Daily WHUFC News - 27th September 2015

West Ham United 2-2 Norwich City
WHUFC.com

Barclays Premier League

Cheikhou Kouyate struck a dramatic late equaliser to earn West Ham United a
share of the spoils in a topsy-turvy affair with Norwich City at the Boleyn
Ground on Saturday. Alex Neil's Canaries drew first blood when Robbie Brady
capitalised on a Mark Noble mistake to fire the visitors in front, before
Diafra Sakho drew the Hammers level from a Dimitri Payet centre. England
stopper John Ruddy pulled off a fine second-half stop to deny Sakho his
second, while the excellent Adrian did likewise from both Jonny Howson and
Cameron Jerome.
Substitute Nathan Redmond restored the visitors' advantage with little more
than five minutes to play, only for Kouyate to have the final word, smashing
home from point-blank range in the third minute of added time.

Slaven Bilic made just one change from the side that shocked Manchester City
in the Barclays Premier League last weekend, with the fit-again Kouyate
replacing Pedro Obiang in the heart of the Hammers midfield. The Hammers had
an early warning when an unmarked Jerome nodded tamely at Adrian within 60
seconds. For West Ham, after two corners in quick succession came to nought,
Kouyate tested Ruddy. Payet's free-kick cannoned off the No8's midriff
forcing the England stopper into a smart save to his left. But the Hammers
were soon behind. With nine on the clock, Noble sold James Tomkins short
with a misjudged square ball. Brady nipped in, beating a sliding Tomkins to
it, and finished low and hard beyond Adrian. It may very well have got
worse. Steven Whittaker had time and space at the back post to cut back
inside onto his left foot, though thankfully Victor Moses blocked behind.
Then, still inside 20 minutes, Howson controlled with his chest in the box
before slamming an angled drive narrowly over the top. Adrian was at full
stretch. Still the visitors created chances. This time Brady played in
Jerome down the left and the No10 screwed it into the side netting. He
should have done better.

At the other end, Kouyate did brilliantly out on the right touchline to turn
away from trouble and feed Manuel Lanzini. The Argentine opted to try his
luck from 25 yards but Ruddy saw it well wide of his left-hand upright. But
Ruddy was helpless moments later to prevent the leveller. Payet raced away
down the right and his cut-back evaded Norwich legs and fell perfectly for
Sakho, who gleefully swept home.
It prompted a West Ham onslaught. Lanzini's free-kick sped just past the
post and the former River Plate man then saw a low drive deflected inches
past the upright via Russell Martin. Then Ruddy came racing off his line to
punch clear but got nowhere near it. It fell to Sakho who, under pressure,
hooked over the top. All square at the break but a half, very distinctly, of
two halves.

The opening minutes of the second had a rather more sedate feel about them,
at least until Howson took aim from the edge of the D. It took Adrian
fingertips to keep the scores level. West Ham, however, should have
completed the turnaround and Sakho should have had his second. Moses'
right-wing cross was inch perfect for the Hammers' goalscorer, whose header
from six yards was repelled by Ruddy. An off-balance Kouyate's effort on the
rebound was wild. On the hour, Sakho came away with it and squared to Payet
on the right-edge of the box. The Frenchman's touch to hurdle Brady's
challenge was sublime and his low shot would have nestled in the corner but
for Ruddy's outstretched left arm.

Back came the Canaries. Howson got to the by-line and his centre was met
clean on the volley by an on-rushing Jerome. Adrian made himself big and
took it full in the face. Painful but vital. With nothing to separate the
sides, Bilic threw on Andy Carroll in place of Lanzini. Norwich, however,
continued to threaten and Martin's glancing header drifted over, but only
just.

Norwich hit the front for a second time with little more than five minutes
of regulation time to play courtesy of a virtuoso effort from Redmond.
Collecting his own corner, he jinked his way into the area before
dispatching a low drive beyond Adrian and into the far corner.
But West Ham would have the final say. Ruddy's punch from Payet's free-kick
cannoned straight into the head of Carroll and there was Kouyate, perfectly
placed to blast home and earn the Hammers a late, late, point at the Boleyn
Ground.

West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble
(c) (Zarate 85), Lanzini (Carroll 72), Payet, Moses (Obiang 57), Sakho
Subs: Randolph, Collins, Antonio, Jelavic.

