The televised lunchtime game on Sunday 4th March delivered us not only one of our most impressive away performances of the season, but a valuable, insightful preview into how our barrier to Wembley can be overhauled.
Big Sam’s men controlled the majority of possession throughout the game against a side who possibly were suffering a hangover from the Carling Cup Final defeat to Liverpool. Kevin Nolan’s goal in the first half highlighted weak defending in the Welsh club’s ranks that really ought to be exploited in both legs of the upcoming semi finals.
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Malky Mackay’s team are a blend of youth and experience that from September to the New Year, saw Cardiff pushing for the automatic places and embarking on a Carling Cup run to Wembley. Decent attacking-minded midfielders include Liam Lawrence, Don Cowie and the golden left foot of Peter Whittingham. The latter a dangerous free kick taker that may influence susceptible tacklers including George McCartney, Julien Faubert and Kevin Nolan to avoid reckless challenges on the edge of our box. Attacking threats include experienced head Kenny Miller and Rob Earnshaw combined with the fresh youth of Joe Mason and Rudy Gestede.
Despite all Big’s Sam’s criticism from the fans over style of play not being the “West Ham” and all, it cannot be argued he is a very shrewd manager who knows what he’s doing. He is certainly far more experienced in play-off occasions than Ian Holloway, Chris Hughton or Malky Mackay. He is fully aware of the threat Cardiff pose and of their weaknesses. He will know the implications of playing away from home first and then bringing them back to Upton Park for the return leg.
For instance, if West Ham gain a victory away from home in the first leg, Sam will know that the home leg will not be about chasing the game to turn around a deficit, something the players have really struggled with doing at Upton Park this year. He may even set out a more attacking formation in the first away leg to get as many goals as possible with Carlton Cole and Ricardo Vaz Te on form against an average defence followed by playing one up top in the home game, being confident West Ham are leading by sufficient goals.
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Beyond the Cardiff game, two ex Premier League teams will lay in wait at Wembley who pose individual dangers that have the potential to hurt our side without doubt. Blackpool with their free-scoring ability under the inspirational tutorship of Ian Holloway and Birmingham’s tough squad that pose significant physical threats with the Nikola Zigic and Marlon King striking force.
However, Sam will be telling his boys that we are 3 wins away from the Premier League. We have the best squad in the play-offs. We are the team in best run of form in the play-offs. We have the most experienced manager. However, we also have biggest wage bill in the play-offs so it really is time to deliver!
COYI
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Great reult tonight, perhaps this will stop the bloody moaners at last. We outplayed, outfought and out thought Cardiff every step of the way. Lets get that comfy second leg result and go into the final BEHIND the team and the Manager ! Come on you Irons !!!