An enjoyable game overall last night, with strong performances through out the squad.
The defence looked allot more solid. Pablo Zabaleta really delivered in the right back role and will make it hard for Richards to get his place back. He won ball, passed well and was disciplined! Bridge was in good form last night also. He looked like the Bridge of old, at Southampton, skipping past players and having a pop at goal himself. Toure and Lescott looked more comfortable together, although again we conceded from a set piece. Carlton Cole was free from the start and was able to move where he pleased. We actually miss Adebayor at set pieces, he has been impressive on the post reaching headers and clearing the ball!
The midfield looked more functional with just Barry and De Jong. NDJ had another stormer, he was pretty much everywhere and was my Motm! Petrov looked like his old self, never one to get stuck in, but lighting quick and has a deadly left boot. He should really have scored a couple, but he should be pleased with his performance, he just creates another headache for Hughes! SWP didn't have the best of nights, not through lack of effort, but it was just one of those games where he failed to finish of a move or take on the last defender. I would like to see Hughes make more use of his subs, especially when we have a 2 goal buffer, we have a big squad and we should use it. Players like SWP, Tevez and Bellamy work very hard and sometimes a rest does them good!
Tevez was in top form against one of his former clubs! It was nice too see the warm welcome he received from their support! He could of really scored 6 goals , but did net 2 for his efforts. His work in providing the link between the middle and upfront will be vital this season, he's a very clever player!
Bellamy once again caused havoc for a poor West Ham defence and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet with a couple of extravagant efforts!
The most pleasing moment from the night is seeing the return of Michael Johnson and a debut for Roque Santa Cruz, who could of. perhaps should of had a debut goal! It will be a while for both to get full fitness, especially Jonno, but it adds more quality in depth to the squad!
West Ham, for me were really disappointing. Some brief moments in the second half, they mustered some decent attacking verve, but defensively they really are weak. It's something you wouldn't expect from a Italian manager. It's early days and they have had a tough start to the season, they are sure to improve. But it was obvious, the difference in ability and confidence on the pitch!
Another solid win at home. The next test is Villa away. I think that could be a tough game that we could really get something out of. Adebayor tribunal is on Thursday and hopefully he will escape with a ban. If not, I'm sure the club will launch some sort of legal battle for victimisation and he will be cleared to play against Villa!
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