West Ham United 2-0 Hull City
WHUFC.com
All the Hull City minute by minute action as West Ham United made it three home wins in a row
28.01.2009
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Wednesday 28 January
8pm
Referee: Howard Webb
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Collison (Faubert 71), Noble (Boa Morte 84), Di Michele (Nsereko 86), Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears
Goals: Di Michele 33, Cole 51.
Hull City: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney (Mendy 73), Ashbee, Kilbane, Geovanni (Bullard 53), Cousin, Manucho (Fagan 53)
Subs not used: Myhill, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan
Booked: Marney.
Attendance: 34,340
West Ham United 2-0 Hull City FT
93 min Cole has a go as well. He again gets one-on-one with Duke, but once again Duke saves. The Hull goalkeeper has really helped his team-mates keep the score down.
92 min - Boa Morte has a great chance to do just that, but he slices shot just wide.
90 min - Three minutes of added time. Can United get a third?
88 min - Savio gets his first touch, much to the delight of the home support. A few step overs later and he lays it off to Boa Morte
87 min - And we will see Savio tonight, The German comes on for his debut in place of Di Michele, who had an outstanding game.
83 min - Noble is replaced by Boa Morte.
82 min - Zola calls back Luis Boa Morte. It looks like Savio is going to have a watching brief tonight.
79 min - Noble tries to chip Duke, but the goalkeeper produces another fine stop to tip the ball over.
78 min - Cousin heads narrowly over.
76 min - Cole's shot is blocked from Noble's corner. The rebound falls to Di Michele, but his effort is pushed aside by Duke.
74 min - Brown replaces Dean Marney with Bernard Mendy. That's his third and final change.
71 min - Jack Collison is replaced by Julien Faubert
68 min - The match has calmed down a bit now and United are keeping Hull at bay. Gianfranco Zola's name is being sung around the ground.
64 min - Great work from Behrami to win a corner. The United players are playing out of their skins tonight.
63 min - The home fans are in great voice and Ludek Miklosko's name is being sung by the fans in the Centenary Stand
60 min - Cole's goal makes it five league games in a row the striker has scored.
58 min - The changes seem to have suited Hull and Green has to be alert to stop Bullard scoring against his old club. The West Ham United No1 dived to his right to palm away the midfielder's shot from the edge of the area.
55 min - Corner to West Ham United. Noble takes it but it is deflected wide.
53 min - Double sub from Hull City. Manucho leaves the field for Craig Fagan and Jimmy Bullard comes on for his Hull City debut in place of Geovanni.
50 min - GOAL! What a way to start the second half. Noble flights in a free-kick from the right, Collins nods it back to Di Michele hits the post for the thrid time. However, this time Cole is there to poke the rebound in.
46 min - The second half is underway. More of the same from the home side and we should see a comfortable home win, but what has Phil Brown said to his Hull City players at half-time?
45 min - Half-time at the Boleyn and what a fantastic half from the Hammers. The only downside is that they are not more than one goal ahead.
45 min - One minute of added time.
44 min - Another great chance! Cole bursts through from the halfway line and is one-on-one with Duke. The Hull stopper is their saviour again, diving to his right to thwart the No12.
42 min - Green has to be alert to catch a header from Manucho as the Tigers launch a rare attack.
40 min - How many chances can United have? Di Michele is involved again, crossing to Collison in the area. His first-time shot crashes against Duke's right-hand post. Superb play from the Hammers!
37 min - Noble floats it to the back post but it is cleared.
36 min - Dean Marney becomes the first player to be booked by Howard Webb for bringing down Cole. Free-kick from 25 yards out.
35 min - The home support are in full voice after that and we could have the makings of a classic night under the Boleyn Ground lights.
32 min - GOAL! Di Michele is to get his reward for all his hard work. He forces Duke into a great save and the ball comes back to Cole. His cross-shot is saved by the Hull No12, but the rebound falls to the Italian three yards out and he makes no mistake.
31 min - Savio joins Tristan on the sidelines to warm up and he is applauded. He really is being made to feel rather welcome tonight.
30 min - Di Michele bursts through from the halfway line but his shot is well wide.
28 min - Diego Tristan is warming up on the touchline and gets clapped by the fans in the corner of the Dr. Martens start.
27 min - The penalty miss seems to have taken the wind out of United's sails somewhat and Hull are coming back in to the game.
22 min - No he can't! Duke makes a fantastic save, diving to his left and Noble misses his first penalty for West Ham United.
21 min - Penalty! Collison and Scott Parker work the ball back to Cole and he is pulled down by Sam Ricketts. Can Noble put it away?
20 min - Hull look a bit shell-shocked and it is all one-way traffic at present. Can United make it count though? They have another corner which Mark Noble will take.
17 min - So close! We will not come closer to a goal all night. After good work on the left by Noble and Collison, the ball is worked back to Di Michele. The Italy international takes a touch and hits a delightful shot from 25 yards on to the inside of the post. Great stuff from the Hammers.
15 min - We nearly get one. Mark Noble plays a corner on the left to Cole and he, in turn, lays it off to Jack Collison. His shot flashes just wide.
14 min - It has been a bright start to the game with both teams approaching it in the right way. Now all we need are some goals, hopefully at the Centenary Stand end this half.
11 min - James Collins brings down Daniel Cousin on the edge of the area. Geovanni drills it in dangerously but Robert Green is there to gather it comfortably.
10 min - Valon Behrami flashed United's second shot of the match over the bar. The Switzerland international is yet to score for the Hammers with his right foot, but he came close there.
9 min - It is a mild night in east London but there is a fine rain falling. Whose playing style will that suit more?
8 min - The Tigers have bought plenty of support with them and the away end is packed.
6 min - David Di Michele gives chase to a through-ball and forces Duke into conceding a corner. Cole then gets in a dangerous position moments later, but cannot quite bring the ball under control.
5 min - Hull have started well, though, seeing plenty of the ball. Both teams seem happy to knock the ball around in the early stages.
3 min - Carlton Cole has the first shot of the match, but it is well wide and does not trouble Matt Duke in the Hull City goal
3 min - Savio is on the bench tonight and was given a rousing welcome from the home support. Will we see him in action tonight?
1 min - We're under way at the Boleyn Ground
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Match Report
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 2 - 0 Hull City Football Club
Date: 28/01/2009
Venue: Boleyn Ground
Attendance: 34340
Referee: H Webb
West Ham United extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a thoroughly convincing 2-0 win over Hull City.
The last time the Tigers visited the Boleyn Ground, in October 1990, they were tamed to the tune of a 7-1 humbling. The scoreline could have been equally one-sided this time around had it not been for the heroics of Hull goalkeeper Matt Duke. Instead, Gianfranco Zola's men had to make do with just the two goals scored by David Di Michele and Carlton Cole and were further boosted by a five-minute cameo from new signing Savio at the end.
Zola made two changes to the side that beat Hartlepool United 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. Captain Lucas Neill and England defender Matthew Upson were recalled in place of Julien Faubert and James Tomkins. New signing Savio, who has arrived from Italian side Brescia Calcio, was among the substitutes after receiving international clearance earlier in the day.
Hull boss Phil Brown named former Hammer Richard Garcia - an FA Youth Cup winner in 1998/99 - in his starting eleven, while fellow ex-United midfielder Jimmy Bullard was among the substitutes after making a £5m switch from Fulham.
After making an uncharacteristically tentative start, United were irresistible for long stretches of a thrilling 90 minutes. Aside from the goals, the Hammers rattled the Hull woodwork no fewer than four times, while Mark Noble also saw his penalty superbly saved by Premier League debutant and former team-mate Matt Duke.
After a fairly even opening, during which Robert Green was forced into action by both Manucho and Geovanni, West Ham United discovered their trademark passing rhythm and set about sending the Tigers spiralling to a sixth straight Premier League defeat with a scintillating display of pass-and-move football.
Having gone close through Valon Behrami's long-range shot and James Collins' header, the Hammers came within a lick of paint of going ahead after 15 minutes. Noble's corner was half-cleared back to the midfielder, who found Di Michele on the corner of the penalty area, only for the Italian's exquisite curler to bounce off the post and behind Duke to safety.
