Rafael Benitez demands improvement from Chelsea

Posted on December 1, 2012 by adminsports

Benitez admits Chelsea are misfiring in front of goal… but STILL defends hapless Torres

UPDATED:

15:42 GMT, 1 December 2012

Rafa Benitez has demanded an instant improvement from his Chelsea side after they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

The Spaniard lost his first game since taking over as interim manager but he has now failed to win any of his three games in charge.

Benitez also acknowledged his side are struggling in front of goal but defended under-fire striker Fernando Torres whose goal drought extended beyond 12 hours.

Rafael Benitez

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez

Under pressure: Rafa Benitez watched his side throw away the lead at Upton Park

'To win, it's simple,' he said. 'In the first half we just had to score more goals. We have to improve.

'We know that football has two halves, the game has two halves. In the first half we had two or three chances – we just need to score more goals.

'I thought the team had chances, not just Fernando. When you are attacking and you are controlling the game like we did in the first half, you have to score goals.'

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce meanwhile was pleased his decision to bring on Mohamed Diame at half-time paid off.

Message: The Chelsea fans continued to make their feelings about Benitez known at West Ham

The Hammers trailed to Juan Mata's
opener at the break but Allardyce brought on Diame and his introduction
changed the game as Carlton Cole, Diame and Modibo Maiga scored the
goals to earn the home side all three points.

Allardyce said: 'We started okay but when they scored we just lost our confidence. I think we lost our momentum.

'I just needed to make some changes, bring in some fresh legs. It was all about playing in the opposition's half, playing off Carlton Cole. I felt he was itching for a real good game.

'They can really enjoy their week now, have a bit of a rest the next few days and then come back ready for the Liverpool.'

Down and out: Fernando Torres had another poor game in front of goal for Chelsea

Cole meanwhile credited Allardyce for turning the match on its head.

'I've got to put it down to the gaffer's tactics, we were a bit defensive in the first half,' Cole told Sky Sports.

'We switched it around and put on some attacking players. Momo came on and did brilliantly and changed the game for us.'

Cole started in place of the injured Andy Carroll and was pleased with his goal

In front: Mohamed Diame was an inspired substitution by Sam Allardyce

'I haven't had a good time in the Prem of late. I just knew if I kept working hard and training hard the goal would come.'

Diame admitted that Allardyce had been right to rest him from the starting line-up.

'I played the two games against Tottenham and Man Utd I think I needed the rest,' he said.

'After this game we are going to get confidence and keep going. I think we did well today. It is a great result for us.'

David Beckham latest: West Ham manager wants LA Galaxy midfielder

Posted on November 22, 2012 by adminsports

If he's fit, I'd love to have Beckham at West Ham! Big Sam joins the queue

UPDATED:

09:32 GMT, 22 November 2012

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has stated his desire to bring David Beckham to the club – as long as he can prove his fitness.

The 37-year-old midfielder, who was born in east London, this week stated his intention to leave the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the year and the Hammers have been one of a number of clubs linked with him since.

In demand: David Beckham will soon be a free agent with his last game for LA Galaxy approaching

'Yes, I would like to see a fit David Beckham at West Ham,' Allardyce told The Sun.

'But he would need to come and do a fitness test like any other player.'

Former England captain Beckham stated he will leave the Galaxy following the December 1 MLS Cup against the Houston Dynamo, saying he wanted 'one last challenge' before the end of his playing career.

Interested: West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits he would love to have Beckham at Upton Park

Allardyce's admission, however, comes just a day after a Hammers source told Sportsmail that it is doubtful the club would explore a move.

The source close to the club said: ‘David is an excellent footballer, but he is 38 in May and would not be right for the club.

'The owners have plenty of ambitious plans and, right now, Beckham isn’t included in that.

On the ball: Allardyce says Beckham would have to prove his fitness if the Hammers were to make a move

‘If the club were struggling, he would be an option, but that isn’t the case. They want to look to the future, but wish him well for his next move.

