Afternoon guys,
Firstly what a great result played some very nice football throughout. Other than the shaky 15 minute we looked comfortable.
My ratings:
Jussi - 9 - Excellent although one mistake that knocked Reid out could have cost us.
OBrien - 6 - Not on longs enough to make a clear rating.
Demel - 8 - First game I've seen this boy boss it. Keep it up.
Reid - 7 - Didn’t have an awful lot to do the time he was on.
Collins - 8 - Excellent dominant in the air and made some key interceptions.
Tomkins - 7 - Made some great tackles and the cross for Vaz was superb.
McCartney - 7 - Looked very good going forward but still worry about his defending.
Nolan - 8 - Played very well both controlled the game dictated our tempo.
Noble - 7 - Solid as usual Mr. consistent.
Vaz Te 6 - A little quiet and didn’t really do an awful lot other than a very good finish.
Jarvis - 7 - Played some very dangerous crosses in and gave onouha a little to think about
Cole - 7 Was ok had some good touches and build up play but I still think his best days are behind him.
Caroll - 7 Was very good for the time he was on and I’m very excited. He and Nolan seem to have a telepathic understanding.
Up the Hammers
posted on 2/10/12
Hornchurch
I didnt see the game, but my mates tell me you played some good stuff (on the floor). I can almost feel the difference in their mood from winning from playing well, to winning from the style of football us rivals have given you stick about.
So on a serious note, is this the case? Is it refreshing to win how we would describe "the right way" or dont you really care?
posted on 2/10/12
Hey Chicken,
We did play some very nice football at times. Although I'd much prefer to win with style I think this is going to be a long process and I'm just happy to stay up this year and consolidate.
I May be alone here but I think it was Gold & Sullivans aim to bring in Big Sam to get us up and keep us there. I think we may well have a new manager in the next season. This may be a little difficult if Sam has an excellent season.
It is refreshing to watch us play some nice football and gives you a little bit of an added buzz about going to the games.
posted on 2/10/12
It is refreshing to watch us play some nice football and gives you a little bit of an added buzz about going to the games.
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And this is what its all about for me. Football is about results, but its also about entertainment. If you took the entertainment part out, i would only tune in to HT scores & Final Score.
PS. I'll be in Hornchurch Saturday somewhere watching the West Ham v Arsenal game. I expect the pubs to be pretty packed for that one.
posted on 2/10/12
Hornchurch
I think that overall the media has exaggerated and on occasions even invented the so called ‘hoofball’ tactics at West Ham of late. Journalists are a lazy and disreputable bunch and I think they just report their own preconceived opinions about Sam’s style at times rather than report on what actually occurs in games.
I agree that Sam was employed to do a particular job, that was gain promotion and consolidate us in the Premier. I was happy about this despite misgivings about the style in which this would be accomplished. However I’m pleased to admit my views on Sam may well have been wrong/influenced by the same journalists I mentioned before. Either Sam has changed or I suspect more likely his style was never as bad as I previously believed, to say that he always relies on long ball is just lazy stereotyping.
posted on 2/10/12
Hornchurch
My view is, Dramatic doesn't want to believe his team has ever played this way, so its just easier to claim it was media stereotyping than admit his own view was blinkered or biased at that time.
As i've said, alot of my mates are West Ham fans, loyal ones at that, and if they tell me they hated some of the games thay watched last year - even when they won, i believe them.
Bearing in mind, its the same people who told me they saw a difference yesterday. Dramatic seems to be massively on the defensive, when it shouldnt really come to anyone's surprise that Big Sam was always going to deploy this tactic. Only the niave would believe otherwise.
posted on 2/10/12
To an extent I agree with both of you. I think the media jump on the bandwagon a lot of the time. Although I must say last season our plan b was long ball which was very frustrating.
When it was going our way we liked to play it on ground pass and move. Didnt see that much due to our poor home record last season.
I will be at the game may have a couple in Hornchurch before hand. I'd take a draw of course. Ever the optimist!
posted on 2/10/12
I think that's the point, the long ball is plan B. All teams revert to that at times and it can be effective, witness Spurs in the 2nd half at the weekend.
I will be there aswell, if Carroll is fully fit we could edge it, that said I would also take a draw at this stage.
posted on 2/10/12
Dramatic
posted on 2/10/12
Hornchurch
From what i saw of your games last season, and early this season, your Plan A, B & C were the same. The long balls started from kick off, and never let off.
I admit that Spurs used this tactic against United, although it doesn't have the same affect when you're just hoofing it from your own box to the half way line, compared to from the half way line into their box, and i have made several comments (& been slated for it) on the Spurs board since yesterday for saying so.
I know a few West Ham fans who jacked in their ST's after last season because of it too, so i think its a bit disrespectful for Dramatic to claim these fans made their judgement from what the media said, to what they witness(ed) with their own eyes.