Irons 1 (Gordon) Palace 0
Alex Song completed an hour as the Irons beat Crystal Palace in a behind closed doors match at the Boleyn this afternoon.
Slaven Bilic took the opportunity to field highly rated prospects Marcus Browne and Jahmal Hector-Ingram but the match – organised essentially for Song – provided the midfielder with a fitness boost.
Young striker Jaanai Gordon headed home a Carl Jenkinson cross to seal the game late on as a draw looked on the cards.
Michail Antonio also got a run-out and looked bright down the right side firing a number of dangerous crosses into the box with Joey O’Brien providing a valuable option on the overlap.
The first real chance of the game fell to the visitors as Patrick Bamford got to the byline and cut back for Connor Wickham who forced Rapahel Spiegel to make a sharp save down to his right.
Mauro Zarate twice looked likely to score when testing the keeper with a stinging shot before bending another 25 yard shot just wide. He looked dangerous throughout.
Song demonstrated his trademark defence splitting ability with a great obvious talent with an exquisite defence splitting pass; Antonio the glad recipient, bore down on goal and forced Speroni into a fantastic save.
Hope Song can now repay us for keeping his family happy in London by keeping our midfield buzzing,although he does not have the flair of Dimitri he does bring something else to the party,if he can release Lanzini,Moses and Sakho we will carry on winning,
It’s time to rest Noble and give Kouyate and Obiang with Song a try,
They will be an extra cover for the defence and allow Cressie and Jenks more attacking space and leave all our forwards freedom
There may be a chance to change our style and confuse the opposition
Good to hear song got an hour. And Antonio got an eun-ou I see. Not sure what that is but I’m assuming it’s like “the eunuch” an award given to a player for running his nuts off. 🙂
What an encouraging report concerning the indoor game against Palace!.
Before commenting on specific players, I think congratulations must go to our wonderful manager, Slaven Bilic! His decision to provide opportunities to so many different players, is just one more reason for us to appreciate that such a person, with his avant-garde thinking and deep understanding of the game, is leading the way at our great club!.
Your report , especially highlighting the continuing progress and performance of Alex Song was very encouraging. In addition, how pleasing to read about Slaven’s decision to provide opportunities for some of our other squad players. First mention should go to Michail Antonio, being given a ‘fair go’ to demonstrate his obvious talents, and it seems like he was very promising.
In my previous reply, posted yesterday, I spoke highly about the ability of Valencia and Zarate to hit the ball with such power; seems like Zarate did more last night to re-inforce these thoughts. Sounds like he hit at least 2 ‘beauties’ last night. If Slaven can encourage Mauro to pass the ball a bit more, we will have ‘the complete package’- again we must praise Slaven, (unlike other previous managers), to appreciate Zarate’s obvious talents, and play such a critical role in helping resurrect his self-esteem and restoring him to the level he is now showing.
Further praise must go to Slaven’s decision to allow the likes of Joey Obrien, Jaani Gordon, Marcus Browne & Jahmal Hector- Ingram to strut their stuff, which must have given these guys (in addition to the West Ham supporters) much ‘enthusiasm & heart’.
So Hugh, given the concern that I’m sure we all have for the injuries sustained to Dimi Payet and Enner Valencia, you have provided 2 insightful essays on all that is ‘positive’ with our squad and brilliant manager. Well done you!
Cheers,
COYI
Maxie