The home side passed up another fantastic opportunity on 22 minutes when, for the fourth time in five matches, the Hammers were awarded a penalty. Cole was impeded by Sam Ricketts and, after taking a short time to consider his decision, policeman Howard Webb decided the laws of the game had been broken. Noble was unable to mete out the necessary punishment, however, as his well-struck spot-kick was brilliantly repelled by Duke - who he played alongside during a short loan spell at the KC Stadium in the spring of 2006.
Thankfully, Noble would make up for his miss ten minutes later. Di Michele had already worked Duke with a fizzing low drive before breaking the deadlock 13 minutes before half-time. The Italian tested the Premier League debutant with another strike which the goalkeeper could only push out to Noble. The England Under-21 man fed Cole and when Duke could only parry the striker's cross-shot, Di Michele was on hand - or rather, on knee - to divert the ball into the roof of the net from four yards.
Having gone ahead, Zola's men continued to press and could easily have gone further ahead, while Green also had to be alert to keep out weak efforts from Manucho and Daniel Cousin. At the other end, a sweeping move involving the front pair climaxed with Collison hitting the woodwork from close-range before Cole saw his powerful shot well saved by Duke.
Into the second half and United kept up the assault. Their dominance was finally rewarded with a second goal five minutes after the break, but not before Di Michele had hit the post for the third time. This time, however, the on-loan Torino man's half-volley ricocheted into the path of Cole, who netted for the fifth straight league match.
Brown responded by sending on Craig Fagan and Bullard - who received a welcome cheer - for Manucho and Geovanni. The move nearly paid off moments later when the Newham-born midfielder forced Green into a fine save from 25 yards. The chance appeared to spur Hull on, but they were unable to fashion a clear-cut opportunity to halve the Hammers' advantage.
Cole nearly doubled his tally with 20 minutes remaining, only for his left-foot shot to hit Michael Turner and spin a yard wide. Zola sent on Faubert for Collison and the Frenchman soon earned a corner from which Di Michele forced another excellent stop from the inspired Duke.
Cousin headed narrowly over soon afterwards, but Hull's cause was a forlorn one, a point proved when Duke had to pull off yet another good save to tip Noble's chip over the crossbar. Faubert then went close himself after latching on to Cole's backheel, only for the Hull goalkeeper to thwart the Hammers again.
Di Michele was given a well-earned rest - and a rousing reception - as time ticked away as Zola gave a debut to the Germany Under-20 international Savio. The youngster was quickly involved in the action, playing his part in a move that saw fellow substitute Luis Boa Morte fire narrowly wide in the final minute.
West Ham are unbeaten away from home since 29 October and, following another impressive home performance, will go to Arsenal on Saturday brimming with confidence.
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Savio makes his bow
WHUFC.com
After a whirlwind week that saw him leave Italy for east London, Savio capped it with his debut
29.01.2009
It may have only been for a matter of minutes but Savio is up and running as a West Ham United player.
The Germany Under-20 international joined the club this week and received an early taste of the Barclays Premier League with his late run-out against Hull City. Savio entered the fray in the 86th minute as a replacement for the outstanding David Di Michele and, with the crowd right behind him, was able to help the team close out a fine 2-0 victory.
With Gianfranco Zola hinting at potential squad strengthening to come but also stressing that "I am very happy about the team that I have got", he acknowledged that it was an extra positive to be able to give Savio his debut. "It was a good time to bring him on. He is a good boy, he has good quality. He just needs to settle down and he will be an important player."
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Zola power shines through
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager was delighted with his whole team after a magnificent victory against Hull City
29.01.2009
Gianfranco Zola heaped praise on his West Ham United side after a tremendous home display against Hull City made it six wins in seven unbeaten matches in all competitions.
Having seen David Di Michele and Carlton Cole - with his sixth goal in seven games and one in each of his last five league starts - fire the team to yet another victory, Zola emphasised the collective spirit - from boardroom to coaching staff to the players - on a memorable night at the Boleyn Ground. Although the scoreline said 2-0, his men dominated from start to finish.
Zola said: "It was a really spectacular game. Every time we play we say it is the best game. We need to carry on like this. The team is strong mentally, technically and physically and it is good as we are building something important here. You can smell the atmosphere here and I'm very pleased to be involved in this."
As has been the story of late, the professionalism of his team stood out - whether it was the spine of England internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker along with potential call-up Cole, or the likes of summer recruits Herita Ilunga, Valon Behrami and Di Michele on the ball - the attitude was the same.
"They were focused and did not let them come at us," Zola explained. "Hull City are a good team and if you give them confidence they can cause you a lot of trouble. But this was not the case as they were focused, they were determined to be winners today and that was the difference."
Although he said "everybody is playing out of their skin", the manager did have particular words of praise for his forwards. "Di Michele was fantastic, not only today but for the last few games he has been great and is such an important player for the team that is what we want to build up here. We want competition and we want people to enjoy themselves."
On Cole, Zola repeated that there was no limit to what he could achieve. "It is down to him and everybody knew he was good at keeping the ball and playing for the team but now he is focused on scoring goals, which was the thing that was missing.
"We are trying to improve him, helping him in training sessions and make him better in this way. Now he is scoring goals and is getting them. It is just about focus and his focus is right on target now. It is a great partnership. They are playing with each other a lot and helping each other but also the rest of the team. They are more than strikers and they are very impressive."
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Parker shortlisted for award
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker is in the running for an FA Cup prize but needs the support of West Ham United fans
28.01.2009
Scott Parker has been shortlisted for the E.ON Player of the Round award after his man-of-the-match display against Hartlepool United.
The midfielder, who captained the team at Victoria Park, was instrumental in the 2-0 away performance that took the team through to a fifth-round meeting with Middlesbrough on 14 February.
Parker is up against four rivals - Swansea City goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, Doncaster Rovers shot-stopper Neil Sullivan, Kettering Town forward Craig Westcarr and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.
The five names were selected by a panel which includes Mark Clemmit of Radio Five Live, Howard Wheatcroft of the Daily Star, past FA Cup hero Ricky George, ITV pundit Andy Townsend and E.ON Managing Director Graham Bartlett.
The E.ON Player of the Round award is presented to the outstanding player at each stage of competition, starting from the first round qualifying all the way to the semi-final. Voting will close at midday on Tuesday 3 February 2009.
E.ON Player of the Round winners will receive VIP hospitality for themselves and their guest at the FA Cup final on Saturday 30 May 2009. The winner of each award will also be presented with a commemorative trophy.
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Middlesbrough date confirmed
WHUFC.com
Tickets for the FA Cup fifth round tie with Middlesbrough have gone on sale to season ticket holders
27.01.2009
The ticket office is pleased to confirm selling arrangements and ticket prices for the forthcoming FA Cup fifth-round fixture against Middlesbrough at the Boleyn Ground.
The match will be played at 3pm on Saturday 14 February and will not be televised. With both teams keen to attract maximum numbers of supporters, Middlesbrough have agreed to West Ham United's request for reduced prices for match tickets. This means fans will pay exactly the same as those for the third-round tie against Barnsley, representing excellent value for such a high profile fixture. In addition, further discounts are available for all season ticket holders buying within the priority booking period.
Tickets go on sale to season ticket holders between from Tuesday 27 Jan until Monday 2 February, club members from Tuesday 3 Jan to Wednesday 4 February and then general sale on Thursday 5 February.
Prices start at just £10 for adults and £5 for kids.
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West Ham 2-0 Hull
By Mark Ashenden
BBC.co.uk
Goals from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole helped West Ham cruise past a very disappointing Hull City at Upton Park. Di Michele scored an early opener, scooping in at the back post after Matt Duke kept out Cole's low shot. Hull's debutant keeper was in fine form and saved Mark Noble's penalty after Cole was felled by Sam Ricketts. Debutant Jimmy Bullard and Daniel Cousin had Hull's best chances, but West Ham dominated and Cole scored the second after Duke kept out Di Michele. Both teams had new faces to parade, but Hull's Bullard - a £5m signing from Fulham - and Savio Nsereko - an arrival from Brescia and receiving clearance to play hours before kick-off - both had to start by warming the bench. With Hull looking to avoid a sixth successive league defeat, manager Phil Brown said ahead of the game he was desperate for a clean sheet and opted for Duke instead of Boaz Myhill in goal. Making his Premier League debut the Hull keeper did not let his boss down.
