Avram hails awesome night
WHUFC.com
The manager was delighted to see his players rise to the occasion in the
Carling Cup
01.12.2010
Avram Grant suggested Jonathan Spector might have taken a tip or two from El
Clasico when asked about his midfield marvel's performance in the 4-0 win
against Manchester United. The American international was simply brilliant
in the heart of the Hammers team on a special Carling Cup quarter-final
night, ably standing in for Scott Parker with a superlative box-to-box
display. When asked to explain Spector's two-goal show on a snowy night in
east London, a smiling Grant said: "I think he saw the Barcelona game
yesterday and thought I can do that! He played very well, he took his
chance. It was a special night. "It was very good from Jonathan. He is a
good professional who always tries hard. The last month we changed his
position in the training to midfield and he has done very well."
With Grant admitting Parker will return to the side for Sunday's trip to
Sunderland, he said he may have a welcome tough decision to make in picking
his side. "I always look for problems like this with selection. Many players
have given me good problems with their performances. ""It was a good win,
good football. We continue to progress. I always thought we could win but it
was an unbelievable result."
Carlton Cole also earned the manager's acclaim for his own double after the
interval to put the contest beyond doubt and secure the first League Cup
semi-final for the Hammers since 1990. His line-leading turn could also mean
a headache in attack for Grant at the Stadium of Light, with Frederic
Piquionne also due to return to contention. "Carlton Cole knows the best way
to do things is to speak on the pitch," Grant added. "He was brilliant
today. From the first moment he worked very hard, caused a lot of problems
and scored goals. "It was the first time he did that for us and he was
hungry to show he can do better. Every player sometimes has bad times but we
have to wait and judge at the end of the season, not after 15 games."
Reflecting more on a result that was the club's biggest win against
Manchester United for 80 years, Grant added: "We started very well. The
movement was good, the passing was good, the defence was good. We started
well and we continued like this. After the goal we created chances and
half-chances.
"We scored four but could have scored but for me it is enough. To be in the
semi-final is just great for this club and I am delighted for everyone -
especially the fans. It was an unbelievable night and I am very pleased with
how we played."
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Semi-final draw awaits
WHUFC.com
Just one tie stands between the Hammers and a dream Wembley final
30.11.2010
West Ham United will find out their Carling Cup semi-final opponents when
the draw is made on Wednesday night. The Hammers and Arsenal are already in
the hat, with the winners of Birmingham City-Aston Villa and West Bromwich
Albion-Ipswich Town ties to join them in the last four. The semi-final first
leg will be in the week commencing 10 January 2011, with the second leg
following in the week commencing 24 January 2011. The final will be played
at Wembley on Sunday 27 February. West Ham have reached the League Cup final
twice in their history, losing out on both occasions. West Brom ran out 5-3
aggregate winners in 1965/66, while Liverpool earned a 2-1 replay victory at
Villa Park in 1980/81 after the initial game at finished 1-1 at Wembley.
whufc.com will have all the ticket information as soon as confirmed.
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Hammers heroes on a high
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are dreaming of a Wembley final after a memorable defeat of
Manchester United
30.11.2010
Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector were the Hammers heroes on a spectacular
night against Manchester United in the Carling Cup. Cole struck twice in the
second half after Spector, playing in an unfamiliar midfield role, had
scored a stunning first-half double to put Avram Grant's men into the
semi-finals with a famous 4-0 victory. As well praise for the manager,
plaudits will also go to Robert Green in goal and Victor Obinna, who had a
hand in all four goals.
The draw will be held after Wednesday night's fixtures and West Ham find
themselves just a two-legged tie away from Wembley. Spector, a former
Manchester United player, said: "We just worked hard and gave it a go. We
were the underdogs we knew if we worked hard we would get the rewards.
Playing in a different position helped me. I got forward a bit more, the
first goal was a great ball in from Victor Obinna. "The second goal was
played into Victor again, he was a bit unfortunate to swipe and miss and I
kind of just picked up the pieces really. It has been disappointing and
frustrating not to be in the team but i have been working hard and hoped for
the best."
Cole was a handful all night and got the reward with his first two-goal haul
in one match for the club. "It was nice to get up and running now. It is
only three for the season so I want to capitalise on that in the next games
and improve on my performances."
The No9 was a lively presence in helping his team defend from the front and
he paid tribute to Wally Downes' arrival. "Wally is an excellent coach.
Defensively he has got us working as a unit. We needed that. All credit to
the lads because they have to stick at it and put their foot in where it
hurts. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and that is all we can ask
for. "This is a turning point. The weekend win against Wigan was massive.
Everyone was saying it was the 'save our season' match and we followed it up
with three days later with a win against Manchester United. That is a
massive positive for us. We need to keep building and trying to progress."
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West Ham United 4-0 Man Utd
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole each score twice as the Carling Cup
holders are beaten in the snow
30.11.2010
WEST HAM UNITED v MANCHESTER UNITED
CARLING CUP QUARTER-FINAL
TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2010
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
Final score - West Ham United 4-0 Manchester United
94 mins - The final whistle is met by a loud cheer from all four corners of
the ground! What a fabulous evening. Don't forget, the semi-final is live on
Sky Sports tomorrow night after the Birmingham City v Aston Villa
quarter-final.
93 mins - There are so many story-lines about tonight's match, and all of
them are positive. It has been a fantastic evening.
92 mins - Wally Downes is still on the edge of his technical area barking
out instructions. He wants a clean sheet. Faubert does work to keep it that
way, cutting out Rafael's cross for a corner, which is cleared at the near
post.
91 mins - We're going to have at least three more minutes. It's snowing.
It's freezing cold. The roads are going to be a nightmare. But who cares?
90 mins - Reid becomes the first West Ham player booked for a foul on
Obertan. The free-kick is cleared.
89 mins - Cole gets an ovation as he is replaced by Junior Stanislas. Great
work tonight from the big man.
88 mins - Cole wins a free-kick deep inside United territory. Obinna takes,
but it flies wide of the far post.
86 mins - Arsenal are beating Wigan Athletic 2-0 in tonight's other
quarter-final. We could do with avoiding the Gunners in tomorrow night's
semi-final draw. How good does that sound? 'Semi-final draw' has a lovely
ring to it. West Ham are surely through to their first League Cup semi since
1989/90.
84 mins - Obinna has four assists tonight. That's some going from the No33.
Giggs nearly gets one himself, but Hernandez plants his downward header wide
of the post.
82 mins - Hines is fouled this time wide on the right and responds by
changing his shorts! Maybe they were too big?
81 mins - Superb interplay between Hines and Boa Morte sends the striker
into the box. He is challenged by O'Shea and goes to ground. Penalty? Not
according to Mr Clattenburg.
79 mins - Boa Morte is fouled about 40 yards out and Obinna wants to shoot!
He does and it is a mighty fine effort, flying a couple of yards over the
top.
78 mins - United have a sniff, but when the ball is worked into the box,
Obertan is offside.
76 mins - Hines is going to come on shortly. His last appearance was in the
4-0 defeat by Manchester United last December. What a difference a year
makes! Hines is on for Barrera.
74 mins - Hernandez shoots first time from 25 yards and the ball skims a
yard over the top. West Ham make their first change, replacing the fantastic
Tomkins with Winston Reid. 33,551 fans have battled through the snow
tonight. Superb commitment.
73 mins - A change from United. Evans is replaced by Brown
71 mins - United have a free-kick 25 yards out. Giggs lines it up before
shooting into the wall. Kovac reacts quickest and hacks the ball clear.
69 mins - That is the first time Cole has scored twice in one game for the
Hammers. He has only done it once before in his whole career. The last time
was Chelsea's League Cup win over Gillingham on 6 November 2002.
67 mins - GOAL! Cole again! Obinna tricks Rafael twice to leave the
Brazilian on the floor before feeding Cole's feet. The big forward holds off
his marker before planting a left-foot shot past Kuszczak.
65 mins - Evans misjudges a long clearance and Cole challenges Kuszczak. The
ball drops for the Pole and he is able to hack clear. United replace Fabio
with Rafael.
64 mins - The ball is changed from white to yellow. The snow is pelting
down, but it's not settling on the pitch.
63 mins - The ball spins into the West Ham box, but Macheda can't control
and Green is there to gather.
62 mins - The corner is deep and crossed back to Fletcher, but Boa Morte is
there to make a fantastic block before clearing upfield.
61 mins - United haven't given up the ghost. They win a corner down the
left. Giggs takes and Kovac has to head behind on the other side.
60 mins - What does Sir Alex Ferguson do here? His team have to go for broke
but he doesn't have any recognised strikers on the bench.
58 mins - The crowd are singing 'Que Sera Sera...' It may be a bit
premature, but surely the Hammers have one foot in the semi-finals now.
56 mins - GOAL! Cole! A quick free-kick from Ben Haim sends Obinna clear
down the left. He takes a touch, looks up and picks out Cole, who bursts
past the United defence to bury a downward header past Kuszczak. Every West
Ham player bar Green runs to celebrate with the big No9. Great goal!
54 mins - The visitors are turning up the heat on West Ham here and Boa
Morte has to be strong inside his own penalty area to cut out a pass towards
Obertan.
53 mins - Obinna cuts out an O'Shea clearance and finds Spector. He plays
the ball into Cole, but the striker can't control.
51 mins - Green gets lucky! His clearance hits Macheda and spins towards
Hernandez, but the No1 wins the ball back with a slide tackle! United come
again and win a corner off Boa Morte. It is headed clear to Fletcher, who
volleys over the top.
49 mins - Faubert launches the ball down the right and West Ham win a throw,
but Evans is there to slide in with a strong tackle.
