Daily WHUFC News - 29th November 2012

Big Sam proud of Hammers' effort
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce believes there are many positives to be taken after the narrow
defeat to Manchester United
29.11.2012

Sam Allardyce was proud of his players' performances after the quickest goal
of the Barclays Premier League season so far was all that separated them
from Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Robin van
Persie's deflected effort in just the 32nd second of the match gave the
hosts the lead. But while some teams may have been overawed and crumbled in
the face of the talent boasted by the home side, Big Sam's team played some
fine football and created several notable chances.. "It was obviously a
problem to concede a goal inside the first minute but after that our
response was really very good.
"I know that we didn't create very much - you never do here at Old Trafford
- but we continued to try and grow into the game and we went looking for the
equaliser towards the finish, too. "We worked hard right to the very end and
got better as an attacking force as the game went on. We tried to see if we
could get the equaliser but we couldn't quite manage it. "We created some
chances - albeit not too many - but they weren't taken like the top boys,
say, Manchester United or Chelsea. After conceding three goals at Tottenham
Hotspur on Saturday, Big Sam had said before the game that he expected to
see more from his defensive unit and he certainly got that as the hosts were
limited to just a handful of chances. When they did manage to break through,
Jussi Jaaskelainen was on hand to make to pull off two stunning saves from
Javier Hernandez and Anderson. "They scored that early goal but after that I
felt that our defensive structure was outstanding. "What chances did
Manchester United create tonight? The answer is not many apart from one or
two Jussi Jaaskelainen saves and for 92 minutes - apart from a deflected
goal - we were outstanding from a defensive viewpoint.. "We know that it's
defensive solidarity in this league that will win you points and I think
that the disappointing thing is that this is the first time for a while when
Fergie has got a 'nil' against his side. They've been letting a few in
lately but tonight they've got a clean sheet and won 1-0. "Building on the
base of a solid defensive unit is how we've got to pick up points because we
haven't got the strikeforce that Manchester United have."

With the Hammers now well and truly into their testing run of fixtures, Big
Sam's side will have undoubtedly drawn confidence from their performance as
their thoughts turn to Saturday's London derby with Chelsea. Less than 200
tickets remain for that fixture, so any fan hoping to still come to the
Boleyn Ground is advised to move fast to avoid missing out. "We're
disappointed. You could argue that if we'd got a drubbing it could destroy
the players' confidence but if you defend well as we have done, it maintains
confidence. We played against the champions, Manchester City, had a good
goal disallowed and drew 0-0 and on Wednesday we lost to a deflected goal.
"We've now played the top two teams in the country and you could arguably
say that we were unfortunate not to get another 0-0 against United."

After a week of where there has been much focus on the club, the travelling
fans demonstrated why West Ham United supporters are famous the world over.
From the first minute to last they outsung their hosts with 'We are West
Ham's claret and blue army' reverberating around Old Trafford for a large
proportion of the second half. "They came out with some great songs and they
were tremendous. They would be disappointed as we are but we've come to give
it our best shot."

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Man Utd 1 West Ham 0
28 November 2012
Last updated at 21:51
By David Ornstein
BBC Sport

Robin van Persie scored the fastest Premier League goal this season as
Manchester United beat West Ham to remain top of the table. The Dutchman
struck his 12th goal in all competitions with an effort that deflected in
after just 32 seconds. Andy Carroll volleyed off target as the visitors
tried to respond, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen denied Javier
Hernandez and Wayne Rooney. Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga went close, but
the hosts held out. The result maintains Manchester United's one-point
advantage over Manchester City and takes them seven points clear of Chelsea
and West Brom in third and fourth.
West Ham, meanwhile, drop to 10th and the season does not get any easier,
with December featuring matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, West Brom,
Everton, Arsenal and Reading. While the Hammers arrived as firm underdogs,
they could take heart from an impressive start to life back in the top
flight.
They may also have been pleased to learn that the last promoted club to
leave Old Trafford with a league victory - Bolton in 2001 - were managed by
Sam Allardyce, with Kevin Nolan on the scoresheet.

But Allardyce and Nolan knew their current side faced a daunting assignment
against a team who had won six of their previous seven top-flight games and
each of their past seven against West Ham. Indeed, West Ham's task became
far tougher when Van Persie opened the scoring with some spectators still
taking their seats. Michael Carrick found his team-mate on the edge of the
box and the striker lifted the ball over Winston Reid before beating
Jaaskelainen with the help of a heavy deflection off James Collins. Given
that Manchester United had conceded the first goal in nine of their 13
league matches coming into this one, Van Persie's opener should have helped
to settle any early nerves. However, a line-up including five changes from
the weekend failed to maintain the momentum and that gave West Ham
confidence.

