Preview - Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com
The background
It's derby day at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday evening as West Ham United
welcome Tottenham Hotspur to east London.
The last ever meeting with the north Londoners in E13 promises to be an
exciting affair, with Slaven Bilic's men looking to strengthen their bid for
a top six place, and Tottenham trying to maintain the pressure on Leicester
City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.
Both go into the game on the back of victories at the weekend, with Michail
Antonio's first half goal sealing a 1-0 win for West Ham against Sunderland.
Tottenham, meanwhile, made it six league wins in a row by coming from behind
to defeat Swansea City thanks to goals from Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose.
Spurs are two points behind table-toppers Leicester, and eleven ahead of the
Hammers, who sit in sixth place with 43 points from their 27 games to date.
The history
West Ham and Tottenham fixtures go all the way back to both clubs' earliest
days, with those first meetings coming in the Thames and Medway League in
the 1898/99 season.
Since then, they have faced each other on 202 occasions across all
competitions, with West Ham having triumphed in 60 of those fixtures.
Tottenham have tasted victory 91 times, while 51 games have ended
all-square.
In recent times, West Ham have enjoyed a reasonable record against the north
Londoners, winning three of the last six meetings.
Their last win came at the end of the 2013/14 campaign, when Stewart
Downing's free-kick followed a Harry Kane own goal in West Ham's 2-0
victory.
Earlier this season, however, Tottenham ran out 4-1 victors at White Hart
Lane. Manuel Lanzini's goal was not enough in reply to a Kane double, which
was added to by Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Sam Byram is suspended for the Hammers after picking up his tenth booking of
the season in Saturday's game against Sunderland.
The right back will now miss the next two fixtures and joins defenders James
Tomkins, Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid on the sidelines.
However, Diafra Sakho may be called into the squad after returning to full
training last week.
Tottenham Hotspur
Dele Alli is a fitness doubt for the visitors after picking up a foot
problem in the warm-up prior to Sunday's game against Swansea.
Fellow midfielder Tom Carroll has recovered from an Achilles injury and
could feature, but Mousa Dembele is expected to miss out with his groin
problem.
Match info
- Wednesday's match referee is Andre Marriner. His sole Hammers appointment
this term was the 0-0 draw with Stoke City in December, while his 24 games
in 2015/16 have seen 80 yellow and four red cards. His assistant referees on
Wednesday will be Scott Ledger and Darren Cann. Mike Dean is the fourth
official.
- West Ham are unbeaten in 13 league and cup games at home (W8, D5).
- The Hammers have kept four clean sheets in their last six home games in
the league.
- Their tally of 43 points is their best at this stage of a Premier League
season.
- Michail Antonio has scored in four of his last five Premier League
appearances at the Boleyn Ground.
- Spurs could win seven successive league matches for the first time in 49
years since March to May 1967.
- They are unbeaten in 12 Premier League away games (W7, D5).
Ticketing, coverage, travel and other info
- Tickets for Wednesday's game have SOLD OUT. However, they may become
available online as Season Ticket Holders relist.
- The District & Hammersmith and City lines are set to serve Upton Park
station as normal on Wednesday. However, please be aware that Upton Park
station will be exceptionally busy on matchday.
- Wednesday is set to be a wet day, although the rain should clear in time
for kick-off. Temperature in the evening is predicted to fall to 4C (39F).
- If you're not heading to Wednesday's game, make sure you follow the action
on our digital channels. The whufc.com Live Match Centre will have live
audio commentary and text updates, alongside in-running stats and pictures.
You can get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag
#WHUTOT.
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Slaven Speaks - Tottenham
WHUFC.com
Ahead of Wednesday's London derby with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Slaven
Bilic faced the press.
During the briefing, the manager fielded a range of questions...
Good morning Slaven, can you start with the team news for tomorrow's game?
"Diafra Sakho has been training with us for a few days now; we will see
today how he is, if he is ready. He might be in the squad tomorrow. We are
without Sam Byram through suspension; it is hard to imagine a player of his
stature getting ten bookings, he is also cup-tied so we will be without him
for a few games so we need to find a solution to that."
Your side are in a good run of form at the moment, you must be delighted?
"Well yes, particularly our home form has been very good recently and we
want to do everything we can to keep this run going. "We are playing pretty
well, of course we can improve and that's what we are trying to do."
