2005/2006 SEASON REVIEW
Hammers' first game of the new 2005/2006 campaign - the 14th Premier League season - is at home to Blackburn Rovers (our first home game on the opening day of the season for six years!) on the 13th August, followed by a trip to Newcastle a week later. Arsenal visit Upton Park on September 24th, games against Spurs are scheduled for 20th November and 7th May (the final day of the season) and Chelsea meet us on 2nd January and 8th April in some of the London-derbies to look forward to.
And right here you will find all the Hammers' fixtures, results and (wait for it...) my match analysis of every game! A tough season ahead beckons, but let's face it, we could have been playing Hull, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday instead...
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 3 (Sheringham 46, Reo-Coker 62, Etherington 80)
BLACKBURN ROVERS (1) 1 (Todd 18)
This was the moment every die-hard Hammers fan was waiting for - the start of the 2005/2006 season. Although Blackburn did not present an easy opening-day task, these are the sort of games Hammers need to win over the coming season. The size of the task ahead of West Ham to stay in the division this season became clear almost straight from kick-off, as Rovers created an attacking chance after only 20 seconds of the new season. And it was indeed the visitors who dominated the early stages of the game - Andy Todd's 15-yard strike from a corner rewarded Blackburn's good start to the game, and showed Hammers the difference in quality from the Premiership to the Championship. Hammers got themselves back into the game, without ever creating any clear goalscoring opportunities, and the teams went in at 1-0 at the break. But if the first half was Blackburn's, the second half was definitely West Ham's - almost straight from kick-off, 39-year-old Teddy Sheringham pulled the home side level, and from then on it was all West Ham. Nigel Reo-Coker struck a superb second goal on the hour, and Matty Etherington's tap-in completed a magnificent turnaround. Rovers striker Paul Dickov was sent off shortly after the 3rd Hammers goal for a two-footed challenge on new Hammers defender Paul Konchesky, completing a miserable day for the visitors. But what a brilliant start to 2005/2006!! If Hammers play like this all season, then there will be no need to worry about relegation. The win means Hammers are second in the Prem (only behind Charlton on alphabetical order)!! Only 37 games to go - wonder if we can stay there?!?!
Saturday 20th August 2005
Premier League
NEWCASTLE UNITED (0) 0
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
Hammers' first away game of the season was a tricky task at underachieving Newcastle United. Manager Graeme Souness is under a lot of pressure, after last season's 14th-place finish, but Hammers' had lost their last three games at St James' Park. As expected, Newcastle had most of the play and chances, but after a relatively dull first half the teams went in at 0-0. Benayoun had West Ham's best chance but failed to beat 'keeper Shay Given from a tight angle inside the penalty area. But Hammers' task was to made even harder after Paul Konchesky was wrongly red-carded for winning the ball when, as the last defender, challenging Jermaine Jenas. No-one other than referee Dermot Gallagher thought that was a red card. But West Ham showed gritty determination to come away with a well-deserved point after holding out for the final 35 minutes. 4th in the table with 4 points from two games, the perfect start for Hammers. Everton's inevitable defeat against Villareal in the Champions League qualifier means we don't play on wednesday, so other teams will no doubt overtake us in the table. Still, couldn't have asked for much more from the Hammers so far!
Saturday 27th August 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Sheringham PEN 90)
BOLTON WANDERERS (0) 2 (Nolan 59, Campo 85)
Visitors Bolton had earned their first win against a poor Newcastle side the previous Wednesday, and were always going to be difficult opposition. However, it is fair to say Hammers dominated the first half but were wasteful infront of goal - Marlon Harewood missing a couple of guilt-edged chances. And the home side were made to pay for their poor finishing, as Kevin Nolan scored a very scrappy goal from a poorly-defended corner, before the hairiest man on the pitch, Ivan Campo, made sure of the three points for Bolton. Teddy Sheringham, who had earlier hit the crossbar with a free-kick, pulled a goal back with one minute of stoppage time remaining. Our first defeat, but we didn't play badly - it is crucial we take our chances infront of goal (and defend better from set pieces) otherwise we will be punished. Despite Hammers first league defeat, we are still 9th at the end of August, and still above Liverpool, too!
Monday 12th September 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 4 (Harewood 24, 29, 50, Benayoun 89)
ASTON VILLA (0) 0
The first Monday evening kick-off in the Premiership this season saw the battle of the two teams in claret and blue at Upton Park. And it was the home side who took control early on, Marlon Harewood (harshly branded a "dinosuar" by that fool Notty) slotting home from just inside the area. And he made it 2-0 when he hooked the ball over 'keeper Sorensen's head from a corner barely 5 minutes later. Half-time, and Hammers were cruising against a Villa side containing Milan Baros, an earlier target for West Ham ironically. More poor defending from Villa allowed Harewood his hat-trick at the beginning of the second half, and although the visitors (who had hit the post minutes before Harewood's third) started to create some decent chances, Yossi Benayoun netted his first Hammers' goal on the stroke of full time to seal a dominant and fantastic performance. Hammers had recorded their first win against the Villans since December 1997, when we won 2-1, and moved up to 7th in the table after the result. An absolutely brilliant display from West Ham (and now Notty knows what dinosaurs can do if they put their mind to it). 7 points from 4 games is a great start to our campaign, and we can forget about the threat of relegation if we play as superbly as this all the time!
Saturday 17th September 2005
Premier League
FULHAM (0) 1 (Boa Morte 66)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Harewood 48, Warner OWN GOAL 52)
Hammers' second away match of the season was a London-derby against Fulham, who had taken 5 points from their first five matches. However, West Ham had won two out of the last three away games against Fulham, and despite being under pressure for most of the first half, Marlon Harewood continuted his excellent form by nipping in to dink the ball over 'keeper Tony Warner to give the away side the lead early in the second half with a lovely finish. Harewood got lucky with the second goal, which followed less than five minutes later, when he turned and his shot came back off the post only to hit Warner on the back and roll over the line. Luis Boa Morte pulled one back to set up a tense finish, but Hammers held on to preserve our fantastic start to 2005/06. 10 points from our first 5 games and 10 goals, too! Only leaders Chelsea (12) have scored more goals, as we move back into the Champions League positions!
Tuesday 20th September 2005
Carling Cup 2nd Round
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (0) 2 (Coughlan 76, Graham 77)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 4 (Zamora 2, 63, Dailly 54, Bellion 86)
A tricky-looking away tie for Hammers in the second round of the Carling Cup against a Wednesday side, although bottom of the Championship, but who had five years earlier upset the Hammers in the same competition with a 2-1 win at Upton Park. But it was West Ham who got off to the perfect start, Bobby Zamora scoring with only 75 seconds of the match gone, and it was the away side who looked very comfortable throughout the first half, struggling Wednesday not really testing the Hammers. But with just the one-goal deficit, the home side started to apply the pressure in the second half, before Christian Dailly's header and Zamora's second sent the Hammers cruising into a 3-0 lead. However, with 15 minutes remaining, the Owls dragged themselves right back into the game with two quick goals from Graham Coughlan and David Graham. The pressure was right back on West Ham, but fortunately substitute David Bellion netted his first Hammers' goal to seal the win. Incidently, that was the first time in four years (or the second time in the last eleven years) that West Ham had scored four away from home in a competitive match, and averted a possible upset in the process. On the very same night, Grimsby Town shocked Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 with an 89th minute winner!! Luckily, Hammers for once were not on the receiving end of an upset!
Saturday 24th September 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
ARSENAL (0) 0
No doubt Hammers' toughest task so far, even though the Arsenal side was missing Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires (and of course Patrick Vieira who was sold to Juventus in the summer). Hammers had won two of their three home matches in the league, whilst the Gooners were yet to even take a point on their travels after defeats to Chelseas and Middlesbrough. In a fairly even contest, neither side was really able to test the opposing 'keeper, and although West Ham had a possible penalty shout for handball early in the second half, the two sides had to settle for a point, which keeps Hammers one point above the Gooners in the table - we are now 4th again and above Man Utd (who lost at home to Blackburn)!!
Saturday 1st October 2005
Premier League
SUNDERLAND (1) 1 (Miller 45)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Benayoun 72)
The home side had finally managed to win a Premiership match the previous week with an impressive 2-0 win at rivals 'Boro (their first win in 7 attempts this season, and 21st Premiership game since the end of 02/03), so it wasn't going to be easy. And indeed the evening game (5.15 - what a bloody stupid kick-off time, although that's nothing compared to the Man City vs Everton game on Sunday - 11.15 in the morning!!) was dominated by Sunderland, Marlon Harewood having West Ham's only real chance in the first half, but as the half drew to a close, Tommy Miller lashed in a scrappy goal from point-blank range 2 minutes into stoppage time to give the Black Cats a deserved lead. And they really should have increased their lead after the break, but Yossi Benayoun took advantage of a Sunderland error to finish smartly and earn a point 20 minutes from time. We didn't play well today, but still managed to nick a point, meaning we are yet to be defeated away from home in the league, although the bloody scum (Spurs and Man Utd) have stolen our Champions League spot. Having said that 6th is still very impressive!
