable.
"It's true. I can't eat or sleep I'm so down. "My wife was planning to go
back on Sunday but after the final whistle she immediately booked a Saturday
night flight." Grant's luck is out right now but he reckons £10million in
the transfer window would buy West Ham out of trouble. Grant added: "January
is not a good time to invest but we need some dangerous players."
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Hammers boss hanging on - but his wife's done one!
Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant's wife has drunk her own urine for breakfast and bathed in
chocolate. But the bold Tzofit cannot handle the West Ham manager after
another defeat. So instead of spending the rest of the weekend in London,
the Israeli actress and TV star changed her flight and flew home Saturday
night with the Hammers still rock bottom of the table. "It's crazy," said
Grant. "Whenever I lose she says I am so miserable. It's true. I cannot
sleep or eat. I feel so down whenever we lose. "My wife works in Israeli TV
and she was planning to go back on Sunday but after the final whistle she
immediately booked a flight back on Saturday night."
More important now is how long Grant will stay. After only two wins in 17,
the newly available Chris Hughton was linked with his job yesterday. The
former Newcastle manager is a Hammers fan and his father still lives near
the Boleyn Ground. But Grant was more focused on the work he will do in the
January transfer market with "two or three" players on his wish list. "With
£10m we can do a lot, we can bring in much better players," he said.
"January is not a good time to invest but we certainly need additional
players, dangerous players, but we have players injured who we don't know if
we need cover for or not - there a lot of decisions to make in January. But
even if everyone is fit we still want to be strong in every position. If the
owners gave me £10m that would be great. "We are discussing this at the
moment and will eventually have a decision. We need to also remember that
the club is in big debt."
West Ham's next four games are against teams in the bottom half of the
table. Junior Stanislas said: "It is a disappointing result, but the next
four or five games are definitely ones we can get points form, so hopefully
we will start picking them up. These next runs of matches, we can definitely
get points from. "The belief is still there, we just need a little
something, a little spark to get us gibing again. "The belief has to be
there, when you start losing your belief, you start losing your way, the
little ricochets and decisions which go against you are part of football,
you can only do what you do and try to affect the game that way."
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Hughton 'set to replace Avram at Hammers'
Published 12:33 12/12/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Chris Hughton could be set for an instant return to Premier League
management as Avram Grant's successor at West Ham. The Israeli is thought to
be close to the sack after Saturday's home defeat to Manchester City left
the Hammers rock-bottom of the table. West Ham co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan are also interested in Hughton's former boss at Spurs, Martin
Jol. And if the Dutchman got the Upton Park job instead, Hughton would be
considered as a replacement for Roy Keane at Ipswich.
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Vinny's Manchester City Report
Vinny - Sun Dec 12 2010
West Ham Online
West Ham United 1 Manchester City 3
West Ham were again beaten and remain bottom of the league after being
unable to compete with a quality Manchester City side who just had too much
for the Hammers to handle.
Whilst we competed for large parts of the game the difference between both
sides was simply quality. They took their chances when they presented
themselves and we struggled to hit the target most of the time.
They were comfortable in possession of the ball and we looked as though we
didn't really have much of a game plan. Players such as Barrera and
Stanislas though no doubting their effort looked way out of their depth when
up against the world class players this Manchester City team includes.
But regardless of how many good players the opposition team is we have to be
winning games. We have had our chances to win games against teams of similar
quality such as West Brom and Blackpool which saw us fail in this task. So
when you have another home game against anyone the pressure is on to get a
result given past failings.
I went into this game very pessimistic about our chances and could not see
how we were going to hurt them. The game went pretty much as expected and
leaves the fans frustrated with manager Avram Grant and West Ham still at
the foot of the table now four points adrift.
Avram Grant made changes to the side who were beaten at Sunderland last
weekend. In defence Danny Gabbidon was missing and replaced by Julien
Faubert. This saw Ben Haim revert to left back with Faubert on the right.
In midfield Kieron Dyer was dropped to the bench and replaced by Junior
Stanislas who started on the left with Pablo Barrera starting on the right
with Luis Boa Morte dropping to the bench.
Up front saw the return of Frederique Piquionne alongside Victor Obinna with
Carlton Cole dropping to the bench.
