Daily WHUFC News - 12th November 2012

Nolan's perfect return
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was West Ham United's match-winner on his return to Newcastle United
11.11.2012

Kevin Nolan capped a memorable return to Newcastle United by shooting West Ham United to a fantastic 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over the Magpies at St James' Park. The former Newcastle captain and present-day Hammers skipper was in the right place at the right time yet again to score the only goal of the game at the stadium he once called home. Nolan, who spent three seasons on Tyneside between 2008 and 2011, was afforded a hero's welcome by the home fans and responded in kind by not celebrating his 38th-minute winner. The No4 was just one of 14 West Ham heroes on Sunday, with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, centre-back Winston Reid and midfielder Mohamed Diame catching the eye with superbly resilient displays. In truth, however, every Hammers layer earned their crust by keeping at bay a Newcastle team that finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League last season. Nolan and his team-mates are now up to sixth themselves and the skipper has admitted to having lofty ambitions in a claret and blue shirt. "It was the perfect scenario for me, of course," admitted Nolan. "You always wish to score goals. It was quite emotional when I did score a goal because I had a little moment just after it. I was never going to celebrate and I never will [celebrate against them] and I would never do that to West Ham if I ever move on because of the support I received when I was here. "I'm just delighted for us because we got the three points and it moves us further up the table and it keeps us in the mix. "You've got to expect that [Newcastle were going to put us under pressure in the second half] because they are a team with fantastic players. They had some fantastic players out [suspended] and we knew we had to capitalise on that and I think we did. "We hung on and credit to the lads because we've got a lot of grit and determination. I'm delighted to lead them every week. It was a fantastic away win - our second of the season - and we just need to keep building on this very solid start that we've made."

West Ham were stretched to the limit on Sunday, not just by Alan Pardew's side but by the loss of Matt Jarvis, Yossi Benayoun and George McCartney to injury during the game. Substitutes Modibo Maiga, Gary O'Neil and Guy Demel performed to such a high level, however, that nobody would have known the difference. The club's summer signings were also to the fore, with goalkeeper Jaaskelainen recording a Barclays Premier League-leading fifth clean sheet, Diame everywhere and Andy Carroll leading the line with typical power. "We knew that we had a big enough squad. What both Chairmen did in bringing in new players and backing the gaffer was fantastic. They were trying from day one that we got back in pre-season to get the players in and I think it's showing.
"Hopefully, if we can steer clear of too many injuries, we're aiming to stick around that top ten and have a comfortable season and hopefully build on that.
"When I came up with Newcastle I spoke about getting them back to where they belong and it's the same with West Ham - getting into Europe and then back to the top end of the table. With the support and plans we've got, that's where we should be aiming for - the same success that Newcastle have achieved."

For Nolan, it was a memorable day for so many reasons. The midfielder had also skippered Newcastle to the Championship title in 2010 before helping the Magpies to re-establish themselves as a Barclays Premier League club. The Toon Army showed their respect for Nolan's achievements in a black and white shirt by applauding him before, during and after the game. "It was a bit emotional when I first walked in," said the West Ham captain. "I was a bit emotional because the reception they gave me was unbelievable. I had a fantastic time here [at St James' Park]. "I loved everything everything about this club when I was here and I still do. I have fond memories and many friends and family enjoyed it up here. My little boy is a Geordie. "I thought it was a fantastic performance from us. I was delighted to get the goal and just delighted with how the day went. I would like to thank the Newcastle fans for the fantastic support they gave me while I was here and for the reception they gave me on Sunday. "Obviously I could not have asked to have gone to a better club than West Ham for the following we have got and the commitment they have shown, so I'm delighted to be at another wonderful club. Hopefully I can do as well for them as I did up here."

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Hendo's high praise
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon was delighted to see his West Ham United Under-21 side secure a stunning 2-1 win at Arsenal
11.11.2012

Ian Hendon had nothing but praise for his young side after they clinched a superb 87th-minute win against Arsenal at London Colney on Friday afternoon. Rob Hall opened the scoring from the restart, running through the entire Arsenal team before firing past Wojciech Szczesny. Serge Gnabry looked to have salvaged a point for the Gunners but much to the delight of Hendon, Paul McCallum headed home with three minutes remaining. 'The Arsenal side we played are very much like the first team, they keep the ball well and if you get carried away going forward they will punish you on the counter. "They did it to our first team a few weeks ago but the lads stayed focused throughout the 90 minutes and despite conceding late on we stuck together and hit back to earn a fantastic win."
Last week ended in disappointment for the Development Squad as they lost 3-0 against Reading but Hendon praised his side's response. "We did not go overboard about the result last week because they had some senior players who performed very well. I was not disappointed and it was a little bit of a learning curve. 'This week we worked very hard on how we wanted to play against Arsenal, we needed to be compact, together and focused and we did just that."

At all levels Arsenal are renowned for their attacking prowess but Hendon's side absorbed the pressure well and limited their creativity. "They have only got in behind our defence once and Raphael Spiegel was equal to it and did his job. In the first-half they hit the post but apart from that and the goal we coped very well. 'They had a very good amount of possession but we stopped them from creating hardly any openings so it was a job well done from our team."