Sunday 16th October 2005
Premier League
MANCHESTER CITY (1) 2 (Cole 18, 56)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Zamora 90)
Another tricky away game for Hammers after a two-week international break saw Manchester City dominate throughout against the visitors, Andy Cole's spectacular curling chip giving the home side a deserved lead in the 18th minute. And it could, and really should, have been many more before Cole's tap-in early in the second half effectively ended the chance of a West Ham comeback. With only our fifth effort on their goal, Bobby Zamora pulled one back in the very final minute of stoppage time, but there was no chance of an equaliser. And had we got one, we would not have deserved it, City's 22 shots on our goal should have seen them hit half a dozen, but were it not for Paul Konchesky's efforts in defence, the scoreline would have been more convincing. A very average display, but Hammers are still riding high in 9th spot, still ahead of Liverpool (!) and with a game in hand on most teams.
Sunday 23rd October 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Sheringham 66, Riggott OWN GOAL 74)
MIDDLESBROUGH (0) 1 (Quedrue 87)
After a winless run of three games, Hammers finally turned on the style in the home clash with Boro, who had been involved in UEFA Cup action on the thursday. Despite having the majority of the decent chances, the home side couldn't break the deadlock in the first half, but 2nd-half substitute Teddy Sheringham (on for Bobby Zamora) gave Hammers the lead when he side-footed home inside the area. And the lead was doubled eight minutes later, when a free-kick, aided with a deflection off Boro defender Chris Riggott, was fumbled on the goal-line by 'keeper Mark Schwarzer. Although the whole of the ball clearly did not cross the line, the goal was controversially awarded (not that I'm complaining :-)) and an understandably furious Steve McClaren saw his side go 2-0 down.But Boro were not out of the game, as Frank Quedrue's header from a corner (which actually went in off Paul Konchesky's head on the line) pulled the score back to 2-1. But Hammers fourth win in the first nine games sees us retain our place in the top half of the league, only four points behind 2nd-placed Charlton!
Wednesday 26th October 2005
Carling Cup 3rd Round
BOLTON WANDERERS (0) 1 (Borgetti 63)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
Hammers' 2nd meeting with Bolton already this season, and a second defeat... The visitors had the better of the first half in a fairly dull encounter, with no clear chances to show for their efforts. But it was the Trotters who livened up after the break, and they scored the only goal of the game when all-time Mexican top-scorer Javier Borgetti headed in at the near post from point-blank range, the ball only just crossing the line despite Shaka Hislop's efforts to keep it out - it didn't even reach the net! So Hammers are out of the Carling Cup, but so are Chelsea (ha ha!) after Charlton defeated them on penalties, meaning (until the FA Cup comes round) we can concentrate on the league.
Saturday 29th October 2005
Premier League
LIVERPOOL (1) 2 (Alonso 18, Zenden 82)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
Hammers had been above opponents (and Champion's League Winners) Liverpool since the very first game of the season, but never really threatened their goal, and Liverpool's dominance showed when Xabi Alonso's deflected shot from just outside the area from a poorly-defended corner gave them the lead. The home side went in one-nil up at the break, but really should have added to their lead, before Boudweijn Zenden's first goal for the club ten minutes from time sealed the points and condemned Hammers to their fourth 2-0 defeat in their 12 Premiership meetings at Anfield. So, that's 43 years since we last won a game at Anfield, but West Ham remain above the Reds in the league table, still sitting fairly pretty in 9th spot.
Saturday 5th November 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Sheringham 57)
WEST BROMWICH ALBION (0) 0
After two successive defeats on the road, Hammers returned to Upton Park to a face a struggling West Brom side who had only collected 8 points from their 11 games. In an open and exciting game, with plenty of chances, neither side was clinical in front of goal, and the teams went into the break at 0-0. But it was 39-year-old Teddy Sheringham who won Hammers the game when he took a neat touch from Christian Dailly's header and toe-poked the ball home with the outside of his right foot, just before the hour-mark. Although Albion pressed hard for an equaliser, they wasted a couple of good openings, and Hammers held on for their fourth home victory out of six in the league. The win, our fifth already this season in the Prem, saw us briefly overtake Manchester United, moving us up to eighth, still above Liverpool!
Sunday 20th November 2005
Premier League
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1) 1 (Mido 16)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Ferdinand 90)
The fiercely-contested London derby between the two teams had been switched to a Sunday afternoon kick-off on police advice, and although the home side began brightly, Hammers had two decent goal-scoring opportunities within the first 15 minutes. However, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Egyptian striker Mido to nip in and head the ball over 'keeper Shaka Hislop, who had wandered out of his goal. Spurs looked comfortable for most of the first half, and went into the break with a 1-0 lead. But the visitors came out more determined in the second half, and Teddy Sheringham's close-range effort from a corner was brilliantly saved by 'keeper Robinson. Spurs wasted a couple of good chances to seal the game, and as time was running out, West Ham won a corner. Because this was our very last chance of the game - it was in added time in stoppage time (if that makes sense) - Hislop came up for the corner, but the ball was perfectly placed for Anton Ferdinand to head into the Spurs net! The Hammers fans went absolutely wild (including me), as West Ham had taken a deserved point from Tottenham in the dying seconds! An excellent point away at one of the top teams in the Premiership, it was so sweet to nick a point from Totts, and sees us move to 8th in the table. I've never celebrated a draw like that before!!
Sunday 27th November 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 1 (Harewood 1)
MANCHESTER UNITED (0) 2 (Rooney 47, O'Shea 55)
After a hard game against Spurs last week, it was to be another difficult encounter on a Sunday afternoon with Manchester United the visitors to Upton Park. After the tribute to George Best, the home side came flying out of the blocks, scoring with the first chance of the game within only 55 seconds - Marlon Harewood finishing from Matthew Etherington's cross after a neat move on the break. What a brilliant start! Typically United came back into the game, creating several decent chances, but ex-United 'keeper Roy Carroll in the Hammers goal kept them at bay with some smart saves. West Ham, other than the goal, didn't creat a lot of clear-cut chances, but Mickael Silvestre was been given such a hard time by the dangerous Harewood that Ferguson decided to take him off for Gary Neville midway through the first half. Despite all their attacking pressure, the Mancs went into the break trailing 1-0. However, after all the home side's excellent defensive work in the first half, United took only ten minutes to turn the game on its head, as they so often do. Rooney, who proved a handful for the West Ham defence all afternoon, equalised just after the restart, before defender John O'Shea headed in unmarked form a corner ten minutes later. Unfortunately there was no way back for Hammers, as the visitors pressed to clinch the three points, but missed a hatful of chances - van Nistelrooy coming closest when he hit the underside of the crossbar. Despite the best possible start, Hammers sadly could not hold on, as the bloody Man United scum move up to 2nd in the Premiership table after nicking the three points. However, Hammers remain 9th in the table, with a trip to Birmingham next Monday night beckoning.
Monday 5th December 2005
Premier League
BIRMINGHAM CITY (1) 1 (Heskey 11)
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 2 (Zamora 35, Harewood 45)
For the third consecutive week, Hammers' game was moved from its original Saturday slot (thanks to Sky). Birmingham, lying in 19th place, had failed to win any of their first seven home games in the league, picking up just the one point, whilst West Ham had triumphed in only one of six away matches. It was the struggling home side who got off to a bright start, and they were rewarded when Emile Heskey rounded Hammers 'keeper Roy Carroll to put the Blues ahead early on. The visitors came back into the game, and Bobby Zamora scored an absolutely incredible individual goal to equalise for Hammers. From a throw-in just outside the City penalty area, he lobbed the ball over the head of one defender, twisted and turned his way around two more defenders before slotting the ball between the legs of 'keeper Niko Vaesen. A fantastic goal, which gave the away side the momentum they had lacked early on, and Marlon Harewood completed the turnaround on the stroke of half-time, firing home from a cross which had apparently gone out for a goal kick but was not spotted by the officials. Either way, Hammers went into the break 2-1 up. Under pressure Birmingham dominated the second half, and really should have taken a point (or maybe three), but David Dunn struck a post, and Matthew Upson blazed over from close range - it really wasn't their night. Emile Heskey did put the ball in the net, but his blatant handball got him a yellow card and no goal. But another excellent three points for Hammers, who are still ninth (we've been there for weeks now!) and the first of a tricky run of three consecutive away games is over.
Saturday 10th December 2005
Premier League
BLACKBURN ROVERS (0) 3 (Dickov PEN 56, 57, Kuqi 76)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Zamora 45, Harewood 63)
Ewood Park has not been one of Hammers' favourite grounds in recent years - we received a 7-1 thumping there in October 2001. The visitors were looking for their first league win there since September 1993, when the Irons earned a fantastic 2-0 win. It was the home side who dominated most of the first half, Robbie Savage hitting the bar from a free-kick and Rovers had another effort cleared from the line. However, in first half stoppage time, Hammers broke away on the counter attack, and Marlon Harewood played through Bobby Zamora who drove past 'keeper Brad Friedel from the edge of the area. It took only ten second half minutes for the home side to level the match - Tomas Repka very harshly adjudged to have handled inside the West Ham penalty area, but Paul Dickov made no mistake from the spot. Less than a minute later, an error from Christian Dailly (who had replaced the seriously injured Danny Gabbidon because he had clattered into an advertising hoarding) allowed Dickov to secure his second goal in as many minutes. Back came Hammers though, and Marlon Harewood equalised with a header (!), before Shefki Kuqi was allowed to walk through our defence and fire into the roof of the net (with a little help from the crossbar). Even at 3-2 down, Hammers had their chances to equalise, Yossi Benayoun spurning a chance after a mix-up in the Rovers defence which saw the (always unpopular) Robbie Savage collide with his goalkeeper (ha ha!). A very entertaining game, but the referee made some very poor decisions, and booked SIX of our players... Hammers still remain in ninth slot.
