Saturday 5 March 2011

West Ham 3 Stoke 0 - Well Played Avram!

Wow. What a couple of weeks! That second half come back against West Brom! The hammering of  Burnley! That masterclass against Liverpool! And now a clean sheet and three goals scored at the other end! We have now netted 14 goals in the last three and a half games, conceding just 2 in reply! Going down? We might yet but this is pulsating stuff!

We were very good today. Not superb because we didn't have to be to beat this Stoke team; but there were signs of a fantastic team spirit. I loved the high fives and pats on the back. I loved the smiles. I loved the determination shown all over the pitch. And I loved the standing ovations afforded Ba, Cole and Parker when they were withdrawn from the fray. The crowd were still more subdued than they should be - the Stoke fans will put us to shame next week - but that apart, there was a real buzz about West Ham. We aren't just winning, we are playing well and enjoying it.

And I reckon Grant's critics aught now to apologise. The guy isn't just rotating players, he is picking teams and formations to suit the opposition. Last week, he used O'Neil to protect us from the driving runs of the Liverpool wing backs. This week, O'Neil was replaced by Cole, and Jacobsen by da Costa to deal with the aerial threat of Stoke. On both occasions, Grant got it spot on and, for the second home game in a row, we looked pretty damn solid at the back.

Up front, the movement and interplay of Ba, Cole and Piquionne was a joy today. It took about 15 minutes to click but after that, Stoke were at sixes and sevens trying to work out which big black guy was coming at them from where. They swapped positions, they pulled wide, they dropped deep, they played in midfield runners (and Bridge up the left flank), they switched the play across the full width of the pitch, they pressed Stoke when not in possession and they came off the flanks into goal scoring positions superbly.

In midfield Parker was superb. At last we are using him correctly, he is anchoring and only driving forward when sure there is cover behind. Look at the protection he gave to Bridge today, screening that left flank when Bridge ranged forward. For every free kick and corner, Parker was staying at home, protecting our goal instead of taking the corners or loitering outside the box. And when he ranged forward, he was incisive and effective. The run and pull back for the third goal was brilliant, as was the way Noble held the ball and slipped Scotty in. Piquionne was unlucky his shot was blocked but what a finish from Hitzlsperger! That ball was travelling and if Bergovic had got his hand on it, he would have needed it stitched on again afterwards! Noble claimed an assist with the first goal, playing in Ba and Hitz put in the free kick for da Costa's goal, so all three in midfield did their jobs brilliantly.

Cole so so nearly scored with two delicious curling shots and also forced Bergovic into an excellent save after harrying a Stoke defender into a terrible error; and Tomkins was unlucky with a header against the post. In the first half, apart from the goals, Piquionne missed a sitter. We really could have scored six today.

At the other end, Matty, Jones and Fuller caused us a few problems after they came on, but Green only had one real save of note to make. Apart from one flap at a cross from Green, we dealt with high balls into the box superbly, with Grant beating Pulis at his own game by selecting a team of giants. But we didn't sacrifice our style of football whilst we were about it! Come on Stani, Sav and all you other Grant critics, take a deep breath and give Avram the credit he deserves for this.

Defensively, I was hugely impressed with the way Tomkins adjusted to playing right back and with the leadership of Upson. there was one fantastic tackle when he was the last man and only one occasion when he got the wrong side of Jones, giving away a free kick as a result. da Costa had Carew in his pocket all afternoon, forcing the withdrawal of the Villa man, and generally played very well, scoring with a beautiful header from a delicious Hitzlsperger free kick. Yes he was half asleep when Fuller so nearly slammed home another great goal at Upton Park, but the ball flashed inches wide anyway so it didn't really matter. Where Tomkins was brilliant defensively, Bridge was excellent ranging forward, giving us width on the left.

So, with a defensive unit that looked tight, a midfield that saw all three clock up an assist and one score, and three forwards who were on fire, this was a very promising performance indeed. Ignoring the Cup, we have Tottenham and Man Utd next. It's about to become a little bit more difficult but this team, with this manager, may just be up for the challenge!

Player Ratings: Green 6; Tomkins 8, da Costa 8, Upson 8, Bridge 8; Noble 8, Parker 9, Hitzlsperger 9; Ba 8, Cole 8, Piquionne 7

35 comments:

Stani Army said...