A big part of your run has been the few goals conceded, has that been a
conscious effort?
"You have done your homework! We have not said 'We cannot concede goals',
because the way we play does give teams the opportunity, but there is a
balance to be found, and recently I think we are getting close to that. Of
course, the more clean sheets you get the more points you get. "Valencia and
Reid could be back soon, in the next few weeks. Then we hope Tomkins and
O'Brien will be back before the international break."
A quick word on Michail Antonio, after a slow start he's really firing now?
"Well it wasn't a slow start but he had to wait for his first start. He has
worked very, very hard, and he has had to wait, he didn't moan or sing, then
he got his chance which he took. His pace and energy was always there, now
tactically he is also getting there and he is a very important player for
us."
And Tottenham, can they win the league?
"Well yes of course they can. They are there and it is only 11 games to go
so why not? They are playing good football, they look hungry, so yes. The
only problem might be all the fixtures but Pochettino is experienced enough
to know how to handle that."
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West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold have written to supporters...
Like every other game at the Boleyn Ground this season, Wednesday night's
fixture with Tottenham Hotspur has sold out weeks before the kick-off. It is
one of the reasons why this season we believe you have shown that you are
the best supporters in the country. We took 7,200 fans to Blackburn Rovers
and could have sold 10,000. We also received more than 50,000 calls in a day
from supporters trying to buy one of our 9,000 allocation for the
quarter-final at Manchester United, which is now totally sold out. And
Season Ticket sales for our new Stadium continue to surpass all expectations
and will be sold out within the next few months.
We are sure you will once again demonstrate why you are the best when our
north London neighbours visit Upton Park for the last time. It promises to
be an extra special occasion, with two sets of passionate fans in a capacity
crowd getting behind their team. Therefore it is vitally important that
every West Ham United supporter attending the fixture remembers that they
are acting as ambassadors for our Club and their behaviour should reflect
the values and standards that we set.
At West Ham, we are rightly proud of our support for causes that promote
tolerance and inclusion and tackle discrimination in whatever form it takes.
Therefore, any inappropriate behaviour is completely unacceptable and will
not be tolerated by the Club, whether it be in the stadium, the journey to
or from the game or any other public place. Working with the Metropolitan
Police, the Club will continue to adopt a simple zero tolerance policy
towards any form of anti-social or discriminatory behaviour and any fan
found to be acting inappropriately - including racist, anti-Semitic and
homophobic behaviour - will be punished to the full extent of the law and
banned from attending future matches. In the rare case that you do see or
hear anything you think is unacceptable, there are a number of ways you can
report the matter. Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your nearest
steward or police officer or use the Boleyn Ground's anonymous fan phone
number - 07860 404 069 - where all calls will be treated in the strictest of
confidence.
We look forward to a special night under the lights. Let's make sure it's
one to remember.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan and David Gold
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Ford signs for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly rated striker Sam Ford
has signed for the Hammers. The striker who recently left Ipswich Town man
has put pen to paper on a contract which will keep him at the club until
June 2017 with an option to extend the deal. Having signed for the Hammers,
Ford got his claret and blue career off to the perfect start, scoring a fine
individual goal against Wolves, just twelve minutes into his Development
Squad debut. Talking to whufc.com after signing his contract, Ford beamed:
"I'm delighted to have signed for West Ham. It's a huge club and a big step
up. "West Ham is a massive club. It is a very exciting time with the new
stadium, everyone is talking about West Ham, it is definitely something to
look forward to and hopefully I'll be involved playing their one day. "It's
been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer for as long as I can
remember so hopefully I can keep on improving, keep working hard and we'll
see where that gets me."
Having made an instant impact on the pitch, the seventeen-year-old is hoping
this successful start to life in east London is just the beginning of a
blossoming career. Ford continued: "It feels really good; to score on my
debut as well makes it very special. "It's nice to get off to a good start
and hopefully that's the first of many. I'm happy to get on the scoresheet.
Having impressed during his claret and blue bow, Ford is targeting a strong
end to the rest of the season. The striker continued to say: "The Academy is
a good place to be at the moment, everyone is excited for the semi-final and
the rest of the season. "I feel comfortable with the lads now; I've had time
to build relationships off the pitch which helps as well. I'm staying in
digs which is helpful, too. "A lot of the younger players have been involved
in the first team recently. I really just want to play football and get to
the highest level possible. Making my Premier League debut is the dream.
