Posh points please Big Sam
WHUFC.com
Another home win and a seventh match unbeaten understandably have left the
manager on a high
24.09.2011
Sam Allardyce was in spirited mood as he reflected on the "perfect start" to
a big week for West Ham United. The 1-0 home win against Peterborough United
came courtesy of Mark Noble's eleventh-minute penalty but the Hammers always
had the edge. It was a second straight victory at home, having waited six
months for one, and also back to back clean sheets for a defence that is
still gelling together ahead of Tuesday's visit of Ipswich Town and
Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace Having been among the top scorers in the
division this season, Allardyce was certainly not worried that the win came
by the solitary goal - although he felt the display warranted a
better-looking scoreline. "We're obviously delighted we've got three very
valuable points but the only disappointment is the fact that our approach
play and opportunities to get more goals failed us today. "We've had to rely
on a penalty to win the game today, so that's the only disappoint for me
because everything else went according to plan.
"We limited the opposition's opportunities to score and then broke off them
to use the space to expose them, but we couldn't get any more goals. We
always looked comfortable, there were some good moves, there was some good
creative play. "The substitutes made us even better and John Carew looked
more like his old self; David Bentley came on as well and gave us a bit more
down the right, not that I was disappointed in Carlton Cole or Julien
Faubert. But it's nice to know your subs can come up and take things a
little higher again."
Cole has been suffering with flu in the past few days but was determined to
play, having been in electric form this season. Carew's presence suggested a
bigger involvement for Ipswich's arrival while Sam Baldock is also itching
to make his Boleyn bow and Jack Collison is eager to make the matchday 16.
The manager said: "Carlton has been fabulous but had a cold and he wasn't
going to last for us today. We wanted to start with him but John came in and
allowed us to play balls off him.
"He's even bigger and stronger than Carlton, isn't he? His hold-up play was
good and then other people can run off him. Yeah, I'm satisfied. I'm
delighted with the three points, delighted with the clean sheet and not so
happy about our finishing. "For me, it's about assessing what team to play
because we've got Matt Taylor with a slight calf problem and Joey O'Brien
with a little bit of a tight hamstring. "Other than that I don't see any
problems, but there are other members of the squad who weren't even on the
bench today who are desperate to get into the frame so we'll look at that
situation and see whether we can make one or two changes for Tuesday night."
The big success for the manager was ending a run of late goals conceded at
Upton Park, which has been a story of the campaign even with the Hammers on
a roll and riding high. "There were no jittery nerves at the end, we saw the
game out, although I can feel them reverberating around Upton Park, I could
feel it myself. But like I say, it was an important three points and lifts
us up to fourth. We've got a big three-game week and we've got three points
which will boost the confidence ahead of the game against Ipswich on
Tuesday."
Further confidence has been given by the outstanding impact of Abdoulaye
Faye at the back. The defender came in for his first home start, having been
imperious away at Millwall last weekend. The manager said he would be the
ideal man to help bring on Winston Reid and the rested James Tomkins this
season. "He's a man mountain; this guy is the coolest dude you've ever met
in your life. You see him lumbering along but he always wins his headers, is
in the right position to nullify the opposition's attacks and, in terms of
providing a calming influence, he's gained very good experience since he was
lucky enough that I brought him to the Premier League many years ago, so
he's got a lot to thank me for! Which I keep reminding him about."
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Loanee round-up: Nouble scores again
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's band of loanees were in action around the country on
Saturday afternoon
24.09.2011
Frank Nouble made it two goals in two starts as he helped Gillingham to a
3-1 home win against Burton Albion on another busy day of action for West
Ham United's loanees. The 19-year-old striker converted a close-range effort
just after half-time for the Gills, continuing his superb start after a goal
last week in the 6-1 rout of Hereford United. He got 80 minutes before being
substituted to a good ovation from the home crowd.
Nouble was not the only happy Hammer in League Two, with Callum McNaughton
playing another 90 minutes for AFC Wimbledon as they won 2-1 at Bradford
City.
Olly Lee also got a full game, and another goal, for Dagenham & Redbridge
but the strugglers were beaten 2-1 at Northampton Town. Jordan Brown also
started for Aldershot Town but they lost 1-0 at home to Crawley Town.
Robert Hall, just 17, got another league start with 64 minutes in Oxford
United's 1-1 draw at home to Accrington Stanley. Ahmed Abdulla, the club's
other League Two loanee, was played 13 minutes off the bench for Paolo Di
Canio's Swindon Town as they won 4-0 at home to Barnet. In the Championship,
Jordan Spence was absent as Bristol City drew 1-1 at home to Hull City .
Finally, Cristian Montano played the final 23 minutes of Notts County's 1-0
at home to Rochdale in League One.