Goals: Sakho 34, 90+3

Norwich City: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Brady, Tettey, Howson,
Dorrans (Redmond 70), Olsson, Hoolahan (O'Neil 85), Jerome (Mbokani 64)
Subs: Rudd, Wisdom, R.Bennett, Grabban

Goals: Brady 9, Redmond 84

Referee: Mike Dean

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Potters come back to beat Dev Squad
WHUFc.com

The West Ham United Development Squad slipped to a 2-1 defeat away to Stoke
City on Saturday 26 September. The Hammers took the lead thanks to Elliot
Lee's second goal of the season however the Potters remained resolute and
turned the game round with two second half goals.Striker Dominic Telford
equalised from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark before
substitute Yusuf Oban netted the winner with just nine minutes remaining.
The win takes the hosts to eighth in the Barclays U21 Premier League
Division Two, while the Hammers are still looking for their win of the
season.

U21: Howes, Knoyle, Page, Dobson, Chambers, Oxford (Onariase 76),
Parfitt-Williams (Brown 81), Cullen, Lee, Browne (Makasi 69), Samuelsen
Subs: Pike, Boness

The Dev Squad's next game is against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday 19
October, kick off at Rush Green is 7pm.

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Young Hammers down Saints
WHUFc.com

West Ham United U18s secured their second 2-0 win in consecutive weeks
following an impressive performance away at Southampton.

Following their 2-0 win over then league leaders Chelsea, the young Hammers
put in an accomplished display against the Saints to take them up to seventh
in the Barclays U18 Premier League south division table.

Explosive winger Grady Diangana put the Hammers ahead just before the
half-interval with a well taken strike, his first of the season.

The hosts responded strongly however it was the Irons who doubled their
advantage. Saints' goalkeeper Jake Hallett inadvertently pushed the ball
into the back of fellow player Ollie Cook and the ball rebounded into the
open net.

The U18s will look to make it a hat-trick of wins next weekend when they
face table toppers' Reading FC on Saturday 3 October, kick off at Little
Heath is 11am.

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West Ham win Performance of the Week
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was thrilled to be presented with another LG Performance of the
Week following the memorable win over Manchester City last weekend. West Ham
United have already picked up the award this season following their
convincing opening day victory over Arsenal and followed that up with
another superb win over Manuel Pellegrini's side. Goals from Victor Moses
and Diafra Sakho helped the Hammers secure their first victory at the Etihad
Stadium since 2006 and inflict the first defeat on the Premier League
leaders. The east London club have defied all the odds to record away
victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and have enjoyed a
superb start to the campaign on their travels. Bilic picked up his award at
the Club's training ground on Friday and says it was just rewards for all
the hard work that his players put into the game last weekend. Bilic said:
"It's an honour to get this award and I was delighted with the victory. It
was one of those away wins that is more than just a win as it was against a
team who are top of the table, who had not conceded a goal and had the
maximum number of points. "It was a great win for us, especially after doing
it against Arsenal and Liverpool which was a surprise for us. "It is a great
feeling for us and it was one of those games that has given us the
confidence and helps us to bond with team-work and having a great
atmosphere. It was a great day for West Ham."

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Bilic - We showed character & spirit
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic praised his players for the character
and spirit they showed in salvaging a 2-2 draw against Norwich.
The Hammers refused to lie down after Nathan Redmond looked to have scored a
late winner for the newly promoted side, but Cheikhou Kouyate scored three
minutes into injury time to earn a point for the east London side. Bilic
felt his side started the game slowly, but had a superb end to the first
half and were unlucky not to gain an advantage early in the second half. The
Hammers boss says he will not get carried away with the result, but is happy
that his side managed to extend their unbeaten run to four league games and
maintain their position in the top four. Bilic said: "I am pleased and we
showed the character and the spirit. We showed the quality but I am not
totally happy with the result as our objective in every home game is to win.
"But this is the Premier League and you have to give credit to the
opponents. I am sure their manager would say the same and he can take a lot
of positive things, but also negative things. "It was a game of spells. It
was dramatic and a typical Premier League game that had everything - it had
aggression, passes with set pieces, four goals and great saves from both
keepers. It was a very exciting and dramatic game. "The goal from Norwich
killed us for the first 25 minutes and they were much better than us. They
kept the ball and were getting good opportunities. They were frustrating us.
"But the last 15 minutes of the first half we were brilliant and scored a
goal. We were aggressive and were quicker than them. "We were close to
scoring another one. Their keeper made the difference with a couple of great
saves. "I thought we would have more chances but then they scored. I am not
flying but it is a good point for us."