Hall scored a sensational opener straight from kick-off in the second half but such is Hendon's faith in the striker that he was not surprised by the quality of his strike. "We encourage the team to get at their opponents from the kick-off and Rob Hall has ran from the halfway line and scored, but that it what he has in his locker - he is a match winner. "Our defending was also very good. We defended from the front and all of our attacking players knew their defensive responsibilities and carried them out to a tee."

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Sam Allardyce: West Ham must maintain 'outstanding' start
BBC.co.uk

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce hailed his team's "outstanding" start to the season but warned his players not to bask in the glory. Kevin Nolan's goal gave the Hammers a 1-0 victory at Newcastle that moves them up to sixth in the Premier League in their first season since promotion. Allardyce told BBC Sport: "A newly-promoted side picking up 18 points from 11 games is outstanding. "But we need to make sure we don't switch off and take life too easy now." Nolan's first-half strike against his former club gave West Ham their fifth league win of the season and followed an impressive 0-0 home draw with defending champions Manchester City. But Allardyce wants his side to stay focussed ahead of a run in which they play Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in successive games. "We've done a great job up to now, drawing with Manchester City and beating Newcastle," said Allardyce. "Let's hope we can keep picking up points against the big boys."

West Ham's margin of victory could have been even greater if Andy Carroll had converted a late chance to open his Hammers account against his former club.
After exchanging passes with Nolan, Carroll's side-footed shot was saved one-handed by Magpies keeper Tim Krul. "Andy Carroll is disappointed he didn't score but it was a really good save," added Allardyce. "He wants to get off the mark with that goal but he's our target man and that partnership with Nolan is outstanding. "That's five Nolan has in 11 games. He gets the attacks flowing and reads the situation brilliantly in the box - he always seems to be in the right place at the right time."

West Ham's latest victory came in spite of losing three players - Matt Jarvis, Yossi Benayoun and George McCartney - to injury during the match. Allardyce said McCartney's groin problem was the most serious of the three, but expects to have all three fit for their home fixture against Stoke on 19 November.

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Newcastle 0 West Ham 1
Nolan 37′
FT 90 +6
HT 0-1

11 November 2012
Last updated at 17:36
By Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport

Kevin Nolan's first-half goal against his former club proved enough to see off a lacklustre Newcastle and propel West Ham into the top six. Nolan ghosted in at the far post to turn in Joey O'Brien's mis-hit shot. Newcastle were denied an equaliser when the officials ruled that goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had prevented Demba Ba's header from crossing the line. Former Magpie Andy Carroll could have given West Ham breathing space but Tim Krul pulled off a fine one-handed save. The home side's performance was so lacking in precision or passion that a 2-0 scoreline would hardly have flattered the upwardly mobile Hammers. And the result will bring immense satisfaction to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, who last week described his sacking by the Magpies after 24 games in 2008 as one of the lowest points in his career.

In their first season back in the Premier League, the Hammers were comfortable victors - despite losing three players to injury - and, in the tireless Nolan, had comfortably the best player on the pitch. Indeed, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew's pre-match suggestion that he would welcome Nolan and Carroll back to St James' Park looked entirely justified in a blunt attacking display in which striker Papiss Cisse and his half-time replacement Shola Ameobi were particularly ineffective.

"It is West Ham's day, Sam Allardyce's day and Kevin Nolan's day. Big disappointment for Newcastle, but West Ham now have 18 points from 11 games back in the Premier League and that is a more than satisfactory return."

An opening 30 minutes low on quality and goalmouth action was characterised by misplaced passes and mistimed challenges. Both sides were forced into an early change. First, Newcastle captain Jonas Gutierrez came off worst in a 50-50 tackle with Yossi Benayoun, then West Ham winger Matt Jarvis made way for Mali forward Modibo Maiga. Carroll, whose every touch for Liverpool was booed when the sides met in April, received a noticeably less hostile reception from the fans who used to revere him.

In the context of a dire game, West Ham's opener was as unexpected as it was welcome for the neutral. A cross aimed at Carroll was headed as far as O'Brien on the right and the full-back's shot was turned in by Nolan. The Hammers midfielder, who declined to perform his trademark chicken dance celebration against his old club, could have doubled the lead moments later but he sliced his left-footed shot wide from the edge of the box. Newcastle's rally, which began before the break with half-chances for Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye, almost brought the equaliser within a minute of the restart.

Ba's powerful header bounced awkwardly in front of Jaaskelainen, who clawed the ball back from the goal-line. Newcastle's players were convinced the ball had crossed the line but inconclusive replays appeared to justify the officials' decision not to award a goal. The Magpies continued to press forward but their play lacked subtlety in the final third. Most of the home side's best chances came from corners, with half-time substitute Shola Ameobi wasting a free header from Cabaye's perfect delivery. Newcastle's commitment to attack was always likely to leave gaps at the back and when Carroll capitalised on a defensive mix-up to exchange passes with Nolan, the former Geordie favourite found himself clean through on goal. Carroll's slight hesitation, however, gave Krul time to set himself and pull off an excellent stop with his outstretched left hand.

