It always seems to happen to West Ham. They face a team that cannot buy a win or an opposition striker that cannot hit the side of a very large barn and ….. The opposition team turn us over or the misfiring striker scores the winning goal! This seems to be some sort of perverse, unwritten law where West Ham are concerned!
Burnley are essentially a Championship quality side, who last won a PL match on 31 October 2009. They have three or four half decent players. Jensen is a solid keeper, Mears is a decent right-back on his day, Robbie Blake is a good pro and Stephen Fletcher is a centre forward of some promise. However, the rest of their squad are arguably Championship journeymen. The Hammers squad is far superior in all respects and that is why we should have won this match at a canter.
So, why did West Ham start so slowly and allow them to grab the early initiative that ultimately led to our defeat? We were on the back foot for the first 20 minutes or so, during which time we went behind to a goal that was, quite frankly, a total embarrassment. Upson mistimed the bounce, allowing Nugent to nip in front of him and lobbed Green to find the net.
From about the 30th minute, West Ham began taking control and put mounting pressure on Burnley’s dodgy defence. As a result, Burnley increasingly demonstrated the fragility that will probably see them relegated come May (other PL teams are not going to be as generous as the Hammers!).
Talking of generosity, what on earth was Collison doing laying hands on Mears to concede the free kick for their second. It just made no sense whatsoever. Then enter Danny Fox, to convert a stunning free-kick that Beckham would probably not even have attempted! I reckon Fox could not repeat that strike in a month of Sky Sports Super Sundays. This second goal on 55 minutes came totally out of the blue and against the run of play.
On another day, West Ham might have repeated the 5 goals that they scored against Owen Coyle’s Burnley at Upton Park. McCarthy had one cleared off the line, Parker had a shot turned around the post by Jensen, Stanislas’ excellent free kick came off the cross bar and Mido hit the post in the final minutes. As it was, our only reward was substitute Ilan’s impressive opportunistic goal in the 80th minute.
Were we unlucky? Yes, most definitely. But how long can we keep putting up with hard luck stories. We need the side to play with pace and purpose from the kick-off to the final whistle and ruthlessly convert the chances that they are carving out. If you want positives from the Burnley match, it lies in the match statistics. We had 53% of the play and made 20 attempts on goal. We carved Burnley open time and again, in the second half, and there were indicators from this match that McCarthy, Mido and Ilan will combine well with Cole, to give us an improved cutting edge.
However, the time for hard luck stories and ’should have beens’ are well and truly over. Birmingham City are a team playing way above themselves this season. Alex McLeish has moulded them into a competent enough unit, but they are nothing special. We can and should beat them at Upton Park.
If he is fit, Herita Illunga needs to come in at left-back on Wednesday. Valon Behrami should play on the right side of midield and provide the defensive cover to allow Faubert to push forward to deliver telling balls in to the box. It’s a judgement call I know, but either Diamanti or Stanislas should play on the left in place of Jack Collison, who looks distinctly ‘out of sorts’ at the moment. And Noble and Parker should continue in the centre of midfield. Noble to have the holding role, while Parker drives the team forward. Up front, Cole should partner McCarthy again if the latter is fit. If not, then we should consider starting the sharp looking Ilan.
I would also like to see us be a bit more direct in getting the ball in to the box. I am a devotee of our passing game, but we do tend to over-elaborate at times. We need to know when to pass and when to go more direct and mix it up a bit more.
Our season will ultimately be decided by our ability to win our home games. We have winnable home matches against against Brum, Hull, Bolton, Wolves, Stoke City, Sunderland, Wigan and Man City. That’s 24 points up for grabs. In addition, we should be looking for realistic away wins against Fulham and Everton (6 points) and anything earnt from the away fixtures against the likes of Man Utd, Chelski and Liverpool would be a much welcome bonus.
We need 19 points to reach the magic 40 mark and we have to start the process of accruing those points against Birmingham City! So lets get behind Zola and the team and roar them to the three points on Wednesday that will kick start the run of victories will guaratee our PL safety.
SJ. Chandos.
SJ,
I still feel the Gollivans have alot to answer to for their outburst in the media last week … our two best players in January are too expensive and that Dyer costs too much and should reitire … it is the only explanation for the lack of fight …
As for you selection I think GFZ needs to be far more ruthless now … Noble and Collison look tired and off the pace … when Parker palys Noble doesn't seem to know his roll … Collison just seems to have lost his purpose … and understandably so considering his inspiration isn't in the stands anymore week in week out …
If Illunga isn't fit then Daprella has to play and if Diamante isn't fit then wee need to go at Brum 4-3-3 …
Green
Specter-Upson-Tomkins-Daprella
Faubert-Parker-Berahmi-Diamante
Cole-Ilan
if he goes 4-3-3 the Faubert to RB and go with Noble in the middle three with Diamante behind the front two ..
