Big Sam beams after 'outstanding' win
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was delighted to see West Ham United start the New Year with a
2-1 win against Norwich
01.01.2013
West Ham United got 2013 off to the perfect start with an assured 2-1 win at
home to Norwich City on Tuesday. A Mark Noble penalty opened the scoring on
just three minutes, before Joey O'Brien provided an unlikely source for the
second. After almost constant pressure and numerous chances that were passed
up by the Hammers, Russell Martin ensured it would be a nervous finale by
grabbing one back for the Canaries with a minute to go. Sam Allardyce's side
were good value for their first win in six games, though, after they
dominated possession and created the lion's share of clear-cut chances.
Ricardo Vaz Te struck a post, Carlton Cole fired over from three yards and
only a duo of fine saves from Mark Bunn kept out shots from Jack Collison
and Matt Taylor. "We're probably glad their goal didn't come with a few more
minutes to go," Allardyce explained. "It's a shame the score didn't reflect
the performance. The win was very important but it should have been about
4-1 or 5-1 based on the amount of chances we created and missed. It was an
outstanding performance under the circumstances and an outstanding result.
"It should have been more but we got the three points and that was what we
were looking for. We did it with really good football and some good
finishing and some really good chances created and we've got that vital win.
"We got a little nervous when they popped that one in at the end. At 1-0 or
2-0, we're bound to throw caution to the wind, which we did for the last
five or ten minutes and they got the goal. But it really was a great win for
us."
Noble was offered the platform to score his fourth goal of the season after
Winston Reid appeared to be held in the area by Ryan Bennett. The decision
was hotly contested by the visitors, but Big Sam is confident referee Mark
Clattenburg made the right call. "The referee was in front of me and I could
see Reidy being pulled from the dugout area. You need those decisions to go
for you at the right time and that gets you off to a good start and the
confidence to go and play as well as we did. "With the box crowded,
sometimes that kind of thing can be obscured by the players but the referee
had a clear view of it. Sometimes they let it go and sometimes they give it.
It was the correct decision. After that it was about control and we
controlled the game right from the beginning until the very end."
The result was all the more impressive considering Kevin Nolan and James
Collins were added to the already substantial list of absentees through
suspension. With Gary O'Neil only fit enough for a late cameo from the
bench, Big Sam was forced to call on Collison and Vaz Te from the start as
both made their first starts following long-term injury lay-offs. The
depleted numbers have led Big Sam and the Board to draw up a list of
potential targets for the transfer window, which opened on Tuesday. "We had
Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Andy Carroll, Mo Diame and George McCartney
missing so it was a sensational performance when we're down to the bare
bones squad-wise. "We have been trying very hard over the last few weeks to
line up in the short term rather than the long term. We will wait and see as
January develops whether we get any joy or not but what we can say is that
we've got our feelers out."
West Ham have another big home game on Saturday when Manchester United visit
for a mouthwatering third-round FA Cup tie. Check out West Ham TV for all
the big match build-up.
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West Ham 2 Norwich 1
1 January 2013
Last updated at 17:23
By Owen Phillips
BBC Sport
Mark Noble's controversial early penalty set West Ham on their way to a
comfortable victory which consigned Norwich to a fourth consecutive defeat.
Noble calmly found the corner after three minutes when Ryan Bennett was
deemed to have held down Winston Reid. Norwich almost levelled when a Robert
Snodgrass free-kick hit the post but Joey O'Brien's shot made it 2-0. The
hosts were largely untroubled after the break and secured the win despite
Russell Martin's 90th-minute strike. Defender Martin's third goal in two
games produced a nervy finale, but could not prevent the Hammers
leapfrogging their visitors and moving up to 11th place in the Premier
League table.
West Ham's last league win over Norwich before today was in April 1992 -
although they have since won home and away in FA Cup ties in 2005 and 2006
respectively. The margin of victory - just West Ham's second in nine games -
could have been far greater with Canaries goalkeeper Mark Bunn having to
make several superb saves and the hosts also wasting a couple of glorious
opportunities. But Norwich will point to the harsh second-minute penalty
award as the catalyst for their demise. Three defeats in a row over
Christmas had marred a 10-game unbeaten run for Norwich. And although all
three of those losses were against sides in the top seven - including
Manchester City and Chelsea - the last thing their fragile confidence needed
was to be chasing the game within three minutes. But like the home reverse
against City, that is exactly what happened. Their normally calm manager
Chris Hughton was furious and bemused in equal measure as referee Mark
Clattenburg penalised Bennett for grabbing Reid's shirt as a looping ball
was played into the box. Reid seemed to be impeding Bennett just as as much
but Noble ignored the protests and stayed cool to convert the spot-kick and
put the hosts ahead.
Norwich refused to be rattled, but a side deprived of both injured main
strikers Grant Holt and Steve Morison struggled to create chances. Despite a
willing display from on-loan Tottenham teenager Harry Kane, they lacked
punch and presence up front and West Ham cleverly stifled the main creative
threat from the ever-lively Wes Hoolahan. Snodgrass was desperately unlucky
with a brilliant 20-yard free-kick that hit the post with the score at 1-0,
and they appealed for penalties of their own when the ball hit Reid on the
arm, and then after the break when Kane tumbled in the box under a challenge
from James Tomkins.
But West Ham, with Noble in dominant form and midfield partner Jack Collison
equally impressive on his first start this season, played with a greater
tempo and created the majority of the chances. Bunn pulled off a
breathtaking one-handed reaction stop to keep out Collison's effort just
before the hosts made it 2-0 when O'Brien continued his run into the box to
sidefoot home from 10 yards after great work by Noble. Norwich appealed for
a foul by Carlton Cole on Alex Tettey in the build up but Clattenburg waved
play on, much to Hughton's disgust.
The visitors will feel they have every reason to complain about referee Mark
Clattenburg's decision to award an early penalty but West Ham had the better
chances and could easily have won by more. Norwich managed to hang on for
2-0 at half-time but could not find a way back into the game after the break
and slip to a fourth successive defeat.
Matthew Taylor's fierce 20-yard strike then forced a save from Bunn before
the otherwise impressive Cole produced a terrible miss when he somehow skied
the ball over the bar from three yards after a fabulous move on the right
involving Noble and Guy Demel. West Ham sat deeper after the break and
Norwich saw much more of the ball but were still unable to create much. Kane
appealed hopefully after tumbling when racing through on goal while at the
other end the Hammers almost added a third goal when Ricardo Vaz Te's header
hit the post. But West Ham did not need the security of a third despite
Martin pulling a goal back with just over 30 seconds of normal time
remaining when he did brilliantly to volley into the corner of the net from
substitute Elliott Bennett's right-wing cross.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I was wondering if we were going to hold
our confidence and performance level at home. It has been really good even
though we have had two back-to-back defeats. They showed they have the
mentality to cope with whatever is thrown at them. "We are glad that their
goal didn't come a bit earlier but it's a shame the score did not reflect
how well we played. We should have scored a few more and and we did it with
really good football. We deserved the win. "Often in a crowded penalty box
it is impossible to give penalties like that, but I could see it from where
I was in the dugout. That early goal gave us the confidence to go on. "The
disappointing thing was the chances the front lads missed, with balls just
flashing across the box needed a tap in. "We lost a goal in the 90th minute
which made us edgy in the end when we should have been out of sight. We will
continue to try to brush up on our finishing techniques with the lads and
hope the next time round we are more clinical with our finishing."
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton: "The key decisions in the game did not go
in our favour, but we did not start well enough. "We accept Ryan Bennett had
hold of the lad's shirt, but I also saw Reid's forearm in Ryan's chest. They
are very close, he is not pulling Reid so he cannot get away, it is
something you see game in and game out right throughout the country. "On
almost every occasion you do not see a penalty, particularly when it is so
early in the game, so I was very surprised when he gave it. "I also don't
accept it was not a foul on Alex Tettey leading up to the second goal and
certainly was a handball in the first half and then the incident on Harry
Kane. We have been on the end of poor decisions. "We showed in the second
half a bit more of what we are about. Nobody has really given us a beating
and they have all been really close games. We have to be at our best to get
results and we have been close in the last four games."
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Hughton on......West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd January 2013
By: Staff Writer No.2
Norwich City manager Chris Hughton shares his views on his side's 2-1 defeat
this afternoon at the Boleyn in this evening's post match press conference.
As ever we bring you the whole thing in full....
Not the best of starts Chris, really..
No. We were certainly on the end of, well you're looking at the key
decisions in the game. The key decisions in the game didn't go in our
favour. But we didn't start well enough. West Ham started better than what
we did. Came out of the traps quicker than what we did. If you're 1-0 down
after the first couple of minutes it certainly gives them a lift.
Second half we showed why we've been doing well of late. We're in every game
but we didn't do ourselves any favours in that first half period.
We saw you chatting to Mark Clattenburg...
That was just about the first decision. When I speak about things not going
in our favour, One the penalty - we accept that Ryan Bennett had hold of the
lad Reid's shirt.I accept that but I also saw Reid's forearm go into Ryan
Bennett's neck or chest. They're very close. He's not pulling Reid so Reid
can't get away. It's something you see game in, game out right throughout
the country. On almost every occasion you don't see a penalty. Particularly
so early in the game. I was surprised when he gave it. Very surprised.
I also don't accept that it wasn't a foul on Alex Tettey in the middle of
the park leading up to the second goal. So frustration at some of the
decisions, the big decisions. There certainly was a handball in the first
half and there certainly was an incident with Harry Kane. I think we've been
at the poor end of the decisions today.
But, as I say, our performance wasn't good enough in the first half today.
Particularly coming here. You know it's going to be tough. Second half we
showed more of what we're about.
Has Mark given you an explanation of why he didn't stop play for the second
goal?
No Mark was very calm and said that he had given the penalty for Ryan
Bennett grabbing hold of the lad Reid's shirt.That's his decision and I
accept that as fact but it's not one where a player's trying to get away
from somebody and you're pulling him back. These players were touching
eachother, they were that close. You look at Reid's movement and action -
he's a strong lad Reid - and you generally don't see penalties given for
that.
Sorry I meant the second goal when he didn't stop play when Tettey had been
fouled...
I must admit I didn't speak to him about that one. It's clear to see> I
could sit here and try to explain it but you've all seen it or will all see
it again and you'll have your opinions on it. I've seen it again and it
looks worse every time I've seen it.
Is it the inconsistency that annoys managers? I mean the penalty. you could
have 20 of those a game...
My frustration is that if a penalty isn't given to us for the handball....
You accept that referees sometimes get it wrong or they don't see it. When
Harry came through and it's deemed that it's not a penalty because he hasn't
had a clear view, that's fine. That's fair enough. The one that really hurts
us is when penalties are given that you feel shouldn't be given. That really
hurts us.
Do you think Chris that, regardless of whether the second one was a foul, do
you think he should have stopped play for treatment?
It's West Ham's perogative to play on. That's the rules of the game. I don't
think he was going to stop it anyway. If you're going to stop play you've
probably got to accept that it's a foul. But it's West Ham's perogative to
play on and that's part and parcel of the game.
You've lost these four games by a single goal. Is that particularly galling
after a ten-match unbeaten run?
I think you can look at that how you want. What it does mean is that
nobody's given us a beating really. In that period of time it means that
they've all been close games. It's a real frustration. We've also got to
accept that we've had two tough away games; at West Brom, who are in real
good form, and coming here today it's never an easy game for anybody - as
Chelsea saw a couple of games ago.
Two home games now against Chelsea and Man City. We have to be at our best
to get results. It's been close in teh last four games. It probably allows
us to look back on the run and to realise what a good run that was to go
unbeaten for that period of time in this division. We're probably benefiting
from that run. What we did do is get good points and we needed tham coming
into this run. For us it's about trying to get back into winning ways.
Do you think you're a better side now Chris, than you were in October?
I'd like to think so. We're in close games now. All four games we've lost,
ok disappointed that we've lost but the margins have been quite close in all
four games. If we'd had that little bit of luck or quality right at the end
we could have got better results. That's the positives. I'd like to think we
are a better side. The results at the end of the season will determine how
good we are.
Chris you said today and also on Saturday that you didn't start as well as
you'd have liked to, Is that still a concern?
Yeah it is. If you're disappointed in aspects of the game then it's always a
concern. But the penalty obviously affects the game. You're given a penalty
against you in the first two minutes of the game it gives them here a great
lift. You can see from the reaction of our players how disappointed they
were that the penalties were given. We've had two decisions. Even if the
penalty stands you're still not going to tell me that the Alex Tettey one
wasn't a foul. Absolutely it was.
Is it a concern? Obviously it is. We'll need to rectify that.
Robert Snodgrass has tweeted that the referee "killed the game" Would you go
as strongly as that?.
At that stage of the game, you know it's going to be a tough game and you
know they've got that direct style. The decision hurts the game there's no
doubt. To be 1-0 down inside of two minutes against a West Ham who've had
some difficult times of late gives them a massive massive boost. We'll make
no excuses for our first half performance but there's no doubt the goal
gives them a massive lift.
Was Garrido injured?
No it was a tactical decision. With Brad Johnson out of the team and either
a Steve Morison or a Grant Holt you've got two of your main headers out of
the side. Knowing how West Ham get the ball forward and how good they are at
set plays we needed to make sure we could match them a little bit.
You switched Ryan Bennett over in the second half..
That was just tactical.
How far away was Holt today Chris?
No we'd made up our mind over the last few days that he wouldn't be playing
today. We'll assess him over the next few days. He won't be available for
the weekend - we wouldn't take that chance anyway. We'll look for the
Newcastle game.
Steve Morison?
We're still assessing that one. He'll probably be a couple of weeks.
Any transfer news - have you been busy on the phone this morning?
Not this morning. I expect I'll be very busy as will all managers. What will
come of that we'll wait and see. We'll just do our work the same way as
everybody else does.
This chap from Holland you were thinking about?...
What chap from Holland? There's a lot of chaps from Holland! (laughter).
Utrecht striker?
Erm not that I know of. No
You've got no Holt and today you've gone with Harry Kane. In that area of
the squad with those injuries yo may have to go into the market?...
It's a big area. If you look at Holt and Morison as our main two strikers
that'd be the same as anywhere. If you look here Andy Carroll is out and if
Carlton Cole was injured that would be their main strikers out. Most clubs
would find that hard. You have to work your way around that. We know we'll
be light there if we have injuries. It'll be up to me to see if I want to
address that.
Can Russell Martin play up front?...
No but at the moment he can score a goal! But no.
Thank you gentlemen.
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West Ham Utd 2-1 Norwich City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
First half goals from Mark Noble and Joey O'Brien sealed was a most welcome
- not to mention a fully deserved - three points for West Ham against
Norwich at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon.
Not even a late consolation for the visitors could dampen the positive mood
at the Boleyn Ground today as Big Sam's boys earned their first victory of
2013 - and more importantly, their first win since the 3-1 defeat of Chelsea
here last month.
Today's was a performance in complete contrast to the miserable effort
produced at Reading last weekend, in which West Ham barely threatened their
opponent's goal.
United could have found themselves three or four ahead by the break today,
such was their dominance in an opening 45 minutes that produced a string of
great goalscoring opportunities.