The hosts' desperation for an equaliser saw Krul sent up for a late corner, but the Hammers held on for their first win at St James' Park since October 1998.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: "We are kicking ourselves. It was the West Ham performance we knew we were going to get but what we lacked was the verve and imagination to unlock them. "We had eight or nine shots but none with any purpose or quality. Newcastle at home must score one, two, three or maybe 4 and we got none today. "It's nothing to do with our European game - we made lots of changes and the team was fresh - but we didn't do ourselves justice in the first 30 minutes. We didn't come alive until they scored and that is not good enough. "We've got a home game [against Swansea] next week and we're under pressure to produce a performance and win."

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Newcastle Utd 0 West Ham Utd 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th November 2012
By: Staff Writer

Captain fantastic Kevin Nolan was on hand once again to score the only goal of the game as West Ham secured their first win at St James' Park this century.
Over the years St James' Park has rarely been a happy hunting ground for West Ham; prior to today it had been 14 years since United recorded a victory in Newcastle - a day when goals from Ian Wright (2) and Trevor Sinclair gave the Hammers a 3-0 win. But Sam Allardyce's 2012 squad repeated that feat with a performance that whilst perhaps lacking in quality could not be criticised for a lack of commitment. Today's win - a victory that came as a result of Nolan's 38th-minute close-range effort - was the fifth time already this season that West Ham had kept a clean sheet. And this game - combined with the goalless draw against reigning champions Manchester City last weekend - made a mockery of the suggestion that United's frailties would be exposed by the division's stronger teams.

Whilst the team's confidence has clearly been given a major boost by early wins against teams perceived to be the weaker amongst the Premier League elite, there is no doubt that Sam Allardyce, pilloried unfairly by some sections of the media this season is getting the very best out of his players. Today's back four was the same as that which often lined up in the Championship last season - yet George McCartney, Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins and Winstofn Reid looked just as comfortable against Newcastle today as they had against the likes of Doncaster and Millwall last term. Today's win was especially sweet for manager Allardyce, who having masterminded West Ham's instant return to the top flight in his first year at the Boleyn Ground claimed all three points from a club who fired him after just seven months in charge back in 2008.

And former Geordie favourite Andy Carroll - who whilst still yet to score for the Hammers produced another effective performance - will no doubt be wearing a wry smile tonight after returning home to London victorious after being booed all afternoon. However it was left to another former Newcastle employee to score the goal that secured the win for West Ham, who now rise to sixth in the league as a result of today's win.

Having produced a solid first half performance in which they stymied Newcastle's attacking notions by defending high up the pitch a counter attack gave Joey O'Brien - who is yet to finish on the losing side in a West Ham shirt this season - the opportunity to fire at goal. The full-back dragged his effort wide of its intended target but Nolan, exhibiting that uncanny knack of accurately predicting where the ball would land stuck out a foot at the far post to divert the ball into an empty net.

Newcastle's protestations of offside were (correctly) ignored by official Mike Dean who, thankfully, had little impact on the game. After the break the home side were far more adventurous, but had the returning Carroll taken his chance when put through by his skipper with only goalkeeper Tim Krul to beat West Ham may have been able to face the last fifteen minutes with rather less anxiety than was eventually the case. But with Jussi Jaaskelainen rolling back the years with a string of important saves there was to be no way through for the home side - even if former Hammer Demba Ba may have had a case when his header appeared to be clawed back from behind the line by the Finnish stopper right at the start of the second half.

Just as every silver lining has a cloud, so it was the case again today when Allardyce saw three more players potentially added to his lengthening injury list. Matt Jarvis (hip), Yossi Benayoun (knee) and George McCartney (groin) all sustained injuries of varying degrees and were forced off the field. However that will be a concern for another day; today will be enjoyed equally by the players, the club's staff and especially the travelling supporters who faced a 300-mile return journey to London safe in the knowledge that today's win had seen them leapfrog Fulham, Arsenal and Tottenham in the Barclay's Premier League.

Match Facts: Newcastle United 0-1 West Ham United

West Ham United: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Joey O'Brien, Winston Reid, James Tomkins, George McCartney (Guy Demel 66), Yossi Benayoun (Gary O'Neil 52), Mohamed Diame, Mark Noble, Matthew Jarvis (Modibo Maiga 34), Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll.

Subs not used: Raphael Spiegel, Carlton Cole, James Collins, Robert Hall.

Goals: Kevin Nolan (38).

Booked: Mark Noble (45), Joey O'Brien (61).

Possession: 48%.

Shots on/off target: 10 - 5/5.

Newcastle United: Tim Krul, Danny Simpson (Gabriel Obertan 79), Steven Taylor, Mike Williamson, Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez (Vurnon Anita 24), Shane Ferguson, Papiss Cisse (Shola Ameobi 46), Demba Ba.

Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Sylvain Marveaux, Romain Amalfitano, Gael Bigirimana.

Booked: Hatem Ben Arfa (76).

Possession: 52%.

Shots on/off target: 14 - 9/5.

Referee: Mike Dean .

Attendance: 51,855.

