Fortress Upton Park

Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer have both been speaking on the official West Ham website of West Ham's need to improve in defence.

Parker says that,

"The whole team needs to be more defensive-minded. When we get into a winning position we need to see the game out and we are struggling to do that.

"It's one thing to concede from a 40-yard screamer or when a player beats four defenders and curls one in to the top corner. But when an opponent gets a free header three yards from goal - like West Brom's equaliser on Wednesday night - that is just not acceptable.

"We can't keep on allowing sloppy goals like these if we are going to turn draws into wins."

West Ham are very poor at defending crosses. I'd like to know the stats for how many goals West Ham have conceded from headers in the last couple of seasons.

Kieron Dyer has also spoken of West Ham having to stop making mistakes in defence,

"Against Blackpool we need three points or people will start saying we might be doomed. Blackpool are going to come to Upton Park and have a right go at us, so we have to be confident and match their desire.

"It is all about playing with no fear. I am a confident player and I don't let things affect me, but you can see that some players are affected.

"We have got to stop making mistakes or it is going to cost us dearly. If we are going to stay in the Premier League, we are going to have to make Upton Park a fortress."


The Star report that Avram Grant is in danger of losing his job if West Ham don't beat Blackpool tomorrow. The Mail also claim that the axe is hovering over Grant's head.