Daily WHUFC News - 10th February 2015

Kouyate's pride in 'special' strike
WHUFC.com
It was a case of mixed emotions for goalscorer Cheikhou Kouyate on Sunday
evening
09.02.2015

Cheikhou Kouyate's delight at scoring a wonder goal against Manchester
United was tinged with disappointment after West Ham United surrendered two
points in the dying seconds on Sunday. Deployed at centre-half in the
absence of Winston Reid and James Collins, the 25-year-old was supreme at
the back and, somewhat surprisingly, devastating in the opposition box. When
a Mark Noble free-kick had ricocheted into his path, Kouyate, with his back
to goal, showed off his fancy footwork in abundance, twice juggling the ball
before volleying home on the swivel with a stunning third touch. His best
yet, revealed the West Ham No8, and a goal that owed plenty, apparently, to
Diafra Sakho's prophecy! "It's a beautiful goal because yesterday I spoke
with Diafra and he told me, 'tomorrow you're going to score' and I said,
'yes, tomorrow I'm going to score'," he told West Ham TV. "I had a bit of
luck and for me it's magnificent, fantastic but a shame that we weren't able
to win, because had we won on Sunday, it would have been even better."

His 49th minute strike was instinctive, Kouyate insists, even if it had
plenty of artistry about it. And the Senegal man was thrilled at the
prospect of taunting his many Manchester United supporting friends, who had
clearly envisaged an altogether different outcome.
He continued: "I had no choice. I was in the box, you have to shoot. I
controlled it, I turned and I hit it. That was the only thing I could do and
with a bit of luck it's finished up in the back of the net. "It's special
because I've got friends who are Manchester United fans who sent me messages
saying 'tomorrow, you're going to be in trouble'. I know that they watched
the game, that they'll have seen my goal. It's a shame that we've not won,
otherwise I'd have phoned them straight away. But that's how it goes and I'm
still pleased to have scored today against Manchester United."

Goal aside, Kouyate could hardly look beyond the frustration of passing up
two precious points and the opportunity to climb back into the top seven.
The athletic midfielder lamented West Ham's failure to kill off the contest
after the break and says they have learned the hard way. That said, he
believes the Hammers' progress is clear for all to see and feels they should
be proud of their exertions on Sunday. "I'd say it's a disappointment
because we had victory in our grasp and we've just lost two points at home.
It's frustrating, but we make do with it, that's football. We all know that
it's never over until the very end and we'll learn from it for the games to
come.
"We deserved the three points because we had the chances, in the second half
we had one or two, if we'd scored the second goal it would have been
finished. But we well know that it's always the way that you have to the
kill the match when you can. We didn't do it and now we've got to learn from
it. "We continue to progress and had we won we'd have reclaimed seventh
place, because seventh remains the aim. We've missed it, what's done is
done, and tonight we have to rediscover that fight until the end and be
proud of ourselves."

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Cresswell - 'We're still full of confidence'
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United will not let Manchester United's
last-gasp equaliser dent confidence
09.02.2015

Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United will not let Manchester United's
last-gasp equaliser dent their confidence. The Hammers were denied a
deserved victory over the Red Devils by Daley Blind's added-time volley - a
goal which cancelled out Man of the Match Cheikhou Kouyate's outstanding
49th-minute opener. West Ham return to action at third-place Southampton on
Wednesday evening, when Cresswell expects Sam Allardyce's side to produce
the same level of performance as they did on Sunday. "It feels like we've
lost the game when, in reality, we've got the draw," said the left-back, who
was at his usual consistent best against Louis Van Gaal's team. "We got one
point instead of three, but we're still full of confidence because we
deserved the three points over the 90 minutes, but it wasn't to be.
"We've been there before over the Christmas period when you play
Saturday/Tuesday or Saturday/Wednesday. We'll be full of confidence going to
Southampton on Wednesday and we're all looking forward to it. "Obviously
we've had a good first half to the season, you could say. We're well into
the second half to the season now and we're eighth in the league. "Coming up
against Manchester United we always knew it would be a tough game, but when
we're at home we fancy ourselves against anyone."

