West Ham United Vs Newcastle United: Zola-powered Hammers snubs Magpies 3-1
September 21, 2008
West Ham United had the best of times in their first league match with new manager Gianfranco Zola, as they defeated a club playing without manager, Newcastle United, 3-1 at Upton Park.
Italian David Di Michele scored two goals and Matthew Etherington netted home once to bag the three goals for the Hammers.
In the seventh minute, Michele was set up by Noble into the box, just for Shay Given to make a trademark reaction save with his head. But the ball went straight back to Michele, who slammed it onto Steven Taylor and a deflection went in.
The other goal from Michele came in the dying stages of the first half, and just after the break, Matthew Etherington scored from an unselfish cross by Michele to make it 3-0 for the Hammers.
The only goal for Newcastle, though nothing more than a consolation, came in the 66th minute from Michael Owen, as he bended a superb effort into the right corner.
Just after this goal, Cacapa almost squeezed one in, but a wonderful save by Green, who had just lost his clean sheet opportunity, made it a disappointment.
He made another save off Damien Duff, keeping out a low range drive from him.
Some great saves by Given proved why he is an asset to Newcastle all the time. Had he not been there for the Magpies, the score line would have been a disaster.
The man of the moment for Hammers was not any player, but the Coach Zola, who impressed in his first match.
Meanwhile, Sunderland scored a convincing 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Stadium of lights. However, Liverpool lost two important points when they were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City.
Posted in Newcastle United, Premier League
