As strangely deflated as I felt after this victory, I realised that my thoughts before the game were for 3 points no matter what the result, and in that sense, the Hammers achived the result. But boy, do we like to make things difficult for ourselves!
Firstly the positives and there are a number. 5 goals scored by 5 different players in a good stat, showing that everyone is up for the fight and willing to put their bit into the battle. After a shaky 5 minutes, we cruised into that lead and deserved it. We were brilliantly led by Scott Parker who was simply outstanding. It was a captain's performance that should see the title with him for full time, rather than reverting to Upson when he returns. This isn't an emotive response based on one performance, Scott has been one of our best players all season and consistently gets stuck in.
Mr Franco continues to impress, he must have been some player when he was a yard or two quicker but even so, he is an intelligent footballer in the mould of Teddy Sheringham, and he is making a good contribution to the comeback. I also thought Jack Collison had a good game for us.
On the downside, the lack of discipline and concentration in the defence was very disappointing. We gifted Burnley three goals they should never have scored, and all because the boys were mentally half way down the tunnel. It's something I hope Zola addressed. I also have to say I'm not fully convinced by Junior Stanislas at the moment, he is quick and has popped up with a couple of goals, I just want to see someone so quick beat the defender a bit more. He also tends to go down quite easily.
Anyway, on to the rankings;
Green - 6 - let down by the defence for the goals, pretty average day for Rob
Illunga - 6 - at times looked like the Illunga of last season, but not quite there yet. Still coming back from his injury though.
Gabbidon - 6 - a rock in the first half but let down by the 2nd half performance
Da Costa - 6 - see above!
Spector - 6 - a dependable type but the moments where he does get caught out always seem to cost us
Collison - 7 - a good shift by Jack, I think that's a lift off for some more top performances from him to come
Parker - 9 - man of the match by a long shot, passing, tackling, he did everything but referee the game
Kovac - 5 - I had to check the teamsheet to confirm he played
Stanislas - 6 - still a raw talent, hope we can mould him into a more disciplned player
Cole - 6 - got the goal then had to go
Franco - 7 - intelligent play and didn't shirk any challenges
Zola/Clarke - 7 - got the crucial 3 points but didn't shore things up to ease us in towards the end.
Overall though, a crucial three points, but we have to make sure we tighten things up at the back, especially considering the next visitors to Upton Park!
