WHUFC.com
Captain Kevin Nolan made a goalscoring comeback from suspension at Cardiff
City on Sunday
04.03.2012
Kevin Nolan was all smiles after marking his return from a three-match ban
with the vital opening goal in West Ham United's 2-0 npower Championship
victory at Cardiff City. The captain was back in the team and back to his
best four weeks after his red card in the home win over Millwall on 4
February, netting a fine first-time goal just before half-time and driving
his team forward for the whole 90 minutes. The No4 told West Ham TV of his
happiness at returning to action and playing such an influential role in a
success that took the Hammers four points clear of third-place Reading and
within a point of leaders Southampton. The skipper even admitted he would
have found himself on the substitutes' bench had Winston Reid not been
injured while on international duty, forcing Sam Allardyce to pick James
Tomkins in central defence rather than his recent midfield role. "I thought
it was professional and that we dominated and we were well worthy of the 2-0
win," said Nolan. "I think a few of the them were unlucky with a few of the
chances, but the gaffer has been on at us massive about finishing chances
off. "Thankfully Nicky [Maynard] has played it into a nice area for me and
I've just passed the ball into the far corner. It's always nice when you do
that and it comes off. "It was a great time to score and in the second half
again we came out and we could have scored more but for some terrific
goalkeeping and a couple of poor finishes. Saying that, if you had given us
a 2-0 win at the beginning of the game, we would have taken it. "It's been
28 days since my last game and I only played eight minutes in that one
[against Millwall]! It's been tough watching but I've been in the background
trying to keep the lads going and I think they've been absolutely fantastic.
"I was quite lucky to get back in. I think it was only for Winston Reid
coming back with a bit of concussion from so far away in New Zealand that
James Tomkins had to drop back into the back four and give me a space to get
back in. "I'm obviously grateful to have got the chance and delighted to
have come back with a goal."
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Cardiff 0 West Ham 2
4 March 2012
Last updated at 14:37
By Peter Shuttleworth
BBC Sport Wales
West Ham United kept up the pressure on Championship leaders Southampton
with a comfortable victory over Cardiff City. Captain Kevin Nolan guided in
a lovely opener, a low right-foot shot across Cardiff keeper David Marshall
into the far corner from Nicky Maynard's flick. Cardiff were a shadow of the
team that took Liverpool to penalties in last weekend's Carling Cup final
but a Peter Whittingham free-kick hit the post. George McCartney sealed the
win as he fired in a close-range angled shot. The Northern Ireland
defender's first goal since November 2007 helped ensure West Ham move within
a point of the top-of-the-table Saints with a game in hand as Sam
Allardyce's men look for an immediate Premier League return.
The Londoners were always in control of the Sunday lunchtime encounter that
saw Cardiff slip out of the play-off zone for the first time since November
following a fourth defeat in five Championship games, their worst run of the
season. But the Bluebirds were architects of their own downfall as poor
defending contributed to both West Ham's goals as Cardiff suffered a painful
hangover from their brave League Cup final exploits at Wembley. For West
Ham's opener, Aron Gunnarsson inadvertently nudged the ball into Maynard's
path before the Hammers striker played a lovely ball to Nolan for the
midfielder to clip in his eighth goal of the season.
And for their second, full-back McCartney was allowed to run down the left
flank, beating Cardiff right-back Kevin McNaughton. His cross beat the dive
of Mark Hudson before ricocheting back into his path off Ben Turner's leg
for McCartney to squeeze the ball into the far corner of Marshall's net with
an improvised right-footed finish. Cardiff created half chances early on as
Kenny Miller and Gunnarsson fired wide from long-range efforts but Jack
Collison and Maynard gave the hosts a warning of what was to come as the
visiting pair went close. West Ham broke the deadlock just before half-time
as Cardiff dallied on the edge of their own area as Maynard fed Nolan. The
midfielder, who was returning from a three-game ban, opened his body up to
beautifully curl a sidefooted effort around Marshall. The Hammers had
chances to double their lead when Ricardo Vaz Te capitalised on another
defensive lapse by Cardiff but while his poked shot beat Scottish stopper
Marshall, it did not beat Hudson, who cleared the danger. McNaughton then
gifted Maynard a free shot on goal, only for Marshall to get down well to
deny the frontman. Set piece specialist Whittingham came within an inch of
throwing Cardiff a lifeline but his 25-yard left-footed free-kick cracked
Rob Green's left-hand post with the West Ham keeper beaten. McCartney's goal
13 minutes from time finished the Welshmen off although Miller did strike
the crossbar with a close-range header in stoppage time but Allardyce's side
rarely looked troubled.
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Champions or bust
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 4th March 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan insisted that the Hammers were
'absolutely magnificent' in their 2-0 win at Cardiff - a victory that lifts
them to within a point of league leaders Southampton. Nolan and his team
gave the losing Carling Cup finalists something of a footballing lesson at
the Welsh club's new stadium this afternoon, taking all three points
courtesy of goals from Nolan and full back George McCartney. And despite the
win not being enough for the Hammers to overhaul the Saints, who had a
four-point advantage at the start of the day, Nolan warned Southampton that
Sam Allardyce's side will be pushing them all the way for the title. "We're
going for first place," he told the BBC after today's game. "We want to win
[the league]. We want to go up automatically, no doubt about that, but we
want to go up as Champions - so we're going to push Southampton all the
way."
