We started very brightly, and could really have been two up inside of twenty minutes, but instead we found ourselves two down after Sol gifted them two goals. More on him later!!
Having scrapped a goal back before half time we bombarded their goal at the start of the second half but just couldn't find that break through. Unfortunately West Ham then did, when the superb Larsson slipped at just the wrong moment, and the ball ended up in the net after a series of deflections.
A late second couldn't save us, as we slipped to our 3rd. defeat in 4 games. We're not playing badly, it will just be a case of perseverance.
Jens Lehmann (6) Badly let down by his defence.
Philippe Senderos (6) Some good challenges, but his willingness to let the ball bounce despite the events of recent weeks is scary.
Johan Djourou (7) Unlucky not to score, and played well at the heart of our defence.
Sol Campbell (1) Simply awful. Gifted them two goals, couldn't tackle, pass or move in some spells! Having walked out at half time after being subbed I won't be best pleased if he starts on Saturday. I hope he left the ground and just kept on walking, he has been useless in recent times and his lack of commitment is showing through.
Kerrea Gilbert (6) Started well before picking up a knock and being replaced.
Robert Pires (6) Fine attacking football on the most part.
Diaby (7) Looking very good it has to be said, but in stark contrast……..
Gilberto (3) ……… we have Gilberto, who has been p*ss poor for the majority of this season. Looks average at best, and why he played the full 90 is beyond me.
Freddie Ljungberg (7) He tried hard to break past his man and into the box.
Robin Van Persie (7) Hit the post and had a free kick deflected narrowly wide.
Thierry Henry (7) Played well but couldn't find that lethal pass for the most part.
Subs:
Mathieu Flamini (7) Did a fine job in a very unnatural position for him.
Sebastian Larsson (7) Superb throughout the second half, considering he was out of position. One crucial slip did cost us, but overall a sterling effort.
Dennis Bergkamp (4) Ineffective as a late sub.