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West
Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
The Hawthorns,
West Bromwich. 23rd February 2003, 2.00pm. |
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The story of Albion's season - play well and create chances but
don't convert them and the odd lapse at the back costs dear. This
was eloquently displayed in the crucial game against the Hammers.
This defeat leaves Albion with a not impossible task, but one which
looks impossible in the face of our goalscoring frailties.
Megson made one surprise change from the starting line up against
Fulham with Udeze replacing Clement at left wing back, but the bench
was once again lacking in attacking options with Dobie and Murphy
joined by three defenders - Sigurdsson, Clement and Lyttle. Mind
you, if Taylor is injured and after Jordao's inept appearance on
Wednesday, I'm not sure what options there are.
It was an amazing atmosphere inside the Hawthorns and both sides
seemed affected as the early exchanges were passionate but scrappy.
The a moment of quality as a sublime free kick from Koumas on seven
minutes was met powerfully by the head of Darren Moore, but his
attempt struck the post and was cleared.
Albion had some early possession but with little result as the West
Ham offside trap working effectively against Lee Hughes. Ferdinand
headed a Di Canio free kick wide and Koumas curled an effort over
the bar as the game went from end to end. West Ham looked slightly
more controlled in possession but there was little to choose between
the sides in what was developing into a pulsating game.
Udeze brought a moment of quality when he broke down the left beating
two players before exchanging a one-two with Dichio and beating
James from twelve yards, but the goal was struck off as Hughes had
wandered into an off-side position. It was very harsh but maybe
Hughes could be considered to be active - another crucial decision
goes against the Baggies.
Gilchrist cleared a Bowyer effort off the line before Sinclair produced
the miss off the game. Albion failed to clear a corner properly
and a weak Carrick shot was fumbled by Hoult. Sinclair pounced but
could only hit the ball against the bar from all of six yards. Albion
came close next when a Wallwork shot was saved by James.
On the stroke of half time, disaster struck. Albion hadn't played
particularly well but they didn't deserve to go in a goal down.
A Lomas cross found SINCLAIR 12 yards out. Almost in slow motion
he controlled, turned and struck a fierce volley past Moore and
Hoult from a tight angle.
Di Canio was substituted just minutes into the second half - Defoe
replaced the fiery Italian who was not at all pleased with the decision.
But it was the Albion who produced a fiery start to the half as
they battered West Ham in the early stages.
A Koumas corner on 51 minutes was met by the head of DICHIO. The
ball seemed to pass through David James' hands and into the net.
The stadium erupted.
Seconds after the equaliser, Dichio flicked the ball on to Hughes
who swivelled and struck a firm volley which was well saved by James.
Hughes was through again on 58 minutes, but this time he squared
to Dichio who prodded the ball home, but the offside flag denied
the Baggies once more. Once more the TV pictures proved it to be
controversial. The second goal seemed inevitable as Albion piled
on the pressure and the West Ham defence seemed all over the place
with James and Repka appearing to exchange blows at one point. Koumas
was passing the ball superbly and Udeze and Chambers were both playing
well on the wings.
Minutes later Hughes was close again as he just failed to connect
with a Moore centre, and then disaster struck once more. McInnes
and Wallwork were in possession just inside the Albion half but
could not find a pass forward and knocked a dangerous ball back
to Hoult. The Baggies stopper has been struggling with his kicking
all season and this attempt found Lomas. He found Bowyer whose cross
was knocked back by Defoe and met by Ferdinand, whose header struck
the bar. It fell to SINCLAIR who beat Hoult and Gilchrist on the
line to give the Hammers a lead they scarcely deserved.
But the Baggies weren't phased as they resumed their siege on the
West Ham goal. Sinclair turned from hero to villain when his poor
back header was read by Hughes, but the flame-haired striker's first
time volley was superbly saved by James.
Megson felt a change was necessary and replaced McInnes and Wallwork
with Dobie and Sigurdsson. Albion went 3-4-3 with Gregan moving
into midfield and Dobie and Hughes either side of Dichio. It almost
paid dividends immediately as Dobie muscled his way past the Hammers
defence only to fire his shot straight at James.
Time was running short but Hughes had one more chance to beat James
but once more the England 'keeper stood firm, and West Ham held
on to claim the three points.
It's hard to know what to think. Albion were excellent at times
and were certainly the better team everywhere on the pitch, but
a combination of average finishing and excellent goalkeeping denied
them the goals the deserved. Two lapses at the back gave West Ham
the points which won the battle, but not the war. I can't see West
Ham staying up after what I saw today and Sunderland are doomed.
Albion are the only team I can see possibly getting out of the bottom
three, but it's probably a bridge to far.
RESULT - WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 WEST
HAM UNITED 2
Marks
Hoult - 5 - May be a bit harsh, but I thought this was his worst
performance of the season.
A Chambers - 8 - Excellent; I can't see Balis getting anywhere near
this position.
Udeze - 8 - Looked composed, sharp and skillful.
Gilchrist - 6 - Average from Gilly.
Moore - 9 - MOM. A tower at the back and offered options going forward.
A masterful performance.
Gregan - 7 - Played well in both defence and midfield but looked
jaded as the second half wore on.
Koumas - 7 - Was well shackled at times, but still produced moments
of quality.
McInnes - 6 - Better than he has been, but no surprise went he was
subbed.
Wallwork - 6 - Mixed performance; too often makes the wrong decision.
Dichio - 8 - Did well, some good flick ons and a good goal.
Hughes - 8 - A goal or two would have made this a ten; he looked
sharp, quick and close to his best other than finishing.
Sigurdsson - 6 - Did OK.
Dobie - 6 - Did OK, but missed the easiest chance.
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West
Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Gregan, Moore, Gilchrist; A Chambers, Koumas, Wallwork (Sigurdsson
74), McInnes (Dobie 74), Udeze; Hughes, Dichio. Subs not used: Murphy
(GK), Lyttle, Clement.
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West
Ham United (4-4-2):
James; Johnson, Repka, Pearce, Brevett; Bowyer (Breen 86), Lomas,
Carrick, Sinclair; Ferdinand (Hutchison 81), Di Canio (Defoe 49).
Subs not used: van der Gouw (GK), Moncur. |
Scoring: Sinclair (45)
0-1, Dichio (51) 1-1, Sinclair (68) 1-2.
Bookings: West Bromwich Albion - Gregan (foul 36). West Ham United
- Carrick (encroaching 52).
Referee: M Dean (Wirrall)
Attendance: 27,042 |
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