After a terrible performance against Bolton, West Ham visit troubled Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. We have seen everything from West Ham this season, so much drama on and off the field. Even so, there was never doubting the commitment of the players....until the Bolton game last week.
In reality, there is only one way forward after an uncharacteristically disinterested performance by the Hammers and so we should expect a vastly improved performance this Saturday. Still, I don't think that West Ham can overcome Chelsea simply by displaying a more spirited performance.
Chelsea also have a point to prove after falling to Inter and Manchester City in the Champions League and Premier League respectively. At home, Chelsea have the best record in the Premiership, averaging 2.93 goals per game while conceding 0.86 goals per game. At least, they will not be attacking West Ham from the flanks like Bolton did.
Can West Ham outmuscle and outfight Chelsea in midfield and attack?
No. Chelsea has possibly the biggest and strongest players in the Premiership. Players like Ballack, Obi Mikel, Terry, Carvalho, Alex, Ivanovic, Drogba and Anelka all relish the physical challenge. Intimidation will not work and besides West Ham is not the most physical of teams.
Boy, West Ham needed a win against Bolton but Bolton, being our bogey team, it was all going to be difficult, wasn't it? If not for two early goals, we could have made a good stab at winning but now we go into the next two matches against Chelsea and Arsenal, knowing that West Ham could end up once again in the bottom three.
Once again, West Ham were let down by terrible defending. Every cross from Bolton's wingers seemed dangerous and Kevin Davies was a massive influence for the Trotters. A typical Diamanti goal, curled in superbly, reduced the arrears and helped protect our goal difference margin. He has done his fair share of helping haul West Ham out of relegation danger.
The last time West Ham was embroiled in a relegation struggle was in 2006/2007. It was also the season where the transfer controversy of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano dominated the headlines. As it were, Carlitos played an influential part in securing Premiership survival that season. His enthusiastic, energetic and tireless workrate earned him the affection of the West Ham fans.
This season has been no less stressful and frustrating but with two wins on the trot, it may be that the Hammers have turned the corner finally. But now, with confidence sky-high, is it a bad time to face the current champions in their backyard?
We should be facing a nervous United, still missing their experienced centrebacks of Ferdinand and Vidic. Without these two, United seemed a soft touch in central defence, a weakness fully exploited by Everton on their excellent 3-1 win over the Red Devils.
After a thumping 3-0 win over Hull City, the confidence and morale of the entire West Ham squad must be sky high. Zola was actually smiling during the post-match interview, looking very much a relieved man. And he should be, after all, West Ham have achieved their first back-to-back victory since the 2009/2010 season started. Looking clean shaven and relaxed for a change, he spoke about how confidence is finally flowing into the team and how the talismanic Alessandro Diamanti is so important to the Hammer's survival cause. Maybe Zola has found that Tevez-like personality in the livewire Italian.
Two successive wins at home have moved West Ham up to 13th place now and they are now four points away from the bottom three. This will ease the worries and consequently relieve the anxiety of the players as they approach Tuesday's match against the wounded Manchester United at Old Trafford. Regardless of the Red Devils troubles, they are still amazing at home and will want to keep pace with Chelsea.
West Ham are down to bare bones for this match against Aston Villa at Villa Park. No senior strikers and possibly no Scott Parker and definitely no Mark Noble. Gianfranco Zola's motivational skills will be tested to the fullest this Sunday. At least Jack Collison will be back and his dynamic runs will be all the more important in this one.
This is as tough as it comes. It looks like the same team that played and played very well against Arsenal in the FA Cup will be the first team lineup this Sunday. It is also a West Ham team which is raw and inexperienced in a high-pressure away match. With the other relegation threatened teams playing tough opposition, a good result against the Villans will help the Hammers surge ahead of the basement battle.
It wasn't easy to think about how the Hammers could possibly win at Villa especially with a depleted squad that Zola has with him. And thus I started to look at possession play to see if we have the edge in that area. At least if West Ham can keep the ball for long periods in the game, we would not get beat.
With the heavy snowy conditions, most Premiership matches have been canceled. However the match that matters most, West Ham v. Wolves, looked, at the time of writing, to be going ahead. With so many fixtures canceled, this is the most opportune time for West Ham to steal a march on their relegation threatened rivals.