We're no going down HF, say it! Or I'll say it for you I will!

Hitz for the set-pieces from now on please! Step back Nobes, step back.

How good does Ba look? Thank God every club he went to said no after we let him look around.

Cole, man of the match. Brilliant hold up play and general all-round work. How was this guy being dropped? The hold up and lay off to Hitz for the shot and that goal attempt where Begovic saved was of a top class layer.

Piqus gotta start putting those chances away. Either should have lobbed it or gone for the far post as you said. We could have killed it earlier but it remained 2-0, a dangerous score for us. Big miss. Do wonder if Obinna will take his place up top with Ba and Cole.

Apologise HF? hahaha. He's been getting it wrong all season! As for replacing taller players with shorter players; it doesnt need a genius to know that's what is required against the likes of Stoke! We're winning because of the better players. Sooner or later, we will need the manager to make a difference in a situation in a game and Grant will be missing. Dont let this fool you about the inadequacies of the guy. Dont be fickle HF. You have in the past said how bad he was, and G,S and Brady even made their mind up to sack him. There were reasons for this. He hasnt suddenly become a good manager

Anonymous said...

Here's to..... Go carting and clay pigeon shooting.

Hammersfan said...

Ungracious in the extreme. I admit when I am wrong. You hve a real problem with your ego Stani.

Hammersfan said...

Yep, sod the training ground! It seems Ashley Cole was trying to get in on the act too!

Anonymous said...

oh dear god! I see the bi polar has kicked in again, yer obviously in the midst of psychotic episode - a manic depressive "high" So AV is good again, as it Cole, as is Parker... you so need stabilizing.

Anonymous said...

I agree with HF, boo to team building exercises - it just doesn't work.

Hammersfan said...

1757, I think you will find that I have been one of Grant's and Cole's staunchest supporters. As for Parker, he is being used in the way I have been calling for. Do you not feel happy in good times and less happy in bad times? Maybe you should see a psychiatrist to help you with that!

I really can't believe that West Ham fans are more preoccupied with points scoring rather than celebrating the points! Six in six! Enjoy it for God's sake!

Sav said...

I haven't seen the game so I will reserve judgement on the specifics until I watch the video. I am very happy about the result but I must say that it is just what I expected today. I predicted that Hitz's comeback will make all the difference. And it is!

I think that on the face of it Grant got the tactics correct today. When I saw his selection I thought he was right to select Da Costa (who also went on to score for us as well). To be frank, I wasn't sure whether leaving Jacobsen out was the right move but otherwise I thought his selection was the right one.

Now, it is really rich from you HF to ask us to bow to AG on the basis of getting correct the selection of the team in one game. It is noted and it is to his credit that he did. But it will really take a lot more to convince me that the guy can maintain this momentum and motivate a team to achieve greater things in the future. I really wish to be in the position to have to eat humble pie at the end of the year. But until then, you will not get a "wow, what a great manager AG has suddenly become..." from me.

I reckon we need to get about a point per game from now on to be saved. This is below our current average. It is very do-able despite our difficult programme. If AG succeeds in keeping us in the Premier League I will gladly apologise to anyone you want. But not before that! COYI!

Hammersfan said...

Two games Sav, how many managers in West Ham's history have overseen a victory over Liverpool in which we have scored three goals? None since 1995. And how many managers would be brave enough to change a team that had played so well for the next game? That's what he deserves huge credit for!

SwissHammer said...

I say enjoy the 6 for 6!! it does not happen too often with this team! you never know, we may just beat Stoke again and then give Man U a run for their money. I would still stick a tenner on us beating Spurs too!!
dare we dream?

Essexhammer said...

As ever, good summary of the game.It was great to see GRANT with a smile on his face today.I think he has the makings of a solid side that will score goals.His tactics have been very good of late and I feel now he has some decent players to work with, with the introduction of BRIDGE,BA,HITZLSPERGER and KEANE.The whole team are now playing with confidence and a unity that has been lacking all season.I still think WESTHAM will win the bulk of their remaining games and will be well clear of relegation.Its a shame we have hit this form late in the season,we could have been fighting for a EUROPEAN place.

