Those high ranking officials in the upper echelons of FIFA, who have mooted the idea of outlawing draws must have been watching Fulham recently. The Cottagers have set a new Premier League record by drawing six of their opening seven matches. However Mark Hughes’ side were anything but negative, especially in the first half in which they took the lead through Clint Dempsey’s goal. An animated team talk from Avram Grant or an extra platter of orange halves inspired West Ham after the restart, levelling thanks to Frederic Piquionne’s headed goal. It was the Frenchman’s third in as many games. The Hammers are now unbeaten in four matches, the consensus being that compared to their early season form, the tide has turned. Yet the Londoners have returned to the bottom of the league and have the worst goal difference. Liverpool’s current presence in the relegation zone may provide some comfort but swathes of teams who were considered relegation fodder are doing rather well so far.

Green’s redemption is complete

A number of journalists billed this game as Rustenberg round two, as it was the first occasion since the World Cup that Robert Green and Clint Dempsey had come face to face. The West Ham stopper excelled against Spurs last week but his rehabilitation was arguably incomplete until he had confronted his foe head on. Yet once more Green was forced to pick the ball out of his net after a Dempsey strike. The USA international gave Fulham the lead after Simon Davies’ deflected pass was controlled on his chest and intelligently volleyed past a helpless Green. Annoyed by, but not at fault for, the goal it was done to the keeper to ensure the scores remained level in the latter stages of the second half. He did well to direct a long range effort from Davies beyond the post and made an excellent reflex save from Dickson Etuhu’s powerful downward header. Green will now hopefully stop featuring in the back pages as regularly but could be recalled to the England squad this week.

First half blues

Even before Dempsey’s goal it was patently obvious that Fulham were playing the better football, their passing and movement being sharper than that of the home team. The visitor’s defence was largely untroubled by numerous long passes aimed towards Piquionne. Only a series of tackles and questionable yellow cards disrupted their flowing style. Mark Noble was the livewire for the Hammers, his corner setting up Piquionne whose header was cleared off the line by the well positioned Carlos Salcido. The midfielder’s low, forward pass intended for the run of the French striker coerced Mark Schwarzer to run out of his area and clear the ball. The District Line debry had failed to ignite the spirits of the home team or the crowd in the first period. Their muted boos which greeted the referee’s whistle were a fitting end to a damp half.

What to do with Cole

Avram Grant’s reputation for delivering stimulating team talks must be escalating, as after the restart the Irons had a renewed impetus. Despite their bolstered verve, the chance to level came from a poor Brede Hangeland clearance. Possession was now with Luis Boa Morte who feed Victor Obinna on the right who in turn crossed for Piquionne. The striker, who is in rampant form, was unmarked and emphatically headed in from close range. The two new forward signings had combined for the equaliser and are still keeping Carlton Cole out of the starting line-up. For the majority of supporters this has been a sensible decision which may serve to reignite the misfiring striker’s passion and desire. When he replaced Pablo Barrera on 69 minutes those qualities were shown in abundance. He made a couple of powerful runs on the left wing, out-muscling his opponents. There was no end product to his endeavour and purpose but this was partially due to a lack of support. Piquionne has been impressive in front of goal and whilst Obinna can simultaneously dazzle and frustrate, he evidently has a hatful of talent. Cole, frequently maligned for his goal-scoring record, cannot be considered as an impact substitute. But accommodating three six foot plus strikers, as West Ham attempted for the final 20 minutes, may not be desirable either.

Continued on Page TWO

Time to give Stanislas a chance

Apart from his role in West Ham’s goal Boa Morte had scant influence against his former side. The ex-Fulham skipper was laboriously unimaginative in the first half whilst playing wide left. His delivery from that position was ineffective. The Portuguese midfielder who was rewarded with a new two-year contract in the summer improved in the second period by moving inside to become one of a midfield three. Lacking pace in his later years, he exhibits greater nous and strength as an uncompromising tackler and harrier in the centre. Yet in only making one substitution had Grant missed an opportunity to seal the victory? Junior Stanislas’ deflected injury time goal in this fixture last year, sealed West Ham’s first home points of the season. The refreshingly direct young winger has a natural confidence and eye for goal.

A case for the defence

West Ham are unbeaten in four games, a feat which seemed improbable after regularly conceding three a match in the opening stages of this campaign. This increased stability has stemmed from a back four which has remained largely intact of late. Lars Jacobson has confidently slotted in at right-back whist the domineering Manuel da Costa rightly continues to partner a resurgent Matthew Upson. Although Herita Ilunga was considered fit enough for the bench, Danny Gabbidon deputised at left-back once more. The centre-back offers little in the way of creativity or imagination but has brought aerial strength and strong tackling to the left channel. The back two appeared vulnerable late on as Etuhu ghosted past them to threaten aerially. Nonetheless it was a predominantly error free display from a stabilised defensive unit. Grant spent 194 days at the bottom of the league with Portsmouth. A watertight defence will guarantee that that astonishing record is not repeated in east London.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

rss feed