Outplayed, outclassed, outcommitted. Deservedly beaten. Could anyone seriously disagree? This was a game only one West Ham player turned up for. The only consolation one can draw from it is that we didn’t lose by more. It was that bad. Only James Tomkins can hold his head up and think, yep, I dod OK today. I lost count of the times the commentator said “away by Tomkins”. But apart from him, no one really pulled their weight. Upson looked laclustre, although he didn’t actually do anything wrong. Faubert put in some effort but achieved little. Spector looked dodgy when he came on for Ilunga, although to be fair Lennon didn’t get too much past him.
In midfield Parker went off with a pulled hamstring after ten minutes and we never really recovered. Kovac was back to his very worst. Collison was largely anonymous and Behrami is still feeling his way back. Franco looked dead on his feet for most of the game. It was his most ineffectual game so far for West Ham. I can almost forgive him for being booked and therefore suspended for the Arsenal game as he clearly needs a rest. But that booking means we have no front line strikers available on Sunday, so we have to assume that Frank Nouble will be thrown in at the deep end.
I have to say this. I don’t like Diamanti. I don’t like his attitude and I think he has shown very little in his time with us, apart from an ability to score a penalty and hit a dead ball. Today he disappeared for large parts of the game and towards the end became petulent. He was deservedly booked for hacking at Huddlestone. Players like him need to step up to the plate. Jimenez is just not Premier league class. He did nothing today. Literally nothing. If we can send him back to Italy in the transfer window we should grab the chance.
And Robert Green. England’s Number One? Not on current form. I have been worried about him for some time. Today his kicking was all over the place and his general play wasn’t much better. If he wants to remain in the England squad he had better look to his laurels.
Spurs look a very decent side and this victory propels them into third place. it pains me to say it, but on this showing they deserve to be where they are. And on this showing, we deserve to be where we are.
I fear for what might happen on Sunday. Assuming Ilunga and Parker remain out, and Noble is unfit, we face having a midfield of Behrami, Kovac, Collison, Stanislas, with Nouble playing alongside Diamanti up front and Spector filling in for Ilunga. I reckon that could we the weakest side West Ham have fielded for a good many years.
I feel thoroughly depressed.
Green 5
Ilunga 6
Spector 6
Upson 6
Tomkins 9
Faubert 7
Kovac 4
Jimenez 3
Behrami 6
Collison 5
Diamanti 6
Franco 5
UPDATE: I have just heard Gianfranco say “I am delighted by the performance of the team”. Was he watching a different game to the rest of us? Quite unbelievable. “We played with a passion and a spirit. We created some chances and we looked all right.” He should take off the rose tinted spectacles. Yes, the second half was better than the first, but we didn’t create a single cast iron chance. We looked far from all right. You know me, I am normally an optimistic sort, but there is only one word for this performance and that is ‘depressing’.
I was at the game, and so spared the drip drip drip of sky commentary. I have to say that although the first half was grim as the departure of Parker seemed to knock the stuffing from the team, the second half was not too bad, and until the second goal went in I was daring to hope for a 1-1 draw. We rode our luck, sure, but that's sometimes what you do. Let's face it. if Modric has struck his shot cleanly Green would have saved the first goal, and the Defoe was lucky that his first shot went clean back to him off the keeper (although his follow up was a belter). It comes down to that kind of margin, and in game where no-one in his right mind could have expected very much it's not perhaps the out and out disaster some of the comment might suggest.
O what difference a Parker makes.
the only plus today was Tomkins for me. is jimenez on loan till jan or the end of the season?
i am looking forward to seeing Dixon and nouble tho.
Overall I would have to agree with Iain. I watched the match on a stream, but not the one with Alan Smith. Yes, West Ham were unfortunate with the injuries and the circumstances of the goals, but we should not forget that Tottenham dominated proceedings for most of the match.
Jimenez was again disappointing. I think we can see why Inter were quite happy to offload him to another club to see if he really has what it takes to make the grade. So far, I think many of the Upton Park faithful would vote in the negative.