Hammersfan said...

Let's keep our feet on the ground guys. If Wolves beat Spurs tomorrow we could still be in the bottom three!

Hammersfan said...

Thank God, Man City have taken the lead against Wigan!

Anonymous said...

I predicted that ba would be our saviour. I also predicted that Hitzman would be our best player this season.... it's also good to see that Parker is now being used as I've called for the last couple of seasons - if only they'd listen to me earlier in the season we wouldn't be in this mess. My ultimate prediction will be on the last day of the season when I will predict live on line whether we stay up or not.

Anonymous said...

...well done AVram, on the money today, no doubt about that [sorry Stani, but you've been wrong about Avram all along. Now he's got a full house to play with, he's proving a bit more astute thatn you ever gave him credit for]. Nice write up HF, I saw the match 'online' and was impressed with how much this team has changed since Der Hammer came back. Also saw the Liverpool match and actually went to the cup demolition of Burnley. This is a different team, with a bit of morale, which they will surely need for the upcoming games. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the sweet taste of two League wins on the trot....

gateman

Anonymous said...

It's only stoke - we're going DOWN! and we're going to end up with a half empty OS with a running track....

Anonymous said...

Is this the same HF that said there was no room for team bonding sessions? we've been a different team since then... only a Luddite wouldn't be able to see that sometimes these things can make all the difference. Team building means that we're now playing as a team, we're all in this together - we are one!

Anonymous said...

We are WON!

Hammersfan said...

There we go again, 1853. How about commenting on the game? I have no pproblem with team bonding, my query was about why we team bonded by clay pigeon shooting. Chelsea do it so much better, they bring in YTS lads as live targets!

isaac said...

Fully endorse this post...well done Avram,well done all.We seem like a team pulling in the same direction...just waiting for a SuGo outburst to KaiBosh it all...

Anonymous said...

18:58 nothing to comment on - it was stoke. It wasn't Spurts and neither was it ManUre

Hammersfan said...

And you think you are a West Ham fan? You sir are a joke. 3-0 victory! After the West Brom game, WALLY Downes said on Radio 5, "We are certainly not three goals better than any team in this division". Apparently Wally, we are!

Anonymous said...

And just a few months ago, you were reporting under titles such as "Grant entirely to Blame", referring to him as "the most incompetent manager in the world." Just goes to show the difference that time and a fully fit Hitzlsperger makes!

Hammersfan said...

Was I? Find that post! Stani, Sav and all you Grant critics, was I posting that? I think I was pretty hacked after the Man City debacle and the Newcastle debacle and the Birmingham debacle, and after the Atonement nonsense, but I reckon I have gone easy on Avram overall. It was me that instigated the Grantazola Index! He only needs 4 points now to match Zola!

Anonymous said...

Oh Dear god no.... how could you? you've avoided mentioning the grantazola index - even though it was you who instigated it to rove that grant was better

Gavin Woollard said...

Good review. 6 points for a keeper that keeps a clean sheet is a bit harsh though IMHO.

northbank75 said...

great result,on a roll now I hope
and a clean sheet.
.did you see how pally avram and pulis were? watch us go down at stoke!
you scratch my back etc ha ha.
.was great game and we were a team and der hammer what can you say..Ive been up and down about Avram but he has some dignity and has kept his head in a seriously pressured situation..I liked his smirk when taling about the new signing thomas !he has to be judged on how we do with a fit squad of his players..now its judgement time!
remember hearing Ba was going to be another dyer ,dont think so stoke MUST be choked ,dont get well too soon Keane!

Stani Army said...

Me an ego HF? Hahahaa! You are a funny man. I'm the God fearing one remember! I am ego-less.

"He only needs 4 points now to match Zola!" Hahahaha...with a miles better squad, he is still behind. I wonder where Zola would have been by now.

Do remember, Zola had nowhere near this strength squad, even when he took us to 9th.

Stani Army said...

Gatemen,
Mate, if I've been wrong about Grant all along, where have you lot been? Not here defending him! But two wins and suddenly you guys have got an argument. I'm sorry, but he is still a poor manager, whatever we try to cover it with. To ignore this, is dangerous.