Nolan - who was making his first appearance since receiving a three match
suspension - was a key figure as the Hammers stretched their unbeaten run to
five games. But despite playing an important role he was also keen to
praise the impact his fellow team mates had made in his absence. "The lads
have been fabulous since I've been out," he maintained. "I'm delighted to
get on the score sheet - but I'm also delighted with the clean sheet and the
win. I thought we were magnificent from start to finish - and well worthy of
the 2-0. "Last week they [Cardiff] were absolutely tremendous, we watched
them in the sunshine in Dubai. Maybe that took a little out of them but we
had to take advantage of it - and I thought we did today."
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Nolan helps Hammers to vital win
Last updated: 4th March 2012
SSN
Kevin Nolan reminded West Ham fans just how valuable he is to their
promotion push with the opener in a 2-0 Championship win over Cardiff.
Nolan, who returned from a three-match ban at the Cardiff City Stadium,
coolly slotted past David Marshall in the Cardiff goal two minutes before
half-time to hand the visiting Hammers an advantage they never surrendered.
It was a rare moment of quality in a match that lacked the fervour and
intensity of the home side's previous outing in the Carling Cup final defeat
to Liverpool seven days ago. In fact, after a bright start, the
after-effects of that memorable evening at Wembley seemed to tell in
Cardiff's display.
They began the second half sluggishly and were fortunate not to find
themselves three down inside an hour after Marshall saved well from Nicky
Maynard and Mark Hudson backtracked to prevent Ricardo Vaz Te from tapping
in. The Bluebirds briefly looked like staging a comeback as Peter
Whittingham struck the inside of a post from a free-kick. But they were
finished off in the 77th minute with George McCartney beating Marshall from
a tight angle.
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay made one change to the side which so valiantly
took Liverpool to penalties, with goalkeeper Tom Heaton dropping to the
bench to make way for Marshall. The Hammers were boosted by Nolan's return,
while Henri Lansbury came into the side for Julien Faubert. The hosts
started the game well and Kenny Miller went within a whisker of firing a
20-yard effort into the bottom corner after 13 minutes. For all Cardiff's
early possession, however, West Ham should have taken the lead midway
through the first half. Lansbury crossed from the right, Jack Collison
nodded the ball across goal and Maynard lashed over. Aron Gunnarsson's
25-yard drive skidded past the left-hand post before the visitors sneaked
into the lead on the stroke of half-time. Cardiff dallied on the edge of
their own area and Maynard capitalised to feed Nolan, who opened his body up
beautifully to curl a sidefooted effort around Marshall. West Ham could have
made it two after 52 minutes when Nolan won possession in midfield and fed
Maynard, but after hesitating in the box he poked the ball narrowly wide. It
was a worrying passage of play for Cardiff and Kevin McNaughton cut a
relieved figure when his headed back-pass gifted Maynard a free shot on
goal, only for Marshall to get down well to deny the ex-Bristol City
striker. Cardiff were rocking, but out of nowhere they almost got themselves
back on level terms. Gunnarsson's long throw picked out Hudson, but the City
skipper could only head over the bar. The Bluebirds went even closer five
minutes later as Whittingham curled a delightful free-kick onto the
left-hand post with Robert Green beaten. However, with 13 minutes left, the
Hammers put themselves out of sight. McCartney broke down the left and when
his cross was not properly cleared by the Cardiff defence, he fired the
rebound beyond Marshall from an acute angle. Miller struck the bar from a
close-range header in stoppage time, but the game was gone for the home
side.
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Allardyce hails Nolan impact
Sloppy display disappoints Mackay
Last Updated: March 4, 2012 4:32pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praised the impact of returning skipper Kevin
Nolan as the Hammers won 2-0 at Cardiff on Sunday. Nolan had served a
three-match ban prior to the trip to the Cardiff City Stadium and played a
pivotal role on his comeback, grabbing the opener just before half-time. And
Allardyce sees this goalscoring impact as Nolan's key role, despite the
29-year-old being a midfield player. "Kevin Nolan is a midfielder
goalscorer, he's not a midfielder playmaker," Allardyce said. "He puts
himself in very dangerous positions in the box and finds the quality and the
finish in the box that's basically only afforded to the top centre-forwards.
"I do think he made a difference today. The players have done terrifically
well while he's been missing through suspension, but he's a big player for
us and he showed that today. "As a manager, everybody wants the big players
fit and playing.
Good performance
"(It was) a fantastic goal on the end of a real good performance. He showed
the centre-forwards how to do it, 'This is how to score lads, come on, get
your act together.' "They still didn't learn from that because they kept
missing some sitters in the second half, but the quality of the finish means
that the goalkeeper got taken by surprise."