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce delighted with away win at Newcastle
Last Updated: November 11, 2012 8:51pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hailed his team's great performance after their 1-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday. Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the game just before half-time and the Hammers held on to go sixth in the Premier League - much to the delight of their manager. "It's a fantastic victory for us and a second away win," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "With Newcastle being one of the top six boys these days after last season it put some pressure on us. "I said to the lads, it's a great time to come here as they played midweek on Thursday in Europe and I experienced it myself at Bolton that the hardest game to win is the next one. "That gave us an opportunity here today and we took the opportunity with both hands. "It was a great performance and a great three points from us away from home, especially after losing three players through injury. I couldn't ask any more from the players today." Allardyce reserved particular praise for Nolan who again showed his remarkable ability to pop up with crucial goals for the Hammers. "That's five he's got now and the enormity of Kevin's goal record for us means he's our top scorer," added Allardyce. "Our frontmen are not really scoring at the minute but we're sharing the goals out. "And the way he played off Andy is what I liked the most. He really does sustain the attacks by holding the possession up. "He read the situation well in the box. It's a tap-in but you've got to be there and Kevin always seems to get in the box at the right time."

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Kevin Nolan was the hero for West Ham as his goal sealed a 1-0 win over former club Newcastle
Last Updated: November 11, 2012 10:02pm
SSN

Kevin Nolan enjoyed a happy return to Newcastle as he sealed a 1-0 win for West Ham that sent the east Londoners into the Premier League top six. The former Magpies midfielder scored shortly before the break, but Sam Allardyce's side were grateful for some wasteful attacking play from Newcastle as they failed to find an equaliser at St James' Park. Jussi Jaaskelainen almost gifted the hosts an early goal when he dwelled too long on a backpass, but he was rescued by Papiss Cisse's mistimed challenge, while at the other end Nolan's acrobatic attempt was deflected wide. West Ham enjoyed plenty of possession as the subdued hosts struggled to settle, although the Londoners lacked attacking punch and Yossi Benayoun lashed well wide.

Best of the match

Man of the match: Kevin Nolan popped up with the crucial goal as he so often does.
Save of the match: Demba Ba's header looked to have produced the equaliser but Jussi Jaaskelainen saved brilliantly.
Talking point: Did Newcastle do enough to pressure West Ham in a limp display?

Newcastle offered little invention themselves and appealed hopefully for a penalty when Mike Williamson was knocked off balance by George McCartney in the box. But a scrappy encounter was ignited by Newcastle old boy Nolan in the 37th minute as he turned in Joey O'Brien's low shot at the back post with the home side appealing in vain for offside. Nolan almost struck again soon afterwards, curling just over the top corner, while the Magpies finally threatened as Shane Ferguson's shot was blocked before Hatem Ben Arfa's drive was deflected into the side-netting. Demba Ba thought he had scored shortly after the restart until Jaaskelainen somehow clawed the striker's towering header off the line. Ba again tried to beat the Finn and his low shot drifted wide, but West Ham remained a threat as Mohamed Diame scooped over and Gary O'Neil nodded at Tim Krul. There was little respite for either defence as substitute Shola Ameobi headed wide and Ben Arfa tested Jaaskelainen, while Krul then had to save superbly to deny a clean-through Carroll. The home faithful were becoming increasingly agitated and they endured further frustration when Yohan Cabaye lashed a late effort over the bar.

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Looking Down on Spurs & Arsenal - The Joy of Three Points At Newcastle
By Iain Dale
West ham Till I Die

Don't tell my LBC bosses but I listened to the game on BBC London and from the commentary it seems as though it was an epic West Ham performance with the players sticking to the Allardyce gameplan. It's hard to believe that we are in sixth place after 11 games, above both Arsenal and Spurs. And four points against Man City and Newcastle is a respectable haul by anyone's standards. It sounds as if Diame and Noble controlled the midfield, with Carroll and Nolan combining well up front. Five goals in eleven games is a fantastic performance by Nolan, and the thing is, no one is getting on Andy Carroll's back for not scoring because we can all see what his contribution is to some fantastic team performances. If we keep on getting points, and he keeps up this level of performances we should all be content.

So, on to the Stoke game next Monday evening. They are a difficult side to beat and will come to Upton Park expecting to return to the Potteries expecting to get at least a point. I suspect Sam Allardyce might play a different tactical game. If Matt Jarvis is injured, it's possibly the time to play Cole and Carroll up front together. That ought to be enough to frighten even Stoke!

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It's No joy
Kev refuses to celebrate winner against Toon
Published: 11th November 2012
The Sun

KEVIN NOLAN refused to celebrate his West Ham winner. The skipper capped a perfect return to Toon with his 37th-minute strike to fire Hammers team into sixth place. Nolan joined West Ham at the start of last season from Newcastle in a £5million deal. And he admitted: "It was a perfect scenario for me to score. It was emotional. "But I was never going to celebrate scoring here. I never will. "That was down to the support I got when I was at Newcastle. But this was a great result for us."