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Turgott ensures Saints draw
WHUFC.com
The Academy aces may have lost their winning streak but they are still
unbeaten this season
24.09.2011
West Ham United U18s 2-2 Southampton U18s
A dramatic comeback by the Hammers saw them earn a point at home in a
thrilling Academy battle with the Saints on Saturday morning. West Ham
United's talented youngsters had gone into the Little Heath contest on a
five-match winning streak and were the country's form team at this level.
However, they were caught cold by Southampton and found themselves two-nil
down. A spirited comeback saw Kieran Sadlier get his fourth goal of the
season before Blair Turgott restored parity. Even then, the Hammers could
have gone on to take all three points. Although the 100 per cent record has
gone, they will still head to Portsmouth next Saturday unbeaten in six
matches.
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Sir Trevor honours John Lyall
WHUFC.com
A special ceremony took place to mark the opening of a sports pavilion named
after John Lyall
24.09.2011
West Ham United great Sir Trevor Brooking has unveiled a new sports pavilion
named in honour of legendary manager John Lyall. The former England
midfielder greeted a crowd of more than 500 people at the opening of Lawford
Football Club's John Lyall Pavilion. The £513,000 facility in the north
Essex village will be used by leading local clubs Lawford Lads and Lawford
Juniors. Sir Trevor said it was important for the community to continue to
support the clubs. He said: "A facility like this will be great for the
surrounding communities and they can offer fundraising events and functions
here. "It is good to see a club that wants to expand, but obviously with
that there is a cost. "In the long-run it will rely on support and
volunteers and it is great to see so many faces turn out today."
"On a sunny day, it might not seem obvious, but the players will be thankful
for it in January in the cold and rain." The pavilion has changing rooms
with showers, a changing room for officials, improved disabled facilities, a
bar and function room, kitchen and kit storage lockers. A memorial section
has the names of sponsors, patrons and community figures etched into the
brickwork. Prior to opening the pavilion, Sir Trevor gave a speech in which
he recalled his playing career and that of Lyall - the 1980 FA Cup-winning
manager who also took charge at nearby Ipswich Town later in his career. He
then drew the curtain to reveal a plaque dedicated to his former boss, who
died in 2006. John Duchars, chairman at Lawford Juniors, and Andy Rudd,
chairman of Lawford Lads, also gave speeches in which they thanked the
sponsors and volunteers who have brought the project to fruition. The
project has been a result of work from Lawford Parish Council, Tendring
Council, the Essex Football Association, the Football Foundation and
volunteers.
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West Ham 1 - 0 Peterborough
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 18:03 GMT, Saturday, 24 September 2011 19:03 UK
Mark Noble's 11th-minute penalty was enough for a laboured West Ham United
win over Peterborough. West Ham were awarded the spot-kick when Lee
Frecklington was adjudged to have pushed Henri Lansbury after a low cross
from Julien Faubert. Carlton Cole curled wide as West Ham looked to add to
their lead and then Lee Tomlin came close for the visitors. David Bentley
forced Peterborough keeper Paul Jones into a save, but West Ham rarely
threatened. At least Sam Allardyce's side can console themselves with the
fact that they are now seven games unbeaten - but there will be concern that
they dominated the opposition without managing to kill the game off. George
Boyd looked sharp for the visitors, but he was restricted to long-range
efforts which rarely threatened Robert Green in the West Ham goal.
Peterborough's top scorer Tomlin was brought on at half-time and he almost
equalised early in the second half but, as the West Ham defence backed off,
his well-struck effort zipped past the post. Bentley forced Jones into
action when his effort stung the palms of the Peterborough keeper as the
home fans grew continually more restless with their side's lack of
creativity. Despite the disapproving jeers from the home support,
Peterborough could not fashion any late chances and West Ham held on for an
unconvincing win.
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Allardyce on... Peterborough
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th September 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was happy with the three points - if not the manner of victory
- as West Ham eked out a 1-0 win against Peterborough this afternoon...
Sam: Was the win a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggested?
Yeah, I tend to agree with you. I think that the only disappointment we have
today - and obviously I'm delighted with the three points - is the fact that
our approach play and our opportunities to deliver more goals failed us
today, which is unlike us.
We scored two against Leeds, [it] could have been more. Four against
Portsmouth. But we've had to rely on a penalty to win us the game today, so
that's the only disappointment for me because everything else went according
to plan. Nullifying the opposition when they have the ball and limiting
their opportunities to score. Then breaking off them and using the spaces
they leave to expose them. But the unfortunate thing for us is that we
didn't deliver any more goals. But we always looked comfortable; some good
moves, some creative play.
The substitutes came on and, I thought, made us even better than we were.
John Carew came on, looked more like his old self and caused them problems.
David Bentley came on as well and created a little bit more down the right -
not that I was disappointed with Carlton's or Julien's performances but it's
nice to know that your subs can come on and take it a little higher again.
No jittery nerves at the end, we saw the game out. It was reverberating
around Upton Park, I could feel it myself! Like I say, it was a very
important three points for us; it pops us up to fourth and we've got a big
three-game week now and we've got three points to boost the confidence for
another difficult game on Tuesday which will be Ipswich.
