We only beat Blackpool after all, a glorified pub side who have now lost six of their last seven games. Big bloody deal. And it was hardly a commanding performance either, with our backs against the wall for a lot of the second half. Had that free kick squeezed in instead of thumping against the post, then Blackpool would have been swarming all over us in search of an equaliser. My money would then have been on them scoring a third.
Tomkins played well but the defence sat far too deep at times, especially in the second half, and a better side than Blackpool would have exploited the huge gap between our front pair and back four. We still have a problem with shape, with neither Parker nor Noble screening the back four properly. Blackpool's goal came after Parker conceded yet another stupid free kick, taking Adam down needlessly from behind, and nobody can express surprise that we conceded yet again from the corner that followed. The post was struck from yet another free kick conceded in our final third.
So, whilst the three goals and three points were very welcome, big problems remain. Birmingham and West Brom both have to be beaten and will present sterner challenges than the Red Lion Blackpool. Sorry, but perspective is needed.
9 comments:
Totally agree. But at least the team looks like it can score goals for a change. Let's hope it continues. I am sorry to admit that I felt pleased that Gabbidon is not available to be picked in these two crucial games. Sorry Stani!
Thanks to Stani for talking me through how to add the players Tweets!
No worries. Looks class. The players have suddenly become human!
Needs a couple of tweaks though HF. That claret looks a bit brown now and the box is getting a bit cut off on the right. Will sort it out tomorrow and send you the instructions. Yes, you will have to do it. Carlton's bored HF, send him a link to this blog!
If DaCosta is fit, bring him in. He is the only one of our defenders that can almost match Zigic's leap.
Sav,
I'll tell Gabbidon what you said! :)
IF ANYONE KNOWS THE TWITTER USERNAME OF ANY OF OUR OTHER PLAYERS PLEASE LIST IT AND I WILL ADD TO THE FEED. MUST BE FIRST TEAM SQUAD AND LEGIT. THERE ARE A LOT FAKES OUT THERE. SAD, BUT TRUE.
...although I'm surprised you didn't leave the twitter box the standard pink HF!
Absolutely spot on HF, exciting match, great result, but our defence was still woefull against what was on the night a very poor Blackpool attack.
Our salvation assuredly rests on our ability to outscore the opposition in highscoring matches, but if James Tomkins gets injured... we're doomed.
When you look closely at the players available it's not at all inspiring. Upson, Gabbidon, Bridge and Faubert will be out of contract at the end of season and human nature dictates that when things get tough the "well I won't be here next year" attitude kicks in. daCosta may well be watching his back in the showers rather than playing at the back for us. Jacobsen is an aging journeyman and Reid so far has looked out of his depth. That leaves Tomkins who is starting to look the player I was told he would be seven years ago, alot rests on those young shoulders.
One of the positives this season has been Parker and Noble showing that they can form a good midfield unit. But now that we have more flair and punch up front they really need to attend to the job of closing down the opposition outside the box. (Reid to his credit was bawling them out on Wednesday for failing to do that).
Birmingham will not be such an easy job on Saturday, especially if they have learned from the league cup match. I still think we would be better up front with Cole instead of Piquionne, not least for his defensive capabilities. But at least Wednesday gave us hope!
As for the Twitter; very well named. It's been painful enough this season watching how they play without having to read what they think!
I don't think the defence are instructed to sit progressively deeper throughout games, nor do I think the midfield is instructed to sit almost in line with the back four, I believe that we just don't have the stamina to play a high line and to press opponents for long periods. Stamina, aerobic capacity and durability haven't been hallmarks of recent West Ham United teams.
Perhaps the out of contract guys will think they are showing off their talents for new deals elsewhere? And despite our cynicism athletes usually do want to play well and look successful, even if for selfish reasons. If our back 4 fails us it won't be because they gave up, it will happen because the simply aren't good enough.
Dave, I think you're right initially, professionals don't just give up and as you say players are playing for their future. But when you go two nil down players who are going to remain at a club are more likely to carry on trying than those who know they're moving on regardless.
Stani,
Thanks. But I wouldn't mind if you told Avram Grant what I said. Just kidding. DG is a nice guy but he panics and fall over too often. That's all. We just can't afford to be doing that right now.
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