His Face says it all!
Dec 2, 2008 Craig Bellamy, Gianfranco Zola, Liverpool, Mathew Upson, West Ham News
Gianfranco Zola’s smile tells the world of his delight on an evening when his team drew an away game with one of the worlds greatest clubs.
The West Ham fans have a reason to smile too, 3 games without a loss and 3 clean sheets and a team that is gelling into what Zola promised as football worth watching.
Zola had this to say after the match:
“I am very pleased with my team performances of late. It was another clean sheet and we knew that was something we had to achieve.
“We are working well as a group and we are starting to get the results.
“Our goalkeeper Robert Green was outstanding, but then so were Matthew Upson and Craig Bellamy.”
SkySports as usual get the stats all wrong and insist that West Ham only had 30% of possesion, well Setanta was right with 41% and the only real shot on goal came from Bellamy when he hit the left goal post.
Great game, and deserved score at the end. Well Done Zola and the Lads and the fantastic away supporters who we heard sing Bubbles and im West Ham till i die, you did us proud.
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Tags: Bubbles, Clean Sheets, craig bellamy, Face, Football Worth, Gianfranco Zola, Goal Post, goalkeeper, Great Game, Lads, Match, Matthew Bellamy, Matthew Upson, Nbsp, Robert Green, Score, Setanta, SkySports, Smile, Team Performances, West Ham Fans
Liverpool v West Ham United - Its a LIVE Shocker Tonight!
Dec 1, 2008 Craig Bellamy, Featured Article, Gianfranco Zola, Highlights, Liverpool, Mathew Upson, West Ham News, england
Liverpool have a chance of moving back into first place when they host West Ham United at Anfield Road tonight.
The Reds will have to do better than in their last two games though, a goalless draw with Fulham and an uninspired narrow win over Marseille.
Liverpool are without Spaniard Fernando Torres, who suffered a new injury and should again be replaced with Robbie Keane. Fabio Aurelio is out with a calf injury.
Hammers coach Gianfranco Zola has a fit squad to work with.
Bellamy will be eager to score against his old club and prove to his old boss Benitez he was wrong to let him go.
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Tags: Atmosphere, Bore, Calf Injury, chelsea, england squad, Fabio Aurelio, Fernando Torres, Fulham, Gianfranco Zola, Host West, Liverpool, Marseille, No Doubt, Reds, Robbie Keane, sears, Shocker, Sunderland, Two Games, West Ham United
Not Enough Quality! + [Video Highlights]
Nov 23, 2008 Featured Article, Gianfranco Zola, James Collins, Prediction League, Sunderland, West Ham News
After watching the Spurs match and how they only just beat a 10 man Blackburn, West Ham for 50 minutes were sitting in 17th place until Valon Behrami saved the day.
Roy Keane was dissapointed at not at least getting a share of the points and had this to say:
“I don’t think we deserved to lose,” Keane said after the match on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s questionable if we’ve done enough to win, but we could not provide the goal at the end.
“We got the opportunities. At least test the keeper but we didn’t really test him and we gave a bad goal away.
“It’s hard to take.
“I’ve no problem with the effort, we just need a bit more quality in the attacking third.”
Gianfranco Zola on the other hand was over the moon with his team and said to SkySports:
“Football is strange - sometimes you play well and get nothing.
“In those times you have to keep faith you are going to be rewarded and today is one of them.
“Today my smile is bigger. I am pleased for the boys because they were playing well and not getting results.
“We know that it is important to defend properly and the three points proved that.
“We are going to try and build (on) that.”
Match analysis
Valon Behrami handed Zola his first Barclays Premier League victory in eight attempts as Sunderland suffered a third successive home defeat.
The Switzerland international fired West Ham ahead with 20 minutes gone and could have made what followed far more comfortable had he not shot against the crossbar from just six yards on the stroke of half-time.
But in the end, his contribution proved enough to win a game which the home side dominated for long periods, but failed to make the most of the chances they created.
Manager Roy Keane has admitted in the past that the relative lack of goals his side scores often makes life difficult for them, and that shortcoming was painfully evident once again.
Djibril Cisse in particular had a series of chances, but the Wearsiders did not work goalkeeper Robert Green anywhere near often enough and ultimately paid the price.
The Hammers had to defend for long periods, but in Matthew Upson and James Collins, had willing workhorses, while former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy was at his irritating best in front of a disgruntled crowd of 35,222.