I think some of the posters are being a bit harsh on Jonathan Spector. Not West Ham's best player, but not the worst to don the great shirt. He has been used to fill in any number of holes in the back four, and perhaps that has not allowed to find a settled role in the side. In the Confederations Cup this summer for the USA I thought he looked more than a competent player. I thought he actually did better in dealing with Lennon than Ilunga did. By the way, where was Ilunga for Tottenham's first goal? It would be a shame that certain sections should reserve for Spector the same vitriol that has been directed towards Matthew Upson for much of this season so far.
Where I find myself agreeing the most with Iain is in his assessment of Diamanti. For me, so far, he has flattered to deceive. He has a sweet left foot and he has dispatched his penalties with aplomb, but other than his second half substitution against Arsenal he has hardly bossed matches, say in the way that Huddlestone did for Spurs today. His attitude is a cause for concern too. At the end of the match when he lost the ball for, who knows how many times in the game, he gave up and started shouting numerous invectives that would get him banned from this site! Did Alan Smith translate those? Zola then had to come to the touchline and shout "Forza!" and encourage him to get on with the game and not lose heart. Diamante needs to get behind the team and his manager because the last time that we had a petulant Italian forward in the side was the last time that West Ham got relegated.
Good comments. I rewound the tape because I also wondered where Ilunga was and watched what happened on the goal. Lennon started his run 60 YARDS from goal on his own side. Ilunga had five yards on him, and within 15 had simply disappeared. More shockingly, Upson had 20 YARDS (!) on Lennon, came over for appropriate cover, and was simply destroyed by Lennon's pace. Tomkins finally had to drift over, leaving Crouch and Modric to clean up. I think ALL of the England center halfs can now be beaten for pace: Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Lescott, etc. and is a huge weakness for Capello!
Totally agree on england….but although i dont rate our chances.. if you look at the fixtures plan…if they win the group they could get to the semi final. Our c/def's lack pace and will get exposed against the top side's in WC. Torres and Villa would eat them for breakfast if we played spain.
Looking forward to summer after this season…light relief if nothing else.
If we were offered 4 points before these 3 games i think we all would of taken them,any points taken off the top 6 have to be considered as bonus points,i do'nt think you'll need 40 points to stay up this year so if we can improve our points tally for the second half of the season just a little i think we will be fine.I was'nt expecting anything from this game so lets just move on,chrimbo has not been a disaster it could have been alot worse.A happy new year to all lets hope for a better 2010! COYI
Well said. 4 points from the last three games is not bad. i would have been a bit more down if we did not have any. i think some other results went our way and our goal difference is not too bad.
Watching the likes of Tevez and Bellamy run around and play for Citeh emphasizes the point of class and matchwinners.Currently we have Scott Parker and the rest are mediocre it hurts to watch these two at another club,what we might have been is the question we will always be asking because quality is expensive and the people who have owned our club through its history have always sold and never wanted to build on what was created.
Unfortunately we are currently blessed with very average players and unfortunately Zola has to make do and try to transform some of them Cole,Faubert,Tomkins even Parker but he is faced with an impossible task if Cb holdings are considering selling these boys ,we badly need an owner who can see the big picture and fast!
I've never been a zola fan,but what else could he of done today, If he had gone for it with this personnel we would of been murdered,Kovac and Behrami in a 4 man midfield would of been slaughtered,only a fit west ham team like this could of gave spurs a good game.
………………Green………………..
faubert tomkins upson gabbidon/ilunga
…Dyer… parker…..collison……Lbm
……….Cole…………….Franco/Diamanti..
Chris you have about as much chance as seeing Lord Lucan riding a unicorn on the right wing for WestHam than Dyer. I know the thought of a match fit Kieron Dyer is impossible to leave out of a best 11 Hammers team but for me the guy shouldnt even be considered part of the club.
There is hardly a famous east end villan who has blagged more cash than he has from WestHam!
true.
January transfer window is very close, i personly see us getting ferraira as a deffinant and maybe wiltshere on loan, would both be good, just affording to do it is the problem, what does everyone think about robbie keane or pavelchenko (however you spell it haha) Maybe get both in some kind of deal or id man city want upson get garrido or richards or both lol in return. Could be interesting to see what happens in january. Just hope we don't have to sell to buy but it may be that we have to, but what good will that do. Ijust hope we can hang on to our team that we have and bring in 2 or 3 players to help. Upson will be tough to keep but we shall see.
LATEST NEWS:
Sky Sports News understands an American consortium are to make a £100 million bid for West Ham United next week.