"Life at Rush Green is demanding, but that's good and important to get to
that next level. "I just want to kick on and try and score as many goals as
possible between now and the end of the season. If I do that, we'll see
where it takes me."
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The Big Interview - Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
'We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet - I just don't think you understand'....
What more can be said about the French superstar following his memorable
first season at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers forward has already become a cult hero with his superb displays
this season and he recently showed his commitment to the Club by signing a
new five-year contract.
Payet is now hoping to make it a memorable end to the season and with
crucial league games against Tottenham and Everton in the next few days and
then a huge FA Cup Quarter Final clash against Manchester United at Old
Trafford to follow, the 28-year-old knows there is everything to play for.
Dimitri, what have you made of Tottenham this season and how much are you
looking forward to the big London derby?
DP: "They have become title challengers this season and Leicester have taken
all the attention by being top of the league, but Tottenham have also played
well and we saw them beat Manchester City the other week.
"They are only two points behind Leicester so I think they have a squad good
enough to win the league this season."
How pleased are you with the way the Hammers have been performing this
season?
DP: "We are doing very well so we are happy. The aim was to do better than
last season and finish in the top half and we are currently in a battle with
two other teams to finish around fifth place.
"We are doing very well and we need to make sure that we finish off the
job."
Many people have said you are the signing of the season. Do you agree with
that?
DP: "It is very nice to hear that people have said that about me. I am happy
with how I have performed this season and how the team are doing so far.
"But I would say there are other players such as Kante who arrived from
Ligue 1 and has had an incredible season in Leicester's rise to the top of
the table. A lot of that is down to him."
Considering the superb form you have showed this season, do you feel the
pressure to perform every time you play?
DP: "I would say it is the opposite. I have enjoyed the responsibility and
feel that it motivates me.
"It helps me to perform consistently. When I was injured the team did suffer
but many other attacking players were missing as well.
"Now we have got everyone fit again we are back on track."
What is it like playing under Slaven Bilic and his style of management?
DP: "Slaven is very close to his players and speaks with us all the time.
Slaven and his staff are very good at preparing us for the opposition in
terms of breaking down their strengths and weaknesses."
How big a factor was Slaven in you choosing West Ham in the first place and
recently signing a new long-term deal with the Club?
DP: "Yes of course, Slaven was a big factor in me signing for the Club last
season and signing my new contract recently. I thank him for that."
How big a part is the new Stadium as well when it comes to you pledging your
future. Do you feel that West Ham could follow in the footsteps of Leicester
and challenge for the title?
DP: "The new Stadium was also a big factor in me choosing to sign for West
Ham last summer.
"It shows that the Club wants to take big steps forward and continue to
grow. It is our ambition to do what Leicester have done and push for a
genuine title challenge."
Finally, what have you made of the song that the West Ham fans have chosen
for you. They say you are better than Zidane. What do you make of that?
DP: "Of course I love the song and the supporters sing it all the time when
we play home and away.
"In terms of the comparison with the Zidane that is the fans opinion, but I
feel he is still above me!"
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Slaven Bilic: Team spirit underscores West Ham's push for top four spot
Last Updated: 01/03/16 11:50am
SSN
Slaven Bilic is looking to extend the club's unbeaten home record and put a
dent in Tottenham's Premier League dream on Wednesday night. West Ham have
not lost at Upton Park since the 4-3 defeat by Bournemouth in August - a run
of 11 league games - and Bilic believes team spirit can see them prevail
under the lights in the midweek London derby. He said: "We are playing good,
it is a team work, whether you score or concede a goal. A lot of the time
the keeper or back four get credit but without help from the other guys it
would be, not impossible, of course, but much more difficult so it is a team
game and we are trying to play as a team. "Every time we are solid and
compact as a team we are getting points and I'm hoping we will continue like
that. "Of course the atmosphere in the club and training ground is very good
because we are enjoying the games and results and it is all connected. This
is a big London derby. The message is I would like our fans to get behind
the team and the club in a positive way. "We have some players back, also
the players still out; Winston Reid and Enner Valencia they will be back
quite soon, maybe a week's time if we are lucky. "Also James Tomkins and
Joey O'Brien could be back before the international break so before Easter,
maybe for Chelsea game, so it looks really good in this moment. "Tottenham
deserve to be there in the table. They have played many games but they are
doing amazing - they have scored the most goals."