48 mins - Anderson nips in and gets goal-side of Kovac, but Upson is there
on the edge of the penalty area. Strong defending from the captain.
47 mins - Boa Morte does well against Fabio down the left before forcing
Smalling to hack out for a throw.
46 mins - Manchester United have made a half-time change. Bebe is off and
Federico Macheda is on. West Ham will kick-off.
Half-time score - West Ham United 2-0 Manchester United
48 mins - We are still playing here but Tomkins does well to head clear in
front of Hernandez and referee Clattenburg blows for half-time.
47 mins - Upson needs the physio on to look at his right calf, I think it
is. He went in hard on a United player just there. He looks as if he'll be
fine to continue.
47 mins - United come forward and get in behind the West Ham midfield. The
ball hits a couple of defenders and falls to Bebe, but he lashes it miles
over the top.
46 mins - We're going to have THREE added minutes at least. Well, we will as
soon as the home fans have given Fabio the ball to take a throw-in.
45 mins - For those who might think Spector scored in the 5-0 win at Derby
County in 2007/08, that goal was later rescinded by the Dubious Goals Panel
and awarded to Rams midfielder Eddie Lewis.
43 mins - Giggs whips in a free-kick from the right and Cole glances it
behind for a corner. It's taken short and worked to Fabio, whose cross is
deflected and looks to be looping over Green, only for the keeper to flick
it away. Kovac completes the clearance. Fabio was hurt crossing that ball
and needs some treatment.
42 mins - So close to a third for the hosts as Obinna lets fly with his left
foot, but Kuszczak is there to dive to his left and push the ball aside.
41 mins - The crowd erupt as Green plunges on a ball inside his box. I don't
blame them. This is some game so far.
40 mins - United come forward and a cross finds Bebe at the far post, but
his header is weak and easily caught by Green.
37 mins - GOAL! He waited 97 games for one goal and now Spector has two in
15 minutes! The No18 bursts forward from midfield and plays the ball into
the box. It is blocked by a sliding defender but the ball just sits where it
is. Spector continues his run and latches on to it before blasting past
Kuszczak with his left foot from ten yards.
36 mins - Obinna fires the ball across at shoulder height. It misses the
first man and Tomkins is there, but he can't direct his header on target.
35 mins - Boa Morte gets away down the left before Fabio climbs all over
him. Again the referee decides a free-kick is punishment enough.
33 mins - Good play by Boa Morte to find Cole, who spins and sends Barrera
away. The Mexican crosses but Smalling gets in ahead of Cole before Obinna
wins a corner. It is taken short and cleared at the near post.
32 mins - Good game this. Obertan gets free down the inside-left channel and
crosses to the far post for Giggs. The captain heads back across goal, but
Green is there to cling on.
31 mins - United full-backs Fabio and O'Shea have swapped flanks. Barrera
springs forward but his pass for Cole is behind the striker. Shame.
27 mins - By the way, that was Spector's first goal for the club on his 97th
appearance for the Hammers. Of course, the goal also comes against the
American's former club.
26 mins - Spector picks out Barrera with a peach of a pass. The Mexican is
held up by Fabio, but Boa Morte is there. His shot is blocked and falls to
Cole, but the No9 is offside.
25 mins - Faubert gives the ball away in midfield and United break. Bebe
brings the ball forward but balloons his shot miles over from 30 yards.
24 mins - United come forward immediately and Upson slices behind for a
corner. Giggs to take... But not before Clattenburg talks to Green and some
other players inside the six-yard box. Giggs eventually takes and Cole heads
clear.
22 mins - GOAL! That one counts!"Spector! Boa Morte bursts forward and finds
Cole inside the box. He lays it off to Obinna, who clips a cross in and
Spector dives to head the ball past Kuszczak.
20 mins - It's getting tasty out there as O'Shea hauls back Boa Morte on
halfway. Free-kick but no booking for the Irishman.
19 mins - The crowd don't like it, but another replay suggests Clattenburg
was right to rule the goal out. The referee explains his decision to Avram
Grant.
16 mins - OK! Massive controversy here. Spector brings the ball forward 40
yards before finding Obinna. He takes a touch and shoots, but the ball hits
Spector before flying past Kuszczak. After originally awarding the goal, the
referee consults with his assistant and disallows the goal for offside.
Replays suggest that the American may have been standing in an offside
position when the ball hit him. I'd have to see it again, though.
15 mins - Anderson gets past Kovac and feeds Obertan, who crosses high.
Green is there to catch the ball above his head.
14 mins - The visitors are using a 4-3-3 formation, with Hernandez leading
the line and being supported by Obertan and Bebe. Giggs is at the front of
the midfield three, with Fletcher and Anderson sitting deeper.
11 mins - Ben Haim picks out Obinna, who beats O'Shea before steadying
himself and making room for a cross. He finds Barrera, who stabs the ball to
Kovac, but the Czech can't keep his shot down from 25 yards.
9 mins - Faubert gets lucky. Obertan robs him as he tries to usher the ball
out and crosses. Green gets a touch, but United retrieve possession and work
it to Bebe, whose shot is too close to Green.
7 mins - Oooh! Obertan works some space in the box and shoots low. Green
dives to his right and diverts the ball onto the base of the post. The ball
rolls back across the six-yard line and Tomkins gets there first to hack the
ball clear. So close for United.
6 mins - Tomkins searches out for Cole, who flicks on and Smalling is forced
to smash the ball out for a throw inside the United half. The visitors break
and Anderson tries to find Bebe, but Upson is there.
5 mins - West Ham have made the brighter start. The midfield duo of Kovac
and Spector are working very hard.
3 mins - Nice interplay involving Barrera and Kovac ends with Faubert
winning another corner, but again it is headed clear before Bebe hacks the
ball into the air. Barrera and Faubert try and work some space, but the ball
goes behind for a goal kick.
2 mins - Boa Morte takes a pass from Cole and throws a cross into the box,
where Barrera wins a corner off Fabio. The delivery is to the near post and
headed clear, though.
1 min - O'Shea launches the ball down the right and Upson clears. Bebe then
takes on the skipper, but he stands firm and wins a throw.
7.45pm - Manchester United will get things underway...
7.44pm - The eleven home mascots have their photos taken in the centre
circle. A few of them are doing exercises on the spot to keep warm! I don't
blame them. Captains Matthew Upson and Ryan Giggs join referee Mark
Clattenburg for the pre-match coin toss. West Ham will kick towards the Sir
Trevor Brooking Stand end of the stadium.
7.42pm - 'Bubbles' starts to play and the two teams enter the arena. The
snow is coming down, creating a really fantastic scene. The home fans are in
superb voice, as you might expect. To be fair to United, they have brought
loads of fans with them. That is a fantastic effort. Their end is virtually
full.
7.40pm - Tonight marks a great opportunity for some of Avram Grant's fringe
players to make a name for themselves. Manchester United have great recent
pedigree in this competition, but their run of victories has got to end at
some stage, so why not tonight? The two teams are in the tunnel ready to
make their entrance. The atmosphere is building nicely. In fact, you might
even say it's really hotting up...
7.35pm - The snow is falling again here at the Boleyn Ground. It really is a
fantastic evening for football. You've got to love this! The only notable
victim of the cold weather is assistant referee Ron Ganfield, who was unable
to make it tonight. His place on the line is taken by Mike Bull. It looks
like most supporters have made it to the stadium in one piece. Well done to
each and every one of them!
Good evening and welcome to a cold and wintry Boleyn Ground for what
promises to be a thrilling Carling Cup quarter-final between West Ham United
and holders Manchester United. The snow has been falling on and off all day
here in east London, but the pitch and surrounding roads are clear of the
white stuff and we are all good to go. The Hammers will reach the
semi-finals for the first time since the 1989/90 season with victory, while
the visitors are aiming to reach the last-four for the third consecutive
season. West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, losing to West
Bromwich Albion in 1965/66 and Liverpool in 1980/81. United have won the
competition on four occasions, including three times in the last four
seasons. Team news-wise, former United youngster Jonathan Spector makes his
first appearance since the 3-0 Barclays Premier League loss to the Red
Devils at Old Trafford on 28 August.Spector is one of six changes to the
side that defeated Wigan Athletic 3-1 on Saturday, replacing Scott Parker in
central midfield. Julien Faubert and Tal Ben Haim replace the cup-tied Lars
Jacobsen and Danny Gabbidon at full-back. Radoslav Kovac and Luis Boa Morte
are in for Valon Behrami and Junior Stanislas in midfield, while Carlton
Cole starts up front in place of Frederic Piquionne.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins (Reid 74), Upson, Ben Haim, Barrera
(Hines 76), Kovac, Spector, Boa Morte, Obinna, Cole (Stanislas 89)
Subs: Boffin, Parker, McCarthy, Piquionne
Manchester United: Kuszczak, Fabio (Rafael 65), Smalling, Evans (Brown 73),
O'Shea, Anderson, Fletcher, Obertan, Giggs, Bebe (Macheda 46), Hernandez
Subs: Amos, Carrick, Park, Eikrem
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West Ham 4 - 0 Man Utd
BBC.co.uk
By Chris Whyatt
Rampant West Ham booked a first League Cup semi-final for 20 years after
knocking holders Manchester United out of the Carling Cup at snowy Upton
Park. Former Red Devil Jonathan Spector was in inspired form, scoring with a
header and a close-range finish to notch his first goals in English
football.
