Nyron Nosworthy urges players to stick together on pitch

Oct 29 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

The sixth consecutive defeat – brought about by Anton Ferdinand’s mistake – marked Keane’s penultimate game in charge and highlighted his team’s fragility at home.

This season has been very different, with Tuesday’s penalty shoot-out defeat the first time Sunderland had failed to win at the Stadium of Light since entertaining Chelsea in August, while the Hammers languish in the Premier League relegation zone.

But Gianfranco Zola’s men came from 2-0 down to claim a point against Arsenal on Sunday and Nosworthy will not be taking them lightly.

“The last time West Ham came here they beat us, so we’re not going to write them off at all,” he promised. “They play good football and we’re going to expect a real good game.

“Don’t watch their position in the league, they’re a good side. We’re going to go out there as if it was Liverpool.”

With George McCartney (hip) and Fraizer Campbell (hamstring) adding to an injury list which already included Darren Bent (knee), Boudewijn Zenden (hip), John Mensah (calf) and long-term absentee Lee Cattermole (knee), Nosworthy’s chances of a first league start since Michael Turner’s arrival are growing.

The 29-year-old was happy he did himself justice against Villa. “Overall I was happy with the performance, especially my own,” he reflected.

“In our home games we really do perform well and we looked organised and together.

“We should have really won it. The result was bad but we’ve just got to turn it around for our next game.

“And everyone in the team on Tuesday will have given the manager food for thought.

“I was hoping I might get a full 90 or 94 minutes, but unfortunately we got a bit more out of it.

“My legs were fine, it just goes to show that although I haven’t played a lot of games I was able to stay out there, compete at a high tempo and finished the game fine. I’m happy.”