Nolan's classy finish was a rare piece of quality in a subdued first half
but West Ham upped the tempo after the break and it was no surprise when
George McCartney added a second for the visitors. Cardiff were unable to hit
the heights of their dramatic efforts in the Carling Cup final defeat to
Liverpool last weekend. But Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay was not in the mood
to defend his players and lamented a sloppy display.
Disappointed
"I'm disappointed with the goals we lost today," Mackay said. "I'm taking
nothing away from the finishes from them obviously, but the first goal was
incredibly sloppy.
"Everything was very nip and tuck, it was quite tight and both teams were
cancelling each other out. "But we lost possession in a poor area and gave
away a sloppy goal and that certainly knocked our confidence at that point.
"In the second period [Peter] Whittingham hits the post and if that goes in
it would change the game.
"But we tried to chase it and we lost, for us, a really uncharacteristic
second goal in terms of allowing the player to come so far and be
unchallenged. "So you're up against it against a really experienced team of
men, who have got a huge wage bill and can afford to bring on Carlton Cole
and Gary O'Neil. "To gift them things doesn't help, and it certainly gives
you a mountain to climb."
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Vinny's Cardiff Report
Vinny 7:46 Sun Mar 4
West Ham Online
Cardiff City 0 West Ham United 2
West Ham recorded their tenth away victory of the season after goals from
Kevin Nolan and George McCartney kept the East London side within touching
distance of top spot with a game in hand.
Despite this being billed (and rightly so) as one of our tougher games left
this season it was in the end a very comfortable win against a side who
looked the shadow of the team which took on Liverpool last weekend in the
League Cup Final.
We went about our job in an efficient and professional manner and never
looked like losing the game although as like most of our away displays this
season we rarely looked fluent or remarkable but Sam Allardyce has the team
working and we looked excellent defensively.
It really would be unfair to moan at the way we played because we really did
a great job in stopping Cardiff from getting anywhere and they had very few
chances which considering they were the home side is testament to the hard
work we put in.
And that for me is the theme of this result - hard work. The graft our team
put in is something that last season we were crying out for and not just
from one player but from the entire side. Yes, there were some players who
did not have the best of games but work hard they did and we had that bit of
quality to get the goals.
With Southampton winning yesterday the pressure was inevitably on us and
although we do have a game in hand over the Saints until we actually play
that game we will be under pressure every time they secure three points.
If you are looking for negatives then the fact we were in the 77th minute
when we scored our second could be considered one as we had a number of
chances to increase our lead and make things a lot easier for ourselves.
But this was a typical Sam Allardyce display and whilst we can say many
things about him the fact is the team is well organised and equipped to win
games.
The Team
Two changes were made to the side who could only draw at home to Crystal
Palace last weekend.
The first change came in defence with Winston Reid out injured after
International duty with New Zealand. Henri Lansbury came into the side and
went into the centre of midfield with James Tomkins dropping back to a more
familiar centre half role.
The second change was the return of the club Captain Kevin Nolan who was
coming back after a three game suspension. He replaced Julien Faubert who it
was revealed later on had fallen ill the night before the game.
It was the usual 4-5-1 with Vaz Te on the left wing and Nicky Maynard up
front on his own.
A goal keeper was named on the bench for this one with Ruud Boffin in
reserve.
Managing Cardiff was former Hammer Malkay Mackay who played for the club in
our last stint in the Championship in 2004/05, playing 18 times and scoring
2 goals.
First Half
As games go, the first half was not very exciting and we went through the
motions just like we do in most of our away games. We never seemed troubled
but there was a very fine line between a 'professional' job and a 'shit'
display. If we went a goal down and lost this game by the odd goal then then
opinion of how we performed would differ greatly.
As it was we had a lot of the ball but did little with it in a game which
was being screened live on BBC 1. The reverse fixture at the very start of
the season was also televised on BBC with a Kenny Miller goal sinking us in
the last minute.
The away support were in full voice in our first venture to Wales and the
city of Cardiff since the 2006 FA Cup final. Apologies for reminding people
of that as I am sure it is still a difficult memory for many. If I look at
highlights I turn it off at half time and spend the following few hours
believing we won the FA Cup.
The first ten minutes saw little goal mouth action with Robert Green having
to tip away a deep cross into the area being the main event.
Cardiff tried their luck from range with Miller hitting a shot which went
wide of Robert Green's goal.
Our first chance of the game came on 16 minutes when an excellent cross from
Joey O'Brien found Jack Collison with time to hit a volley but it went well
over the bar. He had a lot of time to execute this better and will be
disappointed that he did not make the keeper work.
Two minutes later and another chance presented itself after some neat
passing saw Vaz Te drive through the middle with a chance for a shot
presenting itself but he put his effort way over the bar.
And another half chance would come two minutes later when Lansbury got down
the flank for Collison to cleverly nod the ball down for Nick Maynard to
take on the half volley but the former Bristol City man put his shot over
the bar.