Despite making four alterations of their own, the Hammers worked hard to
restore parity and after Nolan put Matt Taylor's free-kick into the
side-netting Carroll fired narrowly over the bar. They lacked a cutting edge
up front, though, and Jaaskelainen made a fine low save from Hernandez to
keep West Ham within touching distance of their opponents going into the
break. West Ham made a positive start to the second half but, again,
struggled to mount a sustained challenge. The hosts responded by pushing
forward themselves and Jaaskelainen tipped Rooney's curling strike round the
post before repelling a Carrick header from Van Persie's corner. Allardyce
replaced Carroll with Cole and the substitute made an immediate impact -
setting up Matt Taylor for a chance that was wasted and drawing a crucial
close-range stop from Anders Lindegaard. As the crowd grew restless another
replacement, Maiga, hit an angled drive over the bar, but West Ham could not
force an equaliser.

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Man Utd 1 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th November 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United managed to keep a clean sheet for 92 minutes at Old Trafford
tonight - yet still came away with nothing.

Robin Van Persie's effort after just 31 seconds - the fastest goal scored in
the Premier League so far this season - was enough to win all three points
for the home side and condemn the Hammers to consecutive league defeats for
the first time in 2012/13.

With much of Old Trafford's 75,00-odd crowd yet to settle into their seats,
tonight's hosts scored the only goal of a tightly-fought contest with a
total fluke.

The former Arsenal man received the ball on the edge of the box and aimed to
his left - before a huge deflection off James Collins changed the path of
the ball which looped over Jussi Jaaskelainen into the back of the net.

However early fears of a potential cricket score failed to materialise and
if anything, West Ham enjoyed the better chances for the remainder of the
first half.

The best two opportunities of the opening 45 minutes fell to Kevin Nolan -
whose 11th minute flick found the side netting - and Andy Carroll, who
pounced on a deflection from Johnny Evans to fire inches over on the volley
just ahead of the half-hour mark.


The home side, who went into the game top of the Premier League had plenty
of possession - as is to be expected - but 'keeper Jaaskelainen was only
stretched on one occasion, that being when Javier Hernández's 29th minute
strike required a tip round the post.

Having recovered fully from that early setback, West Ham started the second
period with intent and had their hosts on the backfoot until Man U created
four chances within the space of five minutes.

A Rooney shot that was high and wide was followed by a free kick from the
edge of the area that Jaaskelainen dealt with comfortably. Another Rooney
effort - this one curled towards the far post - required a good save from
the Icelandic stopper and finally, a chance from a corner required the
intervention of captain Kevin Nolan on the line.

That was as good as it got for the home side in the second half, whilst West
Ham continued to enjoy lots of possession without ever really seriously
threatening their opponent's goal - much to the annoyance of an expectant
home crowd whose chants of "attack, attack, attack" fell upon deaf ears.

Indeed, if anyone was likely to score in the final third of the game it was
Sam Allardyce's side who had three great chances to take what would have
been a deserved point from the game.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Matt Taylor miscued horribly after some
good work from substitute Carlton Cole, who had replaced the ineffective
Carroll on the hour mark (no doubt with view to Saturday's early kick off
against Chelsea).

Ten minutes later a free kick found Winston Reid in the box and his downward
header was thrashed towards goal by Cole, but blocked. Then with just four
minutes of normal time remaining fellow sub Modibo Maiga - who had replaced
the disappointing Matt Jarvis - cut inside leaving Johnny Evans for dead,
but his dipping drive was just too high.

Unusually at Old Trafford it was Manchester United who were forced to
time-waste for the three added-on minutes, which ran over by just two
seconds; no 'Ferguson-time' tonight unfortunately.

So whilst United suffered their customary defeat at Old Trafford, it was a
far better performance than in recent seasons. However Allardyce and his
squad will no doubt feel slightly disappointed to return south with nothing
to show for their efforts.

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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce: Manchester United's goal was fluke
Last Updated: November 29, 2012 12:08am
SSN

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has lamented the "fluke" goal his side
conceded against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Robin van
Persie's strike after just 33 seconds condemned the Hammers to a 1-0 away
defeat in the Premier League. Allardyce believes that his side did not
deserve to lose and hailed his players for the energy they showed against
the Red Devils. "We come to Old Trafford and in 30 seconds they score," he
told Sky Sports. "It was a fluke goal, to say the least. "It was a test of
character for my players. We are all disappointed that we lost the match,
but we kept our shape and our tactics. "We couldn't help the fluke goal
fortunately for Man United. You never know what could have happened if that
had not gone in. It is disappointing that after all that we did not get
anything from the game. "I was pleased with the energy we had, especially in
the latter end of the game. The energy that we showed today was
outstanding."