‘Lots of clubs will want to be linked with him, but West Ham will not be interested in signing him.

'They are very happy with the signing of Matt Jarvis.'

David Beckham transfer latest: West Ham rule out bid

Posted on November 21, 2012 by adminsports

No East End return for Beckham as West Ham rule out bid for former England captain

UPDATED:

09:51 GMT, 21 November 2012

West Ham have ruled themselves out of the pursuit of David Beckham. The former England captain, born in nearby Leytonstone, is up for grabs after deciding to leave LA Galaxy.

The Hammers may have been a natural fit, but with capacity crowds in the last four home games – and two more sell-outs coming against Chelsea and Liverpool – they have no need to add a crowd pleaser.

Up for grabs: David Beckham is leaving LA Galaxy after their MLS Cup Final on December 1

A source close to the club said: ‘David is an excellent footballer, but he is 38 in March and would not be right for the club.

'The owners have plenty of ambitious plans and, right now, Beckham isn’t included in that.

‘If the club were struggling, he would be an option, but that isn’t the case. They want to look to the future, but wish him well for his next move.

‘Lots of clubs will want to be linked with him, but West Ham will not be interested in signing him.

'They are very happy with the signing of Matt Jarvis.'

Out of the running: West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan will not be making an offer to the former England captain, Beckham

West Ham v Stoke: Can Premier League clash live up to 1972 League Cup classics?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by adminsports

Why we're in for a treat if tonight's game at Upton Park is as good as the 1970s Cup classics…

LIVE: WEST HAM v STOKE
Join us HERE from 7pm for live coverage as it happens at Upton Park with Dan Ripley

A win for West Ham over Stoke will catapult the high-flying Hammers into fifth place above Everton and London rivals Arsenal and Spurs.

Yet some neutral fans have written off tonight's game at Upton Park as a clash of the long-ball experts.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce would be quick to remind those skeptics that his side have scored 10 goals in six games at home so far this season while Stoke have shipped nine goals on their travels.

However it unfolds this clash will have to go some way to match the amazing League Cup semi-final between the two sides in the 1971-1972 season.

The two-legged, last-four game went to two replays before Stoke won 3-2 at Old Trafford – 49 days after the tie had first kicked off.

Here Sportsmail reproduces Jeff Powell's report of the match that separated the two sides.

Stoke 3 West Ham 2 (Old Trafford, Wednesday, January 26, 1972)

West Ham – brave, suffering, heartbroken West Ham – lost the longest and richest League Cup semi-final on one of the greatest football nights of all time.

That they should have to leave Old Trafford with tears as well as rain running openly down their faces is a sad injustice to those magnificent Hammers.

keeper Bobby Ferguson

Hammer blow: keeper Bobby Ferguson dives in vain as Stoke's Peter Dobing scores his side's second goal in the final replay

To Stoke goes the prize of playing
Chelsea at Wembley on March 4.

And few will begrudge them the chance
they have craved, the chance to win a major trophy for the first time in
more than a century. The tragedy is that there was a loser of this
mind-splitting fourth game climax to a marathon contest of the rarest
footballing skills.

This televised last act of a seven-hour
semi-final was so full of flashpoint drama
and raw courage that even the sight of
Bobby Moore saving a spot kick seemed
scarcely out of the ordinary.

Moore, as befits the responsible
captain of both his club and England,
took over the green jersey during the 20
minutes in which injured goalkeeper
Bobby Ferguson was being treated in
the West Ham dressing room.

Stoke City goalkeeper Gordon Banks saves a penalty from West Ham United's Geoff Hurst (r)

Gordon Banks makes a gesture of jubilation after Stoke City's dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham

Spot on: Gordon Banks saves Geoff Hurst's penalty in the second leg before savouring ultimate victory

MARATHON BY NUMBERS

420
total minutes played by the two teams over the four semi-final matches.

170,614
total attendance figures for the four games.