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Newcastle 0 West Ham 1
By IAN GORDON
Last Updated: 12th November 2012
The Sun

SO that is what it feels like to be hammered by the man with the killer touch. The Toon faithful had seen often enough just why Kevin Nolan can lay claim to being one of the most lethal penalty-box predators in the league. Nolan netted 30 times from midfield in his 2½ years at St James' Park before he was allowed to leave. So it was inevitable that, on his first return to Tyneside, his unerring instinct for goal would prove decisive in a hard-fought game. Joey O'Brien's scuffed shot on 38 minutes was heading well wide of Tim Krul's goal. But it fell to Nolan, who once again was in the right place at the right time. There was no celebration from Nolan, who was quite happy to remain a Magpie and had no desire to fly the nest with his family settled in the North East. But, when owner Mike Ashley and the board suddenly pulled out of a planned new deal, West Ham came calling and are reaping the benefits. Having played a crucial role in returning the Hammers to the Premier League, Nolan has continued his goalscoring exploits in the top flight. Any regrets on taking away that contract offer now, Mike? No wonder Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes Nolan's goal record from midfield should have earned him an England call-up.

Big Sam had plenty to celebrate on his return to the club that sacked him almost four years ago as the Hammers triumphed on Tyneside for the first time in four decades. They just about deserved it, too, even if most of the chances fell to the home side. But they were half-chances at best and, when they were on target, Jussi Jaaskelainen dealt with them comfortably. Nolan struck after 38 minutes and soon after he nearly had another, firing just wide from Mohamad Diame's pass. Alan Pardew's men were finally stirred into action with Shane Ferguson's shot well blocked by George McCartney. Hatem Ben Arfa saw an effort deflect off Winston Reid with Jaaskelainen stranded, only for it to hit the side-netting. The Finnish stopper then saved from Yohan Cabaye after Andy Carroll's poor clearance had fallen to the Frenchman. Pardew had to react and he did at half-time, replacing the ineffective Papiss Cisse with Shola Ameobi. Demba Ba was a far more dangerous prospect with Ameobi alongside him and he came so close to bagging the equaliser two minutes after the break. Ferguson's cross looped into the air off James Tomkins to Ba, whose header was palmed off the line by the keeper. Ba then fired wide from 22 yards while another effort was pushed round the post by Jaaskelainen.

Ben Arfa was close to scoring direct from the resulting corner but the veteran stopper reacted just in time. But the Hammers should have scored a second with 15 minutes left when the the 'telepathic twins' that are Nolan and his great pal Carroll broke clear. The ball from Nolan was inch perfect but Carroll (right) could not break his duck for the season as Krul made a fine save. The Dutch stopper went up the other end of the pitch in the dying minutes — but even his presence could not help the hosts.

DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN — DIAME (WEST HAM)
NEWCASTLE: Krul 6, Simpson 7 (Obertan 5), S Taylor 6, Williamson 6, Santon 5, Ben Arfa 6, Cabaye 4, Gutierrez 5 (Anita 4), Ferguson 5, Cisse 4 (Shola Ameobi 5), Ba 7. Subs not used: Elliot, Amalfitano, Bigirimana, Marveaux. Booked: Ben Arfa.
WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen 8, O'Brien 8, Reid 8, Tomkins 8, McCartney 7 (Demel 5), Benayoun 6 (O'Neil 7), Diame 9, Noble 8, Jarvis 4 (Maiga 5), Nolan 9, Carroll 6. Subs not used: Spiegel, Cole, Collins, Hall. Booked: Noble, O'Brien.
REF: M Dean 6

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SI-HAM-ESE TWINS
Sam hails Andy and Kev
By ANDY BAKER
Published: 11th November 2012
The Sun


Head-to-head: Ba v Carroll

FORMER Newcastle hero Andy Carroll took on ex-Hammer Demba Ba — but who came out on top now they have switched clubs?

THREAT
BA: The Senegal striker was restricted to long-range efforts.
CARROLL: Missed great late chance but aerial presence played part in winner.

SAM ALLARDYCE hailed Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll — his telepathic strike twins. Nolan came back to haunt Newcastle by bagging the winner at St James' Park yesterday — the Scouser's fifth of the season. West Ham's Captain Marvel caused Alan Pardew's men all sorts of problems in tandem with ex-Toon team-mate Carroll as the Hammers climbed to sixth. And Upton Park boss Allardyce is convinced that the pair — big pals off the field — take their understanding on to it to prove a constant nightmare for Premier League defences. After leading West Ham to a 1-0 triumph — their first win on Tyneside for 14 years — against his old club, Allardyce said: "Kevin's relationship with Andy is such a good one that I don't need to do a lot of coaching with the two of them. "If anything, they instinctively play off each other. "While Andy's struggling to get a goal — and we'd like him to get one — Kevin's scoring them, so we're reaping the benefits of that relationship. "The combination of the two of them is causing problems for other teams. "Kevin's our captain and leading goalscorer, he has got us the win with his goal and his instincts in the box are there for all to see. "It's five goals in 11 games for him and it should be six because he's also had one chalked off. "Andy's getting better and better as time goes on for us and that partnership with Kevin is brilliant. Long may it continue because it's getting us victories and points on the board."