The disjointed visitors, previously unbeaten this season, conceded again as
Carlton Cole nodded in after the break. Cole then turned Jonny Evans to fire
simply past Tomas Kuszczak. Though Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson predictably did not select his strongest team, the starting XI
could still boast the likes of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Javier
Hernandez. So it still registers as something of a shock that West Ham,
bottom of the Premier League, ran out such convincing and deserved winners
against the league leaders - especially in light of the Londoners' poor
start to this season. And under-pressure Hammers boss Avram Grant may now
insist they are over their bad patch after a performance that was rich in
promise, both individually - Nigerian striker Victor Obinna was hugely
impressive as he created all four goals - and collectively. The match
started fast in freezing conditions, with both teams attacking each other as
the play moved swiftly from end-to-end. West Ham could have suffered a
dispiriting early deficit but for the heroics of England squad goalkeeper
Robert Green, so maligned after his disastrous World Cup campaign.
Only seven minutes had passed when Gabriel Obertan burst into space in the
box to hammer a powerful low shot towards goal, but Green superbly pushed it
onto the post before James Tomkins quickly hacked the ball away to safety.
The visitors briefly appeared to take control, with French under-21 winger
Obertan causing Julian Faubert problems as he narrowly failed to present
Giggs with a simple opportunity to score. Though Radoslav Kovac smashed a
decent chance over the bar, the Hammers appeared to be playing firmly on the
back foot. Yet Spector took charge of the match in the 15th minute as he
brilliantly rampaged through the heart of the visitors' half, with
Anderson's failure to challenge allowing him to set up Obinna. The
Nigerian's shot nestled in the net after an obvious deflection and Upton
Park celebrated what they thought was a goal for a full minute. But, though
it looked like the ball had come off United defender Chris Smalling, the
referee rightly ruled that it had skimmed off Spector - and disallowed it
because he was offside.
Minutes later Spector, who made eight first-team appearances for United,
gave West Ham the lead. A clever cross from Obinna was hung up perfectly
over United's back-line and the American beat Fletcher to it and looped a
well-placed header past Poland's Kuszczak. West Ham were now winning most of
the individual battles and Spector added to the Londoners' advantage seven
minutes before half-time. Once again slaloming through the opposition's
sleepy midfield, Spector popped a sharp pass into the feet of Obinna, who
controlled it well under a heavy but futile challenge from a slipping Fabio.
Spector then sprinted to collect the loose ball before firing home
emphatically from close range with both Smalling and Kuszczak unable to stop
him. The visitors tried to respond and Bebe, playing on the right, had a
header plucked just from underneath the bar while Green again had to avert
danger from under his own bar as Fabio's cross deflected viciously off Luis
Boa Morte. But West Ham had the best remaining chance of the first period,
Obinna forcing a superb low stop from Kuszczak after Cole's knock-down.
Ferguson brought on Federico Macheda for the largely ineffective Bebe for
the second half, but it made little difference as United's display remained
distinctly below the standards they usually set. Defensively they were
especially lacking, and slack marking allowed Obinna to whip over a
brilliant cross for Cole to nod a textbook header past Kuszczak for his 50th
career goal.
The excellent Obinna embarrassed Rafael da Silva, on for his brother Fabio,
in the 66th minute with some impressive trickery down the left wing to
create West Ham's third goal. His pass into the middle of the penalty area
was controlled well by Cole, who turned Evans with remarkable ease before
slotting a low shot home easily. With the snow falling ever heavier, the
white match ball was replaced with an orange one before the humbled Evans
was replaced by Wes Brown in defence. Giggs then failed to control
Fletcher's clever through-ball when clear while Hernandez headed wide when
well placed, summing up United's misery. Obinna even tried an ambitious
free-kick from over 30 yards before the end, displaying the confidence
coursing through the veins of a west Ham side which notched their biggest
win over United in 80 years.
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Avram Grant 'vindicated' by West Ham win over Man Utd
BBC.co.uk
Avram Grant insisted West Ham's shock 4-0 thrashing of Carling Cup holders
Manchester United came as a result of ignoring calls to change his approach.
The Hammers sit bottom of the Premier League having struggled for results
this season, yet manager Grant claims a breakthrough victory had been
coming. "We continued to do what we did when we lost games and everybody
said we needed to change something," he said. "We didn't change anything.
I'm very proud, and very happy."
With Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole scoring two goals apiece, all created
by Nigerian striker Victor Obinna, West Ham were convincing winners as they
beat the Premier League leaders to book their first League Cup semi-final in
20 years. But Grant, who has come under pressure in his first few months
with the club, believes his team have been playing well for most of the
season - and that he had been vindicated after choosing not to make any
significant adjustments despite their difficulties. "We've been playing well
for two months, apart from our defeat at Liverpool," said Grant, who took
Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last year in the same season they got
relegated from the top flight. "I was sure if we continued to do that we
would be fine, though I didn't expect the nature of this win. "We always
play the same, but just created a few more chances and were more clinical.
We want to be in the final, of course. "It's a very important season for
West Ham. We have bought new players and are trying a different formation of
football. You have to do things step-by-step." He added: "I thought we could
win but this is still an unbelievable result. We continue our progress. "The
gap at the bottom of the Premier League was five points and is now three
points. We have many games left and I'm sure that this shows we can be good
in the future."
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Specs on fire
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
Hammers hero Jonathan Spector was understandably delighted after notching
the brace that set West Ham up for tonight's 4-0 thrashing of Manchester
United. The quiet American has endured a frustrating time of late having
been frozen out of the first team. But tonight he answered his critics with
the performance of his life - against the team that let him go four years
ago. Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the game that propelled the
Hammers into the Carling Cup semi finals, an elated Spector said: "Playing
in a different position helped, I was able to get forward a bit more. It's
been disappointing and frustrating, but I've been working hard and just
hoped for the best."
Despite being predominantly employed as a right back, his most notable
contributions - including tonight's effort and that against the same
opposition on the final day of the 2006/07 'Great Escape' season - have come
in different positions. Employed in the rested Scott Parker's natural role
this evening, the 24-year-old gave a vintage performance befitting of the
current KUMB.com Player of the Year - yet declared that the main reason for
victory was the collective work ethic. "I think we went out there and
decided we were going to work hard and give it a go," he revealed. "I think
we were probably the underdogs going into this game, but we knew if we
worked hard and stuck together we could get a result, and that's what
happened."
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Grant on... Manchester United
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
A victorious Avram Grant reflects on an uplifting victory for everyone
associated with the club...
Jonathan Spector certainly had a very good first half?
He's a good professional and he'll always try hard. That's why we changed
his position in training to midfield. I think he saw the game yesterday -
Barcelona and Madrid - and thought if they can do it... but he played very
well today.
But he'll be expecting to play on Sunday, won't he, after that performance?
I always look for a performance like this. After the performances of Spector
and Behrami in the last game, they've both performed well - it's a good
problem for me.
The disallowed goal just seemed to spur the team on even more?
I think we started the game very well. The movement was good, the passing
was good, the defence was good - everything was good and we started well.
Then we continued after the goal to create more chances and half chances. We
scored four, we could have scored more - but for me it's enough.
What will that performance do for the club? Not in your wildest dreams could
you have imagined that?
It's very, very important because you only get points for good results.
Except for the game against Liverpool and the second half against Newcastle
our performances were good. We worked better than the other teams, every
game we created lots of chances but we didn't score.
We didn't score and also conceded goals in most of the games so it was very
important in the last few games to continue to do what we did before, but be
more clinical in the box. And I think it was fantastic.
This cup run magic you seem to have - with Chelsea, Portsmouth and now West
Ham - can you explain it?
I don't know! I can't explain it; a coincidence maybe, I don't know.
How much would it lift the club were you to get to Wembley?
I think, first of all, to be in a semi final is very good for this club. We
are trying here to build something good, step by step - and we need the
results to ensure that people are doing the right thing.
We've played many many good games without winning this season so the players
maybe lost a bit of their confidence. You saw how many chances we missed
against Blackpool then after this we put in a poor performance against
Liverpool.
But the most important issue is that we showed mental strength. We continued
to play how we did before but more efficiently. Today it was unbelievable.
Can you explain how you can beat Man Utd 4-0 in a Cup tie and still be
bottom of the Premier League?
You don't get points for performances. If you take all the other
performances, half of the[m contained] mistakes by the referees against us
[without which] we would not be bottom of the league. But we are at the
bottom.
It's good that it was five points and now it's three points and we have a
lot of games left to play this season. It will not be easy but I'm sure that
we can do it and I'm sure that we can build a good West Ham for the future -
and that's important.
Would you swap a win tonight for a win on Sunday?
If the Premier League suggest it I will consider it...
[laughs]
What about Carlton Cole, Avram? He's come under fire in recent weeks but he
responded in the best possible way.
Carlton Cole knows that the best way to do things is to speak on the pitch.
He was brilliant today; from the first moment he worked very, very hard,
caused them a lot of problems and also scored two goals. He knows how to do
it; in the game he was hungry to show he can do better than he did before.
Every striker, every player has started to play better. We need to examine
the [whole] season, then look back and say either he was good or he was not
good - not after 15 games.
It was a big decision to leave Scott [Parker] out tonight and play Jonathan
[Spector] in his place?
Yes, but after the performance by Scott on Saturday when he played [whilst]
not 100 per cent fit we knew that he could play maybe 20 minutes [tonight]
if we needed him. But the team performed well and I thought it was better
for him not to play today. He will play on Sunday.
Does the number of changes you made act as extra motivation? Was that talked
about before the game?
No. Man Utd always play with the same team in the Carling Cup. Last year
they won the cup, this year because they have a good squad, a big squad I
think that each player who played today, if you wanted to buy them would
cost more than £10million.
