The grim look on Eggert Magnusson's face as he surveyed West Ham's latest capitulation suggested that his after-match meeting with manager Alan Pardew would be a one-sided exchange of views. In truth, there was little Pardew could say to defend such an abject performance from a team who have not scored a Premiership goal away from home in nearly 12 hours.
Pardew has retained the support of the majority of the West Ham followers during their recent slide, but they will find it hard to accept this display. Chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' may prove premature, but Egg is on Pardew's case and does not have the look of a patient man. Asked after the game if his new boss would give him time and understanding, Pardew said: 'I hope so.'
If Pardew is allowed an opportunity to defend this feeble show, he will point to the absence of central defenders Danny Gabbidon and Anton Ferdinand, two of their most influential figures.
Pardew said: 'It was always going to be difficult because our back four has never played together - not even in training.
'It became very hard at the end of the game when we started to chase it. We were 3-0 down and became a bit naive because we haven't been in that position before. I'm trying my best to nurse some young players through a sticky situation, but I still feel we are a lot better than this.'
Gary Speed, making his 500th Premiership appearance, marked it with an involvement in three of the four goals, starting with Kevin Davies's first in the 18th minute. He doubled his total for the season in the 50th minute when Ivan Campo, hardly a giant, was unhindered as he rose to head down Speed's corner and Davies pounced to divert the ball in from just four yards.
Magnusson's reaction in the directors' box suggested he had seen enough; Pardew had certainly seen enough of Carlos Tevez and the Argentine was substituted on the hour along with Jonathan Spector. The changes made no difference and the West Ham defence opened up alarmingly again as El Hadji Diouf swerved round three defenders to score in the 76th minute.
Nicolas Anelka added their fourth with a crisp finish after receiving a pass from Speed, who said: 'The most important thing was to end our recent run - everything surrounding the 500th appearance was secondary compared to three points.'
Allardyce led the praise for Speed's professionalism, but the real pleasure for him came in the performance of the three goalscorers. 'We were finding goals difficult to come by, but some quality finishing killed off West Ham. I've been critical of the three scorers because of the chances they've been missing, but they put it right this time. We've turned our chances into goals and kept a clean sheet.'
While Allardyce looks forward with optimism, Pardew prepares for the next game - against the leaders Manchester United. If he remains in charge.
IP卡
狗仔卡
发表于 2006-12-10 02:40:00
]，谢谢将军大人。^_^
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发表于 2006-12-10 18:50:00