My position was simple. There was no evidence to say this guy is a good football manager so what position did yo want me to take? In the bottom three for almost every week for almost two seasons with two different clubs. My stance is backed up and was and continues to be more than reasonable. I'm gonna support my club mate, not an individual for some perverse reason. Forget being a football manager, this guy is not even a football person. If we continue with him after this season and with this decent squad, we will just continue to under-achieve, languishing in 15th with a top 8 squad.

Where was his astuteness when were throwing away leads? If you go back through our results, his inaction from the sidelines has continuously cost us points. Why were the Chairmen running around finding coaches? Why did they try to sack him? Their own man?

Brady is still to this day questioning him. This is from her latest Sun piece:

"HOW can a team who played like West Ham today be in the relegation zone? Our win against Liverpool burned all the blues away."

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3447563/Karren-Bradys-football-diary.html


A rhetorical question right?

Ever since the Man Utd cup game, Cole has been on fire but has still been used as a bit part until his public comments forced this guy to start him and look at the formation. Even one of Carlton's latests tweets says a lot:

"Me personally i have started to hit good form & feel like a new man, our new look strikeforce is really helping with the pressure i had b4! ". The pressure he had before was in reference to when he was slung up top on his own with Grant's 4-5-1.

But I think that is the general problem with us and why we're taken for a ride. We love our club too much and are all too easily pleased.

Anonymous said...

It's this one: http://thegamesgonecrazy.blogspot.com/2011/01/avram-grant-entirely-to-blame.html

But then again, you were hacked off about the Birmingham game, as we all were.

Hammersfan said...

Here we go again! Compare the decision to spend £6million on Diamanti with the sourcing of Hitz for nowt!

Did Zola pick a team to negate Stoke? Did he take the opposition into account in any game? Did he have the courage to change a winning team? Remember when we drew 0-0 at Anfield and Zola picked the same defensive team for the next game, at home to a struggling Spurs team? We lost 2-0 and had no creativity in midfield whatsoever.

Didn't Zola once famously explain his failure to attend our next opponent's games on the basis that he was focused on his own team, not on the opposition? Didn't Zola specialise in playing players out of position?

Compare £2million on McCarthy (Zola and Clarke's choice, nothing to do with Nani) with £1million on Piquionne. Which was the better buy do you think? Do you think we would be where we are in the table if Hitz had been available at the start of the season?

Stani Army said...

I have one comment missing HF. Can you check your spam

Anonymous said...

spurs next, a few days after a hard game midweek against ac milan and man u at home a few days before the champions league Q/F. will sir alex risk playing johnny evans and co after than 4-0 drubbing or risk their whole season by playing a full strength team, hopefully nani will miss out aswel. tottenham have a small squad and both blackpool and wolves got at them. two tough games but we are on a roll and this is the best time to play both these teams. 3 easy games to finish the season off with aswel as villa at home to go. problem is everyone keeps beating each other and no matter how we do we are still only 1 game from going back into the relegation zone

Statto said...

I'm afraid this squad is much better = you only have to check value of the players to confirm that - There's no argument to be had, the team that was 9th was valued at 17.6% less than than the team we have today, and that includes factoring in the cost of living etc.,

Stani Army said...

Yes!!! Here we go again HF! I have to keep stating the same things over and over again. It's like I answer your points then you wait a while then throw them at me again as if they have somehow gained some validity over time? Hehe.

The Hitz/Diamanti point is silly. Hitzlsperger wasn't available on a free when we bought Diamanti. And Diamanti was a star. I liked him, you liked him and so did many of our other fans. Avram didnt though...just like Daprela.

Did Zola pick a team to negate stoke? Did he have a squad to pick a team to negate stoke? That's the argument. we have a better squad now....or are able to have a better squad now, I should say. Courage to change a winning team? Nitpicking. If the score was 0-0 the game before then its a drawing team, not a winning one. And no creativity...once again, same issue. He can only work with what he had.

I dont remember this famous explanation of his for not attending our opponents games? At least he bloody attended all OUR games, unlike Grant! Heeeehehehe

McCarthy was not Zola's purchase.

Oh, so our good form's down to Hitzlsperger not Grant?! Why didnt you say so? We wasted all this time on this futile debate.

Statto,
If that's true, good work!