35
cost in pence for the average ticket at the final game of the four-leg marathon.

10,000
amount by which the Old Trafford capacity was reduced for the final game due to the building of the cantilever stand.

1,010
minutes of League Cup football played by Stoke in order to reach the final (West Ham played 1,150 before being knocked out).

108
years Stoke City had been a football club before lifting their first trophy in 1972.

The 13th minute collision which damaged one of the stars of the previous three clashes, was partly the fault of Stoke's Terry Conroy; but equally the product of a muddied pitch made more treacherous by windswept rain.

Conroy's sliding leg hit Ferguson's head and shoulder as the goalkeeper dived.

Jimmy Greenhoff had no sooner seen his goal from the rebound disallowed than West Ham officials were ministering to the fallen Ferguson. After seven minutes of attention, Ferguson was led shakily away.

Minutes later Moore was facing a penalty by Mike Bernard, a fearful test that followed John McDowell's foul. Moore blocked the spot kick – only for Bernard to score from the rebound.

But West Ham achieved the impossible, and the magnificent Billy Bonds deserved the deflection off Denis Smith's boot which lifted his equalising shot over Gordon Banks.

Then, with Ferguson restored, Trevor Brooking spectacularly volleyed West Ham ahead from Bonds's cross.

Yet in the fifth minute of the first half injury time a pass by George Eastham – that incredible veteran who will go to Wembley with all soccer's blessing – was swept in by Peter Dobing.

Four minutes after the restart, the Hammers conceded the decisive goal.

Full back John Marsh crossed from the right, Tommy Taylor could only clear to the edge of the penalty area, and Conroy's instant shot came skidding back beneath Ferguson's body.

bobby ferguson injured

Painful: keeper Ferguson is injured, leaving Bobby Moore to go in goal

Stand-in goalkeeper Bobby Moore

Terry Conroy (right) and Jimmy Greenhoff celebrate Stoke's victory

Game over: Moore saved Bernard's penalty only for the Stoke star (left) to follow up and score, leading to a Stoke win celebrated by Conroy and Greenhoff in the bath (right)

Stoke 1 West Ham 2

December 8, 1971
Semi-final 1st leg
Stoke goal: Dobing
West Ham goals: Hurst (pen), Best
Attendance: 36,400

West Ham fans can start rehearsing for a day out at Wembley on March 4. Stoke surely cannot burst their League Cup bubble now.

COLIN WOOD

STOKE: Banks; Marsh, Pejic, Bernard, Bloor, Jump, Conroy, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Dobing, Eastham.

WEST HAM: Ferguson; McDowell, Lampard, Bonds, Taylor, Moore, Redknapp, Best, Hurst, Brooking, Robson.

West Ham 0 Stoke 1 AET (agg: 2-2)

December 15, 1971
Semi-final 2nd leg
Stoke goal: Ritchie
Attendance: 38,771

Gordon Banks last night made one of the greatest saves of his distinguished career at Upton Park to stop West Ham from going into the League Cup final at Wembley on March 4.

BRIAN SCOVELL

WEST HAM: Ferguson; McDowell, Lampard, Bonds, Taylor, Moore, Redknapp, Best, Hurst, Brooking, Robson.

STOKE: Banks; Marsh, Pejic, Bernard, Bloor, Skeels, Conroy, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Dobing, Eastham (Mahoney).

Stoke 0 West Ham 0 AET

January 5, 1972
Semi-final first replay (Hillsborough)
Attendance: 46,196

Gordon Banks has done it again. The England goalkeeper made another of his great saves at Hillsborough last night to keep this 5 hour marathon League Cup semi-final going for at least another 90 minutes.

BRIAN SCOVELL

STOKE: Banks; Marsh, Pejic, Bernard, Smith, Bloor, Conroy, Dobing, Ritchie, Greenhoff (Skeels), Eastham.

WEST HAM: Ferguson; McDowell, Lampard, Bonds, Taylor, Moore, Redknapp, Best, Hurst, Brooking, Robson.