Wednesday 14th December 2005
Premier League
EVERTON (1) 1 (Beattie 9)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Weir OWN GOAL 19, Zamora 67)
This tough midweek fixture at Goodison Park was the rearranged game from August, and it was the home side, going well on an unbeaten run (which included a 1-1 draw at Manchester United in their last game), who began brightly. James Beattie rewarded their good start to the game, scoring from close range to give the Toffees the lead in the 9th minute. Hammers got themselves back into the game when David Weir deflected a Tomas Repka cross into his own net ten minutes later. And it was the visitors who took control from then on, dominating most of the rest of the first half, before a Bobby Zamora tap-in midway through the second half gave West Ham the three points, although we had to survive a brutal last 20 minutes as (thug) Duncan Ferguson came on and tried, in vain, to give our defence a hard time, as Everton looked for the equaliser. But, finally, finally, after 12 years of trying, Hammers record a league win at Everton - our only other Premiership win at Goodison Park was on New Year's Day 1994 (!). And that fantastic win (against one of our bogey teams) pushes us up to 7th, 1 point behind Arsenal. One amazing fact for you: in West Ham's last four consecutive matches, the team who has scored first has gone on to lose the game! But 2 wins in the last three away games is a fantastic return for Hammers, who face Newcastle on Saturday at Upton Park, at last a home game! Although our form on the road of late has been very impressive.
Saturday 17th December 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Solano OWN GOAL 20, Harewood PEN 73)
NEWCASTLE UNITED (2) 4 (Owen 5, 43, 90, Shearer 66)
The prospect of a fantastic game between West Ham and Newcastle was delayed by 30 minutes (due to a major road accident nearby), but that didn't stop the away side getting off to the perfect start - Michael Owen capitalised on some poor defending to slot the ball through 'keeper Roy Carroll's legs to give the Geordies an early lead. Despite the early setback, Hammers dominated much of the first half, and they were gifted an equaliser when Titus Bramble tried to clear Marlon Harewood's cross, only for his clearance to strike Nolberto Solano (who was standing right infront of Bramble) and rebound into the goal (ha ha!). The home side had chances to take the lead - Bobby Zamora's shot was blocked by 'keeper Shay Given's legs - but they were punished by more poor defending, this time from a free-kick, which Owen deflected into the Hammers' net via his shoulder. Into the second half, and still trailing by 2-1, West Ham's Hayden Mullins crashed a fantastic 25-yard effort off the foot of the post, and from the resulting scramble in the penalty box, young Hammers defender James Collins hooked the ball towards goal at lightning pace, only for Alan Shearer, of all people, to clear off the goal-line. Although the home side were dominating possession and the chances, it was the Geordies who increased their advantage, when Alan Shearer scored from inside the area with a low shot. But West Ham responded again, when Shola Ameobi's clumsy (and blatantly obvious) handball inside his own penalty area gave Marlon Harewood the chance to make it 2-3. Harewood made no mistake, and Newcastle were in for an uncomfortable final 15 minutes. However, as Hammers pushed forward desperately for an equaliser, they were caught on the break, and with Roy Carroll miles out of his goal, Owen scored the easiest goal of his career, completing his hat-trick and sealing the points. Although it was Owen who made all the headlines, you should not forget that West Ham more than played their part in a fantastically entertaining game, and with the chances we had, could have won the match. Ironically, the scoring sequence (and the result) of this game was exactly the same as when Toon won 4-2 in the Premiership here in March 1994. Despite our heaviest home defeat this season so far, Hammers are still ninth, and an interesting trip to (ex-West Ham boss) Harry Redknapp's Pompey on Boxing Day beckons.
Monday 26th December 2005
Premier League
PORTSMOUTH (1) 1 (O'Neil 17)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Collins 56)
Boxing Day 2005 saw Harry Redknapp face his old team for the first time since he left the hotseat at Upton Park in May 2001. And it was Redknapp's struggling Pompey side who made the much more impressive start, taking the lead in the 17th minute with Gary O'Neil's half volley from just inside the West Ham area. In a disastrous first period for Hammers, Pardew had to make all three of his substutions, as our entire defence came off injured - substitute Danny Gabbidon, still trying to recover from a knee injury sustained at Blackburn, limped off again within minutes of replacing Tomas Repka. So with three new injury worries, no subs left and a goal behind against a rampant Portsmouth team, things looked bleak at half time. However, the visitors took control in the second half, and Welsh international James Collins bagged his first West Ham goal, turning neatly and firing into the net from a Matthew Etherington corner. Hammers should have won the game, Marlon Harewood hit the post minutes before Collins' equaliser and Christian Dailly headed wide when he should have hit the target in the dying seconds, especially after Pompey were reduced to ten men when Laurent Robert was quite rightly sent off for two bookable offences - firstly treading on Etherington's ankle as he tried to clear the ball, and then flying in with a clumsy mistimed challenge on Paul Konchesky. But another point in an awkward-looking encounter will do just fine; Hammers stay ninth in the Prem.
Wednesday 28th December 2005
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
WIGAN ATHLETIC (2) 2 (Roberts 42, Camara 44)
On a bitterly cold night, in which 3 Premiership games had to be postponed because of the icy conditions, Hammers faced a Wigan side who had recorded consecutive victories after going on a 5-match losing streak. It was the away side who dominated the first half, while Hammers barely created any clear chances up front. Jason Roberts finally gave the visitors the lead they deserved with a delicate flick over 'keeper Roy Carroll just minutes before half time. Just a couple of minutes later, some dreadful West Ham defending gave the Latics a 2-0 advantage; it all began with an aimless, overhit long ball from James Collins, which found its way into the arms of Wigan 'keeper John Filan. Wigan broke away on the counter-attack, and as Henri Camara took the ball through the legs of the first Hammers defender on the edge of the area, Paul Konchesky slipped at the wrong moment, failing to clear the the ball away, and Camara slotted home from a few yards out. The half time score was greeted with boos and jeers from the home crowd - to be fair it was a very mediocre Hammers performance in the first 45 minutes. Although Hammers improved after the break, Bobby Zamora wasted the best Hammers chance, heading over from point-blank range after the ball looped up from a Wigan defender. Goalscorer Jason Roberts, who was cautioned for an elbow on James Collins, then committed the same offence, but this time Collins received a nastier blow right in the middle of the face, resulting in blood pouring out from his mouth. Roberts, however, somehow managed to escape punishment this time (for a worse offence). A very diappointing night for Hammers, who have lost their third consecutive home game in the league. A trip to our South-East London neighbours Charlton on New Year's Eve is going to be "interesting", seeing as we cannot seem to defend at all any more, whilst the Addicks have only picked up one win in their last eight league games, losing seven of those. However, on our four Premiership visits to The Valley, Charlton have scored four times in three of those games, and West Ham are yet to win there...
Saturday 31st December 2005
Premier League
CHARLTON ATHLETIC (1) 2 (Bartlett 21, Bent 63)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
Despite dominating for most of the first-half of this London derby, Hammers' wasteful finishing cost them dear; Charlton twice cleared off their own goal-line, but, against the run of play, took the lead in the 21st minute when Shaun Bartlett tapped in from Darren Bent's cross. The home side created more chances after the break, and Darren Bent's 63rd minute header sealed only the Addicks' 3rd home win in the league this season. Only one solitary point for West Ham in our last four Premiership games, and with some awkward-looking fiixtures to come, including (obviously) the impossible task of beating moneybags Chelsea in our first game of 2006, we may start to slip closer to the relegation zone, even though we are currently tenth...
Monday 2nd January 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Harewood 46)
CHELSEA (1) 3 (Lampard 24, Crespo 63, Drogba 80)
Champions Chelsea had only dropped five league points so far, and with Hammers on a poor run of form, it was inevitable that the rich bastards would return with three points. But they had to wait until just after the mid-point of the first half, when a poor header from Yossi Benayoun gifted ex-Hammer Frank Lampard (deservedly booed throughout the game) the chance to volley into the West Ham goal. Despite having the best defence in the league by a mile, Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho and Geremi still found it necessary to elbow and rugby-tackle the West Ham forwards; typically they got away with it. But 0-1 down at half time showed that Hammers' defence had restricted the Blues to only a few chance on goal. The home side got off to the best possible start in the second half - only 29 seconds had gone when Marlon Harewood's shot just managed to sneak through 'keeper Petr Cech's legs and loop into the Chelsea net. This shock prompted Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to substitute Damien Duff for another attacker, Hernan Crespo. And, in typical jammy Chelsea-style, it was Crespo who restored the visitors' advantage, 44 seconds after coming on, when he rounded Hammers 'keeper Roy Carroll, and fired into the empty net. Despite that goal, Crespo was very wasteful, missing three or four excellent chances to increase the lead. But Didier Drogba sealed the points with ten minutes to go when he fired low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area, condemning West Ham to our fourth defeat in five league games.
