For a while there, we were getting excited. Back to back victories over Chelsea and Liverpool, after going behind in each. Perhaps there really was a changing of the guard. Perhaps we could really look up rather than down when hoping for results in other games. But then again, perhaps not.
There was no shame in this defeat, but what it showed was that our squad is paper thin and, with injuries to certain players, we are going to struggle. Carroll isn't one of them though. Outside the box, Cole was immense today, leading the line superbly. If only we had more players capable of breaking beyond him and scoring because when in the box, he changes from a tiger to a kitten still sadly!
Nolan was quiet today which is a shame because Cole bullied the Liverpool centre backs remorselessly. They were terrified of him and after this game, I would imagine Rodgers would be happier taking Carlton to Anfield than reclaiming Carroll.
Noble did well. Jarvis did well. Diame did well until he was injured. Reid was good. Collins put in a few great blocks. Taylor ran around a lot. Jussi was impressive. And Demel was good until he came off at half time. But O'Brien was torn apart when on the left, Tomkins looked what he was, out of position, and Maiga looked brainless again.
The Liverpool goals were excellent and it did nothing for the mood for two players "made in West Ham" to be on the score sheet. Our goals, in contrast were lucky. It was a penalty, and Noble took it expertly, but Allen was unfortunate nevertheless and I suspect Gerrard was trying to show Carlton how to head the ball when in the box when he connected superbly to give us the lead.
So, we keep looking down the table and hoping. 22 points in the bank. Southampton are still seven points behind and Sunderland nine. If Diame is out with a hamstring, points could be hard to come by over the next few weeks.
Player ratings: Jussi 7; Demel 6 Reid 7 Collins 6 O'Brien 3 ( 1 first half, 6 second!); Noble 6, Diame 7; Jarvis 7, Nolan 6, Taylor 5; Cole 8 Subs: McCartney 5, Tomkins 3, Maiga 2
I thought you were absolutely battered today and the scoreline definitely flattered you. The penalty decision was harsh to say the least. Quite amusing as well that it was the 2 old boys that sealed your fate!
ReplyDeleteBigger than Liverpool?? Ha ha ha has ha ha!
I'm so happy!!!
Shelvey, who claimed liverpools winner, is also an east londoner along with Joe cole, glen Johnson and mark noble who scored tonight
ReplyDeleteDiame supposedly out for 12 weeks? But Diarra has been training for a week...concerned.
ReplyDeleteTomkins 3, really HF thats 3 ratings to high if you ask me, completely at fault for coles goal and to make things worse he can't do anything in center mid.
ReplyDeleteLeft back a problem once again. McCartney looks like McCarthy, lazy.
ReplyDeleteHopefully in the transfer we realize the huge problem of left and right back, but realistically, we will sign another striker for the bench.
US HF
People also forget that Jonjo Shelvey was also an academy kid and West Ham fan as a boy! Shame to lose a game when 3 guys who used to bleed Claret and Blue keep you from a W.
ReplyDeleteAlso just nice to point out that both Cole and Johnson did not celebrate their goals. Very respectful and with Cole wanting to leave Liverpool maybe this shows he wants to come back?? We could sure need him now especially if Diame is out for a long time.
Here we go again, a one,a two,a one,two,three,four- Brendan Rodgers is having a party,bring your noble and mccartney. Ha ha. Did you go to the game plastic hammer? Getting beaten at home by an average Liverpool side and you think there's no shame in that? Clueless.
ReplyDeleteI have been told DR evil voted for rylan to win x factor!!!!
ReplyDeleteTomkins is an immense centre back and still young. Its not his fault he's being played out of position. Would have him at the back instead of the ginger Pele any time.
ReplyDeleteCole was immense. Having Carrol in the team has really sent a rocket up him.
Nolan was lazy, as always. Nowhere to be seen when we were breaking. Overrated crap.
I think a draw would have been fair. The penalty was legit. Can't have your hands up and claim you turned your back. Don't turn your back!
Dire situation with Diame. Sooner the Jan transfer window gets here, the better!
No wonder you watch And write about Leeds all the time, Wet Ham are boring and useless. Relegation material.... Ho ho ho
ReplyDeleteLooking a bit ominious for those poor Hammers now.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how this blogger Hammersfan has no greater ambition than survival for his team
I guess its this mentality which has formed the whole ethos of West Ham which is an acceptance of midiocrity.
I'd rather support a Championship team with ambition than a 'we'll never be good enough' Premiership side.
0859, REAL fans don't have a choice who they support. "Rather" doesn't come in to it. You support the club where you were born.
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily hf, a lot of it has to do with who your father supported. You don't seriously think that 17.8m people around today were born in Leeds?
ReplyDeleteHow typical of the wheel-stealers.
ReplyDeleteCalm down! Calm down!
The mighty Pool have just beaten 2 promoted clubs and think they are on a one way ticket back to the top. Back in August these last 2 fixtures would have been seen by Rodgers as win certs. The fixture list has been even kinder to them with games against Villa, Fulham, Stoke, QPR and Sunderland to come. But watch it all unravel again when they face Man U at OT. Reality check as sure as the next issue of unemployment benefit.
Yes pool are shite but at least they know it, you obviously haven't cottoned on that you just lost at home to them
DeleteFair enough 1213. But that assumes Leeds fans know who their fathers are! ; )
ReplyDeleteYou saucy git Hammersfan!!
ReplyDeleteWell plastic hammer,we certainly know who your father is,he's dust in some 3rd rate seaside town.
ReplyDeleteHahaaaaaaaa you're lot looked shite, flattererd by a bent ref, onwards and downwards, forever blowing bubbles I wondered where mj's monkey had gone
ReplyDelete08:59 here Hammerfan, and the key comment which you ignored was your lack of ambition to aspire to anything other than midiocrity.
ReplyDeleteThis is a mindset developed on realisation that your team knows its place in life, that being amongst the also rans.
How many games have you been to so far this season plastic hammer?
ReplyDeleteLIAR
ReplyDelete