It was all Manchester City in the opening stages and they should have taken
the lead after only four minutes when Jo crossed from the left for Balotelli
to glace his shot wide in what was an early let off.
From the early moments of the game the visitors looked to have one player
who would dominate the game and that was YaYa Toure who really is a giant.
As Ben Haim moved forward Toure burst forward only to be taken down by Scott
Parker which the West Ham midfielder was lucky to get away without a booking
which would have seen him suspended.
Our main play seemed to be to get it wide to Barrera or Stanislas and when
the former burst forward and cut inside he was brought down just outside the
area.
Stepping up to take the set piece was Junior Stanislas but his effort when
high over the bar in a really disappointing attempt.
Our best move of the half game around half way through and of course Scott
Parker was involved in creating it as he played a superb pass out to the
left for Stanislas who was in space and he did what he doesn't do enough and
run at the defender, cut inside and hit a powerful shot which was well saved
by Joe Hart.
YaYa Toure received the ball almost in his own half and powered forward with
no one able to stop him but as he got into the area his shot was weak when
he should have scored a quite brilliant goal.
But he wouldn't have to wait long to make amends as on the half hour mark he
would score an with an unstoppable shot. The move started when Piquionne
needlessly gave the ball away (if this was Cole this would have been picked
up on) and the visitors burst forward with Barry crossing for Toure to react
quicker than Spector and thump his effort past Green.
It was a horrible ten minutes after that point as they looked rampant and we
were chasing shadows.
Balotelli was unlucky not to have scored when he won a header from a corner
but his header was cleared off the line by Barrera.
The only chance we created was a long range effort from Parker which went
well wide in what was another disappointing half. I couldn't see how we were
going to get back into the game without a superhuman effort from a group of
players who looked inferior all over the pitch compared to the opposition.
The second half started with Ben Haim going straight through the back of
Silva and finding himself booked for this poor challenge.
Our first move of any note came from the quiet Obinna who got down the left
well and crossed for Piquionne but he could not get to the ball before Joe
Hart.
Just before the hour mark YaYa Toure was released and through with Faubert
and Tomkins chasing him with the latter making a last ditch tackle which
actually ended up going out for a goal kick.
Stanislas was replaced by Dyer who immediately had a chance when Parker
played a superb pass through the middle but Dyer was beaten to the ball by
the defender.
A penalty appeal was turned down by the referee when a corner was swung in
to the area and the ball appeared to hit the hand of YaYa Toure which
replays confirm.
Carlton Cole came on for the ineffective Barrera with Obinna switching to
the wing with Piquionne playing alongside Cole.
Just two minutes after this change the game was over when Manchester City
scored their second.
It came when Spector was easily dispossessed in the centre of the midfield
and the visitors broke forward with the ball being fed to YaYa Toure who
took on Tomkins with ease and his hit shot which bounced off the post, hit
Robert Green on the back and went into the back of the net.
It was unlucky for Green and the culprits were Spector for losing the ball
so poorly and Tomkins for being beaten so very easily.
The fans in 'Chav Corner' were certainly turning on Avram Grant by this
point with many voicing their negative opinion on the managers failings.
Chants of Paolo Di Canio were being voiced with some fans wanting the former
striker installed as manager. Let me think now, good striker, exciting
players, Italian, no managerial experience… hmm.
With under ten minutes remaining Manchester City added further gloss to the
scoreline as Silva played the ball through for Adam Johnson who had made a
great run in behind the defence and the winger rounded Robert Green and
scored.
By this point Piquionne had been taken off in favour of Zavon Hines.
With injury time approaching there was time for one last bit of action when
a corner from Victor Obinna was met by James Tomkins whose header deflected
of Kolo Toure and into the back of the net for what would only be a
consolation goal.
Whilst Manchester City are a better team than us when you are struggling to
get results against teams you would consider on our level then games like
this see us having to get something out of. Whilst Avram Grant can comment
on Manchester City not being the type of side we need to compete with if you
are not going to beat teams of equal or lesser quality just who are we going
to beat?
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Unlucky to have the second goal go down as an own goal as there was little
he could do about the ball hitting him on the back. Made some standard saves
throughout and he had some interesting banter with the crowd behind him in
the second half.
