Everything went right for West Ham today, except Cole didn't score. Nolan was on the scoresheet with a typical tap in / nod in goal, Vaz Te scored a blinder and so did substitute Maynard. We hit the bar, the Cardiff keeper was their man of the match and each of the assists were superb: a brilliant whipped corner by Taylor, a deft through ball from Demel and a lovely slid pass by Lansbury.
At the back we were rock solid, so tight that McKnight could have been between the sticks and it wouldn't have mattered. Tomkins and Reid again looked like a superb combination and Demel and Taylor both raided down the flanks, giving us the width we were lacking earlier in the season.
In midfield, Noble, Collison, O'Neil and Nolan combined superbly, whilst Vaz Te terrified the Cardiff defence all afternoon. Cole was ok too. When he came on, Lansbury looked the part too and played in Maynard for his goal.
In truth, it could have been six: it was that easy and we were that good. Long ball football? Not much sign of it today. We had balance, we had width, we had pace in the shape of Vaz Te, we had imagination, we had guile, we were strong, composed, confident and utterly and completely in control. And Green didn't look like a man about to defect to Tottenham based on his celebrations when we scored.
So, all trains now lead to Wembley! And hopefully the Prem!
where are your player ratings
ReplyDeleteAnony-mouse says,
ReplyDeleteWe were superb. Clinical and professional were the words that sprung to mind. And i know it can all go tits up at Wembley but it'll take a good team to beat us if we play anything like we did today. We've finally got a team to be proud of- let's hope they can finish the job.
Great to hear the crowd singing Nolan's name- first time I've heard it. The crowd were terrific btw- and not just because we were winning- 'Irons. Irons' was ringing out from loads of us in Green Street before the game- loved it, The only downside was the injury to Jack- get well son- we need you at Wembley.
Anyway great stuff West Ham- Come on you rip roaring, goal scoring hammers!
I thought the same - Greeno looked very happy!
ReplyDeleteBest post I have read from you in a long time, upbeat and positive; now keep that up. Can't disagree with anything you said. JMan43
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful game played beautifully! What a pleasure to see. Perhaps the team just needed a year of matches to find its style - or perhaps the harmonic convergence of HF and anony-mouse has caused Big Sam to trust the lads. Did you hear him after the match talking about playing attacking football!?!
ReplyDeleteIf we can get tickets to Wembley I am campaigning to get USA Dave out of his wine cellar and on a plane so we can witness the final in person. Egg him on for me!
I am particularly interested in the terms you are using. Width, shape, balance. All of the things you said we lacked for large chunks of the season. Could we possibly be FINALLY hitting stride?
ReplyDeleteI hope so.
Truth is, Cardiff could have been out there for a week and they may not have scored.
You almost sound optimistic, HF!
ReplyDeleteI have slaged you off on many occasions for your inept comments and attitude!
ReplyDeleteBut I must say... this is a 100% spot on observation and your comments do not offend anyone.
Keep up the good work!
Canning Town boys COYI!!!
90" away from the promised land. Let's hope we don't throw it all away now! COY!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest Fred, I was so relaxed watching the game that I lost focus at points chatting to a Hammer I had met for the first time about our glorious and inglorious past. All 10!
ReplyDeleteThese last two games we have looked and been convincingly superior to the opposition, shown composure and confidence and played attractive football. Please may it all last for one more game.
ReplyDeletekevin in manchester writes..
ReplyDeleteI expect us to win but a mild note of caution emphatic wins this season have usually been followed by dire draws or losses.
Collison's injury may be a blessing in disguise should Lansbury take his place for the final. I think he will be very influential.
ReplyDeleteOne thing though HF...mine and Sav's point was proved yesterday by Noble getting the man of the match award! Astonishing. Hahaaa! I dare anyone to say there wasn't any other player that performed better than him.
Kevin, your caution is duly noted. But we have had a few emphatic wins in a row now. The dire draw or loss would likely have come in either Cardiff game, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteTrust me, I am not an optimist when it comes to our team so I am definitely not counting on a win. But....
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