However it was to be goals from Mark Noble and Joey O'Brien that ensured all
three points stayed in east London; a win that takes West Ham back up to
11th in the table and just a little bit further away from the danger zone
that appeared ominously close following that embarrassing reversal at the
Madejski Stadium.
Noble, installed as captain for the day in the wake of Kevin Nolan's
suspension opened the scoring with less than two minutes on the clock from
the penalty spot, after Norwich's Ryan Bennett was penalised by referee Mark
Clattenburg for a clear tug on Winston Reid's shirt inside the area.
Although Norwich argued the toss, TV replays confirmed a clear tug on the
Kiwi's shirt and Clattenburg was absolutely correct - not for the last time
in the match - to point to the spot.
Former Leeds midfielder Robert Snodgrass almost drew the Canaries level on
20 minutes when his free kick - awarded against Jack Collison for hand ball
when the ball was fired at him from no more than a yard away - struck the
bottom of Jussi Jaaskelainen's left-hand post.
And just a minute later Norwich appealed for a penalty of their own when a
looping ball struck a falling Winston Reid on the hand. On this occasion
however play was waved on by Clattenburg, who was perhaps mindful of the
pressure exerted on Reid by Sebastien Bassong - yet once again, absolutely
right to award no spot kick.
The game continued to ebb and flow and Jack Collison, back in the starting
line-up for the first time this season saw his cheeky toe-poke saved on the
line by an alert Mark Bunn between the Norwich sticks. The 'keeper was on
hand again on the half hour mark to tip over Matt Taylor's fierce 20-yard
drive.
But West Ham were finally rewarded for their efforts when Joey O'Brien
completed a lovely move down the left-hand flank that culminated with (the
excellent) Matt Jarvis pulling the ball back from the touchline for the
Irish defender to expertly steer home through a crowd of bodies.
Once again Norwich complained, this time querying why a purported foul by
Carlton Cole as West Ham broke from their own half in the build-up had not
been awarded. Once again, referee Clattenburg was having none of it - and
once again, TV replays suggested he was right.
Nine minutes before the break Carlton Cole had a glorious chance to put West
Ham beyond the visitor's reach. Mark Noble's defence-splitting pass allowed
Guy Demel to provide a low centre that a stretching Cole somehow got
underneath and lifted over the bar from no more than three yards out.
Such was West Ham's dominance in the opening 45 minutes there was still time
for Matt Taylor to attempt to score directly from a corner - the chance
averted by a last ditch block - and for Vaz Te to slice one horribly wide
having been set up by a clever delivery from Matt Jarvis, who ran Norwich
ragged in the first half.
A clearly frustrated Norwich boss Chris Hughton waited patiently in the
tunnel for referee Clattenburg to leave the field at the break before
voicing his concerns. Yet the man in black was clearly not allowing himself
to be influenced, as proved when Harry Kane went tumbling over in the
penalty box just five minutes after the restart.
In Norwich's first meaningful attack of the second period, a hopeful ball
into the box saw Kane attempt to dash across the path of West Ham's James
Tomkins - although in the end the rookie striker simply bounced off the
defender, who simply held his course, before raising a hand in hope of
winning a penalty.
Clattenburg was absolutely right, yet again, to allow the game to continue,
leaving the prone Kane thumping the turf in mock indignation.
Whilst West Ham continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession,
goalscoring opportunities were proving to be few and far between. A half
chance for Mark Noble turned into a corner via a deflection whilst Carlton
Cole was millimetres away from turning a Matt Taylor corner into the net.
But United's best chance of the second half fell to Ricardo Vaz Te who, like
Jack Collison was making his first start since recovering from a lengthy
injury. With 64 minutes on the clock a deep cross by Taylor found the
Portuguese forward at the far post; reaching the ball before his marker, the
play-off final hero nodded the ball back towards the far post where it
clipped the post before bouncing agonisingly wide.
The last 20 minutes was preceded by a flurry of substitutions and the
visitors benefitted the most as the initiative changed in Norwich's favour.
But despite their control of the final stage of the game it took until the
89th minute for the Canaries to conjure a chance of note, which was taken by
Russell Martin from close range.
Having seen out the three minutes of injury time - just - West Ham were
finally able to celebrate the win that lifts them above today's opponents,
whilst Norwich continued their (unwarranted) protestations to Mark
Clattenburg who, it should be said, had got every big call on the day right.
West Ham Utd 2-1 Norwich City: Match Facts
West Ham Utd: Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Guy Demel,
Joey O'Brien (Gary O'Neil 71), Mark Noble, Ricardo Vaz Te (Modibo Maiga 82),
Matt Taylor, Jack Collison, Matt Jarvis (Jordan Spence 85), Carlton Cole.
Subs not used: Raphael Spiegel, Alou Diarra, Seb Lletget, Elliott Lee.
Booked: None.
Goals: Mark Noble (pen 3), Joey O'Brien (26).
Possession: 57%.
Shots (on/off target): 14 (8/6).
Norwich City: Mark Bunn, Russell Martin, Sebastien Bassong, Michael Turner,
Ryan Bennett, Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson (David Fox 83), Alexander
Tettey, Anthony Pilkinton, Wes Hoolahan (Elliott Bennett 70), Harry Kane
(Simeon Jackson 70).
Subs not used: Declan Rudd, Leon Barnett, Marc Tierney, Korey Smith.
Booked: None.
Goals: Russell Martin (90).
Possession: 43%.
Shots (on/off target): 9 (3/6).
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
Assistants: S Child, D C Richards.
Fourth Official: G Sutton.
Attendance: 35,005.
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2013 - We have a problem
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st January 2013
By: Paul Walker
Way back in 1970, the Apollo 13 commander, James Lovell spawned the famous
"Houston, we have a problem" when his spacecraft was hit by an explosion.
Everybody got back to the States OK, but it was touch and go for a while.
It's a quote that springs to mind as West Ham and Sam Allardyce, somewhat
ironically, approach 2013 with more than a few problems. Our survival in the
top flight might also be touch and go unless there is a quick return to
form.
The first problem is amassing the 17 more points that will take us to the
accepted 40 point mark and Premier League survival. Yes I know we have
bitter memories of acquiring 42 in 2003 and still going down, but hopefully
that was a freak!
After Saturday's dismal defeat at Reading, we reached the half way mark of
our season with 23 points. So there's 19 more games to go and 17 points
needed. We are now just six points above third from bottom Southampton, when
I can recall us having more than a ten point gap at one stage this season.
But getting to our 40 point target is not as simple as that, is it? What we
have learned about our squad is that it is not big enough and does not have
the genuine pace, quality and attacking guile to live with the big boys.
Nine points from our last 11 games underlines that.
And we have been beaten by Arsenal, Manchester United, Spurs, Everton and
Liverpool which suggests we are not good enough to take much from the
division's giants.
Wins against Chelsea and Newcastle and a point against champions Manchester
City have been rare beacons of light recently as our season has slowly gone
down hill. It's a harsh statement because we did so well at the start of the
campaign, but our current form is not good enough and if it stays this way,
we will almost certainly go down.
And from our recent run, we have not got what we hoped for against the likes
of Reading, West Brom , Wigan and Stoke.
From now until the last game on May 19 at home to Reading, we have still to
go to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City, while Spurs
and Manchester United still have to visit the Boleyn. Frankly I would be
surprised if we got much against any of them on current form, so that means
that 17 points we need must be acquired from the 12 other matches. I
sincerely hope I am wrong on that, prophet of doom that I am at times.
And that means big Sam has to win the battle for decent money for the
January transfer window from the Davids. We need a left-back, midfielder and
striker for sure.
He has decided not to extend the loan of injury-prone Yossi Benayoun, who
will return to Chelsea, so he will definitely need to sign an attacking
midfielder to replace him. His large wages have been saved and will be put
to better use.
What is obvious is that we cannot carry high-wage players on loan who do not
make a real contribution. The injured Andy Carroll, obviously, is the
exception, and the fact that Liverpool are about to sign Daniel Sturridge
surely means they will not be recalling Carroll, unless they want to sell
him.
And with him not likely to be fit enough to get through a medical until
February, we have clearly decided to stick with him, That's good because
with the big Geordie having been out since November 28, and Carlton Cole
having played well in his absence, some people are suggesting we can do
without Carroll.
That's nonsense. Don't forget the wonderful impact his signing produced in
the opening months of the season, and the feel-good-factor that swept the
club when he arrived, a genuine England international. Get him fit and
firing and we will stay up, it's as simple as that.
We have also got rid of coach Wally Downes, interestingly I believe he is
handled by the same agent as Benayoun. When Downes arrived during the Avram
Grant reign, I recall one of our owners saying that Barry Silkman had been
involved. Now Silkman was Grant's agent in the UK and had a working
relationship with Pini Zahavi, who also looks after Benayoun.
So two of Zahavi's people have been shown the door, while we will move
heaven and earth to keep Mark Curtis' boy, Carroll…and we all know that
Curtis represents big Sam, Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis, Jack Collison and James
Tompkins. Of course I am sure this is all just co-incidence.
We can only hope, also, that Sam's working relationship with Willie McKay
also means that we keep hold of Mo Diame. He has the same sort of buy-out
clause that Demba Ba has, and one which Chelsea are now exploiting.
A lot of people want to do the same with Diame, including Harry Redknapp,
another who knows McKay well.
McKay is Diame's agent - and he does not represent Ba, before you ask. McKay
recently went into print to defend the buy-out clause in contracts, saying
it gives the buying club a better deal on initial wages and only causes
problems for them further down the line. Some players would just not join a
lesser club without such a clause in place.
We have missed Diame badly, picking up one point and one goal since he was
injured. Our owners insist they are working on a new contract as we speak to
ward off other clubs, but you can be sure agents keep such situations
buzzing along in the media until everyone gets a better deal.
David Sullivan was quoted recently, when the partnership between Sam and
Curtis was being scrutinised, that we have paid more cash in agents fees to
McKay than Curtis of late. Ok, well get on with it then, we all want this
concluded quickly and not on the last day of the transfer window!
There is also a growing rumour that Darren Bent is on Sam's list. Whether we
can afford a player who cost almost £20m a year or so ago is open to debate.
And why would Aston Villa let him go on loan to a club who could be
competing against them in a relegation battle?
Bent, though, has the same agent - Stellar group's Jonathan Barnett - as
James Collins, Carlton Cole, Matt Taylor and Gary O'Neil, so we are used to
dealing with him, an agent with a vast list of clients including Gareth
Bale, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart.
We are also being linked by Nicholas Anelka, Karren Brady having admitted
she met him in Dubai recently. Again, that's big, big money on wages.
But the Davids know we must stay in this division at all costs. Their whole
business plan depends on it, so they are going to have to gamble now rather
than risk the prospect of going down. How rich they are and how capable of
raising capital we will soon see. Just don't blow it all now gentlemen.
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Sam Allardyce delighted to end West Ham's winless run with victory over
Norwich
Last Updated: January 1, 2013 6:52pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce was delighted to end a run of four games without a win after
seeing his West Ham United side beat Norwich City 2-1 at Upton Park. Mark
Noble handed them a third-minute lead from the penalty spot and Joey O'Brien
doubled the advantage with an opportunist strike 23 minutes later. Although
Norwich scored a late goal to set up a nervy finish, the hosts were worthy
winners. Allardyce said: "We have experienced the joy of winning again - it
has been a while.
"It has been a torturous few games for me, but we have got what we deserved
today, which is a win. "It's a shame that the score didn't reflect the
performance. The win was very important to us, but it should have been about
4-1 or 5-1 based on the amount of chances created and missed. "Apart from
the goal they scored in the last minute, we have got the vital win were
looking for and we deserved, right from the start to the very end." West Ham
were severely under-strength for the game, with Kevin Nolan, James Collins,
Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll all missing. But Allardyce felt their
presence was not missed courtesy of the big impression made by his
replacements. He added: "We had a whole host of players missing, but what a
performance when we were down to the bare bones. What a performance from the
players that played today. Fantastic. "It was an outstanding performance
under the circumstances and an outstanding result. We did it with really
good football and some good finishing." Norwich were enraged by Mark
Clattenburg's decision to award a penalty for Ryan Bennett's slight pull on
Winston Reid, but Allardyce felt the referee was correct. "Sometimes the
referees give it and sometimes they don't," he said.
"He was right in front of the referee and the referee has got a very good
view of it. "The referee had a clear view of it. He saw this one and he gave
it, and I thought it was the correct decision."
West Ham now sit 11th in the Premier League, but Allardyce insisted he was
still keen to improve his squad during the January transfer window. "We will
try," he said. "We have been trying very hard over the last few weeks to
line up [some players] in the short term. "We will wait and see as January
develops."
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West Ham 2 Norwich 1: Controversial decisions hand hosts victory
Last Updated: January 1, 2013 6:55pm
SSN
West Ham United ended a run of four Premier League games without a win after
a series of controversial refereeing decisions helped them to a 2-1 victory
over Norwich City at Upton Park. The hosts took the lead through a
third-minute Mark Noble penalty that was awarded by referee Mark Clattenburg
for Ryan Bennett's negligible pull on Winston Reid.
Best of the Match
Man of the Match: On top of his well-taken penalty, Mark Noble controlled
the game in the first half and drove West Ham forward throughout the match.
Goal of the Match: Russell Martin swept home a beautiful right-foot shot to
give Norwich hope late on after fine wing play from Elliott Bennett.
Save of the Match: Mark Bunn made a number of fine stops in the first half
to keep Norwich in touch, not least from Jack Collison's close-range
snap-shot.
Gaffe of the Match: Referee Mark Clattenburg made a number of questionable
decisions, particularly the two that led to West Ham's goals.
Talking Point: Sadly, it's the referee. Having had two poor games back to
back now, questions have to be asked about Clattenburg's suitability for
Premier League duty.
They doubled their lead 23 minutes later through Joey O'Brien's opportunist
close-range strike, despite the fact that Norwich's Alexander Tettey was
grounded in the build-up with a head injury. Russell Martin handed Norwich
last-gasp hope with an injury-time consolation, but they couldn't force an
equaliser and have now lost their last four league games. The result sees
Sam Allardyce's side leapfrog Norwich into 11th place, with Chris Hughton's
out-of-form team now 12th.
The hosts were given a perfect start by Clattenburg, whose decision to
penalise Bennett for tussling with Reid allowed Noble to send Mark Bunn the
wrong way with a well-struck right-foot shot. Although they then took
control of the game, they were lucky to stay ahead when, after a rare foray
forward, Norwich's Robert Snodgrass struck the foot of the post with a
sublime free-kick from 25 yards. The visitors then had another refereeing
decision go against them when a penalty appeal was waved away, despite a
clear handball in the West Ham box from Reid. And they then fell 2-0 behind,
once again in controversial circumstances. With Tettey down on the floor,
Sebastien Bassong failed to fully clear Noble's near-post cross and O'Brien
sidefooted home the rebound. The goal sapped Norwich's confidence and West
Ham took complete control of the game, with only Mark Bunn keeping the score
at 2-0 courtesy of fine saves from Matt Taylor and Jack Collison. However,
the visitors improved markedly after the break and both teams created
numerous half-chances as the tempo increased and the game opened up.
Substitute Elliott Bennett delivered a superb cross for Martin to sweep home
at the near post in injury time, but West Ham held on for a deserved and
much-needed victory.