Saturday 7th January 2006
FA Cup 3rd Round
NORWICH CITY (0) 1 (McVeigh PEN 72)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Mullins 6, Zamora 57)
Hammers managed to avert a potential banana-skin against Championship side Norwich, in a repeat of the 3rd Round tie last season (although that one was at Upton Park). The visitors got off to the perfect start when Hayden Mullins lashed in from the edge of the Norwich penalty area to net his first goal of the season. Hammers were on top for most of the first half, but had to wait until the 57th minute to double their advantage, Norwich 'keeper Robert Green spilled a difficult cross only for Bobby Zamora to nod in from point-blank range. Hammers should have sealed the game by then, Marlon Harewood struck a post and fired another effort just wide, but James Collins' handball inside the Hammers' area gifted the home side a lifeline - Paul McVeigh made no mistake from the spot, and a tense finish was set up. But Hammers progress into the fourth round for the fifth consecutive season, where we can hopefully have a relatively "easy" home tie...
Saturday 14th January 2006
Premier League
ASTON VILLA (1) 1 (Hendrie 27)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Zamora 51, Harewood PEN 60)
Hammers returned to league action after the FA Cup success at Norwich to face an in-form Aston Villa side, who dominated most of the first half of the clash of the Claret and Blues. It was indeed the hosts who got the reward they deserved when substitute Lee Hendrie's glancing header found the back of the West Ham net just before the half-hour mark, although maybe it should have been 1-1 at that stage had Matthew Etherington not spurned a great chance of giving Hammers the lead, firing the ball straight at 'keeper Sorensen when he should have slotted home from an acute angle. But Hammers took control of the match in the second half, turning the game completely on its head within 9 second half minutes. Firstly, Bobby Zamora headed home unmarked from Paul Konchesky's free kick, then Hayden Mullins' shot was blocked by the hand of Mark Delaney - Harewood tucked away the penalty to send the away fans wild behind the goal. Another fantastic turnaround from West Ham, our fourth 2-1 away win in the league this season (and the third game out of those in which we've won having fallen 1-0 behind). A much-needed win sees Hammers remain tenth, on the day that Arsenal demolished Middlesbrough 7-0 at Highbury(!).
Monday 23rd January 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 2 (Ferdinand 17, Benayoun 28)
FULHAM (0) 1 (Helguson 52)
A Hammers side who had lost their last four consecutive league games at Upton Park faced a Fulham team who had yet to claim maximum points on their travels in the league, so a fascinating London-derby was awaiting both sets of supporters. And they were not disappointed - in a very entertaining game it was the visitors who made much the brighter start, having an early effort cleared off the line, but it was West Ham who took the lead in the 17th minute through a stunning Anton Ferdinand strike. From a Hammers corner, Ferdinand, with his back to the Fulham goal, swivelled and volleyed the ball into the top left-hand corner of the Fulham net from fully 25 yards out - what a goal! The home side took control of the first half from then on, and another sublime goal, this time form Yossi Benayoun, gave the home side the lead they deserved. In a fantastic solo attempt, Benayoun beat two Fulham defenders before beating 'keeper Antti Niemi with a superb, precision chip from just outside the box. Hammers went into the break looking very comfortable with a 2-0 lead, but a defensive mistake from Danny Gabbidon allowed Heidar Helguson to pull a goal back for the away side just after the restart. It was Fulham who dominated most of the remainder of the game from then, as they pushed hard for an equaliser; consistently poor defending by the error-prone Hammers' back four in the second period might have helped their cause, but fortunately West Ham held out for the win, which sees us rise one place to ninth in the Prem table. Look out for the two West Ham goals on Goal Of The Month for January!
Saturday 28th January 2006
FA Cup 4th Round
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 4 (Sheringham PEN 33, Etherington 37, Khizanishvili OWN GOAL 59, Zamora 74)
BLACKBURN ROVERS (1) 2 (Bentley 1, Neill 65)
David Bentley scored the fastest goal of the day across the country after just 25 seconds, when Hammers were caught half asleep straight from the kick-off. The ball was crossed into the Hammers box and Bentley, somewhat untidily, helped scramble the ball across the line from point-blank range into the empty net. Having got the early goal, Blackburn pressed for the second as they dominated the game in its early stages, but Hammers came back into the match and, having had an earlier penalty appeal against Rovers' defender Khizanishvili turned down, got the spot-kick they wanted when the very same player was penalised for handball. Teddy Sheringham, returning from injury, took the kick, and cheekily chipped it over Brad Friedal into the goal. Just five minutes after that, West Ham were ahead - a superb flowing move saw Paul Konchesky lay the ball off to Matt Etherington who fired home from just inside the Blackburn penalty area. Another fantastic turnaround from West Ham, who added their third on the hour mark; Khizanishvili's day became considerably worse as he slid in to try and clear a Hammers cross, but ended up putting the ball past his own 'keeper - a finish a centre-forward would be proud of. However, there was hope for Rovers, as a spectacular individual effort from Lucas Neill, whose curling shot from 25 yards beat Shaka Hislop in the Hammers goal, pulled the score back to 3-2. But the introduction of Marlon Harewood as a second half substitute ultimately decided the game. It was his shot which Friedal failed to hold, allowing Bobby Zamora the easiest of tap-ins. An excellent win for Hammers against a strong and in-form Blackburn side sees us go into Round 5, where our reward is a trip to the Reebok Stadium to play Bolton, who dumped Arsenal out. Certainly not a very nice draw - we have a habit of getting shitty draws at this stage, and unfortunately it means that Bolton could possibly beat us four times this season(!), having already won 2-1 at Upton Park in the league in August, and the 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium in the Carling Cup 3rd Round. Time we beat them for a change, I think...
Wednesday 1st February 2006
Premier League
ARSENAL (1) 2 (Henry 45, Pires 89)
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 3 (Reo-Coker 26, Zamora 31, Etherington 79)
Despite all their troubles since selling Patrick Vieira in the summer, Arsenal's formidable team was going to provide a tough task for Hammers, and indeed it was the home side with all the early attacking - Robin van Persie had their best effort when he turned Hammers defender Danny Gabbidon twice before his shot hit the outside of the post. But for all their early pressure it was West Ham who took the lead, when Sol Campbell's error allowed Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker to race away on the break and smartly slot the ball between the legs of Gunners' 'keeper Jens Lehmann in a one-on-one. Just five minutes later, and totally against the odds, Hammers doubled their lead! It was Bobby Zamora who won the ball from Campbell again on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, and he fired a superb curling effort round Lehmann into the corner. Campbell, in my opinion, was harshly criticised for making the two "errors" which gave West Ham their two first half goals - they were still both expertly finished off by Reo-Coker and Zamora. But as the game entered first half stoppage time, Arsenal got themselves right back in the game, with a rather scrappy goal from a corner which wasn't cleared properly. Thierry Henry got the final touch to deflect the ball into the goal and set up a fascinating second period. To be fair, it was the least the home side deserved; Yossi Benayoun also had to clear an Arsenal effort off the line with the score at 1-0. As you might expect, it was all Arsenal pressure in the second half, but as the game wore on, they became more frustrated as Hammers managed to hold out at the back. And, on one of a fairly rare Hammers attacking moves, Matthew Etherington looked to have sealed the game when he added a third in 79th minute. But Arsenal were not finished, Robert Pires (who had failed to keep out Etherington's shot on the line for the 3rd Hammers goal) pulled one back very late on. However, it was not enough, and West Ham had recorded a brilliant 3-2 win at Highbury (their last ever game there, before Arsenal's move to Ashburton Grove). Our first win at Arsenal since early March 1995 sees Hammers extend our winning run to 5 games. A fantastic birthday present for me (ha ha!) and another superb away performance from Hammers - What a win!!!
Saturday 4th February 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Ashton 81, Konchesky 87)
SUNDERLAND (0) 0
Poor Sunderland were seemingly doomed to relegation already, having only collected 9 points - one of those was against Hammers in the 1-1 draw at The Stadium Of Light in October. Hammers, full of confidence after five straight wins, failed to create any decent goalscoring opportunities in the first half, but were aided when Sunderland defender Stephen Wright was sent off in the 23rd minute for two bookable offences - on both occasions stupidly wrestling down the West Ham attacker to the ground..But the visitors managed to survive to half time, the teams going in 0-0 after a dire first half. West Ham pressed forward more in the second half (as you would expect against 10 men) but struggled to break down the Sunderland defence; there was even a rare half chance for the visitors, as the Hammers faithful grew restless. But finally, finally, with ten minutes remaining, 2nd half subsititute Marlon Harewood, who had unstettled the away defence, shot at the Sunderland goal; 'keeper Kelvin Davis could only parry his effort and there was new £7million signing Dean Ashton to tuck home the rebound from six yards. Hammers had finally broken the deadlock, and with 4 minutes of normal time left, Paul Konchesky netted his first West Ham goal, when his 25-yard daisy-cutter crept under the body of Davis, sealing the win. 6 in a row now for Hammers, although all Hammers fans were getting worried that we might not be able to beat 10-man Sunderland after 80 minutes!