On Sunday, West Ham bounced back superbly following their indifferent
display at Liverpool the previous weekend - highlighted by an outstanding
individual goal from stand-in centre-back Kouyate. "We played Liverpool last
week and I don't think we were so good. In the first half we were OK but in
the second half we weren't good enough. Against Man United were we good for
the whole 90 minutes and you could all see that we fully deserved the three
points. "I don't think Cheik quite knew what he was doing! No, it was a
great finish from him. He has come in at centre-half, when he hasn't played
there all season, and he's done an excellent job and got Man of the Match."

Going into the final minutes, West Ham looked secure, despite heavy pressure
from the visitors. After Cresswell himself had blocked Wayne Rooney's fierce
free-kick, a hopeful cross into the box dropped to Blind, who steered his
volley into the bottom corner to break Hammers hearts. "I don't think we
switched off," he explained. "It was more that with ten minutes to go and we
were 1-0 up and they were always going to peg us back. They brought on
Marouane Fellaini, who is a big fella, and the ball fell to Blind on the
edge of the box and to be fair to the lad it was a great finish."

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Allardyce on... Manchester United
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 9th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce was delighted with his team's performance, even if he was less
enthused by the result. Read what he had to say - and what he refused to say
- in his post-match press conference, which we bring to you exclusively in
full here on KUMB...

Sam: That probably felt more like a defeat than a draw. So close to a win -
did you feel you needed a second goal?

I do now! We had many opportunities today and it was a great shame that we
conceded a goal as late as we did. It wasn't the normal sort of goal you
concede against Man United really - it was pumped up the middle and our
player who headed it, so it wasn't from any great play at all.

It was just a great shame that we couldn't hold out. I feel Manchester
United had David De Gea to thank for keeping them in the game that long,
with the amount of saves that he had to make today. It was a fantastic
performance, but not the result we deserved or wanted.

But, we're back to a level that we know we can play at - which has been
difficult to get to over the Christmas and New Year period with injuries,
the African Nations Cup and so on and so forth. We still had our injuries
today but the 11 players plus Matt Jarvis, who was on for a while, did a
terrific job and produced a terrific performance. They really should be
satisfied and very proud with what they've done today.

Louis Van Gaal said it was his Plan B to get Fellaini on and play the ball
up to him. Are you surprised that [Manchester] United...

...What, played the long balls?

Yes.

Oh. [laughs]

Well you might just criticise Louis Van Gaal for playing the long ball as
much as you sometimes criticise me for being direct! In the end it's paid
off for him, so you can't knock it. It only paid off because Carl Jenkinson
didn't head the ball where he wanted to - if it had, perhaps we would have
won 1-0.

I hope we can keep that level of performance up, as I think they were
terrific here today. They showed great energy and quality to get a huge
amount of chances in Manchester United's final third and like I said, I
think they had David De Gea to thank more than Blind, the goalscorer - and
that shows how well we've played today.

At the end of the day that wasn't a bad finish for a centre back, was it?

No, not bad at all. We really restricted Manchester United's quality which
was pleasing for me. I think that was a big part of whether we'd get a
result today. I have to give the players credit for how well they've
defended as well as for how well they played in possession, which was for
us, almost the perfect performance.

What did you think when the goal went in?

I can't repeat it. [laughs]

That was Kouyate's first start for you at centre back. Have you seen him
play there before?

I think he filled in there early on in the season for 10 or 15 minutes but
he's played there for Anderlecht and Senegal. What we didn't know was could
he play with the tactical awareness and discipline you have to possess as a
central defender in the Premier League? Of course, he proved he could.

The icing on the cake for him was the quality of his goal. In such a tight
area, to flick it round and volley it in a small space was a terrific piece
of skill. At that time, it was nothing more than we had deserved.

With the quality you showed today, do you consider the Champions League as
an objective?

I think that would be very difficult for us. When you see the strength and
depth of Manchester United; they can bring Fellaini on when we've got a
couple of young kids on the bench. We get the maximum out of the depth of
our squad, but it's probably not quite big enough to take you into the
Champions League. But we'll keep trying!

How's it looking on the injury front? [James] Collins and [Andy] Carroll,
are they likely to play next week?

Andy had a fitness test today; I think it's only possibly he could make it
on Wednesday. Hopefully - not that I've heard anything today - but certainly
by tomorrow the only problem we've got is recovering these players for
Southampton. We can't really take any more injuries and keep that level of
performance - a fantastic performance today by everybody. We don't want any
more injuries than we've already got.

