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Heading into the last ten minutes on Saturday, it seemed as though West Ham would be picking up there first win since defeating Fulham back in September. After the hard fought draw at Middlesbrough in the previous fixture, there was hope that the revival really was underway. All the players had to do was hold on to the three points.

However, 83 minutes into the game Joleon Lescott equalised for Everton after he headed home a Louis Saha cross. It then seemed as if West Ham would have to settle for a point. Not too bad really, it would still mean two games without defeat.

Unfortunately though, we all know the rest. Saha went from provider to finisher not once, but twice in the remaining few minutes of the game and it was suddenly an unexpected defeat for the Hammers. It was one of the most frustrating and gut-wrenching endings to a game that anyone could imagine and the players, the coaching staff and the fans were obviously very down at the final whistle. Against all football odds, Everton had won the game.

In all honesty, it was a case of missed chances again for Gianfranco Zola and his team. They dominated possession in the opening period and when James Collison finally made it 1-0 in the second half, it should probably have been the third or fourth goal meaning the win was all but sealed. Instead, it was a goal that seemed to make the players even more on edge than before. The desperation to hold onto the win may have been too much for them to take. Especially considering the recent run of form.

Speaking after the game, Zola was understandably rather down-beat. He said that the way his team threw away the victory in the last ten minutes ‘concerns me very much’ and that maybe he needs to ‘give something more’ to prevent this happening again. I do personally have fears that Zola is beginning to feel out of his depth, but hopefully he can pull through this tough spell and learn from it. Although at the moment, he does admit to ‘not knowing the solution’ to the teams current problems.

Everton manager David Moyes was sympathetic towards his opposite number when questioned about the manner of his team’s win. He said that he has experienced a similar defeat before and that Zola will be feeling ‘rotten’ about the result. Moyes said that Zola needs ‘time to make mistakes’ though and that the board should back him all the way.

As much as the support from Moyes will be encouraging for Zola, the one thing he desperately needs to make him feel more confident about managing West Ham is a win. The whole club needs it, but Zola more than anyone – so when is it going to come?

Well, there is a decent opportunity to pick up three points in the next game at home to Portsmouth. After this though, it’s a tough trip to Sunderland followed by games against Liverpool, Chelsea and a rejuvenated Tottenham. Therefore, victory over Tony Adams’ Portsmouth on Saturday is an absolute must. Otherwise, instead of looking ahead to the top six, it’s looking below to the bottom three and nobody wants that.

As much as things are going against West Ham at the moment though, I’d happily place plenty of my football betting money on a victory this weekend. The team is showing signs of coming together with Craig Bellamy, Freddie Sears and in particular, James Collison catching the eye. All they need is that little bit of luck.

There is no doubt though that if I am talking about another home defeat this time next week, it could be time to prepare for a spell towards the bottom end of the Premier League table.

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