Monday 13th February 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 3 (Harewood 11, 63, Ashton 65)
BIRMINGHAM CITY (0) 0
Hammers provided the perfect tribute to local legend Ron Greenwood in a professional display to outclass struggling Birmingham at Upton Park in this Monday evening game. Marlon Harewood opened the scoring after ten minutes when a fortunate deflection fell kindly to him, and he rifled home from inside the Birmingham area. Although they needed the points more, City rarely threatened the Hammers goal in the first 45 minutes, as the home side sat back a little, and the teams went in 1-0 at half time. But Birmingham showed more urgency after the break, but still failed to create any clear chances despite their pressure. And they were made to pay when a silly handball in their penalty area gave Marlon Harewood the chance to make it 2-0. Harewood took a short run-up, but his penalty was well saved by Maik Taylor in the Blues' goal, fortunately for him he was able to put the rebound in and notch his second goal of the night. And just a couple of minutes later it was game over; Dean Ashton nipped in, unmarked, at the far post to head in from point-blank range to put the icing on a fantatic Hammers display. 7 wins in a row - this is absolutely brilliant!! And we're up to sixth spot in the Prem, level on points with the Gooners, and only four behind the Spurs scum!!
Saturday 18th February 2006
FA Cup 5th Round
BOLTON WANDERERS (0) 0
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
As usual, the FA Cup had thrown up a nasty draw for Hammers, but after seven consecutive wins, confidence was high in the West Ham camp. And the visitors did well early on, on a difficult pitch, to stifle any Bolton attacks. Although Hammers rarely, if at all, threatened the Bolton goal, we were happy to come in at half time 0-0, after a dreadfully boring first half. The away side were more attacking after the break, and Dean Ashton had Hammers' best chance when Matthew Etherington's dangerous ball found him unmarked at the far post, just four yards out, but Ashton's header still managed to miss the target and hit the side-netting - our best chance had gone. However, the West Ham defence was solid, and although the home side put intense pressure on our goal for most of the second period, Wanderers failed to create many decent goalscoring opportunities, the best chance fell to Stelios, who was (probably incorrectly) adjudged to be offside as he fired the ball home from 10 yards. But Hammers deserved their draw, and the replay suits us, as we have home advantage at Upton Park - although the date for the reaply has not been finalised yet, due to Bolton's involvement in the UEFA Cup. Should we win the replay, Hammers shall meet the victors of the replay between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Eastlands, after City snatched a very last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Villa Park, a game in which they dominated. As it currently stands, West Ham are actually, believe it or not, the 3rd-highest placed team (in terms of league positions) still left in the FA Cup competition!! On that basis, we should make it to the semi-final, something we haven't done since 1991... But it's going to be tricky...
Saturday 4th March 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 2 (Harewood 10, Ashton 23)
EVERTON (1) 2 (Osman 18, Beattie 71)
After a two-week break, Hammers returned to league action with a game against our bogey team Everton. The home side looked like they were about to stretch their unbeaten run of eight games when a lovely move saw Marlon Harewood drove a powerful low shot under Everton 'keeper Sander Westerveld in the 10th minute. But Everton responded well, and got an equaliser eight minutes later when a similar move to Harewood's goal resulted in Leon Osman firing into the roof of the West Ham net from 20 yards. But back came West Ham again - Dean Ashton scored a fantastic solo goal from a Shaka Hislop goal-kick, picking the ball up just inside the Everton half and eventually planting a low shot beyond Westerveld from a tight angle. Just 23 minutes gone, and Hammers had regained the lead in an entertaining encounter. It stayed like that until twenty minutes from time, when Everton again pulled the scores level, finally getting the equaliser they deserved for their dominant second half showing, when panic in the Hammers defence allowed James Beattie to loft the ball over Shaka Hislop. Beattie should have won the game for the Toffees when a dangerous cross found him at the far post, only for the ex-Southampton man to shoot into the side-netting. Mikael Arteta could also have given the visitors the 3 points when he blazed over from close range from another cross, which Hammers defender Lionel Scaloni again failed to deal with, but the teams had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Everton were obviously disappointed not to have won, but yet again Hammers have thrown away a lead against the Toffees - this is the third 2-2 draw between the sides at Upton Park in the last eight meetings, all of which West Ham were winning in (most notably in early 1997 when a 2-0 half-time lead for Hammers was wiped out...). Hammers remain 8th in the table, and now play Bolton twice in four days, including a BBC1 televised FA Cup 5th Round replay clash.
Saturday 11th March 2006
Premier League
BOLTON WANDERERS (3) 4 (Stelios 12, 33, Speed 45, Pedersen 83)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Sheringham 79)
The first of two meetings in the space of four days saw both teams going into the match with 42 points, with the home side ahead of the Hammers in 7th spot with a slightly superior goal difference. But Bolton totally outclassed Hammers in the first half, and dominated from the outset. Their early pressure was rewarded when Stelios Giannakopoulos followed up an effort which had come back off the post. The visitors continued to defend extremely poorly - Elliot Ward (only just recalled from a loan spell at Plymouth) and Lionel Scaloni (again) in particular looked very out of place in a reshuffled Hammers line-up, which also saw Anton Ferdinand play in midfield in the first 45 minutes. And it wasn't a suprise when Bolton doubled their advantage on the half hour, as the West Ham defenders backed off Kevin Nolan who shot low from 25 yards, only for Stelios to deflect the shot (which was going just wide) into the right-hand corner of Shaka Hislop's goal. Things got even worse when Hammers failed to clear a Bolton corner, and as the ball was played back into the Hammers' penalty area, Gary Speed's speculative overhead kick made it 3-0. The half-time score did not flatter the home side, infact it probably flattered West Ham. Finally, the visitors began to threaten the Bolton goal slightly more in the second half, although the home side could have increased their lead quite easily. Captain Teddy Sheringham restored some pride when he tapped in on 79 minutes, but a fantastic toe-poked finish from Henrik Pedersen from outside the area restored the 3-goal lead almost immediately and sealed a resounding victory for Wanderers. Hammers' worst performance and defeat this season sees us fall to ninth, still seven points behind 4th-placed Spurs. We have to improve for the FA Cup replay on Wednesday against this lot, otherwise it could be their fourth win against us this seeason! That's a game I shall be watching as well, from the comfort of my sofa... Time these northeners were stuffed...
Wednesday 15th March 2006
FA Cup 5th Round Replay
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Jaaskelainen OWN GOAL 10, Harewood 96)
BOLTON WANDERERS (1) 1 (Davies 31)
*After Extra Time (1-1 after 90 minutes)
The game I had been eagerly anticipating for about 3 weeks had finally arrived - the first time in three years that I had seen a live Hammers game. Fortunately, it seemed that Hammers had put the debacle of last Saturday's meeting between the exact same sides behind them, as a stronger West Ham line-up got off to a bright start. And, without even registering a proper shot on the visitor's goal, the home side went infront after less than ten minutes of play. A rather fortuitous goal, but Hammers fans weren't complaining - infact I was laughing hysterically at the the cock-up in the Bolton defence which saw Nicky Hunt's attempted clearance from a dangerous Marlon Harewood cross strike his own goalkeeper and divert the ball into the net. "Big Sam" Allardyce claimed Harewood was offside (in his typical sour mood), although it was pretty tight. However, Bolton got themselves back into the game, creating several chances, but they had to wait until the half-hour mark before they got their equaliser. Their leveller also had a bit of luck about it - Hammers 'keeper Shaka Hislop totally misjudged Kevin Davies' curling effort and could only push the ball into the net. The teams went into the break at 1-1 after an intense but exciting first period, which saw 4 yellow cards. Wanderers dominated most of the second half as they brought on Henrik Pedersen in an attacking switch. However, Hammers also had a couple of decent efforts, Matty Etherington's effort was hacked off the line for a corner as the result of a dangerous low cross from the West Ham right wing. But neither side managed to break down their opponent's defence, and the tie went to extra time. Bolton left off where they had finished the second half, launching a continuous assualt on the West Ham goal, but it was the home side who regained the lead after Yossi Benayoun's dangerous cross found Harewood at the near post, and he lifted the ball over Jaaskelainen into the goal in the 6th minute of the additional 30. The Trotters pressed hard for their second equaliser, forcing numerous corners, but Hammers substitute Bobby Zamora should have sealed the win late on when Jaaskelainen came up for a corner, and as West Ham broke on the counter-attack, Zamora found himself alone up front, but he beat one defender before his header flew over the bar with just the 'keeper (who was well off his line) to beat. But Hammers held out, and the fantastic, hard-earned win sees us play on the following Monday in the televised quarter-final against Manchester City - another very tough game, not helped by the fact that it's our 3rd game in 6 days.
