Monday, October 30, 2006
Three points at last!
Well, they've broken the duck, and done it quite well I thought. I hadn't seen the Irons play since the second Palermo game, but my impression against Blackburn was that they played quite well as a team generally. There were some defensive issues, but there were a lot of positives.
For a start, West Ham played with some conviction, like they really wanted to win it. Both fullbacks, but particularly McCartney, got forward on many occasions - in fact I think each put in more crosses than the winger in front of them (or behind them, I suppose).
As dubious as I was having seen NRC line up as captain, he acquitted himself fairly well with an active display. Both centre halves played well, particularly Ferdinand who I thought had an excellent game. The goalkeeper situation is looking better with Green between the sticks, and Teddy Sheringham did a fine job even without counting the goal.
Most importantly they (and Pardew) seem to have the strength of character to pull themselves out of the slump, and they are sticking together and working well as a unit. There is a lot of work to be done yet but I'm quite encouraged by this game.
Player ratings
Green 7 - looked comfortable. The commentators were critical of him for their goal but I think he was caught out by the swerve and was a bit unlucky for the followup.
McCartney 6 - probably a 5 defensively and a 7 going forward, so average of 6, although he does need to remember his first job is as a defender.
Ferdinand 7 - very good, read the game well.
Gabbidon 6 - had some off moments but otherwise looked better than the last couple of times I'd seen him.
Spector 7 - looks the goods to me, although I'd like to see Paintsil back.
Etherington 6 - fairly good with the ball at his feet, and good links with Spector, but crossing and some passing was poor.
NRC 7 - starting to graft a bit better.
Mullins 6 - seemed caught behind the game sometimes, but got a goal.
Yossi 6 - great dinked pass onto Teddy's head for our first, otherwise was anonymous at times.
Zamora 6 - tried hard and did do some really good work, but should have scored (or got an assist) with a glorious opportunity.
Sheringham 7 - great link play early on capped by a wizard goal. Got tired.
Subs - all get 6.
For a start, West Ham played with some conviction, like they really wanted to win it. Both fullbacks, but particularly McCartney, got forward on many occasions - in fact I think each put in more crosses than the winger in front of them (or behind them, I suppose).
As dubious as I was having seen NRC line up as captain, he acquitted himself fairly well with an active display. Both centre halves played well, particularly Ferdinand who I thought had an excellent game. The goalkeeper situation is looking better with Green between the sticks, and Teddy Sheringham did a fine job even without counting the goal.
Most importantly they (and Pardew) seem to have the strength of character to pull themselves out of the slump, and they are sticking together and working well as a unit. There is a lot of work to be done yet but I'm quite encouraged by this game.
Player ratings
Green 7 - looked comfortable. The commentators were critical of him for their goal but I think he was caught out by the swerve and was a bit unlucky for the followup.
McCartney 6 - probably a 5 defensively and a 7 going forward, so average of 6, although he does need to remember his first job is as a defender.
Ferdinand 7 - very good, read the game well.
Gabbidon 6 - had some off moments but otherwise looked better than the last couple of times I'd seen him.
Spector 7 - looks the goods to me, although I'd like to see Paintsil back.
Etherington 6 - fairly good with the ball at his feet, and good links with Spector, but crossing and some passing was poor.
NRC 7 - starting to graft a bit better.
Mullins 6 - seemed caught behind the game sometimes, but got a goal.
Yossi 6 - great dinked pass onto Teddy's head for our first, otherwise was anonymous at times.
Zamora 6 - tried hard and did do some really good work, but should have scored (or got an assist) with a glorious opportunity.
Sheringham 7 - great link play early on capped by a wizard goal. Got tired.
Subs - all get 6.
Posted by whubris at 8:13 am
Dave said...
I go with most of your ratings but as I said in my piece I thought Hayden was magnificent! Also I see you've said 5 for McCartney defensively and 7 going forward. Personally I would've stuck with the 5. When he went forward although he got up there in decent positions I don't recall one of his crosses finding anybody.
I knew you'd be writing something so I went something a little different from a match report. :-)Had a few things to say about the situation and Teddy and Hayden's performances.
whubris said...
I agree that McCartney's crosses weren't up to scratch but I thought he looked better than Konchy has lately and was worth a 6.
Mullins.. ah good old Muggers. To be honest I was half asleep during much of the match (having stayed up to watch the MotoGP as well..) and my main memories of his performance was a pathetic attempt to regain the ball having lost it very early on, and a few instances of some pretty good interceptions and covering work. So I wouldn't strongly disagree with what you said :-) Certainly he's worth a start over Masher at the moment.
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Dave said...I go with most of your ratings but as I said in my piece I thought Hayden was magnificent! Also I see you've said 5 for McCartney defensively and 7 going forward. Personally I would've stuck with the 5. When he went forward although he got up there in decent positions I don't recall one of his crosses finding anybody.
I knew you'd be writing something so I went something a little different from a match report. :-)Had a few things to say about the situation and Teddy and Hayden's performances.
whubris said...I agree that McCartney's crosses weren't up to scratch but I thought he looked better than Konchy has lately and was worth a 6.
Mullins.. ah good old Muggers. To be honest I was half asleep during much of the match (having stayed up to watch the MotoGP as well..) and my main memories of his performance was a pathetic attempt to regain the ball having lost it very early on, and a few instances of some pretty good interceptions and covering work. So I wouldn't strongly disagree with what you said :-) Certainly he's worth a start over Masher at the moment.
