Hammer Times - West Ham United Blog

It's always nice to start with a win

Mon, 17 Aug 2009

After all the analysing, poking and prodding we do after each game, once the dust has settled all that remains is three points on the board and a tick in the 'W' column.

..But for now, there's still time for some analysing, poking and prodding!

There was a little bit of early season rust on show, but we looked far far better than our efforts in the pre season Asia Trophy. Wolves were taking the game to us early on, I imagine the excitement of Premier League football in front of their fans was spurring them on, and they probably should've taken the lead early on with an Ebanks-Blake header but it ended up well over the bar.

The game began to settle down with both teams working it up the pitch when a neat bit of play saw Cole find Noble in space around 25yards out, and while the Wolves defenders thought it would be a good idea to stand off, they got a cruel welcome to the Premier League with a beautiful curling shot that sailed past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Wayne Hennesey and into the top corner. Sublime finish.

Noble was at the heart of the action again as he played a delightful through ball over the top to Cole, whose first touch was just a little heavy and saw his shot saved and bounce into the path of Dyer at the edge of the box who side footed it past the stranded keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line for a corner. Noble swung in a delightful ball which Herita Ilunga met with his head and forced a good save for another corner. The following corner saw a ping-pong ball around the box that started with Upson's header, followed by an Ilunga shot and a cheeky backheel attempt by Dyer, but the ball somehow managed to stay out of the net and the score stayed 1-0.

Wolves fashioned some good chances to equalise came with three long range efforts from new signing Milijas. The former Red Star Belgrade player hit three venomous left foot drives but Green made some solid saves and didn't do his England number 1 status any harm.

Jack Collison failed to capitalise on a full-on defensive blunder which gave him the ball 12yards out. With the ball slightly stuck under his feet he shimmied round Hennessey and hit a left foot shot low into the centre of the goal which was booted off the line by the scrambling last defender. I was surprised he didn't just tuck it into the near corner which was wide open by about 10feet...

The equaliser almost came when Ebanks-Blake was fed through on goal with Collins sprinting to try and keep up, he was forced wide and his shot across goal was well saved by Rob Green's left peg. The game was put to bed when Noble floated a corner into the six-yard box which Upson rose to and guided into the back of the net. Much to the delight of Zola and Clark, it must be said.

Now, a couple of thoughts:
Faubert actually looked ok, not great defensively, put he pushed forward and looked lively. If Clark can take him aside and sort out his defensive duties then we have a pretty competent fullback. If anything he just needs a run of games in the team.
Noble looked great. I know many fans are hoping he will make the next step this season, and if he continues to play like he did today then I think he can be a contender for a place in Capello's 2010 squad.
Jiminez seemed a bit lost, I know it's only his first game and I'm not going to jump on his back because I believe he is a player who has all the qualities to be a success. So let's just hope he acclimatises quickly!
Green was confident and commanding with some great saves to boot. It is his year to shine.