‘New Season. New Era. New Hopes.’ This was the catchy motto adopted by West Ham United during the summer but it was never likely to begin against Bolton Wanderers this weekend. Their status as the club’s ultimate bogey team was confirmed by this pre-match statistic: West Ham have lost their last six league and cup meetings with Bolton. Any fan who suffers from mild superstition would have approached this encounter with an anxious energy. The home side dominated a scoreless first half but there were four goals in the second period, three of which went to Bolton. With tougher fixtures approaching that motto should read: ‘New Season. Same Old West Ham.’
1) Jussi Jaaskelainen is criminally underrated
It is an ongoing mystery as to why the Fin has never been approached by one of Europe’s top teams. The goalkeeper who was brought to Bolton for a fee of £100,000 in 1997 is a beacon of consistency for the club. This was not going to change on Saturday when his goal was peppered with shots in the first half. The majority of these were routine saves but he displayed exceptional athleticism to turn Kieron Dyer’s goal-bound shot on to the post. He also saved Carlton Cole’s tame penalty from which the striker and rest of the side failed to recover.
2) Upson’s error cost West Ham the game
The England centre-back who has been struggling for form appeared to have re-learned the basics for the early stages of this contest. The captain was organising the back line when Bolton threatened with set pieces and was winning the aerial battle against Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander. However, a long punt from Jaaskelainen after the re-start was met by Elmander whose flick on was diverted into the net by Upson. He stooped to prevent Davies connecting with the ball and took a boot to the face for his efforts. It was an untimely error and the skipper could not continue being replaced by Winston Reid. He went close with a volleyed effort but never looked comfortable in the heart of the defence alongside Danny Gabbidon. As the momentum shifted interminably to Bolton, their forwards prospered physically. Elmander rose highest to score a well-worked header and Davies flicked on a long ball, causing confusion in the box which the Swede capitalised on to net his second.
3) Noble must return to penalty duty
Having been clumsily fouled by Gretar Steinsson in the box, Cole picked himself up and decided he would take the penalty. The new number 9, who has been told by a sports psychologist to be more aggressive and domineering seemed intent to announce himself on this game and the new season. A short run up and a tame strike just left of centre was easily saved. West Ham were denied a stone-wall penalty shortly after but were awarded a rather fortuitous penalty in the second period when Gary Cahill was adjudged to have pushed Scott Parker. Mark Noble showed the way by striking the ball hard and low to the keeper’s left. West Ham were awarded nine penalties last season and if that trend is to continue it may be worth relying on the cool temperament of their longest serving player.
4) Barrera could be the club’s best signing in years
The new Mexican signing from Pumas was the highlight of a rampant fist half performance for West Ham. Pablo Barrera gave Paul Robinson a torrid time, frequently beating him for pace and whipping in inviting balls into the danger area. Additionally he showed his aptitude to dribble past players and cut inside using his left-foot too. The exciting midfielder who should bring authentic wing play back to Upton Park, also tested Jaaskelainen on three occasions. A skilful, fast and talented winger is a style of player the club has sorely missed.
5) Diamanti’s departure appears imminent
Although unpredictable and inconsistent, the Italian attacking midfielder is greatly admired in east London. He is an exciting player who can produce a rare moment of magic which can change the trajectory of a game. His audacious back heel assist to Luis Boa Morte on the final day of last season exemplified that. Speculation has been rife, however, that he is a player deemed surplus to requirements at the Boleyn Ground. A number of Serie A clubs, including newly promoted Brescia have enquired about his availability. He was inexplicably absent on Saturday leaving only youngster Freddie Sears and the portly Benni McCarthy as the attacking substitute options available to Avram Grant. Fans will hope he stays but the club hierarchy seem to have shown Diamanti the exit door.
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