It was nerve wracking right until Kovac slammed in the second, but this was a great result today against one of our relegation rivals. Finally the lads seem to have warmed up after a very slow start and the performances are vastly improved.
Portsmouth had their spells but the better chances fell to us. There was much more discipline at the back to give us first clean sheet in a long time. Despite rumours to the contrary, Franco started but he looked 90% fit to me. Despite this, he still worked like a horse, ploughing a lone furrow up front. In the middle of the park, Scott Parker was once again immense. He must be a late consideration for the world Cup finals, England don’t have a player like him as his role is crucial and he attacks with commitment. All the boys done well, but big shout outs to a much improved Kovac and the unflappable Faubert. Let’s do the ratings;
Green - 6 – clean sheet but still not quite there I don’t think, something is troubling him...
Illunga – 7 – better performance from Herita today, much better defensively
Upson – 7 – solid and dependable, back to the old Upson
Tomkins – 7 – did very well today as well
Faubert - 8 – full of running and defended well, making the right back spot truly his own
Collison – 6 – decent shift from Jack, getting better with each game
Noble – 6 (subbed) – Jiminez – 6 – quiet for periods but involved in both our goals
Parker - 8 – just huge for us again, he CANNOT be sold in Jan
Kovac – 7 – much better game from Kov, covering the back four well
Diamanti – 7 – full of invention and running, becoming a real Upton Park favourite
Franco – 6.5 – ran his socks off but was very isolated for long periods
Zola/Clarke – 7 – kept us on a knife edge but got the boys working for a hard fought victory
Next up we head to the Lane for a tough game against North London big shots Spurs. Although we can go into the game with confidence, we’re going to have to be at our best to take anything from this one. However, if the lads work like they have the last two games and Behrami continues his comeback, we could do well.