Keane has seen and done most things in football, and little surprises him any longer.
However, he headed for the dressing room at half-time having seen his side create more than enough chances to win the game, but lucky still to be in it.
With recalled midfielder Andy Reid tormenting the Hammers down the left to provide a series of inviting cross for Cisse, it seemed only a matter of time before the home side took the lead.
Cisse sent one header just over and another narrowly wide, and then drilled a right-foot shot into the side-netting.
Reid landed a curling shot on top of Green’s crossbar and Danny Collins forced a good save from the keeper four minutes before the break, and there was fury inside the Stadium of Light went Cisse went down on the edge of the box under James Collins’ challenge and referee Mike Dean waved away his penalty appeals.
But in the meantime, Zola’s men had taken the lead against the run of play.
Reid was penalised for a foul on Lucas Neill wide on the right, and although Nyron Nosworthy cleared Julien Faubert’s free-kick, Behrami picked up the rebound and drilled a low shot past Marton Fulop with the help of a deflection off Kenwyne Jones.
Chances were few for the Londoners, but they should really have been 2-0 up in first-half injury-time after former Hammer Anton Ferdinand was left red-faced.
The defender attempted to control a high ball on halfway when he should really have headed it and succeeded only in giving it to Bellamy.
The Welsh international striker sprinted into the box and although he was forced wide as he attempted to round Fulop, he managed to squad for Behrami on the edge of the six-yard box - only for the midfielder to fire against the bar.
Keane’s side returned determined to make the most of their escape, and they were appealing for a penalty again within two minutes when Cisse smashed the ball against Upson’s arm from point-blank range - although Dean turned them down
The Frenchman was finding space with ease and headed wide once again from Phil Bardsley’s 49th-minute cross, and Green was relieved not to be punished for losing out in an aerial battle with Jones five minutes later.
Having spent 10 minutes pinned back inside their own half, the Hammers eventually fought their way into enemy territory and went close to a second goal with 56 minutes gone when Lee Bowyer headed just over.
The former Magpie was in on goal again on the hour when he ran on to Behrami’s pass, but Fulop smothered his cross with the blue shirts gathering.
Cisse was unable to capitalise on James Collins’ misjudgement when he allowed Reid’s 65th-minute cross to reach the Frenchman, who totally miscued his header.
Keane’s withdrew Steed Malbranque and Reid and sent on Daryl Murphy and Carlos Edwards, the latter having been recalled from his loan spell at Wolves.
Dean Whitehead forced a smart save from Green with a glancing 84th-minute header, but Sunderland’s fightback simply dwindled away to nothing.
Sunderlands biggest mistake was taking off Andy Reid which brought a sigh of relief to West Ham players and Fans as Reid was a definite danger to the Hammers and was more likely to bring on a goal for Sunderland with his accurate crosses to the 6 yard box.
COYI MOTM goes to James Collins
A massive 50 points each goes to Bobshep53 and shahirenayet for the correct Sunderland V West Ham prediction
This post was submitted by west ham fan.
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Tags: Andy Reid, Attempts, Barclays, Barclays Premier League, Behrami, Cisse, craig bellamy, Crossbar, Djibril Cisse, Dressing Room, Gianfranco Zola, hammers, League Victory, Long Periods, Match, Matthew Upson, Midfielder, Moon, Relative Lack, Robert Green, Roy Keane, Shortcoming, Smile, Spurs, striker, Stroke, Sunday Afternoon, Valiant, video highlights, West Ham, Workhorses
Zola’s: Attack Plan v Arsenal
Oct 25, 2008 West Ham News
Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham United take on Arsenal in the Premier League at Upton Park on Sunday.
His plan to play offensive will not change, he said this about Arsene Wenger:
“He is one of the managers I admire the most … he is one of the managers I look up to. I like the way he manages the team and the way his team play. In England, Arsenal probably belongs to the top three or four teams and they are a very young team and can only get better and better and can achieve a lot.“We are going to try to attack. If you sit and wait they will find a way to beat you anyway as they are very good. The danger can come from so many players. What teams like Arsenal don’t like is when someone tries to hit them back. We will try to play our game and see if they are better than us. Simple as that.”