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Match Report: West Ham 2 Norwich Ciy 1
By Iain Dale About 12 hours ago 91 comments
West Ham Till I Die
Well that was nice, wasn't it? OK, Norwich were possibly the poorest side to
come to Upton Park this season, but even so, it was a comfortable win even
though the final score might suggest otherwise. Norwich upped their game in
the second half, but with both Grant Holt and Steve Morrison missing they
had no real attacking threat. Wes Hoolihan was probably heir brightest
player but he never really got into the West Ham penalty area. But enough
about them, what about us and our rather makeshift team? Playing with three
wingers was, as Sir Humphrey might say, courageous, but it was Matt Taylor
who played inside the winger and really came into his own. I thought this
Taylor's best game for us. He was ruthless in the tackle and put in some
wonderful sliding passes. Another Matt, Matt Jarvis was another player who
came good. In the first half Norwich didn't know how to handle his mazy runs
down the left and it was a surprise that they didn't lead to further goals.
On the right, Vaz Te looked bright in the first half but in the second half,
apart from hitting a post with a looping header, he did nothing. Whether
this was through chronic tiredness after being out for such a long time, or
whether he just didn't care, I really don't know. It is difficult to tell
with him. I'd have hauled him off long before the 80th minute.
I was really worried about our midfield. But my worries were misplaced. Mark
Noble put in yet another Man of the Match performance. His tackling was
outstanding and some of his passing was breathtaking. One pass in particular
which nearly led to a third goal was simply out of the this world. He led by
example. Jack Collison put in a good shift too. For a player who has been
out for eight months, he was very impressive.Unlike Vaz Te, he didn't seem
to tire, and he was very creative too. And as I have said, Matty Taylor
played a very important role too. This was the first match since Diame's
injury where we genuinely looked like we could play without him.
Carlton Cole should have had at least one goal. He contrived to put the ball
over from two yards out at one stage, but that is to carp. His heading and
hold up play were again class personified. He ran Mark Noble very close for
Man of the Match, although there were two other contenders for that accolade
one being the ever reliable Winston Reid and the other being Guy Demel.
Demel was brilliant down the right. He seems to have discovered some real
pace lately, and looked very dangerous whenever he went on the rampage. If
he could build up an understanding with Guy Demel, the two of them might
produce some very dangerous balls into Carlton Cole. On the other side Joey
O'Bren had a great game, combining well again with Matt Jarvis. He took his
goal well and it was a shame to see him go off. If he's out long term it
means we have no recognised left back, although Matt Taylor has played
there, I suppose.
That win puts us up to 11th in the table, just when the slide down looked as
if it might continue. Our next six matches include home games against QPR
and Swansea and away matches at Sunderland, Fulham and Villa. Oh, and
Arsenal too. I think we need to target 10 points from those games.
Jussi - 7
Guy Demel - 8
Joey O'Brien - 7
James Tomkins - 6
Winston Reid - 8
Mark Noble - 8
Jack Collison - 7
Matt Taylor - 7
Matt Jarvis - 7
Ricardo Vaz Te - 5
Carlton Cole - 8
PS - A word about the referee Mark Clattenburg. And that word is
'outstanding'. He got every big call right, and you can't ask for more than
that. We give referees a hard time when they get things wrong, so let's not
be backward in praising a ref who deserves it. Mr Clattenburg did today.
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Angry bird: Clattenburg penalty decision gets Canary Snodgrass all a-Twitter
The Mirror
1 Jan 2013 22:30
Jamie McDonald
By James Masters
Robert Snodgrass took to Twitter to unleash his fury at referee Mark
Clattenburg following Norwich's defeat. Clattenburg was the centre of
attention at Upton Park after awarding the Hammers a penalty for an
innocuous looking shirt pull by Ryan Bennett on Winston Reid inside the
opening two minutes. The decision left City's players and boss Chris Hughton
fuming, while he also failed to award a free-kick following Carlton Cole's
foul on Alexander Tettey in the lead up to West Ham's second goal. And
Snodgrass tweeted: "The referee kills the game #gamesgone. "If that's a pen
you will need to give 100 pens a season, small decisions change games. Win
some you lose some. Great support again." Boss Hughton also hit out at
Clattenburg after his side fell to a fourth consecutive defeat by a single
goal. "You accept sometimes referee's get it wrong or they don't see it,"
said the former Newcastle and Birmingham manager. "But the one that really
hurts is when penalties are given when they shouldn't be. The penalty
obviously affects the game. "You get a penalty against you two minutes into
the game, which gives these fans a great lift here, and you could see by
the reaction of our players at the time how disappointed they were. "Even
if the penalty stands, you're not seriously going to tell me the Alex
Tettey incident wasn't a foul. Absolutely it was. "That's knocked us a
little bit."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 2
Tuesday, January 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st January 2013
Norwich City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of the New Year's Day
game with Norwich City
31.12.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v NORWICH CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United host Norwich City on New Year's Day with both clubs
looking to get back to winning ways following defeats against Reading and
Manchester City respectively.
• The clubs have already met once this season in a 0-0 draw, as Sam
Allardyce's side picked up their first away point of the 2012/13 season.
• Norwich sit two points clear of West Ham United after taking 25 points
from 20 games, the Hammers do, however, have a game in hand. West Ham are
12th in the table going in to the game and will go above their visitors if
they win.
• Norwich's ten game unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League ended on
Boxing Day as Chelsea clinched a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.
• West Ham United verses Norwich City is one of seven games taking place in
the Barclays Premier League on New Year's Day, the others are as follows
(3pm unless stated): West Bromwich Albion v Fulham (12.45pm), Manchester
City v Stoke City, Swansea City v Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur v Reading,
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United, Southampton v Arsenal (5.30pm).
Team News
West Ham United
• Big Sam will be forced into at least two changes to kick-off the New Year
as James Collins and Kevin Nolan both picked up their fifth bookings of the
season at Reading on Saturday. The good news is Jack Collison and Ricardo
Vaz Te both impressed from the bench so either could step into Nolan's
shoes. Collins' absence means James Tomkins could move into central defence
with Guy Demel slotting in at right-back.
• Alou Diarra is also available after recovering from a thigh injury and
will be hoping for just his second taste of Barclays Premier League action
following four months out.
• Momo Diame (hamstring) and Andy Carroll (knee) are progressing well and
could be set for a return in the New Year, but it is likely this game will
come too soon.
• George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in
training, with no date yet set for his return.
Norwich City
• Norwich will be without midfielder Bradley Johnson who serves a one-match
ban after collecting a fifth yellow card.
• Striker Steve Morison and captain Grant Holt are doubtful after limping
off in the defeat by Manchester City. On-loan Tottenham forward Harry Kane
could step-in if needed.
Background
• West Ham United have officially faced Norwich City 47 times, winning 17,
losing 15 and with 15 matches ending in draws.
• West Ham United have conceded just one headed goal this season, but it did
come in their last Barclays Premier League game at the Boleyn Ground against
Everton.
• The first meeting between the two sides came on 6 October 1934, with John
James Foreman and Hugh Mills scoring in a 2-1 West Ham United win at Carrow
Road.
• The Hammers are unbeaten in six games against Norwich in all competitions.
The last time they lost to the Canaries was a 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road back
in 1994.
Last time out
Saturday 29 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Reading 1-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien, Collins, Nolan,
Jarvis, Taylor (Collison 54), Noble (Maiga 79), O'Neil (Vaz Te 67), Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Spence, Diarra.
Saturday 29 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Norwich City 3-4 Manchester City
Norwich City: Bunn, R Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Snodgrass,
Pilkington, Hoolahan (Jackson 74), Tettey (Howson 57), Morison (Kane 45).
Subs not used: Rudd, Barnett, R Bennett, E Bennett.
Goals: Pilkington 15, R Martin 63 & 75.
Previous meeting
• West Ham United picked up their first away point of the season following a
goalless draw against Norwich at Carrow Road. The hosts had the better of
the first-half action with Andrew Surman almost winning a penalty. The
Hammers created a number of chances, forcing John Ruddy into a number of
saves despite Andy Carroll missing the game through injury. Afterwards Big
Sam was pleased with his side's performance and start to the season, saying:
"It is our first point away from home this season and another clean sheet is
very satisfying. That's three clean sheets from four since our return to the
Premier League and that is a basis to build from."
• The teams that day were:
Norwich City: Ruddy, R Martin, Bassong, Garrido, Barnett, Johnson, Howson,
Surman, Snodgrass, Holt (Kane 71), Jackson (Morison 63).
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Taylor
(Jarvis 57), Noble, Diame, Cole (Maiga 57), Vaz Te (Benayoun 86).
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
15 September 2012 Barclays Premier League Norwich City 0-0 West Ham United
7 January 2006 Norwich City 1-2 West Ham United (FA Cup third round)
8 January 2005 West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (FA Cup third round)
21 February 2004 Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
15 October 2003 West Ham United 1-1Norwich City (Division One)
11 March 1995 West Ham United 2-2 Norwich City
Overall record v Norwich City (all competitions) W 17 D 15 L 15
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
Norwich City
2011/12 Premier League 12th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 2nd (84 points - promoted to Premier League )
2009/10 League One 1st (95 points - promoted to Championship)
2008/09 Championship 22nd (46 points - relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 17th (55 points)
2006/07 Championship 16th (57 points)
2005/06 Championship 9th (62 points)
2004/05 Premier League 19th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Championship 1st (94 points - promoted to Premier League)
2002/03 Championship 8th (69 points)
2001/02 Championship 6th (75 points)
Referee
• Tuesday's referee is Mark Clattenburg
• His last West Ham United game was the 2-1 win at Queen's Park Rangers on 1
October.
• Clattenburg was the man with the whistle for the stunning 4-0 win against
Manchester United in the League Cup back in November 2010
• The 37-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship Play-Off
semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the
visiting West Ham.
• Clattenburg has already refereed a number of notable matches in 2012,
including the Football League Cup final in February 2012 and the 2012
Olympics men's tournament final in August 2012.
• Clattenburg has been on the Select List since 2004, the same year he took
charge of the Division Three play-off final between Mansfield Town and
Huddersfield Town at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
• After becoming a FIFA official in 2006 at the age of 31, Clattenburg has
taken control of a number of international and UEFA Champions League
matches.
Old boys
• Norwich City manager Chris Hughton played for West Ham United 43 times
between 1990 and 1992, winning promotion from the old Division Two in
1990/91.
• Norwich City defender Elliot Ward came through the ranks at West Ham
United, playing for the youth team before breaking into the first team in
August 2003. He made 18 appearances for the first team and formed a terrific
partnership with Anton Ferdinand during the 2004/05 season that saw the club
win promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs. Ward joined Norwich
in 2010 and has passed 50 appeared appearances for the Canaries.
General Information
• The weather forecast for Tuesday's game is mostly sunny with maximum
temperatures of 7C.
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'We want to put things right'
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is determined to put Saturday's disappointment behind him on
New Year's Day
01.12.2012
Jack Collison is delighted to be back on the pitch as West Ham United look
to meet their targets in 2013. After playing a big role last season in
helping the Hammers clinch promotion through the Play-Offs at Wembley back
in May, Collison had to watch as his team-mates got to grips with life back
in the Premier League. The Wales international has now returned from the
knee injury that kept him out of action for the past six months and was in
lively form at Reading on Saturday. Despite sharing his colleagues'
disappointment at the 1-0 loss at the Madejski Stadium, Collison was happy
to have got more match action under his belt and has set his sights on
helping his team pick up the points on the pitch once again. "It has been a
long time coming," said the No10. "I have missed so much of this season
already but I am back and, touch wood, that can continue for me. It is all
about getting games under my belt now and just concentrating on getting
fitter and fitter as I play in more matches. "Yes, it was really frustrating
against Reading but we move on and look at putting that right against
Norwich. It will be another tough game, but one we feel we can and are
determined to get something from. "As a squad, we have a good base to work
from. Against Reading, Vaz [Ricardo Vaz Te] was frustrated not to score when
he got that chance, but he was outstanding for us last season and has been
until his injury this season. He scored the winner for us in the final and
we will no doubt see more of that from him in the Premier League this year.
"Ginge [James Collins] has been one of our best players this season. I
thought he was terrific in our last game the week before [against Everton]
and he will get over what happened at Reading and as I said, as a team, we
look to build on what what we have and to begin the New Year off in a
winning way."
Collison said 2012 was a good year for everyone connected with West Ham and
although he has not yet played as big a part for the team this season as he
would have liked, his goal is to make sure he is part of it all in 2013. "We
had a great season in the Championship and then to win promotion at Wembley
was the icing on the cake. "We all thoroughly enjoyed our day as did all our
supporters, I am sure. Obviously for me personally this season was not what
I wanted, with the injury, but full credit to the boys, who have been
fantastic. What we want to do now is kick on and enjoy an equally good
second half of the season.
"We can look at what Norwich did last season. They had got promoted the year
before and stayed up. As a promoted side ourselves this year, we want to do
that and more and finish in a good place. I am sure it will be a cracking
game to start the New Year off, but the most important thing for us is
getting the points. Myself and Vaz have returned and I know there are a few
of the other injured boys not too far away. Our medical staff have been
brilliant and have been working hard to get everyone back. That can only be
good as the games come thick and fast at this time of year. "Our form and
results since August mean we have given ourselves a chance to be around the
top half of the table and we want to make sure that stays that way. We have
targets and over the next three or four games we will be looking to meet
those targets so we can push on."
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Big Sam on: Norwich City
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager is hoping to start 2013 in the right way with a
win against Norwich City
01.01.2013
Sam Allardyce is expecting to see a reaction from his players after
Saturday's loss at Reading. The West Ham United manager will be forced in to
a couple of changes with Kevin Nolan and James Collins suspended after they
picked up their fifth bookings at the Madejski Stadium. The good news is
Ricardo Vaz Te and Jack Collison could make their first starts after long
absences, with former France captain Alou Diarra another option in
midfield.1 January not only marks the start of the New Year, but the opening
of the transfer window and Big Sam is keen to make a few quality additions
to his squad, while hanging on to his best talent.
Do you think Tuesday's match with Norwich City gives us a chance to start
the year off with a win?
SA: "It gives us the opportunity to get back to our better form. That's one
of the problems, we've had some really good spells but then we've ended up
losing two or three or on the trot. The last game we won was Chelsea at home
and you'd think we'd go on from there but with the injuries and a couple of
refereeing decisions we find ourselves on the back of a run where we haven't
picked up enough points. "West Brom away was a good point and we should have
got a point at Reading and at least a point last week against Everton. We're
looking down for the first time now and we're getting a little closer to
that pressure pot, which is not where we want to be. "It's a test for our
mentality that we don't lose confidence in our own ability and don't lose
confidence on what we know works. We need to create some chances to win some
games of football. We must maintain our confidence in the level and standard
we can hit and that will give us a chance to beat Norwich, which along with
every other game, will be very difficult.
What do you make of Norwich?
SA: "They've been very good defensively, particularly away from home and
make life very difficult for you to break them down. They play
counter-attacking football very well. We're going to have to find a better
quality of ball more often to give us a chance of beating them. I'm
determined that we don't leave too many spaces for them to exploit on the
counter attack. "They had a little disruption with the change of manager.
The brought in a new manager and it's taken a little while for him to get
his feet under the table. Once the players get to know him and he shows he
is a good manager they start playing as well as they are and produce
results. It's no mean feat to go nine games unbeaten - it's a great, great
run. But we'll do all we can to try and get the win we want."