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Prolific Kouyate saves the day
WHUFC.com

Cheikhou Kouyate was happy to contribute yet another goal as West Ham United
snatched a 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Norwich City. The Hammers
trailed twice to the Canaries, but strikes from Senegal internationals
Diafra Sakho and Kouyate secured a share of the spoils at the Boleyn Ground.
Speaking to West Ham TV, the No8 was naturally happy to score his third in
six league appearances this term, but a shade frustrated not to beat the
newly-promoted visitors. "I got another goal, but it was a draw," he said.
"All the players wanted to win the game, but it was a very difficult game.
Norwich played well and with very good organisation. "I am happy with my
goal, but I am not happy with the result. It was not a bad result, so now we
have to focus on the next game. "I scored in the last minute when usually we
might lose the game, but instead we drew 2-2 and it is good that we didn't
lose the game."

Dimitri Payet was again to the fore, creating Sakho's first equaliser after
Robbie Brady's early opener before whipping in a 93rd-minute free-kick which
Kouyate converted after John Ruddy had punched the ball into the head of
substitute Andy Carroll. The midfielder's clinical finish cancelled out a
well-placed strike from Norwich replacement Nathan Redmond, which looked to
have earned Alex Neil's side all three points. "Dimitri is a good player,"
Kouyate enthused. "He has a lot of quality. This guy loves to play football
and he got another assist for Diaf and one for me. He is an unbelievable
player."

West Ham's point means Slaven Bilic's side now have 13 from their opening
seven matches, leaving them third in the table ahead of next weekend's trip
to struggling Sunderland. While the Black Cats may be winless, Kouyate says
the Hammers simply cannot afford to take things easy at the Stadium of
Light, or else they will lose their 100 per cent away record. "Third is not
bad," he continued. "We just need to keep working hard and work this week
because the Sunderland game is not easy. "I know Sunderland have not had
good results, but this is a very dangerous match. We need to stay humble,
work hard and go to Sunderland to battle for the points."

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Dimitri's dream start
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet has wasted little time in settling in to life with West Ham
United. Just six games into his Barclays Premier League career the Frenchman
already has three goals to his name - and a couple of crucial ones at that
with his double against Newcastle United securing all three points. As the
Hammers prepare to take on Norwich City on Saturday, Payet is determined to
build on that momentum and help his new team maintain their position near
the top of the table. He said: "Of course scoring goals provided me with a
big confidence boost on my arrival at a new club. The goals against
Newcastle were the most important because my two goals won us the three
points, whereas the one against Leicester did not earn us any points. "I am
very happy with my start here and I'm working hard to ensure it continues."
When West Ham approached him in the summer, Payet insisted it was a simple
decision to join the Club. He added: "This is a project I want to be part of
and I'm here to help the team. When the new manager came in, he implemented
a new style of attacking football that was perfect for an attack-minded
player like myself. "Of course, we also have the new Stadium coming along
and this is always a very important stage for Club when it goes through such
a transition. Everyone here is very keen to improve on last season, when we
finished 12th, and we think we can do that and, in the long term, secure
European football here. "Of course the success of French players here in
England helped me to make my decision to come. The Premier League and
Spain's La Liga have always been the standout leagues for me and there were
opportunities for me to move here previously, but I didn't feel ready. Now,
I am here and I feel ready to be here. "I played with Joe Cole at Lille and
he spoke to me about West Ham and his personal attachment to the Club and
now I am here I can understand that very well."

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West Ham 2 Norwich 2
26 September 2015
Last updated at 17:43
By Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport

Cheikhou Kouyate struck a late equaliser for West Ham to earn a point
against Norwich at Upton Park.Substitute Nathan Redmond looked to have won
it for the visitors with a low strike, before Kouyate pounced. Robbie Brady
had given Norwich the lead early on, seizing on Mark Noble's mistake before
calmly slotting in. Diafra Sakho levelled for the hosts by sliding in
Dimitri Payet's cutback, as John Ruddy pulled off saves from both Sakho and
Payet. It was an entertaining encounter in east London, with both sides
having opportunities to win the game. The Hammers have had an impressive
start to the season, winning three games on the road, but they seem to have
problems in front of their own fans, collecting just four points from a
possible 12. If they have ambitions of finishing in the top six, they will
need to improve their form at Upton Park, in their last season at the ground
before moving to the Olympic Stadium. And having gone behind, they were
always playing catch-up in the match. Despite playing behind the striker,
Dimitri Payet failed to threaten around the Norwich penalty area and touched
the ball just twice inside the box Norwich's goal came against the early run
of play, gifted to them by Noble's misjudged pass across his defence, but
they gained confidence from the strike. Hammers dangerman Payet struggled to
exert his influence on the game, losing the ball 19 times in the match - the
most of any home player - as he tried to do too much on his own. He did,
however, provide an assist for West Ham's first equaliser, cutting the ball
back for Sakho to signal a home resurgence. Visiting skipper Russell Martin,
who earned the Canaries a point against Liverpool last week, led from the
back, winning the ball back seven times as well as making seven clearances,
but ultimately left disappointed. Having looked like snatching all three
points through with seven minutes remaining, Redmond rounding off a period
of sustained pressure with his goal, Norwich conceded late in injury time;
Ruddy tried to punch the ball away but it ricocheted off Andy Carroll
allowing a grateful Kouyate to stab home.

Norwich midfielder Nathan Redmond: "I thought we had played well and gave
ourselves a great opportunity to win the game. I thought we secured it with
my goal but we are disappointed to concede late on."

Norwich boss Alex Neil: "When you concede with a minute to go, it is always
disappointing but we will take encouragement from how well we played."

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "I am happy that we showed the character at the
end and we deserved it. A draw is a fair result and they are probably gutted
because of the timing of the last goal."

The stats you need to know

West Ham players have made four errors leading to goals in the Premier
League this season; more than any other club.
Diafra Sakho has now scored in five of his six Premier League appearances in
September.
Wes Hoolahan has assisted five and scored one of Norwich's 11 Premier League
goals this season.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic hails side's character after Norwich draw
Last Updated: 26/09/15 9:01pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes his side showed their "character" in
the 2-2 draw with Norwich City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. The Hammers
fell behind early on, with Norwich midfielder Robbie Brady capitalising on a
loose pass from Mark Noble before finishing low past Adrian. Diafra Sakho
equalised just after the half hour mark for West Ham, but Nathan Redmond's
goal six minutes from time had seemingly put Norwich on course for victory
in east London. Cheikhou Kouyate, however, ensured West Ham did not suffer
their third home defeat of the season by notching a 93rd minute equaliser,
much to the delight of Bilic. "We showed the character and I think we
deserved it. We could have won the game, we could have lost the game, so I
think the draw was the fair result," he said. "We started better, but the
goal killed us and again it was a big individual error. But I don't blame
the players when they make technical mistakes, sometimes you have to try
things. It was a goal that blocked us and lifted them."

West Ham have enjoyed much success away from home, claiming victories at
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City so far this season.
But they have struggled to match that form on home soil, winning just once
against Newcastle and suffering defeats to Leicester City and Bournemouth.
And Bilic feels his side cannot afford to drop off against teams they are
considered favourites to win against. "I have tried to explain this a few
times. All the teams that we have played at home, apart from maybe
Newcastle, are all playing on reaction and they've all been very energetic
teams," he added. "They enjoy defending and all that. If we match them on
their awareness, energy and all the basic things then we are better than
them on the pitch. "But if we drop a little bit. It does not matter if it
is one or two players. A drop of five per cent or 10 per cent, they use it.
Norwich have a good team and they showed that."

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West Ham 2-2 Norwich: Cheikhou Kouyate earns Hammers a point
Last Updated: 26/09/15 6:27pm
SSN

Cheikhou Kouyate scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn West Ham a 2-2
draw with Norwich City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Robbie Brady gave
the visitors the lead early in the first-half with his first goal for the
club after capitalising on a poor pass from Hammers captain Mark Noble.
Diafra Sakho equalised for West Ham before half-time with his third goal of
the season following a superb exchange of passes with Dimitri Payet.
Second-half substitute Nathan Redmond restored Norwich's lead with six
minutes remaining to seemingly put them on their way for their first victory
in east London for 26 years. But Kouyate's equaliser deep into
stoppage-time ensured West Ham claimed a point to stay third in the Premier
League. Norwich move down two places to 13th despite the draw. Following the
midweek Capital One Cup defeat to Leicester, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
reverted back to near enough the same side that claimed a 2-1 victory over
Manchester City last Saturday, with Kouyate coming in for Pedro Obiang his
only change. In their bid to claim their fourth successive league win, the
Hammers started poorly and fell behind in the ninth minute as Brady
capitalised on a loose pass from Noble, raced away from the home defence and
slotted his shot past West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. Norwich, coming off the
back of their 3-0 Capital One Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion in
midweek, were looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to three matches
and continued to look the most threatening of the two sides with midfielder
Jonny Howson firing just over the crossbar midway through the first-half.