Duke had his left post to thank for keeping out Di Michele's delightful curling shot, but seconds later Howard Webb pointed to the spot after the lively Cole was bundled over by Ricketts. Upstepped Noble but his powerful shot was brilliantly palmed away by Duke diving to his left. With the 19-year-old forward Nsereko looking on through the London drizzle, Cole and Di Michele - on loan from Torino - were playing like strikers determined to keep their places and both were involved in the opener. Cole's low shot from the left side of the box was well saved by Duke, but the ball squirmed into the path of Di Michelle who powered the rebound into the roof of the net. It was a thoroughly deserved strike, although a brief lapse in concentration at the back allowed Manucho the space to nod Cousin's cross into the grateful hands of Rob Green. It was a sea of claret and blue powering forward for the rest of the half with the visiting players looking desperately short of confidence and spirit. Hull's woodwork was involved again just before half-time with Di Michele crossing in for Jack Collison who slammed his shot onto the left post.
Hull started the second half brightly, with Cousin continuing to cause a nuisance and he should have done better with a header from five yards.
All hope of a resurgence after the interval from Hull was decimated on 49 minutes and it was West Ham's magical strike partnership working their magic again. Hull's man-marking was nowhere following a Noble free-kick and Di Michele, lurking dangerously on the edge of the box, picked up the loose ball. The 33-year-old's shot rebounded sideways off the right post and, with Duke left stranded, Cole was at the back post to bury the ball into the net. Brown had to make changes and on came Bullard for the first time in a Hull shirt. Within three minutes his 25-yard shot was stinging the hands of Green, who palmed the ball away. Cole had more chances to add to his tally, as did Di Michele, who could have scored six on the night if it had not been for Duke's heroics. Nsereko finally made his appearance, coming on for Di Michele with five minutes remaining, but the damage had been done.
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West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "Today was very, very good but the good thing about this team is that every game we play seems to be the best game. It was a great match today - a difficult match, but we played fantastically well. "What pleased me was the attitude, they didn't want to lose a challenge and they were chasing back."
Hull boss Phil Brown: "It's been a very difficult night. We came up against team full of confidence. "Zola's got them playing football with belief and we have to get back to playing like that."
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West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Collison (Faubert 71), Noble (Boa Morte 84), Di Michele (Nsereko 86), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears.
Goals: Di Michele 33, Cole 51.
Hull: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney (Mendy 73), Ashbee, Kilbane, Geovanni (Bullard 53), Cousin, Manucho (Fagan 53).
Subs Not Used: Myhill, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan.
Booked: Marney.
Att: 34,340
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
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BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Carlton Cole on 8.10 (on 90 minutes).
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West Ham Utd 2 Hull City 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola's Hammers continued their excellent recent run of form with a comprehensive victory over Hull City at the Boleyn Ground tonight.
Goals from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole earned West Ham another three vital Premier League points thereby extending United's unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions. Visitors City, who came into the game on the back of five straight league defeats were never at the races and had their rookie goalkeeper Matt Duke to thank for preventing a rugby score, as the Hammers, who remain unbeaten in 2009 piled up the chances.
In addition to the two goals Zola's side missed a penalty and struck the woodwork three times as they laid siege to the Tigers' goal, going on to produce one of the best performances witnessed at the Boleyn Ground (by the home side, at least) for some considerable time. All in all it was exhibition stuff from West Ham who could have quite feasibly been six up at half time having pounded their opponents in the first half - although they had just David Di Michele's 33rd minute strike to show for their efforts.
In front of a vocal and near full house United went at Hull from the start and Carlton Cole fashioned a good opportunity within 90 seconds. Efforts from Valon Behrami, Jack Collison and Mark Noble followed before Di Michele hit the post on 18 minutes with a curling effort that, had it gone in, would have been a contender for goal of the season.
Just three minutes later the Irons were awarded a penalty after Carlton Cole went down under the challenge of four Hull defenders. TV replays were inconclusive but Hull will perhaps feel fairly hard done by. However they got what they no doubt feel will be a deserved outcome when goalkeeper Duke, making his first Premier League appearance at the age of 31 brilliantly palmed Noble's effort wide of the goal.
Undettered United continued to press forward and Di Michele was involved again as he was sent clear through on goal. Unfortunately for the 31-year-old striker he completely sliced his effort and, to his embarrassment, it ended up nearer the corner flag than its intended target.
But that was to prove a rare error by the Italian veteran who rolled back the years with a superb individual performance on the night. Full of craft and invention it was no surprise when Di Michele popped up at the far post to nudge home a rebound from Carlton Cole's curling effort - again well saved by Duke - to give the Hammers a much deserved lead on 33 minutes.
West Ham could have increased their half time advantage firstly through Jack Collison, who completed a wonderful flowing move with a close range effort that pinged off the near post then via Carlton Cole who was sent through on goal by a Di Michele header. Once again, keeper Duke stood firm to deny the in-form front man.
It had been a quite breathtaking first half performance from the Hammers and one rightfully recognised by the home crowd who stood to applaud their team off as the half time whistle blew. Hull, on the other hand no doubt walked into a rollocking from manager Phil Brown, but at least they were saved the indignity of being publicly humiliated on the pitch this time.
Brown's words appeared to have some effect as Hull started the stronger of the teams after the break. But any class evident on the pitch was reserved for claret and blue shirts and City's renaissance lasted just five minutes before Carlton Cole, scoring in his fifth consecutive Premier League match (thereby equalling a 23-year-old club record) made it 2-0 after reacting quickly to pounce on a Di Michele effort that had rebounded off the inside of the post.
Whilst it would have perhaps been nice to see United go for the jugular Zola's instructions to play it safe for the final half hour were probably correct, and having doubled their lead the Hammers were far more conservative with their attacking play from thereon in. However that didn't prevent a flurry of opportunities to further increase the lead which, but for the intervention of goalkeeper Duke, would have been a certainty.
Di Michele saw a 15-yard effort fizz inches wide of the post before Noble almost caught Duke out with a cheeky lob that was tipped over the crossbar by a retreating keeper. Meanwhile Cole and substitute Luis Boa Morte had chances to cap a great night with a third goal in injury time, whilst Hull's best chance fell to Daniel Cousin who should have tested Green more with his 78th minute header.
Delighted Hammers fans were also treated to the introduction of new signing Savio Nsereko, who replaced Di Michele with just three minutes of time remaining. Despite only being given a few minutes on the field Savio managed to draw rounds of applause with one display of close-range skill that gave a glimpse of what this exciting young player could produce.
The victory consolidated United's eighth place spot in the Premier League, putting them level on points with seventh-placed Wigan who drew 1-1 at home with Liverpool. Those points, which take West Ham's tally to 32 from 23 games could prove especially important given the fortcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United.
Zola, who endured a difficult introduction to his managerial career is now beginning to reap the rewards for the time and effort he and right-hand man Steve Clarke have invested in the team. This weekend's visit to the Emirates Stadium promises to be a fascinating clash, and the first real test of just how far this rapidly-improving West Ham side has come.
Match Facts
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Upson, Collins, Parker, Noble (Boa Morte 84), Behrami, Collison (Faubert 71), Di Michele (Savio), Cole.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Tomkins, Tristan, Sears.
Goals: Di Michele (33), Cole (50).
Efforts on Goal: 20 (10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 25, 29, 33*, 39, 44; 50*, 52, 55, 70, 75, 79, 85, 90, 90+4).
Hull City: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney (Mendy 73), Kilbane, Ashbee, Geovanni (Fagan 53), Cousin, Manucho (Bullard 53).
Subs not used: Myhill, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan.
Booked: Marney (36).
Efforts on Goal: 9 (13, 19, 36, 41; 48, 53, 58, 63, 78).
Referee: Howard Webb (7).
Attendance: 34,340.
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Hammers on Kovac trail
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are looking to replace the recently departed Hayden Mullins with Czech international Radoslav Kovac.
Mullins left for Portsmouth at the weekend leaving the Hammers somewhat thin on the ground in central midfield. The club, who are thought to have been trailing 29-year-old Kovac for some weeks have moved swiftly to land the experienced defensive midfielder in order to fill the void.