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Wings clipped: Hammers hero Nolan keeps vow to never celebrate goal against Toon
The Mirror
11 Nov 2012 22:31
Chris Brunskill

Kevin Nolan fired West Ham into sixth spot - and vowed he could never celebrate condemning his former club to defeat. The former Newcastle striker bagged his fifth goal of the season on his first return to St James' Park since being sold 16 months ago, in West Ham's 1-0 victory. Nolan, who was given a warm reception before the game, said: "It was a perfect scenario for me to score the winner. It was quite emotional when I did score the goal. I did say I was never going to celebrate scoring against Newcastle and I never will. "If I move on from West Ham I would never do it against them either. That was down to the support I received when I was here. I can't thank the fans enough for the reception I got. It was absolutely unbelievable. I had an absolutely fantastic time here. I love Newcastle and love everything about it - I made so many friends here along with my family. My boy is a Geordie, he was born here.

"It was a fantastic performance by us and I was delighted with the goal. I couldn't have asked for a better club to go to than West Ham for the following they've got and the commitment and everything they show. I would love to think I can do the same for them that I did for Newcastle." Nolan is now targeting further progress for the Hammers. He added: ""I'm just delighted for us because it got us the result and it moves us further up the table and it keeps us in the mix really. "You've got to expect to be up against it at Newcastle. They've got some fantastic players here and had some fantastic players who were missing, and we knew had to capitalise on that here. I think we did and we hung on, which is a credit to the lads because we've got a lot of grit and determination.

"What we're trying to do at West Ham is what we tried to do at Newcastle. When we came up it was about getting them back to where they belonged and then eventually into Europe. That's what I feel that West Ham should do with the support we've got and the backing from the boardroom hopefully we can emulate what Newcastle have done.

"I left Newcastle on great terms, Alan (Pardew) was absolutely fantastic to me. We still share the odd text here and there. Just before the play-off final he gave me some great words and support and I'll always have that with him. He was fantastic with me when he was here. He was honest with me, I was honest with him and you can't really ask for any more than that. It was nice to hear that."

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce hailed his side's start as they now prepare for a tough run of games. He said: "We have the big boys coming up and we are still getting points. No one was overawed coming here.

"The team will grow in terms of the credit they get if they keep winning games. Our tactical approach was spot on. In possession we were good and we nullified what is a fantastic attacking force from Newcastle. "We are laden with experience. I have experience. Only Ferguson and Wenger, and me and David Moyes. I can guide the players and the players have been there and done it too. "Winning here doesn't give me extra satisfaction. Winning away from home and beating a team of this quality is satisfying."

Pards can't put his finger on it...

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is still searching for a magic formula, after an average start to the league season. He said: "I wish I could put my finger on it. We have a side who has played 17 games yet it is proving difficult to get some rhythm. Away from home we have been solid and dogged. At home we need to perform better than today, for sure. "We have only lost four games in 17 but it hurts today. We lacked a bit of power on the pitch. We misses Tiote.

"We wasted a period of the game at the start. We knew they would play a fragmented, stop-start game. We didn't get rhythm or pressure on them and we let them get a footing in the game. Once they got the goal they were more confident. After that we created good pressure without making a special moment.
"Defensively we should not have conceded that goal. The second half was much more like us. We had a good chance, was it or wasn't it over the line."

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Vinny's Newcastle Report
Vinny 2:18 Mon Nov 12
West Ham Online

Newcastle United 0 West Ham United 1

West Ham recorded their first win at St James' Park since 1998 after a first half goal from Kevin Nolan secured all three points.


Whilst this will never go down as a brilliant game or magnificent performance the fact remains that this was a superb result which sees West Ham rise to 6th in the league having taken 18 points from 11 games.

To go away from home and beat a side who finished in the top 5 last season is no mean feat and is further indication of how far we have come as a team over the last 12 months.

Newcastle were very poor and this is something that obviously helped but we do deserve some credit for the way we battled away and kept going to the very end.

Both sides struggled with their passing and the game would not be considered much of an advert for Premiership football although most of the games I watch seem to be very similar in a very overrated league.

There were moments in the second half where we had to ride our luck but when going away from home you know that the other side are going to have their moments and thankfully we dealt with them very well with Winston Reid playing a blinder at the back.

Before the game I was not exactly confident and had expect us to get beat on the basis that our last away display at Wigan did not fill me with much hope. But the gritty determination of this Sam Allardyce inspired side seems to at times give us that extra edge.

For a newly promoted side we are not looking out of place and there continues to be an absence of sound coming from those who questioned the quality of the side during pre-season.

The chances Newcastle created came mainly from long range and we had a fantastic chance to make the victory a little more comfortable but this chance was squandered by Andy Carroll on his return to the North East.

But it would be another player returning to his former club in Kevin Nolan who would pop up yet again to score the winner and take his tally for the season to five which is already an excellent return from a midfielder.

The tactics, the style of play, the type of players we have – it all means little when we are winning games and moving up the table and finding success such as we are doing.

The result against Manchester City alongside this win are extremely pleasing and at the moment everything at West Ham looks very promising.

The Team


Sam Allardyce made one change to the side who battled to secure a point against the Champions Manchester City last week with James Collins being replaced by James Tomkins.

There had been some doubt over the fitness of Collins so this is why I would think he was only on the bench although this is a change many of us had wanted to see for a while.

Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan lined up against the side they both used to turn out for.

Starting for Newcastle was former Hammer Demba Ba who played 12 games for West Ham during the 2010/11 season, scoring 7 goals.

Managing Newcastle was former West Ham Manager Alan Pardew who took over in 2003 and left in 2006 having won a Play Off Final and finished runners up in the 2006 FA Cup Final.

The referee was 44 year old Mike Dean from the Wirral who was in charge of our opening game of the season against Aston Villa.

First Half


It was not exactly an exciting first half with both sides struggling to pass to one another but ultimately we were the happier given that we got ourselves in front and also that as the away side the game was being played in a style which suited us.

There was half a chance for winger Matt Jarvis as the ball bounced in the penalty area but his shot was hit well wide.

With 8 minutes gone a free kick into the area by Mark Noble saw Winston Reid head the ball down to Kevin Nolan who attempted an overhead kick which deflected off Ryan Taylor and out for a corner.

For most of the first half we looked decent and were attempting to knock the ball about and find some width as well as knocking the ball long for Andy Carroll who was not finding much joy against his old team.

A free kick was won after a foul on Noble and the midfielder took the set piece himself as his ball into the area was headed out only as far as Yossi Benayoun who sliced his shot well wide.

Any chance Newcastle were able to create usually came from us surrendering possession in key areas but they were unable to get enough bodies in the area to really threaten.

The game became very stop start with a number of fouls being made especially by our players and we were lucky not to see yellow as Mike Dean let things go.

On 34 minutes Matt Jarvis was replaced by Modibo Maiga. I'm not sure why he came off but can only presume it was due to injury.

With 7 minutes of the first half remaining we took the lead.

It came after a throw in was given to Noble who crossed into the area only for the clearance to come out as far as Joey O'Brien who hit a shot which was going well wide but it went straight into the path of Kevin Nolan who diverted the ball into the goal to make it 1-0.

Nolan always seemed to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time and this was no exception as he scored yet another goal. His celebrations were muted due to the clear respect he has for his former club but no West Ham could hide their delight in his goal.

Not long after we had taken the lead we were close to scoring a second when a strong run forward from Diame saw him play the ball through to Nolan who took a touch but fired his shot wide when on another day he would have hit the target.

For the remainder of the half which included four minutes injury time we were very poor and played our worst football of the half and indeed the game.

I was disappointed that we had just stopped playing and allowed Newcastle to come at us and in all honestly they should have probably equalised.

Many Newcastle supporters thought they had scored when a shot from Ben Arfa deflected off both Reid and then McCartney and then into the side netting.

The relentless pressure from the hosts was ended by the half time whistle.

Second Half


Newcastle made one change at half time with the inept Papiss Cisse being replaced by Shola Ameobi.
It seemed as though the Geordies were intent on starting the second half as they had finished the first by coming at us in numbers and with just two minutes of the half gone many thought they had scored.

A cross into the area saw O'Brien head the ball into the area and Demba Ba got up well to powerful head at goal where Jaaskelainen clawed out of the goal and away. Many had thought it had gone over the line although I am sure it did not.

Nevertheless this was a wonderful stop from Jaaskelainen.

With the pressure building we made another change with Gary O'Neil coming on for Yossi Benayoun.

Diame was showing his strength and power in midfield as he burst into the area but couldn't keep his feet and scooped his shot over the bar.

Another striding run from Diame saw the ball played out to the left to Maiga whose cross to the back post was met by O'Neil but despite his effort being on target, it had no power to test Krul in the Newcastle goal.

Joey O'Brien went into the book following a poor challenge with 30 minutes remaining.

Jaaskelainen was again called into action when curling shot from Ameobi tested him but he was again equal to it as he turned it away. The corner again tested the Fin as Ben Arfa curled it towards goal but it was tipped over.

An injury to George McCartney saw the left back forced to come off with Guy Demel replacing him.

This saw Demel go to right back and O'Brien at left back.

On 72 minutes we created a glorious chance to kill the game. It came after some poor Newcastle defending saw Carroll nip in and win the ball which saw Nolan burst forward and play in Carroll who with just the keeper to beat saw his shot saved by Krul. It should have been his first goal.

Time was not ticking away fast enough for my liking and I did have a resigned feeling that a goal for Newcastle was inevitable even though we were defending well and they were not having what I would call 'great' chances.

Perhaps it is just years of seeing West Ham squander leads and fall apart away from home which have given me this complex and this new determination under Sam Allardyce takes me by surprise.

The home side just couldn't find any quality in the final third and we were able to hold onto the ball going forward well and with that bit of arrogance needed to get through.

We all knew that there were going to be excessive injury time and the referee did award five minutes.

These minutes seemed to last an age and Newcastle looked to put pressure on us and create that one last great chance. It (sort of)came when a Ben Arfa cross was cleared only as far as Cabaye on the edge of the area and as the West Ham fans winced the shot went high and wide and we knew at that point that we were leaving the North East with all three points.

It was 1998 when we last won at Newcastle with Ian Wright scoring two and Trevor Sinclair with the other.

Never did I think that day that it would be so long until we would beat them again and the last time we were at St James' in 2011 we were thumped 5-0 so this was one of those results which has been a long time coming.

