west ham vs man utd | West Ham United Blog

FA Cup clash draw was a bit of an injustice

January 7, 2013 By Stevo 1 Comment

The FA Cup clash third round against Manchester United on Saturday was “a bit of an injustice” to say the least.

We all knew Fergie’s boys were up for it but then again, so were the Hammers, weren’t they? Collins’ two stunning goals knocked the stuffing out of the Red Army who seemed powerless to hold the Irons from coming forward and bringing the game to them.

Joe Cole’s presence was awesome and he played an important part in the 2-2 draw which now goes to a replay. He was the one that provided the sweet crosses for “Ginger” to get on the end of. It was a nice welcome back for the Hammer’s prodigal son.

Joe Cole realised himself how the Hammers under the watchful eye of Sam Allardyce have been transformed. Joe also reckons that he has now found his place at West Ham.

Manchester United’s goals came Tom Cleverley in the first half and then Robin Van Persie’s last minute death blow just before the final whistle. Collins equalised for the Hammers after Cleverley’s goal in the first half from a pinpoint cross that even Beckham would have loved.

Joe Cole said after the game:

“It was great to play again and I really enjoyed it. There’s been a lot of fuss.

“I’m not really one for that. I just wanted to get out there and play football. Individually it was a good performance and collectively I thought we defended really well.

“The reception I got from the fans was amazing. It really choked me up. It’s great to be here.

“The fans, even when I came back here with Chelsea or Liverpool, have always given me a good reception but today was special. Onwards and upwards.”

So, it’s an awesome FA Cup clash replay and to get through this, the Irons have to play the same way with focus, courage and determination. Joe Cole showed us that he’s still a Hammer, we need the rest of the team to follow suit.

January 4, 2013 By Stevo 1 Comment

Tomorrow’s game against Manchester United in the FA Cup is a biggie. In fact, it doesn’t get bigger than this, does it?

As it is a high profile game what should we expect from Fergie’s Red Devils then?

Collins and co will have to pull on their best defensive boots tomorrow as Van Persie will be out trying to snatch a brace. I think the Hammers defense will be up to the task and Ialso think that the Manc frontline won’t pose too problems for the West Ham backline if they stay focussed.

Focus will be the key in this FA Cup clash and the operative word, too. Focus is what will bring home the bacon tomorrow at the Boleyn Ground and focus is what will keep the Red Devils from running riot. We all know far too well the Manc’s ability to stick the winner in on minute 92 – it’s happened to all the top clubs far too often so 100% focus to the end of the match is highly imperative.

Make no mistake though, Manchester United are quick and will make us pay dearly on the break. Nolan will have to be captain fantastic tomorrow and lead from the front. We have to bring it and show them that the Irons are not afraid. Chances must not go begging like Vaz Té’s the other day – whether we are winning or not.

One of the new faces for tomorrow’s clash must be Joe Cole and I’m sure he’ll be up to the challenge. Carlton Cole must also make his chances count. It’s not enough to perform like a superstar on the odd occasion – we need him at his very best for tomorrow’s FA Cup clash and I’m confident he will deliver the goods.

It will be one fabulous game tomorrow and a chance to show the big guns that we mean business. COYI!