We had begun to put pressure on the home side who were struggling to make
anything happen going forward. They were knocking it long for Gestede and
Miller but with Abdoulaye Faye in the type of form he was in it was an
impossible task for them to get the ball down.
Gestede was replaced after pulling up with what looked like a hamstring
injury. He was replaced by Haris Vukavic.
Cardiff were limited to long range efforts which did not trouble Green
despite a couple being struck quite well. We were attempting to get the ball
forward on the counter but the finishing was poor with Collison missing the
target after good work from the McCartney.
Abdoulaye Faye went down clutching his face after going up for a header with
I think Vukavic. The insinuation was that it was an arm in the face and
replays do show that although accidental the arm does connect with the face
of Faye. A free kick was given but no booking.
With two minutes remaining until half time and in the midst of perhaps our
worst spell of the half we conjured up a goal out of nothing.
A passing move looked as though it was about to break down but Collison kept
battling and the ball went through to Maynard who slipped a pass to Kevin
Nolan who opened up his body and calmly side footed past the keeper Marshall
to make it 1-0.
It was a really top finish from a player who has been doing this sort of
thing for most of his career and when you need someone to step up and find
that finish Kevin Nolan certainly deserves all the praise.
The half time whistle blew after two minutes of added on time and we would
go into the break very much the happier of the two sides.
Second Half
I was very much expecting Cardiff to fly out of the traps and look to put us
under pressure in the opening fifteen minutes of the half but it was the
opposite story as we had our best spell of the game and dominated the early
stages of the second period.
The first good chance came when Vaz Te broke the offside trap on the left
hand side and knocked the ball past the keeper but couldn't get to the ball
before the covering defender Hudson cleared.
A moment later we broke forward again with Vaz Te and the winger had Nolan
to his left and Maynard to his right as both had made good runs but his pass
to Nolan was over hit and extremely frustrating.
Collison played a pass through to Maynard who was one on one with the
defender but he took an age to make up his mind to what he wanted to do and
defenders got back but he still made space and had the chance to get the
shot in but it went just wide. He should have scored.
But the chance on the 56th minute was the one Maynard may have nightmares
about because simply put - as a striker this is one you have to put away.
It was gifted to him when Hudson inexplicably gave him the ball in the area
after an attempted header back to his own keeper and Maynard collected the
ball but his shot was well saved by the keeper who had rushed out to smother
the ball. This was a great chance and should have been a goal.
For some reason directly from the throw out from the keeper Cardiff got
themselves in a mess again as an under hit back pass to Marshall saw Maynard
go for the ball again but he fouled the keeper in the process.
A foul on Vaz Te saw a free kick put into the area but Noble and the ball
fell to Vaz Te who hit a shot which went high and wide.
We were dominant and should have been out of sight by the hour mark.
Jack Collison latched on to a pass from Maynard and got down the right, into
the area but instead of picking out Maynard or Nolan he thrashed the ball
across the goal with power which saw the ball go off for a throw in.
Nick Maynard was replaced on 63 minutes by Carlton Cole. Maynard had not
done badly but he had three really good chances in his time on the pitch and
was unconvincing in every single one.
We then went through a short period of struggle and were fortunate to come
back into the game. It was much like away at Birmingham on Boxing Day when
we had controlled the game but then just seemed to sit back and let them
back into the game.
A foul from Kevin Nolan around 25 yards from goal saw Cardiff come very
close to getting back on level terms. It was Peter Whittingham who took the
set piece and he curled it over the wall, beat Robert Green but not the
inside of the post and it was eventually cleared by O'Brien. A real let off.
I was getting a bit angry at this point as we really should have been done
and dusted some time before. I think as the pressure grows and we get closer
to the finish line I have this instant negativity that we will just fuck
everything up.
With fifteen minutes remaining Allardyce made his second change of the game
with Gary O'Neil coming on in place of Henri Lansbury.
Just two minutes later we scored the second goal and ended the match as a
contest.
Like the first goal it came out of nothing although this was a bit of
collectors item as it came from an unlikely source.
George McCartney was just inside their half when he decided to go on a run
forward and he battled his was through the challenges and hit a cross into
the box towards Cole only for the defender to get there first but the header
was only back to McCartney who hit a first time right footed shot between
defender and goal keeper to make it 2-0.
It was McCartney's second goal for the club with his first coming way back
in 2007 against Bolton Wanderers.
We did little else from an attacking perspective for the remainder of the
game with Cole looking awkward and not really with it. He did manage to have
a shot on goal when he made space for himself but his shot lacked any power
and could have mistaken for a pass back.
Two added minutes were awarded and in the third of those (yes you read
correctly) Cardiff nearly pulled one back when a corner was met by the head
of Miller but it was superbly pushed onto the cross bar by Robert Green.
The final whistle went immediately after and our trip to Wales would prove
to be a memorable one.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
He was not troubled at all in the first half and most of the saves he made
in the second were fairly routine barring the last moment of the game when
his save from point blank range ensured his second clean sheet in as many
games.
Joey O'Brien
A strong all round display from O'Brien who was consistant throughout. He
got forward well, put in a couple of decent crosses and was fearless in the
tackle.
