Paolo goal lights up derby clash

13 April 2012

At last, a little of what Sven Goran Eriksson has been hoping to see since his arrival in England. How ironic that it came from an Italian.

Paolo Di Canio could have saved Eriksson his job at Lazio and therefore delayed his arrival as England coach had he been tempted back to Rome when the Swede sniffed around his door a little over a month ago.

Last night Di Canio produced a goal of such quality that it will surely have sent Eriksson home with a smile on his face.

Whatever the nationality of the player, moments of real quality are priceless, especially in a Premiership where standards are on the wane.

As such, Di Canio's contribution to this fierce but primitive London derby was one to relish. Trailing to an early goal from Shaun Bartlett, West Ham appeared to be heading for a defeat that may have signalled the end of their faint European hopes.

But after receiving possession 25 yards out with 17 minutes left, Di Canio weaved a path through the scything legs on the edge of the penalty area to drive a right-foot shot high in to the corner.

The Italian's 10th goal of the season was not even his best, though it should serve as a lesson to all those who aspire to survive and prosper at the top level.

In the minutes that preceded it, Di Canio's frustrations appeared to be on the verge of leading him into trouble. Irritated at Frank Lampard's failure to convert the chance he had handed him with a sumptuous chipped pass in the 68th minute, Di Canio was booked for a swipe at Radostin Kishishev within seconds.

The Italian has a hunger and desire that, when channelled correctly, can set him apart. Perhaps the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick - impressive last night but still learning - will one day prove his equal.

Di Canio has suggested that Cole may not be ready for England just yet, equally so Carrick. Perhaps he is right but Eriksson will have been pleased with both last night.

West Ham manager Harry Redknapp can appear blinkered when talking up their merits but one day he may be proved right. If both do not play for their country one day then something will have gone wrong.

Cole had come closest to equalising the goal set up for Bartlett by Paul Konchesky's astute pass through the inside-right channel in the seventh minute. The teenager was denied on the line by defender Andy Todd as he moved to convert a low cross from Sebastien Schemmel, on loan from Metz.

The near-miss was typical of West Ham's evening. Charlton, looking to restore some face after the 5-0 defeat at Upton Park on Boxing Day, had started brightly but, given their splendid home record, they seemed strangely cowed after securing such an early advantage.

Admittedly, Alan Curbishley's team were deprived of key individuals but so too were their opponents and for most of the evening West Ham appeared to hold their destiny in their own hands.

Shots from distance by Nigel Winterburn, Schemmel and Di Canio threatened briefly in the first half, while Di Canio and Cole were awry from closer in.

In the second half, Cole fired a right-foot shot over the angle after a brisk dart from midfield and Lampard really should have made more of the opportunity presented to him by Di Canio.

For Lampard, Cole and Carrick, there is still some work to be done before they can take their places in Eriksson's plans. The friendly against Spain next month may be too soon.

Di Canio, of course, is enjoying another fine season. But Eriksson has known that for a long time.

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Alan Curbishley

Charlton Athletic

Frank Lampard

West Ham United

Paolo goal lights up derby clash

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