Hey soldier, I dont know about your side I just think against Bham Diamanti might be a bit of a liability on the left unless he plays off the front 2 near the end of the game (remember Everton at home earlier in season) and as such I wouldnt start with him. Our team is calling our for a player like a fit Kieron Dyer (yes he once was fit) to go wide, we are easy to defend against as Jack and Valum both keep coming inside instead of staying wide. I do agree with Scottie and Valum in the centre of the park and my wide men would be Junior & Dyer (wouldnt that be great!!). Without that then I can see Kovac coming back in and that might allow Diamanti to play behind front 2. . .
Green, Faubert, Illunga, Upson, Tompkins, Kovac, Parker, Behrami, Diamanti, Ilan, Cole
You have taken to much notice of Celtics crusade against Sullivan and Gold. You have even started to use his nickname for them. Get real, blame them if you want but they didn't select the side or turn them out on the pitch half asleep fr the first twenty minutes
SJ…I think we are all getting pretty tired making excuses and attempting to fathom why we are not clicking this season. Groundhog Day has nothing on us.
I agree with you that we have to sacrifice some of our passing game in favour of getting it into the box. Even pass-masters Arsenal are realising possession is no good without a end product.
I will take issue on the magic 40 point for safety mark. I reckon 36 or 37 might be enough this season.
Every fan has got behind Zola and the team but if you cant win must win 6 point games against Pompey,Blackburn and Burnley we must have a crap team managed by a naive uninspiring management team those 3 sides are awful we are equal or worse.Zola has to win at home or relegation is inevitable but the passion,agression and skill is not there and if Zola and Clarke cant produce that get someone who has that ability to do so but I hope after wednesday everyone can at least go to work feeling happy because we have not had too much of that luxury for a long while since we have not won a game this year!
Personally I'm looking forward to Wednesday's game with great anticipation.
I think the Burnley game has been dissected enough now – time to move on.
4-4-2
Green
Faubert ( RB ) , Upson ( CB ) , Tomkins ( CB ) , Spector ( LB )
Behrami ( RM ) , Parker ( CM ) , Collison ( CM ) , Stanislas ( LM )
Cole ( CF ) , McCarthy ( CF )
Parker has been massively successful at winning/picking the ball up deep and getting attacks going by simple give and goes, turning and running with the ball or spraying it wide. I realise that, with the above team, he'd have to offer some protection to the defence but I don't see that he can't cover as well as get forward.
It's clear the work-rate needs to be upped again. Something like the levels that we hit for the first 70 mins of the cup game vs Arsenal – but for 90 mins this time please fellas.
Prediction – 2-1 to the Mighty Hammers.
COYI!
Gav, I'd really like to see Faubert have a run on the right of midfield … move Berahmi inside and let Parker kick off and go for it … we need to get at them early and maintain it … Bowyer versus Parker will be fun to watch
couldn't agree more mate. That's exactly what I would do. The last couple of weeks have surely showed that Faubert is being wasted at right back.
Not a bad shout Tom. I agree and disagree for the following reasons.
Yes because he's starting to show us what he can do going forward.
No because we'd be weaker at RB for it and one of our attack minded midfielders would have to make way for him.
Perhaps a 5-3-2, with Faubert (RWB) , Tomka (RCB) , Upson (CB) , Spector (LCB) and Ilunga/Daprela (LWB) at the back would be worth considering but I'm going to stick with my original preferrence chap.
Just as an aside – I hope this blog post doesn't descend in to another petty, bickering, wind-up session. This is the best Sports blog on line because of the mature way in which people put their views and opinions forward. As far as I'm concerned the pathetic name calling and immature comments, often nothing to do with West Ham in any way, are not welcome.
Hear hear Gav .. its been undersatndably emotiontional these last 24 hours … a touch close to the bone but its about the older bloggers educating the newer ones, I hope Matt has a good nights sleep and comes back tomorrow
Agree totally!
Totally agree Gav. The excellent observations from many true Hammers will win through on this site. There are so many opinions that I love on this site. Yourself, Matt, Headmaster, Lofty, Soldier Tom, Braderz, Aussie,SJC and even Celtic, to name but a few, and there are many I've missed but the main thing I find with most bloggers on here is how much we all care for our club, and despite differing opinions on selections etc, we all want what is best for our club. Long may this continue.
Thankyou HammerRay, supporting a club is extremely difficult but very enjoyable also, we have had so many good things happen but also a lot of bad things happen to this club and it is just so nice to get lots of opinions from other people and you also find out things that you didn't even know which is good. I like posting on here because you are talking to loads of other true west ham supporters and it is just really good to hear what everyone has to say. We have often got a few idiots on here before like for example that one muppet that came on here a few weeks back and started saying 'GERRARD GERRARD' and you just think, for god sake m8 just get lost lol but i keep posting anyway and do my best to igore things like that. Long live WHTID.
That's the best policy Braderz – Ignore them and they go fishing elsewhere.
There's the nub of it Ray – we're all West Ham fans wanting the club we love to do well.
There's some great debate on here and I enjoy most of the exchanges of opinion.
Well said Gav, the extreme views and personal comments should be ignored and not responded too at all.
We lose on wednesday Zola should lay in bed all day with the lights out!