So they have a very good team, a very good squad to win but we wanted to
show our squad off and that we can beat any team at home, especially.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 4 Manchester Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are through to the semi finals of the Carling Cup after destroying
Manchester United amidst a blizzard at the Boleyn Ground tonight. Avram
Grant's Hammers produced one of those rare performances that is surely
destined for future compilations of greatest games with a performance as
good as anything seen for many a season. It was a night for the unsung hero
as Jonathan Spector, Luis Boa Morte and Carlton Cole excelled with
performances to match any they had previously offered in a claret and blue
shirt. Spector, with two goals to his name (and a third ruled out for
offside) ensured the Hammers didn't miss the rested Scott Parker whilst Boa
Morte spent the evening harrying and snapping at heels - often to the
distaste of Alex Feguson, who once famously accused the Irons of exhibiting
'obscene effort'.
Meanwhile Carlton Cole - who grabbed both of United's second half strikes -
shook off his 'one goal Cole' tag with two exquisite finishes. The
oft-criticised Spector -who also had an effort harshly ruled out for offside
on the quarter-hour mark - put West Ham ahead on 22 minutes when he both
started and completed a move. Having stole the ball in midfield the
American fed the ball wide before continuing his run into the box. Victor
Obinna, also enjoying a good night, lifted the ball into the box where
Spector nodded home into the bottom right corner.
Boosted by the goal, West Ham continued to push on and got their reward on
37 minutes when Spector took advantage of a slip by Victor Obinna inside the
box to round Kuszczak and fire home into the same corner as before. At the
other end the only major scare in the opening half for Rob Green came after
just seven minutes when Gabriel Obertan forced a fingertip save from the
England 'keeper that rebounded off the post before being cleared to safety
by James Tomkins, making his second successive start after a lengthy
lay-off. Green, faultless in recent weeks almost qualified for this
Christmas's bloopers video six minutes into the second half when an
attempted clearance hit substitute Macheda on the backside before falling
kindly to Javier Hernandez; fortunately for the embarrassed 'keeper, he
reacted quickly to tackle the striker and divert the ball to safety. But
that scare was soon put to bed when Cole sent the Hammers 3-0 up on 56
minutes. Obinna, so full of energy, desire and drive on the left flank
teased and tormented his marker before delivering a centre that Cole pounced
upon to divert expertly into the far corner. Even at 3-0 there was still a
sense of unease amongst the home crowd, but that was finally dispelled when
Cole notched his second of the evening on 66 minutes. Obinna once again was
the source, showboating before delivering a low cross. Cole, as he so often
does, twisted his way into a shooting position before firing across Kuszczak
to make it 4-0 - and thus giving the Hammers their biggest home win against
the red side of Manchester since the mid-1950s.
The margin could have been even greater had Mark Clattenburg given a blatant
penalty when sub Zavon Hines, making a welcome return after a lengthy
lay-off was clearly bundled over in the box ten minutes from time. Not for
the first time this season, Clattenburg infuriated Hammers fans with a
diabolical decision. Also through to the semi finals tonight are Arsenal,
who beat Wigan 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Tomorrow Birmingham host Aston
Villa in the Midlands derby whilst West Bromwich Albion travel to Ipswich in
the remaining quarter final ties; the draw for the last four will be made
this weekend.
West Ham United 4 (Four) Manchester United 0: match facts
West Ham Utd: Green, Ben-Haim, Upson, Spector, Faubert, Tomkins (Reid 74),
Kovac, Boa Morte, Barrera (Hines 76), Cole (Stanislas 89), Obinna.
Subs not used: Boffin, Parker, Piquionne, McCarthy.
Goals: Spector (22, 37), Cole (56, 66).
Booked: Reid (90).
Manchester Utd: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Evans (Brown 72), Fabio Da Silva (Rafael
Da Silva 65), Smalling, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Obertan, Hernandez, Bebe
(Macheda 46).
Subs not used: Amos, Park, Carrick, Eikrem.
Attendance: 33,551 .
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (5).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant - Win no surprise
Hammers boss expected everything except scoreline
Last updated: 30th November 2010
SSN
Avram Grant insists West Ham's commanding Carling Cup win over Manchester
United did not take him by surprise. The Hammers booked their place in the
semi-finals after upsetting Sir Alex Ferguson's defending champions 4-0 at
Upton Park on Tuesday evening, with Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole
bagging two goals apiece. Grant's men currently sit bottom of the Premier
League following a dismal start to the season, but the Israeli claims he
knew his players were heading for a positive result. Manager Grant told Sky
Sports 1: "I'm not surprised because I've been with the players a long time
and in some games here, the second half against Newcastle and the whole game
against Liverpool, we've played well. "Today we played fantastic and also
scored and we kept a clean sheet. So I'm very happy. I thought we could win,
but not by that score. "It's very special. To perform like this against the
best team today in the country and score four goals, what more can I ask?"
Chance
Grant hailed the efforts of double goalscorer and former Manchester United
man Spector, who was handed a chance by the manager after enduring limited
playing time at Upton Park up until now. "I think he's a professional guy,"
added Grant. "He's always trying hard, even when he didn't play. "Today he
got the chance and like every professional player you need to speak only on
the pitch - and he spoke very well today." The manager feels Tuesday's
victory could be turning point in West Ham's season. He added: "It's a new
team with many new players and each game we are better. I'm very pleased by
this and I hope we continue winning. "If we continue to perform, continue to
focus and continue as individuals and as a team then we can do it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers freeze out United
United left out in the cold as Spector and Cole star for Hammers
Last updated: 30th November 2010
SSN
Holders Manchester United were sent crashing out of the Carling Cup as West
Ham unleashed a shock 4-0 victory at Upton Park on Tuesday night. Avram
Grant's side put their Premier League woes aside for the evening as their
commanding triumph booked them a spot in the semi-finals and condemned
league leaders United to their first defeat in all competitions since April.
A snowy night in East London saw some remarkable individual displays from
the Hammers, with Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole doing the damage for the
hosts with two goals apiece. Former United man Spector, stepping in for
benched captain Scott Parker in midfield, got the hosts' assault going as he
notched a first-half brace to put the home side 2-0 up at the break. And it
fell to striker Cole to pick up where the American left off in the second
half as he netted a double of his own, capitalising on some superb work from
Victor Obinna to seal the decisive triumph.
Hammered
Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to the side that hammered Blackburn last
weekend with only Anderson remaining, but the manner of this defeat will
still prove difficult to stomach. Experience was supplied by the likes of
Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea, but they also wilted in the
face of West Ham's onslaught. Those who had braved the arctic conditions at
a near-sold-out Upton Park enjoyed a night of high drama, the benefit of
which could be felt in the Hammers' Premier League survival bid. Manager
Avram Grant has proved something of a cup specialist, but while he will be
delighted to see his side through to the semi-finals, he will be just as
pleased at having strung together successive victories that could inspire a
climb up the table. Wigan were dispatched 3-1 last weekend, but Grant made
six changes with captain Parker on the bench despite suffering from a chest
infection. There was little sign of the carnage to come early on when the
holders were denied the lead by the woodwork with Robert Green showing
lightning reflexes to push Gabriel Obertan's shot on to the post.
Anderson expertly picked out Giggs, but the Welsh winger's delivery into the
box was poor and the ball looped away harmlessly. Controversy reigned in the
16th minute when West Ham scored through Obinna - only to have the goal
ruled out for offside. Obinna's shot deflected off Spector and the linesman
had made the correct decision, but the Hammers were incensed. Players queued
up to demonstrate with referee Mark Clattenburg, who then warned Grant after
the Israeli hurled the ball away in disgust after it had gone out of bounds.
Any sense of injustice was soon remedied, however, when Spector nodded West
Ham ahead. Obinna supplied an exquisite chip that Spector, having crept
inside Fletcher, headed into the net. Emboldened by their goal, West Ham
attacked with greater conviction, but were almost caught by a United
counter-attack that ended with a tame header from Obertan. Cole nearly got
the better of Fabio before James Tomkins angled a corner wide and in the
37th minute the home side's ascendancy was rewarded once more. The hapless
Fabio was involved as his attempted block of Obinna's shot instead fell into
the path of Spector, who blasted home from close range. A header from Bebe
was easily saved by Green, but most of the action continued to take place at
the other end. A dreadful blunder from Green, who until now had looked
rock-solid, almost let United in, with his clearance hitting the back of
Federico Macheda. The ball deflected into the path of Javier Hernandez, but
reinforcements arrived for the Hammers to clear the danger in the nick of
time.
Halted
United were pouring forward as the expected fightback began in earnest, only
to be halted in their tracks in the 55th minute when they were caught on the
break. The superb Obinna was the supplier as his inch-perfect cross was met
by Cole, who headed the ball home. There was still more to come from West
Ham, however, as little over 10 minutes later Cole slammed home his second
after being set up by Obinna. Zavon Hines had a strong penalty shout
rejected by Clattenburg after being shoved in the back by O'Shea, but West
Ham had the result wrapped up long ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spector thrilled with double
Man of the match relished chance to get forward against United
Last updated: 30th November 2010
SSN
Jonathan Spector was delighted to open his scoring account against
Manchester United and end a period of frustration at West Ham. The USA
international, who features primarily as a defender, has recently seen his
playing time restricted at Upton Park, but was handed a chance in midfield
by Hammers boss Avram Grant on Tuesday. Former Manchester United man Spector
made sure he repaid the manager's faith as he notched a first-half double to
contribute to a 4-0 Carling Cup triumph. And the 24-year-old, who arrived at
West Ham from Old Trafford four years ago, relished playing in more of an
attacking role.