Stoke 3 West Ham 2

January 26, 1972
Semi-final 2nd replay (Old Trafford)
Stoke goals: Bernard, Dobing, Conroy.
West Ham goals: Bonds, Brooking.
Attendance: 49,247

This last act of a seven-hour semi-final was so full of flashpoint drama and raw courage that even Moore saving a spot kick seemed scarcely out of the ordinary.

JEFF POWELL

STOKE: Banks; Marsh, Pejic, Bernard, Smith, Bloor, Conroy, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Dobing, Eastham.

WEST HAM: Ferguson, McDowell, Lampard, Bonds, Taylor, Moore, Redknapp (Eustace), Best, Hurst, Brooking, Robson, Eustace.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce denies copying "rough-house" tactics of Tony Pulis

Posted on November 17, 2012 by adminsports

I'm not the same as Pulis: West Ham boss Allardyce denies copying 'rough-house' tactics

UPDATED:

19:24 GMT, 17 November 2012

Sam Allardyce has refuted suggestions that he employs the same tactics as West Ham manager that his Stoke counterpart Tony Pulis is renowned for.

Pulis takes his Stoke side to Upton Park on Monday night with the Hammers flying high in the Barclays Premier League.

Demanding: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce

It was discussed when Allardyce first took over at West Ham 17 months ago that his perceived long-ball style would not suit the club's supporters.

But after guiding West Ham back to the top flight at the first time of asking Allardyce has been commended for the attacking nature of his side's performances at the start of this season.

Pulis has always had to deal with claims his side play an unenviable brand of football and asked if he felt Monday's fixture was a meeting of two similar approaches to the game Allardyce said: 'They are not the same.

'Mine are not the same as Tony's. I'm an individual. Nobody copies Sam Allardyce. I don't copy anybody else.'

Allardyce commended Pulis on his achievement of keeping Stoke in the Premier League with limited resources, something he has done at clubs for more than a decade.

'We have the same philosophy in terms of we both want to defend well and make sure our team is organised and understand what's needed to be done in terms of game-plan,' he said.

Determined: Tony Pulis' side have a rugged reputation

'We both also have to maximise our resources to make sure that the club is successful. When you look at what Tony has done, Stoke fill their ground every week and have been doing so for years now.'

Both sides can boast decent defensive records so far this season with only 21 goals conceded between them.

Allardyce reckons the quality of defending in the league has worsened in recent years and bemoans the impact that can have on a manager.

He said: 'From a professional point of view, I think the defending in the Premier League is not as good as it used to be and I think that's why there have been more goals scored.

'I think that side of the game has diminished rather than improved over the last few years. From an entertainment point of view, that's a fantastic situation because more goals are being scored than ever before.

'As a manager and as a professional it's not my cup of tea to tell the players to not bother too much when they haven't got the ball and not worry about defending too much because we'll score more than the opposition.'

Allardyce, a tough-tackling defender back in his own playing days, believes the rules have altered and are now too protective of attacking players.

'The rule changes in the game, and FIFA and UEFA in terms of trying to stamp out what is a serious foul tackle, have now gone even beyond that,' he said.

Heartbeat: West Ham's Kevin Nolan

'A really good tackle is now a booking – unfortunately, they can't distinguish what is a good tackle and isn't any more.

'That's a great shame because this country loves commitment and loves to see a good tackle as it loves to see a good pass, as it loves to see a good goal.

'And committed defending is what people like in this country and throughout the world, not 'tippy-tappy', not pinching and nicking.'

A number of injuries to key attacking players means Allardyce will have to tinker with a winning formula when they entertain Stoke.

Both Yossi Benayoun and Matt Jarvis were substituted in last weekend's win at Newcastle and are both doubtful for Monday night.

Fellow forward Ricardo Vaz Te remains sidelined until the new year with a dislocated shoulder although Matthew Taylor is back training with the squad following a thigh problem.