West Ham squad will be boosted with the returning Scott Parker and Mark Noble from injury. The smart thinking of Guillermo Franco to draw the yellow card (hence sitting out the FA Cup third round) means that the wily Mexican is eligible for this match. Bar Carlton Cole and Herita Ilunga, Gianfranco Zola have a pretty useful squad to choose from.
After encouraging performances against Chelsea, Portsmouth and Arsenal, there is a growing sense of optimism and confidence the the club can play itself out of relegation danger.
So while in anticipation for this match to take place, assuming that it does, I have thought of three ways in order for West Ham to beat Wolves and gain those valuable three points. Make no mistake about it, a massive three points here could lift the Hammers up to 13th spot, level points (21) with Blackburn Rovers.
West Ham faces Chelsea in a Premiership London derby this Sunday, and there is no reason to be optimistic. Therefore the only thing for Zola and the Hammer fans to hope for is that the team plays with pride and fight. If there is anything that Everton's draw has shown, it is that Chelsea's rhythm must be disrupted and its players must not have time on the ball.
Franco has been fantastic in a West Ham shirt. It's a shame that he is not in a better West Ham team other than this current young squad. Diamanti scored his first goal from open play and we can expect him to turn on another energetic display at home. It is clearly a sign of the times when foreign-based players are leading West Ham instead of the likes of Scott Parker and Matthew Upson. Tevez singlehandedly preserved Premiership status for West Ham in 2005...can we expect the Franco-Diamanti partnership to work together and guarantee Premiership survival? It has to, considering that Parker, Upson and Cole are prime targets for the January transfer window.
Chelsea's Petr Cech is still the Barclays Premier League Golden Gloves leader with eight clean sheets, without looking anywhere close to his best. Chelsea have yet to lose in four visits to Boleyn Park, scoring 12 goals and conceding only two. The Blues main weakness is the inability to defend set pieces, having conceded 12 goals out of 14 from such situations.
The losses against Birmingham and Bolton have dropped the Hammers back down to the bottom three and the situation looks bad. West Ham are horrible in defence and toothless in midfield. Mark Noble must start this match in place of the poor Kovac. To win against Chelsea is a tough ask, West Ham cannot even take advantage on Chelsea's poor set piece defending!
Alessandro Diamanti's wife, Silvia Hsieh is said to be enjoying the London lifestyle. Will the Diamanti's stick around to take West Ham back to the Premier League next season?
A short recap of the Week 15 results, stunning result from Everton against Chelsea. I doubt that West Ham can produce the same type of fighting determination and setpiece expertise.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Status
Home
Score
Away
FT
Stoke City
2 - 2
Wigan Athletic
FT
Birmingham
1 - 0
West Ham United
FT
Bolton Wanderers
3 - 3
Manchester City
FT
Burnley
1 - 1
Fulham
FT
Chelsea
3 - 3
Everton
FT
Hull City
0 - 0
Blackburn Rovers
FT
Sunderland
1 - 1
Portsmouth
FT
Tottenham Hotspur
0 - 1
Wolverhampton Wanderers
FT
Manchester United
0 - 1
Aston Villa
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Status
Home
Score
Away
FT
Liverpool
1 - 2
Arsenal
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Status
Home
Score
Away
FT
Sunderland
0 - 2
Aston Villa
FT
Birmingham
2 - 1
Blackburn Rovers
FT
Bolton Wanderers
3 - 1
West Ham United
FT
Manchester United
3 - 0
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Status
Home
Score
Away
FT
Burnley
1 - 1
Arsenal
FT
Chelsea
2 - 1
Portsmouth
FT
Liverpool
2 - 1
Wigan Athletic
FT
Tottenham Hotspur
3 - 0
Manchester City
Rafa Benitez said that Liverpool's season will start by beating Wigan and the Reds fulfilled it. It was his third or fourth time using the same statement this season. Portsmouth could be tough opponents but if the Reds get the first goal then it would be an second consecutive win for Liverpool. It's an early kick off for Portsmouth v. Liverpool in a match which could set the "right" tone for all the fellow strugglers in the bottom three.
Another crucial six-pointer awaits West Ham before the busy football period of Christmas and New Year's Eve. Birmingham and Bolton is next and the Hammers must bust a gut to beat these two teams. Could we get all six points against two sides who does not have the quality and ability that West Ham has? If we extend our first half form into the second half, I totally believe the boys can do get the desired six points.