Meanwhile, Allardyce thinks Van Persie could be a decisive factor in the
title race, adding: "Manchester United have lots of players who will have
good spells and can come up trumps when they need them to. "Robin van Persie
is a quality player and we have largely kept him quiet. "But he will score
20 goals for Manchester United, maybe 30. In the end that is normally the
difference."

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Robin van Persie scored the fastest goal of season as Man Utd beat West Ham
Last Updated: November 29, 2012 12:09am
SSN

Robin van Persie scored the fastest Premier League goal of the season as
Manchester United held on for a nervy 1-0 win over West Ham United at Old
Trafford. The Netherlands international's deflected effort maintained
United's advantage at the top of the table, but West Ham's lively
second-half performance almost brought what would have been a deserved
equaliser.

Best of the Match

Man of the Match: No great candidate but Wayne Rooney looked a threat every
time he was allowed to get his head up and have a sight of goal.
Save of the Match: Anders Lindegaard produced a tremendous stop low to his
left to deny Carlton Cole the equaliser.
Shot of the Match: A lovely curling attempt from Wayne Rooney from the left
edge of the West Ham area brought a good save out of Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Talking point: Although they lost, this was a good display from the Hammers
and the hosts were never entirely comfortable with just a one-goal
advantage.

It took just 33 seconds for the hosts to take the lead as Van Persie's
control from Michael Carrick's pass took out Winston Reid and the Dutchman's
attempted lob deflected off James Collins before looping over the helpless
Jussi Jaaskelainen. Kevin Nolan was booked for scything down Tom Cleverley
before the West Ham captain's near-post flick from Matt Taylor's free-kick
rippled the side-netting. Nolan then failed to apply a finishing touch to
Taylor's teasing low cross from the right before Andy Carroll, who had been
limping in the early stages, saw a first-time volley fly over Anders
Lindegaard's goal. For all their possession, the Red Devils struggled to
create chances for the rest of the first half, although Javier Hernandez's
curling shot from outside the box forced a smart save out of Jaaskelainen.

West Ham enjoyed a spell of pressure at the start of the second half and
almost replicated the luck United had received when Mohamed Diame's
deflected shot soared into the air before dropping off target. The leaders
responded with Cleverley's first-time drive appearing to brush
Jaaskelainen's fingertips on its way over before the West Ham keeper made a
comfortable save from Van Persie's free-kick. Jaaskelainen was properly
extended on the hour mark, though, as the veteran Finn was forced to dive
full length to tip Wayne Rooney's superb curling effort beyond the post. The
Hammers had a good chance with 20 minutes to go when substitute Carlton Cole
nodded down Nolan's clever pass, but Taylor mistimed his shot from just
inside the penalty area.

Anderson pressed Jaaskelainen into an unconventional save and Hernandez shot
tamely at the West Ham keeper before the visitors had their best chance with
seven minutes left. A deep free-kick into the penalty area was flicked on
for Cole to control and his shot on the turn from six yards out was parried
away by Anders Lindegaard, with Modibo Maiga in an offside position when
fluffing the rebound. Maiga then curled over and Nolan saw a shot blocked
before Patrice Evra's under-hit backpass almost presented West Ham with a
late chance before his blushes were spared by Jonny Evans as United hung on
for another three points.

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Gone in 33 seconds: Van Persie papers over cracks with fastest goal this
season
The Mirror
28 Nov 2012 22:29
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Sir Alex Ferguson values the importance of 1-0 wins, despite Manchester
United's propensity for dramatic, high-scoring encounters. Ferguson spoke
wistfully of the 1-0 win at Newcastle in March 1996, claiming it was the
defining moment in United overhauling their title rivals' nine-point lead.
This particular 1-0 was memorable only for Robin van Persie's winning goal
after 33 seconds, the fastest of the season and one which served to keep
United top, a point clear of Manchester City. Perhaps more importantly,
United and City's wins last night have opened up a sizeable gap between
themselves and third-placed Chelsea.
Rafa Benitez's side trail United by seven points and City by six, in what is
already shaping up to be another title tussle between the two Manchester
clubs.
For United, the true significance of this victory may not be known until the
end of the season, when there is every chance of them looking back on it as
a key result in what they hope will be the capture of a 20th league title.
Yet it was another far from convincing from United, who could at least
console themselves with three points and a rare clean sheet, only their
fourth in 21 matches in all competitions this season.