The visitors were made to rue that miss as West Ham levelled just after the
half-hour mark through Sakho. The forward started the move by playing a
sublime first time pass to Payet, who controlled the ball on the right
before crossing for Sakho to tap home from just outside the six-yard box.
West Ham came close to taking the lead through midfielder Manuel Lanzini
shortly after equalising, but the Argentine's free-kick from 25-yards out
whistled just past the post. Norwich nearly restored their advantage
shortly after the break through Howson, however the midfielder's powerful
effort from just outside the 18-yard box was matched by an outstanding save
from Adrian. Sakho was unfortunate not to double his tally for the
afternoon on the hour with a header that was just about kept out by Norwich
goalkeeper John Ruddy. Norwich boss Alex Neil rung the changes midway
through the second-half with Dieumerci Mbokani and Redmond coming on, with
the decision to introduce the latter paying dividends. Redmond, collecting
a pass on the left from Wes Hoolahan, shifted the ball past Noble and onto
his right foot before curling his effort beyond Adrian into the bottom
corner of the net. The winger's goal had seemingly sent Norwich on their way
to a second away victory of the season, however Kouyate's goal deep into
injury-time ensured they were denied with Ruddy arguably at fault. Ruddy
failed to deal with Payet's delivery from the right and split the ball into
the path of Kouyate. The midfielder made no mistake and claimed his third
league goal of the season to save his side from defeat.

West Ham: Adrian (7), Jenkinson (6), Tomkins (6), Reid (7), Cresswell (6),
Noble (5), Kouyate (7), Lanzini (7), Payet (7), Moses (6), Sakho (8).
Subs used: Obiang (6) Carroll (6), Zarate (6).
Subs not used: Randolph, Collins, Jelavic, Antonio.

Norwich: Ruddy (7), Whittaker (7), Martin (6), Bassong (7), Olsson (7),
Howson (7), Tettey (7), Dorrans (6), Hoolahan (7), Brady (7), Jerome (7).
Subs used: Mbokani (6), Redmond (7) ,O'Neil (6).
Sub not used: Wisdom, Grabban, Rudd, Bennett.

Man of the Match: Diafra Sakho

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Norwich City's Jonny Howson reveals heart of gold during match with West Ham
0 COMMENTS 17:25, 26 SEP 2015 UPDATED 17:41, 26 SEP 2015
BY WILL MAGEE
Howson came to the rescue for a vulnerable animal, giving us all strong
feels in the process...
The Mirror

It's quite hard not to like Norwich City . Unless you're an Ipswich fan, the
Canaries just seem like a nice, family-orientated, local team - they've got
cake connoisseur Delia Smith and jolly old Stephen Fry on their board to
boot, the lovely lot. Now, midfielder Jonny Howson has made them seen even
more likeable. The combative Englishman has revealed that, underneath his
snappy facade, he's actually got a heart of pure gold. How has he done so?
By saving a dazed pigeon from the stampeding boots of professional Premier
League footballers - the absolute gent. In the middle of Norwich's clash
with West Ham at Upton Park, Howson spotted the confused critter stranded on
the pitch. Feeling great pity for the vulnerable bird, he then gathered it
up in his tender, muscular arms and carried it to the side of the pitch
before setting it free. Canaries and pigeons were briefly united in
tear-jerking solidarity. Honestly, it was a beautiful moment.

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Payet & Sakho up for Player for the month
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Both Diafra Sakho and Dimtri Payet must both have a good chance to be named
the Barclays Player of the month in September.

Dimtri Payet has scored 3 goals and 3 assists in six games in the Premier
League so far this season. Two of those goals and two assists were in the
month of September. Dimitri Payet has had a hand in 13 goals (four goals,
nine assists) in his last 15 league appearances (Premier League & Ligue 1
combined). The media seem to love and admire the French man which helps when
it comes to these kind of awards.

Meanwhile Sakho appears to be back in excellent form too scoring against
Manchester City and Norwich City this month and is an ever presence around
the whole pitch. Sakho seems to like the mobth of September and has now
scored in five of his seven Premier League appearances in the month of
September. He has scored five goals in all competitions this season with two
against FC Lusitans in the europa League, one against Liverpool at Anfield,
one against Manchester City at the Ethiad as well as one today against
Norwich. That's five goals from ten appearances. He has had 22 shots of
which 10 were on target in the Premier League.

