WestHamFirm

Sam1 · Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:18 pm October player of the month

The West Ham October player of the month as voted by the users of WestHamFirm is... Rob Green.

After a month of exceptional performances by the man between the sticks the decision was unanimous that he was deserved of this recognition.

Green started his impressive streak against Aston Villa. Despite going down 1-0 to the opposing claret and blue he managed to make some excellent save to keep West Ham within a chance of picking something up in the second half. He was unlucky to concede after a rocket free kick, into a crowded penalty area, took a deflection off one of his own defenders and into the net. This however, didn't get him down as he was determined to continue his form which once got him an England cap.

Villa summary

Shots saved: 4
Parried: 3
Caught: 1

With the dissapointment of three defeats in a row West Ham had a week off before playing Sunderland on a dry Sunday evening. Watching from the stands this reporter was able to assess Green perfectly.

Rob had a nervous start to the game after dropping a cross but thankfully clutching it with a second attempt before, after getting settled, made some top notch saves which helped West Ham to a well needed 3 points. Firstly, he managed to push a long range effort from Kenwyne-Jones around the post as the first half was quiet for him but the second period would be a different story.

After two Sunderland substitutions at half time they found an equalisser that Green could do nothing about. A pinpoint corner met by a bullet header from Jones saw Green beaten.

This didn't diminish Green's confidence though as despite this leveller he was still on hand to perform arguably the greatest save of the season. Leadbitter was gifted by the home defence and unleashed a save half volley from 20 yards out that Green somehow pushed onto his right hand post.

After this important, match turning save, West Ham scored twice to record a 3-1 win. Post match comments from both managers picked up on Rob Green's match winning performance and he, once again, showed that he is England's best goalkeeper.

Sunderland summary

Shots saved: 9
Parried: 6
Caught: 3

West Ham then had a trip down to the south coast take on Portsmouth and former manager Harry Redknapp. Fratton park is a hard place to come for any team, as many have found out Fratton park is a hard place to get anything.

Within 8 minutes, Green already had to pull off his first save of the evening as a Nico Kranjcar shot forced him into palming a dangerous 20 yard strike over the bar. He then, using his legs, showed his smart reflexes as a low cross hit Gabbidon and he was able to flick off the line, saving what would have been an own goal. He helped West Ham weather an early storm as they began an attack on Portsmouth.

After a shockingly quiet second half injury time struck and the drama began to unfold. The ball bounced high and rolled along Gabbidon's arm which caused the referee to call for a penalty in the 94th minute. With the fans literally behind Green, Benjani (after some bickering with other Portsmouth players), placed the ball on the spot and stepped up, struck the ball to to Green's left but the amazing 'keeper guessed right and pushed the ball away before pouncing on it at a second attempt. He was then mobbed by teammates and the away support behind him cheered as he earned West Ham a well deserved point.

'Englands number 1, Englands Englands number 1' was cchanted but he, comically showed the truth by sticking 6 fingers in the air.

Portsmouth summary:

Saves: 3
Parried: 2
Caught: 1

Month stats:

Played: 3
Clean sheets: 1
Saves: 16
Parried: 11
Caught: 5

Green's Portsmouth penalty save.

Peter Parka · Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:41 am

Pretty conclusive poll that, wasn't it! Hopefully if McClaren is sacked within the next week or two, the next England coach will give him a chance.