With Jack Collison also a long-term absentee Allardyce identified the number of players on the treatment table as a potential issue in the coming weeks.

'The lads are just trying to make sure we continue where we left off against Newcastle and try to beat Stoke City on Monday and continue to load up the points as quick as we possibly can,' he said.

'The confidence is good and I think the only problem we've got at the moment is injuries. I think overcoming these injuries and continuing to get results is going to be our biggest problem.'

Stoke, who have 12 points from their 11 games to date, are unbeaten in the Premier League on their own turf this season and last lost a home top-flight fixture in February.

Upbeat: Stoke manager Tony Pulis

Their away form – which shows no league victory since January – is a different story, though, and something they are looking to improve with Monday's trip to West Ham. Pulis feels his side have actually played well on the road this term and is somewhat baffled as to why results have not gone their way – but is convinced they soon will.

'The disappointing thing is that if you look at the performances this season away from home, we have probably been better than we have at home,' Pulis said.

'For some reason we just can't turn it into victories. There was the late penalty for Reading (in a 1-1 draw) and the Wigan game (a 2-2 draw) where the goalkeeper (Ali Al Habsi) makes that outstanding save from the deflected shot (Charlie Adam's free-kick) with a few minutes to go.

'We played better at Manchester United this year (in a 4-2 defeat) than we have done previously, and we got a great point at Liverpool (drawing 0-0), deservedly so.

'We have played well – we just haven't turned it into wins.

'If you are asking me the reason why, I just can't work it out.

'We've certainly created lots of opportunities to win games of football, but we just haven't got over the line.

'But it will happen – I am absolutely convinced it will turn.

'As long as the players keep believing and working as hard as they have been, then we will be fine.'

Karren Brady sends Roy Hodgson five DVDs of Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble

Posted on November 17, 2012 by adminsports

Here's your homework, Roy! Hammers chief Brady sends FIVE DVDs of Noble and Nolan to England boss

UPDATED:

10:49 GMT, 17 November 2012

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has sent England manager Roy Hodgson five DVDs of midfielders Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble.

The pair have been in fine form for the Hammers this season and Brady wants the Three Lions boss to take notice.

Pay attention: Karren Brady has been impressed with the Hammers duo

Brady said that although the club lost a
leader when Scott Parker moved to Tottenham when West Ham were
relegated, Nolan had filled in superbly.

'The measure of Sam Allardyce as a manager is he recognised Kevin Nolan from previous connections as the man to replace Parker, 32, in that role,' she wrote in The Sun.

'Spurs are suffering from the long absence of Parker with an Achilles heel injury, while 30-year-old Nolan is thriving with us.

'He scored his fifth goal of the season — from midfield, don’t forget — in our highly satisfying win at Newcastle.

'Sam (Allardyce) is also bringing a lot more out of Mark Noble. Are you watching, Roy Hodgson Just to be sure I’ve sent you five DVDs.'

Bang on: Kevin Nolan scored against his old club Newcastle, while Mark Noble (below) has also been playing well

Hard worker: Mark Noble dribbles past Yaya Toure

Many clubs are protective of their
players and do not want them to leave for international duty but that
does not appear to be the case in east London.

Irons
boss Allardyce backed Hodgson's decision to call up Andy Carroll to the
England squad in October even though he had just returned from injury.

The trio have helped West Ham up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League, only two points away from Everton in fourth place.

However the fixture list has been
kind to them thus far and they face a tough run on the horizon after
Saturday's match at home against Stoke.

They will face Tottenham and Manchester United away before Chelsea and Liverpool at Upton Park.

David Gold and David Sullivan immortalised as West Ham gift figurines

Posted on November 14, 2012 by adminsports

The perfect stocking filler West Ham immortalise owners Gold and Sullivan as bobblehead figures

UPDATED:

15:28 GMT, 14 November 2012

It's that time of the year when kids trawl through the merchandise catalogue of their favourite club looking for stocking fillers.

