Stoke City vs. West Ham. United First Half Report
Stoke City vs. West Ham. United is being played at Britannia Stadium. It is the first match of the fifth week of Barclays English Premier League. This is a very crucial fixture for both of the clubs as they are very short of the points.
Stoke City is been into its fifth fixture. Tony Pulis’ team have managed to win only single match out of four. Stoke City is currently in the relegation zone as they have lost 3 of their starting matches. This was the worst start of Stoke City in nearly
30 years.
Stoke City won a thriller on Monday against Aston Villa, which is one of the best side in English Premier League. It was a match to remember for every Stoke Fan. Britannia Stadium witnessed one of the greatest come backs in history. The Potters were one
goal down in the first half and they scored two late goals against Villains to claim the three points.
While on the other hand, it is the worst ever possible start of the campaign. West Ham United failed to claim a single point after four Premier League Fixture. It is the worst start of the campaign in their history.
With new Israeli manager, who will not be available for this match due to religious reason, West Ham has failed to put an impressive show. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last sixteen fixtures. The east London side are in a pickle and desperately
need a win to get their season back on track.
Tony Pulis is playing with 4-4-2 formation. This is the only formation which was strongly criticized during the world cup and was said that no team can win World Cup with this formation.
Stoke City’s first choice keeper who is starting for them is Thomas Scrensen. He didn’t earn a clean sheet in last 4 matches. A good performance is expected from him. Helping the goalkeeper in the defence line are Ryan Shawcross, Danny Collins, Robert Huth
and Abdoulaye Faye. The Potters are also blessed with alot of defensive midfielders. The four midfielders representing the home team are Jermaine Pennant, Dean Whitehead, Rory Delap and Mathew Etherington.
Kenwyne Jones commonly known as the heading machine is playing as an attacker for Stoke City. He has scored seven header goals Premier League header only one less than Tim Cahil of Everton. He also scored the equaliser against Aston Villa with a superb header.
The other player helping Kenwyne Jones in attack is Jonathan Roland Walters.
While on the other hand, West Ham’s new boss, Avraham Grant is huge admirer of 4-3-3 formation and without a doubt Hammers are playing with this formation. This is considered more attacking formation with three strikers seeking for goals.
Former English number one keeper, Robert Green is wearing gloves for the hammers. Robert Green had a miserable World Cup campaign with English National Squad. He is never forgiven by English fans for the goal that he conceded from America.
West Ham have not kept clean sheet in their last sixteen fixtures. The defensive line for the hammers include; Lars Jacobsen, Danny Gabbidon, Da Costa and English National Team Cap winner Mathew Upson.
West ham’s midfield is filled with the experience of Valon Behrami, the young and talented Scott Parker and Mark Noble. There are three strikers playing for Hammers. West Ham’s latest signing Victor Nsofor Obinna playing on the right side whilst the very
famous Carlton Cole playing in the centre of the attack. Fredric Piquionne is helping the both from the left side.
It was an amazing first half at least for the Hammer Fans. For the first time in this season, West Ham United scored first in the match. It was a very good attacking display from the Hammers as they constantly kept exerting pressure on the home side.
It was a perfect example of team goal. Valon Behrami played the cross from the left side. Danny Gabbidon who was positioned perfectly for the cross, took the cross with the header and passed it to Carlton Cole. Carlton Cole easily finished from close range
and silenced the home crowd.
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