Can I ask a question about Ravel Morrison?

No.

Sakho and Valencia worked so well together and set the tone for the team,
closing their centre backs down and not letting them play?

Absolutely. The reason behind us doing so well today was that when we
weren't in possession, closing down as a team was key to upsetting
Manchester United. That stopped their service into Falcao, Van Persie,
Rooney and Di Maria - and I think that was a keynote of the game.

We forced Manchester United into more mistakes than you would normally see.
We got at their back four, stretched them and created opportunities to
score. Not only in open play, but we were also very dangerous off set plays
today.

Thank you very much.

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Tomkins: Fellaini broke my nose
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 9th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins has revealed he suffered a broken nose following a second half
challenge by Manchester United substitute Marouane Fellaini.
The tempestuous midfielder left West Ham's only fully fit centre half in
considerable pain after catching him on the hooter during today's 1-1 draw
at the Boleyn, which West Ham led until Daley Blind's stoppage-time
equaliser. Yet according to Tomkins, Fellaini's challenge was far less
spiteful than Robin Van Persie's first half elbow - an infringement that was
punished with nothing more than a free kick by referee Mark Clattenburg
despite being clearly visible from all areas of the ground.

Whilst he ended the game battered, bruised and just a little bit broken, the
25-year-old defender produced an excellent performance alongside stand-in
defender Cheik Kouyate. The pair marshalled Manchester United's expensive
front line superbly with Kouyate's goal being the cherry on the cake.

Tomkins, who was speaking to the Recorder's Dave Evans, added that he
expects to be fine to face Southampton at St Mary's on Wednesday night -
which is more than be said for fellow defenders Winston Reid and James
Collins, neither of whom are expected to recover from injury in time to
feature.

That means Kouyate is likely to partner the Basildon-born defender for a
second successive game, in what is bound to prove another tough test against
one of the division's front-runners.

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Stewart Downing admits disappointment at Manchester United draw
Last Updated: 09/02/15 12:47pm
SSN

Stewart Downing admits West Ham are disappointed at not collecting all three
points against Manchester United on Sunday. Danny Blind's stoppage-time
equaliser earned United a share of the spoils at Upton Park as West Ham
missed the chance to move ahead of Liverpool following their Merseyside
derby draw at Everton. "We needed the win to go back above Liverpool, but we
didn't lose the game and got a point, so we can go to Southampton and look
to win," Downing said. "We're frustrated because we thought we were the
better team. They played a lot more direct than I thought they would, but we
dealt with it and it's the only real chance they've had." Left-back Aaron
Cresswell praised midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate who was deployed in defence
against United and scored a superb volley to put the Hammers in front. "I
don't think he quite knew what he was doing," Cresswell joked. "It was a
great finish. He has come into centre-half and he did an excellent job and
deserved man of the match. "We are still full of confidence and we know we
deserved the full three points over the 90 minutes and it was not to be,"
Cresswell added. "We are full of confidence for Southampton on Wednesday and
we are looking forward to it."

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James Tomkins claims "malicious" Robin van Persie deliberately elbowed him
in Upton Park clash
11:54, 9 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The West Ham centre back had his nose broken by Marouane Fellaini later in
the game but felt the Dutchman's challenge was worse
The Mirror

West Ham defender James Tomkins has accused "malicious" Robin van Persie of
deliberately elbowing him. Tomkins, 25, had his nose broken by midfielder
Marouane Fellani in yesterday's side's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at
Upton Park. But while he believes that act was accidental, he has claimed
Van Persie's was intentional. Tomkins said: "The nose is a bit swollen.
Fellaini was the second time in the match when I broke it. He has always got
that about him when he goes up with his hands a lot." "It is tough to say
that he does it deliberately, but with the Van Persie one, I think he had a
look at me first and then he has gone for me. "I think that was more
malicious than the other one, even though I came out worse the second time."
The centre-back has also admitted to being astonished that the Holland
striker was not even cautioned after the incident by referee Mark
Clattenburg. He added: "I think it was definitely a yellow at least, but I
don't like to say that some should have got sent off. I am sure that there
are challenges that I might make in the future that could be yellow or
something else."