Jack Collison recently added to his Young Hammer of the Year award by being named BBC London Young Player of the Year for 2009. West Ham should celebrate this achievement by going on a winning run. We have not won two consecutive matches this season and we must do so now!
Birmingham are in great form lately, having been unbeaten in their last six matches. Alex McLeish's side has also won three games on the trot and looking to match their best ever run of four consecutive wins. Birmingham do not let in many goals and in Joe Hart, they have arguably the best young goalkeeper in the English game. Hart have kept five clean sheets, making 53 successful saves. Only nine goals have been conceded at St. Andrews, fewer than any other Premier League stadium. Birmingham will be tough to overcome.
In tight matches, a moment of brilliance may be sufficient to win a match. That brilliance and unpredictability can be created and produced by the Italian, Alessandro Diamanti. Zola has so far been unwilling to gamble on the X-factor i.e. Diamanti. This is the ideal time to do it, since the Birmingham forwards score the fourth lowest amount of goals in the Premiership so far.
The West Ham defence will always be a problem this season, hence we will need to score more goals than the opposition. With Stanislas and Collison supporting Diamanti and Franco from wide areas, we should have a fairly attacking line up. The forward line which offers directness (Collison), pace (Stanislas), creativity (Diamanti) and guile (Franco). This is the side that could bring us three points and then Bolton awaits.
The Flat Back Four's favoured West Ham lineup (4-4-1-1): --------------------------------- Green
Faubert --------------- Da Costa ------ Gabbidon ------------ Ilunga
Gianfranco Zola has admitted that West Ham are definitely in a relegation battle and need to galvanize the players to show determination and fight this season. Jack Collison and Scott Parker looks to be motivated...but what about the rest of the players? The head-to-head stats is in our favour, The Blues have only won five of 29 Premier League home games against clubs from London.
West Ham United travels to Hull City this Saturday and will be looking to put the miserable Everton match behind them. We have to start winning and stay in control of our Premiership destiny. We need to set off on a winning run. At the moment, West Ham cannot put together a win streak that our play at times deserves.
Jimmy Bullard is a livewire in midfield and therefore our West Ham players may not have much time on the ball. Nevertheless the pass and move, one touch football that Zola has the team playing should cause problems to Hull. Geovani, easily Hull's best player this season, is back from suspension and will pull the strings with Bullard in midfield.
Carlton Cole will be back to lead the line for West Ham. He has still not ended up on the winning side whenever he scored. I hope that he will break that trend in this match. Unfortunately, Alessandro Diamanti hurt his hip in training and will be out of this match. Diamanti have been the difference (as a substitute) in the games that he has played in. West Ham will surely miss his energy and enthusiasm.
Zola should set up his West Ham side with the formation which worked well against Sunderland and Arsenal. Hence the below is my favoured West Ham lineup.
The Flat Back Four's favoured West Ham lineup (4-4-2): --------------------------------- Green
Faubert --------------- Da Costa ------ Upson ------------ Spector
So, let's get the much needed three points, jump over Hull City in the league position and we could be in very good shape against a travel-shy Burnley team. A really crucial six-pointer, all happening within the next two weekends. It's going to be two very significant weekends for West Ham United.
Can West Ham put together two consecutive wins? Come on You Irons!
Ahead of this match at the DW Stadium, Gianfranco Zola has no injury worries except calf trouble from Jack Collision sustained during a Wales U-21 match. More good news is that Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti had a fantastic reserves match against Birmingham City. Behrami and Diamanti are fast becoming great friends and that is sure to be helping Diamanti settle in at West Ham.
Zola has said that Behrami will start on the bench as he nears full competitive fitness. Diamanti, on the other hand, should start this match to give West Ham fans a glimpse of his immense talent. Those at the reserves match saw firsthand, his freekick prowess with a goal in each half.
This is his first freekick goal compiled by bobjea.
Man-for-man, West Ham have the stronger team and should be able to beat the Latics if the performance is right. This time round, Zola will be looking for creativity and invention from both Diamanti and Jimenez to unlock a competent Wigan defence. In Wigan's game against Manchester United, they matched United for 55 minutes until Rooney scored that first goal. Hence, the first goal will be crucial and the Hammers should have enough quality to conjure chances and put at least one away. Titus Bramble is always the weakest link in Wigan's defence and the attack should focus on upsetting his focus and confidence.
West Ham have beaten Wigan three times in their last four meetings. This one should be no different. Go Hammers!