Van Persie's 12th goal in 18 games saw the Red Devils maintain their lead at
the summit of the table, but it proved a long night for the home side
thereafter as they failed to add to their early lead. United have failed to
hit top gear this season, despite heading the table, and Ferguson will want
to see a huge improvement with the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium 10
days away. Ferguson's men were abject for the first hour against QPR last
Saturday, going a goal behind before rallying late on in the game to win
3-1., albeit in unconvincing fashion. It was a similar story last night, van
Persie's early strike failing to spark the anticipated goal rush from
United, who managed to hold on to their slender lead and see out the game.
Ferguson's intentions were clear from his attacking line-up, which included
three strikers in Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez.
Having conceded the first goal in nine of their 13 Premier League games this
season, Ferguson clearly adopted the policy of attack being the best form of
defence with his team selection. Van Persie plundered his goal, scored as
many fans were still taking their seats inside Old Trafford, with a
wonderful piece of ingenuity. Michael Carrick played the ball forward and
van Persie's exquisite first touch took the ball over the head of Winston
Reid. The United striker moved instinctively to meet the ball, his lob
taking a deflection off James Collins and looping over keeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen into the net. Despite taking such an early lead, United almost
found themselves pegged back after 10 minutes, Kevin Nolan's near-post
effort from a Matt Taylor free-kick, finding the side-netting.

Javier Hernandez wasted an opportunity to double United's lead in the 16th
minute when Anderson set him clear on the counter-attack down the right, but
he only sky his angled shot high and wide when a cross would have been the
better option. It would have been easy for West Ham to crumble after going
behind so early on, but Allardyce's side showed courage after their shaky
start to keep United at bay. Andy Carroll, who scored his first goal of the
season at the weekend following his loan move from Liverpool, came close to
scoring in the 27th minute but flashed a volley wide of the target. And
Hernandez, who came into the game on a run of eight goals in as many games,
forced a superb save from Jaaskelainen in the 29th minute, the Hammers'
keeper diving low to his left to keep out the goal-bound shot. Jaaskelainen
came to West Ham's rescue again five minute after the restart, making an
instinctive to deny Tom Cleverley, although ref Michael Jones inexplicably
failed to award United a corner. Van Persie won a free-kick in the 56th
minute when Joey O'Brien fouled him 20 yards out, but United flying Dutchman
saw his dipping effort gathered with ease by Jaaskelainen. United kept
Jaaskelainen busy, Rooney denied by the Finnish keeper, who turned his
curling effort away. From the resulting corner, Hernandez managed to get in
the way of Michael Carrick's goalbound header, diverting it away from the
target.

Carroll's miserable night got worse in the 62nd minute when he was hauled
off and replaced by Carlton Cole, United's fans jeering the £35million
Liverpool striker as he made his way to the touchline. United keeper Anders
Lindegaard, who had not had a save to make all night, was finally called
into action in the 82nd minute, producing a crucial save down to his left
from substitute Carlton Cole. But United ultimately held on for a 1-0 win
that, while it will not linger in the memory of anyone who was there, may
yet prove hugely significant come May.

Ferguson is steeling himself for another title race slog after Manchester's
two rival clubs pulled clear of the pack last night. "We've won, we've got
the three points and we're still ahead in the league," said Ferguson. "With
Chelsea drawing, it draws us away from them a bit further. "Of course, City
are right on our tails, so it's going to be a long season." United managed
only their fourth clean sheet in 21 games in all competitions this season
and Ferguson joked: "A clean sheet - that's for Christmas! "The importance
of winning 1-0 in certain games is that your opponents know the resilience
is there. "If you look at some of the really important 1-0 wins we've had,
you can go back to beating Newcastle when they were nine points clear of us.
"Our 1-0 win that night won us the league. There are important, 1-0
victories, and we've had many of them. "If we can keep clean sheets from now
until January more often than we have, then it will give us a good
foundation to go for the title." Ferguson praised West Ham's resilience and
said: "They're a very dogged team to break down, but we got a great start
and I thought from there we could have kicked on. "Some of our football was
very good at times, but we never finished them off."

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce paid tribute to van Persie and said: "He's going
to score 20-odd, maybe 30 goals. "In the end, that's normally the
difference, if you sort your defensive side out. "It's not so long ago, a
couple of seasons, that Man United went 14 games without conceding a goal
and that won them the league. "Van Persie is a quality player, no doubt
about that, though we kept him quiet tonight. "United have got lots of
players who will have good spells, lot of players who will come up trumps,
and that's what makes them so good."

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