How will you cope with the suspensions of Collins and Nolan?
SA: "The big problem I've got is that I've not got a selection problem.
We'll be down to about 12 again after losing Kevin Nolan and James Collins.
Vaz Te and Collison are not match fit yet and may need to step in from the
start. We've got to try and start the New Year with a victory."
With the transfer window about to open and the players we have missing, is
it a case of trying to do the business early if we can?
SA: "Well it's trying to get the right players first and that's the most
difficult thing of any transfer window. Once you've found one you've then
got to see whether he'll come or not. We've been looking at the short-team
prospects of a player coming in rather than the long-term.
"The most important thing for me is to try and take advantage of the window,
but also to make sure the players that have come back in the last few weeks,
along with Andy Carroll and Momo Diame, all stay fit for a long period of
time. We can ill-afford to have six, seen or eight injured at the same time
like we've had the last few games."
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Taylor targeting Norwich victory
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor says the Hammers are determined to chalk up a home win on New
Year's Day
31.12.2012
Matt Taylor said the frustration from a disappointing day at Reading can be
used positively as West Ham United look to get back on track against Norwich
City on New Year's Day. The midfielder is looking forward, along with his
team-mates, to getting back out on the pitch again on Tuesday and said the
quick turnaround in fixtures is a good thing. "Straight after the match
[against Reading] the word frustrated probably won't have been the right
word I would have used, maybe something stronger," he said. "The next match
against Norwich was not on my mind, but then you start to focus again and
realise that you can't affect the match that has gone now. "It is all about
getting back out there to put things right and we are looking forward to
doing that against Norwich."
Taylor said that if chances had turned into goals for the Hammers at the
Madejski Stadium, it might have been a different story. "I think that is why
we were so disappointed. As a team, we dominated and restricted them to very
few shots and attempts on goal. Unfortunately for us, we could not put the
ball in the back of the net ourselves. We had chances but the goal seemed to
be elusive to us. "Had we converted any of them, then I do believe it would
have been a different story. But it wasn't to be and we have to take that
one for now and move on to playing Norwich."
The No14 was trying his best to make things happen against Reading but knows
that all he and the rest of the team can do now is step up a gear to get
more points in the bag and return to winning ways. "That is the bottom line
for us. We know what we can do, so we are concentrating on getting back to
winning ways and the sooner the better. We look forward to our next match,
where we can hopefully do just that and start off the New Year with a
victory."
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West Ham v Norwich
KO 15:00
31 December 2012
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 1 January
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will be without skipper Kevin Nolan who is suspended after picking
up a fifth yellow card against Reading on Saturday. Defender James Collins
is also banned while Mohammed Diame and Andy Carroll remain injured. Another
player serving a one-match suspension is Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson.
Strikers Steve Morison (thigh) and Grant Holt (hamstring) are both doubtful.
MATCH PREVIEW
Poor form from West Ham and Norwich City as the curtain came down on 2012
should not, and will not, spoil memories of a fantastic year for both clubs.
The Hammers began it lying third in the Championship. Bouncing back into the
big time at the first attempt was the goal and they achieved that on a
memorable day at Wembley with victory against Blackpool in the play-off
final. Sam Allardyce's team adapted to the Premier League swiftly, holding
champions Man City and beating European champions Chelsea as they happily
bobbed around in mid-table. Just before Christmas the club was named as
preferred bidders for the Olympic Stadium. So on and off the pitch, 2012 has
been a truly historic one for West Ham United. For Norwich City, 2012 was a
year in which they took huge steps to establish themselves as a Premier
League club, despite losing one of their most successful managers along the
way. Paul Lambert steered the Canaries to a 12th-placed finish in May after
back-to-back promotions, before quitting for Aston Villa. His shoes were big
ones to fill, but Chris Hughton has managed it brilliantly in his own
likable, unflappable way. Early season spankings were brushed off as they
went on to beat Arsenal and Manchester United. They end the year as they
began it, comfortably placed in mid-table, and never being mentioned amongst
the candidates for relegation. So 2013 arrives with Norwich 11th to West
Ham's 12th, two points above them, having played one game more. Neither has
had much to cheer about over the festive season - five games have brought
five defeats. In so many ways there is little to choose between them. That
was certainly the case in September when I commentated on an entertaining,
albeit goalless, draw. I expect it will be tight again, but throw in a few
goals this time chaps, eh?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Six of the last seven league meetings have been drawn, including the last
four. West Ham's last league victory over Norwich was at Upton Park in April
1992, although they have since won home and away in FA Cup ties in 2005 and
2006 respectively.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost six of their eight Premier League matches on New
Year's Day.
They have been beaten in five of their last eight league games, managing
only one win and five points in that time.
West Ham are winless in their last 11 Premier League matches on a Tuesday
since a 5-0 home win over Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day in 2000.
Norwich
Norwich have suffered three successive league defeats, having previously
been unbeaten in 10.
They have not lost four Premier League games in a row since promotion in
2011.
The Canaries have failed to win a top-flight match on a Tuesday in 14
attempts since beating West Ham in December 1988.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Norwich: Kevin Nolan suspended for game at Upton Park
Last Updated: December 31, 2012 11:50am
SSN
A return to unbeaten ways will be at the top of Norwich City's New Year's
resolution list when they meet West Ham United at Upton Park. Chris
Hughton's team travel to London having surrendered a previous 10-game run
without losing and have in contrast suffered three successive defeats. A
latest setback in the rollercoaster defeat against Manchester City at the
weekend has seen Norwich fall to 11th position in the table and they need to
address the slide. But West Ham have suffered their own problems over recent
weeks and Sam Allardyce's team have picked up just five points from their
last eight games. Three defeats in their last four outings, including the
painful weekend loss to relegation-threatened Reading, are undermining an
otherwise promising return to the Premier League. And Allardyce will
consequently be demanding last season's Championship play-off winners, West
Ham, pick up a win against Norwich to start 2013 on the right note.
West Ham
Last 6
1-0
1-2
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
West Ham will be without suspended captain Kevin Nolan for their Premier
League clash with Norwich on New Year's Day. The Hammers have won just one
of their last eight league games and top goalscorer Nolan will miss out
after picking up a fifth booking of the season at Reading on Saturday.
Defender James Collins is also missing through suspension with injured duo
Andy Carroll (knee) and Mohamed Diame (hamstring) also not in contention.
Norwich
Last 6
3-4
0-1
2-1
2-1
1-4
3-4
Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson will serve a one-match ban for the trip
to Upton Park after collecting a fifth yellow card. Striker Steve Morison
(thigh) is doubtful after limping off in the 4-3 home defeat by Manchester
City, as is captain Grant Holt (hamstring), so on-loan Tottenham forward
Harry Kane could lead the attack. Defender Steven Whittaker (hip) and winger
Andrew Surman (hip) continue their rehabilitation, while England goalkeeper
John Ruddy (thigh) also remains sidelined.
Opta Facts
39% of Norwich's goals this season have come from direct or indirect
free-kicks
Mark Noble has been booked in six of his last 10 Premier League appearances
Three of Norwich's last seven Premier League goals have come from direct
free-kicks
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kev's a top 10 hit
Published: 31st December 2012
The Sun
KEVIN NOLAN reckons West Ham can end their slump and finish in the top 10.
The Hammers have slipped to 12th after picking up just one point from their
last four games. But Nolan, who misses today's home clash with Norwich
through suspension, said: "If we can keep everyone fit, then we can get into
that top 10 and finish in there. "The joint chairmen did some fantastic
business in the last transfer window. "They supported boss Sam Allardyce
massively. There is nothing better than seeing a few new faces coming in, so
hopefully that might be the case."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Holt out to jolt Hammers again
By BEN HUNT
Published: 31st December 2012
The Mirror
CHRIS HUGHTON is hoping Grant Holt can inflict more misery on West Ham
today. Canaries striker Holt came close to joining the Hammers in a
£6million deal in the summer after handing in a transfer request. But boss
Hughton was able to convince the 31-year-old to snub the Londoners and sign
new terms at Carrow Road. And he now hopes Holt, who fired 17 goals in the
Premier League last season, can rediscover that same strike rate. He said:
"I'm pleased to have kept hold of Grant. "He has been very good for this
football club which is why the endeavours in the summer were to keep hold of
him. "It is similar to last season where he was slow starting. He then got
into really good form and his goalscoring came in that period."
Holt missed the 4-3 home defeat to champions Manchester City on Saturday due
to a hamstring strain. But he is expected to feature today at Upton Park as
Norwich are looking to bounce back from three straight defeats. And defender
Russell Martin says they could do with the striker's goals and adds that he
was right to stay in Norfolk. He added: "Hopefully the big man will be back.
Even though he has not got the goals of late, everyone knows what he brings
to the team. "I live three doors up from Grant so I was never worried about
him going in the summer. "I didn't see a skip outside his house so I knew he
was always going to stay! "The rapport he has with the fans and the way he
is thought of around the whole city – he won't find that anywhere else. "He
is happy here, and his family is too, so there was never any danger of him
leaving."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of the New Year's Day
game with Norwich City
31.12.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v NORWICH CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United host Norwich City on New Year's Day with both clubs
looking to get back to winning ways following defeats against Reading and
Manchester City respectively.
• The clubs have already met once this season in a 0-0 draw, as Sam
Allardyce's side picked up their first away point of the 2012/13 season.
• Norwich sit two points clear of West Ham United after taking 25 points
from 20 games, the Hammers do, however, have a game in hand. West Ham are
12th in the table going in to the game and will go above their visitors if
they win.
• Norwich's ten game unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League ended on
Boxing Day as Chelsea clinched a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.
• West Ham United verses Norwich City is one of seven games taking place in
the Barclays Premier League on New Year's Day, the others are as follows
(3pm unless stated): West Bromwich Albion v Fulham (12.45pm), Manchester
City v Stoke City, Swansea City v Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur v Reading,
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United, Southampton v Arsenal (5.30pm).
Team News
West Ham United
• Big Sam will be forced into at least two changes to kick-off the New Year
as James Collins and Kevin Nolan both picked up their fifth bookings of the
season at Reading on Saturday. The good news is Jack Collison and Ricardo
Vaz Te both impressed from the bench so either could step into Nolan's
shoes. Collins' absence means James Tomkins could move into central defence
with Guy Demel slotting in at right-back.
• Alou Diarra is also available after recovering from a thigh injury and
will be hoping for just his second taste of Barclays Premier League action
following four months out.
• Momo Diame (hamstring) and Andy Carroll (knee) are progressing well and
could be set for a return in the New Year, but it is likely this game will
come too soon.
• George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in
training, with no date yet set for his return.
Norwich City
• Norwich will be without midfielder Bradley Johnson who serves a one-match
ban after collecting a fifth yellow card.
• Striker Steve Morison and captain Grant Holt are doubtful after limping
off in the defeat by Manchester City. On-loan Tottenham forward Harry Kane
could step-in if needed.
Background
• West Ham United have officially faced Norwich City 47 times, winning 17,
losing 15 and with 15 matches ending in draws.
• West Ham United have conceded just one headed goal this season, but it did
come in their last Barclays Premier League game at the Boleyn Ground against
Everton.
• The first meeting between the two sides came on 6 October 1934, with John
James Foreman and Hugh Mills scoring in a 2-1 West Ham United win at Carrow
Road.
• The Hammers are unbeaten in six games against Norwich in all competitions.
The last time they lost to the Canaries was a 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road back
in 1994.
Last time out
Saturday 29 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Reading 1-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien, Collins, Nolan,
Jarvis, Taylor (Collison 54), Noble (Maiga 79), O'Neil (Vaz Te 67), Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Spence, Diarra.
Saturday 29 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Norwich City 3-4 Manchester City
Norwich City: Bunn, R Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Snodgrass,
Pilkington, Hoolahan (Jackson 74), Tettey (Howson 57), Morison (Kane 45).
Subs not used: Rudd, Barnett, R Bennett, E Bennett.
Goals: Pilkington 15, R Martin 63 & 75.
Previous meeting
• West Ham United picked up their first away point of the season following a
goalless draw against Norwich at Carrow Road. The hosts had the better of
the first-half action with Andrew Surman almost winning a penalty. The
Hammers created a number of chances, forcing John Ruddy into a number of
saves despite Andy Carroll missing the game through injury. Afterwards Big
Sam was pleased with his side's performance and start to the season, saying:
"It is our first point away from home this season and another clean sheet is
very satisfying. That's three clean sheets from four since our return to the
Premier League and that is a basis to build from."
• The teams that day were:
Norwich City: Ruddy, R Martin, Bassong, Garrido, Barnett, Johnson, Howson,
Surman, Snodgrass, Holt (Kane 71), Jackson (Morison 63).
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Taylor
(Jarvis 57), Noble, Diame, Cole (Maiga 57), Vaz Te (Benayoun 86).
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
15 September 2012 Barclays Premier League Norwich City 0-0 West Ham United
7 January 2006 Norwich City 1-2 West Ham United (FA Cup third round)
8 January 2005 West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (FA Cup third round)
21 February 2004 Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
15 October 2003 West Ham United 1-1Norwich City (Division One)
11 March 1995 West Ham United 2-2 Norwich City
Overall record v Norwich City (all competitions) W 17 D 15 L 15
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
Norwich City
2011/12 Premier League 12th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 2nd (84 points - promoted to Premier League )
2009/10 League One 1st (95 points - promoted to Championship)
2008/09 Championship 22nd (46 points - relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 17th (55 points)
2006/07 Championship 16th (57 points)
2005/06 Championship 9th (62 points)
2004/05 Premier League 19th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Championship 1st (94 points - promoted to Premier League)
2002/03 Championship 8th (69 points)
2001/02 Championship 6th (75 points)
Referee
• Tuesday's referee is Mark Clattenburg
• His last West Ham United game was the 2-1 win at Queen's Park Rangers on 1
October.
• Clattenburg was the man with the whistle for the stunning 4-0 win against
Manchester United in the League Cup back in November 2010
• The 37-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship Play-Off
semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the
visiting West Ham.
• Clattenburg has already refereed a number of notable matches in 2012,
including the Football League Cup final in February 2012 and the 2012
Olympics men's tournament final in August 2012.
• Clattenburg has been on the Select List since 2004, the same year he took
charge of the Division Three play-off final between Mansfield Town and
Huddersfield Town at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
• After becoming a FIFA official in 2006 at the age of 31, Clattenburg has
taken control of a number of international and UEFA Champions League
matches.
Old boys
• Norwich City manager Chris Hughton played for West Ham United 43 times
between 1990 and 1992, winning promotion from the old Division Two in
1990/91.
• Norwich City defender Elliot Ward came through the ranks at West Ham
United, playing for the youth team before breaking into the first team in
August 2003. He made 18 appearances for the first team and formed a terrific
partnership with Anton Ferdinand during the 2004/05 season that saw the club
win promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs. Ward joined Norwich
in 2010 and has passed 50 appeared appearances for the Canaries.
