Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Another home game next Saturday will give everyone at West Ham United the
chance to get going again
10.11.2008
Gianfranco Zola and his staff will be back down to work at Chadwell Heath
today fully focused on the visit of Portsmouth and the chance to return to
winning ways.
The manager said he would be working positively ahead of the weekend
encounter to reverse a run that has seen his team dominate the last two
matches away to Middlesbrough and then at home to Everton last Saturday only
to see victory turned into defeat. "I am going to be working hard during the
week," he said. "I have got a fantastic staff that I work with and we are
going to be finding solutions.
"I have had so many difficult moments in my career and never let my self
down. I am going to do the same. It is the only way I know how to react so I
am going to be looking for solutions, looking for things to improve. Maybe I
need to change something. I will try to find something that is good for the
team. Maybe I am not doing enough. But I am going to be reacting that is for
sure."
Zola, who will welcome back Carlton Cole from suspension next weekend, was
rightly delighted with much of his team's play, not least Freddie Sears and
Craig Bellamy, and Jack Collison's dynamism in midfield that culminated in a
goal on his first senior appearance at the Boleyn Ground after four run-outs
away from home. The 63rd-minute strike had looked like proving a winner
until Everton's three late goals came out of nothing to shock the home
faithful.
"Although they were very costly, it is very easy to only focus on those
[final] ten minutes and forget about the previous 80 minutes. I am going to
be looking at [what happened] but also pointing out some good things that
have happened." One notable negative was the early loss of key defender
Matthew Upson to a dead leg, although it is not thought to be too serious
and Zola made no excuses.
"We work together as a team," Zola added. "We will carry on." With just
three points separating half the division, victory against Portsmouth next
week could take the club up to tenth and just a point behind their visitors.
Along with Cole's return, there is hope as well that Valon Behrami and Diego
Tristan could be in contention, although Collison and Sears have given the
manager plenty to ponder.
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Payne gets cup chance
WHUFC.com
Josh Payne got more valuable experience under his belt this weekend with a
taste of the FA Cup
10.11.2008
Josh Payne made his FA Cup bow at the weekend as he helped Cheltenham Town
to a 2-2 first-round draw against fellow League One outfit Oldham Athletic.
The on-loan 17-year-old midfielder, now in his second month with Cheltenham,
was given clearance to play for Martin Allen's side and would have been
delighted as they raced into a two-goal interval lead. However, Oldham
fought back and scored twice in the second half to earn a replay at Boundary
Park on Tuesday 18 November.
Meanwhile, Nigel Quashie got his first start for Birmingham City on Saturday
as they drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest. The Scotland midfielder had made two
previous appearances off the bench for the Championship high-fliers before
the weekend, when he played for 75 minutes before being replaced.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison catches the eye
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison's performance and goal were the main plusses on a frustrating
afternoon for Gianfranco Zola
08.11.2008
Gianfranco Zola was full of praise for Jack Collison after his first goal
for the club nearly won the home game against Everton on Saturday.
West Ham United were leading until the 83rd minute, when the visitors
shocked the home fans by scoring three goals in four minutes to snatch
victory in a game West Ham United largely controlled. Collison, who appeared
as a first-half substitute for the injured Matthew Upson, caught the eye of
his manager in his first senior appearance at the Boleyn Ground after four
away run-outs in the past year.
"Jack Collison was very impressive today," Zola said. "He came on in the
first half and has done a great job and on top of that he scored a fantastic
goal. I think Freddie Sears has played very well in the opening 45 minutes
as well. That is very good for me and for the morale of the players, so it's
a positive thing to look at."
It was the second week in row that a goal in the last ten minutes has cost
the side a win and a clean sheet - after Mido's late leveller at the
Riverside Stadium on the previous Saturday. Zola said the determination was
there to get the results that the promising play deserves. "We have to look
at the good things we are doing and make sure we do them for 90 minutes.
"We have to improve on what we are doing well and extend it until the end
and that's what I'm going to be focusing on during the week. It's something
concerns me very much right now ...we need to find a solution because it is
really a pity that in the last ten minutes we spoil 80 minutes of a good
job."
Zola revealed that Matthew Upson "isn't too bad" as the early indicators are
that he has only suffered a dead-leg and should be in contention for the
visit of Portsmouth next weekend. He also has the positives of Carlton
Cole's return after a three-match suspension, while Valon Behrami should
also be in contention after recovering from his calf strain.
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West Ham United 1-3 Everton
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as three goals in three minutes gave Everton
the win
08.11.2008
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Everton
Saturday 8 November
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Mark Halsey
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson (Collison 18), Ilunga,
Faubert, Parker (Di Michele 87), Bowyer, Sears, Bellamy, Boa Morte
(Etherington 57)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Mullins, Reid
Booked: Etherington
Goal: Collison 63
Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Cahill, Rodwell
(Vaughan 65), Osman, Saha (Hibbert 90), Anichebe (Baines 86)
Subs not used: Nash, Castillo, Jutkiewicz, Gosling
Booked: Lescott
Goals: Lescott 83, Saha 85, 87
Three goals in the last ten minutes helped Everton claim a win from a game
that their hosts had looked in control of for eighty minutes.
The home side dominated the first half and took a well deserved lead just
after the hour when Jack Collison marked his home debut by scoring his first
goal for the club. With just seven remaining, however, Joleon Lescott headed
an equaliser before two late strikes from Loius Saha wrapped up the points.
West Ham United made two changes from the team that took a well earned point
at Middlesbrough a week ago. Scott Parker had recovered from his calf injury
to join the returning Lee Bowyer in a new central midfield pairing. Collison
and Hayden Mullins dropped to the bench to underline the options available
to Gianfranco Zola. The visitors were without the suspended Marouane
Fellaini and the injured pair of Steven Pinnaer and Yakubu.