West Ham's interest was confirmed earlier by Spartak Moscow general director Valery Karpin; he said:
"We have received a formal proposal for Kovac from West Ham in London, as well as another one in England and Spanish clubs. All of them will be considered, taking into account the views of the player, but the final decision may be taken as early as Wednesday."
Kovac, who currently plays for Spartak Moscow has featured predominently in midfield throughout his career but can also cover in central defence. A former Czech League winner with Sparta Prague, he is valued around the £4million mark but United will look to take the player on loan initially with view to a permanent deal in the summer.
Kovac began his career with Sigma Olomouc before moving to Sparta Prague in 2003/04 where he was a member of the squad that won the Gambrinus Liga in 2004/05. After two years at Prague he moved to Russia to join Spartak Moscow.
Having made his debut for the Czech Republic in their 1-0 win over Romania in October 2004 Kovac has gone on to make 26 appearances for his country, briefly featuring in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 tournaments.
Despite Kovac's age and United's insistence on bringing in mostly young talent the club are seeking an experienced head to complement their relatively young midfield line-up, and one who can challenge immediately for a first team spot. Being 6'3", Kovac would also provide an aerial threat at set pieces - something Gianfranco Zola feels the first team is currently lacking.
Despite having expressed an interest it is thought unlikely that the club will continue to pursue either Joe Ledley or Inter's Mario Balotelli - for whom no bids have been made, despite reports to the contrary - at this stage.
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Zola hopeful on Kovac
Hammers boss confident of no further exits in transfer window
By Chris Harvey Last updated: 28th January 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola is looking to bring Spartak Moscow defender Radoslav Kovac to West Ham. The 29-year-old Czech Republic international is being tracked by a number of clubs but Zola admitted after the Hammers' 2-0 win over Hull City that he is interested in the defender. "There might be a chance, we will see," the Hammers boss told Sky Sports when asked about Kovac. "We want to improve this team and we will see what happens but this team is going to be alright anyway."
Even if the Irons do not manage to snap up Kovac, Zola said he will be delighted once the January transfer window closes. A number of the Hammers' key players, including Matthew Upson and Scott Parker, have been the subject of transfer speculation but Zola is confident he can hang on to his star names. "It has been a difficult time for all of us. I don't like this window and am looking forward to the finish when I will be much more relaxed. "I think we can keep the players that are here. The club does not want to sell anyone and I think the players that are here want to stay. They are enjoying what they are doing and are keen to take this club to the highest level possible."
The Hammers certainly appeared to enjoy the comprehensive win over the Tigers and Zola was delighted with their efforts. "It was a great match today and I thought we played fantastic. What pleased me was the attitude - they did not want to lose a challenge. When the strikers are chasing back it tells you a lot about this team."
One of the forwards, goalscorer Carlton Cole, hailed his team's "awesome" win which extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. "From start to finish we knew our predicament - it was a very important game to define our season, and really the boys did brilliantly today. We're proud," Cole said. Cole, who has scored five in five to equal Tony Cottee's West Ham record, added: "I need to get more goals, more of the easier ones.
"I'm proud - but I just need to keep on going and add more goals to my game."
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Happy Hammers nail Tigers
Zola's men march on as City's slide continues
By Chris Harvey Last updated: 28th January 2009
SSN
MATCH FACTS
Man of the match - Matt Duke. The stand-in keeper fully justified Phil Brown's decision to start with him with a string of superb saves, including a great stop from Mark Noble's penalty.
Move of the match: Mark Noble, David Di Michele and Carlton Cole combined across the width of the pitch to feed Jack Collison who hit the post from six yards out.
Save of the match: Duke's stop from Noble's penalty was fabulous. The Hammers midfielder struck his spot-kick well but the Tigers keeper guessed correctly and threw his right arm up to save.
Effort of the match: Di Michele had a great game and his curler early in the match which rebounded off the inside of the post was deserving of a goal.
Talking point: What can Hull City do to arrest their slide down the table? They badly need to pick up a win and Saturday's clash with West Brom at the KC Stadium is crucial.
West Ham's fine form under Gianfranco Zola continued after they brushed Hull City aside. The 2-0 scoreline hardly flattered the Hammers who created numerous chances in an impressive display. They could even afford a missed penalty by Mark Noble, who saw his first-half effort superbly saved by Matt Duke - a surprise replacement for regular keeper Boaz Myhill - before they took control with goals from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole. Record signing Savio - who made a late substitute's appearance - would have been impressed by his new teammates who could easily have won by more as the Tigers' miserable run continued. Their own new recruit, Jimmy Bullard, was introduced as a second-half substitute with his side already trailing but there was little the former Fulham man could do as the Tigers slumped to a sixth successive Premier League defeat. After a cagey opening, the match burst into life on 15 minutes.
Noble's shot was deflected behind for a corner, which eventually dropped out to Jack Collison and his low strike was well saved at full stretch by Duke, making his first Premier League start of the season. The City keeper was left a spectator moments later when Di Michele unleashed a superb curling effort from just outside the box which came back off the inside of the far post. The Hammers were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute when Sam Ricketts was adjudged by referee Howard Webb to have bundled over Cole as the pair tussled in the six-yard box. Noble - who spent a spell on loan at Hull in 2006 - drilled the ball towards the left corner, only for Duke to pull off a stunning save at full stretch. The hosts were soon back on the offensive.
A quick punt up field suddenly released Di Michele ahead of the defence and into the left side of the Hull penalty area. However, the Italian made a complete mess of his first-time shot, dragging the ball horribly across goal and wide. Di Michele did better when he cut inside and drilled in a low shot which tested Duke. The ball was not properly cleared though and eventually Cole sent in a curling effort towards the right-hand corner.
Duke made another acrobatic save - but this time could only push the ball out and it dropped right into the path of Di Michele at the far post, who smashed the Hammers ahead on 34 minutes.
The goal had been coming for some time, and suddenly Hull were in danger of being over-run. The all-action Di Michele was again at the centre of things, this time combining with Cole to cross from the right. Collison arrived at pace in the six-yard box, but his first-time shot cannoned back off the near post. Cole should have made it 2-0 just before the break when he beat the offside trap to race clear into the Tigers' penalty area.
However, Duke stood up well and made another fine block - before jumping to his feet and dashing back to clear the ball from off the line as it bounced towards the empty net. Although the visitors started the second half well, they fell further behind on 51 minutes. A deep free-kick by Noble from the right channel floated over towards the far post. The ball dropped back for Di Michele. His low strike bounced off the foot of the upright and right into the path of Cole, who diverted it into the roof of the net. Tigers boss Brown had seen enough and made a double change, with Craig Fagan replacing Manucho and Bullard coming on for Geovanni. However, the damage was already done. Nevertheless, Bullard tested Green with a well-struck effort from 22 yards, which the Hammers keeper tipped around the post at full stretch. To their credit, Hull continued to try to take the game to the hosts, who were guilty of sitting far too deep. However, West Ham found more space as the match went on, with Cole and Di Michele both having efforts blocked. Duke touched a chipped effort from Noble over the bar, with the Hull keeper making another fine save from Julien Faubert before Savio was handed a cameo for the final four minutes.
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Agent - Kovac Hammers bound
Czech defender set for Hammers switch
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 28th January 2009
SSN
West Ham have agreed a six-month loan deal and the possibility of a permanent move with Spartak Moscow for Radoslav Kovac, according to the player's agent. Skysports.com revealed earlier on Wednesday that the Hammers were in talks with the Russian outfit, but it appears a deal has been struck for the highly-coveted defender. "I can confirm that both clubs have reached a verbal agreement, now the conditions of his future contract will be transformed on the paper and West Ham will make a contract proposal for Radek," one of Kovac's agents Viktor Kolar told sport.cz. "The clubs have been finalising the signing of contracts. Radek might move to London tomorrow where he would through a medical and a contract proposal would be offered to him. "Glasgow Celtic, Hannover and Bologna have all been immensely interested in him."
The Czech Republic international has already experienced European football during his time with Spartak but Kovac is now keen to get a taste of the Premier League. "Radek has already tested what it is like to play in the European cups, now he is allured by the English top-flight, which is by football players regarded as one of the best world's leagues," Kolar explained.