General Information
• The weather forecast for Tuesday's game is mostly sunny with maximum
temperatures of 7C.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We want to put things right'
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is determined to put Saturday's disappointment behind him on
New Year's Day
01.12.2012
Jack Collison is delighted to be back on the pitch as West Ham United look
to meet their targets in 2013. After playing a big role last season in
helping the Hammers clinch promotion through the Play-Offs at Wembley back
in May, Collison had to watch as his team-mates got to grips with life back
in the Premier League. The Wales international has now returned from the
knee injury that kept him out of action for the past six months and was in
lively form at Reading on Saturday. Despite sharing his colleagues'
disappointment at the 1-0 loss at the Madejski Stadium, Collison was happy
to have got more match action under his belt and has set his sights on
helping his team pick up the points on the pitch once again. "It has been a
long time coming," said the No10. "I have missed so much of this season
already but I am back and, touch wood, that can continue for me. It is all
about getting games under my belt now and just concentrating on getting
fitter and fitter as I play in more matches. "Yes, it was really frustrating
against Reading but we move on and look at putting that right against
Norwich. It will be another tough game, but one we feel we can and are
determined to get something from. "As a squad, we have a good base to work
from. Against Reading, Vaz [Ricardo Vaz Te] was frustrated not to score when
he got that chance, but he was outstanding for us last season and has been
until his injury this season. He scored the winner for us in the final and
we will no doubt see more of that from him in the Premier League this year.
"Ginge [James Collins] has been one of our best players this season. I
thought he was terrific in our last game the week before [against Everton]
and he will get over what happened at Reading and as I said, as a team, we
look to build on what what we have and to begin the New Year off in a
winning way."
Collison said 2012 was a good year for everyone connected with West Ham and
although he has not yet played as big a part for the team this season as he
would have liked, his goal is to make sure he is part of it all in 2013. "We
had a great season in the Championship and then to win promotion at Wembley
was the icing on the cake. "We all thoroughly enjoyed our day as did all our
supporters, I am sure. Obviously for me personally this season was not what
I wanted, with the injury, but full credit to the boys, who have been
fantastic. What we want to do now is kick on and enjoy an equally good
second half of the season.
"We can look at what Norwich did last season. They had got promoted the year
before and stayed up. As a promoted side ourselves this year, we want to do
that and more and finish in a good place. I am sure it will be a cracking
game to start the New Year off, but the most important thing for us is
getting the points. Myself and Vaz have returned and I know there are a few
of the other injured boys not too far away. Our medical staff have been
brilliant and have been working hard to get everyone back. That can only be
good as the games come thick and fast at this time of year. "Our form and
results since August mean we have given ourselves a chance to be around the
top half of the table and we want to make sure that stays that way. We have
targets and over the next three or four games we will be looking to meet
those targets so we can push on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam on: Norwich City
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager is hoping to start 2013 in the right way with a
win against Norwich City
01.01.2013
Sam Allardyce is expecting to see a reaction from his players after
Saturday's loss at Reading. The West Ham United manager will be forced in to
a couple of changes with Kevin Nolan and James Collins suspended after they
picked up their fifth bookings at the Madejski Stadium. The good news is
Ricardo Vaz Te and Jack Collison could make their first starts after long
absences, with former France captain Alou Diarra another option in
midfield.1 January not only marks the start of the New Year, but the opening
of the transfer window and Big Sam is keen to make a few quality additions
to his squad, while hanging on to his best talent.
Do you think Tuesday's match with Norwich City gives us a chance to start
the year off with a win?
SA: "It gives us the opportunity to get back to our better form. That's one
of the problems, we've had some really good spells but then we've ended up
losing two or three or on the trot. The last game we won was Chelsea at home
and you'd think we'd go on from there but with the injuries and a couple of
refereeing decisions we find ourselves on the back of a run where we haven't
picked up enough points. "West Brom away was a good point and we should have
got a point at Reading and at least a point last week against Everton. We're
looking down for the first time now and we're getting a little closer to
that pressure pot, which is not where we want to be. "It's a test for our
mentality that we don't lose confidence in our own ability and don't lose
confidence on what we know works. We need to create some chances to win some
games of football. We must maintain our confidence in the level and standard
we can hit and that will give us a chance to beat Norwich, which along with
every other game, will be very difficult.
What do you make of Norwich?
SA: "They've been very good defensively, particularly away from home and
make life very difficult for you to break them down. They play
counter-attacking football very well. We're going to have to find a better
quality of ball more often to give us a chance of beating them. I'm
determined that we don't leave too many spaces for them to exploit on the
counter attack. "They had a little disruption with the change of manager.
The brought in a new manager and it's taken a little while for him to get
his feet under the table. Once the players get to know him and he shows he
is a good manager they start playing as well as they are and produce
results. It's no mean feat to go nine games unbeaten - it's a great, great
run. But we'll do all we can to try and get the win we want."
How will you cope with the suspensions of Collins and Nolan?
SA: "The big problem I've got is that I've not got a selection problem.
We'll be down to about 12 again after losing Kevin Nolan and James Collins.
Vaz Te and Collison are not match fit yet and may need to step in from the
start. We've got to try and start the New Year with a victory."
With the transfer window about to open and the players we have missing, is
it a case of trying to do the business early if we can?
SA: "Well it's trying to get the right players first and that's the most
difficult thing of any transfer window. Once you've found one you've then
got to see whether he'll come or not. We've been looking at the short-team
prospects of a player coming in rather than the long-term.
"The most important thing for me is to try and take advantage of the window,
but also to make sure the players that have come back in the last few weeks,
along with Andy Carroll and Momo Diame, all stay fit for a long period of
time. We can ill-afford to have six, seen or eight injured at the same time
like we've had the last few games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor targeting Norwich victory
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor says the Hammers are determined to chalk up a home win on New
Year's Day
31.12.2012
Matt Taylor said the frustration from a disappointing day at Reading can be
used positively as West Ham United look to get back on track against Norwich
City on New Year's Day. The midfielder is looking forward, along with his
team-mates, to getting back out on the pitch again on Tuesday and said the
quick turnaround in fixtures is a good thing. "Straight after the match
[against Reading] the word frustrated probably won't have been the right
word I would have used, maybe something stronger," he said. "The next match
against Norwich was not on my mind, but then you start to focus again and
realise that you can't affect the match that has gone now. "It is all about
getting back out there to put things right and we are looking forward to
doing that against Norwich."
Taylor said that if chances had turned into goals for the Hammers at the
Madejski Stadium, it might have been a different story. "I think that is why
we were so disappointed. As a team, we dominated and restricted them to very
few shots and attempts on goal. Unfortunately for us, we could not put the
ball in the back of the net ourselves. We had chances but the goal seemed to
be elusive to us. "Had we converted any of them, then I do believe it would
have been a different story. But it wasn't to be and we have to take that
one for now and move on to playing Norwich."
The No14 was trying his best to make things happen against Reading but knows
that all he and the rest of the team can do now is step up a gear to get
more points in the bag and return to winning ways. "That is the bottom line
for us. We know what we can do, so we are concentrating on getting back to
winning ways and the sooner the better. We look forward to our next match,
where we can hopefully do just that and start off the New Year with a
victory."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Norwich
KO 15:00
31 December 2012
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 1 January
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will be without skipper Kevin Nolan who is suspended after picking
up a fifth yellow card against Reading on Saturday. Defender James Collins
is also banned while Mohammed Diame and Andy Carroll remain injured. Another
player serving a one-match suspension is Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson.
Strikers Steve Morison (thigh) and Grant Holt (hamstring) are both doubtful.
MATCH PREVIEW
Poor form from West Ham and Norwich City as the curtain came down on 2012
should not, and will not, spoil memories of a fantastic year for both clubs.
The Hammers began it lying third in the Championship. Bouncing back into the
big time at the first attempt was the goal and they achieved that on a
memorable day at Wembley with victory against Blackpool in the play-off
final. Sam Allardyce's team adapted to the Premier League swiftly, holding
champions Man City and beating European champions Chelsea as they happily
bobbed around in mid-table. Just before Christmas the club was named as
preferred bidders for the Olympic Stadium. So on and off the pitch, 2012 has
been a truly historic one for West Ham United. For Norwich City, 2012 was a
year in which they took huge steps to establish themselves as a Premier
League club, despite losing one of their most successful managers along the
way. Paul Lambert steered the Canaries to a 12th-placed finish in May after
back-to-back promotions, before quitting for Aston Villa. His shoes were big
ones to fill, but Chris Hughton has managed it brilliantly in his own
likable, unflappable way. Early season spankings were brushed off as they
went on to beat Arsenal and Manchester United. They end the year as they
began it, comfortably placed in mid-table, and never being mentioned amongst
the candidates for relegation. So 2013 arrives with Norwich 11th to West
Ham's 12th, two points above them, having played one game more. Neither has
had much to cheer about over the festive season - five games have brought
five defeats. In so many ways there is little to choose between them. That
was certainly the case in September when I commentated on an entertaining,
albeit goalless, draw. I expect it will be tight again, but throw in a few
goals this time chaps, eh?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Six of the last seven league meetings have been drawn, including the last
four. West Ham's last league victory over Norwich was at Upton Park in April
1992, although they have since won home and away in FA Cup ties in 2005 and
2006 respectively.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost six of their eight Premier League matches on New
Year's Day.
They have been beaten in five of their last eight league games, managing
only one win and five points in that time.
West Ham are winless in their last 11 Premier League matches on a Tuesday
since a 5-0 home win over Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day in 2000.
Norwich
Norwich have suffered three successive league defeats, having previously
been unbeaten in 10.
They have not lost four Premier League games in a row since promotion in
2011.
The Canaries have failed to win a top-flight match on a Tuesday in 14
attempts since beating West Ham in December 1988.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Norwich: Kevin Nolan suspended for game at Upton Park
Last Updated: December 31, 2012 11:50am
SSN
A return to unbeaten ways will be at the top of Norwich City's New Year's
resolution list when they meet West Ham United at Upton Park. Chris
Hughton's team travel to London having surrendered a previous 10-game run
without losing and have in contrast suffered three successive defeats. A
latest setback in the rollercoaster defeat against Manchester City at the
weekend has seen Norwich fall to 11th position in the table and they need to
address the slide. But West Ham have suffered their own problems over recent
weeks and Sam Allardyce's team have picked up just five points from their
last eight games. Three defeats in their last four outings, including the
painful weekend loss to relegation-threatened Reading, are undermining an
otherwise promising return to the Premier League. And Allardyce will
consequently be demanding last season's Championship play-off winners, West
Ham, pick up a win against Norwich to start 2013 on the right note.
West Ham
Last 6
1-0
1-2
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
West Ham will be without suspended captain Kevin Nolan for their Premier
League clash with Norwich on New Year's Day. The Hammers have won just one
of their last eight league games and top goalscorer Nolan will miss out
after picking up a fifth booking of the season at Reading on Saturday.
Defender James Collins is also missing through suspension with injured duo
Andy Carroll (knee) and Mohamed Diame (hamstring) also not in contention.
Norwich
Last 6
3-4
0-1
2-1
2-1
1-4
3-4
Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson will serve a one-match ban for the trip
to Upton Park after collecting a fifth yellow card. Striker Steve Morison
(thigh) is doubtful after limping off in the 4-3 home defeat by Manchester
City, as is captain Grant Holt (hamstring), so on-loan Tottenham forward
Harry Kane could lead the attack. Defender Steven Whittaker (hip) and winger
Andrew Surman (hip) continue their rehabilitation, while England goalkeeper
John Ruddy (thigh) also remains sidelined.
Opta Facts
39% of Norwich's goals this season have come from direct or indirect
free-kicks
Mark Noble has been booked in six of his last 10 Premier League appearances
Three of Norwich's last seven Premier League goals have come from direct
free-kicks
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kev's a top 10 hit
Published: 31st December 2012
The Sun
KEVIN NOLAN reckons West Ham can end their slump and finish in the top 10.
The Hammers have slipped to 12th after picking up just one point from their
last four games. But Nolan, who misses today's home clash with Norwich
through suspension, said: "If we can keep everyone fit, then we can get into
that top 10 and finish in there. "The joint chairmen did some fantastic
business in the last transfer window. "They supported boss Sam Allardyce
massively. There is nothing better than seeing a few new faces coming in, so
hopefully that might be the case."
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Holt out to jolt Hammers again
By BEN HUNT
Published: 31st December 2012
The Mirror
CHRIS HUGHTON is hoping Grant Holt can inflict more misery on West Ham
today. Canaries striker Holt came close to joining the Hammers in a
£6million deal in the summer after handing in a transfer request. But boss
Hughton was able to convince the 31-year-old to snub the Londoners and sign
new terms at Carrow Road. And he now hopes Holt, who fired 17 goals in the
Premier League last season, can rediscover that same strike rate. He said:
"I'm pleased to have kept hold of Grant. "He has been very good for this
football club which is why the endeavours in the summer were to keep hold of
him. "It is similar to last season where he was slow starting. He then got
into really good form and his goalscoring came in that period."
Holt missed the 4-3 home defeat to champions Manchester City on Saturday due
to a hamstring strain. But he is expected to feature today at Upton Park as
Norwich are looking to bounce back from three straight defeats. And defender
Russell Martin says they could do with the striker's goals and adds that he
was right to stay in Norfolk. He added: "Hopefully the big man will be back.
Even though he has not got the goals of late, everyone knows what he brings
to the team. "I live three doors up from Grant so I was never worried about
him going in the summer. "I didn't see a skip outside his house so I knew he
was always going to stay! "The rapport he has with the fans and the way he
is thought of around the whole city – he won't find that anywhere else. "He
is happy here, and his family is too, so there was never any danger of him
leaving."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, December 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st December 2012
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager is expecting his side to bounce back when Norwich City visit the
Boleyn Ground
31.12.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cut out the uncharacteristic
mistakes that cost them dearly at Reading when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground on New Year's Day. The Royals scored the only goal of the game on
five minutes after a mistake from James Collins, but Big Sam is backing his
players to shake off the disappointment and start 2013 with a win.
Substitutes Jack Collison, Modibo Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te could not take
advantage of good chances to level the game on Saturday, which has led Big
Sam to put greater impetus on his side's attacking play. "We need to bounce
back and we've got to make sure we become better at creating and taking our
chances, otherwise it's going to be tough," said Big Sam. "The balls into
the box haven't been given enough quality to open up a defence as everybody
starts tightening up at this stage of the season. "Points become harder to
come by and everyone knows about everyone else so you can ill-afford basic
errors. The team that makes the fewest basic errors wins the game. We made
far too many and ended up losing it. "kkI didn't think I would ever see
James Collins make that kind of mistake again after the one at Swansea City.
He's been one of our best and most consistent players from that time in the
season, but he misplaces a backpass and they take advantage. "The lads
should have got him out of the mire and got at least a point and then it
wouldn't be lying on him as heavy as it is now. He was distraught in the
dressing room afterwards."
The Hammers will be offered the perfect opportunity to 'bounce back' when
the Canaries, who sit one place above them in the Barclays Premier League
table, visit the Boleyn Ground. While Collison and Vaz Te will be pushing to
start the game, Kevin Nolan and Collins will be missing after picking up
their fifth booking of the season against The Royals. "We're in a pretty bad
spell at the moment and to boot Kevin Nolan and James Collins got booked and
will miss Tuesday's game with Norwich City. "Too many injures have disrupted
our performances and results. We've got some coming back now. Vaz Te could
have been the hero and Jack Collison comes on and shows his ability. It's
great their back but the blow is James Collins and Kevin Nolan missing.