There was an impeccably-observed minute's silence before the game to mark
Remembrance Sunday. But as soon as the action got underway the crowd made
plenty of noise to applaud the servicemen as they left the stadium. The
attention soon switched back to the action on the pitch, however, as Saha
and Parker both flashed shots wide from twenty yards at either end. The home
side then took control as three corners in quick succession pinned the
visitors back
The hosts suffered a set-back, though, when Matthew Upson, who, along with
Robert Green, had appeared in every minute of this season's Barclays Premier
League campaign, had to be stretchered off after landing awkwardly.
Collison, who had impressed on his first start of the season at the
Riverside, came on to replace him. Julien Faubert switched to right-back
with Lucas Neil moving into the centre.
The blow did not seem to affect the flow of the game as West Ham United
continued to have the upper hand. Freddie Sears and Craig Bellamy
demonstrated their understanding by linking up well. The 18-year-old helped
culminate an impressive passing move by sending the Wales captain sprinting
into space but his shot was deflected wide. The No10 had another good chance
minutes later - after more good work from Sears - but saw his volley fly
high into the Centenary Stand.
Just after the half-hour mark, Sears came so close to getting his second
goal in a claret and blue top. A great ball from Luis Boa Morte released
Bellamy, who expertly tricked his marker with a dummy. After racing into the
area, his cut back was met by the left foot of Sears. Tim Howard reacted
well to just touch it onto the crossbar.
Two minutes before half-time Boa Morte, who had seen plenty of the ball in
the opening period, flicked a delicate pass into the path of Sears to leave
him with space inside the Toffees area, but Howard again tipped the ball
around the post.
It had been an impressive first half from Zola's men with the only
frustration being that they had not capitalised on their total domination
with a goal.
After such a frantic opening period it was perhaps understandable the second
half began at a slightly more leisurely pace. The first chance of note
eleven minutes in fell to Everton as young midfielder Jack Rodwell headed
just wide from a corner. Zola made his second change on 59 minutes as Boa
Morte left the field to rapturous applause to be replaced by Matthew
Etherington.
Four minutes later Collison finished a fine move to give his side the lead.
Sears passed to Etherington, whose weighted ball into the area was
back-heeled perfectly into the path of the 20-year-old by Scott Parker and
he made no mistake - side-footing into the top corner.
Referee Mark Halsey, who had been a virtual bystander thus far, got his book
out for the first time to take Lescott's name for hauling back Bellamy. The
striker tested Howard from distance while Vaughan went close for the
visitors as both sets of fans in the 33,961 crowd found their voice once
more.
Everton equalised with six minutes remaining. Saha picked up the ball on the
right-hand side and delivered an inch-perfect cross to Lescott, who powered
a header past Robert Green. A minute later, from nowhere, they took the lead
when Saha crept a shot in via the post.
Both managers reacted by bringing on subs - David Di Michele for the home
side and Leighton Baines for the guests with Parker and Anichebe making way.
It did not matter as Saha beat Green from 25 yards to wrap up the points for
the visitors.
West Ham United can take some comfort from their first half display as they
will look to bounce back in another home game against Portsmouth next
weekend.
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West Ham 1-3 Everton
BBC.co.uk
By Mark Ashenden
Everton scored three goals in four astonishing minutes to break West Ham's
hearts with an incredible fightback in the final 10 minutes at Upton Park.
Jack Collison put the hosts ahead with a stunning curling shot after fine
work from Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. Joleon Lescott turned things round
by heading in the equaliser after a dipping cross from Louis Saha. Saha then
stole the show, poking in Victor Anichebe's cross and grabbing the third
from the edge of the box. It was so cruel on West Ham who dominated
throughout until their defence switched off when they still led the game
with seven minutes remaining. How David Moyes will be chuckling to himself
after seeing his side win their third game in a row with late goals. But how
different the first 83 minutes were. Both teams seemed to be in sleepy-mode
in the opening period with the only goal-mouth action coming from two weak
West Ham corners. It would not have been the start Gianfranco Zola would
have wanted, having gone without a win in five games, but substitute
Collison rattled them into action. Matthew Upson was stretchered off after
just 17 minutes following an awkward fall jumping for a header, but Collison
showed great energy and invention in midfield, with Lucas Neill pushed into
central defence. Bellamy was causing the Everton defenders all sorts of
problems on both wings and after a fine run on the left pulled the ball back
for Freddie Sears to line up his shot from the edge of the box.
The 18-year-old reacted brilliantly, only to see his rasping shot tipped on
to the bar by Tim Howard. As half-time approached it was one-way traffic,
and Sears wasted another good chance from six yards after good work on the
left by Luis Boa Morte. It must have been a lively half-time team talk by
Moyes because his players looked transformed and were at last stringing
passes together. After a dangerous Mikel Arteta corner, Jack Rodwell rose
above the static defence but could only head wide of the right post. The
Hammers then grabbed a thoroughly deserved goal and it was a goal worth
waiting for. Bellamy, once again, burst down the left with intent and
threaded the ball through to the impressive Parker who flicked the ball
sweetly into the path of 20-year-old Collison. The homegrown academy player
showed maturity beyond his years as he curled the ball into the top-right
corner to give Howard no chance. So with seven minutes left and Moyes
prowling on the touchline, the recovery began. Saha crossed from the right
and, with the defenders nowhere to be seen, Lescott headed easily down into
the net.
