FA Premiership
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United 

Sunday, 16th October 2005
by East Stand Martin

I’ve always had an affinity with Man City and today provided the first opportunity to experience their new stadium. I used to like Maine Road, as it always felt like a place that was in the heart of the local community, nothing like the feel of Old Trafford, which always seems artificial to me.



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Player Ratings

Roy Carroll
Despite the dodgy digit Carroll made several important saves to keep the Hammers within touching distance. There was little he could have done about either of the goals.


Tomas Repka
Poor at Sunderland, very poor today. Despite seeming on top of his game in the opening matches of the season his form has hit rock bottom. He was wildly out of position for the first goal and an impetuous sliding tackle when last man almost let in City for another. Hauled off for the second time in a row by a no doubt hugely disappointed Pardew.


Paul Konchesky
Watched again - amongst others - by Sven Goran Eriksson and a fair game to boot. Always up against it however and offered little assistance on the left side by Matthew Etherington. Two goal-line clearances - one with the boot, the other with the head - were his most notable contributions.


Anton Ferdinand
A better game than at the Stadium of Light a fortnight ago, although there still appeared to be little defensive cohesion between the back four.


Danny Gabbidon
Made some decent interceptions and tackles but seemed to lack a little understanding with his team mates. Left horribly stranded by Repka for the first City goal and unable to stop the second despite a valiant attempt.


Hayden Mullins
Not really at the races and definitely not comfortable being put under pressure in his own half. Dallied on a clearance which led to City's second goal.


Nigel Reo-Coker
Busted a gut but for little reward. Not his most notable performance in a game in which he would have wanted to impress, taking into consideration the presence of the England manager.


Yossi Benayoun
Yossi worked hard as always but failed to deliver the killer ball until the 90th minute when a sublime reverse pass found Zamora who netted with aplomb. Missed a couple of good opportunities in the first half to notch his third of the season.


Matthew Etherington
Off par all season and despite one or two glimpses of his pace and crossing prowess, today was little different. A spell on the bench may beckon should he not buck up his ideas.


Marlon Harewood
Another who put in a lot of effort for scant reward, although had the referee seen Onuoha's challenge on him differently things could have turned out much better. His two best chances came in the first half from Etherington crosses but they were both wasted.


Teddy Sheringham
Not in the game at all, and will do well to see off the challenge of Bobby Zamora come next weekend.



Substitutes

Christian Dailly
(Replaced Repka, 45) Replaced Tomas Repka but rarely got forward to support the attack as the Czech is capable of. Clearly not entirely comfortable at right-back.


Bobby Zamora
(Replaced Sheringham, 67) Showed a bit of zip and blasted a couple of shots high and wide before taking the best opportunity that came to him.


Shaun Newton
(Replaced Etherington, 82) Gave the Hammers a fresh turn of pace as they sought to come back from a two goal deficit. They half made it.


Shaka Hislop
Did not play.


David Bellion
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Roy Carroll, Tomas Repka, Paul Konchesky, Anton Ferdinand, Danny Gabbidon, Hayden Mullins, Nigel Reo-Coker, Yossi Benayoun, Matthew Etherington, Marlon Harewood, Teddy Sheringham.

Goals: Yossi Benayoun 70                  .

Booked: None booked.           .

Sent Off: None sent off.     .

Manchester City: James, Mills, Onuoha, Jordan, Distin; Reyna, Ireland, Barton, Musampa; Vassell, Cole.

Subs not used: de Vlieger, Sommeil, Sibierski.

Goals: Cole (18, 56).

Booked: Musampa (34), Jordan (71).

Sent off: None.

Referee: M.Clattenburg.

Attendance: 43,647.

Man of the Match: Roy Carroll.