After a horrific week at West Ham United, what better way than to get a boost from the transfer market. If the transfer rumours are to be believed, then there is a very high chance that three top players are coming to grace the stage that is Upton Park. Are there any credibility to these players strengthening the first team? Let's expect that Zola and Scott Duxbury are working towards closure.
These three top quality players are, 1. Eidur Gudjohnsen 2. Alessandro Diamanti 3. Marouane Chamakh
Let's look at each of them separately.
Eidur Gudjohnsen is nicknamed "The Iceman". He is possibly the best footballer that Iceland has produced. A veteran of the English Premier League with Bolton and then with Chelsea, he will be an experienced and best striking partner for Carlton Cole. He has a proven goal scoring record in the Premiership. He has been reduced to bit-part player since Pep Guardiola took over the reins and would be available on loan from Barca. Played with Zola at Chelsea and would love to return to the Premiership. A top addition to the Hammers' first team squad, if this storyline is true. Make your own mind up by watching the video highlights of Gudjohnsen in action for Barcelona. This was compiled by namiska.
Alessandro Diamanti is a 26-year old Italian forward who had come good last season moving up from Serie C to Serie A. He scored 16 goals in Serie B last season, gaining promotion for Livorno. He has publicly pleaded with Livorno to let him go stating that "going to West Ham and the Premier League will be a dream come true". I find that a bit dramatic but there is no question that his ability and skills will surely help the Hammers. Described as a cross between Paulo Di Canio and Zola himself, he appears to be Francesco Totti-like i.e. Diamanti looks suited to play in the hole between midfield and attack. A great free kick taker and creator of goals but also someone who easily falls to ground at the slightest touch. The media suggest that it is a £5.7m signing payable over three years. Watch video highlights of Diamanti in action for Livorno by piazzaxx and let me know what you think.
Marouane Chamakh is a French-born Moroccan international. He has 50 international caps, scoring 15 goals for Morocco. He is playing very well for French Champions, Bordeaux at the moment. Highly rated by Laurent Blanc, he has started the season well, scoring three goals in three matches. With a strike rate of 1 goal every 4 games, he does not seem prolific enough in my eyes. However, Chamakh is a super header of the ball and his dribbling skills is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo. Looks a potentially top-class player. The Daily Telegraph rated the likelihood of him joining West Ham at 8/10 but I doubt this transfer will take place. Video highlights of Chamakh by girondin92. Do watch the whole of the video.
Which of these three transfer targets are the more likely one or two? The media has also reported Goran Pandev and Massimo Oddo. Oddo is a player I like though aged. He could do a commendable job at rightback for sure. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that the first team is a little threadbare and will need reinforcements in the fullback and striker areas. Transfer window deadline is on Sept. 1st 5pm UK time. You can be assured that I will be looking out for the news of a West Ham signing. On a personal note, I would like to see Zola bring in Gudjohnsen on loan and sign Diamanti permanently. The more likely outcome would be only Diamanti donning the claret and blue of West Ham.
Going back to the violence at "The Battle of Upon Park", it has truly brought a terrible week to a head at West Ham. The potential career-ending stabbing of Callum Davenport, the tragic death of Jack Collison's father, the London derby loss and the pre-planned gang fight between Milwall and West Ham thugs (suspected to be from the infamous Inter City Firm) have brought a sense of solidarity and unity among the players, coaches, managers and fans.
I hope that the club can put this together and more importantly, find the thugs and prosecute them. Although these events have put football in the shade, the best way to display honour and respect is for the club to push on and have the best season that we can have. That said, although all of us football fans like a bit of intense rivalry, the FA should make an assessment on high-risk matches such as Milwall-West Ham and play them behind closed doors.
Instead of praises for the performance of Junior Stanislas and the resolve of Jack Collison, the football back pages were filled with bloody scenes and ugly confrontation. TheDA opines that no one actually remembered the scoreline due to the mayhem...well, it was a 3-1 extratime win for the Hammers.
For those who might want to know more about football hooliganism, this link explains about football firms. There was also a 2005 movie called Green Street Hooligans, based on a story and screenplay by a reformed football hooligan, Dougie Brimson. The movie has a fair sense of realism and confirms that the gangs were not interested in football but just meaningless violence.
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, based on a story and screenplay by a reformed football hooligan, Dougie Brimson. The movie has a fair sense of realism and confirms that the gangs were not interested in football but just meaningless violence.