West Ham looked shell-shocked, and two minutes later Anichebe crossed for
Saha, whose deflected shot edged past Robert Green. Another two minutes and
it was three. Julian Faubert carelessly cleared the ball into the path of
Saha, who looked up and calmly curled the ball inside the right post. West
Ham may well be advised to leave it a few days before chasing up that
invitation for another visit from Barack Obama.
Everton boss David Moyes on Louis Saha: "He is a top talent. He has not
missed a day's training since we signed him. "If he can continue to get
goals then it will help him and us. He is on a two-year contract and signing
him was a bit of a 'no-brainer' for us. "The only question was his fitness.
I think it was a little bit of a gamble as we've tried not to sign too many
players with an injury record.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "It's very difficult to accept. It is not the
first time we've spoilt a good job in the last 10 minutes of a game. "It is
something that concerns me very much, obviously. The only thing I can say
right now is that we need to find a solution. "Maybe I have to give
something more because the Premier League is punishing. You cannot afford to
drop your attention for a minute."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson (Collison 18), Ilunga, Faubert,
Parker (Di Michele 87), Bowyer, Sears, Bellamy, Boa Morte (Etherington 57).
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Mullins, Reid.
Booked: Etherington.
Goals: Collison 63.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Cahill, Rodwell
(Vaughan 65), Osman, Saha (Hibbert 90), Anichebe (Baines 86).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.
Booked: Lescott.
Goals: Lescott 83, Saha 85, 87.
Att: 33,961
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Everton's Louis Saha on 7.38 (on 90
minutes).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 1 Everton 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Six years ago next month, Glenn Roeder's West Ham United battered a
Southampton side that left Upton Park with all three points after James
Beattie grabbed an undeserved last minute winner.
And following a game that bore numerous similarities (if not the result) to
that forgettable afternoon Gianfranco Zola's West Ham team of 2008/09 find
themselves in deep trouble after three late goals sent them spinning to a
fifth defeat in six games.
A decent start to the season, added to the raised hopes generated by the
arrival of Messrs Zola and Clarke had perhaps helped gloss over the recent
run of poor results. However after today's capitulation there can be no
doubt that the Hammers face a long, dark winter ahead battling the very real
possibility of relegation.
Today's game - like the aforementioned match against the Saints - was
exactly the sort of performance that suggested such a battle may well be on
the cards. Excellent for 80 minutes, the Hammers' shaky defence - 25 games
now without a clean sheet - fell apart in an incredible final few minutes to
gift all three points to Everton, who really should have been well out of
the game by half time.
Make no bones about it, Zola's side were fantastic in the first half with an
exhibition of what was simply breathtaking football at times. The Hammers
produced no less than ten efforts on goal in the opening 45 minutes but
crucially failed to break the deadlock - something which was to come back to
haunt them later.
Freddie Sears, once again deputising for the suspended Carlton Cole had
United's two best chances of the first half. The youngster should have
opened the scoring on the half-hour mark after being teed up by Craig
Bellamy following an excellent run on the left flank - although in fairness
to Sears he did his job by hitting the target - with some venom - but Tim
Howard pulled off a stunning save, tipping his effort onto the bar.
Then, two minutes from the half time whistle Sears once again found himself
in a great position after being put through on goal by a precision pass from
Luis Boa Morte. But his decision to shoot - a tame effort that only found
the side netting - was perhaps the wrong one given that (the excellent)
Scott Parker was unmarked at the far post (although it would perhaps be a
little harsh to criticise a striker for shooting from such a promising
position).
Craig Bellamy, once again playing with plenty of fire in his belly also
tested Howard on three occasions whilst Scott Parker and Jack Collison - on
for the injured Matthew Upson (dead leg after just 15 minutes) - both
registered efforts on goal in a 45 minutes that was as impressive as that
which saw the Hammers blow Newcastle away in Zola's first home game
following his appointment as Alan Curbishley's successor.
At the other end Rob Green was barely tested and Everton, missing the likes
of Yakubu and record signing Marouane Fellaini had to wait until the 43rd
minute to test Green - even if Osman's effort eventually fizzed tamely over
the crossbar. Apart from that chance, the Toffees were restricted to a
couple of long range efforts.
The second half began in a similar pattern, with Everton content to sit back
and soak up West Ham's pressure. However it was David Moyes' side that
enjoyed the first two efforts of the second half - something which prompted
Zola, criticised previously for his delayed substitutions to introduce
Matthew Etherington for the disappointing Luis Boa Morte.
That decision proved to be a good one as United took the lead just five
minutes after Etherington's introduction. Another flowing move on the left
flank saw Scott Parker fed inside the box. Without a thought Parker produced
a clever backheel into the path of midfield partner Collison, who echoed the
grace of a former United midfield legend in stroking the ball calmly into
the corner of Tim Howard's net to notch his first ever senior goal.
The goal was no more than the Hammers had deserved, and it should have been
the signal for Zola's side to go on and put the game beyond doubt as they
had threatened to do for so long. As the game entered its final stages it
looked as if the Irons may well go on to do that AND record their first
clean sheet in 25 games - before disaster struck.
Everton, boosted by the arrival of young James Vaughan had begun to threaten
a now-jittery United defence not helped by one or two players visibly
flagging - most notably Scott Parker, who was dead on his feet having run
himself into the ground having only just returned from injury. For Zola it
was perhaps another lesson in making the right changes at the right time
when Jolean Lescott rose to equalise with a free header from a Saha cross
with just seven minutes left on the clock - virtually the same time
Middlesbrough scored at the Riverside last week to deny the Hammers another
much-needed win.
As if that wasn't bad enough, things were to get much worse for United who
went 2-1 behind on 85 minutes when provider turned goalscorer. Louis Saha,
who scored the winner for Metz at the Boleyn Gorund in the Intertoto Cup
some years ago took advantage of a deflection to beat Robert Green whose
despairing dive to his right couldn't prevent the ball from rolling over the
line.
