Everton v West Ham: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

Mar 22 2008

WEST HAM will travel to Goodison Park in better spirits after beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1 last week.

The win ended an awful sequence of three consecutive 4-0 defeats for the Hammers who are destined for a mid-table finish after last season’s relegation battle.

Defence

Robert Green played almost 200 games for Norwich before his £2million move to the Hammers in 2006.

An imposing stopper, he has been a consistent performer all season – even during the side’s recent slump – and is a calming influence and is excellent on penalties having saved three so far this term.

Lucas Neill turned down a move to Liverpool in January 2007 to join the Hammers and is a tough-tackling full-back with a real edge.

He’s committed and likes to push forward and support attacks.

George McCartney, a £1million signing from Sunderland in 2006 is a solid left-back who is composed on the ball and gives the midfielders good service.

Anton Ferdinand is an accomplished centre-back who is powerful in the air and a good reader of the game.

Calm under pressure, he is confident on the ball.

Jonathan Spector is versatile in a number of positions across the back four.

Quick and athletic, he has recently been playing in the heart of the defence.

Midfield

Since his Newcastle days, Nolberto Solano has proved himself as one of the best crosses in the Premier League – just ask Alan Shearer.

A good passer of the ball, he provides width on the right wing and is a threat from free-kicks.

Scott Parker’s big money moves to Chelsea and Newcastle did not really work out and he’s no back closer to home having started at Charlton.

A tireless worker, he helps the defence as well as supporting the attack and with such a good engine he is a key member of the side.

Hayden Mullins played more than 200 times for Crystal Palace before crossing the capital in 2003.

A defensive midfielder, he likes to break up attacks.

Fredrik Ljungberg is a vastly-experienced performer at the top level having lifted two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal.

As a Swedish international he went to both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and won 67 caps, netting 13 goals in the process.An attacking midfielder, he makes late runs into the penalty area and has a good scoring record.

Mark Noble, another graduate of the Hammers’ Academy, is a crowd favourite with his all-action style.

Attack

Dean Ashton hit 68 goals for Crewe and attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Everton, in the process before eventually joined Norwich City.

A powerful, strong striker, he has a good first touch and holds the ball up well.

Dogged by injuries this season, he nevertheless has netted six goals in 13 appearances.

Bobby Zamora is not the quickest, but he is aggressive and competitive.

Freddie Sears has scored 25 goals in 24 games for West Ham’s reserve and youth teams this season and it took him just six minutes to hit his first Premier League strike last week.

Dangerman

DEAN ASHTON – Getting back to fitness, he can turn a game as he showed against Blackburn.

Overall verdict

After a tremendous display against Fiorentina was followed up by a poor one at Fulham, Everton need to get back on an unbeaten run which will start today.