Different
"Playing in a different position helped, I was able to get forward a bit
more," Spector told Sky Sports 1. "It's been disappointing and frustrating,
but I've been working hard and just hoped for the best. "I think we went out
there and decided we were going to work hard and give it a go. "I think we
were probably the underdogs going into this game, but we knew if we worked
hard and stuck together we could get a result, and that's what happened."
The result sees the Hammers advance to the cup semi-finals, but Spector
insists his side are not getting carried away. He added: "That's the goal
from the start, but we have to take it a goal at a time. I know it's cliché,
but that's the way it is." Carlton Cole, meanwhile, who netted West Ham's
other two goals, hopes the win is the beginning of more good things to come
after a disappointing start to the Premier League season.
Up and running
"Obviously it's nice to get up and running now," said Cole. "All credit to
the lads because they put their foot in where it hurts. Everyone is pulling
in the same direction and that's all we can ask for really. "I think the win
at the weekend (over Wigan) was massive for us. Everyone was saying that was
a 'save our season' match and we followed it up, three days later, with a
win against Manchester United. "It's a massive positive for us and we just
need to keep on building and try and progress with this victory."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 4 Man United 0
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: 30 Nov 2010
CARLTON COLE went from ice-cold to red-hot in one night. Misfiring England
striker Cole had netted just once in 18 games this term as West Ham slumped
to the bottom of the Premier League. Last week his workrate was publicly
slated by movie star and West Ham fan Ray Winstone. And the striker was
dumped to the bench for Saturday's win over Wigan after a spat with boss
Avram Grant. But last night Cole came in from the cold as his two goals -
plus a double from Jonathan Spector - humiliated Carling Cup holders
Manchester United. It was Spector who started the rout of Alex Ferguson's
Premier League pacesetters in this quarter-final at a snowy Upton Park. The
American, 24 - who was released by United four years ago - only got the nod
because Grant wanted to give midfield kingpin Scott Parker a rest. Whether
it was a stroke of genius or a slice of pure desperation by the Upton Park
chief, did not matter. It paid off in the most spectacular way as Hammers
romped to a victory that could turn their troubled season all the way round.
It was West Ham keeper Rob Green who was the early hero on seven minutes,
pushing a fine strike from United's Gabriel Obertan against a post. The
Hammers took control though and Victor Obinna thought he had given them a
deserved 17th-minute lead with a cracking shot from the edge of the box.
The Tannoy boomed out the Nigerian striker's name as the first goalscorer
and the freezing Upton Park crowd went into a frenzy. But then referee Mark
Clattenburg strolled over to his linesman and ruled out the goal as the shot
had brushed against Spector's thigh on the way in - and he was standing in
an offside position. But Spector, making only his second appearance of the
season, drove West Ham on from midfield. And five minutes after having his
heart broken, he was the hero of Upton Park with a smartly-headed opener.
Obinna floated a cross into the box and Spector was cute enough to get in
front of Darren Fletcher and nod the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak. United -
unbeaten in all competitions all season and two points clear of Chelsea at
the top of the Premier League - were being given the runaround by the team
who prop up the table.
No one would argue that West Ham deserved their lead as they played with
conviction that made a mockery of their league woes. Sure, United boss Alex
Ferguson rested many of his first-choice starts. But every manager will tell
you it is a squad game these days and, on this showing, United were not good
enough. Spector was though. And he claimed his second goal on 37 minutes
with a thrilling run that took him from his own half deep into the visitors
box.
He tried a shot but the ball squeezed to Obinna and, as Fabio slipped,
Spector took the ball on and fired his shot past the startled Kuszczak. No
one saw this coming.
After Saturday's 7-1 battering of Blackburn when everything United touched
turned to gold, everything turned to dust down in the East End of London.
West Ham were off the leash and Cole made it 3-0 when he glanced in a header
after 56 minutes from Obinna's cross. There would have been some fans in the
West Ham crowd calling for Cole to be taken off there and then as he has
never scored more than once in a game for the Hammers. But, on a night when
dreams were made and bubbles did not burst there was another twist... Cole
scored AGAIN! The irrepressible Obinna was the provider yet again with
another cute cross that caught John O'Shea flat-footed. Cole controlled and
swept in a left-foot shot in one movement and the humiliation was complete.
It must have been one of the sweetest moments of boss Grant's managerial
career and gave him some sort of twisted revenge over Fergie. The last time
a United side stuck one over Grant before this season was in the 2008
Champions League final - when the Red Devils beat Chelsea on penalties. And
the Israeli paid a high price for the cruel defeat by losing his job at
Chelsea, deemed not good enough to boss a top side by Blues' billionaire
owner Roman Abramovich. David Sullivan and David Gold are not in the same
money bracket as the Russian but they are trying to make a decent go of
getting Hammers back on an even financial keel. Whether Grant is still in
charge when that happens is up for serious debate as much of the West Ham
debt-juggling is based on staying afloat in the Premier League. Saturday's
3-1 win over fellow strugglers Wigan at the Boleyn raised morale and hopes
of survival - yes, I know we are only in December. So has the arrival of
Wally Downes, whose work ethic is as infectious as his wicked, dry humour.
Grant certainly had the last laugh last night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 4-0 Manchester United: Spector and Cole rout holders
Published 21:43 30/11/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
It was clearly no El Clasico but still a result nobody could quite believe.
Not only were the two-time defending champions beaten, they were
outmanouvred, outfought and downright embarrassed in the sub-zero
temperatures of east London. For humiliated Jose Mourinho on Monday night,
read shell-shocked Sir Alex Ferguson as the Scot's men were hammered by
their worst defeat at Upton Park for 80 years. How often can you say of a
team, any team, sent out by Manchester United, that the opposition fancied
it more? Yet that is exactly what happened in this top v bottom clash.
It was exactly what led to a result that ends United's run of 29 matches
unbeaten stretching back to last season and capped, of course, by that 7-1
demolition of Blackburn. Perhaps the Reds were still dining out on the
scoreline that had sent shockwaves through the Premier League on Saturday.
Perhaps they believed they only had to turn up last night to fracture the
fragile confidence around Upton Park. They were wrong. While West Ham have
failed to gain Premier League lift-off, they have careered their way through
the Carling Cup with victory over Oxford, a first away win of the year
against Sunderland and a hard-fought success over Stoke. And you have to
wonder how Avram Grant does it. Last season he led Portsmouth to the FA Cup
Final despite all their problems behind the scenes. This season he has
already used another cup competition to wipe out the memory of the last time
he was defeated in a Cup competition by Sir Alex.
That came in the Champions League Final two years ago, when John Terry's
scuffed penalty enabled United to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat off
Grant's Chelsea. Revenge was a dish served cold last night as Sir Alex's
bottlers were put to the sword and the Hammers reached the Carling Cup
semi-finals for the first time in 21 years. West Ham fans would still far
rather be assured of their place in next season's Premier League. But, on
the back of last Saturday's win over Wigan, it really does appear as though
the the club have turned a corner after a miserable start to the campaign.
It was Hammers striker Victor Obinna who, at the weekend, declared himself
completely unfazed by United's seven goals against Blackburn. The Nigerian,
on loan from Inter Milan, insisted the Reds would have more to fear from him
in this match on the back of his first goal for the Hammers five days ago.
And he was true to his word last night with an outstanding display, taking a
hand in all four goals. Everyone at Upton Park had been well aware that the
Premier League remains the priority for United. As such, Grant's men
expected the likes of Dimitar Berbatov to be rested ahead of Saturday's trip
to Blackpool. They could never, however, have expected ten changes to the
United team. Indeed, they must have been delighted when they saw that the
likes of Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic - like Berbatov - hadn't even
travelled to London. And, despite the fact that Grant had mad quite a few
changes of his own - with skipper Scott Parker on the bench - West Ham went
for it. The first clear cut opening fell United's way seven minutes in.
England keeper Robert Green pulled off a superb save to push Gabriel
Obertan's close range drive onto the post.
Two minutes later Obertan again found himself in space in the box. But,
instead of keeping his composure and waiting for support, the winger
casually poked the ball across the six yard box and into touch. After that,
sensing United's B Team were not up for it, the Hammers cashed in. Obinna
would have been rewarded with the first goal on 16 minutes had his effort
not deflected off Jonathan Spector - in an offside position - on its way to
goal. The striker made amends six minutes later when he lifted the ball over
the United defence from the edge of the box and Spector stole in ahead of
Darren Fletcher to head home. United's response was weak and
uncharacteristically feeble. Bebe tried a Roy of the Rovers from the near
the half way line, which flew into row Z.
Giggs, of all people, could get no power or direction on a free header from
an Obertan cross and put it into the arms of Robert Green. And for all their
huff and puff, United came across a bit Audley Harrison or - dare I say it -
Real Madrid. West Ham responded with a fine second, Spector again nipping in
to sweep the ball home after Fabio slipped on blocking Obinna. West Ham
could even have had a third, six minutes before the break, had Kusczak not
got an outstretched hand to Obinna's low drive. And you got the impression
Sir Alex would kick a few of his players up the tradesman's entrance at half
time with a view to a better second half display. Wrong. Although the
ineffective Bebe was hauled at half time the contribution of his
replacement, Federico Macheda, was no better. Indeed United's best route
back into the match almost came via Green, who wellied a routine clearance
into Macheda's back under no pressure whatsoever. The England keeper was
spared a massive embarrassment because of the slow reflexes of striker
Javier Hernandez. West Ham were quick, however, to continue piling on the
pressure. Again it was Obinna, on 56 minutes, who swept in a cross for
Carlton Cole to nip past Jonny Evans and head home for his 50th career goal.