Saturday 18th March 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Sheringham 69, Benayoun 90)
PORTSMOUTH (3) 4 (Lua Lua 19, Davis 25, Mendes 42, Todorov 77)
Harry Redknapp returned to Upton Park for the first time since leaving his post as West Ham manager in May 2001, with his struggling Portsmouth side in 19th. However, Pompey had ended a poor run of form by winning their last league game, whilst Hammers manager Alan Pardew rested several key players with Monday's FA Cup match just around the corner; having said that, it was not a "reserve" side like many people had claimed it to be - it was not a "weak" team either, as Pardew played a strong defence and Sheringham and Zamora up front. Despite the team selection, Hammers were very poor in the first half, and were dominated by a rejuvenated Pompey team. The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute when when Hammers' defence failed to clear and Lomano Lua Lua tapped in from point-blank range. The West Ham back four continued to struggle, and Sean Davis was allowed too much time in the West Ham penalty area, and his scrappy goal from 6 yards gave the visitors a suprise 2-0 lead. Having scored two wonder goals the previous week, Pedro Mendes hit a 25-yard belter past the stranded Jimmy Walker (who was making his Premiership debut) in the West Ham goal a couple of minutes before half time to effectively seal the victory. With the introduction of Marlon Harewood in the second half, Hammers improved, and almost found a way back into the match when Harewood's superbly struck half-volley from outside the area clattered against the crossbar. Paul Konchesky also hit the post before Sheringham followed up his effort and reduce the score to 1-3. Hopes of a West Ham comeback were soon over, when clever skill and trickery from Lua Lua allowed his cross to be turned in by ex-Hammer Todorov, whilst the West Ham defence again stood and watched aimlessly. One final lovely Hammers move saw Yossi Benayoun net in the dying minutes to pull the score back to 2-4, but Hammers were condemned to a second successive heavy defeat. A truly dreadful first half performance ultimately ended the contest, and we must play a hell of a lot better to defeat Manchester City on Monday. Coincidently, a slightly-weakened City team were also beaten, 1-0 at home to Wigan. Out of the eight FA Cup quarter-finalists, only Liverpool won at the weekend, whilst all the other 7 teams (including Chelsea) lost!
Monday 20th March 2006
FA Cup 6th Round
MANCHESTER CITY (0) 1 (Musampa 85)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Ashton 41, 69)
West Ham's second televised FA Cup game within the space of six days was another tricky task against a third consecutive Premiership team from the North-West (in the FA Cup that is). City had most of the early possession and half-chances; Kiki Musampa had the best effort early on when the Hammers' defence backed off him, and he was allowed to run and shoot from the edge of the area - only to fire over the top when he should have done better. Hammers came back into the match, having a decent attacking spell of their own, but without creating any real chances. The home side still appeared to be the more dangerous when going forward, but the game sprung into life when Dean Ashton's brilliant touch allowed him to beat a City defender and his powerful, accurate low shot beat David James at his near post. A fantastic solo goal from the £7.25million man sent me going wild in delight on my sofa! Shouts of "Deano, Deano!" could be heard form the Hammers section of the crowd. 1-0 up at half time, but the tie was no way over - another 45 difficult minutes were still to come. But the away side got an unexpected boost in the 56th minute when City midfielder Sun Jihai pushed Matty Etherington away, when trying to win the ball by the touchline, and then needlessly swung his arms towards the face of Etherington. Referee Howard Webb immediately produced a red card, and the home side were down to ten men, rather harshly I first thought, but having seen the replay, maybe it was the correct decision. Either way, it became slightly easier for West Ham after that, as City were stretched down the Hammers left side. And as a result Hammers started to attack more, and when Christian Dailly fell injured when he crossed into the City box, the home side decided they would not do the sporting thing and put the ball out of play, but would rather try and take advantage of the situation and try and attack the (temporarily) ten men of West Ham. But Kiki Musampa lost the ball in his own half to Nigel Reo-Coker who passed out wide to Yossi Benyoun who took the ball into the City area and his clever cross put in Ashton for any easy tap-in to double his and West Ham's tally for the night. The home side tried valiantly to force their way back into the tie, but didn't create any clear opportunites until a superb volley from Musampa with the outside of his left boot from 20 yards pulledf the score back to 1-2 with five minutes (and four minutes of stoppage time) remaining. But the Hammers backline, who had looked pretty solid for most of the night, held out and finally, finally, after waiting fifteen years, West Ham were in the semi-finals of the FA Cup! The first time since I have been supporting Hammers that we have reached a semi-final of a domestic cup - and we fully deserve to be there! Now let's hope for a "nice" draw in the semi-final (that means not Liverpool or Chelsea should they both go through)....
Saturday 25th March 2006
Premier League
WIGAN ATHLETIC (1) 1 (McCulloch 45)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 2 (Harewood 52, Reo-Coker 90)
Hammers put out a stronger team than in the two previous league games against a Wigan side who were four points ahead of Hammers, and with European ambitions of their own. After a fairly low-key first 45 minutes in which neither 'keeper was really tested it seemed the teams would finish the half scoreless, but it was Wigan who went into the break with the advantage, after Lee McCulloch's 25-yard effort which flew past the motionless Shaka Hislop in the West Ham goal. Again, West Ham had to do it the hard way - after a poor first half showing, the vistors turned the game on its head with two second half strikes. The first came after Hislop's smart save and punt down the field which caused an error from Paul Scharner in the Latics defence, allowing Marlon Harewood to knock the ball into the empty net. Substitute Teddy Sheringham then provided a dangerous low cross in the 91st minute which found captain Nigel Reo-Coker to tap in and give all 3 points to the away side. The results caps a superb week for the Irons, after two consecutive 2-1 wins in the North-West, and the FA Cup tie which each remaining team was hoping for - Charlton or Middlesbrough. Man United next - our "game in hand" and third consecutive game in the North-West, can it be 3 consecutive wins there?? I bloody hope so!!
Wednesday 29th March 2006
Premier League
MANCHESTER UNITED (1) 1 (van Nistelrooy 45)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
Hammers's sixth game in 19 days - our seventh game in March in all competitions - saw us travel to the the North-West for a third consecutive game. And, suprisingly, it was the visitors who supplied most of the early pressure, winning several corners, but not creating any clear oppportunites on the United goal. As you might expect, the home side began to dominate most of the play in midfield, but the closest they came to a goal is when they struck the post. The Hammers defence had held out well against Rooney and van Nistelrooy, but for the second game running, were caught out in first half stoppage time when van Nistelrooy scored a typical goal of his - a tap-in from inside the 6-yard box. So after all that hard work, Hammers were up against it, and they struggled to get forward in the second period as United pressed for a second to kill the game off, Rooney's shot which hit the bar was the nearest they came to getting a second. So, it appears April will be as busy for West Ham was it was for March, with five league games and an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to. But with Premiership football guaranteed at Upton Park next season, a chance to grab a place in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup, and a slight possibility of winning a domestic trophy, it's been a damn good season for the happy Hammers. Well done to Reading, too, who sealed their place in the 2006/07 Premiership season for the first time ever, after last weekend's draw at Leicester City.
Sunday 2nd April 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
CHARLTON ATHLETIC (0) 0
Teddy Sheringham, on his 40th birthday, had to spend the first half of this local derby on the bench, as neither Hammers or Charlton created any clear goalscoring opportunites in a suprisingly lacklustre first period. But birthday boy Teddy was introduced as a half-time subsititute for Dean Ashton as West Ham looked to press for the vital first goal. Hammers were in control for most of the second period, putting the Charlton defence under increasing amounts of pressure, whilst at the other end the Addicks rarely troubled Shaka Hislop in the West Ham goal, despite winning several corners and having good attacking spells. Bobby Zamora replaced Nigel Reo-Coker as the home side tried to use their strong attacking force to good advantage. And, almost immediately after coming on, Zamora's free header from a West Ham corner was headed off the line - Hammers best chance so far. And when another Hammers corner wasn't dealt with properly by the visitor's defence, Sheringham took his chance well, reacting quickest but was thwarted by a superb save from 'keeper Thomas Mhyre on the line again. Almost the perfect birthday present for Sheringham and West Ham, but it was not to be. Yossi Benayoun headed over unmarked from a dangerous cross - the last decent West Ham chance, and the teams had to settle for a point each. Slightly disappointing for West Ham, we probably did enough to deserve to win, but Charlton will be pleased with a point and a clean sheet away from home. Pardew himself said in the post-martch interview "I don't like goalless draws", which shows our attacking intent; this is only Hammers' second 0-0 at Upton Park this season. The point sees West Ham shift up one place to 8th in the table, although an away fixture with Chelsea beckons next Sunday, on a day with four other games including Manchester United versus Arsenal...