For me, it's to assess what team to play. There's Matt Taylor with a slight
calf problem today [and] Joey O'Brien with a bit of a tight hamstring. Other
than that I don't see any problems. Other members of the squad that weren't
even on the bench today are even more desperate and eager to get into the
fray, so we'll have a look at that situation and see whether we should be
using the squad and make one or two changes for Tuesday night.
In terms of the system, people keep expecting you to go 442 at some stage
for home games. You didn't do that today; any thoughts about why you're
sticking with a 451?
Because we keep scoring lots of goals playing 433. So if you mention 451
again...
[laughs] I've only mentioned it once!
[more laughs] It's 433! So, you know what I mean; you only have to look at
the match stats to see that. Like I said, you can look at that and say
'well, it's 451' but if you look at how many times we got in their box and
how many times we crossed the ball, how many chances [we created]... The
disappointing thing is not only that we didn't score, but we didn't hit the
target enough. We didn't make the 'keeper work hard enough.
So yes, I think eventually we'll get to a 442 here and there, but when
you're fourth in the league and you haven't lost for seven matches it's
difficult to change what is a system working extremely well for where we are
at the moment.
You said Bentley and Carew lifted you a bit; does that mean they might start
on Tuesday?
They might do; they might do.
Carlton was slightly below [par] because he had a heavy cold and he was
never going to last [90 minutes] for us today, but he'd been playing so well
we wanted to start with him. John came on after eight or ten minutes [of the
second half]; we could start playing balls off him as he's even bigger and
stronger than Carlton, isn't he? His hold up play was good and then other
people could run off him.
So I'm satisfied with the result, delighted with the three points and
delighted with the clean sheet - just not so happy about our finishing,
today.
There was a period where Peterborough were in West Ham's half; was there any
point when...
Well it does happen now and again; they're bound to get in our half...
But I don't see any clear-cut chances. I think the clearest chance that
Peterborough had was [in] the first four minutes, from the first corner. So
it wasn't any of their creative players, it was us dreaming and we let a man
get free on the near post; he headed it and Greeny saved.
If Darren [Ferguson] is having a look at that, that's one I think that they
really should have scored from. I would have been very disappointed had we
not scored with that chance then. After that, they had some half chances.
The overall scenario is this league doesn't finish its chances as well as
the Premier League; that's probably one of the bigger differences between
the two divisions.
I thought Lansbury played well in the first half?
Yeah, he's fitted in lovely. He enjoys being in the fray and he enjoys being
a major part of the first team which is something he's struggled to achieve
at Arsenal. At this stage of life it's all about first team football and how
far can you get with it. So we're giving him that experience, we're enjoying
him playing for us and he's enjoying being here at the moment.
Do you feel the defence is beginning to look very solid?
Well I think you've got one man who causes that and he's called Abdoulaye
Faye, the man mountain. This guy is the coolest dude you've ever met in your
life. You see him lumbering along but he always gets there. He wins his
headers, he gets in the right position, nullifies the oposition's attacks.
In terms of calming and influencing the defence it's very, very good. [This
comes] from the experience he's gained since he was lucky enough that I
brought him to the Premier League many years ago - so he's got a lot to
thank me for...
[laughs] Which I keep reminding him of, by the way!
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Noble spot-on for Hammers
Last updated: 24th September 2011
SSN
Mark Noble's early penalty secured the points for West Ham as they laboured
to a 1-0 win over Peterborough in the Championship at Upton Park. Sam
Allardyce's side are now seven games unbeaten but despite taking the lead
and dominating the opposition the home side appeared toothless in attack and
failed to kill the game off.
Noble kept his cool to convert from the spot and put the home side ahead on
11 minutes after Lee Frecklington was adjudged to have pushed Henri Lansbury
just inside the box following a low cross from Julien Faubert. Peterborough
had started brightly up until that point and could have gone ahead inside
the first minute when a near-post Grant McCann corner was met by the head of
Tommy Rowe with West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green forced into making a smart
save. The penalty took the sting out of Peterborough's performance as they
kept affording Faubert space on both flanks, although the Frenchman's
crosses were all well dealt with by the Posh backline.
Carlton Cole, deployed as a lone striker, came closest to adding a second
for West Ham before the break but after bullying Ryan Bennett off the ball
he curled his shot wide of Paul Jones' far post. West Ham dominated the
first 45 minutes but their attacks were largely disjointed although Lansbury
could have doubled the lead just before the interval but he fired over after
the ball had bounced kindly to him on the edge of the box. George Boyd
looked sharp for visitors, controlling possession for Peterborough in the
final third although he was restricted to long-range efforts which rarely
threatened Green in the West Ham goal. Peterborough's top scorer Lee Tomlin
was brought on at half-time and he came close to equalising early in the
second-half but as the West Ham defense backed off his well-struck effort
zipped past the post.