London-based Inter Market have revealed they intend to lodge a bid for the Premier League strugglers next Monday and plan to provide funds for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola in January.
New York-born Jim Bowe is the chief executive of the company but several of the investors are believed to be West Ham supporters and are desperate to help the East Londoners out of the relegation battle which they have become embroiled in this season.
Inter Market are said to be keen to seal a deal for the Upton Park outfit as soon as possible so they can give Zola enough time to buy new players during the January transfer window.
It is believed CB Holdings, the company in control of West Ham, are looking favourably at the deal but are in no rush to sell after they rejected a previous bid by former Birmingham City co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan earlier in December.
Top news if it's true Braderz.. we need a boost so this would be great news if it comes off. I'll be crossing everything as today really proved how lightweight we are when we pick up a few injuries
Even those of us with the most obvious Claret and Blue tinted specs surely weren't expecting anything more than a point today? After a bad start to the game, and then losing our best and most important player, only a miracle would have seen us come away with anything today. I have only seen the highlights, but Tomkins looked excellent. Improving with every game, and better than Upson. I have only seen the MOTD highlights so don't really feel qualified to say too much at this stage, but is it just me who thinks Rob Green deserves to be DROPPED? I would love him to be Englands no1 but lately his form has been so poor that I think he struggling to hold the West Ham's no1 spot. Other than that, Kovac looked lost without Parker, and Jiminez needn't have bothered, so didn't! Another frustrating loss to Judas's Spuds, but I can understand that there are some positives to gain from this disappointing result. Behrami getting match fit, CC must be close too. Nouble & Dixon deserve a chance against Arsenal, Franco deserves a rest as does Parker.. but just hope he's back soon!! Under todays circumstances, could have been worse if we're all honest, and I do hate Spurs too !!
What does everyone think, top story on sky sports at the very minute, it succeds their 80 million price tage for the club which must be good. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be true. Lets hold out for this one as this seems our very best option.
Let me know what you all think….
Poor old Hairy is annoyed at the abuse Hammers fans gave him yesterday but he said he is not bothered.HARRY you working for our closest rivals is the red rag to a bull your not that stupid or are you?We need new owners in the January transfer window who have money and ambition,end of story!
The words 'loyalty' and morals do not compute with Arry. He'd flog his missus if she was worth anything, (but have you seen her)?? Wouldn't get much! The truth hurts sometimes but Harry doesn't give a monkeys about us. If he went to Chelsea next he'd say he's supported them all his life. The only positives for us are he'll probably leave Spurs broke when he leaves, as he's done to most of the Clubs he's been involved in. I work in Bournemouth and you should hear what they think of him, but Arry still thinks he's loved here too!! trust me, he's oblivious, but he doesn't care as long as he carries on fiddling and taking his alleged back-handers! The tax man could have a field day if Arry doesn't pay them off too!
There are few more sickening things than watching a truely vile man do well, and when he is in charge of the most vile club in any sport it makes it even worse.
I swear to god I would turn out for the Osama Bin Ladin All Stars before I would willingly set foot in WHL.
As for 'Arry, you know the saying I wouldnt p**s on him if he was on fire, well in Arry's case I would, just not enough to put him out!
Nice one Celtic, my sentiments exactly! The man exemplifies everything that is wrong with the game, and as for his sidekick KB he was recorded discussing a bung when he was on the south coast with arry. Why is he not banned from the game for life? The spuds and they are well suited.
Lets hope the taxman cometh with a vengance.
Braderz InterMarket have behaved in an upfront and above board manner from the outset. I am not going to read too much into the situation but they do sound like the best take over option available.
It is a shame that Tony Fernandes is unable to mount a complete buy out of the club but given InterMarkets business background they would be well suited to developing the project with WestHam
Yes very much same as me on this one celtichammer, they first braught it out to the media a few months ago, said they wanted to conclude a deal by the end of decemner and we may be in luck, they for me are the best option, better than the two idiots g&s. Intermarkets offer reaches valuation, well actually it exceeds it which must indicate how much they want the club, they have said they will give full backing to GZ and his team and also full backing to GZ in the transfer window to go out and buy players. For me if this happens, it will be excellent news and the one that i have been really waiting for.
