大象传媒

	The new manager, Alan Curbishley

West Ham's new manager, Alan Curbishley, led his team to a 1 – 0 win in his first game in charge of 负责 the side.

Nigel Reo-Coker tapped in 轻脚射进 a late goal to earn the home side 主场 victory against a United side lacking a cutting edge 缺乏锐气.

Here's what the new West Ham manager said about his team's performance:

West Ham boss  There has been a lot of criticism of the players and they've got to answer that and face the music.   Alan Curbishley, West Ham manager

A lot of criticism 许多批评 means that people said negative things about West Ham. And to face the music 应对窘境 is an idiom which means you have to accept or deal with the negative things people have said about you. Alan Curbishley thinks that it's the players' job to answer the criticism, not with words but with actions, by playing well against Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, however, didn't think West Ham's win was as important as Alan Curbishley thought it was.

This is what he said after the match:

Man U boss  We are still two points clear. The title is not decided in December.   Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager

He means that although West Ham won this particular match, his team are still in the lead. Man U are still two points ahead (or two points clear 领先两分), at the top of the league. The title is not decided in December 十二月不会决定冠军 means we won't know who the Premiership winner is until later in Spring 2007.