James Tomkins
Slotted back into the centre half role with no problem at all (not that I
really thought he would have any) and had a fairly easy afternoon. Made some
good interceptions and communicated well with his fellow centre half and the
keeper.
Abdoulaye Faye
A beast of a man and beast of a performance. Dominated the Cardiff forwards
in the air and on the ground. Always first to the ball and I don't recall
him make many fouls at all. A really top display.
George McCartney
I had only said at half time that I thought he was having a good game but
never did I think he would turn into Lionel Messi for a moment. His run
forward was great but the finish for the goal on his weaker foot was
sublime.
Jack Collison
A passenger for most of the game and at half time I hadn't been too
impressed with what I had seen. Saying that, he did have two attempts in the
first half as he showed he is a midfielder who likes to get into the area
but when everyone is fit, does Jack Collison get into our first team?
Mark Noble
Wonderful display again from Noble who just controlled the midfield. He
passed, he moved, he tackled, he kept the ball, and he turned a committed,
tidy and effective performance.
Kevin Nolan
Like Noble he was bossing the midfield at times and his bit of class saw him
pick up his 8th goal of the season - only one behind top scorer Cole. He
battled, he didn't hide and this was arguably his best performance for the
club.
Henri Lansbury
Like Collison he was a bit non existent. Offered little, did little and I
believe we have seen little quality from him at any stage. I'd argue that he
is no better than Gary O'Neil.
Ricardo Vaz Te
More hot air from Vaz Te who I am hoping will get better. His decision
making is poor, he doesn't cross the ball despite playing on the wing and
his shooting is horrendous on this evidence.
Nicky Maynard
He was a threat throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch but he should have
scored at least once and it was disappointing that he failed to take any of
his golden chances.
Subs Used
Carlton Cole (on for Maynard 63 mins)
Looked slow, ungainly, clumsy, failed to hold the ball up and made the wrong
choice of run nearly every time.
Gary O'Neil (on for Lansbury 75 mins)
I do apologise but I can't recall him being on the ball at all. I'm totally
blank. He came on and we scored two minutes later, so I'll conclude this was
a good choice of substitution.
Subs Not Used: Boffin, Potts, Baldock
Bookings : None
Man Of The Match: Mark Noble
Cardiff City : Marshall, McNaughton, Turner, Hudson, Taylor, Cowie,
Whittingham, Gunnarsson, Mason, Miller, Gestede
Subs: Heaton, Blake, Kiss, Conway, Vuckic
Attendance: 23, 872
Overall
Having watched Southampton come out with a 1-0 victory at Leeds yesterday I
was a bit worried when I looked at the table. Even though we have the game
in hand it is not great to see when you think we had a five point lead not
so long ago.
But this result has convinced me we will be promoted this season. Yes, I
know it is a bit of stretch that just one result can convince me of this but
I am very confident that we will be playing Premiership football next
season.
Obviously the next two games will tell us a lot but I have confidence that
we will grind out enough wins to see us over the line.
Next Game - Watford (h) Wednesday 7th March 7.45pm Kick Off
The last time we played Watford was back in August when they were taught a
footballing lesson and beaten 4-0. They have improved greatly over the
season and I have been very impressed with manager Sean Dyce who seems to
have been able to carry on where Malkay Mckay left and they are certainly
not an easy side to beat.
With this and then Doncaster on Saturday we have the chance to really assert
ourselves at the top and although games against Birmingham, Middlesbrough
and Reading will of course be important, these two games could see us break
away further.
A positive mantra is what I am taking into the final two months of the
season. I would hope that after today I am not the only one.
The View From Sam
"Kevin Nolan is a midfielder goalscorer, he's not a midfielder playmaker,"
"He puts himself in very dangerous positions in the box and finds the
quality and the finish in the box that's basically only afforded to the top
centre-forwards.
"I do think he made a difference today. The players have done terrifically
well while he's been missing through suspension, but he's a big player for
us and he showed that today.
"As a manager, everybody wants the big players fit and playing.
"(It was) a fantastic goal on the end of a real good performance. He showed
the centre-forwards how to do it, 'This is how to score lads, come on, get
your act together.'
"They still didn't learn from that because they kept missing some sitters in
the second half, but the quality of the finish means that the goalkeeper got
taken by surprise."
"We had missed a couple of chances before that, and then Kevin pops up with
a superb finish. It took David Marshall by surprise because he expected
Kevin to hit it first time, but he delayed slightly and put the goalkeeper
off - that's the talent of the man.
"We could have got a couple more just after half time, so Cardiff were still
in it but our back-four were terrific, especially our two central defenders.
And although Robert Green didn't have a lot to do, he was there when it
mattered in stoppage time by touching a header onto the bar.
"All round it was a very satisfying afternoon, especially with our full-back
George McCartney getting a goal. He hasn't done that for a number of years
so he'll enjoy the trip home.