Diafra Sakho was the last West Ham player to receive the Award in October
2014, before that you have to go back three years to Scott Parker in
February 2011 and five years before that to find Anton Ferdinand named
Premier League player of the month in January 2006.

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Amazing Sakho makes it so tough for AC
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

It's becoming harder and harder to see where Andy Carroll fits into Slaven
Bilic's West Ham set-up given the stunning form of Diafra Sakho. Our
diplomatic manager is saying all the correct things about the centre forward
but such is the form being shown by 'Sak' I can't see a way back for AC as a
first pick starter. I watched gobsmacked again today as the Senegal striker
worked his guts out for the cause - running the channels, leading the line,
linking the play and usually finding an out whenever he was surrounded -
sometimes by up to five defenders. He played off great balls to players in
space, scored a goal and with a little more help might have had one or two
more - I make and never have made my admiration for him a secret. I voted
for him in last season's Hammer of the Year awards. I think he is one of the
finest and selfless players to arrive through the Upton Park doors. It was
easy to see why the manager said last week that nobody deserved the victory
over Manchester City more - he sweats blood for the cause. And as our chief
analyst on this site - Leroy Rosenior - has mentioned, he is crucial to
creating space for the creative guys and he does it week in week out. We are
simply not a direct team anymore providing the sort of service to a target
man that allows Carroll to show to his best. Assuming Sak stays fit he has
the No 1 striker job nailed down and with Enner Valencia alongside when he
recovers we will become even more exciting. That will leave Andy as an
"option" and whether that will be enough for the club's record signing
remains to be seen but I have my doubts. Next summer's transfer window could
prove very interesting.

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Slav's happy but "not flying"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic claimed the result was a fair reflection of the attitude and
application of both sides at the Boleyn this afternoon admitting: "It would
have been unfair if either team had been beaten."

And he was quick to point an all important point - lost in the sound and
fury of a frantic finish - declaring: "It's four points from two games so we
have to be happy."

"We deserved the result and I bet they are gutted at the timing of the
second goal.

And speaking to the official site he added: "I am pleased and we showed the
character and the spirit. We showed the quality but I am not totally happy
with the result as our objective in every home game is to win.

"But this is the Premier League and you have to give credit to the
opponents. I am sure their manager would say the same and he can take a lot
of positive things, but also negative things.

"It was a game of spells. It was dramatic and a typical Premier League game
that had everything - it had aggression, passes with set pieces, four goals
and great saves from both keepers. It was a very exciting and dramatic game.

"I thought we would have more chances but then they scored. I am not flying
but it is a good point for us."

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Mark Noble and the Alex Song dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

It's hard criticising a player for whom you have much admiration but today
wasn't Mark Noble's finest 90 minutes. The captain was definitely
responsible for the first Norwich City goal and I would have to argue that
he must hold his hands up for his involvement in the second. A sloppy pass
let in the Canaries for their first goal and as he made a rather weak
attempt to close down Nathan Redmond for the second he succeeded only into
inviting him inside and onto his stronger foot which he duly accepted and
hammered home.

What make is all so ironic is that the manager has warned on several
occasions that if we are to start winning regularly at the Boleyn we need to
cut out the silly mistakes. So far this season we have lost and drawn to a
couple of teams we'd be expected to beat - Bournemouth and now Norwich - as
a result of individual mistakes. As I say, it's hard to discuss the guy most
believe to be Mr West Ham in these terms but if you are going to live by
those standards it unfortunately goes with the territory when you cock up.
I'm sure Mark will hold his hands up as Aaron Cresswell when he was
responsible - he probably doesn't see himself through the sort of claret and
blue tinted glasses us fans do which is why he has reached this level.
However, there's going to be a very interesting situation develop when Alex
Song is fit again and you have to wonder whether Mark will be the man whose
position is under threat. There were signs today that the Irons are starting
to intermittently develop a way of playing other than via the counter
attacking style at home. They looked a much better team when they pressed
the ball and squeezed Norwich but as soon as the second half opened we again
sat back. We have to press a lot more at Upton Park and not give moderate
opposition room to play.

We're still a work in progress and there are interesting times ahead but the
good news is we are already well on our way to the first objective - safety!

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com




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