"James has to get over the mistake but unfortunately he can't on Tuesday as
he's suspended. The rest of the team have to get over it and start getting a
few more points."
Vaz Te had a great opportunity to cap his lively return to the team with a
goal, but he missed a header from three yards out. His manager felt
afterwards that it could have been the turning point in the game had it
bounced into the corner of the net rather than two inches wide. "I think we
missed the best chance created in the entire world of football! Overall, I
think it was one point lost, you're 1-0 down and the golden chance comes
with Vaz Te three yards out, he would take it to 1-1 and Reading would be
bound to think 'Here we go again.' Their fans would get nervous and we would
go on to try and win the game. We should have had a point but we didn't and
that's down to our deficiencies at both ends. "It was probably our worst
performance for a while but even then it was one where Reading weren't going
to make it easy, they wanted to defend deep and then when you gift them a
goal they're going to defend with even more numbers to try and hang on to
it."
The return of Vaz Te, Collison and Alou Diarra from long-term injury will
certainly boost Big Sam's options and Andy Carroll could be back in training
next week. With George McCartney and Momo Diame the only slightly longer
absentees, the manager looks forward to the day when he can once again name
his first choice XI. "We haven't had our best team out for ages and since we
beat Chelsea, our points total has diminished rather than kicked on from
there. Normally when you get a result as big as that one you kick on and get
more and more results as the euphoria keeps you going. "The injuries have
unfortunately kicked in and we've not been able to pick up the results we
wanted to. It's about getting the players back fit and then keeping them
fit, and then we'll be OK but that's got to happen very quickly now. "The
lads I've picked have done very well and done a great job in terms of the
performances they've given but not the results that we needed."
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Nolan aiming for Happy New Year
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan believes the club will enjoy a
successful and positive 2013
31.12.2012
Kevin Nolan says West Ham United will show grit and determination to start
picking up Barclays Premier League points again during the second half of
the season. The Hammers captain admitted that, while everyone was
disappointed not to come away with anything from Reading on Saturday, the
aim is to move on and put things right. While Nolan himself will serve a
one-match ban in the New Year's Day visit of Norwich City, the skipper has
backed his team-mates to get the job done in his absence. "We know it was
not good enough from us on Saturday, but we are good enough to get back on
it," said the No4. "You look at the game and for Vaz [Ricardo Vaz Te], a
player of his quality you think [his late header] is in, but it just didn't
happen for us. It went the wrong side of the post, but it happens. "We are a
newly-promoted team. We have been great and made a really good start. We
have faltered a bit in recent weeks with losing a few, but some of those
were against top sides. I have to say this was one of the most disappointing
losses because, with no disrespect to Reading, we wanted to go there and
come away with at least a point. I think we did deserve that but, fair play
to them, they defended and saw it out until the end, so hats off to them.
"They didn't really have a lot of other chances that they created.Ginge's
[James Collins] unfortunate back pass led to their goal and it happens. We
are upset that we lost the game and the manner in which we lost it, but we
have to keep our heads up and have Norwich at home on New Year's Day and
have got to be looking to put the record straight there."
Nolan said the return of Vaz Te and more match action at the Madejski
Stadium for Jack Collison were huge positives for the side. With Andy
Carroll, Mohamed Diame and George McCartney also hoping to return early in
the New Year, the captain said West Ham would look to start 2013 as they
mean to go on.
"It was good to see Vaz back - he is really important for us and that was a
huge positive and hopefully in the next few weeks we will see more lads
back. That will certainly help us as we look to pick up points again, which
we are fully capable of doing."
A busy January schedule will see Sam Allardyce's men host Manchester United
in the FA Cup third round in between league matches with Norwich and at
Sunderland and Nolan said there is no time to rest. Although the Hammers
skipper will have to sit out Tuesday's match, he will be illustrating the
spirit in the squad by supporting his team-mates and says there is a strong
sense of belief. "You hear people say that this is a critical part of the
season. Look, every part of the season is critical and at the end of the
day, you can't for a minute take your foot off the gas in the Premier
League. "We are going through a little sticky patch but we are confident we
can carry on looking up and not down. You look over your shoulder of course,
but we have belief that we won't be dragged into that and, as I said, we are
confident we can start picking up points again. "This is what we are here
for, got promoted for - to be in the Premier League. All the hard work, grit
and determination, that is what we have to show in the next month now, to
show why we are here, and I am sure we will. "We have had a decent start and
I think if you had given us that at the start of the season, those points at
this stage, we would have taken it. That is how we have to look at it, we
have to go for another 23 points and more in the next half of the season. It
will be tough, but we are more than capable of doing it."
As January begins, the speculation starts as to which players may come and
go from different clubs. Nolan said that, if there were to be any arrivals,
they would be a welcome boost, but it was also the case of the players
already here continuing to their jobs to keep the club in a good position.
"The Joint-Chairmen did some fantastic business in the last transfer window.
They supported Sam massively and there is nothing better than seeing a few
new faces coming into the training ground, so hopefully that might be the
case again. "But if not, we have the resources to work with, with the squad
we have. If we can keep everyone fit, then we can carry on what we have done
well already and to get into that top ten and finish in there."
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Vaz Te: I 'let the team down'
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 30th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te held his hands up and admitted he should have scored late on
in yesterday's 1-0 defeat at Reading. The Portuguese forward, who made his
long-awaited return from injury as a second half substitute for Gary O'Neil
missed a glaring opportunity to level the scores after being set up by Matt
Jarvis.
The winger's deep cross found Vaz Te four yards from goal and unmarked at
the far post, but he could only nod the ball wide of its intended target
despite having the entire frame of the goal to aim at. "I'm just very
disappointed. I felt like I should have done better and I should have
scored. There was no excuse for that," he told whufc.tv. "I felt like I let
everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "It was a
great chance - the easiest chance I will ever have to score and I should
have put it in the back of the net. I'm obviously very disappointed so I'm
going to strive to do better next time. "I'm going to keep work and keep
improving and as my fitness picks up, I will surely do better. I was just
very disappointed to let the team down."
Despite making his comeback having finally recovered from the dislocated
shoulder that has kept him sidelined since the beginning of October, the
26-year-old admitted that he was far from fully fit - and is unlikely to
start against Norwich on New Year's Day. "I'm not sure I am ready to start
yet; I have only trained the past week and I didn't play any games before,"
he mused. "I played for 20 minutes at Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm
just going to keep training to get my fitness as quick as possible.
"Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's the
gaffer's choice I will always do my best."
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Ricardo Vaz Te accepts blame for West Ham's defeat at Reading
Last Updated: December 30, 2012 2:09pm
SSN
West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te has shouldered the blame for the 1-0 defeat
at Reading on Saturday. Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the only goal of the game
for the Royals in the fifth minute but Vaz Te missed a glorious chance to
equalise for the Hammers after being introduced from the bench with 23
minutes remaining. The 26-year-old, who was making his first appearance
since dislocating a shoulder against Arsenal on 6 October, headed Matt
Jarvis' cross wide of the post from just four yards out when completely
unmarked. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce later labelled it "the easiest chance
to score a goal you'll ever see in a Premier League football match". "I felt
like I should have done better and I should have scored, there was no excuse
for that," Vaz Te told West Ham's website. "I'm just very disappointed with
the result, especially after coming on and having a great chance to score.
"I'm just really disappointed I couldn't make it for the lads. I felt like I
let everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "I'm
going to keep working and keep improving and as my fitness picks up, I will
surely do better. "I'm not sure I am ready to start yet. I have only trained
the past week and I didn't play any games before. I played for 20 minutes at
Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm just going to keep training to get my
fitness as quick as possible. "I will do my best if the gaffer decides to
put me on. Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's
the gaffer's choice I will always do my best, like I said."
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Are These Our January Transfer Targets?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Sports Mail have published a peice suggesting that West Ham's January
transfer targets are: Givet from Blackburn Rovers, Kaolou from Lille and
Chamakh from Arsenal. Givet is in the final year of his contract at
Blackburn and could be available for a nominal fee. The French defender can
play both at centre half and full-back, so would bring a utility value to
the squad. While, it is thought that West Ham will seek to secure both Kalou
and Chamakh, from their respective clubs, on loan until the end of the
season, with possible permanent deals following in the summer. Kalou could
be a useful signing and would fit well in Sam Allardyce's preferred 4-3-3
system, having operated successfully in that type of formation at Chelsea.
While Chamakh has largely disappointed at Arsenal, but they do not
necessarily employ a formation that plays to the strikers strengths. Would
Chamakh prove a better fit at Allardyce's West Ham?
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are suggesting that West Ham are targeting a move
for Blackburn Rover's former England international keeper, Paul Robinson.
Like Givet, Allardyce worked with Robinson previously at Blackburn and
apparently rates him highly. The Mirror article also suggests Allardyce is
looking to off-load Maiga in January. If that was true, why did we reject
the offer from Marsailles for a part-exchange deal, involving Remy? This
supposes, of course, that such an offer was actually made?
Based on these stories, which we should not accept uncritically, Givet and
Kalou could be good potential sigings. However, I am not totally convinced
that Chamakh is the proven goal scorer that we desperately need. He
previously had a good goal scoring record in France andit is a matter of
whether Allardyce could get the best out of him? The Anelka to West Ham
rumours continue to circulate and there is a suggestion that West Ham
officials have met with the player to discuss terms. Anelka is another
former player that Allardyce also rates highly, having worked productively
with him at Bolton.
Time will tell if these stories have any basis in fact.
SJ. Chandos.
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No Need to Hit the Panic Button Just Yet!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The result against Reading was very disappointing. Collin's error gifted
Reading a 5th minute lead that they scarcely deserved. Indeed, apart from
that one event of note, the remainder of the first half was largely a
non-event. In the second half, we made changes and largely took control. A
pattern emerged of West Ham dominating possession and Reading putting nine
men behind the ball. And their attacking threat was largely restricted to
trying to hit us on the counter-attack. It was a strange half because it was
almost as if we were the home team. Unfortunately, for all our possession
and the creation of some decent chances, we were ultimately unable to
equalize.
That point blank miss by Vaz Te was certainly something to behold. It was
one of those situations where it was easier to score than miss! Vaz Te has
been out since October and the reactions are probably a bit rusty, but one
would think that a striker would have finished that chance purely from
memory! Still, what's done is done and we must hope that Vaz Te keeps his
post-match promise to make up for it in the next few matches. Both Maiga and
Collins also had good chances to score, but it was not to be on the day.
Indeed, on another day we would have won the match based on our second half
domination and chances created.
On the plus side, both Collison and Vaz Te made first team returns.
Collison, in particular, made a good impression, on his return, after being
out so long. Reid continued his, season long, excellent form at the back;
and Noble had a good game in the middle of the park. On the down side, both
Collins and Nolan are now suspended for the Norwich City match. So, it seems
that, we get two players back from injury, only to then lose two to
suspension. Yet, it will give James Tomkins the opportunity to return to his
proper position, at centre half, and renew his partnership with Reid.
Tomkins must take the chance with both hands and make himself first choice
for the remainder of the season. The absence of Nolan may well mean that Sam
Allardyce will change his formation against Norwich City. Perhaps he will
switch to a 4-4-2, with Collison-Noble-O'Neill-Jarvis across the middle and
Maiga partnering Cole up front? We shall see? But it is possible that the
suspensions of Collins and Nolan will force Allardyce's hand, to make
changes, and provide the shake up that we probably need?
I am sure that the more alarmist and sensationalist elements are frantically
hitting the panic buttons after Saturday's defeat. There is no doubt that
since the Chelsea victory we have experienced a minor dip in results. But if
you look at recent matches, we were extremely unlucky not to emerge with
points from the Liverpool and Everton home games. They were close games,
where fate intervened at crucial junctures, to contribute to narrow 2-3 and
1-2 defeats. As I feared pre-match, we played the 'fall guys' once again in
the Reading match, but our second half display would normally have earnt us
a share of the spoils. And this has occurred within the context of an injury
crisis that has seriously stretched the playing resources of our squad.
There was always going to hit a 'rough patch' at some point this season and
it could have been far worse, considering the series of tough matches in
this second phase of the season up to the New Year. Yet, we have taken 9
valuable points and, even though we have lost three of our last four
matches, we have remained competitive and the results have been close. If we
were getting battered 3-0 or 4-0 every match, it would be a different
matter, but that is not currently the case.
No, during a dip in results, it is crucial that the management and squad
buckle down and play their way out of it. Things are not critical yet, we
are on 23 points and in 12th position. Win a New Year's Day, against Norwich
City, and talk of a so-called 'crisis' will abate. Indeed, in this respect
the Norwich City game could be a pivotal fixture. Win and it will help us
get back on track and allay any anxiety amongst the supporters. Lose and
everyone will start looking nervously over their shoulder, fearing the
worst. That is not to say that there are not issues that need to be
addressed, particularly the need to strengthen key positions in the squad.
We must sign a minumum of a full-back, a forward and a striker and they must
be top quality players that significantly improve what we already have! In
particular, we ideally need a proven goal scorer, who can score 15-20 goals
a season; which is undoubtedly going to cost.
Do some good business in the January window and we can refocus and
re-vitalize our efforts in the second half of the season. But more
immediately, it is crucial that we take the three points on New Years Day
and it would be nice if the team went about the task with pace, passion and
commitment. Norwich City have hit form of late and they have some dangerous
players, but the game is winnable. We need to dominate from the first
whistle and serve up a morale boosting victory, especially for those feint
hearts amongst us! COYI !
Finally, there were reports in today's papers that QPR have submitted a
£3.5m bid for Mo Diame, to activate the alleged release clause in his
contract. Are the reports true? Who knows, at this stage, but I would think
that Diame would be most ill-advised to go there! There are alternative
reports circulating that West Ham are engaged in discussions with Diame
regarding a new, improved contract. Lets hope that the latter reports prove
to be true!
SJ. Chandos.
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Upton sparks: Big Sam looks to get Robinson IN and Maiga OUT
The Mirror
30 Dec 2012 22:30
Laurence Griffiths
Sam Allardyce will offer Paul Robinson an escape route from Blackburn in
January. West Ham boss Allardyce is tipped to bid for the former England
keeper as back-up for No.1 keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. He is a big fan of
Robinson after working with him at Blackburn and hopes to take advantage of
the current turmoil at Ewood Park. Robinson, 33, has also interested LA
Galaxy and Fulham. But Allardyce is looking to off-load striker Modibo
Maiga, hit and miss since joining from Sochaux at the start of the season.
Marseille are keen to sign the Mali international.
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Hammer blow for Norwich as injuries hit
SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER 2012
The Independent
Norwich City face being without their two senior strikers and a key
midfielder as they attempt to end a losing run of three games at West Ham on
New Year's Day. Grant Holt, the captain, missed Saturday's 4-3 defeat by
Manchester City with a hamstring strain and his replacement in the 4-4-1-1
system, Steve Morison, limped off just before half-time. The young Tottenham
loanee Harry Kane came on for him, before Simeon Jackson appeared as an even
later substitute.
Chris Hughton, the Norwich manager, revealed he may have to do without both
Holt and Morison for the trip to Upton Park. The defensive midfielder
Bradley Johnson is suspended, and will be missing for the first time this
season.