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Red Cards
Carlton Cole - 9 (9 League)
Kevin Nolan - 8 (8 League)
Mark Noble - 7 (7 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Jack Collison - 3 (3 League)
Winston Reid - 2 (2 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frank Nouble - 1 (1 League)
Nicky Maynard - 1 (1 League)
Ricardo Vaz Te - 1 (1 League)
Gary O'Neil - 1 (1 League)
George McCartney - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
Kevin Nolan - 1 (vs Millwall home)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (vs Southampton home)
Robert Green - 1 (vs Blackpool away)
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Cardiff City Pay Back!
March 5th, 2012 - 4:07 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
I cannot say just how much I enjoyed yesterday's win down in sunny Cardiff.
It was certainly nice to dish out some 'pay back' for that disappointing
late 0-1 defeat back in August. I well remember Sam Allardyce, back in the
summer, stressing the initial difficulties in picking up a relegated club
and putting together a new team; as well as his confident prediction that
West Ham would be a far better team by the end of the season. Today showed
that Allardyce is proving to be as good as his word. He has implanted
organisation, defensive capability, sheer hard work and a good team spirit
in the squad. What a total contrast to the shambolic mess that we endured
last season. Like or loath Sam Allardyce's pragmatic approach to the game,
the fact is he is a ' proper' football manager, who is creating a far more
professional set up at the club. Again, contrast that with the weak and
vacillating management last season, which was probably the single, decisive
factor in our relegation.
Yes, I would prefer to see a brilliant 1981 type promotion campaign, but 'we
are where we are.' We need to just get on with it and secure automatic
promotion the best way that we can. We have the strongest squad in the
Championship and one that is increasingly playing as a good collective unit.
If we build upon the structure that Allardyce is putting in place, adding
extra PL quality to the existing squad, we can make a successful transition
back to the PL. It is about evolution next season and building upon those
firm foundations, not tearing the current squad apart and creating another
huge dislocation.
Congratulations to Kevin Nolan for playing a superb Captain's game
yesterday. His influence on the pitch is immense and his ability to score
from midfield vital. He showed that yet again with that excellent strike to
put us 0-1 up. How long has it been since we have had a midfielder with
that type of potency in front of goal? The last prolific midfield goal
scorer at the club was probably Frank Lampard Jnr! Those type of
midfielders are worth their weight in gold. Furthermore, Nolan has proven
that he can do the business in the PL and can be an asset next season. What
would be interesting was if we could adopt a formation that would allow us
to play Nolan 'in the hole' or a similarly advanced position, to maximise
his threat in the final third?
Faye was also superb today. He is a fantastic defender, whose positioning
and timing is first class. Optimistically, Faye may have another PL season
in him as a first choice defender. More realistically, if we are promoted
next season, at best he will be experienced squad back up. If the latter
is the case, then we will need to find another, similarly, strong,
physically imposing and dominant defender to play alongside Tomkins or Reid.
Obviously finding a defender of that quality is the trick. Someone like
Chris Samba, who could pick up where perhaps Fayre leaves off .
Another player that could be in the same category is George McCartney.
There is little doubt that he has done a sterling job this season. Nor do I
doubt that he will be in the squad next season. But left-back might be a
position that we will be forced to reinforce next season? I am quite
agnostic on that question, but we need to remember that the demands on
players are different at PL level. The ideal solution, of course, would be
for McCartney to start next season and give Danny Potts time to come through
and make the position his own. Potts has the potential, but will he
progress quickly enough for next season?
I have always been a fan of Mark Noble and have supported his claims
through good and bad times. Noble has the tools to succeed and can really
build upon his performances this season. His commitment, energy and passing
ability has been outstanding. Similarly, I retain a belief in Jack
Collison's ability. His progress has been set back by an extremely bad
injury and lay off. Subsequently, Jack has struggled to get back on top
form. However, what you cannot criticise is his commitment and application,
even while not playing at his best. Against Cardiff City he worked
tirelessly, along with Noble and Henri Lansbury, to win the midfield battle.
Collison will get back on course and he will be a major asset.
Of our January signings, Maynard looks very pacy and sharp in the final
third. He did very well playing Nolan in for the first goal and worked
tirelessly up front. Vaz Te did a lot of covering and defensive work
yesterday. I think that he is a player with a lot of potential, who needs
to be handled correctly and encouraged to think about his game and improve
his decision-making on the pitch. Again, he could become a squad asset if we
can harness his positive attributes and help him improve. And a quick word
on Ravel Morrison. No one doubts his natural ability, the question marks
are on his attitude and readiness to concentrate upon his football. If
anyone can harness the lad's talent, then Sam Allardyce can. Certainly,
looking at his u-tube clips he looks a top class midfielder, who could
potentially bring the 'high end' technical skills and creativity that we
have lacked since Yossi Benayoun's exit. Fingers crossed!
My lingering memory of yesterday's game is Kenny Miller prostrate, at the
final whistle, having gone so close to scoring in the final minute of extra
time! They say what goes around, comes around! Indeed, it would seem so.
