From My Seat: West Ham Utd (H)

Overall, a good day out. Not a lot to write home about. We were grateful for the points and hope that this can be the start of points gathering for us...

Everton 1 - 0 West Ham United

After two defeats on the bounce on the road, we are home again to face the ‘Hammers’.

We gather in the Room of Nonsense and all are agreed that a win is vital if for nothing more than gaining some confidence for the cup game and to keep a glimmer of hope in the league. The room filled up and, amongst all the chatter and banter, I asked quite a few fans what they thought of the departure of Alan Myers; surprisingly, none knew he had gone and many said "Who?" I asked a couple of stewards I know and just the one knew he had gone but not to where. Strange how match day fans seem less interested in such things compared with the ToffeeWeb site...

Ah well... the walk up was pleasant in the sun and Goodison Road was packed with a portion of the 38 thousand-odd attendees. Good to see the Winslow open again. I noted it is now called The Winslow Hotel – The People's Pub. Good, eh! Into the ground and after the Z-Cars tune, we have that awful dirge for the unnecessary hand shake and then a moment to reflect on our line-up. At first glance, it seemed that most of the first team were on the bench. Osman was captain and our ref today was Jon Moss — and that is never a good sign as the times I have seen him, he seems to mean well but be less than competent, which is why he has had a few relegations to the lower leagues.

Stones at centre-back and he of the mysterious 'muscle fatigue' not even on the bench — even after our manager telling us he is fit, well and ready to go. It sure is a murky world that managers and clubs work in... Naismith up front and Deulofeu on the right; after a slow start, he did grow into the game as it went on, as he gained confidence that a quick sprint didn’t mean another hammy pull.

The first half soon took on a familiar look as early doors we attacked in style but the ball was never quite dropping for us and resulted in Naismith almost getting on one after a good move saw Baines cross one that Osman flicked on but Naismith stretched and glanced a header wide. This started the possession play we now use and indeed we bossed most of the game but, time after time, the West Ham penalty area seemed to be a No Entry zone.

After a while, the players tried to up it but were over eager and over-hit balls were easily defended. West Ham had come with a plan to soak up our efforts and hit on the counter: from one of these breaks, Deulofeu chased the West Ham man at great pace and rescued the situation. The crowd were none too happy with our lack of goal efforts; anytime Barry got the ball, a mighty shout of shoot was heard and on one occasion he obliged but it was of more trouble to the corner flag than the net.

Pienaar was looking lively and causing a few flutters in the West Ham defence with twists and tricks and good links with Baines — but oh the final ball. Deulofeu had a couple of decent runs when he came inside but either ran into defenders or took the wrong option. He then tried the outside of the fullback route but McCartney was equal to him in pace which surprised me.

We were on top but, apart from nearly stuff, we were again toothless. An Oooh went around the ground on the 30-min mark as West Ham took off Carlton Cole and put Carroll on. "Stand by for blasting," I thought... but really he was and remained off the pace.

The half wore on with West Ham making the noise with our lot waiting for something to happen in the box. We clapped the neat build up but cursed the lack of end result. I think most, just like me, would have taken a goal from atrocious play just to get us in front in a game. Deulofeu got down the right and did more step-overs than Ronaldo but he did get a deflection for a corner which brought another corner but both were in truth poor and threatened nothing.

McCarthy was the pick of the midfielders and putting a tremendous amount of work in, linking front with back and no matter how much Nolan tried to nobble him there was only one winner. From his ball-winning, Deulofeu seemed to gain in confidence and went on a Barca-like slalom run into the box, beating man after man, and curling one that just eluded the far post. I would have loved to have seen that go in as it would have been a goal that is remembered.

As it was, we are nearly men again. Bags of possession resulting in clever build-up play but trying to beat a defence that merely funnels back into the area, we seem yet to master. Still, I consoled myself with the thought that, if we keep knocking, then the door will surely open. On the half-time whistle, I retired to the gentleman’s room where not a Blue was happy. Everyone wanted changes but no agreement could be reached as to who for whom...

Second half started with no Blue changes but a chance at either end in the first couple of minutes. First, the visitors broke and a high ball toward Carroll territory had us all holding breath until Howard plucked it from the air. Howard started a move down the left that the Bainaar combo allowed Pienaar a shot on goal: it hit the base of the post and rebounded out to Deulofeu who seemed to be caught by surprise and miskicked into the keeper’s arms. I am not one for stats but the thought that West Ham have the most clean sheets in the Prem was starting to get to me...

The hour-mark approached and surely time for a change? Roberto agreed and Lukaku replaced our captain, Osman. Most wondered which Lukaku would turn up but, from the off, it looked as though it may well be the sharp one. He was putting himself about in the box and was happy to receive the ball from deep and either lay off or turn and run. With time running down and the Blues attacking with purpose, it became a more open affair and both teams had efforts. One for us saw Pienaar fouled and Baines hit a good arcing cross that Distin was first to it but his shot was more of a clearance and the chance gone. Lukaku was playing all along the line trying to drag defenders to where they didn’t want to be but still we could not get that little break that could seal it.

Fifteen left and Deulofeu gives way for McGeady. West Ham attacked but powerful shots from Carroll (2) and Noble missed the target and were mere pot shots at the back row of the Park End.

Ten to go and, at last, a joined-up move saw us get all three points. The ball played down the line for the Bainaar link to find a gap just on the edge of the box for Baines to scamper through and produce a low cross that evaded three defenders and was swept home by a jubilant Lukaku. The crowd at last broke into song. "We only sing when we are winning" taunted the travelling fans then "Allez Allez oh" rang out. Five to go and Barkley replaced Naismith who came off to a standing ovation. He had put in a very good shift.

Many were clock-watching now as Lukaku received a ball with his back to goal, turned and fired a screamer just wide. Pienaar was tripped near their box but the ref waved play on and West Ham attacked and Baines tripped his man in the exact same fashion as Pienaar was tripped but this time he gave the foul which brought abuse tumbling from the stands. I don’t think this ref is on the FIFA list... The kick aimed at Carroll went out harmlessly as Distin ensured Carroll was going nowhere. The game ended with Howard saving one and Lukaku whacking one high wide and handsome.

All were glad to hear the whistle, thus ending our losing spell and the crowd left with a feeling of "A win is a win."

MotM — McCarthy/Barry

A mention for Stones who deputised for Jags. He looked more assured than his full back display and looked quite comfortable when they brought on Carroll. He also sprayed one or two excellent passes. A word for Distin though as he appeared to talk him through much of the game. Stones could have a rewarding future waiting for him.

Overall, a good day out. Not a lot to write home about. We were grateful for the points and hope that this can be the start of points gathering for us.

FA Cup next, and away at Arsenal at that, but hell, if Stoke can beat them, we must have a chance. Then, more winnable home games to come... but I expect those to be played out in similar fashion as today.

Even if the league title is beyond us now, I believe we will top the ‘Hammy pull’ league. See you ‘Up for the cup’!! UP THE BLUES

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