Julien Faubert
Puts in plenty of effort and does a lot of running but has very little
quality. His distribution was dismal and when I think about it he is a
player who was signed as an attacking right winger who has reverted to a
poor right back. If we could get anything over a couple of quid for him in
January then it really is time to call it day with Faubert.
James Tomkins
A decent performance from Tomkins although exposed at times when up against
the excellent YaYa Toure. Scored a goal in the second half which seemed to
give him the SBOBET Man Of The Match award. Until we sign a top class centre
half Tomkins is as good as anything we have got.
Matthew Upson
I'd love to see him shouting and giving the team a bit of a bollocking when
they switch off but as it keeps being pointed out he is just not that type
of captain and we really need someone like that to try and get some of our
players going. Upson is usually good in the air but Manchester City played a
lot of their football on the floor which didn't suit our 'Captain'.
Tal Ben Haim
Awful when on the ball, awful when off it. Gave the ball away too many times
and all I've seen from this fella is constant shit.
Pablo Barrera
Continues to show us that he is out of his depth in the Premiership.
Jonathan Spector
Its seems that Johnny Messi Maradona Spector was only available for one
night only. This was a performance where the all the old Spector negatives
game out. Held on to the ball for too long, couldn't get forward and was
easily stifled by the Manchester City midfield.
Scott Parker
Our only player who tried to bring the play forward. His passing was
inconsistent which hindered his performance and he gave the ball away a lot.
But most of our decent play coming forward had him involved somewhere.
Junior Stanislas
Like Barrera he just looked a bit lost and not of the quality to compete
against the likes of Manchester City.
Victor Obinna
Very quiet and was not involved in the game enough to make any impact.
Whilst I like Obinna and think he has a lot of ability he doesn't do it
enough.
Frederique Piquionne
Won a few headers but was generally poor. Never looked like scoring, lost
the ball to many times, his touch was heavy and this wasn't a good display.
Subs Used
Kieron Dyer (on for Stanislas 65 mins)
Ran about a lot and looked speedy as always but did very little on the ball.
If he is fit surely he should be starting?
Carlton Cole (on for Barrera 71 mins)
Like most of his season, made no impact whatsoever.
Zavon Hines (on for Piquionne 80 mins)
Not much of an impact apart from being fouled a few times. I think it might
be time for him to start.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Boa Morte, Kovac, Reid
Bookings: Ben Haim
Man Of The Match: Er...
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Kolo Toure, Boateng, Yaya Toure,
De Jong, Barry, Silva (Milner 86), Balotelli (A.Johnson 61), Jo
Subs: Given, Richards, Lescott, Vieira, Santa Cruz
Attendance: 32, 813
Overall
We might have been beaten by a better team but at the end of the day we were
still beaten and I don't understand how Avram Grant expects us to stay up if
we do not win any games. I'm no football manager but surely to pick up
points you need to start winning?
Everything seems pretty dismal at the moment as I cannot see where the next
victory is coming from. I want to be positive and think that the turning
point is around the corner but I believe I have been saying that for over a
year.
Next Game - Blackburn (a)
They are excellent at Ewood Park and we are going to have to really perform
to get anything out of the game. I would usually take an away point but the
fact is we need all three and badly because no one wants to go into
Christmas bottom of the league and this time next week we could be seven
points adrift.
What we saw during this game is the lack of quality we possess and that is
something that needs to be addressed in January and should have been
addressed in the summer.
A change is needed somewhere and surely time for Avram Grant must be running
out.
The View From Grant
"Three-one was a little bit hard on us, Especially with the way we came back
in the second half but they are a good team with good players. They are very
strong physically and have a lot of quality.
"We did not pass the ball well in the first half and gave the ball away
cheaply but we were better in the second half. We started well after
half-time and were on top but they scored again on a counterattack and it
was very difficult to come back."
"Manchester City are a better team than us, especially when we are playing
without seven or eight first-team players. They have players that didn't
even make the bench, like Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge.
"But the boys are trying and they will not give up the fight. They didn't
give up against a team that can take the championship for sure. They have a
big balance between quality players and physical players. They were not in
the game but they were able to score in a moment. That was the difference."
"We expect better from ourselves and even today we could have done
something. We know what we need to do and we will make it happen. It won't
be easy but we will get to a better position."
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