The Hammers, clearly stunned by the turnaorund in fortunes were by now all
over the place and it was no surprise when Saha grabbed his second and
Everton's third on 87 minutes - their third goal in four minutes. Emergency
right-back Julien Faubert, who had reverted to defence in the first half
shuffle that followed Matthew Upson's departure gave the ball away cheaply
allowing Saha to fire home from the edge of the box with West Ham defenders
backing away. The goal condemned United to yet another defeat - their sixth
reversal in nine games under the stewardship of Zola and Clarke.
The demoralising defeat leaves the Hammers in 13th place in the Premier
League but just two points above the relegation zone, with all teams bar
Wigan and Sunderland having games in hand on Zola's side. Whilst Carlton
Cole's return from suspension will no doubt be much welcomed ahead of next
week's visit of Portsmouth it is affairs at the other end of the field that
clearly require most attention - and urgent repair if the Hammers are to
avoid yet another winter of discontent.
West Ham Utd: Green, Neill (c), Collins, Upson (Collison 18), Ilunga,
Faubert, Parker (Di Michele 86), Bowyer, Boa Morte (Etherington 58), Sears,
Bellamy.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Reid, Mullins.
Booked: Etherington (81).
Goals: Collison (63).
Everton: Howard, Neville (c), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Osman,
Cahill, Rodwell (Vaughan 66), Saha (Hibbert 90+1), Anichebe.
Subs not used: Nash, Baines, Castillo, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.
Booked: Lescott (69).
Goals: Lescott (83), Saha (85, 87).
Conditions: Cold, breezy, occasional rain.
Referee: Mark Halsey (7).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
A freshly-cropped Gianfranco Zola attempts to explain just how his side lost
against Everton today despite dominating proceedings ...
On yet another defeat ...
This is the story of many games that we've played so far. It's a pity really
that we let ourselves down.
I've been through these moments many times in my career and I've always
reacted; that is what we are trying to translate to the players. I think we
have a lot of credits and it's about time to cash them in.
On goalscorer Jack Collison ...
He's doing very well. Also Freddie Sears, in the first half especially. They
were a positive side and something encouraging, at least.
On one point from the last 18 ...
It's not a very nice equation. It's frustrating, especially when you play
games like this and come out without any points. But this is the reality and
maybe means what we are doing is not enough and we need to improve. I'm the
first one who is going to be asking questions to myself as to what can be
done differently.
We'll see. It's just the end of the game now and it's not easy. But we're
going to be looking for solutions because it's a pity that a team like this
plays the way it played and comes out of it without points.
On changing his attacking philosophy ...
No. I don't think that's the key. We have to understand maybe that certain
moments in the game have been very costly for us, especially in the last
minutes. We have to change something and we'll be working on that.
"We have to make sure we do the right things for 95 minutes. That's what I
will be focusing on next week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Late and lousy
Walsh stunned as game is turned on its head
Last updated: 8th November 2008
SSN
West Ham 1-3 Everton
Soccer Saturday analysis
Paul Walsh pointed out West Ham's defensive deficiencies as they suffered an
astonishing late turnaround to lose 3-1 to Everton. The Hammers were
seemingly in control of the game with 10 minutes to go and were deservedly
in front through Jack Collison's 62nd minute strike. But Joleon Lescott
levelled on 83 minutes and Everton snatched a dramatic victory through a
Louis Saha brace in the dying moments of the game to leave the home fans
totally deflated. The club have just one point from the last six games and
Walsh admitted he could not believe how the game had transformed in the
closing stages. "I still can't believe the result," Walsh said on Soccer
Saturday. "It was an amazing game. West Ham for 80 minutes of the game were
the better team, they passed it, were more inventive and had better
movement. "Freddie Sears and Scott Parker looked good in midfield, Craig
Bellamy's always a threat in the channels and out wide and I suppose the
only thing you could say in the second half is maybe they didn't create
enough good chances to put the game to bed. "Once they got the goal, and it
was a tremendous goal which they thoroughly deserved, they got to the last
10 minutes and the game went totally on its head and I still can't believe
how easily it was done. "Every player in that position with 10 minutes to go
has got to do his job, but Saha just drifted into a space on the right hand
side, no-one was near him and he had all the time in the world to get hold
of the ball and cross it in to Lescott in the centre of the goal, seven
yards out with the simplest of headers to make it 1-1. "Then all of a sudden
you could feel the nervousness in the West Ham team and Saha got his goal
before making it 3-1 with a shot from distanc.e I was sitting there and I
couldn't believe the scoreline. "If you're a West Ham fan, God knows what
you're thinking at the moment with their lack of wins. A point in the last
six games is awful."
The Hammers have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, having
conceded 26 goals so far this season and it has been suggested they may
start to regret the decisions to sell Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney
over the summer. And Walsh agreed they could do with more cover in that
department having seen how badly they defended late in the game. "That's the
reason Alan Curbishley left the club," Walsh continued. "You'd like to have
those players at the club now and have that competition for places. Matthew
Upson looks like he might have a bad injury, he was carried off on a
stretcher, Lucas Neill had to go into the centre and Julien Faubert at
right-back. "There's no continuity, the back four is getting shuffled around
and there's your reasoning as to why they're conceding the goals. "Certainly
they could do with Ferdinand as that extra body in the centre of defence. As
a club in trouble financially they had to take the money, but that's not
going to help them stay in the Premier League if they keep conceding goals.
