Hammers fans who watched the riveting match against Arsenal voted in their player performances as such:
This was posted on Iain Dale's popular, West Ham Till I Die site.Extremely good result for Zola and the boys, especially as I wrote previously in my preview that that victory would be a near impossible task. At halftime, it did look that way. The Hammers were down and out, being two goals behind and with only Cole looking dangerous.
Still there were plusses.
1. Zola forego the 4-3-3 formation that he loved and went with the traditionally English 4-4-2. West Ham looked more comfortable and solid in midfield at least.
2. Spector started instead of Faubert at rightback and he kept Arshavin quiet throughout the match.
3. West Ham now have players on the bench who could come into a game and make an impact. Even Liverpool do not have that strength in depth.
Defensively we are still soft though, and perhaps James Tomkins is still inexperienced. When Danny Gabbidon recovers from injury, I am sure he will start alongside Matthew Upson which will provide a much needed steel and experience. The elementary goals that the defence is leaking right now must stop. Gabbidon could be the answer.
So Zola made changes to his playing philosophy and that's a clear sign that he and Clarke are actively addressing the slump in fortunes. Perhaps the real rewards will come in the next two matches, Sunderland and Aston Villa. We definitely have the self-belief now after this come-from-behind draw.
Next change by Zola? Diamanti to start against Sunderland and Mark Noble relegated to the bench.
Come on you Irons!
1. Zola forego the 4-3-3 formation that he loved and went with the traditionally English 4-4-2. West Ham looked more comfortable and solid in midfield at least.
2. Spector started instead of Faubert at rightback and he kept Arshavin quiet throughout the match.
3. West Ham now have players on the bench who could come into a game and make an impact. Even Liverpool do not have that strength in depth.
Defensively we are still soft though, and perhaps James Tomkins is still inexperienced. When Danny Gabbidon recovers from injury, I am sure he will start alongside Matthew Upson which will provide a much needed steel and experience. The elementary goals that the defence is leaking right now must stop. Gabbidon could be the answer.
So Zola made changes to his playing philosophy and that's a clear sign that he and Clarke are actively addressing the slump in fortunes. Perhaps the real rewards will come in the next two matches, Sunderland and Aston Villa. We definitely have the self-belief now after this come-from-behind draw.
Next change by Zola? Diamanti to start against Sunderland and Mark Noble relegated to the bench.
Come on you Irons!
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