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Hughton and Allardyce left to struggle with their numbers as mid-winter
aches and pains are matched by five yellows and match bans
Mon 31 Dec 12 by Rick Waghorn
City boss Chris Hughton readily admitted that his squad would be down to
some pretty bare bones for tomorrow's trip to West Ham United as a
combination of niggling injuries and suspensions took their toll. Bradley
Johnson's fifth yellow card – just 48-hours before the mid-season 'amnesty'
– ensures that the combative Canary midfielder will miss the trip to Upton
Park, while both skipper Grant Holt and Steve Morison have to be doubtful
with their hamstring and thigh complaints respectively. The eye-catching
nature of Jonny Howson's second-half performance against Manchester City on
Saturday should cover for Johnson's one-match ban; the bigger concern is up
top where minus Holt and Morison, Hughton will be left with little
alternative but to place his faith in 19-year-old Spurs youngster Harry
Kane. Wes Hoolahan, Alexander Tettey, Anthony Pilkington and Robert
Snodgrass all look set in stone team-wise; Simeon Jackson may well have to
wait his chance again on the bench. "We'll asses Steve afterwards," was
Hughton's immediate reaction to Morison's 44th minute exit.
"He just felt his thigh, so we'll have to see. And Grant [Holt] will be
touch and go. We'll just have to assess it over the next couple of games,
but hopefully we'll get Grant back." And if not? "If not then it's always an
opportunity for somebody else," Hughton told BBC Radio Norfolk.
And then there was Johnson, whose temper was not helped by Vincent Kompany's
4th minute challenge that via Edin Dzeko's subsequent second goal, set the
early foundation for Manchester City's 4-3 success. "It is a test of the
depth of our squad," the Canary chief admitted, as Norwich look to end a run
of three, straight festive defeats at West Ham. Had Johnson kept his nose
clean booking-wise for those 90 minutes then the slate would have been wiped
clean. As it was and once the yellow mist descended, so Norwich were left to
pay a one-match penalty. But Hughton was clearly loathe to break up such a
solid formula at the heart of his team – particularly with a character the
size of Holt already out of the running. "We knew that was a risk with Brad
[Johnson]. But it was a risk that we thought was worth taking today because
we knew that Grant [Holt] was missing as well, we were very keen to keep the
spine of the team. "But I thought when Jonny Howson came on he showed what a
good player he is."
The plus side, of course, is that the Canaries are not alone in having a few
headaches player-wise. Bookings for both James Collins and Kevin Nolan in
the Hammers' 1-0 away defeat at Reading on Saturday will find both joining
Norwich's Johnson on the sidelines.
Like Norwich, Sam Allardyce's troops have been somewhat becalmed of late;
they too will be looking to return to winning ways after the earlier home
defeat by Everton. They have also picked up some big injuries – John Ruddy's
three-month absence for the Canaries being matched by that of Mohamed Diame
who tore his hamstring in the 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool at the start of
December.
"We shot ourselves in the foot from the early stages," bemoaned Allardyce
afterwards, as Pavel Pogrebnyak's early strike proved decisive. "James
Collins has been solid for us this season but he made a basic error and they
took full advantage. The Hammers, he said, needed to pick up a result.
Sooner rather than later, ideally, as the drop zone just started to beckon.
Like the Canaries, a little bit of clear blue water is what Allardyce wants
between the Hammers and the Villas, the Sunderlands, the Wigans and the
Readings down below. QPR look doomed – whatever the ever-confident Harry
Redknapp may claim.
"We are slipping back down that way now and that is going to put pressure on
us," Allardyce told the BBC. "We are bitterly disappointed not to come away
with a point and now we are without James (Collins) and Kevin (Nolan)
through suspension for an important game against Norwich."
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Hammers eye move for Rovers defender Givet and wants strikers Kalou and
Chamakh
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are weighing up a move for Blackburn Rovers French defender Gael
Givet, 31, who is out of contract in the summer. Manager Sam Allardyce
remains keen on a loan for Lille forward Salomon Kalou and Arsenal striker
Marouane Chamakh. Leeds will compete with Norwich City for Brighton striker
Craig Mackail-Smith. Swansea are hopeful of signing Bristol City winger
Albert Adomah for £3m. Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is talking
terms with Motherwell winger Jamie Murphy after agreeing a £100,000 fee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce slams 'unprofessional' Nolan and Collins after they pick up fifth
yellow cards in Reading defeat
By SAM CUNNINGHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce blasted two of his key players who picked up yellow cards
against Reading that will force them to miss their New Year's Day match with
Norwich. Captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Collins have been at the
heart of West Ham's season but will miss their match against Norwich on
Tuesday as they serve a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow
cards. If they had not been booked on Saturday the suspension threshold
would been have extended to 10 yellow cards.
The Hammers have struggled with injuries this season and only two weeks ago
they could not name a full list of substitutes against West Brom. Nolan was
booked with 10 minutes to play for a late challenge on Hal Robson-Kanu who
was breaking away inside his own half and Collins's yellow was for a late
challenge on Pavel Pogrebnyak – both needless tackles. And manager Allardyce
branded the two players 'unprofessional' for picking up a fifth booking this
season so close to the deadline. The 58-year-old said: 'Suddenly Norwich
becomes a test of nerve – we are now in our worst run of results this
season, and the unprofessionalism of players, due to frustration, means we
are now without our captain and James Collins on New Year's Day through
suspension. 'Losing the game was hard enough, but to lose two key players in
the last game of the suspension period makes it even worse. If they had got
booked on Tuesday, there's no suspension, but they go and get booked at
Reading and now we have to make do without them.' The yellow card compounded
a particularly bad afternoon for Collins. The centre back was one of West
Ham's best players in reducing Reading to a single shot on target – but it
was his glaring mistake that handed them that chance that resulted in the
winner. On five minutes Collins played a woefully short pass back to Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Pogrebnyak ran on to the ball and finished one-on-one with
the goalkeeper.
The result was only Reading's second win in the league this season against a
team they came up with from the Championship. West Ham are now only six
points clear of the relegation zone following a run of one win in eight
matches. They have lost five of their last seven games and Allardyce
admitted they are starting to worry about Premier League survival. But his
captain Nolan insisted that during the previous four seasons no-one outside
of the top four are safe in the Barclays Premier League until close to the
end of the campaign. The 30-year-old said: 'In the Premier League no matter
where you are unless it's two games to go and you're in the top 10 you don't
not look behind you.
'I think if you can include Everton [and Arsenal] with the top four all the
rest of the teams could be around [the relegation place], a few losses and
you're all dragged back into it. 'It's just the way it is, the way the
league has been the last three or four years.' He added: 'We're on 23
points, it's been a decent start, if you'd offered us that at the beginning
of the season we would've taken it. That's how we've got to look at it.
'We've got to go for another 23 points and plus that for the next half of
the season which is going to be tough but we're more than capable of doing
it.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The manager is expecting his side to bounce back when Norwich City visit the
Boleyn Ground
31.12.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cut out the uncharacteristic
mistakes that cost them dearly at Reading when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground on New Year's Day. The Royals scored the only goal of the game on
five minutes after a mistake from James Collins, but Big Sam is backing his
players to shake off the disappointment and start 2013 with a win.
Substitutes Jack Collison, Modibo Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te could not take
advantage of good chances to level the game on Saturday, which has led Big
Sam to put greater impetus on his side's attacking play. "We need to bounce
back and we've got to make sure we become better at creating and taking our
chances, otherwise it's going to be tough," said Big Sam. "The balls into
the box haven't been given enough quality to open up a defence as everybody
starts tightening up at this stage of the season. "Points become harder to
come by and everyone knows about everyone else so you can ill-afford basic
errors. The team that makes the fewest basic errors wins the game. We made
far too many and ended up losing it. "kkI didn't think I would ever see
James Collins make that kind of mistake again after the one at Swansea City.
He's been one of our best and most consistent players from that time in the
season, but he misplaces a backpass and they take advantage. "The lads
should have got him out of the mire and got at least a point and then it
wouldn't be lying on him as heavy as it is now. He was distraught in the
dressing room afterwards."
The Hammers will be offered the perfect opportunity to 'bounce back' when
the Canaries, who sit one place above them in the Barclays Premier League
table, visit the Boleyn Ground. While Collison and Vaz Te will be pushing to
start the game, Kevin Nolan and Collins will be missing after picking up
their fifth booking of the season against The Royals. "We're in a pretty bad
spell at the moment and to boot Kevin Nolan and James Collins got booked and
will miss Tuesday's game with Norwich City. "Too many injures have disrupted
our performances and results. We've got some coming back now. Vaz Te could
have been the hero and Jack Collison comes on and shows his ability. It's
great their back but the blow is James Collins and Kevin Nolan missing.
"James has to get over the mistake but unfortunately he can't on Tuesday as
he's suspended. The rest of the team have to get over it and start getting a
few more points."
Vaz Te had a great opportunity to cap his lively return to the team with a
goal, but he missed a header from three yards out. His manager felt
afterwards that it could have been the turning point in the game had it
bounced into the corner of the net rather than two inches wide. "I think we
missed the best chance created in the entire world of football! Overall, I
think it was one point lost, you're 1-0 down and the golden chance comes
with Vaz Te three yards out, he would take it to 1-1 and Reading would be
bound to think 'Here we go again.' Their fans would get nervous and we would
go on to try and win the game. We should have had a point but we didn't and
that's down to our deficiencies at both ends. "It was probably our worst
performance for a while but even then it was one where Reading weren't going
to make it easy, they wanted to defend deep and then when you gift them a
goal they're going to defend with even more numbers to try and hang on to
it."
The return of Vaz Te, Collison and Alou Diarra from long-term injury will
certainly boost Big Sam's options and Andy Carroll could be back in training
next week. With George McCartney and Momo Diame the only slightly longer
absentees, the manager looks forward to the day when he can once again name
his first choice XI. "We haven't had our best team out for ages and since we
beat Chelsea, our points total has diminished rather than kicked on from
there. Normally when you get a result as big as that one you kick on and get
more and more results as the euphoria keeps you going. "The injuries have
unfortunately kicked in and we've not been able to pick up the results we
wanted to. It's about getting the players back fit and then keeping them
fit, and then we'll be OK but that's got to happen very quickly now. "The
lads I've picked have done very well and done a great job in terms of the
performances they've given but not the results that we needed."
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Nolan aiming for Happy New Year
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan believes the club will enjoy a
successful and positive 2013
31.12.2012
Kevin Nolan says West Ham United will show grit and determination to start
picking up Barclays Premier League points again during the second half of
the season. The Hammers captain admitted that, while everyone was
disappointed not to come away with anything from Reading on Saturday, the
aim is to move on and put things right. While Nolan himself will serve a
one-match ban in the New Year's Day visit of Norwich City, the skipper has
backed his team-mates to get the job done in his absence. "We know it was
not good enough from us on Saturday, but we are good enough to get back on
it," said the No4. "You look at the game and for Vaz [Ricardo Vaz Te], a
player of his quality you think [his late header] is in, but it just didn't
happen for us. It went the wrong side of the post, but it happens. "We are a
newly-promoted team. We have been great and made a really good start. We
have faltered a bit in recent weeks with losing a few, but some of those
were against top sides. I have to say this was one of the most disappointing
losses because, with no disrespect to Reading, we wanted to go there and
come away with at least a point. I think we did deserve that but, fair play
to them, they defended and saw it out until the end, so hats off to them.
"They didn't really have a lot of other chances that they created.Ginge's
[James Collins] unfortunate back pass led to their goal and it happens. We
are upset that we lost the game and the manner in which we lost it, but we
have to keep our heads up and have Norwich at home on New Year's Day and
have got to be looking to put the record straight there."
Nolan said the return of Vaz Te and more match action at the Madejski
Stadium for Jack Collison were huge positives for the side. With Andy
Carroll, Mohamed Diame and George McCartney also hoping to return early in
the New Year, the captain said West Ham would look to start 2013 as they
mean to go on.
"It was good to see Vaz back - he is really important for us and that was a
huge positive and hopefully in the next few weeks we will see more lads
back. That will certainly help us as we look to pick up points again, which
we are fully capable of doing."
A busy January schedule will see Sam Allardyce's men host Manchester United
in the FA Cup third round in between league matches with Norwich and at
Sunderland and Nolan said there is no time to rest. Although the Hammers
skipper will have to sit out Tuesday's match, he will be illustrating the
spirit in the squad by supporting his team-mates and says there is a strong
sense of belief. "You hear people say that this is a critical part of the
season. Look, every part of the season is critical and at the end of the
day, you can't for a minute take your foot off the gas in the Premier
League. "We are going through a little sticky patch but we are confident we
can carry on looking up and not down. You look over your shoulder of course,
but we have belief that we won't be dragged into that and, as I said, we are
confident we can start picking up points again. "This is what we are here
for, got promoted for - to be in the Premier League. All the hard work, grit
and determination, that is what we have to show in the next month now, to
show why we are here, and I am sure we will. "We have had a decent start and
I think if you had given us that at the start of the season, those points at
this stage, we would have taken it. That is how we have to look at it, we
have to go for another 23 points and more in the next half of the season. It
will be tough, but we are more than capable of doing it."
As January begins, the speculation starts as to which players may come and
go from different clubs. Nolan said that, if there were to be any arrivals,
they would be a welcome boost, but it was also the case of the players
already here continuing to their jobs to keep the club in a good position.
"The Joint-Chairmen did some fantastic business in the last transfer window.
They supported Sam massively and there is nothing better than seeing a few
new faces coming into the training ground, so hopefully that might be the
case again. "But if not, we have the resources to work with, with the squad
we have. If we can keep everyone fit, then we can carry on what we have done
well already and to get into that top ten and finish in there."
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Vaz Te: I 'let the team down'
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 30th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te held his hands up and admitted he should have scored late on
in yesterday's 1-0 defeat at Reading. The Portuguese forward, who made his
long-awaited return from injury as a second half substitute for Gary O'Neil
missed a glaring opportunity to level the scores after being set up by Matt
Jarvis.
The winger's deep cross found Vaz Te four yards from goal and unmarked at
the far post, but he could only nod the ball wide of its intended target
despite having the entire frame of the goal to aim at. "I'm just very
disappointed. I felt like I should have done better and I should have
scored. There was no excuse for that," he told whufc.tv. "I felt like I let
everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "It was a
great chance - the easiest chance I will ever have to score and I should
have put it in the back of the net. I'm obviously very disappointed so I'm
going to strive to do better next time. "I'm going to keep work and keep
improving and as my fitness picks up, I will surely do better. I was just
very disappointed to let the team down."
Despite making his comeback having finally recovered from the dislocated
shoulder that has kept him sidelined since the beginning of October, the
26-year-old admitted that he was far from fully fit - and is unlikely to
start against Norwich on New Year's Day. "I'm not sure I am ready to start
yet; I have only trained the past week and I didn't play any games before,"
he mused. "I played for 20 minutes at Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm
just going to keep training to get my fitness as quick as possible.
"Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's the
gaffer's choice I will always do my best."