Graham, lets not forget here, Brum are an in form quality side … it'll be our toughest match this year …
Ilunga or Daprela for Spector and I’ll agree with you Gav.
yes. for god’s sake it has to be ilunga or deprela at LB. anyone know how good daprela is going forward? we should mould him as a left winger! let’s put one of our two left footed left backs at left back. please. and push Faubert up to right wing, our new strikers would absolutely thrive on some balls whipped in from the left flank. midi has shown his desire and ability to win balls, let’s provide him with some, he’ll knock em down to cole or score himself!
if we had decent cover, I’d drop upson.
green
faubert/behrami tomkins upson ilunga/daprela
behrami/faubert Parker collison/daprela
diamanti
cole McCarthy/Ilan
we’ve been saying this the last 4 games, but thus really is ‘must win’ or I think Zola will be gone. it’s not what I want, but Gollivan have invested too much money to tolerate these recent results against the teams we need to be beating!
come on you irons! (please?!)
sorry about the spelling – bloody iPhone keypad…
Watched the brum game today. They were very good in the second half and did what they had to do by breaking down Wolves and winning the game. I do agree with SJ about the "at times about the over-elaborate passing". It will be a tough game.
The Brum game will be a real test for us. I think it could be pivotal to our season. It really is THAT important. We have to go balls out for the win. A draw will not be enough, and a loss could be curtains. My team would be
Green
Spector (RB) Upson, Tomkins, Deprela
Faubert, Behrami, Parker, Stanislas
Cole, Ilan
SUBS choose from
McCarthy, Mido, Collison, Diamante, plus GK
I realize this is a slightly different set up. Some of you may think I'm mad, but I'd go with this. I think it is a positive set up with massive options from the bench whatever happens. By all means, let me know what you think
agree with you about faubert. It's time we let the shackles off.
Nice smiley face by the way(spectors- not your mug)
Ray when a woman has let you down they tend to emotionally hurt you compared with the hurt the Hammers give you,you tend to know what to expect.Woman can F… you once and the love has gone West Ham Have F….. me a million times but never hurt me!
Aussie…I think you have been mixing with those sentimental, mushy Australians for a little too long you sweet talking bar steward.
Made me smile though.
2 wingers have to start,none of this …might not cover their fullback nonsense…we need the win,Lennon of the spuds is a good example.
well said, chrischris!
please tell me who the wingers are that we have that are comparable to lennon
would be nice to have a lennon on each side wouldn't it
we had mcCartney a couple of years ago but I always thought Lennon was more creative
Andy…Let it Be. It has been a Helter Skelter season and we need Help. Wednesday will be a Hard Day's Night and if we lose we'll be Nowhere Man.
Do You Want to Know a Secret? I'll be a Day Tripper and can't wait to see our new players. I just want them to Please Please Me. I'm gonna Drive My Car and trust that WH Don't let Me Down. We must all Come Together and back The Revolution.
COYI
very good sir. You are indeed sir, a fool on the hill
andy you have unleashed a moster here with the lennon/mccartney thing.well done to lofty for his humour,god we could all use a little at the moment.cheered me up after a bad weekend.i was due to take a pretty lady to dinner on sat night but after our game i bought 12 cans of red stripe.suffice to say the dinner didnt happen and nor did the afters.this club has a lot to answer for
True. I had the right hump myself.
let's hope we get a win this wednesday and begin the long and winding road back to safety
apologies.
The 2 wingers are Harry Redknapp and Jonny Ayris!LOL
SJ. I don't quite agree that we were unlucky. We make our own luck and basically it all down to mistakes.I think we have been continually on the end of some shocking refereeing decisions this year but we can't blame that for this display.
2 defensive mistakes, Mido missing at full stretch(took it with his left when easier with his right) Ilan missing with easy header, Parker putting shot too close to Jensen, Stanislas hitting crossbar when he meant to cross- I don't think this is bad luck. Anyway, it's in the past. The effort was lacking in the first 60 or so minutes and quite frankly Burnley deserved to win through their endeavor and commitment. If we had matched them in this department we would have won.
SJ. I agree with you on Ilunga. It's time he went back in the team. He is too good to be on the bench. We miss his rampaging runs up the left. He is a left footer too- we don't have many of those. Spector deserves to keep his place so should play right back.
Faubert along with Parker has been our best player over the last month. He is being wasted at right back and should be unleashed. His crossing and commitment against Burnley was exceptional. A couple of Beckham type crosses 2nd half were superb. Behrami doesn't do enough of it.
Noble has been anonymous and does not warrant a starting place, and Collison is way off form. McCarthy showed us all what we have lacked. A striker who gets in great positions, makes wonderfully timed runs off the shoulder and has composure. 99 times out of 100 he would have scored after rounding the keeper.
We lack width and balance – so right footed players in right areas – and the same goes for the left.
That's why Diamanti needs to play left Midfield. With Faubert and Diamanti whipping in first time crosses, we should provide a lot more threat.
