The Kent Fox
New Member
Agree with most of that - I was at the game too. I was the only one jumping up and clapping in my stand when Andy King scored his screamer - due to lack of away tickets I went with my Hammer supporting brother-in-law!
Beckford's attitude was poor throughout - not helped by relatively poor service - when a ball was played across the box in a good position he was only inches away from getting a goal. However his lack of work rate and refusal to challenge for any ball does not help endear him to a new set of supporters, especially being a "marquee" signing. His look of disgust to the City fans when he was substituted showed his arrogance - he needs a good man-manager to have a strong word with him about team ethics and respect for those who pay hard earned money to watch someone at least seeming to want to play for their team.
West Ham bossed the midfield in the first half, the 4-3-3 was not working too well. Noble had too much time on the ball to pick out passes and Baldock showed the willingness to run into positions where Beckford didn't.
However, some tactical changes paid off and Dyer made an instant impression with his direct running. The team seemed galvanised and the King headed goal really put the pressure onto West Ham. Our midfield was much better and this half it was Wellens really pulling the strings (our best creative passer by far). However, defensive mistakes cost us this game - I felt that Bamba was at fault with both the first goal, needlessly going up for a free kick then caught out when West Ham broke away, just when the game needed to be kept tight at nil-nil. At times his interventions were crucial but at other times he is too laid back in running to cover the plater when the other team were attacking.
Other negatives - Konchesky often caught out for pace when defending, St Ledger not really showing the form I've seen him when playing for Preston or Ireland, Abe tackling poor and passing often not constructive enough.
However, it was good to see real passion on the touchline from our coaches - both encouraging and pushing the team on, especially after our first goal. I have not seen this sort of "fight" from management and team for some time, we really impressed second half and should have equalised with the possession we had. Vassell created some decent chances, he still has good pace. It was good to see King scoring again and hope he can continue to play in the position where he is effective (Att Mid). Nugent was OK but felt he lacked sharpness in front of goal, scuffing a couple of good chances. Peltier (and Konchesky) gave good attacking options.
At least I didn't have to sing the "Bubbles" song!!
Beckford's attitude was poor throughout - not helped by relatively poor service - when a ball was played across the box in a good position he was only inches away from getting a goal. However his lack of work rate and refusal to challenge for any ball does not help endear him to a new set of supporters, especially being a "marquee" signing. His look of disgust to the City fans when he was substituted showed his arrogance - he needs a good man-manager to have a strong word with him about team ethics and respect for those who pay hard earned money to watch someone at least seeming to want to play for their team.
West Ham bossed the midfield in the first half, the 4-3-3 was not working too well. Noble had too much time on the ball to pick out passes and Baldock showed the willingness to run into positions where Beckford didn't.
However, some tactical changes paid off and Dyer made an instant impression with his direct running. The team seemed galvanised and the King headed goal really put the pressure onto West Ham. Our midfield was much better and this half it was Wellens really pulling the strings (our best creative passer by far). However, defensive mistakes cost us this game - I felt that Bamba was at fault with both the first goal, needlessly going up for a free kick then caught out when West Ham broke away, just when the game needed to be kept tight at nil-nil. At times his interventions were crucial but at other times he is too laid back in running to cover the plater when the other team were attacking.
Other negatives - Konchesky often caught out for pace when defending, St Ledger not really showing the form I've seen him when playing for Preston or Ireland, Abe tackling poor and passing often not constructive enough.
However, it was good to see real passion on the touchline from our coaches - both encouraging and pushing the team on, especially after our first goal. I have not seen this sort of "fight" from management and team for some time, we really impressed second half and should have equalised with the possession we had. Vassell created some decent chances, he still has good pace. It was good to see King scoring again and hope he can continue to play in the position where he is effective (Att Mid). Nugent was OK but felt he lacked sharpness in front of goal, scuffing a couple of good chances. Peltier (and Konchesky) gave good attacking options.
At least I didn't have to sing the "Bubbles" song!!
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