Sunday 9th April 2006
Premier League
CHELSEA (2) 4 (Drogba 29, Crespo 32, Terry 54, Gallas 69)
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 1 (Collins 10)
Supposedly the toughest game of our season was a trip an out-of-sorts Chelsea, and although the home side made a bright start it was West Ham's Marlon Harewood who won the game's first corner in the tenth minute. Yossi Benayoun's corner kick was met perfectly by Hammers defender James Collins who headed past Blues 'keeper Petr Cech at his near post. What a start for the Irons! And things were made even better for the visitors when Chelsea's Maniche was shown a straight red card after he went sliding in with two feet and caught Lionel Scaloni on the knee. That should have made things easier for Hammers, instead the game went disastrously wrong after that key moment - disastrously wrong. Chelsea took control of the match and turned the game on its head within three first half minutes, when Didier Drogba (who was outstanding all match, even though he is a blatant cheat) and Hernan Crespo scored scrappy goals due to poor West Ham defending. Even at 2-1 down at half time, it was asking too much of Hammers to try and salvage something from the game, as the home side dominated the second period too. John Terry made the game safe for the Premier League's dirtiest team (yet another red card for Mourinho's foulers), when yet another rebound in the Hammers box went in Chelsea's favour and his half-volley bounced into the net through a crowd of players. William Gallas's point-blank range tap-in sealed the rout with 20 minutes still remaining - another bad goal given away by the West Ham defence in the game. Substitute Teddy Sheringham might have made it 2-4 when his effort was cleared off the line, but the home side deserved their win. What a shocking result, conceding 4 goals against a team playing with ten men for 73 minutes! And after we were winning... This result capped a truly horrible and forgettable weekend of football, with Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle all winning too. Although four of my least favourite Chelsea players/overpaid pricks netted, at least Lampard didn't get on the scoresheet on this occasion.
Saturday 15th April 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 1 (Newton 15)
MANCHESTER CITY (0) 0
With an FA Cup Semi-final against Middlesbrough next Sunday, Pardew put out another slightly-weakened Hammers line-up for the home match with Manchester City, who had been on a run of five consecutive defeats. And it was Shaun Newton's first Hammers goal which decided the contest in the 15th minute - Bobby Zamora's powerful run into the City half on the left wing allowed him to place a pin-point cross for Newton, who was all alone in the centre of the field, to finish emphatically from 18 yards. The visitors fought their way back into the match and had the ball in the back of the West Ham net, but ex-Hammer Trevor Sinclair's delicate chip was ruled out by an offside flag - had City attacker Micah Richards not touched the ball as it was dipping into the net, the goal probably would have stood. City were also denied by another offside decision in the second half, this time Darius Vassell's 'goal' was ruled out, but Hammers held on to record just our second league win in eight games. The win sees West Ham climb up to 7th, which would mean a UEFA Cup spot, and with the Semi-final against 'Boro to come, Europe is a very realistic possibility.
Monday 17th April 2006
Premier League
MIDDLESBROUGH (1) 2 (Hasselbaink 41, Maccarone PEN 57)
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 0
This was dubbed by many as the "dress rehearsal" for Sunday's FA Cup Semi-final meeting between the same two sides. Well that was a slightly inaccurate piece of observation by those people who made that comment, as both teams rested key players because of the importance of Sunday's game, and 'Boro also had the small matter of a UEFA Cup Semi-final squeezed into Thursday night. Both teams created some decent chances in the opening period of the game, but Marlon Harewwood (West Ham) and Franck Quedrue ('Boro) were guilty of missing very good opportunities to put their side infront. However it was the home side who broke the deadlock just minutes before the half-time interval, when the ball was pulled back to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who fired low beyond Hammers 'keeper Shaka Hislop into the bottom-right corner of his goal. The home side doubled their advanntage shortly after the break when Shaun Newton was harshly adjudged to have hauled down Middlesbrough attacker Adam Johnson in the West Ham penalty area. Massimo Maccarone put away the penalty, although Hislop was unlucky not to keep it out - having guessed the right way, the ball slipped just past his outstretched fingers and crept into the net. At the other end, Teddy Sheringham's powerful close-range header was off target when he might have done better, and Dean Ashton ballooned his effort miles over the crossbar, when faced with a practically open goal six yards out. Well, Easter Monday's game belonged to 'Boro, but who will Sunday's FA Cup Semi-final go to? That's the one both sides would much rather win than the league game, although I don't think Middlesbrough will be too dissatisfied with the 3 league points. Anyway, after a brief rise to 7th, Hammers have slipped to 10th after wins for close rivals Newcastle and Wigan, and a point for Bolton in a dire 0-0 with relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion. And our miserable record at The Riverside Stadium continues - since Hammers played their first game there in December 1995, we have lost 7 out of the eight games, with only a 2-2 draw in the 2002/03 season as our solitary point.
Sunday 23rd April 2006
FA Cup Semi-Final (at Villa Park)
MIDDLESBROUGH (0) 0
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Harewood 78)
The big game had finally arrived. The winners would meet Liverpool in the FA Cup Final after their 2-1 win against a sour Mourinho's Chelsea. Hammers were boosted by the news that they had a fully-fit squad of players to choose from, whilst 'Boro were dealt a blow by the absence of key man Mark Viduka. As you may expect, the game was very tense in the first half, as neither team really produced any excellent football. However, it was Middlesbrough - fresh from a 1-0 loss in the first leg of their UEFA Cup Semi-final on Thursday - who looked more slick going forward, and although they didn't create any really good opportunities infront of goal, they had control of the majority of the first half. Hammers failed to create a proper effort on 'Boro's goal until just before the break, as they were forced back under fairly intense pressure, but when the chance came, Yossi Benayoun fired over with a half-volley inside the penalty area. Just before that, Middlesbrough had suffered a blow when 'keeper Mark Schwarzer had to be replaced by substitute Brad Jones after he broke his cheekbone after falling awkwardly when challenging the ball with Dean Ashton. But, if the first half belonged to 'Boro, the second was West Ham's - they came firing out of the blocks, immediately putting the Middlesbrough defence under a lot more pressure than they had done in the first half. Dean Ashton created the game's best goalscoring chance when his delicate header clipped the top of the crossbar, but 'Boro always remained a threat after managing to survive a decent spell of West Ham pressure in the early part of the second half. However, it was West Ham who finally made the breakthrough with 12 minutes of the game remaining just as extra time loomed. Anton Ferdinand's long ball found Ashton on the edge of the Middlesbrough penalty area, and his knockdown found Marlon Harewood, whose first touch and then unstoppable bullet of a shot past 'keeper Jones in the found the roof of the net and sent the Hammers fans behind the goal wild! 'Boro surged forward in desperate search of an equaliser, but were wasteful when chances came their way - after 90 minutes and four and a half (out of the five) extra minutes added on for stoppage time, came Middlesbough's last and best chance. The ball wasn't properly cleared as the West Ham backline defended desperately inside their area, and when it deflected off substitute Maccarone it fell into the path of young 'Boro defender Chris Riggott, who had managed to find a big space in the crowded Hammers' box but he scuffed the final chance as his shot dribbled feebly wide of the goal, without even testing Shaka Hislop. Finally, from the resulting goal kick, the referee blew his whistle and Hammers were in their first FA Cup Final since 1980! A fantastic result, which will see UEFA Cup football being played at Upton Park next season, and a fitting tribute to Hammers legend John Lyall who sadly passed away days before the Semi-final. Imagine if we were to beat the bloody Scousers in the final....!!!!! What a nice thought that is now!!
Wednesday 26th April 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (0) 1 (Reo-Coker 46)
LIVERPOOL (1) 2 (Cisse 19, 53)
This was typically dubbed the "FA Cup Final rehearsal", but to be fair it wasn't really, as the two teams (especially West Ham's) were weakened, and we don't plan on losing the final by 2-1, we plan to beat the bloody arrogant Scousers and rub their noses in it (ha ha)! Anyway, neither side made a particularly good impression as the game began very slowly, in what was turning out to be a dull encounter. That was until the game's first decent shot on goal - Djibril Cisse's low shot from 20 yards sneaked past Hammers keeper James Walker inside his near post to give the visitors a 19th-minute lead. Hammers failed to really get into the game, but they started to attack more and finally began to create some chances as the first half drew to a close. And the West Ham pressure paid off a minute after the interval as Nigel Reo-Coker's tap-in brought the home side back on level terms. However, it was only 1-1 for all of seven minutes, Cisse raced clear and beat Walker in a one-on-one with his low shot going through the 'keeper's legs and crawling over the line. Not much else happened in the game, apart from an incident in the 82nd minute which saw a double sending-off involving Hammers' Hayden Mullins and Liverpool's Luis Garcia. Both players were holding on to each others' shirts and Garcia appeared to elbow Mullins, who reacted by pushing him. Even so, referee Howard Webb's decision to give both players a straight red card seemed very harsh. The game finished 2-1, but now Mullins (and Garcia) will miss the FA Cup Final between the same two sides, which is quite disappointing not only for himself, but for the team as Mullins has been outstanding in the West Ham defence this season.