Also, the partnership of Behrami and Parker looks as good a centre midfield partnership as you would wish to see. The two of them will tackle like tigers and run and run all night. They would snuff out any attacking threat from the likes of Bowyer.
Green
Spector (RB), Tomkins (CB), Upson (CB), Ilunga (LB),
Faubert (RM), Behrami (CM), Parker (CM), Diamanti (LM),
McCarthy (CF), Cole (CF),
Good team certainly for attacking, Diamanti is a creative player and will get better with more games, Faubert has improved beyond belief but his crossing is too inconsistent, I would prefer stanislas there.
Listening to the game on Saturday Cole and McCarthy were not energetic enough ( probably the whole team ) we need to start 110% from the whistle against Birmingham and get the supporters respect.
Sorry to say that in my opinion if we play that team Andyhammer Birmingham will give us a right beating. They are a good side at the moment and we need to treat them with respect. I'd rather go more solid if we go two up top, which no doubt we will, so maintaining Julien at right back and Noble in midfield. We can't give Bowyer too much space, if he's playing. It would hurt if he scored.
Hi Lawro.
I know we that we can't give Bowyer much space and that is why Behrami alongside Parker will do the trick. They cover so much ground, great tacklers and do the work of three. Lately we have been a little too congested in there with no outlet up front.
Also, the problem with us lately is that we are giving teams TOO much respect. This is Birmingham after all – If we really are worried about setting our team out for Birmingham and going for it, then we deserve to be relegated.
Andy, all spot on… I defo like the look of this team.
I think Pards proved a few years ago (when we hadn't much option) that by playing aggressively and in an attacking sense, we'll win more than we lose… which is what we need right now… points aren't good enough in our home games anymore…
Re Birmingham, they ain't as good as they were 2-3 months ago… they were exceptionally lucky to beat a poor Wolves side Sunday, so we should have enough to beat them… as long as we go after it from the off…
Re Bad Luck, agreed again. We make our own luck. Was it Arnold Palmer that kept saying "the more I practice, the luckier I get"… a cliche, but a very true one.
And… as for the owners, like a lot of people have said, its about time they shut up and let it happen for a while… we don't need constant ramblings day after day after day, especially nonsense ones where they discuss selling Green and Upson and getting Dyer to retire… is it any wonder Zolas head is in a spin…
It was Gary Player, cahill.
I do believe the rub of the green has gone against us pretty much throughout the season, with bad refereeing decisions and the like, but that still shouldn't be enough to send us down. Our squad is stronger on paper than half the league.
With the results going against us this w/e this IS a must win.
PS. I think less than 40 points will still keep teams up this season, so our goal difference remains crucial in that respect.
Cahil – that is a really good comment. I agree with everything you said there. I like the comment on Gary Player, it is true, you do make your own luck.
I hope with regards to the appalling ref decisions this year, that they eventually even out, but by simply calling lack of finishing – bad luck- is missing the point.
The real issue was our slow start. We were sluggish and disinterested. We need to go at them from the off.
Andy, IMO the problem with your side is that Diamanti isn't a left midfielder, therefore he constantly comes infield for the ball and gets lost. Birmingham will play 5 in the middle and try and use the crowd against us. To beat a team like that I agree we need width but I just dont think Diamanti gives us that. Faubert on the right is good (dont think Franco will go for that) and boy do we miss Boa Morte right now! It is a tough side to pick in my eyes as follows. . .
Green
Spector/Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Illunga
Faubert/Sanislas, Behrami, Parker, Dyer (In my dreams) / Collison
Cole, McCarthy / Mido / Ilan
HI Brayhammer. Yep, the only problem I have with the side is Diamanti. But this for me is the real problem position. I think Collison is a marvellous player but he is not a winger, and is terribly out of form. I think it is expecting too much of him to suddenly turn in on in this game. When he is on form, I would play him here as he offers more solidity than Diamanti.
I do think though that Diamanti is good enough to start there instead of Stan though – that is the only other option and Stan is just not up to the job.
I would like to see Dyer there but that won't happen. He will trip over a blade of grass in the first 5 minutes
I dont know about the rest of you but I feel no matter what team we put on the park we lack that fighting spirit of the great escape side under Curbs,whatever it was they all played to a system and for one another. Our current great escapee,s never show that cohesive tenacity as a unit, that they always seemed to have a never say die attitude and will to win under the most hostile of atmosphere,s and got winning results this mob resembles the fancy dan pansy artillery not good enough in this fight boys we need men not fairies!
I'm not going to rush to condem GZ BUT you have to ask the question – how many more must win games are going to go by without winning? We were holding on against Pompey, Woeful against Blackburn at started slower than a tractor vs Burnley. 3 games, 2 points, no wins.
We've lost to a Burnley team without a win in over 3 months, failed to beat a Blackburn team with the 2nd worst away record in the PL – giving them their first away clean sheet of the season and should have got beat by a Pompey team that are, let's be honest, hopeless.
