Premier League
Burnley 2-1 West Ham United 

Saturday, 6th February 2010
by Rob Chapman

So firstly, a confession: I live in the North of England. There, I said it. And it’s dealt with up front.



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Player Ratings

Robert Green
Looked reassuringly comfortable coming for crosses, but partially at fault for the first, and despite a quality strike looked clueless for the second. Not his finest 90 minutes.


Julian Faubert
The leap in quality this season has been seismic. Is yet to fully stamp out the infuriating errant passes, but they are becoming less frequent. Is enjoying getting past his man and the crosses look more threatening as the weeks go by.


Jonathan Spector
Does everything that is asked of him, and his application is never in question. Another perfectly adequate shift in an unfamiliar position.


Matthew Upson
Principally at fault for the monumental cock-up that resulted in Burnley?EUR(TM)s first goal. Apart from that, looked assured and comfortable, but it?EUR(TM)s the one moment of madness amidst the 90 minutes that ends up costing you a game.


James Tomkins
Starting to look more the part as the games go on. Despite conceding two goals, perversely he had little to do, such was the bluntness of the opposition attack.


Scott Parker
Always looked our most likely player to create something out of nothing in the absence of Diamanti and seems to create opportunities through sheer bloody mindedness at times. Quality throughout.


Mark Noble
Never really came to the party. A couple of decent interchanges here and there, but never really seemed involved. The harder he tries (which is not in doubt) the less seems to come off for him. Either needs a goal or a rest to sort his mindset out. Either is likely to see a vastly improved player.


Valon Behrami
Covered every inch of grass in his normal small yappy dog style, but with marginally less effect than normal. Faultless effort as usual mind.


Jack Collison



Benni McCarthy
A fair way off the pace, but looked willing. Fluffed his lines after doing the hard work in the easiest chance of the match, then limped off at half time. Not a classic debut. But not quite a Tomas Repka debut either.


Carlton Cole
A massive bonus having him back in contention. Not quite back to top form, but even a semi-fit Cole is a huge asset. The Burnley defence frequently looked bereft of ideas when it came to dealing with his presence. Welcome back!



Substitutes

Mido
(Replaced McCarthy, 46 mins) For quite a while in the second half he seemed the most likely to score. Made a constant nuisance of himself and looked keen as mustard. Nearly on the score sheet twice. Encouraging start.


Junior Stanislas
(Replaced Collison, 62 mins) Seemed to be the catalyst for the final push. Full of running and another to nearly get on the scoresheet. Created much-needed width in a game seemingly absent of any presence on the wings.


Ilan



Marek Stech
Did not play.


Herita Ilunga
Did not play.


Manuel Da Costa
Did not play.


Radoslav Kovac
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Robert Green, Julian Faubert, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson, James Tomkins, Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Valon Behrami, Jack Collison, Benni McCarthy, Carlton Cole.

Goals: Ilan 81                  .

Booked: Scott Parker 90          .

Sent Off: None sent off     .

Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Fox, Carlisle, Bikey, Cort, Elliott, McDonald, Nugent, Blake, S Fletcher .

Subs not used: Weaver, Eagles, Duff, Cork.

Goals: Nugent (14), Fox (55).

Booked: McDonald (52), Fox (64).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Howard Webb.

Attendance: 21,001.

Man of the Match: Scott Parker.