Post-Parker Panic Passes

For the last few seasons West Ham’s existence without Scott Parker would’ve been predicted disastrous. On numerous occasions he has turned in yet another superb performance of gritty enthusiasm to haul the Hammers out of the most depressing situation and secure some much-needed points. It’s fair to say life without the Hammer Of The Year of the last three seasons would be the end of an era at Upton Park as he rapidly ascended from popularity to almost legend status amongst the likes of Sir Trevor Brooking, Paolo Di Canio and perhaps even Bobby Moore, however, judging by yesterday’s winning performance at the City Ground; the post-Parker era could be much more fruitful than expected.

There were no urgent questions as a result of Parker’s absence as by drafting the exciting young prospect of Jack Collison into the centre of midfield, Allardyce was still able to utilise his so-far favoured formation of a 4-5-1. It’s fair to say Allardyce’s managerial counterpart, and former competition for the Hammers job, Steve McLaren needs to be a lot more active before the transfer deadline slams shut on Wednesday as, with the centre-midfield duo of George Boateng and Jonathan Greening having a combined age of 67, an investment for more youthful exuberance is required. No one could begrudge McLaren for cowering under an umbrella this season if Nottingham Forest’s home form continues in this manner. With the City Ground being labelled as something of a fortress with Billy Davies at the helm, Forest appear to have taken a few steps backward under McLaren who’s pitiful defending would’ve discouraged the most optimistic of fans from describing them as promotion contenders.

The manner in which West Ham took the lead appeared effortless as, although perhaps on the back foot for the early part of the game, one of Matt Taylor’s trademark whipped crosses was nervously misdirected by Luke Chambers into the back of Lee Camp’s net; not the first time a West Ham dangerous delivery has resulted in an fortuitous own goal this season. The Hammers added this goal to their momentum rather than simply sitting back as a certain Avram Grant may have done in the past. Captain Kevin Nolan doubled the lead after, despite being infamously dangerous in the six-yard box, he was given enough room to re-direct Tomkin’s header from a corner in the back of the net with the Forest defence standing stationary and stunned. Nolan performed his joyful chicken dance and the Hammers continued to enjoy the control of the game.

Allardyce had a couple of scares in terms of conceding as he marched up and down, just outside his technical area in a rather rebellious and arrogant manner, with Green parrying Lewis McGugan effort away being the most prominent. But it was clear who was going to be the more ruthless in front of goal as Carlton Cole continued a decent run of form as the lone striker by tripling the lead from close-range; again as a result of the corner. Although McLaren’s side’s defending can be almost as much to blame, Allardyce’s famous set-pieces have given West Ham a completely new outlet of goals which they have lacked in recent years, and in turn, the ability to score much more effective away from home.

Substitute Joel Lynch’s impact on the left hand side gave Forest a little more danger and a low cross was eventually converted by Robbie Findley to give the home team a glimmer of hope and pride, especially after their epic comeback to draw with Sven Goran-Eriksson’s Leicester a few weeks earlier. However New Zealand international Winston Reid quickly dispelled any ideas of a similar drama by adding the fourth to West Ham’s tally, yet again from a corner, and finishing the match as an impressive 4-1 victory for the Hammers, who’s away form is become increasingly renowned and feared throughout the league.

McLaren looked rather taken aback at the end of the game as West Ham appeared to have strolled to victory emphatically without ever really reaching the pinnacle performance which the quality of squad they have suggests they can. Allardyce’s business in the transfer market cannot be questioned as Nolan’s presence in the box gives the rather unpredictable and inconsistent, although sometimes extremely effective Cole the much needed support in terms of goal-scoring in this formation, whilst Matt Taylor’s delivery was simply a class above the division he is playing in.

Away from home there appears to be no problems, with or without Parker, but the addition of Sam Baldock earlier in the week will do wonders for home form as it allows Allardyce to pair him with any of his three larger strikers, Cole, John Carew and Freddie Piquionne and give the team much more of a dominant look at the Boleyn Ground. As for Parker he may have been flicking backwards and forwards from the West Ham game on Sky Sports to ESPN’s coverage of Tottenham 5-1 defeat to Man City and be thinking; maybe I’m needed more at White Hart Lane. Perhaps Parker’s absence lifted a shadow of inadequacy from the rest of the players, and although I’m sure the whole of West Ham would like to thank him for his undeniable magnificence and loyalty over the past few seasons, its clear Allardyce’s side can make do without him and maybe even improve without the intense and monotonous speculation he brings.