Then there was the defeat to Everton – their only win in 11 games, the defeat to Bolton – their first win in 8, The loss at Wigan – they had lost 4 straight previously conceding 12 goals and best not to get me started on the performance vs Fulham……
It's now 1 win in 11 games and still only 4 league wins ALL SEASON!!!! which is the lowest in the league…….. – if Zola does not get 3 points on Wednesday then i fear that it may be the end……and it may just be the correct decision.
Oh and by the way Iain, that's not 'knee jerk' that's facts and common sense.
In all honesty, fellas, I really expected a win at Burnley and this Birmingham side are going to give us a tough game.
My team iss similar to other who have posted and I would give Colly a rest – he looks way off the pace now, understandably so, given his experiences this year.
I am still unconvinced with Diamanti as a starter and would prefer him on the bench so, given that evrybody seems to have woken up to the fact that Faubert is producing our best crosses and Stanislas did give us width on the left when he came on Saturday, it has to be:
Green (why oh why did we not buy Bekovic? he'll be off in the summer – who will be available, Foster?)
Spector
Tomkins
Upson (unbelievable error – schoolboy stuff, Capello must be wincing with his defensive options)
Daprela (my choice, did nothing wrong against arsenal, but Ilunga will do)
Faubert (what a transformation)
Behrami
Parker
Stanislas
Mido (impressed with him Saturday)
Cole
Subs:
Stech, Da Costa, Kovac, Noble, Ilan, Diamanti, Nouble/McCarthy (if fit)
I think that is a good enough team. My big concern here is our left midfield. Stanislas has been hopeless in that left midfield position, has offered next to nothing going forward and has been hopeless in the extreme with his defending. I would rather go with and out of form Collison there instead of Stanislas.
I agree that Mido did impress but I thought that McCarthy was very clever with his runs and was getting in positions that nobody else in our squad would have. He was timing his runs perfectly and really set up his own chance when rounding the keeper. Nobody else would have made that run – it was beautifully timed. Just great defending on the day.
Saying that I wouldn't have a problem with Mido starting- I just think Birmingham will suffer more with a clever more mobile forward than Mido as they have very big lads in defense themselves, who are not too mobile.
I thought Stan did well on Saturday, andy. he kept the width higher up the pitch, whereas Colly is wide at the halfway line but thens cuts in immediately. He is so out of form, he cannot be selected anyway. If Dyer is fit perhaps he will be on the bench?
I thought McCarthy should have scored – he hardly hit the ball, which allowed the defender to get back, but I agree, he is a clever player. Mido, for me, has pace, power, skill and aerial ability – we seemed to have so many more options when he & stan came on.
Of course, the other scenario is that Zola reverts to his favoured 4-3-3 and plays Cole/Mido/Ilan/McCarthy (perm from 4) up front? =/
At least a 433 would be entertaining – I would fear that Birmingham might try to take advantage of that – but then again we might end up scoring 4 without reply.
I jsut think a 442 is more solid – but concerns me is we really dont ahve a left winger
What is good is we all think Faubert should start. I think his time has come now. Let's hope he gets the chance. I just think that Zola may well revert to type and we see the four centre midfielders crammed into the midfield again. It's all fine and solid and lovely if they are playing well, but Noble and Collison have never looked so off form
I have to say though, I've got a great feeling about Birmingham, This for me has win all over it.(for us not birmingham
give collison a rest wednesday he's looking worn out mentaly and physically. get satnislas on push behrami up the field . and please please zola sit upson down and read him the riot act tell him yeah you can leave in the summer but for now you are the captain of this great club and you should want to go the world cup so get out there and help scott parker who has run his nuts off trying to keep this team toghether on the pitch this season . (devo) formation and players select is right one and now zola should stick with it. after the last three games wednesday night has to be treat as if it was the last day of the season, probally a bit over the top BUT its massive as that gap at the bottom is starting to appear .
Green
Spector (RB) , Tomkins (CB), Upson (CB), Ilunga (LB),
Faubert (RM), Behrami (CM), Parker (CM), Diamanti (LM),
McCarthy (CF), Cole (CF),
I have looked at a couple of posts on here earlier and some of you think that we should set up our team to ward off the attacking threat of Birmingham. Like we are playing Real Madrid or something.
Have a look at Birmingham's goal ratio. Indeed they are set up perfectly for their type of players. They are very solid and everyone knows their job.
First of all, it is a real indictment of the Premier league that this team are as high up as they are. They are solid, workman-like but no more. Look at the players they have. Apparently we should all be wetting our knickers that Bowyer is back in town.
Birmingham go away from home with the purpose of keeping it as tight as you can imagine, and hope to grab the odd goal. They want to strangle a team. Their major aim is to nullify the opposition in the first half. Once this is done and the home team is getting restless along with the fans, a game evens out. It always does. Believe me, they will come to West Ham to stop us playing. They might even have designs to get a goal once in a while – but they are the most defensive and negative team in the division. They can only play one way – and good luck to them, they don't have the players to play any other way.
So, what do we do? We go defensive to stop the threat of the likes of Bowyer in midfield?
