New boss Zola ready to make hard calls
The well-liked former Chelsea midfielder — voted Footballer of the Year in 1997 and awarded an OBE four years ago — got his reign off to a perfect start in front of the Upton Park faithful when crisis-club Newcastle were beaten 3-1.
The Hammers are now up into fourth place in the table after on-loan Italian David di Michele bagged a brace to mark his home debut in style. However, Zola knows there will be plenty of testing times ahead, but the 42-year-old is relishing the “new challenge”.
“I played football always relying on my qualities and now I need to think about many things,” said Zola.
“But I like challenges, testing myself on new things and I am sure I can do well at it. I have also got great people around me, like Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen, they will be helping me a lot and I am sure we can do a good job.”
Zola added:
“I know that sometimes I may have to be unpopular, but as long as I make sure all of my choices are honest ones, there should not be a problem. I just put a team sheet up — what other explanations can you give?”
Di Michele struck after only eight minutes, his 20-yard shot deflecting up off Newcastle defender Steven Taylor and over stranded keeper Shay Given. The 32-year-old forward, signed from Torino on transfer deadline day doubled the lead with a neat finish after being given too much time and space in the penalty area.
He unselfishly played in Matthew Etherington to make it 3-0 on 53 minutes. Although Di Michele then spurned a great chance to claim his hat-trick, blasting over from 15 yards, the forward should have been teed-up in stoppage time when Luis Boa Morte sprinted clear — only to hit wide with his team-mate unmarked.
Newcastle, meanwhile, look set for an uncertain future both on and off the field, with owner Mike Ashley ready to sell up. England striker Michael Owen salvaged a consolation with a fine strike for the visitors, who are now in the bottom three.
David di Michele scored West Ham's 600th goal in the Premier League with his first strike
Michael Owen has scored 11 goals in 13 Premier League games against West Ham.
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