Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 West Bromwich Albion 

Monday, 16th March 2009
by John Simkin

Although the Hammers had been in reasonably good form recently, the omens were not good for the game against WBA. It had been over a year since West Ham had won a game with Carlton Cole in the side. Behrami and Collison, two of our most influencial players in recent months, were both out with long-term injuries.



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Player Ratings

Robert Green
Good save from Morrison and as usual commandeered his area with authority.


Lucas Neill
Gave the ball away several times when moving forward but was not really troubled defensively.


Herita Ilunga
His worst game so far for the club. Rarely got forward and when he did he had difficulty keeping the ball in play.


James Tomkins
The way he reads the game reminds me of a young Bobby Moore.


Matthew Upson
Was not really troubled before he was stretchered off after landing awkwardly in the 29th minute.


Scott Parker
Worst game for some time. Made a few efforts to get forward but nothing came of his advances upfield. He was also slow to get back and showed signs that he is suffering the consequences of a hard season.


Radoslav Kovac
Does not look good enough for this level. As soon as he gets the ball he passes sideways. Would much rather see Noble play in this role.


Mark Noble
Will not reach top form until he is played in central midfield. He is clearly not happy with this wide role and he constantly drifted inside to a crowded midfield.


Savio Nsereko
He was clearly nervous but even making allowances for this there was little evidence that this was a future Premier League star.


Fred Sears
He never looked a real threat in front of goal and irritatingly was constantly getting caught offside.


David Di Michele
He was constantly caught in possession and when he did manage to pass the ball it rarely reached a colleague. He did manage two shots on goal but both were so wide that they went for throw-ins



Substitutes

Jonathan Spector
(Replaced Upson, 29 mins) No comments.


Junior Stanislas
(Replaced Savio, 68 mins) No comments.


Luis Boa Morte
(Replaced Noble, 82 mins) No comments.


Jan Lastuvka
Did not play.


Walter Lopez
Did not play.


John Payne
Did not play.


Diego Tristan
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Robert Green, Lucas Neill, Herita Ilunga, James Tomkins, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Radoslav Kovac, Mark Noble, Savio Nsereko, Fred Sears, David Di Michele.

Goals: None.

Booked: Savio Nsereko 67          .

Sent off: None.

West Bromwich Albion: Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison, Koren, Dorrans, Greening, Brunt, Fortune (Moore 80).

Subs not used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar.

Goals: None.

Booked: Olsson (83).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Mark Halsey.

Attendance: 30,842.

Man of the Match: James Tomkins.