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West Ham had failed to win in any of their last 20 league away matches. This was yet another demoralising statistic held by a team who were pointless after four league matches and approaching a daunting trip to Stoke. The Britannia is rarely a place clubs enjoy travelling to, with Stoke’s robust physical style and set piece pressure to contend with. The Hammers manager Avram Grant and central defender Tal Ben Haim were absent to mark the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Nevertheless the troubled side secured a valiant 1-1 draw, as Kenwyne Jones’ header cancelled out Scott Parker’s first half goal. ‘It will be a long, difficult winter for West Ham,’ is an overused phrase which will persist but a point away to Stoke may just represent a change in their fortunes.
Fuss over nothing
The build-up to this fixture was dominated by the West Ham manager’s decision not to attend due to religious reasons. The Israeli explained his anticipated absence at his pre-match press conference and the club urged supporters to respect his choice. Supporters may have rued the timing but there was no backlash as expected by some media outlets. Grant insisted that the team would be “100% ready,” under the stewardship of Paul Groves and Kevin Keen. Managers can exert influence from the touchline and this was in evidence when Grant bellowed at Victor Obinna to exploit the space on the left wing during their home match against Chelsea. But having travelled with the squad and picked the starting XI, the players were focused and well organised. The goal-scorer for West Ham said the players were professionals and able to cope without the presence of their manager for the day. Whether through religious commitments, illness or a family bereavement, the absence of a manager is often exaggerated.
Stoke’s set plays caused little panic
Another fumble by Robert Green from Jermaine Pennant’s first half free-kick allowed Robert Huth to strike the loose ball against the post. Green atoned for his error by making a superb reaction save from Jones’ powerful shot. But that free-kick was the closest Stoke came to scoring from a set piece. West Ham entered this match with a goal difference of -12 but were made to look defensively strong, even from Rory Delap’s famed long throw-ins. This remains a potent weapon for Stoke but his throws invariably failed to clear the first man and the same applied from their free-kicks. In both cases, the bodies they committed forward slowed the game’s tempo drastically. Their opponents were able to coordinate themselves accordingly and use the presence of Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne defensively. Uncharacteristically Stoke City were more threatening from open play, particularly when they broke with pace. For their equaliser, Pennant raced down the right flank and managed to serve up an enticing cross for Jones’ powerful header.
4-3-3 brought mixed benefits
This attacking, bold formation was favoured by Grant during pre-season and was previously toyed with by Gianfranco Zola before him. On Saturday, Cole played centrally whilst Piquionne and Obinna were interchangeable either side of him. In the first half their varied movement was customarily too much for the home team’s defence. Obinna appears comfortable with both feet and the 31-year old Frenchman still has a good turn of pace and the ability to run at defenders. After Parker’s scrappy goal from a set piece, the former Pompey forward nearly doubled their lead, moving inside from the left and striking the ball against the crossbar. Possession was maintained in the first half and the front three shared a burgeoning understanding. Stoke’s early second half goal shifted the momentum of the contest, making the Irons concentrate on their defensive duties. When the away side managed to re-establish control of the ball, they were too narrow in midfield and isolated from the attackers. Throughout the game the home team put exceptional pressure on the ball, affording no time or space for the visitors. There was no forward outlet for the Hammers in the second period as Stoke searched for a winning goal.
Manuel da Costa makes a welcome return
Niggling injuries had kept the Portuguese defender sidelined but the former Fiorentina man made his first appearance of the season at the Britannia. The centre-back was helpless to repel the forward leaping Jones early in the second half but gave an assured performance. As last season progressed da Costa became a regular alongside Matthew Upson and it is easy to see why. His athleticism allows him to compete admirably in the air and he is not easily harried in possession. Accused of a high boot when making an acrobatic clearance, the calm headed captain had to drag him away from the referee and protesting Stoke players. Overall though it was an impressive return to the first team which was nearly capped off with a winning goal. His downward header was expertly palmed away by Thomas Sorensen.
Dyer’s histrionics are not needed
Kieron Dyer did not travel with the squad for this game. Another injury problem would have been the most plausible explanation but media reports suggested that the winger had taken exception to being named as a substitute. The No7 retorted that if he was fit enough for the bench then he was fit to start the match. This alleged account has been denied by sources close to Dyer but will have irked the fans. The £6 million signing has failed to complete a single match since joining the club in 2007, having been on the treatment table almost constantly. The attention given to this story may be due to the perilous form West Ham have shown this season, contributing to their considerable plight. If, however, there is substance to these reports, the club have no need to massage the ego of a player who should feel indebted to West Ham.
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