The lively Faubert was again involved on the hour-mark as he came close to
connecting with Matthew Taylor's cross before Peterborough went straight
down the other end and Tomlin forced Green into his first decent save since
the opening minute. Green was nearly caught out by a long-range effort from
McCann after 65 minutes but managed to hold the Peterborough captain's shot
at the second attempt. Tomlin, who had looked a constant threat for Posh
since being introduced by Darren Ferguson at half-time was forced off with
an injury with 15 minutes remaining. Substitute David Bentley finally forced
Jones into action when his effort stung the palms of the Peterborough keeper
as the home fans grew continually more restless with their side's lack of
creativity. Despite the disapproving jeers from the home support
Peterborough could not fashion any late chances and West Ham held on for an
unconvincing win.
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Sam disappointed despite win
Hammers manager wants more goals
Last Updated: September 24, 2011 7:11pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants his side to be more clinical in front
of goal after they relied on a penalty to beat Peterborough at Upton Park.
Skipper Mark Noble converted the spot-kick after 11 minutes, but the Hammers
failed to make the most of their good start, rarely threatening Paul Jones
again in the Posh goal.
Allardyce, although happy with the win, admits he was disappointed that his
players failed to convert pressure into chances. "I'm satisfied with the
result of course and delighted with the clean sheet and delighted with the
three points but just not too happy with our finishing today," said
Allardyce. "We have had to rely on a penalty to win us the game today and
that is the only disappointment, everything else went to plan. "We keep
scoring lots of goals playing 4-3-3. You only have to look at the match
stats and look at how many times we got in their box and crossed the ball.
We just didn't hit the target enough or work their keeper enough. "(There
were) no jittery nerves at the end and we saw the game out. It is an
important three points for us and pops us up to fourth. "The overall
scenario is that this league doesn't finish its chances as well as the
Premier League and that is probably one of the biggest differences."
Chance
Meanwhile Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson felt his side missed a
glorious opportunity to pick up a precious point on the road. "Most people
coming here today would have thought it would have been a comfortable game,
I always knew we would have a chance because we have a team that can pass
the ball." said Ferguson.
"I really feel it is a lost opportunity to get something out of the game and
we have had too many of them and it is getting quite annoying - I'm fed up
of people saying 'well played and unlucky', I'm only interested in winning
games and we need to have that mentality from the start."
Ferguson also confirmed that he fears the worst after Lee Tomlin suffered a
knee injury during the game. "It has swollen up straight away which suggests
it is ligaments," added the 39-year-old. "I fear the worst for the boy
because it could be a bad one but you never know. We will scan him tomorrow
and if that is the case it is disappointing for the lad really."
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Vinny's Peterborough Report
Vinny 1:12 Sun Sep 25
West Ham Online
West Ham United 1 Peterborough United 0
West Ham recorded back to back home victories after overcoming a resilient
Peterborough side with only a penalty from Mark Noble enough to secure the
three points.
It certainly wasn't pretty and there was very little entertainment to be
gained from the match but a win is of course a win and our good form in the
league continues.
To be unbeaten since the first game of the season cannot be looked upon in a
negative light and although there will be some discontent from certain
supporters about our style of play we all were aware that this season was
all about results and getting promoted and that is why Sam Allardyce was
brought in as manager as he knows how to do just that.
We played an ugly, one dimensional brand of football which was difficult at
times to watch and extremely frustrating especially some of our passing
which was pretty awful.
Whilst it was only 1-0 you can be forgiven for being concerned that we were
about to mess things up for ourselves again especially in those final few
minutes which seemed to last a lifetime.
To have so many midfielders and continue to play the long ball to an
isolated striker with no support seemed to be name of the game. I believe we
were crying out for another striker on the pitch , especially in the second
half where John Carew seemed to be so far away from any other West Ham
player.
But it is difficult to complain when we sit 4th in the league, and just two
points off the top. We had to grind out the result and we did.
The Team
Sam Allardyce made one change to the side who drew 0-0 at Millwall last
weekend with James Tomkins dropping to the bench and Winston Reid coming in
alongside Abdoulaye Faye in the centre of defence. Tomkins had picked up an
injury against Millwall and had been expected not to make this game at all.
Starting for Peterborough was former Hammer Grant McCann who came through
the youth system and made a few sub appearances but failed to break into the
side under Harry Redknapp's or Glenn Roeder. You may remember his own goal
against Blackburn Rovers in Roeder's first season when we lost 7-1.
First Half
It was the visitors who started the brighter and it was a similar start to
that of our last home game against Portsmouth.
Peterborough came close to opening the scoring after only a minute when a
corner from McCann was met by Bennett but his header was well saved by
Robert Green and the second cross put in from McCann was too high as we had
received our first scare of the day.
They won another corner a few minutes later which was cleared as we had
failed to wake up and were labouring a little. The fans were doing their
best to try and get the side going but it was all very scrappy.