Regardless, the priority now must be avoid any repeat of the Crystal Palace
result in the back-to-back home fixtures this week against Watford and
Doncaster Rovers. The bottom line is six points and an improved goal
difference going in to the away match at Leeds Utd. Ruthlessness must be
the order of the day.
Finally, did anyone see the documentary on the goings on at QPR over the
last four seasons or so? Perhaps our ownership regime is not so bad after
all!
SJ. Chandos.
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Cardiff 0-2 West Ham: Daily Mirror match report
Published 21:28 04/03/12 By Phil Cadden
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce reckons West Ham cashed in on meeting promotion rivals Cardiff
at the perfect time. While Hammers boss Allardyce took his squad off to
Dubai for a five-day sunshine break, their exhausted opponents underwent 120
minutes of rollercoaster emotions in the Carling Cup final penalty shoot-out
defeat by -Liverpool at Wembley. The fatigue was evident for Cardiff as
goals from Kevin Nolan and George McCartney closed the gap on Championship
leaders Southampton to a single point. And Allardyce believes his men were
fortunate to tackle the -Bluebirds in such a -physically draining condition.
"The two teams had total opposite build-ups and I think that told in the
end," said Big Sam. "The tempo and momentum that Cardiff tried to achieve
perhaps wasn't there because of the huge amount of effort their players
exerted physically and mentally in the Carling Cup final. "In this game a
bit of luck is always needed. "Did we get Cardiff at the right time?
-Probably, yes. But we took full -advantage. I'm really pleased with the
result. It's a big one for us."
West Ham skipper Nolan, who returned from a -three-match suspension, led by
example with the opener on 43 minutes. Cardiff's Aron Gunnarsson lost
possession deep in his own half and a pass from Nicky Maynard found Nolan to
curl the ball -beautifully past David Marshall into the bottom corner.
"Kevin scored a fantastic goal on the back of a top performance," purred
Allardyce. "The only worry for me was the fact we hadn't seen the game off
earlier considering the number of chances we created. "Everyone knows we
should have won by more. "But Kevin showed the centre-forwards how to do it.
"The quality of his finish means the goalkeeper was taken by surprise. The
ball was coming on his right foot down the left channel, but he's hit it
first time and bent the ball into the bottom corner before the keeper could
even dive. "Kevin has a great track record of being a midfield goalscorer.
It was an important goal for us just before half-time."
Despite the off-colour display, Peter Whittingham came within a coat of
paint of equalising. But the Cardiff midfield ace saw his 25-yard free-kick
cannon off the inside of Robert Green's left-hand post. Then a rare strike
by McCartney sealed it for West Ham with 13 minutes left. The Northern
Ireland full-back celebrated his 300th game for the club in style when he
capitalised on a weak clearance by Ben Turner to guide the ball home for
just the second goal of his career - and his first since November 2007.
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay, whose side now lie in eighth spot, said: "We
didn't have the luxury of changing too many players as we have a very small
squad. "Playing extra-time against a Premier League team in a cup final
probably meant it was the time to play us, but that's no excuse. "I think
the defeat came down to decision-making rather than physical -exertion. I'm
-disappointed with the goals. "The first goal was incredibly sloppy. We lost
possession in a poor area and
the goal knocked our confidence. "We have a young and -inexperienced group,
and at points of the season they will find it tough. But we're all desperate
to get into the play-off places."
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Rejuvenated Nolan reduces Cardiff to running on empty
Cardiff City 0 West Ham United 2
PHIL CADDEN CARDIFF CITY STADIUM MONDAY 05 MARCH 2012
The Independent
Sam Allardyce believes West Ham United's superior freshness proved decisive
after his automatic promotion hopefuls overcame weary rivals Cardiff City
yesterday. When the West Ham manager took his squad off to Dubai for a
five-day sunshine break last week, their exhausted opponents underwent 120
minutes of roller-coaster emotions before eventually succumbing in the
Carling Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool at Wembley.
The fatigue was noticeably evident for Cardiff on their return to league
duty as goals in either half from Kevin Nolan and George McCartney closed
the gap between West Ham and Championship leaders Southampton to just one
point.
Allardyce said: "The two teams had total opposite build-ups and I think that
told in the end. The tempo and momentum that Cardiff tried to achieve
perhaps wasn't there because of the huge amount of effort their players
exerted physically and mentally in the Carling Cup final. In this game a bit
of luck is always needed."
Nolan, the West Ham captain, who returned from a three-match suspension, led
by example with the opener on 43 minutes. Aron Gunnarsson conceded
possession deep in his own half and Nolan curled the ball beautifully past
Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall into the bottom corner.
Despite the off-colour display, Peter Whittingham almost levelled for the
home side in the second period, but the Cardiff midfielder saw his 25-yard
free-kick cannon off Robert Green's left-hand post before a rare strike by
McCartney sealed maximum points for the visitors with 13 minutes remaining.
The Northern Ireland full-back celebrated his 300th game for the club in
style when he capitalised on a weak clearance by Ben Turner to guide the
ball home for just his second goal of his career.
The Cardiff manager, Malky Mackay, whose side now lie in eighth spot, said:
"We didn't have the luxury of changing too many players as we have a very
small squad."