"When they were 1-0 up they would have been on 18 points and right up there
in a great position, so it was unbelievable how it unfolded. "They play some
good football, Lee Bowyer, Parker and Sears were very good and they caused
Everton all sorts of problems. "But defensively in the last 10 minutes when
they need to be concentrated and professional with everybody doing their
jobs they just didn't do that."
Saha will emerge as the hero for Everton, but Walsh said he and the Everton
team really struggled to get into the game until thise dramatic closing
stages. "Everton's performance for 80 minutes was absolutely bog average,"
he said. "Saha hardly touched the ball and hardly featured up until the
first goal was scored. "I can say that for a lot of the Everton players -
Tim Cahill hadn't got in the game, also Mikel Arteta who is normally
excellent for them. "It was all West Ham and it wasn't until they brought
James Vaughan on and pushed Lescott a bit further forward up that left-hand
side that they started to go for it a little bit. "Once they got that first
goal, that was it. It was all guns blazing to get the second and then the
third. "But if you're a West Ham supporter or player - and certainly if
you're Gianfranco Zola, you'd be devastated with how that game spun round in
the last 10 minutes."
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Zola hopes for reaction
Hammers boss looks for positivite response after defeat
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 8th November 2008
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has reflected upon his side's last-gasp defeat
to Everton by insisting that his charges must now 'react'. Zola's men were
1-0 up courtesy of a Jack Collison strike and looked set for a first victory
in six matches until a self-destructive five-minute spell saw the Hammers
concede three goals.
The players looked understandably shell-shocked and the Italian boss admits
that he too was struggling for words come the final whistle. "It's difficult
to come here and comment on a game like that," said the former Chelsea star.
"It's not the first time, but these are the situations in which you see
young players, real men, and you have to react because you don't deserve
this. "The only thing you can do it is to react. Understand the situation
and react."
As a former player, Zola knows better than most the agony of experiencing
such a loss, but he feels that if his players are to emerge from their
terrible run of form, then they must allow themselves to learn from his
experiences. "It's a pity really that we let ourselves down," added Zola.
"I've been through these moments many times in my career and I've always
reacted. "That is what we are trying to translate to the players."
Indeed Louis Saha's final goal of the afternoon was the seventh late strike
that West Ham have conceded since Zola took charge. His side's
susceptibility in the final minutes is becoming a real cause for concern for
the 42-year-old, and Zola is worried that unless they can solve these
problems on the training field then his side will continue to struggle in
the league. "Something must be going on when in the last minutes of the game
we are suffering a lot so it's something that we're going to be looking into
during the week "We need to find solutions, and we've got to try and find
the best ones."
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Saha breaks Hammers hearts
Visitors grab three goals in five minutes to seal unlikely win
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 8th November 2008
SSN
Everton stole a 3-1 victory over West Ham courtesy of two late strikes from
Louis Saha. West Ham had dominated proceedings for the majority of the game,
missing several great opportunities in a thoroughly one-sided first half.
Despite their shortcomings up front, the Hammers finally got the goal that
they deserved in the 62nd minute, at which point they looked likely to take
all three points. But, after Saha found Joleon Lescott to head home for the
equaliser, the game turned in the away side's favour and within minutes West
Ham keeper Robert Green was picking the ball out of the back of his net
again when Saha's deflected drive skidded painfully beyond Green and into
the bottom corner. Saha added another just moments later to complete an
incredible turnaround which would see The Toffees leave Upton Park with an
unlikely 3-1 victory.
Saha had almost given the visitors the lead in the opening minute but his
right-footed volley flashed just wide of Green's left-hand upright. But the
home side responded immediately with Scott Parker bursting through the
midfield before unleashing a low 20-yard drive which Tim Howard pushed wide.
But the early exchanges proved to be a false dawn with precious little
excitement to warm the crowd on a wet afternoon. The home side were dealt a
blow after 15 minutes when defender Matthew Upson was taken off on a
stretcher with an ankle injury, to be replaced by Jack Collison. In the 19th
minute Green had to be alert to deal with a low cross from Everton captain
Phil Neville. Moments later Freddie Sears almost carved out an opening at
the opposite end but the young West Ham striker lost control of the ball at
the vital moment. West Ham defender Herita Ilunga wrestled Victor Anichebe
to the ground in the 22nd minute but Mikel Arteta's free-kick from the right
flank was easily dealt with. A counter-attack by the home side seconds later
saw Sears put Craig Bellamy clear but the West Ham striker saw his shot
deflected for a corner. The game continue to ebb and flow and Jack Rodwell
tried his luck for the visitors in the 23rd minute but his shot rolled
harmlessly into the hands of the waiting Green.
Most of West Ham's best moves were inspired by the hard-working Parker but
they lacked a killer instinct in attack. Both Bellamy and Sears had plenty
of the ball and when they combined again in the 28th minute, West Ham should
have taken the lead. Sears crossed from the left wing and when Everton's
defence only half-cleared the ball, Bellamy sent his 18-yard volley high
into the crowd. The pair were beginning to form a vibrant partnership for
the home side and with a bigger slice of luck, Sears would have opened the
scoring in the 31st minute. Bellamy cleverly left Joseph Yobo floundering
with a neat dummy on the left edge of the penalty area before delivering the
perfect low pass for the onrushing Sears. However, Sears opted for power
over placement and although his shot beat Howard it cannoned off the
crossbar. With two minutes of the first half remaining, Leon Osman was
presented with a clear shot at goal from 20 yards but the Everton midfielder
could not hit the target.