Slowly but surely we got a foothold on the game and began to pass the ball
about. It was slow football but at least we were trying to go forward.
And we didn't have to wait long for one of our moves to prove fruitful as a
neat passing move saw a ball played into the feet of Henri Lansbury who was
clearly pushed in the back and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to
the spot for a penalty.
Stepping up to take the penalty as he did in our last home game was Mark
Noble who slammed the ball home as he sent the keeper the wrong way.
We were in control of the game from this point without doing too much.
Peterborough offered very little other than a lot of energy and effort.
Their passing was pretty poor but ours was not much better and some of our
decision making was extremely poor.
Our next attempt on goal came when George McCartney played a cross from the
left into the area for Julien Faubert to meet the ball but his header
although on target had no power.
A similar chance followed moments later when Noble crossed into the area for
Cole but his header was also weak and never troubling the keeper.
Peterborough were finding it difficult to get players forward although their
attacker Boyd looked a very handy player and was doing well to bring his
team mates into the game.
With half time approaching a long ball forward to Carlton Cole saw the
striker win the header and burst forward and he opened his body up well for
the shot but the execution wasn't there as it went just wide.
A ball forward put Kevin Nolan through only for the West Ham captain to go
down under a challenge from a defender. It didn't look like much but Nolan
was calling for a penalty much to the disgust of the away support.
A really nice move saw Noble find Faubert who cut his cross back for
Lansbury to shoot just over the bar in what would have been a really fine
goal.
Another lovely move saw Nolan, Lansbury, Faubert and O'Brien all involved
with the latter crossing well towards Cole but the striker couldn't get on
the end of it.
It had not been the most riveting half of football but we could be pleased
that we were now firmly in control of the game and looking as though a
second may come.
Second Half
It was us who kicked off and within a minute we had won a corner. We have
won a corner within the first minute of the second half in every home game
this season.
It became clear soon after that restart that the second half was going to
follow a similar pattern as the first and this didn't do to much to ease the
frustrations of some of the home support who thought we should have been
taking the game to them a little more.
O'Brien was doing very well to get forward down the right and he started a
move which saw Faubert cross well for Cole but his header flew over the bar.
This was to be Cole's last contribution of the game as on 56 minutes he was
taken off by Sam Allardyce with John Carew replacing him. If Cole was not
carrying a knock then I do not understand this substitution. This did
nothing for how we were playing and if anything Carew is a less mobile
player than Cole.
Faubert was beginning to struggle especially when he put in one cross which
as arguably the worst cross in the world in the history of football ever. He
did pop up a few moments later which a shot but he dragged this wide.
When he had put in the poor cross he got quite a bit of stick from some fans
in the West Stand Lower which he seemed to react to and seemed very wound up
by this.
We never looked awful but we just played with little effectiveness and as
mentioned in the first half we made some terrible passing decisions and with
Noble, Lansbury and Nolan in midfield you would expect the final ball to be
better.
And we were living dangerously especially as Peterborough broke forward when
Faye made a good block but the ball came out to Tomlin who hit a powerful
low shot which was thankfully straight at Robert Green.
With 23 minutes remaining we made out second change of the game with David
Bentley coming on in place of Julien Faubert.
Bentley did make a different and did look handy when he came on. He did well
to keep the ball and gave us a little bit of spark when going forward.
And Bentley was very unlucky not to score when he showed some good skill and
hit a shot from just outside the are which was saved well by Posh keeper
Paul Jones.
A time ticked on we were simply playing for time as we won a few corners
which we decided to try and play keep ball with. It was not the way we had
all seen this game going with us looking as though we were simply hanging
on.
Somehow, four minutes of injury time were awarded and given our habit of
conceding goals late on there were a few nervous faces amongst the West Ham
support.
Matthew Taylor went down with an injury and had to be taken off with James
Tomkins coming on in his place.
The four minute mark came and went and we were now into the 97th minute as
McCann put a free kick into the area (after Lansbury had been booked for the
foul) and we had to scramble the ball away for the final whistle to be blown
by the ref.
This was not exactly a classic but we continue to move in the right
direction in the League.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Another clean sheet and his second in a row. Made a great save early on from
a corner which was vital and he continues to look solid and very dependable.
Joey O'Brien
I thought he had a very good game and was one of our best players. Solid in
defence and was always willing to get forward which he did quite well.
Winston Reid
He did well enough although was put under little pressure from the
Peterborough forwards. Looked a little uneasy with some of the high balls
and I'm still not 100% convinced by him.
Abdoulaye Faye
Having not seen the Millwall game this was the first time I had seen Faye
start a game for the club and I was impressed with what I saw. He was solid,
and quite clearly very experienced and will be an important player for us
this season.
George McCartney
There is never much to say about a George McCartney performance. Goes about
his job well and makes few mistakes.
Julien Faubert
His work rate cannot be questioned in this one as he was working hard
throughout all his time on the pitch. But he does lack quality when in that
final third as his cross is abysmal and as a winger this needs to improve.