Did we deserve to win the game some may ask.

Deserving is nice, doing is better.

Player Reviews


Jussi Jaaskelainen
Despite our reservations he has now kept five clean sheets this season and I have to say I thought he was excellent during this game and pulled off a number of excellent stops. 8

Joey O'Brien
When he plays with a bit of aggression he is a much better player and if there was one player who was really up for this game then it was Joey O'Brien. He was strong in the tackle, never bottled a challenge, got forward well and he does get an assist for the goal also. 8

Winston Reid
The Kiwi warrior strikes again. Strong, accomplished and classy throughout. Won everything in the air, rarely caught out of position, saved us time and time again and continues to shine. 9

James Tomkins
There are times when up against a skilful player that he will sell himself too easily and look wayward but whilst this happened a couple of times during the game it is difficult to complain about his overall display as he was (like Reid) always in the right place at the right time and I was pleased to see him back in the side. 7

George McCartney
Similar to O'Brien there was a little bit more about him in the tackle during this one and he was playing well enough until his injury which forced him to come off in the second half. 7

Mark Noble
Another pleasing display from Noble who was on the ball a lot and played some good simple passes about. Caught in possession a couple of times and needs to be a little more aware of who is around him as he was dwelling on the ball. But this was still a good display and I am more than happy with him in our midfield. 7

Mohamed Diame
Becoming our most frustrating player. When he gets the ball and moves forward with it he is absolute class. Players cannot get near him and he brushes everyone aside – it is a real quality he has. But when he gets into the final third he just doesn't know what to do with it and every time he is doing the wrong thing. Get this right and we have a player. 7

Kevin Nolan
Looked a bit 'leggy' in the second half but he had covered a lot of ground and yet again he popped up with the goal. We would be a far worse team without Kevin Nolan. This isn't even opinion, this is a fact. 7

Yossi Benayoun
Apart from a collision with Guttierrez he was barely involved and it was not a surprise to see him come off. 5

Matt Jarvis
Was never in the game and whether it was injury or just tactical his removal did not hinder us. 5

Andy Carroll
For most of the game he looked every bit the donkey we hope he is not. In the second half he should have scored and his lack of goals is a little concerning. Unless we are not basing a strikers performance on goals now that it isn't Cole playing? Regardless of this point I thought as the second half wore on Carroll was important to us keeping the ball and he held it up really well in those final fifteen minutes. 6

Subs Used

Modibo Maiga (on for Jarvis 34 mins)
I'm still not sure what to make of Maiga. His approach play when on the ball looks good but he like Diame finds it difficult to pick out a pass. More to come from him I suspect. 6

Gary O'Neil (on for Benayoun 52 mins)
His display was full of energy and this helped us through a sticky period at the beginning of the second half. I would start him away at Tottenham instead of Benayoun.

Guy Demel (on for McCartney 66 mins)
Beaten a few times in a bit of a rusty display but good to see him back. Any player who cannot take a throw in often raises concerns for me.

Subs Not Used: Spiegel, Hall, Cole, Collins

Goals: WHU: Nolan (37)

Bookings: NU: Ben Arfa WHU: Noble, O'Brien

Man Of The Match: Winston Reid

Newcastle United: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Taylor, Santon, Ferguson, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Jonas, Cisse, Ba
Subs: Elliott, Anita, Amalfitano, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Obertan, Shola Ameobi

Referee: Mike Dean, 9

Attendance: 51,855

Overall


It may be too early to suggest that we begin to look at our position currently as an attainable goal but although it is an odd feeling to have as a West Ham supporter perhaps we should all be feeling a bit more confident about our prospects.

We matched Newcastle all over the pitch and had a player in Kevin Nolan who has the ability to pop up and get you that goal which will win you games like this. This isn't luck – he just knows where to be.

This 'difficult' run of games have already produced four points and two clean sheets.

Next Game – Stoke City (h) Monday, 19th November 8pm Kick Off

Back to the Boleyn we go for a game against a side who are also accused of playing the long ball game.

Stoke have been distinctly average this season and this is a game which we will be looking to win and I hope to see us attack them.

The season is going very well and long may it continue.


The View From Allardyce

'Of course it's our captain, who is our leading goalscorer, who has got us the three points.

'His instincts in the box are there for all to see. It's five goals he has got in 11 games now in the Premier League - it should be six because he had one chalked off this week (against Manchester City) that he shouldn't have done - and for a midfield player to be totalling up that sort of goal tally is fantastic from our point of view.

'That being the winner today is obviously satisfying for us all.'

'It's a fantastic start to the season for us now, 11 games, 18 points.

'Anybody who looks at what we have done, we had some reasonably good fixtures at the start of the season - every game is difficult in the Premier League, but they were more winnable than some of the fixtures we have perhaps got now.

'But in saying that, in our last three games, we lost to Wigan away, which I didn't expect, we drew with Manchester City and now we have beaten Newcastle.

'The big boys are coming up and we are still getting points, and that's the pleasing thing for me because confidence grows and grows and grows, as you could see today.

'It was a very professional performance by the players and nobody was overawed coming here.'

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