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Zola - Pair will stay
Hammers boss says Upson and Parker are keen to stay at the club
Last updated: 28th January 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident Matthew Upson and Scott Parker will be staying at the club. The pair have been linked with a move away from Upton Park after West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was hit by the credit crunch. But Zola believes the coveted midfielder and defender will be going nowhere this January. The Italian said: "They are keen to stay here. They like what we are doing and the way we are playing." His comments come after West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury admitted there has been 'a lot' of interest in the pair, along with Robert Green. But Duxbury also reiterated that the club want the trio to stay and he had "got the commitment back from them that they didn't want to go."
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Hammers move for Kovac
Zola looking to bring in Czech Republic ace
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 28th January 2009
SSN
West Ham have bid for Spartak Moscow defender Radoslav Kovac, according to the player's agent. The 29-year-old Czech Republic international has spent the past three-and-a-half years in Russia after joining from Sparta Prague. Kovac is very much a player in demand with the likes of Celtic, Hannover and Udinese also reportedly in the hunt for his services. Kovac's agent Pavel Zika has confirmed his client is interested in playing in England's Premier League. "I confirm that we have been in talks with West Ham. Radek is very interested by the possibility of playing in the Premier League," he told deniksport.cz. Spartak's owner Valeri Karpin has confirmed to Sport-Express that West Ham have bid for Kovac, although they are just one of a number of clubs in for the £4million-rated stopper. "We have received an official offer from West Ham," said Karpin. "The same counts for some other English and Spanish clubs. "I cannot reveal the names now as it depends on the player which club he will decide to move to. The whole deal might be finalised on Wednesday, though."
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Carlton Cole fires West Ham and closes on England call
West Ham United 2 Hull City 0
The Times
Tom Dart
Is it time to place the Tigers of Hull City on the Barclays Premier League's endangered list? Tenth they may be, but this was Hull's sixth successive league defeat and the concern last night was not just about the result, but how easily West Ham United achieved it.
There was a Hull feel-good tale, with Matt Duke, the goalkeeper, saving a penalty and playing superbly in his first league start since overcoming testicular cancer last year. But otherwise this was an evening to emphasise how West Ham are developing confidence and fluency under Gianfranco Zola.
As Hull soared in the autumn, West Ham struggled; now the reverse is true. "It's been a great month for us," Zola, the West Ham manager, said. "I believe that losing games in October has been an important part of the build-up to this — the team is strong mentally."
Phil Brown, Zola's Hull counterpart, was not too downcast. "The biggest negative was the form that we've caught West Ham in," he said. "They were playing with a lot of confidence based on recent results. We know we're capable but with results of late, confidence does take a knock. We are in relegation form but I've seen sufficient to suggest we can get out of it."
Both sides began with their record signings on the bench. Jimmy Bullard was not fully fit after illness while the home side included Savio, the striker bought this week from Brescia.
After 17 minutes, David Di Michele curled the ball off the inside of the far post. Five minutes later, Carlton Cole tried to turn inside the area and was tugged back by Sam Ricketts. As he fell, Cole spun like a tombola on raffle day, and Howard Webb, the referee, gave a penalty.
After going almost a year without taking a spot-kick, this was Mark Noble's fourth such effort this month. The previous three found the net but this one was mediocre and saved by Duke, selected ahead of Boaz Myhill in the Hull goal.
No need to fret with Hull defending so badly. After 33 minutes, Duke parried Cole's cross-shot into Di Michele's path, seconds after making a fine save from the Italian, who bundled in the loose ball.
West Ham again hit the woodwork after 39 minutes through Jack Collison. Then Duke made another smart stop, denying Cole when he was clean through.
Six minutes into the second half, Di Michele returned the favour to Cole: he lashed a low shot off the near post and it fell to Cole, who could hardly miss for his sixth goal in seven games.
Hull were brighter when Bullard came on, but West Ham left the pitch disappointed not to have won by a greater margin.
West Ham United (4-4-2): R Green — L Neill, J Collins, M Upson, H Ilunga — V Behrami, M Noble (sub: L Boa Morte, 84min), S Parker, J Collison (sub: J Faubert, 71) — C Cole, D Di Michele. Substitutes not used: J Lastuvka, Savio, D Tristán, J Tomkins, F Sears.
Hull City (4-3-1-2): M Duke — S Ricketts, M Turner, K Zayatte, A Dawson — D Marney (sub: B Mendy, 73(), I Ashbee, K Kilbane — Geovanni (sub: J Bullard, 53) — D Cousin, Manucho (sub: C Fagan, 53). Substitutes not used: B Myhill, R Garcia, P Halmosi, C Folan. Booked: Marney.
Referee: H Webb.
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West Ham reap rich rewards after defeat of Hull
West Ham United (1) 2 Hull City (0) 0
Telegraph
By Nick Hoult at Upton Park
Last Updated: 8:17AM GMT 29 Jan 2009
Five alive: Carlton Cole scored for the fifth consecutive time in the league to beat Tony Cottee's record Photo: GETTY IMAGES
January was supposed to be a month of asset-stripping at Upton Park. Instead it has been a time of bounty and reward as West Ham continue to prosper under Gianfranco Zola's management.
Craig Bellamy has been shipped out and the wealthy constantly circle over a club in supposed financial freefall. But Zola's young team continue to thrive and reap crucial League points thanks to a six-game unbeaten run.
Goals from Carlton Cole and Daniel Di Michele were the gloss on a fluid performance of classy passing play and attacking creativity.
Zola has already said he sees a little of himself in new signing Savio Nasreko. On this evidence the same can easily be said for many of his other players.
"Life has started again for us," said Zola. "It has been a great month and I believe that is because of all the things we went through in October. Because of that we are now strong mentally, physically and technically. It is good because we are building something important. You can sense that and smell the atmosphere around the club."
For Hull the story is very different. A sixth successive League defeat has caused a niggling pain in the neck as they look down anxiously on the teams below them.
"Ten or 12 teams are in the same position," said manager Phil Brown. "We are in relegation form and we have to address that but I saw enough from Jimmy Bullard to suggest we can get out of this form."
Bullard made his Hull debut and instantly settled into the side. A player with a habit of dominating small clubs, Bullard has found another cause to rescue. Last year he leapt off the treatment table to save Fulham from relegation. Now Hull need the belief a player such as Bullard can inject, starting at home against bottom club West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. "Big game for both sides," was Brown's verdict.
West Ham move across London to the Emirates at the weekend and Zola has a poser to solve. How does he fit his £9 million investment, Nsereko, in the team? Cole and Di Michele were excellent and fully deserved their goals and a run in the team together.
West Ham should have scored more, missing a penalty and twice hitting a post. They were also denied a walkover by the excellence of a goalkeeper making his Premier League debut. Matt Duke's nerves showed early on when he dropped a corner but he grew in stature when Sam Ricketts clumsily wrestled down Cole and he came to his side's rescue. Howard Webb pointed to the spot but Mark Noble chose to shoot to his right where Duke palmed the ball away and Hull were somehow still on level terms. Not for long.
A curler from Cole was saved by Duke but Di Michele could not miss the tap-in. James Collinson then struck a post but moments after the break it was 2-0 and a reverse of the first goal. Di Michele's snapshot struck a post but was turned in by Cole for his sixth goal in seven games.
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Di Michele runs riot as Hammers nail Hull
Guardian report Min-by-min Match facts
Premier League
West Ham United 2 Di Michele 33, Cole 51
Hull City 0
Sachin Nakrani The Guardian, Thursday 29 January 2009
These are truly peculiar times for West Ham United. Off the pitch the club continues to be haunted by financial uncertainties but on it they are playing like a side that has won the jackpot. Victory here was their sixth in seven games and was delivered by arguably their best performance of the season. The hosts were dominant throughout and should have scored more than twice. Indeed a repeat of the 7–1 thrashing West Ham inflicted on Hull the last time these sides met here in October 1990 would not have come as a shock.
David Di Michele, on a season-long loan from Torino, personified West Ham's vigour and desire and it was rightly he who broke the deadlock with a close-range shot on 33 minutes after the Hull goalkeeper, Matt Duke, had tamely parried Carlton Cole's cross into his path. It was a costly aberration by the 31-year-old, who was making his fourth appearance for the club and minutes later expertly saved a Mark Noble penalty. That strike was the first of West Ham's many missed opportunities.