On 67 minutes, Obinna was at it again, teasing and tormenting Rafael - on
for his brother Fabio - before sending in another ball for Cole to turn
Evans and score. The night could have been complete for the Hammers had ref
Mark Clattenburg given a penalty for O'Shea's clear push on substitute Zavon
Hines. But West Ham will settle for four, while Sir Alex will demand a
reaction from his first-teamers on Saturday.
West Ham: Green 8, Faubert 7, Tomkins 8(Reid 74), Upson 7, Ben-Haim 7,
Barrera 7 (Hines 77), Kovac 7, Spector 8, Boa Morte 7, Cole 8, Obinna 9.
Man Utd: Kuszczak 4, O'Shea5, Smalling 4, Evans 4 (Brown 72, 5), Fabio Da
Silva 5, Obertan 5, Fletcher 5, Anderson 6, Giggs 5, Hernandez 5, Bebe 3
(Macheda 45, 4).
Man of the Match: Victor Obinna. Said beforehand that United didn't scare
him and proved it.
Villain of the Match: Bebe. Does not apear good enough for United.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to 4-nil
By: Angela Poe | December 1st, 2010 ******* Yes that's our very own Angela
Poe *******
The Offside
I should've known our luck was turning when I heard Mark Clattenburg was
stuck on the M25. Living in Los Angeles and supporting West Ham United is
like adding insult to injury, almost literally.
I had to work offsite today, so I had the game on DVR and successfully
managed to avoid all modes of communication usually responsible for
spoiling: texts from mates, Facebook, Twitter, my Hammers email list, and
basically the internet in general. I was at a media event for Amir Khan,
the boxer and avid Bolton supporter, so needless to say he gave me a bit of
stick. I turned up in my West Ham kit, and by the time most of his
entourage arrived the game was already over. I should've known when his
mate pointed at my shirt, laughed and called me a "giantkiller", that I was
going to enjoy the rest of my day.
A short while later, my friend Gerard called from SWEDEN and knowing the
cost of the call I accepted it despite the likelihood that he was going to
ruin the game for me. I tried to shush him in time, but he managed to get
the words "Can you believe Spector SCORED?" out of his mouth. I told him I
hadn't seen the game yet, he apologised and we hung up. The pieces of the
puzzle were coming together.
Finally, I arrived home, made a cup of tea and sat down to watch the game
(now nearly 5 hours after it happened).
First the line-up:
Green
Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ben Haim
Barrera, Spector, Kovac, LBM
Cole, Obinna
Wait a minute, SPECTOR in the middle?! Finally, someone remembered that
Jonathan Spector is NOT a defender. I like leaving Piquionne on the bench
to start and when Jacobsen cannot be played, Faubert is better than nothing
I suppose.
In the first half, I noticed Obinna was ON and ready to go. Faubert all but
lectured Barrera following a corner when he didn't get free (so Faubert
could hand it off and go back to help defend). There was a measure of
accountability to themselves and each other that hasn't been there in
previous weeks. When you lost it: you get it back. When you cannot pass
forward: you pass laterally or you ram your way in alone. When you hand it
off: you get free to accept it back. NO ball is a lost cause. How
refreshing and it's about time.
Tomkins, Upson and Ben Haim didn't allow themselves to be bested. They were
not leaving it all to Greeno this time. Incredible save by Green in the
first (and just about the only) chance in the first half for Manchester
United.
Kovac proved he's not a goal-scorer with a blast into row zed and looked
dazed for most of the game, but luckily LBM was playing enough for three
players so he pretty much stayed out of the way.
The disallowed goal didn't even seem to phase this bunch of go-getters who
looked a team transformed from the club which barely turned up at Anfield
two weeks ago. Uncle Avi Grant tossing the ball around and watching Paul
Groves plead his case to the 4th official was more passion than we've seen
from the lot of them all year.
And then it happened: Jonathan Spector, the American who HAUNTED our season
last year by being the right back who just couldn't close down a car
boot…SCORED.
The bad luck to which Hammers supporters have become accustomed: Spector's
bum being the reason the first goal was disallowed was typical Spector
behaviour. However the goal that stood made every one of the 33,000+ fans
at Boleyn Ground wonder if they weren't hallucinating from the cold.
Little could have prepared them for what happened next.
Manchester United botched a throw-in, LBM shoved the ball into the center
(without earning a yellow card), Spector made another killer attacking run
and passed off to Obinna, while encircled, who loses track of the ball in a
tussle with Fabio who slipped to leave it in a perfect place for Spector to
rush in and blast it home.
Green made several fantastic saves: a catch after the Spector goal and a
hand which directed a set-piece-attempt just wide of the far post.
And at the half, in the BITTER cold, West Ham are up 2-nil.
It means nothing, however, we've been here and back before.
The second half got off to a cracking start as the snow fell. It seemed Sir
Alex went into the dressing room and told them to block little Jonny Spector
a little more aggressively. The result was that they backed off the
always-surrounded Carlton Cole.
And at 55 minutes, they found out what happens when you leave Carlton Cole
unmarked in front of the goal. 3-nil.
Then the songs erupted: "Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we're
going to Wembley, Que sera sera"
The commentator said, "There's some spirit in this team yet" and then he
reminded us that Victor Obinna is our hardest worker, something he says,
West Ham fans appreciate. And how. At only 23, he's certainly a hard
worker for West Ham.
Substitution: a yellow ball in for a white one, perhaps a brighter ball
would help Manchester United score? Sadly, no.
Substitution: twin for twin – Fabio off, Rafael on, perhaps it would keep
LBM from being so hard on the De Silva kid? Sadly, no.
It didn't fool Obinna either as he chumped Rafael off not once, but TWICE
before feeding the ball to Carlton Cole who beat Evans for the umpteenth
time. Then it was 4-nil to the cockney boys, sang the frozen excited crowd.
I'm sure the critics will say, "Well it was a weakened Manchester United
side" and to that I say, "Oh yeah? So Giggs, Macheda, Chicarito, Fletcher,
Fabio and Rafael are WEAK?"
Still others will say "West Ham had their best players out" and to that I
say, "ALL our top goal scorers weren't on the pitch: Parker, Noble,
Piquionne and Behrami as well as our star right back Lars Jacobsen".
With 9 minutes left, Zavon Hines made quite a run and was denied an
opportunity to make it five, which I'd hoped for so the supporters could
sing "Five-nil even Spector scored". Hines then ran to the sidelines and
dropped his pants. I could FEEL the commentator turn red when he had to
describe it. It was just to change and get back out there for the first
time in 11 months. It was great to see him back.
The best bit of banter/singing happened in the final minutes, when Upton
Park was the most alive it's been all year, with a stirring rendition of
"you only live round the corner". That one's my personal favourite as it's
directed at the Manchester United away support who we all assume follow the
club because of the points they have and not because the fans are FROM
Manchester.
LBM and Fletcher were feuding right up until the last second. Giggsy took a
corner and then moments later Rafael put a throw-in at the foot of a chorus
of whistles from the standing, singing, dancing, cheering, freezing East
London masses.
The whistle finally blew and we had done it! 4-0. Manchester United were
eliminated and we were through to the semi-finals.
I guess as our song suggests "fortune's always hiding", in our case it was
hiding all last season at left back.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fergie and Spector admit: We've no idea where that came from
Published 22:19 30/11/10 By Mike Walters
The Mirror
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted after Manchester United's heaviest defeat at
Upton Park in 80 years: "I didn't see that one coming." United were
humiliated by Jonathan Spector's first goals in 128 appearances before the
break and England striker Carlton Cole's two-goal blast in 11 minutes after
the restart. And after watching the holders' 29-match unbeaten run in all
competitions blown away in an east end blizzard, Fergie said: "I didn't
expect that, that's for sure.
"If you analyse the goals, they were absolutely too soft. There were young
players out there and there is probably a lesson for them. "They were
terrible goals - and you can't give goals away like that at this level. They
are too young to carry these kind of mistakes and still go on to win. "We
have invested in youth and they will come out of this and remember today. It
was a quarter-final tie and we had a great opportunity to win the cup again.
"But I don't think you can judge West Ham's Premier League position on
tonight. They were really fired-up, that's the way they approached the
game."
Not since October 1930, when they were tonked 5-1 by West Ham, have United
suffered such a heavy defeat in pearly king heartland. The Hammers' best win
under Avram Grant made a mockery of their rock-bottom League position, and
the West Ham boss said: "To beat the holders and score four goals - what
more could I ask? "I'm not that surprised to win, because I've worked with
these players for some time now, but of course I did not expect to win by
such a big margin. "Spector is a professional guy, he always tries hard even
when he is not in the squad, and he has had to wait for his chance. But we
changed his position in training a month ago - he must have been watching
Barcelona and Real Madrid!"
Spector, a defensive utility player switched to midfield by Grant for his
first start since August, said: "I don't know where those goals came from,
but they were a long time coming. "We decided to work hard and give it a go.
We were the underdogs, but we knew if we stuck together we could get a
result. It's been disappointing not being in the team, but I've been working
hard." And fellow two-goal hero Cole added: "It could definitely be a
turning point. Everyone was saying Saturday's win was a save-our-season
match but to beat Man United three days later is a massive boost."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Manchester United Report
Vinny - Wed Dec 1 2010
West Ham Online
League Cup Quarter Final
West Ham United 4 Manchester United 0
West Ham booked their place in the League Cup Semi Final in style as they
destroyed Manchester United at Upton Park with a quite stunning performance.
To be bottom of the league and playing a side who are top and who have not
lost a game in any competition this season just adds to what a wonderful
result this was and surely one of the greatest West Ham games in modern
times.
I don't think I am going over the top when describing just what a fantastic
night this was. So much doom and gloom has been hanging over the club for so
long as we as supporters really deserved this.