Rubbish,total rubbish and the excuses coming out of zolas mouth are a joke.we had nothing in the final 3rd and in the middle of the park just kept giving the ball away.1 up front away from home is a complete waste of time and a negative tattic.
we may as well loose 5=0 but at least give it a go and not sit back and wait for the inevitable.
match stats….attempts on goal 21 to 3 from bbc.
Gotta say folks I'm posting after just over 12hrs on the booze but still what a shambles…haven't read any of the earlier posts but to be honest i'm still too angry…Gonna start off with the only positive I can from the game and Iain you're right Tompkins had a stormer…Rob Green should be ashamed of himself…England no,1…ask my left Bol>>>k (sry). Kovac wot a waste of air and I could go on…but more importantly and I don't kno if anyone else has noticed but what the heil is going on with all the Hamstring injuries… Gabbidon, Noble, Ilunga, Parker and even Dyer…wtf is going on with the warm up or training…beyond belief. Happy New Year all
Joe Hart would be a good buy as our new 1st choice keeper and he is a good age to develope with the other younger players.How good would it be to have a quality side with an average age of 23 – 24 and mostly home grown.we still have Payne,Lee,spence,N'gala,Nouble,Dixon etc etc.We just need to get through this season and stay in the league.the money WILL be avaliable in the summer as promised I'm sure.
I for one don't really appreciate the negativity being levied at a certain Alessandro Diamanti.
He was undoubtedly our best player in the away performances at both Birmingham and Bolton. Whilst his efforts may not have proved rich in terms of points returned, as a season ticket holder, when he gets on the ball, he's the only one who makes me think 'summinks on ere'…
He elucidates an aura of desire, endless endeavour, he shows an exquisite touch, gets the ball out of his feet quick, doesn't needlessly give the ball away (crucial in the PL), has delivered (although others haven't capitalised on) some outstanding through-balls and has a wicked left peg… (Without any great fortune on the goals return from open play, he is in fact extremely reminiscent of a certain Carlos Tevez)
Again, whilst there were notable performances elsewhere (especially in what became a decent spell in the second half when the spuds were sweating), Diamanti was our soletary threat today. Diamanti, and Collison in general too, seem almost afraid to pull to the trigger at times (clearly instructions from the management). But a lad of this one's capabilities needs to be encouraged to try his luck and, mark my words, sooner of later it will reap dividends.
Iain, I hate to break it to you, but you've got this one all shades of wrong.
Couldn't agree with you any more mate, well said.
Dremax. Don’t worry I’m not sure how much football Celtic has played. Anybody that has played the game or coach, understands that when an opponent is much faster than you, you must give them space and force them to their weak side, something illunga didn’t do. As far as crosses, Spector sent one in the box in the 70 minute that was one of the closest scoring chances whu had all game. Some people just don’t get it
Iain, I agree that Tomkins had a good game and was our best player but 9 means "exceptional" and he wasn't quite that as it is only one mark away from "world class".
I've given him 7 with Upson and Kovac 6 apiece. The remainder were below average so gave them 5s and, for Jiminez, a 4 along with Ilunga.
Kovac made some mistakes but he was the only midfielder who broke up the play at all.
The killer for us was the early goal as the plan was obviously to sit deep, frustrate the Spuds and hope to hit them on the break. The first goal put the mockers on that.
Playing high balls up to Franco was a waste of time. I can't remember King or Dawson missing one in the air but that's not surprising when they are both about 6 inches taller than Franco.
why has this game upset you so greatly iain, we have played far worse against vastly inferior opponents in recent games. Agree our midfield was anonymous but given the glut of possession Spurs had they rarely looked like scoring, our defence was excellent, not just Tomkins but Upson & Faubert also. what we wouldnt give for someone with the pace of Lennon. With the 11 we put on the pitch today we are not a top 6 side, Spurs are. We were away not at home, the important games are those against the other relegation battlers, lets target them. Wolves, Blacjburn & Pompey this month. Avoid relegation hopefully retain our squad thru Jan, sort out the ownership and debt and look to next season to build the squad and push towards the top.
Redknapp has made comments on the WHU fans on the treatment of him and fatboy! That is no excuse for him to show utter disrespect for our manager. When Zola went to shake his hand at the start of the match, he made no effort to stand up and greet him, look like Zola was surprised that Redknapp made no effort at all and just sat back on his well padded chair and put out a hand! I know we have other things to worry about at present but show some respect!