We must attack like animals in that first 45 minutes and make sure we are at least a goal or two up. Birmingham will not be able to respond to it. They won't come back from being behind. Once we are ahead our confidence will grow and the crowd will feed off it. We cannot allow another Burnley to happen. We can't just shut up shop and try to nullify. We MUST attack.
I'd go with this team,I'm not a great fan of faubert but he seems to be doing ok so I wouldn't move him.
Faubert tommo upson Ilunga/Deprela
…………….Parker Behrami………………
Colly/stan…………………………….Diamanti
………………Cole….Ilan…………….
Mccarthy didn't look mobile to me.
Ilan scored and zola said who ever plays well keeps the shirt,Ilan done his job so should keep it then.
If Zola plays 2 rightfooted people down the left again,I'm walking out the ground.
I'm expecting zola to be sacked anyway.
i would even consider dropping upson for spector as upson turns like the titanic.
Agree about Upson, the sooner we get rid the better… not sure whats happened Da Costa, didn't think he was tripe in the games he played, but I didn't see them fully…
Green
Spector (RB) , Tomkins(CB) , Upson(CB) , Ilunga(LB) ,
Faubert (RM), Behrami (CM), Parker(CM), Diamanti(LM),
McCarthy (CF), Cole (CF),
We have really suffered from having players who lack confidence and are playing out of position. Collison and Noble are both lacking form and confidence. Along with that Collison is playing out of position. At least if we put Diamanti at left midfield, we have a left footer in left field position. He offers us attacking threat that Stanislas just does not.
Also, if anyone says, well, "Diamanti is not so solid there defensively" I would agree completely, but we don't have any other options. Stanislas has played in this position for most of the early season, and was consistenly our worst player. He offered nothing in attack and was truly lightweight in defense. At least Diamant can tackle and at least he can whip a mean left footed cross in.
Also, something we lacked against Burnley was someone to take a good corner or free kick. Diamanti can do this. What if we got a penalty? He takes them and scores them.
Also, to argue the case – Does anyone remember about a minute before we scored our goal against Burnley. It displayed exactly what our problem has been this year- It encapsulated everything about us.
Carlton Cole chested it down, trapped it with his foot beautifully and laid on a perfect outfield pass to Stanislas into the edge of their penalty area. Stanislas was free on the edge of the box with nobody within 10 feet of him. He could have chose to run towards goal or cross first time where Cole and Mido were waiting just to tap it in.
What did he do? He controlled it with his left foot, and came back towards our own goal with his right. He then passed it back into a congested midfield where a surprised Scott Parker, under pressure, Passed it straight back to Stanislas who was in a far better positon. Stanislas then dithered some more….and lost the ball.
Oh for the likes of Etherington. He would have passed that with pace and accuracy into the path of Cole for the simplest of tap-ins.
Now, I'm sorry, I'm not Diamanti's biggest fan either but he has got a great left foot. He would have run on to that pass and crossed it first time.
Stanislas, simply does not have a left foot. He doesn't trust himself with it and that is just a fact. If anyone doesn't remember this bit of action, have a look back – It was the worst bit of play I have seen from us all year.
Also, anyone saying that Stan was unlucky with hitting the crossbar against Burnley, then please, have a look back. He tried to cross the ball in, it simply lacked accuracy and went on to hit the top of the bar – To compare Burnleys 2nd goal effort to ours, is just not right. Fox Clearly meant to score that.
Our players are lacking confidence and form so at least start with players who are playing well. Whatever anyone says about Diamanit – he is no shrinking violet is he?
Dyer is right footed but he has more technical ability to cross that in first time with his left also – except I doubt Zola will risk him too as he will impale himself on a blade of grass after five minutes.
"We must attack like animals in that first 45 minutes"… Andy, you've been reading too many of ChrisChris's posts… but I love it…
Any chance you could sneak into the dressing room about 7pm and use this rallying call.. no tactics, teamtalks or formations required, all we need to do is "attack like animals"…(and while ure there, smack Upson over the head and wake him up a bit…)
I've never used the word animal.
Hopefully attack like lions instead of Macaque monkeys.
Put a lemur down their pants or something.
I think the likes of Harry Basset and Peter Reid has been using these speeches for years and it's not done them much harm has it…..what, oh !
Off topic for a minute… Frank Nouble has joined West Brom, a good move me thinks… and with a team thats playing well, attacking well and if he plays, he should gets lots of chances.. so that'll be interesting…
And on another one.. did anyone see Ashton on Goals on Sunday yesterday. I understand he's had a tough time, and I didn't see all of it so I might have missed something, but he was the size of a small house… for a lad that only officially retired 3-4 weeks ago, I was astonished, he was the size of the 3 others combined… so how he ever though he was going to come back, I'll never know…
you animal that a terrible thing to say.
Why so, are West Brom not playing well?
Why are we surprised that the Hammers lacked inspiration, motivation or determination on Saturday, until the last 15 minutes of course, which has been the common theme for the 35 years I have spent watching them. Too little, too late.
