Having finally caught my breath and watched the highlights, it's time to reflect on an exhilirating afternoon at Upton Park. It was a great comeback, and could prove to be a 'season turner'. My only concern is that Zola has now learnt his lesson and needs to make the changes to the team that are there for all to see. A couple of changes in personnell and sticking to 442 and we can be a tough team to beat again.
There was some real fight and determination from the lads today in the second half and we can be rightly proud of them. Driven on by the enigmatic Diamanti and the tireless running on Collison and Behrami, there were some great individual performances. The biggest accolade going to Calrton Cole, who caused Gallas and Vermaelen problems all afternoon. On the downside, there were one or two decidely less impressive showings.
I like Mark Noble, he is West Ham through and through, but it is certainly time he was given a rest. Maybe he just needs a couple of weeks away from the game or some kind of break, but he looks bereft of ideas as a player. His set pieces, compared to Diamanti's are below average and he continues to lose the ball with some wayward passing. The other worry is Herita Illunga. He looks like he is suffering from the famed 'Sebastain Schemmel Second Season Syndrome'. After being a favourite last season, he is playing like he is still concussed from the Wolves match. Come on Herita, we know how good you are, let's see it again.
Okay, here are my ratings;
Green - 6 - almost a first 5 for Green but he redeemed himself with a cracking save right at the end, but not a great day at the office for the Green un
Illunga - 5 - possibly his worst performance for us today, perhaps a lack of competition for palces is affecting his form
Upson - 6 - gave his all today, not at his best but decent enough
Tomkins - 6 - looking shakier than last season for me, still like Tommo and hope he can step up a bit more
Spector - 7 - a brave decision by Zola to drop Faubert but one that was justified, we looked more solid with a natural defender there and I think he should stay
Collison - 7 - still finding his feet after his absences but never stopped running and we are better team for his return
Parker - 6.5 - mixed day for Scotty, he worked tirelessly and got unjustly sent off at the end of the match
Noble - 5 - sorry mate, it's the bench for your next weekend, not good enough at the moment
Behrami - 7 - alongside Collison, ran his socks off, great to have these boys back
Cole - 8 - caused trouble all afternoon, scored and just put in a top class performance today, nice one Carlton
Franco - 6 - baptism of fire I believe they are called, didn't really get into it, more to see from this fella
Subs: Diamanti and Hines both get a 7 from me. I still can't believe people were having a go at Diamanti before the game. Parker aside, he is the only lionheart we've got and I love to see him on the pitch. Zavon did well too.
Zola/Clarke - 7 - it's taking them time to see how the team should line up, but the substitutions did the trick. Don't revert to type next weekend Frankie. Overall, it felt like a win today, up the Hammers!!!!!!
Perfect result for Tottenham - arsanal throw it away (dents there title hopes and confidence). west ham also dont win but the confidence they gained will be shattered when they get thumped at sunderland at the wkend - also pls see the link below :)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8326000/8326597.stm
Posted by: thfc1882 | 28/10/2009 at 12:37