But I wonder how many young West Ham fans will have these on their Christmas wish list.

The Hammers have immortalised their owners David Gold and David Sullivan as brilliant bobblehead figurines, available to buy from the club shop for 11.99 apiece.

Perfect stocking filler: West Ham have brought out these bobblehead figures of owners David Gold (left0 and David Sullivan

Sullivan looks fetching in his trademark claret blazer and club tie, while Gold comes across a bit more reserved in a dark suit and West Ham scarf.

Both have nodding heads, meaning they always seem very compliant to Sam Allardyce's transfer requests.

The set is completed by Mark Noble, who appears in a vintage West Ham home kit.

The bobbleheads are available to buy on the club's online shop here.

Top dog: David Sullivan photographed at his home in Essex

The boss: West Ham co-owner David Gold at the recent home match with Manchester City

All smiles: West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold

Andy Carroll should come back to Newcastle – Northern Exposure

Posted on November 13, 2012 by adminsports

Why Newcastle could finally be tempted to make their move for old boy Carroll

UPDATED:

19:01 GMT, 13 November 2012

Splash the cash Ash.

Newcastle United could do a lot worse than going out to sign Andy Carroll when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Watching the former Newcastle No 9 bustling his way past Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson in the claret and blue No 8 of West Ham United just didn’t seem right. Carroll would be right at home in Alan Pardew’s team.

Come back home: Andy Carroll, leaping above Mike Williamson, would be useful back at St James' Park

Carroll has not scored for the Hammers yet, and only a brilliant save by Tim Krul denied him a deserved goal on Sunday. But he is still a menace and that partnership with Kevin Nolan is lethal, even if it is the older of the two who is scoring the goals.

Davide Santon says Newcastle worried about Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan on returns

Posted on November 10, 2012 by adminsports

Santon admits Newcastle are worried about threat of returning stars Carroll and Nolan

UPDATED:

18:29 GMT, 10 November 2012

Davide Santon and his defensive colleagues have been put on red alert as Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan head back to Newcastle.

The pair, who proved so destructive in black and white shirts as the Magpies fought their way back into the Barclays Premier League, are now back in harness at West Ham, who visit St James' Park tomorrow.

They will need no introduction to the current crop of Newcastle players, and full-back Santon knows stopping them could prove the key to the home side's chances of extending their five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Clucky return Kevin Nolan might unleash his celebration on Sunday

The 21-year-old Italian said: 'West Ham will be a difficult game. They have some good players.

'They have Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, so we have to be careful.

'It is very important for us to win the game. We are only playing for a win.

'We have to stop them. We know they are coming here to score. However, we know we have a great defence here. We have a great team and we can stop them.'

Carroll and Nolan both left the club in controversial circumstances, the former in exchange for a staggering 35million from Liverpool and the latter after his hopes of securing a new long-term deal were dashed.

But while midfielder Nolan has gone from strength to strength at Upton Park, where he arrived in June last year, Carroll has joined him by a circuitous route.

The 23-year-old found himself surplus to requirements at Anfield in the wake of new manager Brendan Rodgers' appointment and, having been linked with a move back to Newcastle, eventually joined the Hammers on loan for the season in August.

But while both played key roles during their time on Tyneside, Alan Pardew's men have gone from strength to strength since their respective departures and finished fifth in the league last season to earn a return to European football.

Way back when: Nolan and Andy Carroll playing for Newcastle

Indeed, they very nearly gatecrashed the top four and the race for Champions League qualification, and that remains an ambition.

Santon said: 'Last year, we had a really big chance to get there.

'We finished fifth in the end, but we have a very good team and have a good chance of getting there.

'We just have to get back into the winning mentality every game. We are in a great position to move forward.'

Newcastle are yet to produce their best form on a consistent basis so far this season, but are unbeaten since they lost 3-0 at home to Manchester United on October 7.

