That was a pretty average first half if we are honest. Keane took his goal superbly and I think he was onside, marginally. Cole had a good shot well saved. Hitz tried an ambitious chip. Obinna had a couple of opportunities to make more when in advanced positions, but apart from that, we haven't looked too hot and every time Villa get the ball, I'm worried.
Once again, we are making crass errors. Bent had a goal disallowed for climbing on Jacobsen; on another day it could have been given. But the point is, the chance came after a dreadful attempt at a clearance from the Dane. As for the goal, Noble tried to do a Parker turn on the edge of his own box and lost the ball, in came the cross and Bent headed home. Easy peasy, thanks to crass decision making from Noble. I have defended him often enough in the past but there's no defence possible here. It was a terrible mistake plain and simple.
I am worried that we have allowed Young to come inside and shoot, apparently unaware of the threat he poses and that Bent is moving into gaps superbly. he looks a much better player than Cole at the moment! To be honest, if having a bet, it would have to be on Villa. I think we will be lucky to get the draw.
One last thing, Bent should have been off for that foul on da Costa. God knows what damage was done but it could have snapped an Achiles. It was a blatant stamp on the back of the heel.
Now as the second half begins, the all too familiar nervous WHU emerge.
ReplyDeleteThis is nothing to do with the witless types who have posed as managers - Zola or Grant, but Curbishley was not much better, nor was Pards. Play like they are now and they are nailed on certain relegation. Defence is complete garbage. And now Hines replaces Obinna - "average" replaced by "mediocrity".
The West ham way - dont make me laugh.