Mark Noble
Never imposed himself on the game, made some poor choices of passes and
failed to shoot when he had the chance. Sometimes Noble over complicates
this and although his penalty was again excellent I think he should be doing
a bit more.
Henri Lansbury
Another energetic display from Lansbury and was the best of the midfielders
in this one. I would like to see him get forward a little bit more as I
think he could be a threat in the box.
Kevin Nolan
Awful. Not really in the game and when he did get the ball he was generally
shit with it. He has to do more because I don't care if he's come with a
reputation or is the captain - you have to play well at some point to
justify a place in the side and Nolan is not doing enough.
Matthew Taylor
Drifted in and out of the game and never really did enough. His set pieces
which are usually so good were poor and many of the corners failed to beat
the first man.
Carlton Cole
A bit of an awkward display although with him in the side I feel confident
that he may grab a goal. If he wasn't injured then I do not understand why
he was taken off because it really didn't do much to change the way we were
playing.
Subs Used
John Carew (on for Cole 56 mins)
He is the slowest player I have ever seen. He did well at times to hold the
ball up but was often waiting for what seemed like an age for a team mate to
join him.
David Bentley (on for Faubert 67 mins)
I thought he did very well and is clearly looking sharper. It won't be long
until he is in the starting line up and this may be on Tuesday night.
James Tomkins (on for Taylor 92 mins)
Only on for injury time.
Subs Not Used: Boffin, Baldock
Bookings: Henri Lansbury
Man Of The Match: Abdoulaye Faye
Peterborough United: Jones, Little, Bennett, Zakuani, Alcock, Tunnicliffe
(Tomlin 46, Taylor 75), Rowe, Frecklington (Kearns 90), McCann, Boyd,
Sinclair
Subs: Lewis, Wootton
Attendance: 29, 895
Overall
There will be many who will have come away far from impressed and you can
understand that argument. This was a game that you would have had down as
'routine' given that we were two divisions apart just a few months ago but
you have to work for every win in this league and the most important thing
is that we came away with three points.
I don't understand why we are making it hard for ourselves going forward by
playing with just one up front. Allardyce states that he is disappointed
that we didn't take our chances but maybe if he had another striker on the
pitch our fortunes may change because he has said this same things three or
four times this season and we have only played eight games.
Next Game - Ipswich Town (h) Tues, 27th September, 7.45pm
We will have to play a lot better to beat Ipswich who are a side who have
struggled so far but I suspect will get better as the season develops.
I still believe we look strong but are not exactly pushing ourselves too
hard.
Another win against Ipswich though and our style of football will be a
secondary consideration.
Sams View
"We're obviously delighted we've got three very valuable points but the only
disappointment is the fact that our approach play and opportunities to get
more goals failed us today.
"We've had to rely on a penalty to win the game today, so that's the only
disappoint for me because everything else went according to plan.
"We limited the opposition's opportunities to score and then broke off them
to use the space to expose them, but we couldn't get any more goals. We
always looked comfortable, there were some good moves, there was some good
creative play.
"The substitutes made us even better and John Carew looked more like his old
self; David Bentley came on as well and gave us a bit more down the right,
not that I was disappointed in Carlton Cole or Julien Faubert. But it's nice
to know your subs can come up and take things a little higher again."
Cole has been suffering with flu in the past few days but was determined to
play, having been in electric form this season. Carew's presence suggested a
bigger involvement for Ipswich's arrival while Sam Baldock is also itching
to make his Boleyn bow and Jack Collison is eager to make the matchday 16.
"Carlton has been fabulous but had a cold and he wasn't going to last for us
today. We wanted to start with him but John came in and allowed us to play
balls off him.
"He's even bigger and stronger than Carlton, isn't he? His hold-up play was
good and then other people can run off him. Yeah, I'm satisfied. I'm
delighted with the three points, delighted with the clean sheet and not so
happy about our finishing.
"For me, it's about assessing what team to play because we've got Matt
Taylor with a slight calf problem and Joey O'Brien with a little bit of a
tight hamstring.
"Other than that I don't see any problems, but there are other members of
the squad who weren't even on the bench today who are desperate to get into
the frame so we'll look at that situation and see whether we can make one or
two changes for Tuesday night."
"There were no jittery nerves at the end, we saw the game out, although I
can feel them reverberating around Upton Park, I could feel it myself. But
like I say, it was an important three points and lifts us up to fourth.
We've got a big three-game week and we've got three points which will boost
the confidence ahead of the game against Ipswich on Tuesday."