In the 56th minute, Rodwell went close for Everton when he hooked his effort
just wide of the upright from close range. Moments later West Ham replaced
Luis Boa Morte with winger Matthew Etherington in a bid to give the home
side more thrust in attack. In the 59th minute, the rampaging Bellamy was
fouled on the edge of the penalty area by Neville as West Ham increased the
tempo of the game. However, Bellamy's subsequent free-kick was charged down
by Everton's defensive wall. But West Ham did break the deadlock in the 63rd
minute through substitute Collison. The goal was superbly set-up by a
brilliant piece of individual skill from Parker who backheeled the ball into
the path of the home debutant. With Everton's defence completely
wrong-footed by Parker's brilliance, Collison took his time to curl the ball
into the top corner. It was a memorable goal for the youngster who had never
played at home for the first team until Upson's first-half injury presented
him with the opportunity.
The home side seemed to be in full control and were threatening to increase
their advantage, with the pace of Sears and Bellamy a constant threat to the
visitors.
But Everton conjured up an amazing fightback in the last 10 minutes when
Lescott planted a firm header beyond Green for the leveller in the 83rd
minute. Worse was to follow for West Ham when a cross from Anichebe was
fired home by Saha, with a slight deflection on his shot taking the ball
past Green. The former Manchester United striker then repeated the feat,
with a powerful low 20-yard shot bouncing past Green in the 87th minute to
leave West Ham floored.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola is getting nervous
Late win unsettles Hammers boss
Last updated: 9th November 2008
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola admits he is feeling the pressure after a 3-1
home defeat to Everton. The Hammers had gone 1-0 up in the 63rd minute
after Jack Collison fired in a curling effort. But they were shocked by
three goals in four minutes - one for Joleon Lescott and a Louis Saha brace
- to deny them a valuable win.
That leaves them entrenched in the pack of early relegation contenders, just
two points clear of the drop zone and Zola is concerned. "We are now looking
over our shoulder," he told the Daily Star Sunday. "It's not the first time
we've spoiled a good job and it's something that's affecting me. "We must
look at this carefully and find a solution. Right now I don't know the
solution." It is thought the answer could start with a new man between the
sticks as Zola is rumoured to be considering replacing current keeper Robert
Green. Bolton stoppers Ali Al-Habsi or Jussi Jaaskelainen are thought to be
on Zola's wish-list in the January transfer window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United await fate
The travails of Tevez, centre, have left a lasting impression on West Ham
The Times
Martin Samuel, Chief Football Correspondent
West Ham United will resume battle today to overturn the decision to award
compensation to Sheffield United after the South Yorkshire club's relegation
from the Barclays Premier League two years ago.
An independent panel ruled in September that West Ham were liable because
their signing of Carlos Tévez broke Premier League rules and the forward was
worth more than three points over the 2006-07 season. The East London club
finished three points above their rivals. West Ham are trying to force the
tribunal to explain the workings that led to that conclusion, while
Sheffield United have mounted a separate legal challenge to stop West Ham
having an appeal heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne
after an application was made there last month. Both cases will be heard in
the High Court today.
Should Sheffield United win the argument, the arbitration panel will begin
deliberations on the amount of compensation that should be paid.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton make Gianfranco Zola learn the hard way
West Ham 1 Everton 3
Gary Jacob at Upton Park
The Times
The lessons are coming hard and fast for Gianfranco Zola and practice is not
making them any easier for the West Ham United manager to understand. One
point from the past six matches has blotted his copybook and by the drawn
look on his face, defeat by Everton after excelling for 80 minutes was as
painful and demoralising as it gets for a man learning his trade.
It has not taken long for West Ham to adopt Zola's pleasing, silky style.
However, the Italian promised to find a solution to what is becoming a habit
of conceding late goals. Everton, who had barely ventured into the
opposition penalty area, turned the game with three goals in the last seven
minutes.
It left the Italian questioning whether he should have introduced fresh legs
in central midfield as his team dropped deep, while they have not kept a
clean sheet in the league since February. "They let the tension grow and
lost composure," Zola said.
"If we lost another game, then probably I have got my responsibilities and I
take them. If I've done something wrong I will tell the players."
Zola's route into management on the back of a distinguished playing career
is the opposite to that of David Moyes, a nononsense journeyman defender who
learnt his coaching trade at Preston North End before stepping up to
Everton. "When you come into management it is very difficult to understand
how bad you feel after a bad result," Moyes said. "I thought losing might
become an easier thing as you got older and you would be able to manage it
better. It gets worse."
Jack Collison confidently stroked West Ham into the lead, but Moyes's gamble
with attacking substitutions paid off when Louis Saha crossed for an
unmarked Joleon Lescott to head an equaliser and the France forward then
scored twice, with a deflected strike and from long range.
West Ham United (4-4-1-1): R Green 5 – L Neill 5, J Collins 6, M Upson (sub:
J Collison, 19min 7), H Ilunga 6 – J Faubert 5, L Bowyer 5 (sub: M
Etherington, 59 5), S Parker 7 (sub: D Di Michele, 87) – C Bellamy 7 – F
Sears 7. Substitutes not used: J Lastuvka, W Lopez, H Mullins, K Reid.
Booked: Etherington. Next: Portsmouth (h).
Everton (4-2-3-1): T Howard 5 – P Neville 6, J Yobo 6, P Jagielka 5, J
Lescott 6 – L Osman 5, J Rodwell 5 (sub: J Vaughan, 66 6) – V Anichebe 6
(sub: L Baines, 86), T Cahill 5, M Arteta 5 – L Saha 7 (sub: T Hibbert, 90).
Substitutes not used: C Nash, S Castillo, L Jutkiewicz, D Gosling. Booked:
Lescott. Next: Middlesbrough (h).