Cardiff City (4-4-2): Marshall; McNaughton, Hudson, Turner, Taylor; Mason,
Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Cowie; Miller, Gestede (Vuckic, 35). Substitutes
not used Heaton (gk), Kiss, Conway, Blake.
West Ham United (4-5-1): Green; O'Brien, Tomkins, Faye, McCartney; Collison,
Noble, Lansbury (O'Neil, 75), Vaz Te; Nolan, Maynard (Cole, 63). Substitutes
not used Boffin (gk), Potts, Baldock.
Referee C Foy (Lancashire).
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Cardiff City 0 West Ham United 2: match report
Telegraph.co.uk
By Graham Clutton8:27PM GMT 04 Mar 2012
Having seen Southampton steal a march with victory at Leeds United on
Saturday evening, so West Ham provided a timely response that suggests the
race for this season Championship is far from over. Goals from the
effervescent Kevin Nolan and fullback George McCartney took the Hammers to
within a point of the league leaders, with a game in hand. On the evidence
of this supremely competent performance against last week's Carling Cup
finalists, Sam Allardyce's side look a decent bet to live up to their
pre-season billing as title favourites. For Cardiff, it was another tale of
woe. Having been beaten on penalties by Liverpool at Wembley seven days
previous, they suffered a fourth defeat in their last five league games to
find themselves out of the top six for the first time in a long time. Four
points out of a possible 18 is hardly the form of play-off candidates. No
worries on that score for Allardyce who was quick to praise his side's
persistence on a day when a plethora of chances went begging. Nicky Maynard,
Ricardo Vaz Te and Jack Collison were all guilty of shooting high and wide
of the target before Nolan sidefooted Maynard's 42nd minute pass into David
Marshall's far corner. McCartney, better known for preventing rather than
scoring goals, popped up 14 minutes from time to make sure of the points
with only the second goal of his professional career. Allardyce said; ""The
only worry for me was that we had not seen the game off 15 minutes into the
second half. "In the end, we had to rely on our left back to finish the game
off with a right foot volley. Mind you, he did that pretty well. "Overall,
I'm pleased. I thought we were very, very good today and the win gives us a
great platform going into Wednesday's game against Watford."
Peter Whittingham came closest for Cardiff, with a 68th minute free kick
that struck the post, but there were clear signs of a Wembley hangover as
Malky Mackay's side huffed and puffed for the best part of 90 minutes. There
were no excuses from Mackay, who claimed that his side had put Wembley
behind them. "It wasn't on our minds," said Mackay. Maybe so, but his team
will need to play with greater care and attention if they are to reach the
play-offs for a third time in as many years.
"I'm disappointed with the goals we lost," he added. "Look at the first
goal. You can't afford to lose possession where we did against a side like
that. I think it knocked our confidence. "We came back well in the second
half and had our chances, but the second goal was obviously a real blow."
West Ham could have been three goals to the good before Cardiff had launched
an attack of note. Unfortunately, for the visitors, a collection of wayward
finishes and a lack of composure in the final third could have proven
costly. In the end, it took a cool finish from Nolan, three minutes before
the interval to set the Hammers on their way to a 19th victory of the
season. Maynard and Vaz Te were both guilty, once again, of spurning
opportunities in the opening minutes of the second half, but after
Whittingham had struck the woodwork, McCartney charged down the left and
eventually beat Marshall with an unlikely volley with his weaker foot.
Match details
Cardiff City (4-4-2): D Marshall; K McNaughton, M Hudson (capt), B Turner, A
Taylor; D Cowie, A Gunnarsson, P Whittingham, J Mason; K Miller, R Gestede
(H Vuckic 34)
West Ham United (4-4-2): R Green; J O'Brien, J Tomkins, A Faye, G McCartney;
H Lansbury (G O'Neill 74), K Nolan (capt), M Noble, J Collison; N Maynard (C
Cole 63), R Vaz Te
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside)
Attendance: 23,872
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Chelsea sack Villas-Boas: Pardew compares spell to his time at West Ham
London 24
Sunday, March 4, 2012
6:54 PM
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hit out at the Chelsea players for
getting manager Andre Villas-Boas sacked. The Portuguese manager, who was in
charge of Porto before replacing Carlo Ancelotti as Blues boss in the
summer, lost his job today (Sunday) after falling three points behind fourth
placed Arsenal with a 1-0 defeat at West Brom. The Magpies boss compared the
sacking with his spell with West Ham. Pardew spent just over three years
with the Hammers, guiding them back into the Premier League before he was
dismissed in 2006 and he revealed what went on during his early days at
Upton Park. "I've been in it because I was at West Ham when I inherited a
lot of senior pros who had just got relegated," Pardew said. "They made it
difficult for me and one or two of them have apologised since, and so they
should. "I hope one day that perhaps that happens to that manager
[Villas-Boas] because he deserves perhaps a better turn that he has had."
Roberto Di Matteo has been placed in temporary charge at Stamford Bridge.
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