Before the final whistle, the men in claret and blue also contrived to hit the post three times as well as spurn a collection of sitters, no one more guilty than Cole who, having broken clear of the Hull defence just before the break, hit his resulting shot straight at Duke. But he too was to have a moment of joy, scoring from close range on 51 minutes after Di Michele's low drive came back off the post, the Italian's contribution not going unnoticed by the West Ham manager, Gianfranco Zola.
"The team is now strong mentally, physically and technically, we are building something important here. Di Michele was fantastic," Zola said. "He has become an important player for us and if keeps playing like this I will want him to stay."
As West Ham soar, Hull continue to shed their early season promise. It is now six straight league defeats for Phil Brown's side and their display here suggests little will soon change. The manager, though, remains optimistic, pointing out that his team remains in the top 10 and can only improve with the arrival of Jimmy Bullard, who came on as a substitute against his former club and had the visitors' best chance on goal, a 58th-minute drive that forced a fine save from Robert Green.
"We're showing relegation form and that is something we need to address quickly," said Brown. "But with Jimmy on board, I believe we can achieve that."
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HULL SUFFER IN HELE FIRE
ABOVE: David Di Michele 29th January 2009
The Daily Star
By Andy Rose
West Ham 2 Hull 0
David Di Michele made a convincing case to keep his West Ham starting spot with new £5.5m striker Savio waiting in the wings. Carlton Cole's sixth goal in six league games ensured his place in the Hammers line-up for a long time to come. But on loan Di Michele proved he is not going to give up his place without a fight with a goal of his own. Savio had to settle for a place among the substitutes last night. Little Italian Di Michele knows he is the man most likely to give way to the Hammers' new German hitman. He was at the heart of all his side's best moments, scoring the first and setting up the second for Cole. Up until scoring in the 33rd minute he must have been fearing that it just wasn't going to be his night thanks to Hull keeper Matt Duke. Duke was making his Premier League debut, just a year after recovering from testicular cancer, following boss Phil Brown's decision to drop regular first-choice Boaz Myhill. Duke was a one-man wall of defiance. After tipping Jack Collison's effort around the post, Duke could do little about Di Michele's curling effort which cannoned back off the inside of the post. But he fully justified his selection in the 21st minute when Sam Ricketts clattered into Cole leaving referee Howard Webb with little choice but to award penalty. Duke flung himself across his goal to claw away Mark Noble's spot-kick. But it always looked a question of when Duke's luck in goal would finally run out. Di Michele made life easy for him when he shot hopelessly wide with just the keeper to beat. But the 33-year-old was not to be denied and finally got the reward for his efforts with his fourth league goal two minutes later. That man again Duke pulled off another fine save to keep out another Di Michele effort and was at full stretch again when Cole put the ball back into the danger zone. Unfortunately for Duke he could only touch the ball on to Di Michele who had stolen in at the far post for a simple but deserved finish. Collison then rapped a post from six yards after another wonderful flowing move before Duke denied Cole with a fine double save just before the break. Hull were just as poor at the start of the second half and when Di Michele hit the post again the ball fell kindly to Cole who scored for the sixth league match running with an easy tap in.
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West Ham 2 Hull City 0: Zola's hit men Di Michele and Cole blast past weak Tigers
By SIMON CASS
Last updated at 2:16 AM on 29th January 2009
Daily Mail
The West Ham fans in the Bobby Moore Stand chanted, 'Who needs Craig Bellamy?' and on the evidence of this display it was hard to disagree with the sentiment. West Ham used the money from Bellamy's £12million sale to Manchester City to bring in Savio Nsereko, a 19-year-old prospect with blistering pace. Savio, as he likes to be known, was given a rapturous welcome by the home supporters on his debut, but the striker only appeared as a late substitute. The man he replaced had prompted the West Ham fans' song about Bellamy. David Di Michele is on loan from Torino until the end of the season, but judging by the 33-year-old's display here, West Ham could do worse than make that deal permanent, despite his advancing years. The partnership he has struck up with Carlton Cole already appears every bit as good as anything the former Chelsea striker enjoyed with Bellamy. Zola said: 'Di Michele has been fantastic for the past few games. We want to build up an atmosphere of fair competition. He was here before I came and if he keeps playing like this he has a very good chance of staying. 'It is a great partnership with Cole. They are looking for each other and they are helping the rest of the team. 'It has been a great month for us. It is down to all the work we did before. Losing the games in October was an important part of the mental, technical and physical build-up of this team.'
Di Michele's goal was scant reward for such an impressive display, while Cole's effort eight minutes after the break ensured West Ham made it 13 points out of a possible 15. It also consigned Hull to a sixth straight League defeat. No wonder manager Phil Brown has brought in Jimmy Bullard for a club record £5m. The former Fulham man, who failed to make the grade at West Ham as a youngster, was only fit enough for the bench having just shaken off a virus.
It looked like he had spread it around the Hull dressing room, such was the visitors' drowsy display, the notable exception being goalkeeper Matt Duke. Brown sprung a surprise by handing Duke, who overcame testicular cancer last year, his first Premier League start ahead of Boaz Myhill. But the decision was fully justified as Duke kept the scoreline respectable with six fantastic saves, including one to deny Mark Noble from the penalty spot. There was little to suggest a gulf in recent form during the opening exchanges, but a snapshot by Jack Collison, which required a superb save from Duke, was the sign of things to come. Di Michele then hit the post with a sumptuous curling effort before West Ham's luck appeared to have changed when they were awarded a penalty after Cole tumbled under the challenge of Sam Ricketts. Noble stepped up to take the spot-kick but Duke was equal to it, leaping to his left to pull off an excellent one-handed save.
The one-way traffic continued and the only surprise was that it took 33 minutes for West Ham to make their dominance count. Once again Di Michele tested Duke, who clawed away his shot. But when Hull failed to clear, Cole sent a dangerous ball to the far post which the goalkeeper could only palm into the path of Di Michele, who slammed it into the roof of the net. A mauling looked likely and five minutes before the break Di Michele picked out Collison's burst into the box. The youth-team product could only shoot against the foot of a post when scoring looked easy. The same was true when Cole, with only Duke to beat, stabbed straight at the keeper.
Shortly after the restart, Cole made sure West Ham would collect the victory they deserved. The striker was on hand to tap in after yet another Di Michele effort had cannoned off a post across goal. It was the cue for Brown to introduce Bullard and the new arrival's presence briefly inspired Hull to better things. But with 15 minutes remaining they were indebted to Duke once more as he denied Di Michele again, before rounding off his night's work by tipping a Noble lob over the bar.
Hull are now banking on a fully recuperated Bullard sparking their own recovery. By contrast, West Ham look fighting fit.
MATCH FACTS
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 6; Neill 6, Collins 6, Upson 7, Ilunga 6; Behrami 7, Parker 7, Noble 7 (Boa Morte 81min), Collison 7 (Faubert 71, 6); Cole 8, Di Michele 8 (Nsereko 86).
HULL (4-3-1-2): Duke 8; Ricketts 5, Turner 6, Zayatte 5, Dawson 6; Marney 5 (Mendy 73), Ashbee 5, Kilbane 6; Geovanni 5 (Bullard 53, 6); Cousin 5, Manucho 5 (Fagan 53, 5). Booked: Marney.
Man of the match: David Di Michele.
Referee: Howard Webb.
*West Ham have agreed a six-month loan for Spartak Moscow defender Radoslav Kovac, 29, with a view to a permanent move. Sportsmail revealed the move yesterday and the Czech's agent Viktor Kolar said: 'I can confirm that both clubs have reached a verbal agreement. The clubs have been finalising the signing of contracts. 'Radek might move to London on Thursday where he would go through a medical and a contract would be offered to him.'
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Hammers Thump Poor Hull
Setanta.co.uk
by Alex Livie , 28 January 2009
West Ham sent Hull crashing to their sixth league defeat on the spin, as goals from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole secured the points at Upton Park. Hull's previous trips to the capital this term yielded victories, but they were back in the autumn when Phil Brown's men were flying high.