What does surprise me is why everyone including zola thinks Behrami is a right sided midfielder.
Strengths-Great engine, great tackler, 100 determined
Weaknesses-Poor distribution, poor dribbling, poor shooting
I though quietly to myself for sometime, this guy is a defensive central midfield player. Then I watched in awe as he almost single handedly halted Arsenal’s offensive unit. At last we have eventually found his best position I thought, but alas, he’s back on the wing again.
It’s not good playing Cole and Mido with no supply. Faubert looks impressive going forward from fullback, so must move up to midfield and Junior always seems to crank up our offensive play.
Team for Birmingham HAS to be :
Green
Spector, Tompkins, Upson, Daphrela
Faubert, Parker, Behrami, Stanislas
Cole, Mido
wouldn't be upset seeing that team.
And we wouldn't like to see you upset Chris, would we…
cahillcc here's a invite for you,before the Birmingham game come to the back of the Boleyn pub meet the boys and I'll buy you drink, fancy it? we are all Hammers fans even if we have different opinions.
Sold. Though I'm not sure how the 3 other ugly Irish lads I'm bringing will fancy it, they are nervous enough as it is..!!
Good point mate. Welcome to the site by the way. Let's hope faubert starts.
I just can't imagine Zola going for it. I agre with you that parker and behrami in the centre would be the perfect partnership for the rest of the seasn at least.
I don't think Behrami is a right-sided midfielder, either, whitehp – so as your team selection is the same as mine, I will give you thumbs up.
I'd go with this team,I'm not a great fan of faubert but he seems to be doing ok so I wouldn't move him.
From "Faubert is poo" to "not a fan of".
I suppose that's progress of a sort.
devo…I'm just not sure about him.
devo…I'm sure behrami played right back in italy.
Whether he did or didn't, he ain't a right midfielder. Like Noble he lacks pace, albeit not so slow and he isn't very creative either.
His strengths are his energy, stamina and general pain in the bum to the opposition.
And Devo, if ever there was a job description written for the defensive, holding, spoiling position, it would read something like "energy, stamina and general pain in the bum to the opposition"…
Someone get hold of Zolas email address quick and send him all this stuff… we can't all be wrong, can we ?????????
sorry about spellings keyboards broke.
After watching the replay on footytube. All of our chances were within inches of getting in. There has to be a killer instinct to make those missed inches goals. There has been know killer instinct the entire season except for a handfull of times: Wolves, Arsenal & Aston Villa. I do not wanto to hear how nice a guy Zola is and how likeable he is. So what – nice guys are for therapists and psychologists not managers of a premeir league team(s). West Ham need to be going out onto the pitch and be absoultely MENTAL about WINNING the game. And as of late there has been no sense of killing the other team and finishing shots that should be going in for goals. After watching Carlton Cole's interview after the match it pretty much said it all – he basically said that he (and I am sure the rest of the team) is tired of missing by inches – the Killer instinct has to come back to WHU or disaster awaits.
hi scrapiron
Yes I think we need to go MENTAL as you say. If we could bottle that last 20 minutes against Burnley – that sort of spirit would do nicely. Shame the rest of the game was completely lame otherwise we would be sitting here talking about reaching towards mid table – not staying off the relegation zone.
I also think though, that once we win a game – hopefully on wednesday and get the strikers start firing – I think we really might take off. The weight might come off the shoulders and we start to play more uninhibited. Let's hope so
I agree. As I said watching CC interview the look on his face pretty much summed up what he was thinking and saying. He looked tired and shocked that they actually lost the game to Burnley. I can imagine the whole team had the same look on their faces too. Zola and the team must unleash HELL on B'City on Wednesday night. Because how can anyone of us let alone the club hear one more positives from a loss or draw from Zola. At the end of the season if the unfortunate happens what is Zola going to say well the positive is we are still playing football. Let loose the dogs of war on B' City on Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unleash hell, let loose the dogs of war and attack like animals… all after a scuba diving expedition an hour before the game at The Boleyn with Chris and his mates…
I'm bringing 3 of me workmates to Upton Park Wednesday night for the first time… they're in for some treat !!!!
Killer instinct would be a luxury, what they have to have is the mental toughness not to be pushed around by a championship side for an hour, wherever the venue.
In all honesty, fellas, I really expected a win at Burnley and this Birmingham side are going to give us a tough game.
Oh and I've just remembered something that riled me on MOTD. Introducing our game, jug ears commented "and now two teams that are out of form…"
We were actually 10th in the current form tables and had loss 2 in 8 before the Burnley game. I despair at the sloppiness of these programmes.
Expect nothing less from Match of the Day. In fact the whole of BBC's football coverage is so fifth rate it is not even funny.
Mark Bright -has anything good emerged from this man's mouth apart from Michele gale's t*t/Lee Dixon/Steve Claridge/Mark Lawrenson/Garth 'baron greenback' Crooks/Martin Keown – the list goes on and on and on…just like their coverage
It's lazy coverage. Why they think we are interested in anything Garth Crooks says is beyond me. It's like an old boys network. It couldn't be less inclusive if it tried. It's like they're all football chums reminiscing about times past, as we stare at them bemused through the glass of the pub they're all drinking in…except we're not invited in at any point…and we don't really want to be.