The Hammers go into this clash with Arsenal hoping to get back to winning ways after defeat in their last two matches against Hull City and Bolton Wanderers. West Ham are currently 8th in the Premiership, but have not won since a 2-1 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage in September.
Arsene Wenger’s team will go into this London derby full of confidence, having beaten Everton 3-1 last weekend at the Emirates Stadium and humbling Fenerbahce 5-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Wenger will want his side to come away with all three points in what has been a tricky tie for the Gunners in recent times.
Zola will be without striker Dean Ashton (trigonum syndrome) as well as defenders Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Danny Gabbidon (groin), with long-term absentee Kieron Dyer (broken leg) also to miss the visit of Arsenal.
Arsenal are set to welcome back defenders Kolo Toure and William Gallas, who have both recovered from injury, while Bacary Sagna (ankle) is not quite ready to return against the East London side. Eduardo (broken leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are still on the side lines at the Emirates, though Eduardo should resume full training soon.
West Ham United:: (from) Green, Neill, Ilunga, Lopez, Parker, Bellamy, Cole, Boa Morte, Upson, Collins, Faubert, Behrami, Stokes, Walker, Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Reid, Bowyer, Tomkins, Collison, Di Michele, Sears, Stech, Eyjolfsson, Hines, Jeffrey, Widdowson
Arsenal: (from) Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Fabregas, Walcott, Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey, Nasri, Adebayor, van Persie, Bendtner, Eboue, Vela, Wilshere, Song, Silvestre, Fabianski, Mannone, Bischoff, Coquelin, Gibbs, Hoyte, Lansbury, Merida, Ogogo, Randall, Simpson, Frimpong.
A game West Ham need to win at home or Zola may face some critiscism from the fans and press as West Ham will slowly slide futher down the league.
COYI Prediction League: West Ham 2-1 Arsenal
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Tags: Bolton Wanderers, craven cottage, dean ashton, East London, Fenerbahce, Fulham, Gianfranco Zola, Groin, gunners, hammers, hull city, Jonathan Spector, Kieron Dyer Broken Leg, premier league, Team Play, Toure, upton park, West Ham United, William Gallas, Winning Ways
Zola to be Knighted
Oct 22, 2008 Gianfranco Zola, New Manager, West Ham News
A ridiculous headline we all agree, kind of reminds me of the headline Zola to be sacked!!
Sky and Kumb announced announced that Zola is 2nd in line to be sacked, well where is the logic in this? and myself like any other West Ham fan finds any logical reason given by the above sources hard to believe.
Zola now into his 6th week as manager of West Ham has the job of making what some would call 2nd rate players into stars of tomorrow, for example Carlton Cole is much better now than he ever was, even LBM is showing some promise, Neill, Parker, Noble, Ethers, all are playing a much better standard of football and players that Curbs admitted he never heard of, Di Michele and Ilunga are fast becoming hero’s of the hardened fans.
SKY as usual are useless when it comes down to predictions and the SKY TV pundits are always slagging off West Ham United, so if SKY say Zola is up for the sack, you can bet your life that Zola will be around for years and making his West Ham squad into Premier League Warriors.
Who Knows? maybe the Queen will Honourably Knight Gianfranco Zola in the future for his services to English Football.
lmfhao
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This post was submitted by Mike DiAntoni.
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Tags: blogs, bobby moore, curbs, English Football, Ethers, Football Players, Gianfranco Zola, Hero, Ilunga, Job, Logic, Logical Reason, Lol, Michele, Prediction League, premier league, Queen, Sky Tv, Stars Of Tomorrow, Tv Pundits, Warriors, West Ham United
What a Player! 150 Games for West Ham United and Improving
Oct 18, 2008 Hull City, West Ham News
Tomorrows game against Hull City marks the 150th game that Mathew Etherington will have played for West Ham United after joining the Hammers in 2003 from Spurs for an undisclosed fee.
We have seen a great improvement with Ethers under the influence of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke and even to the point where many fans think Ethers is good enough for England.
Ethers is pretty certain to be included in the game against Hull City on Sunday and an early goal by the Hammers could be what ends Hull City’s magic start of the season and push West Ham into the top 3 or 4.
West Ham are only 2nd to Man City for Goals scored in the League which shows we have the players that can get the Goals.
My Prediction is Hull City 1 - 2 West Ham United
This post was submitted by west ham fan.