Tomkins was himself castigated earlier this season after an incident in
which he went down holding his face theatrically at Everton. He believes his
decision to get up quickly yesterday saved Van Persie from greater scrutiny.
He added: "Obviously when I went down before it didn't cover me in glory to
be honest, so I tried to get up more quickly, but he did catch me, he caught
me sweet around the jaw. "I was expecting a little bit of physical contact
from strikers, but when someone looks round and then comes for me it is a
bit more malicious."

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Lassana Diarra continues to train with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

According to several reliable sources, free agent Lassana Diarra continues
to train with West Ham in hope of securing a permanent contract and to proof
his fitness levels. It is claimed Diarra has been training with Hammer's
head of medicine Stijn Vandenbroucke, whom he previously worked with at
Anzhi Makhachkala. The 29-year-old French man was previously played for
Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid has been linked with a move to Celtic or
QPR.

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Euro giants get Irons "hands off" warning
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have tonight knocked back stories that AC Milan have made a bid for
Cheikhou Kouyate. Kouyate, 25, eventually joined the Hammers from Anderlecht
in June at around £7 million fee and according to Calciomercato has been the
subject of an AC approach. But a Hammers source immediately knocked back the
storytelling ClaretandHugh: "That's news to us and Cheik is simply not to
sale – end of story.
The Hammers goalscorer against Manchester United – who was outstanding as an
emergency central defender – is another bargain buy by the club having been
scouted by Sam Allardyce to become the first major signing of last summer.
Kouyate's form has been monitored by AC but the player is very content with
life at the Irons and is locked down until 2018. Calciomercato has reported
the Hammers have been approached about a possible summer move but our source
said: " Cheik was desperate for the move to this club and there's no chance
of him leaving in the summer."

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Carlton Cole touched by home coming
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Carlton Cole seemed visibly touched by the response of Hammers fans
welcoming him back to the Boleyn ground on Sunday afternoon. The 31 year
old veteran striker showed his appreciation as he warmed up along the touch
lines close the West and Sir Trevor Brooking stands with 16 year old Reece
Oxford.

Hammers fans broke into spontaneous applause for the loyal Hammer after he
was denied his move at the last minute to West Bromwich Albion on transfer
deadline day. Fans also broke into several choruses of his Cole's Always
believe in your soul, Your indestructible, Always believe in, Carlton Cole
song.

On Friday Allardyce confirmed in his London Standard column "I really did
feel for the boy but it was a necessity based on what hadn't happened
earlier. David Sullivan and I had recognised he needed to go but
circumstances dictated otherwise. It has been reported that Carlton had a
rant at me on the phone and that was right. There's nothing wrong with that
— he was entitled to give us a b*****king. He'd just been offered a
long-term deal at West Brom while his contract with us is up this summer and
he doesn't know whether he will be given another one."

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Former Hammer joins Chicago Fire
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Hammer Alou Diarra has joined Chicago Fire on trial on Sunday, a
team spokesperson confirmed linking the free agent to a permanent move to
the MLS side. According to a report in Lequipe, Diarra also has interest
from Ligue 2 side Sochaux following trials at Brighton & Hove Albion and AS
Nancy. He has been without a club since leaving West Ham in July 2014 after
his contract was mutually terminated. Diarra joined West Ham United on a
three-year contract in August 2012, for a £2.5m fee on £40,000 per week.
Diarra was claimed to be earning £60,000 per week with his previous club
Marseille. Diarra is believed to have been paid off around £1.5m of his £2m
wages to leave West Ham early.

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Irons on Oxford loan chances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret &Hugh

Reece Oxford will continue to be kept in cotton wool until the end of the
season at least! Despite media pressure suggesting the teenager could
receive his first team debut against Manchester United yesterday, there was
never a real hope of it happening. Manager Sam Allardyce kept him on the
bench to ensure he continues to taste the big match atmosphere but first
team action remains very much in the distance. And despite some speculation,
a source told us this morning that there is no chance even of Reece being
sent out on loan this season as is the preferred Sam Allardyce method of
development for his youngsters. Despite the 16 year old's huge reputation as
the best prospect the club has produced since the days of Rio Ferdinand, the
club are not ready to send him in that direction just yet.

A well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "Yes, he has tremendous talent, yes
he is a marvelous prospect but he was only 16 the other day. "To put him out
on loan in the emergency window is premature – he will be handled very
carefully because we believe he's going to the top of his profession with
the correct handling."

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