I tell you what is intelligent, thoughtful and entertaining football coverage, which is not saturated with the same old cliches. Listen to the Guardian's podcast with James Richardson. Bloody funny and really entertaining. Plus they don't pull their punches.
I feel like I'm watching the Arsenal and Liverpool show on the BBC. Lazy bland and offensively patronizing. The sooner the BBC gets rid of it's presenters and brings in James Richardson (remember he used to present football Italia on saturday and Sunday afternoons?) the better. I actually learned something when I watched as I do when I listen to the podcast.
Better than Steve Claridge regurgitating the same old cliches, and Mark Bright stuttering into the microphone but offering nothing that is worth hearing.
Oh – and the BBC. If anyone isn't sure how low the football's coverage has stooped to, then just listen to DJ Spoony's 606 radio show. You WILL lose the will to live!
I agree with all that except I quite like Lee Dixon.
I'll have to check out the James Richardson progs.
Lee Dixon is excellent. The others couldn't analyze anything. They don't bother to read the rule book (Lawro and Hansen still complaining about the new offside law even though it has radically improved the game and has been around for many years now). Dixon constantly teaches about playing defense as a unit. That is why Deprela probably can't come in now. I'm fine for the sides that have Spector-Tomk-Upson-Ilunga. I'm even happy with the sides that have Faubert-Tomk-Spector-Ilunga. But it's just too late in the season for Deprela. All the people who commented that Behrami is a holding midfielder: correct! Behrami & Parker in that role, Stan or Faubert or Diamanti on the flanks, and Cole & Ilan or mido up front. Collison's going to have to sit until he shows us the passion and energy and effort he did earlier this year and especially last year. I know you now all love Faubert but our best attacking defender is actually Spector (converted centre forward from high school in the States), and Stan/Diamanti on the left with Spector means Spector has to hang back. Sorry, but Spector made the goal that Ilan scored, and Spector's crosses v Egypt & Spain were far better than anything Faubert has produced. (I'm talking about actual goals here, not decent crosses that no one came close to.)
[...] The Fall Guys Once Again! | West Ham Till I DieIt always seems to happen to West Ham. They face a team that cannot buy a win or an opposition striker that cannot hit the side of a very large barn. [...]
All season we have been the 'if only'excuse team,the post,the ref Zola takes positives from every game so hopefully it will deliver us a positive result against Brum and really fire us up against Hull,who are no pushover anymore.
I do like the dogs of war but ask yourself who out of our starting 11 would you think is up for this game,I see many of them going through the motions of pretending to be football players but who really shows Bonzo style leadership?Ilunga is unfit and not half as good as last year,Faubert not a defender,Spector Fizzy pop class,Kovac is a catwalk model,Green and Upson shadows of what they were,Mido,Mccarthy may be loaned out to Jenny Craig,Parker ,Carlton playing themselves back to fitness,Valon and Diamante very good or appalling ,Young Jack may be grieving over his dad he looks deflated the others are at best inconsistant,so really Zola you have to put in your best ever managerial display,your players will hopefully respond,best of luck because luck could be our goalscorer!
More inspirational words from our new media shy introvert owner…
"It'll be Armageddon if we go down. It'll be worse than what's gone on at Newcastle," Sullivan said in The Sun. "I can't believe the contracts I've inherited. Every position is overpaid, whether in administration or on the playing side.
"Everyone at the club will be asked to take a salary cut in the summer. "The club is in a mess and we all have to pull together. If we go down I can't even consider the situation."
If anyone gets a chance tomorrow night, can they slip him a tranquiliser that will keep him asleep for 3 months… enough already…
this is a serious invite, please don't be silly,i want to meet a few of the other season ticket holders on here.
I'll be doing my best to be there… its against our Irish heritage to turn down free drink, look forward to meet ya… and to put a face to man behind all the CAPS and Exclamation marks !!!!!
Good stuff ,,I'll where a cap with chrischris written on the front and I'll be wearing the hoops, all others are welcome to,so thats the boleyn,hour before the game,gets a bit loud and wet, so scuba dive gear is recommended!!
Haha, sounds good m8, i might have to join you on that one myself, nothing better than a cold beer before the football. Really worried about the game on wednesday and don't want us to underestimate Brum as although not the strongest side on paper, McLeish has done a great job at getting them to work together and become a strong team. This is going to be an extremely tough game but we look the better side on paper, now we just need to look the better side on the pitch which we havn't been of late. We have missed out on 9 massive points against Blackburn, pompey and Burnley with only getting 2, not good enough, anyways that is in the past and we must look forward and correct all the errors.
yeah just imagine.
your most welcome m8,will all have different ideas and opinions and slag each other off,but Wednesday is the biggest game for years we simply must win,so its all voices together!!!!
or as wayne bridge said to john terry got to get u into my wife.im so so sorry for that one