It has turned into a bleak winter for The Tigers, though, and they were fortunate to come away from East London with just a 2-0 defeat, such was West Ham's dominance. The Hammers squandered a host of chances, Mark Noble had a penalty saved, but Hull offered little by way of attacking spark. Jimmy Bullard came on for the final 35 minutes and showed flashes of quality, but he has a big job to do if he is to ensure Hull's stay in The Premier League is not a brief one. For West Ham, things are looking much brighter in spite of all the financial uncertainty and Gianfranco Zola has The Hammers looking up rather than down as their unbeaten run was extended to seven games in all competitions. Brown opted to shuffle his keeping options and Matt Duke's first touch in The Premier League was an uncertain one, as he dropped a corner and was fortunate the Tigers defence came to his aid. After a slow start, the game burst into life shortly after the quarter hour and Duke's goal led an extremely charmed life. Di Michele has quality aplenty in his locker and he was so unfortunate to see his curling effort with his right foot thud against the post and roll to safety. Duke should have been picking the ball out of the net on 20 minutes as James Collins rose unopposed six yards from goal, but planted his header wide of target. The Hull keeper may have been fortunate on occasions in the opening 20 minutes, but there was nothing lucky about his stunning penalty save on 23 minutes. Cole won a cheap penalty, tumbling to the floor theatrically under challenge from Sam Ricketts, but Noble failed to make The Tigers pay as Duke flung himself to his left to push the ball round the post.
While Hull battled grittily at the back, the West Ham defence looked extremely solid as Manucho and Daniel Cousin offered little by way of an attacking threat. In truth, the pair were offered scant support from the midfield but they did not look on the same wavelength. The claret and blue pressure eventually breached the Hull defence on 33 minutes, as Di Michele found a way past Duke. It was just reward for Di Michele, who bundled home Cole's cross-shot at the far post after Duke had initially made a fine diving save from the Italian. The sight of new signing Savio Nsereko on the bench could well have been the perfect spur for Di Michele as he was the tormentor in chief for Hull. The diminutive Italian fashioned a chance for Jack Collison after exchanging passes with Cole, but The Hammers were denied a stunning goal by the frame of the goal.
West Ham should have been out of sight at the interval, but Duke ensured the deficit was only a single goal as he made a stunning save from Cole who had dashed clear from the halfway line.
Any hopes Hull had of mounting a revival were dealt a hammer blow at the start of the second half, as Cole netted for the fifth league game in a row. Di Michele was involved again, as his shot crashed against the post and Cole was on hand to stab home from close range. Bullard came on with 35 minutes remaining and made a decent impact with a shot that stung the palms of Green, but the damage had already been done as West Ham cruised to victory despite Hull showing much more after the interval. West Ham had the luxury of being able to hand a debut to record signing Savio, who replaced the excellent Di Michele with five minutes left on the clock.
STAR MAN: David Di Michele
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Hull Match Report: Sublime Performance
West Ham Till I Die
In the end I couldn't get to Upton Park tonight and had to settle for watching the game on Sky. The atmosphere sounded fantastic and I so wish I could have got there. This was a vintage West Ham performance. Although only two goals were scored, there could have been a hatfull. And all in the Hull net. Both Cole and Di Michele could have had hattricks. It was that good. Again the intricate one touch passing was sublime, and the tackling fierce, but fair.
There wasn't a single weakness in this performance, but the best part of it was the burgeoning partnership between Di Michele and Cole. Who'd have thought it? Their interplay tonight had to be seen to be believed. All of which reminds me of a joke.
Knock Knock
Who's There?
Craig
Craig who?
That's football.
Defensively we were almost perfect. They barely had a shot on goal. Ilunga was able to rampage down the left at will and once Lucas Neill realised he could do the same from time to time, we had the perfect attack.
In midfield both Parker and Noble had stormers. Parker got forward a lot more, with Behrami filling in at the back, but Parker is the one who is developing into a massive player for us. It is inconceivable that we sell him. Behrami had his quietest game for a long time but was still impressive. Noble sprayed the ball around well, but his penalty was poor. It's the third one in a row he has put in the same place. Third time unlucky.
It was fantastic to see Di Michele on fire. Amazing what the arrival of a new player can do! He had a couple of superb shots which should have resulted in goals but just clipped the post. The curler in the first half looked a dead cert. He was definitely man of the match. Carlton Cole had another brilliant game too. He had two one on ones and was unlucky with both of them. He held up the ball very well, won a penalty and scored a goal. Fantastic performance.
Green 7
Ilunga 8
Neill 7
Collins 8
Upson 8
Collison 8
Noble 8
Parker 9
Behrami 7
Cole 8
Di Michele 9
UPDATE: Just a word about the Sky TV coverage. They have discovered a fantastic new pundit in Dean Windass. He was knowledgeable, eloquent, funny and not afraid to call it as it is. They should use him more often.
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West Ham 2 Hull 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON at Upton Park
Published: Today
DAVID DI MICHELE sent a defiant message to West Ham new boy Savio with a virtuoso performance. The Italian veteran stole the show until being replaced by the £5.5million teenager four minutes from time. And his display, ranging from classy to comical, proves he is not going to give up his place without a fight. Di Michele, 33, scored the first, set up the second, hit the post and had a hand in almost every West Ham move in a display which has given boss Gianfranco Zola a selection headache for Saturday's trip to Arsenal. Zola said: "He was fantastic. But he has been great over the last few weeks as well. "He was here when I came to the club. He is such an important player for the team. "At half-time I told the players it would be a pity if we did not finish this game on top because in the first half we could have been three or four goals up."
Free-falling Hull have now lost their last six League games and should have been condemned to defeat long before Carlton Cole made it 2-0 on 51 minutes. West Ham hit the woodwork three times and had it not been for an excellent performance from second choice keeper Matt Duke they would have been hammered. His excellent penalty save from Mark Noble in the first half and a stinging show from Jimmy Bullard on his debut were the only bright spots for the Tigers.
Midfielder Bullard will be a rich man from his £5m switch from Fulham but at this rate he could be the richest player in the Championship next season. Di Michele, itching to show off to Zola, was desperately unlucky to hit the post with a curling shot on 17 minutes. Just a moment later he was just desperate as he skewed a shot at least 15 yards wide. Duke, who is back playing after suffering testicular cancer, raised Hull hopes with a superb penalty save from former team-mate Noble after Cole was sent tumbling by Sam Ricketts. But while West Ham wasted plenty of chances, they could not throw them all away.
Di Michele, on loan from Torino and available for less than a tenth the price West Ham have already shelled out for Savio, made the breakthrough on 32 minutes, following up when Cole's cross was pushed his way by Duke. His luck was not in when he smacked another shot against the post on 51 minutes. But Cole was lurking at the far post and stuck out a foot to make it 2-0. City boss Phil Brown admitted: "We are in relegation form and need to address that as soon as possible. "But once Bullard came on we played some nice football and that is one of the few positives I can take."
STAR MAN: David Di Michele (West Ham)
WEST HAM: Green 7, Neill 6, Collins 6, Upson 7, Ilunga 6, Behrami 6, Parker 6, Collison 7 (Faubert 6), Noble 6 (Boa Morte 5), Di Michele 8 (Savio 5), Cole 7. Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears.
HULL: Duke 7, Ricketts 5, Turner 6, Zayatte 5, Dawson 5, Marney 5 (Mendy 5), Ashbee 6, Kilbane 5, Geovanni 5 (Bullard 6), Cousin 6, Manucho 5 (Fagan 5). Subs Not Used: Myhill, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan. Booked: Marney.
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WEST HAM 2, HULL CITY 0
News Of The World
WEST HAM goalscorer Carlton Cole hailed his team's "awesome" 2-0 win at home to Hull which tonight extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. Goals in each half from David Di Michele and in-form striker Cole secured the points. The Tigers gave a debut to new £5million signing Jimmy Bullard, but the one-time West Ham player was unable to help them find a way back into the game. Cole said: "We played awesome today. From start to finish we knew our predicament — it was a very important game to define our season, and really the boys did brilliantly today. We're proud."
Cole, who has scored five in five to equal Tony Cottee's West Ham record, added: "I need to get more goals, more of the easier ones. "I'm proud — but I just need to keep on going and add more goals to my game." Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola was delighted with the victory — and the nature of it. "Today was very, very good but the good thing about this team is that every game we play seems to be the best game," he sid. "It's a big compliment that I can give them. Every single time they surprise me. "It was a great match today — a difficult match, but we played fantastically well. "What pleased me was the attitude, they didn't want to lose a challenge and they were chasing back."