Referee M Halsey Attendance 33,961
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham back in court as Carlos Tevez affair rumbles on
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:52 PM on 09th November 2008
Daily Mail
Sheffield United and West Ham return to the High Court on Monday as the
compensation battle surrounding the Carlos Tevez affair moves into a
decisive phase.
Facing a claim of up to £50million from the Yorkshire club, West Ham's
lawyers are seeking an examination of how an independent arbitration panel
arrived at the decision that Tevez's contribution was worth three points to
their Premier League survival in 2007. In a separate hearing, United will
find out if they have succeeded in obtaining an injunction preventing West
Ham from taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola worried after West Ham surrender lead to late Everton surge
West Ham United (0) 1 Everton (0) 3
Telegraph
By Oliver Brown
Last Updated: 10:18PM GMT 09 Nov 2008
Gianfranco Zola's admission that he was "more than worried" about West Ham's
unravelling season has been tempered by a reassurance from Scott Duxbury,
the club's chief executive, that his best players would not be offloaded in
a January 'fire sale'.
It had been thought that senior players, including goalkeeper Robert Green
and winger Craig Bellamy, were poised to depart as the business interests of
Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson continued to be buffeted by the
global credit crisis, but Duxbury said: "It's business as usual. All talk of
fire sales, and having to sell players for reasons other than football ones,
is simply not true. It is about having quality rather than quantity and the
manager is happy with what he has."
Such confidence was severely tested, however, by the manner of West Ham's
latest defeat, in which they suffered a three-goal riposte from Everton in
the final 10 minutes having controlled the game for the previous 80. Zola
found himself not only in the midst of an unpleasant statistical storm – no
win in six games, no clean sheet in 24 – but at the mercy of detractors
casting a sharp eye over his meagre managerial record.
The Italian's universal popularity meant that he endured a short period of
clemency over West Ham's ragged form, which has moved from bad to worse in
his two months in charge, but his credentials to arrest the crisis have come
into serious question. For all his good intentions and sunny demeanour, Zola
has tested himself on no more challenging platform than that of Italy's
Under-21 manager, and has imparted a style of football at Upton Park that,
while fluent and fluid, is worryingly flaky.
His response to the Everton debacle, itself reminiscent of recent late
collapses against Arsenal and Middlesbrough, spoke not of blind optimism but
defiance. "I've had so many difficult moments in my career and I never let
myself down," he said. "I am going to do the same now, it's the only way I
know how to react. I'm going to be looking for solutions and looking for
things to improve. Maybe I need to change something. I will try to find
something that is good for the team. Maybe I am not doing enough. I'm going
to be reacting, that's for sure."
Honesty marked every aspect of Zola's analysis, from his team's mental
weakness – most evident when they have tried to close matches out – to their
physical deficiencies, exemplified against Everton by how frequently Julien
Faubert lost out in his tussle with Louis Saha. "I am more than worried – I
am disappointed and sorry because I don't think my players deserved this. I
take my responsibilities and maybe I have to improve some."
One more league defeat, Zola indicated, which would be a sixth in seven,
could signal a dramatic personal reappraisal. Having defended a decision to
keep Scott Parker, recovering from a calf injury, on the field when he was
clearly struggling, the manager acknowledged: "If we lose another game, then
probably I have got to take my responsibilities. If I've done something
wrong I will tell the players."
David Moyes, still absorbing Everton's improbable comeback after Jack
Collison, making his home debut at 20, had edged West Ham in front, tried to
be sympathetic towards his less experienced rival. "It's cruel at times,"
Moyes said. "I've been there and I know how sore he will be feeling."
The Everton manager was simply feeling relieved, having seen his team
cultivate the opposite habit to West Ham – namely, of learning how to win
games at the death. For that he could thank striker Saha, underlining his
resurgence with two fine goals, and fellow scorer Joleon Lescott, who
rediscovered his attacking traits at left-back.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham To Be Sold By Christmas … Or Else
West Ham Till I Die
The resignations of two West Ham directors this week have attracted little
comment so far. But they are indicative of a situation on the West Ham Board
which is far from healthy. Mike Lee and Gudmundur Oddsson left the board
this week after apparent concerns about personal liability issues.
There are strong rumours that West Ham chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's
business empire is close to collapse and that he will be forced to offload
the club before Christmas. He had been thought to be worth more than £360
million, but the Icelandic banking collapse saw his major stake in the
Lansbanki Bank nationalized. It is thought he lost £230 million. One of his
other major businesses, Samson Holdings, went into administration earlier
this week. He has previously said that there was no way that he would be
forced into selling West Ham, but there is now a recognition that his
financial position is so serious that a sale needs to happen before
Christmas. There seem to be two dimensions to the resignations. The first is
that power has very much shifted back to Iceland as the sale process begins,
while Lee and Oddson have clearly recognized that they could become
personally liable if the club was held responsible for debts relating to the
Holding Company, or if it could not meet its obligations.
While the situation is serious, we should recognize that Gudmundsson seems
to be a very unfortunate victim of circumstance, rather than the architect
of his downfall. While the club is not officially up for sale, potential
buyers are indeed being sought. Mike Lee, although no longer on the board,
appears to retain a key role and is continuing to advise the board on
communications and might even be a key player in the sale process. His
contacts from his time with UEFA are legendary. It is thought that the
selling price will be almost double the £85 million paid to Terry Brown in
2006, but the longer it goes on, the lower the price will go. They key thing
is not to sell to just anyone, but to try and find a buyer who will see the
potential of the club and be willing to invest the requisite sums in the
transfer window.
While there may be no fire sale in the transfer window, it is quite clear
that there are no further investment funds available from the current
owners. The club is financially stable, as debts have been reduced along
with the wage bill.