Like many I took at look at our team sheet and did not give us a hope in
hell and the first ten minutes suggested I would be correct but the players
who went out there worked so very hard and took their chances when
presented.
Not many things surprise me in Football but this has really stunned me as I
did not think this squad of players capable of producing such a display.
Of course we are now in a League Cup Semi Final which for me is the first
time I will see us play at this stage of the competition seeing as the last
time we did so was twenty years ago.
This was all achieved despite having a referee in Mark Clattenburg who was
awful yet again and the mess made with the goal that never was in the first
half was yet another indication that he is not fit to referee at the top
level.
Avram Grant made a host of changes to the side who beat Wigan on Saturday
and some were quite shocking.
In defence Lars Jacobsen was Cup Tied and replaced by Julien Faubert at
right back. At left back Danny Gabbidon was dropped in favour of Tal Ben
Haim.
Midfield was where the shocks came as there were three changes most notable
being Scott Parker being put on the bench and replaced by Jonathan Spector
who is normally a defender and not a very good one at that.
Alongside Spector and replacing Valon Behrami was Radoslav Kovac. On the
left hand side of midfield Luis Boa Morte lined up with Junior Stanislas
dropping to the bench.
Up front Carlton Cole was preferred to Frederique Piquionne.
So a number a unpopular players starting a match which to me meant quite a
lot as I was desperate to have a cup run given how boring Premiership
football is most of the time.
The snow was falling down as the fans took their seats on a bitterly cold
night in East London. The Manchester United fans took up the entire North
Stand.
We started brightly and won a few corners but the delivery from Barrera was
poor. It was clear from the first few minutes that our game plan would be to
work as hard as possible in the midfield areas and give Manchester United
little time on the ball.
But the visitors slowly began to get into their stride and were very close
to taking the lead on the seven minute mark. Having given the Manchester
United attackers too much time to work the ball into the area the ball found
Obertan who found space and hit a shot which was brilliantly saved by Green
who knocked it onto the post but the reaction of Tomkins was first rate as
he got to the rebound and hacked away.
A few minutes later we had our first chance when Obinna beat O'Shea and
played the ball to Barrera who set up Kovac but the shot went high over the
bar.
Just past the fifteen minute mark the controversial moment occurred as
Jonathan Spector raced towards goal making up around 40 yards and he gave
the ball to Obinna. The Nigerian took a touch and hit a shot at goal which
took a deflection and went past the keeper.
The players celebrated, the fans celebrated and even Jeremy Nicholas
announced the goal scorer as Obinna. But after what seemed like an age and
when I had stopped celebrating it became clear something was wrong as the
Ref was for some reason signalling for a free kick due to an offside.
It would seem that the deflection the ball took was off Spector who would
have been in an offside position. What annoyed me about this was that you
could see the Manchester United players protesting with Clattenburg only for
him to wave away these claims but then the linesman got involved. Having not
seen as replay I cannot fully recall but I am sure the linesman's flag did
not go up straight away and this was a decision made after the goal.
The West Ham fans and players were not happy and neither was Avram Grant who
was to put it mildly livid. As the boo's rang out and the game continued the
ball ran out for a West Ham throw in and Grant picked the ball up and threw
the ball towards the ref. Clattenburg came over to have words with the West
Ham manager who seemed to be indicating that this is not the first time he
has stitched us up.
But just a few minutes later we did get that goal that we deserved as an
excellent move saw Boa Morte play a perfectly weighted ball into the area
for Jonathan Spector to score with a diving header. With the sense of
injustice from the goal which was disallowed the Boleyn Ground went wild in
celebration.
This was Spector's first goal for the club (that goal at Derby a few seasons
back was never given to him) and considering the dread many felt about his
inclusion it was great to see him score.
Manchester United attempted to come back straight away and won a corner
after a sliced clearance from Upson but the ball was cleared.
We always looked dangerous on the break with Boa Morte, Barrera and Obinna
and I felt if we could pick out the final ball we really could hurt them.
On the 37 minute mark things went from good to quite marvellous as we
increased our lead. It was Jonathan Spector who won the ball and again raced
forward in true Scott Parker style and although his pass was blocked Spector
kept running and Fabio slipped allowing Spector to finish and score his
second goal.
These were amazing scenes and Upton Park was rocking.
We saw the game out to half time despite a lot of Manchester United
possession and a vital perfectly timed challenge from Matthew Upson was the
highlight of the final few moments although there was an excellent tackle
from Ben Haim who really clattered the awful Bebe who looked as though he
might cry.
I do not usually notice opposition players but this Bebe fella was
shockingly bad especially for a team such as Manchester United and it was no
shock to see him taken off at half time.
The visitors came out for the second half and dominated the opening stages.
I did not think we would be able to survive much more pressure as corners,
free kicks and space were being found by a side who had obviously been give
a good rollicking at half time by their manager.
Robert Green nearly had a nightmare moment when what looked like a simply
clearance saw the ball smack off Macheda and spun towards Hernandez but
Green made it to the ball first and it was cleared.
We hadn't taken part in the second half up until this point but when Boa
Morte won another free kick the Portuguese midfielder played a quick ball
over the top for Obinna who played an excellent pass into the area for
Carlton Cole to get in front of his marker and head past the keeper to make
it 3-0.
Pandemonium followed in the stands and at 2-0 it was always a dodgy
scoreline but maybe just maybe we could start to relax a little.
Whilst Manchester United looked to get back into the game we looked
comfortable with every player playing their part and working hard. The work
rate was quite astonishing given how we have as recently as the Liverpool
game been questioning the desire of many of the players.
And things were to get even better on 67 minutes when we scored yet again to
take the scoreline to four.
It was a great goal and great play from Victor Obinna who took the complete
piss out of Raphael putting him on his arse a couple of times and then he
played a low pass into the area for Carlton Cole to turn his marker and
finish coolly for his second and our fourth.
This was the first time Carlton Cole had scored more than one goal in a a
game for West Ham. Whilst his performance had been disjointed and
frustrating you can't knock his two finishes which were that of a goal
scorer.
Now it was party time and 'Bubbles' rang out a number of times and also a
few renditions of 'We're going to Wem-ber-lee'.
Zavon Hines returned after nearly a year out injured coming on in place of
Barrera and it did not take Hines long to get involved as Boa Morte played a
sublime pass through to him and Hines raced into the area only to be bundled
over by O'Shea. From where I was sitting I thought was a definite penalty as
his arm when into the back of Hines but of course Mark Clattenburg dismissed
the appeals and no penalty was awarded.
Despite Manchester United searching desperately for a consolation goal they
could not find one and we defended bravely.
The final whistle was blown and I still am feeling that buzz even now.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Apart from one near fatal mistake in the second half Green was excellent and
his save in the early stages of the game was so very important as the game
could have been so very different if that had gone in.
Julien Faubert
Got caught out of position a couple of times and is generally easy to beat
but he worked hard and his distribution was on the whole quite good.
Matthew Upson
A warrior performance from Upson who did all the right things and played
very few silly passes. I can understand how him kicking the ball out for a
throw will frustrate some fans but keeping everything simple was very
important and it worked.
James Tomkins
Another game to boost the confidence of a talented defender. His clearance
in the first half was a great reaction as it looked as though they would
convert the rebound. Tomkins was good in the air and passed the ball well.
Tal Ben Haim
What he game us was experience and he used to great affect. He bullied the
wingers he was up against, was strong in the tackle and made some excellent
tackles.
Pablo Barrera
In and out of the game and showed some nice pieces of skill especially in
the second half. Still hasn't got his crossing right and wasted a number of
chances to pick out a player in the area but it is clear to me that with
every game he is getting better.
Radoslav Kovac
No quality whatsoever on the ball and his passing is generally atrocious.
But Kovac will leave the pitch knowing he did everything he could to work
for the team and he ran for 90 minutes attempting to put in as many tackles
and possible and get his body in the way.
Jonathan Spector
Say what you want about Johnny Specs (and many of us have) but he gets
nothing but praise from me for this wonderful performance. His goals were
great but his work rate (especially in the absence of Parker) was a joy to
watch. He dominated the midfield in the first half and whatever his West Ham
future holds we will always remember this performance from Jonathan Spector.
Luis Boa Morte
Another superb performer during this thrashing. Boa Morte got in the faces
of their players especially Darren Fletcher who was scared of the Boa. He
was nasty, he was a little unhinged but he was brilliant. Some of his
passing was also excellent and his aggression was vital.
Victor Obinna
For me he was the best player on the pitch. Without so many key players he
had to be the one to move the ball forward and he did with every chance he
got. He worked and he worked and he played a part in all four goals. A
stunning performance from Obinna.
Carlton Cole
At half time I was criticising just about every aspect of his performance
but then he goes and scores two goals. Whilst I thought he was poor most of
the time he got the ball he took his two goals really well and if he plays
like that every week but gets himself a goal I'll take that.
Subs Used
Winston Reid (on for Tomkins 74 mins)
All our subs were made after the fourth goal to give some players like Reid
a run out. This was good experience for him at his preferred position of
centre half.
Zavon Hines (on for Barrera 76 mins)
Looked sharp and should have been awarded a penalty. A good option to have.
Junior Stanislas (on for Cole 89 mins)
Not much time to make much of an impact.
Subs Not Used: Boffin, Parker, Piquionne, McCarthy
Bookings: Reid
Man Of The Match: Victor Obinna
Manchester United:Kuszczak, Fabio (Rafael 65), Smalling, Evans (Brown 73),
O'Shea, Anderson, Fletcher, Obertan, Giggs, Bebe (Macheda 46), Hernandez
Subs: Amos, Carrick, Park, Eikrem
Attendance: 33, 551
Overall
We have had such a shit season that any win is something to savour but this
was something that even now I am finding difficult to comprehend. To beat
Manchester United 4-0 at any time is a great result but given our current
plight it really was remarkable.