Monday 1st May 2006
Premier League
WEST BROMWICH ALBION (0) 0
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 1 (Reo-Coker 42)
Neither side had anything to play for in this end-of-season game, as Albion had been relegated on Saturday to The Championship without evening playing. Their neighbours and bitter rivals Birmingham City also joined them in next season's Championship campaign after Portsmouth sent them both down after securing their own Premiership status by beating Wigan 2-1. It showed, as the game was pretty lifeless in the first period, although the worrying news as far as West Ham were concerned was the injury to Matty Etherington in the warm-up prior to the game, and a hamstring strain to Dean Ashton after he had played only 23 minutes of the encounter. Despite this setback, Hammers went on to win the game with Nigel Reo-Coker's goal a few minutes before the half-time interval, but West Brom missed several chances through Nathan Ellington and had a couple of penalty appeals turned down - the story of their season, but the 3 points sees West Ham up to ninth, overtaking Wigan, on 52 points. Now - just to destroy Tottenham's hopes of securing a Champion's League spot in 4th position by beating them at Upton Park in our final league game of the season, and to beat the scummy Scousers in the FA Cup final. If we were to achieve both it would cap a truly brilliant and memorable season... Let's hope :-)
Sunday 7th May 2006
Premier League
WEST HAM UNITED (1) 2 (Fletcher 10, Benayoun 80)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1) 1 (Defoe 35)
The last day of the season at Upton Park saw visitors and bitter London rivals Spurs attempting to oust The Gunners for that vitally important 4th place in the Premiership, which would mean Champion's League football (via a qualifying match). With Totts just a solitary point ahead of Arsenal, they had to equal or better The Gooner's result at home to Wigan, but Hammers were more than happy to help Arsenal and ruin Spurs' hopes of getting that 4th spot. And sure enough, as Arsenal went 1-0 up in the 8th minute in the last-ever game at Highbury, Hammers took the lead moments later when Spurs lost the ball after 'keeper Paul Robinson's poor cleareance found one of their defenders hesitating on the ball. Hammers' Carl Fletcher stole the ball and, in acres of space, was invited to shoot from fully 30 yards low into the bottom corner of Robinson's net. What a fantastic time to score your first West Ham goal! And it was a good strike, too. News then filtered in of an immediate Wigan equaliser, but Spurs were still heading for fifth spot as things currently stood. Hammers had got off to a brilliant start, dominating a Tottenham team who had been struck down by food poisoning, with about ten of their players throwing up in the dressing room! They had tried to postpone the game before hand, then tried to delay the game by four hours, but a delay of two hours which was offered was rejected by Spurs, and the game, quite rightly too, kicked off at the standard 3pm time. But things turned dramatically in Spurs' favour just after the half-hour mark when Wigan moved 2-1 infront at Highbury and moments later, ex-Hammer Jermain Defoe turned a West Ham defender before firing low from an acute angle past Shaka Hislop to level the score at Upton Park. Spurs were now fully in the driving seat for 4th, but Arsenal instantly pulled the scores level at Highbury, meaning both the North-London rivals both went into the break of their respective games being held. However, things swung again towards Arsenal when an error in the Wigan defence allowed Thierry Henry to put the Gunners 3-2 up just after half-time, and it was now them and not Spurs who would be heading for 4th. Tottenham came more into the game in second half, but both teams still remained an attacking threat, as Hammers fans taunted their rivals by singing "3-2 to the Ars-en-al" (ha ha ha!). And as Thierry Henry notched his hat-trick to put Arsenal 4-2 ahead, it meant that Spurs had no choice but to go for the three points at Upton Park. But when a slick West Ham move created space for Yossi Benayoun to fire past Robinson in the 80th minute, Spurs' hopes were all but over. It was a truly brilliant attacking move by Hammers and a superb finish by Benayoun for the second goal. Spurs tried in vain to fight their way back, but the final whistle sounded to bring the Premiership season to a close,. What a superb performance by West Ham, not only was it delightful to defeat Tott-scum (and remain undefeated against them this season), but to obliterate their hopes of the Champion's League is a fantastic feeling - ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Anyway, Hammers end the 2005/2006 season in a more than respectable 9th position with 16 wins, 7 draws and 15 defeats - a total of 55 points, despite Spurs' lame request to try and get the game replayed, with their idiotic chairman Daniel Levy claiming they have "the support of the majority of the other Premiership clubs" - yeh, what a load of bullshit. Now to top off a memorable season by beating the Scouse scum (and rubbing it in their faces) in the FA Cup Final on Saturday - COME ON YOU IRONS!!!!!!!!!
Saturday 13th May 2006
FA Cup Final (at Milennium Stadium, Cardiff)
LIVERPOOL (1) 3 (Cisse 32, Gerrard 55, 90)
WEST HAM UNITED (2) 3 (Carragher OWN GOAL 21, Ashton 28, Konchesky 64)
*After Extra Time; Liverpool won 3-1 on penalties
The final – and biggest – game of West Ham’s season was our first FA Cup final for 26 years, when Trevor Brooking’s header gave The Irons a 1-0 win over Arsenal in 1980. Injury doubts Matty Etherington and Dean Ashton were both fit enough to start and Hammers were able to field a strong line-up against the “mighty” Liverpool. The game was eagerly anticipated, as both teams were expected to attack, making for one of the best finals in recent years. Finally, after all the usual slightly O.T.T build-up, the final began at 3pm and I was able to experience my first final as a Hammer. After a quiet opening 20 minutes, which saw several misplaced passes and a few of the players slip over on the Cardiff turf, it was Hammers (playing in the all-white away strip) who created the first decent chance. After the Scousers gave the ball away cheaply, West Ham surged forward down the right wing through Yossi Benayoun and Lionel Scaloni in a brilliant move which fooled the Liverpool defence. When the cross came over, England defender Jamie Carragher could only put the ball into his own net past ‘keeper Jose Reina. 1-0 to Hammers!! The so-called favourites were still yet to really get going, but West Ham were playing with all the confidence, and in the 28th minute Etherington’s weak shot was spilled by Reina and Dean Ashton was able to nip in and scramble the ball home, rolling agonisingly just over the line to give the underdogs an incredible 2-0 lead! Two sloppy goals from Liverpool’s point of view, but West Ham fully deserved them both. However, after having a Peter Crouch “goal” ruled out for offside shortly before, an excellent long cross-field ball found Djbril Cisse who fired first-time into the Hammers net to pull the score back to 1-2 with 13 minutes of the first half still remaining. West Ham managed to hold out until the half-time interval, and a fascinating second half was set up. Immediately after the restart it was Hammers who came firing out of the blocks, Yossi Benayoun again caused havoc on the Liverpool wing, and he crossed for Marlon Harewood, who was only able to fire straight at Reina. A 3-1 lead in the 46th minute would have been wonderful… instead it was Liverpool who started to pile on the pressure at the other end. It took only 10 minutes for Steven Gerrard to fire in a wonderful equaliser on the half-volley into the roof of the net. Despite having surrendered a 2-0 lead, West Ham then came back into the game and always looked a threat against an unusually fragile Liverpool defence. In the 64th minute, Paul Konchesky ran down the West Ham left and put in an attempted cross which completely bamboozled everyone, including ‘keeper Reina again, as the ball soared over his head into the net! A bit of a fluke, admittedly, but Hammers had taken a 3-2 lead, in yet another twist in the tale. The Scousers were getting desperate by now, but never really created any clear-cut chances as they looked to force their way back into the game. Hammers defenders Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon were absolutely outstanding at the back, winning all the important headers and denying Liverpool many shots on goal. As the tense game drew towards the final whistle, 4 minutes of additional time was to be played. Had they not been added on, Steven Gerrard – at this stage of the game, like many other players, suffering from cramp – would not have had time to cruelly lash a 30-yard effort first time into the bottom corner of the West Ham net, and get those bloody Scousers out of jail. I think it is fair to say that West Ham could have comfortably beaten this mediocre Liverpool without Mr Gerrard, but he was the only outstanding Liverpudlian on the pitch. So the very weary-looking players had to face another 30 minutes of extra time, and chances became few and far between in a reasonably quiet, but very tense first period of extra time. Marlon Harewood by this time could barely walk, having sustained an injury, but had to remain on the pitch as all three substitutes had been used by Pardew. One last big chance fell to West Ham in the closing minutes. Having been awarded a free-kick on the left-hand side, the ball was floated towards the Liverpool goal, past the crowded penalty area, but Reina somehow managed to push the ball onto the post and keep it out. The ball fell to the crippled Harewood, and with an empty goal infront of him, he could only managed to swing his left leg and divert the ball wide… Penalties followed. None of the West Ham penalties were particularly poor, but Reina managed to save three out of the four spot kicks, whereas Sami Hyypia’s missed penalty (saved by Shaka Hislop) which had brought the scores level to 1-1, didn’t matter. A 1-3 loss on penalties after dominating a below-par Liverpool side was a big kick up the arse, and we simply did not deserve to lose after that heroic effort. Oh well, that’s always the bloody way it seems to go – big teams get all the luck, but still Hammers played out of their skins and made me very proud. It was a very disappointing week for football finals in the DJ Wittzy household, with Arsenal losing in the Champions League (my dad’s a Gooner) and Woking losing in the FA Trophy final 0-2 to Grays Athletic. Not quite the icing on the cake of a wonderful 2005/2006 campaign, but Hammers will be in the UEFA Cup next season (where we will aim to knock those bloody Spurs out after denying them a Champions League spot – ha ha ha ha ha ha!). No more domestic footy until the 19th August 2006 when the Premiership celebrates its 15th season, but now we have the 2006 World Cup to look forward to.............