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Di Michele masterclass shows new Hammers signing how it's done
12:25am Thursday 29th January 2009
Echo
West Ham 2 Hull City 0
(Premier League)
WEST Ham striker David Di Michele sent out a clear message to new boy Savio Nsereko that he won't be giving up his shirt easily after producing a one-man masterclass that dismantled Hull City. The Hammers extended their unbeaten run of league games to five as Di Michele and a sixth goal in seven games for Carlton Cole were enough to see them past their out-of-sorts visitors. In truth, it could have been a cricket score by the end, as the hosts pulled Phil Brown's men from pillar to post.
The first chance to trouble the scorers came when the instrumental Cole was felled in the box by Sam Ricketts. But Mark Noble, who had scored three penalties in his last four games before today, couldn't find the corner, as Matt Duke made the first in a string of outstanding saves.
It wasn't long before the Irons were up and running however, as Cole and Di Michele linked up to devastating effect – a pattern that would repeat itself on numerous occasions during the 90 minutes.
The Italian's shot was parried out by Duke, and Cole retrieved the ball, whipping into a dangerous area and forcing the Tigers' keeper into action again. But he could only palm the ball onto Di Michele's knee at the back post, and it flew into the roof of the net.
The Hammers' front two were in imperious form, as Michael Turner and Kamil Zayatte were given the runaround.
Di Michele's wonderful curling effort beat everything except the woodwork, while his flick on sent Cole racing through on goal, only for his finishing to let him down, with Duke coming to Hull's rescue once again.
West Ham's best move of the match - unsurprisingly involving the dynamic duo up front - ended with Jack Collison side-footing his shot onto the post when he really should have doubled the advantage.
It was the same story after the break, but it was Cole who eventually found his shooting boots, as he reacted quickly to a fine volley from Di Michele, which cannoned into the former Chelsea striker's path off the inside of the post.
Di Michele was given a breather after a tireless evening's work, and he made way for his prospective successor Savio, who was greeted by a rousing reception by the West Ham faithful. The youngster had a tough act to follow.
Some encouraging runs amounted to nothing, but tonight was all about Di Michele.
Gianfranco Zola will have a welcome selection headache to contend with for the trip to Arsenal, but on current evidence, it seems Savio will have to wait his turn as his new team-mate shows him how it's done.
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Cole provides a cutting edge for Zola's cavaliers
West Ham United 2 Hull City 0
By Jason Burt
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Seven undefeated, level on points with seventh-placed Wigan Athletic and they should have scored seven – just as they did the last time Hull played at Upton Park in 1990 when even Steve Potts scored. Such was West Ham's dominance again. These are sweet, sweet times for Gianfranco Zola, fashioning a team in his own exuberant style and making all and sundry believe. Really believe.
"The team is strong physically, mentally and technically and we are building something important here," Zola said. "Today was the best game [we've played] but I have been saying that after every game recently."
For Hull it's hell. A sixth straight league defeat and the heady early season's days have been replaced by a dull ache and the real threat of going down, with manager Phil Brown admitting: "We are in relegation form and we need to address that as soon as possible."
The catalogue of West Ham's scoring opportunities was vast. A goal apiece for their strikers – David di Michele and Carlton Cole – who also vied with each other for the man-of-the-match award for their indefatigable performances. And the less cherished miss-of-the-match award after both wasted chances when clear on goal.
West Ham struck the woodwork twice – three times in fact although they profited from the last one as Cole poked in the rebound after Di Michele's angled shot had struck a post – missed a penalty and squandered chance after chance as their fluid, pass-and-move football overwhelmed a shattered Hull side who were indebted to a nimble display by goalkeeper Matt Duke, making his first start in this division.
"The difference was their two strikers," Brown said. He could have added the goalkeeper, back four and midfield also. Move after move tore through Hull. Here's a quick summary: James Collins headed narrowly wide, twice, Duke pushed away Jack Collison's low drive, Di Michele curled an exquisite shot against the inside of the post and then a Cole effort was deflected wide.
From the corner, Cole twisted and turned and was tripped. Duke beat out Mark Noble's penalty. Then, Duke parried one Cole shot, the striker sent in another which the keeper pushed into Di Michele's path and he forced the ball into the roof of the net.
On it went. Cole scored – his sixth in seven games – while Hull clung on to an impactful cameo from £5m record signing Jimmy Bullard who forced a superb save from Robert Green from distance. Twice more, Cole went close before Noble's finely-weighted chip was tipped over. There was even time for a brief debut for new £10m signing Savio Nsereko.
Goals: Di Michele (33) 1-0; Cole (51) 2-0.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill, Upson, Collins, Ilunga; Behrami, Noble (Boa Morte, 84), Parker, Collison (Faubert, 72); Di Michele (Savio, 87), Cole. Substitutes not used: Lastuvka (gk), Tristan, Tomkins, Sears.
Hull City (4-3-1-2): Duke; Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson; Marney (Mendy, 74), Ashbee, Kilbane; Geovanni (Bullard, 53); Cousin, Manucho (Fagan, 53). Substitutes not used: Myhill (gk), Fagan, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan.
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).
Booked: Hull Marney.
Man of the match: Cole.
Attendance: 34,340.
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West Ham boss Zola: Cole responding to special training
29.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola hailed Carlton Cole after their victory over Hull City. Zola told whufc.com: "It is down to him and everybody knew he was good at keeping the ball and playing for the team but now he is focused on scoring goals, which was the thing that was missing. "We are trying to improve him, helping him in training sessions and make him better in this way. Now he is scoring goals and is getting them. It is just about focus and his focus is right on target now. It is a great partnership. They are playing with each other a lot and helping each other but also the rest of the team. They are more than strikers and they are very impressive."
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West Ham boss Zola seeks Mullins replacement signing
29.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is in the market for a new midfielder. After selling Hayden Mullins to Portsmouth, Zola remains hopeful of signing a replacement. "If we feel the squad need strengthening we will try and do something but the transfer window is a nightmare and I can't wait until it's over," said Zola.
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West Ham chief Nani: No Balotelli contact
29.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United insist they're not interested in Inter Milan rebel Mario Balotelli. West Ham's technical director, Gianluca Nani, insists the Premier League club have had no contact with Balotelli - a player Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola knows well from his days as assistant Italy Under-21 coach. "I have never talked to Balotelli," Nani told Sky Italia. "I don't even know what his voice sounds like. "We are happy like this, and Inter have never called me to complain."
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Zola: Di Michele playing his way to West Ham deal
29.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola was delighted with Davide di Michele's goal scoring performance in last night's victory over Hull City.
Veteran Di Michele is on a season loan from Torino, but keen to make the switch to Upton Park permanent. Zola said: "If he keeps playing the way he is, he has a very good chance to stay here. "He is improving - like everybody."
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Awesome West Ham praised by goal scoring Cole
29.01.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham's seventh match unbeaten was hailed by in-form goal scoring star Carlton Cole. "We played awesome today," he told Sky Sports 2.
"From start to finish we knew our predicament – it was a very important game to define our season, and really the boys did brilliantly today. We're proud." Cole's fifth goal in five games equalled a West Ham record, set by Tony Cottee but the striker was keen to push on and score more. "I need to get more goals, more of the easier ones," he added. "I'm proud – but I just need to keep on going and add more goals to my game."
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Cole on target again as West Ham account for Hull
29.01.09 | Andrew Slevison
Carlton Cole scored once again as West Ham accounted for Hull City 2-0 at Upton Park. In an attacking encounter, the Hammers looked to get things off to a good start in the 22nd minute but Mark Noble's penalty was spectacularly saved my Matt Duke. The miss must have inspired the home team who went on the attack and got the goal they much deserved ten minutes later. Cole hit a curling ball towards goal and Duke was able to make another superb save but could not knock it out of danger and David Di Michele was on hand to smash it home. The in-form Cole was running riot and could have furthered the advantage before half-time but had to wait until the 51st minute to be put down on the scoresheet.
This time it was Di Michele's shot that was marred by the upright but Cole was in the right spot and converted for the Hammers second goal.
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