The overriding feeling when leaving when leaving Upton Park was a familiar one. Not just disappointment, but disappointment in the knowledge that Albion deserved something more from the game. It was by no means a sparkling performance, and it was certainly not one that merited all three points, but Albion had dominated the second period and created enough opportunities, if not clear-cut chances, to warrant an equaliser.

But it was not to be and Albion left the East End with nothing to show for their endeavours.

Kamara was the main guilty party for missing the two best chances Albion created. The best was a free header in front of goal in the first half that he put straight into Hislop's arms, the second was in the dying minutes when he sliced wide from a tight angle. But the number of times Albion got into good positions in wide areas, it was hugely disappointing that more real chances weren't created. The main culprit, in my opinion, was Robert Earnshaw for not getting into the right positions. After watching Michael Owen exemplify the poacher's art last weekend, Earnie's apparent lack of a goalscoring instinct was plain to see. Far too often, if not always, he was hanging back on the edge of the area rather than running for the near post which is where he should get most of his goals from crosses. Many times, a decent ball in was made to look poor as it was cleared by the first defender, but if Earnie could learn to attack that near post across the front of the defender, he will surely get much more luck.

In the end, the strike partnership of Kanu and Earnshaw never really looked likely of breaking down a solid Hammers defence, and without the option of Ellington, Robson could only bring on Horsfield and Campbell although, as usual, the change came too late.

The goal was once again down to a defensive lapse as Clement went to sleep and allowed Sheringham the space to do what he does best. In all fairness, West Ham should've scored in the first half but a combination of last ditch tackles and poor finishing kept the score goalless at half time.

Steve Watson was once again the most impressive player. He has improved significantly in recent weeks and, should his current form continue, he will be difficult to leave out when all others are available despite the fact that there is no obvious position. Perhaps centre back might be the answer. With Clement struggling to rediscover his form of last season, it may be the obvious choice once Robinson is back. Watson has begun to show some real quality in terms of reading the game, passing intelligently and some none-too-shabby skill on the ball - his defensive lapses of the early part of the season seem a distant memory.

Elsewhere in the side, Albrechtsen had a less than impressive game at left back and Jonathan Greening is continuing to struggle for form. Should Zoltan Gera be fit for the Everton game, he is the obvious choice to drop out. Ina and Wallwork did reasonably well in the middle of the park although they lacked the drive they showed at Craven Cottage.

I do think that Albion are playing better than they did earlier in the season, despite the last two results. Everton at home in the next game takes on added significance after the Toffees' win on Sunday pushed Albion into the bottom three, and with Fulham and Man City to come in the two home games in early December, seven points from those three is a realistic target and one that really needs to be achieved to avoid a repeat of last seasons' desperate struggle.

Marks

Tomasz Kuszczak - 7 - A few decent saves; did well.
Martin Albrechtsen - 6 - Disappointing. Maybe needs to get used to being back on the left.
Neil Clement - 5 - Poor game from Clem. His confidence is obviously low.
Curtis Davies - 6 - Did OK.
Ronnie Wallwork - 6 - Unspectacular but did little wrong.
Steve Watson - 7 - MOM. Another good game from Watson.
Jonathan Greening - 4 - Very disappointing. Needs a rest.
Junichi Inamoto - 7 - Good game from Ina, but hasn't quite lived up to his game at the Cottage yet.
Robert Earnshaw - 6 - Works hard but needs to watch the best and learn.
Diomansy Kamara - 6 - Once again lacking in end product.
Nwankwo Kanu - 7 - Best attacking player, linked up well.

Geoff Horsfield - 5 - Changed little.
Kevin Campbell - 5 - Ditto.

Bryan Robson - 7 - Right team from what was available. Didn't have much on the bench to change things but could've been a bit more imaginative. Carter on and push Kamara up perhaps?

Jon Want, 7th November 2005.