First half was a shambles but must be down to losing our best player by far.
Better second half and options divided over Diamanti but I like the guy – at least he offers something different. Agreed that Tomkins was outstanding but I thought all the defence was OK (even Spector). It was in midfield and especially up front that we kept losing the ball putting pressure on ourselves.
Hate to admit that Spurs are a decent team that their moronic fans don't deserve.
Good point Phil. We couldn't hold the ball when it went up front (high balls to Franco were a waste against two tall centre backs) so it kept coming back, putting more pressure on the defence. And Parker was obviously a great loss.
I see Redknapp has called the stick he got from West Ham fans "Filth"
He hasn't really done much to endear himself to West ham fans since he was here has he?
Oh and is there a more ungracious crass and vulgar group of supporter than Spurs.
They really are a hateful bunch aren't they?
My wish for the rest of the Premiership
West Ham to finish strongly up the table.
Tottenham to nosedive badly and miss out of the top 4 and europe all together.
Arsenal to Win the league – to twist the knife in the Spurs fan's off just that little bit more
Why so depressed ? when do we ever beat the yids ? the difference today fellas was a squad who has recieved 120 mil investment over 2 seasons against a squaud who has slowly been asset stripped , hardly rocket science now is it.
Braderz – touche
HAS ANYONE READ THIS THIS MORNING- REPORTED ON SKY. Why are we not commenting on this as this could be huge for our club. Please be true!!!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11685_5807…
Basically saying that we will receive a bid of 100million from Intermarket group by next week. Wouldn't that be the best New Year's present. Stable club with money to spend in January.
We have learned not to get too excited about such stories though haven't we?
Can only hope though
As if you have any value now? If you go down you are cheap. And you need £30m spent to but 3 good players. You have a load of injury prone tat.
Braderz – touche
HAS ANYONE READ THIS THIS MORNING- REPORTED ON SKY. Why are we not commenting on this as this could be huge for our club. Please be true!!!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11685_5807…
Basically saying that we will receive a bid of 100million from Intermarket group by next week. Wouldn't that be the best New Year's present. Stable club with money to spend in January.
We have learned not to get too excited about such stories though haven't we?
Can only hope though
You were bloody awful. The had nothing up front, nothing in midfield and at the back you were okay in parts.
Apologies if somebody has raised this in previous comments but I am at a loss to understand why we have so many injuries particularly Hamstrings. Surely this must be down to the backroom staff. I was under the impression that we had the best there was to be had from Italy yet our players are falling like flies.
We can buy/loan all the players going in January but if the basics aren't there in fitness etc.. then we are wasting our money.
Back to the match considering the aforementioned injuries to Illunga and Parker we did'nt do too bad against a team seeking a top 4 postion containing players assembled for a price we could only dream about.
Lastly the management team need to get inside Greens head as the man seems to have lost all his confidence. He should have done better stopping Defoe's first shot and his kicking gets worse each game.
Watched the game once again this morning and still came up with same conclusion, worst passing game I had seen this season. Reading the prior posts, makes me wonder if celtichammer has ever played or coached the game. If you play an opponent who is much faster (Lennon), you (Spector) always give him space and force him to cover. Not dive in like illunga did and give an easy goal. Celtic, if you would like to pick on a defender, why not start with the captain matty upson. He got roasted twice on both goals, and has been a mainstay this season in the middle. Thats were you start the blame. If Rio can not start this summer, England will be in trouble with upson in their. The only defender who played well monday was tompkins, the rest all had their issues
arsenal will be without walcott,dennilson,eboue(acn),bendtner, van persie and fabregas……and you lot want to play a reserve team…unbelievable.
We have a great chance of knocking them out at home (5/1 to win us), we can beat a top 4 side (improve confidence), live on tv….we will get real bad publicity if we field weakened side and break the competition rules. The top teams get away with it…wolves didn't in league…we wont. What if we field a reserve team and get charged by FA…poss ban from competition or fined. We will also cut off a potential revenue supply from a cup run. Also if a family of four pay say 160 pounds to attend the game, how will they react to watching the reserves ???? it could cause a riot, be bad for our image and put the press on our backs even more.
Besides that we can win it….IMO