"He's a man mountain; this guy is the coolest dude you've ever met in your
life. You see him lumbering along but he always wins his headers, is in the
right position to nullify the opposition's attacks and, in terms of
providing a calming influence, he's gained very good experience since he was
lucky enough that I brought him to the Premier League many years ago, so
he's got a lot to thank me for! Which I keep reminding him about."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Bookings
Carlton Cole - 4 (4 League)
Kevin Nolan - 2 (2 League)
Mark Noble - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Winston Reid - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Yellow Cards
Mark Noble - 3
Kevin Nolan - 2
James Tomkins - 1
Julien Faubert - 1
Henri Lansbury - 1
Carlton Cole - 1
Joey O'Brien - 1
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Peterborough: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 21:50 24/09/11 By Mike Allen
The Mirror
There is at least one Arsenal midfielder enjoying his season. While his
Gunners team mates labour under a manager who doesn't quite seem to know
which way to turn, Henri Lansbury is having a ball just a few miles across
London at West Ham. Another man-of-the-match display yesterday as the
Hammers, having spent gone six months without a home win collected their
second on the spin, was testimony enough to Lansbury's form. While it may
seem strange that 20-year-old Lansbury is plying his midfield trade at Upton
Park while the Emirates squad is creaking at the joints, Arsene Wenger has
at least recognised the player's performances and this week awarded him an
extended contract.
But it's West Ham who will enjoy this energetic and skilful midfielder for
the remainder of this season. It was Lansbury who provided the early turning
point in this game, controlling the ball in the Peterborough box before
being unceremoniously shoved in the back by Lee Frecklington. Mark Noble
scored from the spo t nearly had a second opportunity but Kevin Nolan was
left raging when referee Tony Bates ignored his plees for a second spot
kick. Next Lansbury fired over at the end of a slick move.
There could have been a completely different look to the game had Hammers
keeper Rob Green not produced a brilliant, instinctive save in the opening
minute when Tommy Rowe nearly caught the home side cold from a corner.
After the break, Carlton Cole headed a golden chance over and was hooked a
few minutes later, giving John Carew his second outing in a Hammers shirt.
Darren Ferguson put on Lee Tomlin at the start of the second and he twice
nearly brought Peterborough back on level terms, first a surging run going
unrewarded, then a shot at the end of a good Posh move being saved low down
by Green. Green was also tested by a long- range effort by former Hammer
Grant McCann that nearly caused some embarrassment , but when Tomlin limped
off with 15 minutes remaining Peterborough lost their impetus. Late on sub
David Bentley forced a flying save out of Paul Jones and Lansbury nearly
caught the keeper as he cleared his line. Manager Sam Allardyce said:
"Lansbury enjoys being in the fray and that's what it's all about at his
stage of life. The improvements in defence are down to Abdoulaye Faye. He is
a man mountain and the coolest dude you will ever see in your life. He
always gets to the ball first."
Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: "West Ham are a good side and will be there
at the end of the season. But there's nothing in the rule-book that says
Peterborough can't be there or thereabouts."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
on of West Ham chairman takes to twitter
Published 22:55 24/09/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Jack Sullivan has found a novel way of keeping West Ham fans informed. The
11-year-old son of David Sullivan has taken to Twitter. He aims to follow in
the entrepreneurial footsteps of his father tweeting information on
everything from ticket sales, special offers and occasionally overstepping
the mark with insider transfer information. But be warned. Don't cross Jack
with ill-informed speculation. He's quick to set the record straight. You
can find Jack at @jsullivanwhu
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Allardyce: If we don't get promoted I quit
Published 22:55 24/09/11 By Paul Smith
The Mirror
The brutal reality of West Ham's demise was evident when one man and his dog
turned up to listen to Sam Allardyce's pre-match media briefing. In fact,
only one camera crew attended the media conference for the high profile
derby against Millwall bringing into stark reality life outside of
top-flight football. Last season the Hammers couldn't keep out of the news
for all the wrong reasons as the disastrous reign of Avram Grant sent the
club hurtling towards eventual relegation. Yet this is a club that posted
the fourth highest attendance in English football two weeks ago and has a
database of supporters fast exceeding one million. Getting back into the
Premier League is the challenge Allardyce accepted in the summer. And big
Sam is typically forthright when he assesses his club's tilt for the top
flight. He said: "I thrive under pressure and I said when I came here if I
don't deliver promotion in two seasons I expect to get sacked. "In fact,
co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold won't have to sack me because I'd
tender my resignation and say its right to part company anyway. "If I don't
deliver on what I said, it's only right I go. I think it puts everything
into perspective when you have a club the size of West Ham in the
Championship, a club with more support than a great deal of Premier League
clubs. "So it's sobering when you walk out into an empty press conference
and there is little or no coverage in the media. "It's just a further
demonstration of the wealth and immense power of the Premier League. It's
as if life doesn't exist outside the top-flight. "A normal Premier League
press conference will last nearly an hour and a half. Here it's over in ten
minutes. "But that's all the more reason why you want to get back into the
Premier League. "The opportunity to succeed at West Ham is far greater than
what would have been on offer from a Premier League club. The sad thing is
people think I'm a good lad to take on to save a football club from
relegation, not to build a club to be successful. "But I have that here. I
have the owners in David Sullivan and David Gold (above) who won't rest
until real success arrives at this club and are confident I'm the man to
deliver it."