There can be little doubt that the Club is about to enter a very rocky
period. We can but hope that the team's performance is unaffected by what is
happening at Board level, although judging from yesterday, that is far from
the case.
I for one with the Icelandic owners well in their search for a buyer. I hope
I am not being naïve, but I actually trust them to sell to the right buyer.
It is a great shame that their own vision for the club can never be
realized.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Everton 3: Zola vows to stop the rot as West Ham crumble By Simon
Cass
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 10th November 2008
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola is wearing the look of a worried man. It could be the manner
of West Ham's latest defeat that has knocked the stuffing out of the
normally chirpy Italian or maybe it is something deeper, a little self-doubt
perhaps. Shell-shocked after watching his side surrender victory to Everton
and with it the Hammers' chance of a first clean sheet at the 24th attempt,
Zola struggled to find an explanation. 'You are asking me questions that,
right now, I cannot answer,' he said. 'I am going to be working on that
during the week. I have got a fantastic staff and we are going to be finding
solutions. I've had so many difficult moments in my career and I never let
myself down. I am going to do the same now; it's the only way I know how to
react.' There is something ever so slightly unpleasant about watching a man
famous for his beaming smile being put through the wringer. Had he made
mistakes, such as not substituting Scott Parker earlier after the returning
midfielder had clearly run himself into the ground? 'I noticed Parker was
tired,' admitted Zola. 'But he is a very important player for this team. 'I
was thinking of taking him off but I didn't have any signals Everton were
getting on top of us.'
Zola is getting used to the difference between losing as a manager and
losing as a player and, according to David Moyes, that feeling will only get
worse. 'In a way, the managers do (hurt more) because they feel total
responsibility,' said the Everton manager. Zola is finding out the hard way.
The optimism brought on by two wins from his first two games in charge has
given way to the reality of just one point from six games.West Ham played
the better stuff but defensive lapses saw them throw it away. Jack
Collison's first for his club was no more than West Ham deserved, the
20-yearold midfielder rounding off a wonderful sweeping move with a drive
into the top corner. Louis Saha started the fightback in the 83rd minute,
his cross finding the head of Joleon Lescott for the equaliser. Four minutes
later, Everton had made it three, Saha first firing home a deflected shot
from Victor Anichebe's cross before punishing Julien Faubert's poor
clearance with a 25-yard strike. To think, Saha could have been plying his
trade at Upton Park if former manager Alan Curbishley had got his way. 'The
move to West Ham didn't happen but I made a great choice,' said Saha.
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 6; Neill 6, Collins 6, Upson 6 (Collison 18min, 7),
Ilunga 6; Faubert 5, Parker 7 (Di Michele 87), Bowyer 7, Sears 7, Bellamy 7,
Boa Morte 6 (Etherington 57, 6).
Booked: Etherington.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard 7; Neville 7, Yobo 6, Jagielka 7, Lescott 7;
Anichebe 6 (Baines 86), Rodwell 6 (Vaughan 65, 7), Osman 6, Arteta 6; Cahill
6; Saha 8 (Hibbert 90).
Booked: Joleon Lescott.
Man of the Match: Louis Saha.
Referee: Mark Halsey.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potential West Ham sponsor in match-fixing prob
10 Nov, 08 | England | Sponsorship
Eufootball.biz
English West Ham United football club is in advanced negotiations with
betting company SBOBet regarding an 18-month contract for shirt sponsorship
worth around GBP 2 million. Philippines-based SBOBet is one of the companies
in the center of the Football Association's match-fixing investigation
regarding the October 4 match between Norwich City and Derby County. SBOBet
have refused to cooperate with the FA and provide trading information
related to the match, deeming such a move is an "excessive" breach of
customer privacy. The deal is due to replace the previous three-year shirt
sponsor arrangement with XL, worth GBP 2.5 million per season, which fell
through after one year due to the collapse of the company.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bowyer laments West Ham performance: Not good enough
10.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Lee Bowyer admits they're struggling to close out
games after Saturday's defeat to Everton. He said: "They had a bit of
pressure but we should have seen it out. "We're not happy not keeping a
clean sheet. It is not good enough. We should be able to win 1-0. "It's a
strange stat and it means you have to score two or three to win a game and
that's not easy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes tribute to Everton fans after West Ham win
10.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
David Moyes paid tribute to Everton's fans after their victory over West
Ham. He told evertonTV: "They were magnificent. For 60 or 70 minutes I was
thinking it was a bad one for us to bring you (fans) down and play the way
we have done. "But in the end they have seen three goals at their end and
the players celebrated with the supporters and it ended up a good result for
us and keeps us marching on. "We would always do it (recognise the fans),
but you feel much better when you win - they may not want to see us when we
lose! "It's good that you can do it, there will be supporters from London,
not just Liverpool here, so it's good to celebrate with them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton's Saha: I could've joined West Ham
10.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
Everton striker Louis Saha admits he could easily have been playing for
Saturday's beaten opponents West Ham. Saha could have been plying his trade
at Upton Park if former manager Alan Curbishley had got his way. "The move
to West Ham didn't happen but I made a great choice," said Saha.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheffield Utd, West Ham in court today over Tevez compo
10.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
Sheffield United and West Ham United are back to the High Court today as
their compensation battle surrounding the Carlos Tevez affair moves into a
decisive phase.
Facing a claim of up to £50million from the Yorkshire club, West Ham's
lawyers are seeking an examination of how an independent arbitration panel
arrived at the decision that Tevez's contribution was worth three points to
their Premier League survival in 2007, says the Daily Mail. In a separate
hearing, United will find out if they have succeeded in obtaining an
injunction preventing West Ham from taking their case to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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