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Tags: england, Etherington, Ethers, fans, Game, Game City, Games, Gianfranco Zola, Goals, hammers, hull city, Magic, Man City, Spurs, Steve Clarke, Undisclosed Fee, West Ham United
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson Speak to Us!
Oct 12, 2008 Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, Featured Article, Landsbanki, West Ham News, finance
Another day has passed and according to most media reports, West Ham United are to be sold on the cheap.
What happened to the promise in a statement made on the club website early this week on the 7th October and stating the following:
“Mr Gudmundsson remains fully committed to the success of this football club and building on the excellent start made by Gianfranco Zola.”
Are you still fully committed to the club and do you have the finances to see West Ham get through the season without going in liquidation, and if not then what will you do to secure this great clubs future?
This club is the love of many fans young and old, we have shed tears of joy and heartbreak, the club is part of our lives. We need security and to be assured of our future.
Speak to us!
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Tags: Club Love, Finances, Football Club, Gianfranco Zola, Great Clubs, Heartbreak, Liquidation, love, Promise, success, Tears Of Joy, West Ham United
An ideal Replacement
Oct 11, 2008 West Ham News
Gianfranco Zola has not given up hope on Diego Tristan playing permanently for West Ham, his trial with the Hammers has been extended with a view to prove Tristan’s fitness.
West Ham are looking for a replacement for Dean Ashton until Jan next year who is injured with an ankle injury.
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Tags: Ankle Injury, Dean, dean ashton, Fitness, Gianfranco Zola, hammers, Ideal, West Ham
West Ham Vs Bolton: Live Streaming and Team News
Oct 5, 2008 Bolton, Gianfranco Zola, West Ham News
West Ham have won both their games under new manager Gianfranco Zola. The former Chelsea player will try to extend the run when they host Bolton.
A win today will see West Ham go into 1st place, well at least for 90 minutes until Chelsea and Liverpool finish.
West Ham news: Craig Bellamy is pushing for a starting place in the first XI, although it is likely Zola will stick to Cole and Di Michele up front. Dean Ashton is still out with an injury, as is Kieron Dyer. Zola’s concerns will mainly be the defence, conceding a goal in almost every match lately.
Bolton news: Gary Megson who spoke highly of both Zola and his predecessor Curbishley will try to win the game at Upton Park as he has lanuched a health programme at the Reebok Stadium. Matt Taylor will be back in contention despite not having played any reserve game. According to Megson, Matthew Taylor is the fittest player they have. The manager admitted Bolton have had problems winning away but will try to collect at least one point against the Londoners.
West Ham United still have the best home record in the Barclays Premier League with three wins from three and secured their first away win of the season at Craven Cottage last Saturday. Bolton, meanwhile, have the worst away record in the league - losing all three away from the Reebok Stadium.
Our bet: 3-1.
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Tags: Barclays, Barclays Premier League, Bet, Bolton, Chelsea Player, Contention, craig bellamy, craven cottage, Dean, dean ashton, Gary Megson, Gianfranco Zola, kieron dyer, Last Saturday, LIVE FOOTBALL, Liverpool, Londoners, Match, Matt Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Michele, Predecessor, Prediction League, Reebok Stadium, Reserve Game, Team News, upton park, West Ham, West Ham United
West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers: The Goal That Never Was!
Oct 4, 2008 West Ham News
West Ham’s little giant Gianfranco Zola is a quick learner. The Italian is understandably happy with West Ham since he took over 3 weeks ago.
Today, the Hammers play Bolton who are still upset at the way they lost to Manchester United last week, referee Rob Styles has apologised for his stupid decision in giving United a penalty that never was, Gartside will already have his legal team sharpening their knives over Rob Styles bad decision, the only humour i find with this is, the FA are the cause of this ridiculous legal controversy and in doing so have made a rod for there own back.
Last season, Styles also came under fire after he awarded Chelsea a non-existent penalty against Liverpool at Anfield.
The clever guys at the Prediction League give this as a 2-1 win to the Hammers.
And for those who made a small donation, will recieve the quality links to tomorrows game live in glorious quality.
This post was submitted by Joe J.
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Tags: Anfield, Bad Decision, Bolton, Bolton Wanderers, Game, Gianfranco Zola, Giant, Humour, Knives, Learner, Legal Controversy, Liverpool, Lost, Manchester United, Prediction League, Referee, Sharpening Knives, Stupid Decision, West Ham, West Ham United