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Ricardo Vaz Te accepts blame for West Ham's defeat at Reading
Last Updated: December 30, 2012 2:09pm
SSN
West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te has shouldered the blame for the 1-0 defeat
at Reading on Saturday. Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the only goal of the game
for the Royals in the fifth minute but Vaz Te missed a glorious chance to
equalise for the Hammers after being introduced from the bench with 23
minutes remaining. The 26-year-old, who was making his first appearance
since dislocating a shoulder against Arsenal on 6 October, headed Matt
Jarvis' cross wide of the post from just four yards out when completely
unmarked. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce later labelled it "the easiest chance
to score a goal you'll ever see in a Premier League football match". "I felt
like I should have done better and I should have scored, there was no excuse
for that," Vaz Te told West Ham's website. "I'm just very disappointed with
the result, especially after coming on and having a great chance to score.
"I'm just really disappointed I couldn't make it for the lads. I felt like I
let everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "I'm
going to keep working and keep improving and as my fitness picks up, I will
surely do better. "I'm not sure I am ready to start yet. I have only trained
the past week and I didn't play any games before. I played for 20 minutes at
Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm just going to keep training to get my
fitness as quick as possible. "I will do my best if the gaffer decides to
put me on. Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's
the gaffer's choice I will always do my best, like I said."
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Are These Our January Transfer Targets?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Sports Mail have published a peice suggesting that West Ham's January
transfer targets are: Givet from Blackburn Rovers, Kaolou from Lille and
Chamakh from Arsenal. Givet is in the final year of his contract at
Blackburn and could be available for a nominal fee. The French defender can
play both at centre half and full-back, so would bring a utility value to
the squad. While, it is thought that West Ham will seek to secure both Kalou
and Chamakh, from their respective clubs, on loan until the end of the
season, with possible permanent deals following in the summer. Kalou could
be a useful signing and would fit well in Sam Allardyce's preferred 4-3-3
system, having operated successfully in that type of formation at Chelsea.
While Chamakh has largely disappointed at Arsenal, but they do not
necessarily employ a formation that plays to the strikers strengths. Would
Chamakh prove a better fit at Allardyce's West Ham?
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are suggesting that West Ham are targeting a move
for Blackburn Rover's former England international keeper, Paul Robinson.
Like Givet, Allardyce worked with Robinson previously at Blackburn and
apparently rates him highly. The Mirror article also suggests Allardyce is
looking to off-load Maiga in January. If that was true, why did we reject
the offer from Marsailles for a part-exchange deal, involving Remy? This
supposes, of course, that such an offer was actually made?
Based on these stories, which we should not accept uncritically, Givet and
Kalou could be good potential sigings. However, I am not totally convinced
that Chamakh is the proven goal scorer that we desperately need. He
previously had a good goal scoring record in France andit is a matter of
whether Allardyce could get the best out of him? The Anelka to West Ham
rumours continue to circulate and there is a suggestion that West Ham
officials have met with the player to discuss terms. Anelka is another
former player that Allardyce also rates highly, having worked productively
with him at Bolton.
Time will tell if these stories have any basis in fact.
SJ. Chandos.
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No Need to Hit the Panic Button Just Yet!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The result against Reading was very disappointing. Collin's error gifted
Reading a 5th minute lead that they scarcely deserved. Indeed, apart from
that one event of note, the remainder of the first half was largely a
non-event. In the second half, we made changes and largely took control. A
pattern emerged of West Ham dominating possession and Reading putting nine
men behind the ball. And their attacking threat was largely restricted to
trying to hit us on the counter-attack. It was a strange half because it was
almost as if we were the home team. Unfortunately, for all our possession
and the creation of some decent chances, we were ultimately unable to
equalize.
That point blank miss by Vaz Te was certainly something to behold. It was
one of those situations where it was easier to score than miss! Vaz Te has
been out since October and the reactions are probably a bit rusty, but one
would think that a striker would have finished that chance purely from
memory! Still, what's done is done and we must hope that Vaz Te keeps his
post-match promise to make up for it in the next few matches. Both Maiga and
Collins also had good chances to score, but it was not to be on the day.
Indeed, on another day we would have won the match based on our second half
domination and chances created.
On the plus side, both Collison and Vaz Te made first team returns.
Collison, in particular, made a good impression, on his return, after being
out so long. Reid continued his, season long, excellent form at the back;
and Noble had a good game in the middle of the park. On the down side, both
Collins and Nolan are now suspended for the Norwich City match. So, it seems
that, we get two players back from injury, only to then lose two to
suspension. Yet, it will give James Tomkins the opportunity to return to his
proper position, at centre half, and renew his partnership with Reid.
Tomkins must take the chance with both hands and make himself first choice
for the remainder of the season. The absence of Nolan may well mean that Sam
Allardyce will change his formation against Norwich City. Perhaps he will
switch to a 4-4-2, with Collison-Noble-O'Neill-Jarvis across the middle and
Maiga partnering Cole up front? We shall see? But it is possible that the
suspensions of Collins and Nolan will force Allardyce's hand, to make
changes, and provide the shake up that we probably need?
I am sure that the more alarmist and sensationalist elements are frantically
hitting the panic buttons after Saturday's defeat. There is no doubt that
since the Chelsea victory we have experienced a minor dip in results. But if
you look at recent matches, we were extremely unlucky not to emerge with
points from the Liverpool and Everton home games. They were close games,
where fate intervened at crucial junctures, to contribute to narrow 2-3 and
1-2 defeats. As I feared pre-match, we played the 'fall guys' once again in
the Reading match, but our second half display would normally have earnt us
a share of the spoils. And this has occurred within the context of an injury
crisis that has seriously stretched the playing resources of our squad.
There was always going to hit a 'rough patch' at some point this season and
it could have been far worse, considering the series of tough matches in
this second phase of the season up to the New Year. Yet, we have taken 9
valuable points and, even though we have lost three of our last four
matches, we have remained competitive and the results have been close. If we
were getting battered 3-0 or 4-0 every match, it would be a different
matter, but that is not currently the case.
No, during a dip in results, it is crucial that the management and squad
buckle down and play their way out of it. Things are not critical yet, we
are on 23 points and in 12th position. Win a New Year's Day, against Norwich
City, and talk of a so-called 'crisis' will abate. Indeed, in this respect
the Norwich City game could be a pivotal fixture. Win and it will help us
get back on track and allay any anxiety amongst the supporters. Lose and
everyone will start looking nervously over their shoulder, fearing the
worst. That is not to say that there are not issues that need to be
addressed, particularly the need to strengthen key positions in the squad.
We must sign a minumum of a full-back, a forward and a striker and they must
be top quality players that significantly improve what we already have! In
particular, we ideally need a proven goal scorer, who can score 15-20 goals
a season; which is undoubtedly going to cost.
Do some good business in the January window and we can refocus and
re-vitalize our efforts in the second half of the season. But more
immediately, it is crucial that we take the three points on New Years Day
and it would be nice if the team went about the task with pace, passion and
commitment. Norwich City have hit form of late and they have some dangerous
players, but the game is winnable. We need to dominate from the first
whistle and serve up a morale boosting victory, especially for those feint
hearts amongst us! COYI !
Finally, there were reports in today's papers that QPR have submitted a
£3.5m bid for Mo Diame, to activate the alleged release clause in his
contract. Are the reports true? Who knows, at this stage, but I would think
that Diame would be most ill-advised to go there! There are alternative
reports circulating that West Ham are engaged in discussions with Diame
regarding a new, improved contract. Lets hope that the latter reports prove
to be true!
SJ. Chandos.
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Upton sparks: Big Sam looks to get Robinson IN and Maiga OUT
The Mirror
30 Dec 2012 22:30
Laurence Griffiths
Sam Allardyce will offer Paul Robinson an escape route from Blackburn in
January. West Ham boss Allardyce is tipped to bid for the former England
keeper as back-up for No.1 keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. He is a big fan of
Robinson after working with him at Blackburn and hopes to take advantage of
the current turmoil at Ewood Park. Robinson, 33, has also interested LA
Galaxy and Fulham. But Allardyce is looking to off-load striker Modibo
Maiga, hit and miss since joining from Sochaux at the start of the season.
Marseille are keen to sign the Mali international.
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Hammer blow for Norwich as injuries hit
SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER 2012
The Independent
Norwich City face being without their two senior strikers and a key
midfielder as they attempt to end a losing run of three games at West Ham on
New Year's Day. Grant Holt, the captain, missed Saturday's 4-3 defeat by
Manchester City with a hamstring strain and his replacement in the 4-4-1-1
system, Steve Morison, limped off just before half-time. The young Tottenham
loanee Harry Kane came on for him, before Simeon Jackson appeared as an even
later substitute.
Chris Hughton, the Norwich manager, revealed he may have to do without both
Holt and Morison for the trip to Upton Park. The defensive midfielder
Bradley Johnson is suspended, and will be missing for the first time this
season.
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Hughton and Allardyce left to struggle with their numbers as mid-winter
aches and pains are matched by five yellows and match bans
Mon 31 Dec 12 by Rick Waghorn
City boss Chris Hughton readily admitted that his squad would be down to
some pretty bare bones for tomorrow's trip to West Ham United as a
combination of niggling injuries and suspensions took their toll. Bradley
Johnson's fifth yellow card – just 48-hours before the mid-season 'amnesty'
– ensures that the combative Canary midfielder will miss the trip to Upton
Park, while both skipper Grant Holt and Steve Morison have to be doubtful
with their hamstring and thigh complaints respectively. The eye-catching
nature of Jonny Howson's second-half performance against Manchester City on
Saturday should cover for Johnson's one-match ban; the bigger concern is up
top where minus Holt and Morison, Hughton will be left with little
alternative but to place his faith in 19-year-old Spurs youngster Harry
Kane. Wes Hoolahan, Alexander Tettey, Anthony Pilkington and Robert
Snodgrass all look set in stone team-wise; Simeon Jackson may well have to
wait his chance again on the bench. "We'll asses Steve afterwards," was
Hughton's immediate reaction to Morison's 44th minute exit.
"He just felt his thigh, so we'll have to see. And Grant [Holt] will be
touch and go. We'll just have to assess it over the next couple of games,
but hopefully we'll get Grant back." And if not? "If not then it's always an
opportunity for somebody else," Hughton told BBC Radio Norfolk.
And then there was Johnson, whose temper was not helped by Vincent Kompany's
4th minute challenge that via Edin Dzeko's subsequent second goal, set the
early foundation for Manchester City's 4-3 success. "It is a test of the
depth of our squad," the Canary chief admitted, as Norwich look to end a run
of three, straight festive defeats at West Ham. Had Johnson kept his nose
clean booking-wise for those 90 minutes then the slate would have been wiped
clean. As it was and once the yellow mist descended, so Norwich were left to
pay a one-match penalty. But Hughton was clearly loathe to break up such a
solid formula at the heart of his team – particularly with a character the
size of Holt already out of the running. "We knew that was a risk with Brad
[Johnson]. But it was a risk that we thought was worth taking today because
we knew that Grant [Holt] was missing as well, we were very keen to keep the
spine of the team. "But I thought when Jonny Howson came on he showed what a
good player he is."
The plus side, of course, is that the Canaries are not alone in having a few
headaches player-wise. Bookings for both James Collins and Kevin Nolan in
the Hammers' 1-0 away defeat at Reading on Saturday will find both joining
Norwich's Johnson on the sidelines.
Like Norwich, Sam Allardyce's troops have been somewhat becalmed of late;
they too will be looking to return to winning ways after the earlier home
defeat by Everton. They have also picked up some big injuries – John Ruddy's
three-month absence for the Canaries being matched by that of Mohamed Diame
who tore his hamstring in the 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool at the start of
December.
"We shot ourselves in the foot from the early stages," bemoaned Allardyce
afterwards, as Pavel Pogrebnyak's early strike proved decisive. "James
Collins has been solid for us this season but he made a basic error and they
took full advantage. The Hammers, he said, needed to pick up a result.
Sooner rather than later, ideally, as the drop zone just started to beckon.
Like the Canaries, a little bit of clear blue water is what Allardyce wants
between the Hammers and the Villas, the Sunderlands, the Wigans and the
Readings down below. QPR look doomed – whatever the ever-confident Harry
Redknapp may claim.
"We are slipping back down that way now and that is going to put pressure on
us," Allardyce told the BBC. "We are bitterly disappointed not to come away
with a point and now we are without James (Collins) and Kevin (Nolan)
through suspension for an important game against Norwich."
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Hammers eye move for Rovers defender Givet and wants strikers Kalou and
Chamakh
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are weighing up a move for Blackburn Rovers French defender Gael
Givet, 31, who is out of contract in the summer. Manager Sam Allardyce
remains keen on a loan for Lille forward Salomon Kalou and Arsenal striker
Marouane Chamakh. Leeds will compete with Norwich City for Brighton striker
Craig Mackail-Smith. Swansea are hopeful of signing Bristol City winger
Albert Adomah for £3m. Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is talking
terms with Motherwell winger Jamie Murphy after agreeing a £100,000 fee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce slams 'unprofessional' Nolan and Collins after they pick up fifth
yellow cards in Reading defeat
By SAM CUNNINGHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce blasted two of his key players who picked up yellow cards
against Reading that will force them to miss their New Year's Day match with
Norwich. Captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Collins have been at the
heart of West Ham's season but will miss their match against Norwich on
Tuesday as they serve a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow
cards. If they had not been booked on Saturday the suspension threshold
would been have extended to 10 yellow cards.
The Hammers have struggled with injuries this season and only two weeks ago
they could not name a full list of substitutes against West Brom. Nolan was
booked with 10 minutes to play for a late challenge on Hal Robson-Kanu who
was breaking away inside his own half and Collins's yellow was for a late
challenge on Pavel Pogrebnyak – both needless tackles. And manager Allardyce
branded the two players 'unprofessional' for picking up a fifth booking this
season so close to the deadline. The 58-year-old said: 'Suddenly Norwich
becomes a test of nerve – we are now in our worst run of results this
season, and the unprofessionalism of players, due to frustration, means we
are now without our captain and James Collins on New Year's Day through
suspension. 'Losing the game was hard enough, but to lose two key players in
the last game of the suspension period makes it even worse. If they had got
booked on Tuesday, there's no suspension, but they go and get booked at
Reading and now we have to make do without them.' The yellow card compounded
a particularly bad afternoon for Collins. The centre back was one of West
Ham's best players in reducing Reading to a single shot on target – but it
was his glaring mistake that handed them that chance that resulted in the
winner. On five minutes Collins played a woefully short pass back to Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Pogrebnyak ran on to the ball and finished one-on-one with
the goalkeeper.
The result was only Reading's second win in the league this season against a
team they came up with from the Championship. West Ham are now only six
points clear of the relegation zone following a run of one win in eight
matches. They have lost five of their last seven games and Allardyce
admitted they are starting to worry about Premier League survival. But his
captain Nolan insisted that during the previous four seasons no-one outside
of the top four are safe in the Barclays Premier League until close to the
end of the campaign. The 30-year-old said: 'In the Premier League no matter
where you are unless it's two games to go and you're in the top 10 you don't
not look behind you.
'I think if you can include Everton [and Arsenal] with the top four all the
rest of the teams could be around [the relegation place], a few losses and
you're all dragged back into it. 'It's just the way it is, the way the
league has been the last three or four years.' He added: 'We're on 23
points, it's been a decent start, if you'd offered us that at the beginning
of the season we would've taken it. That's how we've got to look at it.
'We've got to go for another 23 points and plus that for the next half of
the season which is going to be tough but we're more than capable of doing
it.'
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