They extended that run in Belgium on Thursday evening when, after carelessly conceding twice to Club Brugge within the opening 19 minutes, they fought back to claim a draw which edged them closer to the knockout stage of the Europa League.

Careful now: Davide Santon (left) knows Newcastle have to watch out for their former stars

Santon said: 'I think it was better that neither ourselves nor Brugge won the other night. It is better for our mentality.

'We can still get through in Europe, but we are now ready to win tomorrow.

'This game is very important. We have a lot of confidence and we can win. Now we have to focus on the Premier League again.'

However, Pardew will be without key men Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote through suspension, while full-back Danny Simpson remains a doubt with a shoulder problem.

Mike Williamson, who was withdrawn early from the 2-2 draw at the Jan Breydel Stadion, will start alongside Steven Taylor, who replaced him, in central defence, while Jonas Gutierrez, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba are likely to return.

Carlos Tevez shows "Hammers" sign to West Ham fans

Posted on November 4, 2012 by adminsports

Tevez still a fans' favourite at West Ham after 'Irons' sign as City rue missed chances

UPDATED:

13:00 GMT, 4 November 2012

The love affair between Carlos Tevez and the West Ham supporters is still going strong following the striker's latest return to Upton Park with Manchester City.

Tevez's goals kept the Hammers in the Premier League in 2007 and he has always been a fans' favourite in east London despite joining Manchester United and then City.

The Argentine striker delighted the home support by crossing his arms in a 'Hammers' sign on Saturday night and they responded by singing 'there's only one Carlos Tevez' and 'Carlos Tevez, he wants to come home.'

A place in his heart: Carlos Tevez held his crossed arms aloft showing a Hammers sign to the fans of his former club

Tevez played 84 minutes against his old employers but could not add to his tally of four Premier League goals for the campaign.

His old club, sitting in eighth position in the table, will have been happier with the goalless draw than Roberto Mancini's men.

Mancini started
with a powerful strikeforce of Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko as well as
Tevez, but City were still unable to breach the Hammers defence.

Appreciated: West ham fans responded by singing songs praising Tevez, whose goals saved them from relegation in 2007

Class act: Tevez shone for Manchester City at Upton Park, despite being unable to make the crucial breakthrough for his team

In fact, it was West Ham who had the better chances early on.

Kevin Nolan slotted a
well-taken volley past Joe Hart that was wrongly
disallowed for offside before Yossi Benayoun sent a side-footed volley
crashing onto the crossbar.

But Mancini was also left to rue a number of missed chances later in the match.

On the stroke of half-time, Mancini’s
talented, but unpredictable, striker Balotelli scuppered a gilt-edged
chance by missing a gaping goal with a close-range volley.

Gareth Barry was next to fluff his
lines when he latched onto a Tevez ball, controlled the it before somehow
steering his shot wide from six yards out. The former Aston Villa midfielder was perhaps relieved to realise the referee had penalised him for taking the ball down with his arm.

Mancini said he was happy with his
side’s performance, but concerned by the missed chances – in particular
by his compatriot Balotelli.

Tevez and Co now turn their attention
to Tuesday’s clash with Ajax at the Etihad, where defeat would likely
confirm their exit from the Champions League in the group stages for the
second year running.

All smiles: Tevez shared a joke with George McCartney (left) before kick-off at Upton Park

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: hammers

Rafael Benitez demands improvement from Chelsea

David Beckham latest: West Ham manager wants LA Galaxy midfielder

David Beckham transfer latest: West Ham rule out bid

West Ham v Stoke: Can Premier League clash live up to 1972 League Cup classics?

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce denies copying "rough-house" tactics of Tony Pulis

Karren Brady sends Roy Hodgson five DVDs of Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble

David Gold and David Sullivan immortalised as West Ham gift figurines

Andy Carroll should come back to Newcastle – Northern Exposure

Davide Santon says Newcastle worried about Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan on returns

Carlos Tevez shows "Hammers" sign to West Ham fans