Football: OLD BOY CURBS TURNS UP HEAT ON HAMMERS

HAVING made such a stuttering start to last season, so bad it put Glenn Roeder's job in jeopardy, West Ham are showing disturbing signs of repeating the trend. Just a point from three games tells you there are problems, problems that are largely defensive. Charlton, in fairness exploited that weakness well, taking a two goal lead before half time and rarely looking troubled after. This was an important victory for the Addicks, not just because their manager Alan Curbishley has his roots at West Ham, but because they had lost twice already to London sides this season. Shambolic is the only word to describe the West Ham defence in the build- up to Charlton's first goal, which came after just three minutes. They were asleep for a move that spawned from a Luke Young throw-in. Richard Rufus found himself a free man in the box and could not have believed the time and space he was allowed before setting up Claus Jensen. The Dane ran in unmarked to thump an angled shot past David James. With Sven Goran Eriksson watching from the stands, it was not a good day to concede such an early goal. As Charlton's players ran back to their own half, their fans joyous at such a gift, the West Ham defenders could only turn around in search of someone to blame. Four goals conceded at Newcastle, two at home to Arsenal and now this instant gift to Charlton. New signing Gary Breen, warming up on the touchline, must have wondered why he was being confined to the bench. Inexcusably, the lesson was not learned. Chris Bart-Williams was allowed an unearned shot on goal after James had punched a clearance straight to him. Only Nigel Winterburn, who headed the ball off the line, prevented Charlton's lead from doubling.

Even worse came a minute before half-time, when a goalmouth scramble ensued in which Tomas Repka half cleared a shot from the line.

Once more a Charlton defender stormed unnoticed into the box; this time it was Jon Fortune, who struck the ball through a bedraggled defence and past James.

You couldn't really blame the home fans for booing the performance, even if the game was not past halfway. They repeated the trick on the final whistle.

Joe Cole's tentative dribble and wiggle his way into Eriksson's thinking, but for all his energy and enthusiasm there was little end product.

There was one delightful moment, though, in the 53rd minute when Cole nutmegged himself and his marker before turning to fire over.

Curbishley had primed his team well. Jensen and Bart-Williams had a clear edge in the midfield battle, while Jason Euell and Mathias Svensson worked tirelessly in attack.

West Ham's players began the season aiming for Europe, having gone so close last time. They have some way to go.

MAN OF THE MATCH RICHARD RUFUS

A rock in defence, lively in attack.

WEST HAM: James 6, Schemmel 6, Repka 5, Winterburn 6, Dailly 5, Carrick 6, Cisse 5 (Lomas 6), Sinclair 6, Cole 6, Defoe 6, Kanoute 6.

CHARLTON: Kiely 6, Kishishev 6, Powell 6, RUFUS 8, Euell 7, Jensen 7, Robinson 6, Svensson 7, Young 6, Bart-Williams 7, Fortune 7.

MANAGER RATINGS: Roeder 5; Curbishley 8.

REFEREE: J Winter 7.

ATTENDANCE: 32,424

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