Allardyce refuses to rule out being a contender for the England job when it
becomes vacant after Euro 2012. He explained: "If I'm successful at West
Ham, why not? If that's the case I think it would prove hard for the FA to
ignore me. "But I wouldn't ever want to be seen as disrespectful in the eyes
of the West Ham supporters. I would hope they would give me a break if
England comes calling."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Peterborough 0: Noble's spot on to seal points for Hammers
By PETER HIGGS
Last updated at 11:14 PM on 24th September 2011
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce hailed Abdoulaye Faye as the 'coolest dude you have ever met
in your life' after he inspired West Ham to grind out victory in their quest
for an immediate return to the Premier League. With the forwards misfiring
at the other end of the pitch, the Hammers needed Faye and his fellow
defenders to be on their best form to prevent a repeat of the dropped points
that came from their disappointing home performances against Cardiff and
Leeds. The former Bolton, Newcastle and Stoke defender marshalled the
defence so effectively that a second successive clean sheet enabled West Ham
- courtesy of a softly given penalty - to record a fifth victory of the
season and move up to fourth place in the table.
'Our defence is starting to look solid and that's all because of a man
mountain called Abdoulaye Faye,' said Allardyce. 'He's the coolest dude you
have ever met in your life. 'You see him lumbering along but he always gets
there. He's cool, he wins headers, gets into position, nullifies the
opponents and, in terms of being a calming influence, he's very experienced
- thanks to being lucky that I brought him to the Premier League many years
ago. He has a lot to thank me for, which I keep reminding him.' Faye, who
made his full debut in the 0-0 draw at Millwall last Saturday, looks like
becoming a key figure in West Ham's season. Other players may get more
attention but, in games like this, maintaining defensive discipline and
simply seeing out the result will be essential Allardyce so happy for Faye
to the promotion challenge.
Allardyce had few complaints about this performance, even if it failed to
excite the Upton Park faithful. 'I'm satisfied with the result and the
clean sheet but not so happy about our finishing', said Allardyce. 'That was
the only disappointment.' After a sluggish start, in which Peterborough
could have taken the lead in only the second minute as Tommy Rowe's
near-post header was kept out by Robert Green's legs, the home side were
gifted the softest of penalties. As Arsenal loanee Henri Lansbury, who gave
another polished performance in midfield, collected a pass in the penalty
area, Lee Frecklington appeared to stumble and push him in the back as he
fell. Referee Tony Bates pointed to the spot and Mark Noble efficiently
converted his second successful penalty of the season.
The goal, in the 11th minute, could have been the signal for an emphatic
victory. But it was not. Peterborough, tipped for relegation at the start of
the season, were in the game throughout, played some neat football, inspired
by their captain Grant McCann and, with a bit of good fortune, could have
snatched at least a point. Darren Ferguson was disappointed that his
players did not seize the moment. 'It was a lost opportunity,' said the
Peterborough manager. 'We had a lack of belief and I don't know why. The
players have got to believe. It's their decision what sort of a season we
have. It can either be mediocre or very good, because we're a good football
team.'
One look at the West Ham bench summed up the difference between the
potential of the two clubs, who were separated by two divisions last season.
Allardyce was able to bring on John Carew and on-loan Spurs winger David
Bentley to spruce up his attack in the second half and both made an impact.
Carew stretched the Peterborough defence to its limit, while Bentley,
desperate to revive his faltering career, had some impressive moments,
including one of the highlights of the match.
After some trickery on the edge of the area, his powerful 20-yard shot was
turned aside - at full stretch - by goalkeeper Paul Jones. Carew and Bentley
are in contention to start against Ipswich on Tuesday, Allardyce confirmed.
The West Ham manager believes that his team will improve as the season
progresses - and it will certainly need to. But at least the defence is
looking good.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1 PETERBOROUGH 0: HENRI LANSBURY'S A HERO AS POSH PAY PRICE
Daily Express
Sunday September 25,2011
By Sunday Express Reporter
HENRI LANSBURY is helping make Upton Park feel like home sweet home again
for West Ham this season. The on-loan Arsenal midfielder must be the only
Gunners player enjoying life at the moment after leading the Hammers to
their best start in eight years. He was outstanding as West Ham won at home
for the first time in six months last time out against Portsmouth. And
yesterday the England Under-21s star won the penalty which gave them
back-to-back league victories here for only the second time this year. Mark
Noble scored it to record his second goal in as many games at Upton Park and
leave Peterborough still searching for their first away win. But you have to
wonder whether Arsene Wenger made a mistake letting Lansbury leave the
Emirates because he looks like a hell of a player. In truth there was little
to separate the sides, with substitute Lee Tomlin and George Boyd both
wasting good chances for Posh, and Hammers sub David Bentley having a shot
tipped round a post.
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