Into the draw for the League Cup Semi Final and I don't really mind who we
get. Of course it would be great to avoid Arsenal but I'm just pleased to
have got this far in a competition we usually do poorly in.
We have won this game with mainly our reserve team and for me only Green,
Upson and Obinna are actually regular starters at the moment.
Next Game - Sunderland (a)
Back down to earth for a long trip to Sunderland. They received many
plaudits for their win at Chelsea but only a few weeks before they were
battered by Newcastle. They like most teams in the league are inconsistent
and very beatable. What team lines up remains to be seen.
We have been in such terrible form for so long now we must enjoy this
success because as West Ham fans we know nights like this do not come around
too often.
Will we stay up? I don't know, but just for tonight this is about a great
victory over Manchester United and progression to the next round.
The View From Grant
"It was very good from Jonathan. He is a good professional who always tries
hard. The last month we changed his position in the training to midfield and
he has done very well."
"I think he saw the Barcelona game yesterday and thought I can do that! He
played very well, he took his chance. It was a special night.
. "I always look for problems like this with selection. Many players have
given me good problems with their performances.
""It was a good win, good football. We continue to progress. I always
thought we could win but it was an unbelievable result."
"Carlton Cole knows the best way to do things is to speak on the pitch, He
was brilliant today. From the first moment he worked very hard, caused a lot
of problems and scored goals.
"It was the first time he did that for us and he was hungry to show he can
do better. Every player sometimes has bad times but we have to wait and
judge at the end of the season, not after 15 games."
"We scored four but could have scored but for me it is enough. To be in the
semi-final is just great for this club and I am delighted for everyone -
especially the fans. It was an unbelievable night and I am very pleased with
how we played."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Alex Ferguson hits out at 'soft goals' after young Manchester United
side are crushed at West Ham
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt 11:11PM GMT 30 Nov 2010
Jason's Twitter
"I didn't expect that, that's for sure," the United manager admitted after
West Ham United inflicted the heaviest defeat his team has suffered for nine
years. "If you analyse it the goals we gave away were absolutely too soft,"
Ferguson added. "We had young players out there and there's probably a
lesson in that for them because we invest in youth. "They were terrible
goals, poor goals. They (the players) are 20, 21 years old. They can't make
mistakes like this and still win. "The young players will remember this. But
this could have been a very good opportunity to win the cup again."
He said that United had fielded a young defence and paid the price. "We had
one or two half chances and Gabriel (Obertan) had a shot saved by the
goalkeeper which then hit the post," Ferguson added. "But the goals killed
it. You can't just give goals away at this level." Ferguson claimed that the
furore over West Ham's disallowed goal was crucial. "That first goal was a
break for them," he said. "We were in control in the early part, played some
good football. But goals change games. "The thing that sparked it was the
goal that was disallowed because it got the crowd up. It was clearly offside
because it came off one of their players into the net but they celebrated
for so long. It spurred them up." West Ham manager Avram Grant, who has been
under pressure up until last weekend's victory over Wigan Athletic with his
team still bottom of the Premier League, admitted that it was an
"unbelievable result".
"It is special because Manchester United is Manchester United," he said. "To
perform like this against the best team in the country – they have not lost
so many games – and to score four goals - what more can I ask? "I was
surprised and not surprised. Of course before the game I didn't think we
would do this. I thought we could win but not by this score." Grant said his
decision to omit Carlton Cole – following his outburst after the defeat to
Liverpool – for the Wigan game had been vindicated by the striker's two-goal
display. "Carlton Cole knows that the best way to do things is to speak on
the pitch," he said. "He was brilliant and was very hungry to show that he
can do better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thrashed, But it is Apparently All About the Goals That Man Utd 'Gave Away!'
West Ham Till I Die
It was a great performance, yesterday evening, by a West Ham side missing
Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Noble, Parker, Behrami and Piquionne. Obviously Man Utd
were also lacking some 'big guns,' as well, such as Berbatov, Rooney, Vidic
and Ferdinand. However, Sir Alex was obviously confident that his selection
was strong enough to defeat the Hammers. How wrong he was!
West Ham came out of the traps with a display full of fight, determination
and skill. It inevitably started with a controversial refereeing decision,
with Obinna's effort being ruled out due to a slight deflection from an
off-side Jonathan Spector. Of course the problem was that the decision was
taken after such an indecently long delay, with the West Ham players and
crowd celebrating the disallowed goal. Fortunately, the incident did not
deflate West Ham, it just drove them on to even greater efforts. And West
Ham eventually got the just deserts, that their commitment and skill
merited, with a first half brace by non-other than Jonathan Spector!
For me, the defining features of this victory were the organization and
efficiency at the back, the industry and pressing in midfield and the
greater sharpness up front. There is no doubt that the arrival of a good
defensive coach has worked wonders. The back four each know their
individual jobs, they are doing them efficiently, whilst working together
as a cohesive unit. But equally impressive, is the way that we are
defending further up the field, with players pressing the opposition in
possession and wide players doubling up on the flanks to counter and reduce
those crosses from the flanks that have, hitherto this season, caused us so
many problems. When balls are delivered in to the box, our central
defenders are coming out strongly to attack the ball and clear them.
Indeed, Upson and Tomkins have really tightened up, ensuring that they stay
in contact and do not, positionally, allow too much space to open up between
them.
West Ham's defensive performance has improved markedly in a very short term
of time and, quite frankly, I am very very pleased and relieved to see it.
It is about individual and collective organisation, but it also about doing
things simply and effectively. It is notable that the defenders are now
clearing the ball in dangerous defensive zones, rather than dallying on the
ball. The new attitude seems to be, if it needs to be put out of play to
negate any danger, then it goes out of play, no messing. While, their
distribution out of defence has also improved, with far fewer poor balls
conceding possession to the opposition. If Wally Downes is bringing this
positive change about, as seems to be the case, then he is doing a very good
job.
And what about that clinical finisher, Jonathan Spector? Perhaps tonight
proved, what I have suspected for some time, that his future playing career
lies in midfield, rather than as a defender. He played there before, under
Alan Pardew, and always did a good job, usually coming on in the final
stages to tighten things up. But tonight he played further up the pitch,
pressing the opposition and getting in to good goal scoring positions.
Really, the quality of his finishing in the first half was surprising! It
will be interesting to see whether Spector now retains his midfield berth at
the weekend, possibly alongside Parker, or gives way to a fit again Behrami?
We shall see?
Carlton Cole got the official man of the match award and he deserved it for
some big hearted centre forward play and good quality finishing to rack up
his second half brace. Both the header and the clever turn and shot across
the keeper for his two goals were very good examples of top draw finishing.
However my personal man of the match was Victor Obinna. For me Obinna built
upon his performance against Wigan and was instrumental in creating all four
goals. He terrified the Man Utd rearguard whenever he was on the ball and
gave them a torrid time down the left flank. Most encouraging was the fact
he seems to be cutting out the poor decisions and speculative shooting. In
this match, Obinna obviously used the ball well to carve out chances for
others, but also most of his attempts on goal were on target or there
abouts! A big improvement.
And it is all about improvement with Obinna. Put bluntly, Victor Obinna is
a player of significant potential, as recognised by good judges such as
ex-Inter coach, Jose Mourhino. However, the fact is if he was the complete,
finished product he would not be on loan at West Ham. It would appear that
Inter-Milan are in possession of such rich player assets that they are not
inclined to put in the time and patience to develop the player. That has
given us the opportunity to access that potential, to shape and polish it.
We should sign Obinna in January and set about transforming him into the
class forward that he can undoubtedly become. He needs good coaching and
regular first team appearances to allow him to hone his skills in the PL.
West Ham can offer that and it is a January deal that will suit both the
player and the club!
In the course of a very good evening for the club, I was particularly
delighted to see Zavon Hines make a substitutes appearance and, moreover,
look quite sharp and pacy. Really, he should have won a penalty when he
played that excellent one-two in the box and was pushed off the ball by
O'Shea. Hines has good pace and the ability to play very effectively in a
4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system, supporting and playing off Cole or Piquionne. Lets
keep our fingers crossed that his injury problems are now behind him and he
can push on in terms of first team appearances.
Finally, I was fully expecting Sir Alex to point out his team's failings, in
the Sky Football First post-match interviews, but also admit that West Ham
were the better team on the night and fully deserved their victory. But no,
apparently, the game and result was all about the goals that Man Utd gave
away! That completely ignores the positive attributes of West Ham's
performance. Unfortunately, that view does come across as a case of sour
grapes. On the other hand, perhaps that adverse reaction to defeat says
something about the psychology of high achieving football managers and the
basis of their sustained success?
Anyway, the hope must be that this memorable victory, following on from the
defeat of Wigan, will contrive to build confidence and self-belief in a
squad that has lacked both attributes this season. If we apply ourselves
and give the same committed, organised and skillful performance then we can
come away from the Stadium of Light with all three points. As I have stated
previously, we have won once there this season, in the Carling Cup, and we
can do it again as long as we approach the game in the right way!
As for the Carling Cup semi-final draw this evening, with our luck we are
likely to get Arsenal, but if so, then so be it. At this stage of any cup
competition you have expect to take on and beat the best. But I would not
be at all surprised if we ended up by drawing the winners of the
Birmingham-Villa quarter-final tie. Whoever we eventually get, lets hope
that we are away for the first leg and then play the 2nd leg at home. It is
preferable that way around, we can grind out a decent result away and then
finish the job at Upton Park!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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