West Ham 1 Everton 2

I can't say that I've often felt upbeat after watching a defeat at Upton Park, but to be honest, that's how I felt after today's match.  There was little wrong with how we played today and the sense of shock at Saha's opener was felt around the stadium.  Everton literally scored with their only chances of the game, whereas we pepperred their goal with chances that were either denied by some lacklustre finishing or last gasp defending.  If we play like that every week and improve on a couple of areas, we will be a hard team to beat.

The team selection was interesting, with Noble dropped to the bench for the first time this season.  I have to say, there was more coherence to the attacking side of our game without him, but it wouldn.t be Jiminez I'd have out there, but more on that in a second.  What I will say in Noble's defence was he was warming up very near where I was sat, and he was figuratively kicking every ball and going in for every tackle.  The guy is pure West Ham and we need players like him around.

But another player we definitely need around is Alessandro Diamanti.  I rated this guy from his first appearance and he keeps coming on changing games for us.  Why then is he not starting for us?  Even if he is not fully fit, I'd rather see him starting for 60 than just coming on for the last 20.  He is our most creative outlet and such a goal threat.  He is well up for the fight whenever he comes on and I just think we will be spending less time chasing games if he was on from the start.   Placing him on the right and putting Behrami in the middle with Parker is the strongest option we have, so why aren't we doing it?

Okay, ratings time;

Green - 5 - not much to do and unfortunately the two chances Everton had were let in, so disappointing in that sense

Spector - 7 - was excellent in the first half, but out of position for their second goal, but he was good cover for Illunga

Upson - 6 - kept things organised at the back

Da Costa - 7 - thought he had a really good game, let down by his distribution but he is a strong defender

Faubert  - 6 - also had problems with his distribution today but is still an improved player

Collison - 6 - off after 45 mins, possibly carrying an injury as didn't really get into it

Parker - 8 - immense performance from Scotty P, my man of the match

Jiminez - 6 - still can't quite make my mind up about him, does some good things but not sure how much more there is to come

Behrami - 7 - full of running, not his greatest game but I just think the guy is quality

Franco - 6- faded after getting a kick in the ankle but came back into the game, not bad, not great...

Hines - 6 - struggled against a strong Everton backline, had chances that he should have got on target, but he is raw and will learn from the game

Subs - Stanislas - 6 - got a bit lucky for the goal in all honesty and didn't take on the full backs like he should

Diamanti - 7 - awesome cameo from the boy from Livorno, just want to see more of him

Zola/Clarke - 6 - had to juggle with the team but did not always make the right move for me today

Overall, it really was a game we should have got at least a point from and we now find ourselves back in the bottom 3.  But if we can keep playing like that and find a way for Diamanti, Cole and Franco to find a rhythm, things will certainly get better....

Comments

[thfc1882]

west ham lose

[gifts]

I guess it had to come sooner or later for Everton in their case it was the latter. Wasn’t it September last time they won a league game. We know they have numerous players injured at the moment and then the sloppy play by Tony Hibbert to give West Ham a goal could really have meant a different outcome today. Both teams weren’t that great if I’m honest and West Ham had their chances to turn it around with Zavon but the absence of the injured Cole definitely showed. Half way through the second half I think the tempo changed for both sides thankfully and if anything Everton’s second goal altered the mood of the hammers and they were unlucky to get a equalizer, even more so with the visitors messy defending at times. Everton must be buzzin with the away result and good on ‘em.