West Ham have 43 points after 27 games - the most they have had at this
stage in 24 years - but Bilic is only concerned with how they finish the
season. He said: "The stats are there for books or a chronicle. I didn't
know we had the most points after 27 games. Nice to hear that. It shows we
are doing well but in football there is no space for yesterday. It is about
today and tomorrow. We have a massive game now. "We want to try and continue
our unbeaten home record. It would be brilliant if we stay unbeaten and win
all six (of our remaining home games)."
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West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
WED, 02 MAR 2016
PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: Boleyn Ground
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham will go top of the Premier League if they win at West Ham on
Wednesday. Leicester's draw with West Brom on Tuesday means Spurs, who trail
the Foxes by three points, can go top of the table on goal difference.
Spurs, who have not won the title for 55 years, last led the table in March
or later in 1964, when they eventually finished fourth. Their highest finish
since then is third, on five occasions. Mauricio Pochettino's side have won
their last six Premier League matches, a run dating back to a 1-0 defeat by
Leicester in January. After visiting Upton Park, they host third-placed
Arsenal on Saturday, with the Gunners three points behind their north London
rivals before they play Swansea on Wednesday. For Spurs, midfielder Dele
Alli is a fitness doubt because of a foot problem. Tom Carroll has recovered
from an Achilles tendon injury, while Mousa Dembele might return from a
groin strain in time to face Arsenal on Saturday.
West Ham forward Diafra Sakho could be involved against Tottenham for the
first time since suffering a thigh injury in November. Sam Bryam is
suspended, while Winston Reid, Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins and Enner
Valencia are still injured.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Jonathan Pearce: "Back in October I asked Mauricio Pocchetino why
Tottenham's declared ambition was just a top-four place. I had said in
commentary they were good enough to win the league. He was guarded. "I've
been banging the drum for months. If they win this to notch up a seventh
league win on the spin for the first time in nearly half a century and then
beat Arsenal, the title can be theirs. "But what a game this is. West Ham
are playing brilliant football. They're unbeaten at home since August. This
is their last Upton Park derby with Spurs. The place is special under
lights. Payet could win Footballer of the Year. "The Hammers could easily
win this and the title race will be wide open again."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on recent fan trouble in this fixture: "It's a
big match for both clubs. It should be a good game because of the position
they are in, and we are in. "The message is I would like the fans to be
behind us, to be behind the team, behind the club in a positive way. "The
fans are ambassadors of our club and they can show the world that we are
big, great and a polite club."
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino on Claudio Ranieri's suggestion
that Tottenham are title favourites: "Mind games? No, it was a joke. I
laughed a little bit. "Our objective at the end of last season was clear, to
reduce the gap with the teams at the top." "It is important to keep our
level, our fitness, our mentality and we'll see what happens. It's too soon
to speak about the end of the season."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won only three of the last 17 Premier League meetings (W3, D3,
L11).
There have been three red cards in the last two encounters at the Boleyn
Ground.
West Ham United
West Ham are unbeaten in 13 league and cup games at home (W8, D5).
The Hammers have kept four clean sheets in their last six home games in the
league.
Their tally of 43 points is their best at this stage of a Premier League
season.
Michail Antonio has scored in four of his last five Premier League
appearances at the Boleyn Ground.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs could win seven successive league matches for the first time in 49
years since March to May 1967.
They are unbeaten in 12 Premier League away games (W7, D5).
Tottenham have earned an unrivalled 17 points from losing positions this
season, winning five of the 10 games in which they have trailed.
They have the best defensive record in the division and have only conceded
more than one goal in three of their 27 matches.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have the best record in London derbies so far
this season, earning 11 points from five games (W3, D2). West Ham have nine
points from just four derby matches.
Harry Kane has scored three goals in four league appearances against West
Ham.
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West Ham v Spurs: Hammers warn fans over anti-Semitic behaviour
BBc.co.uk
West Ham chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have written to fans to warn
against discriminatory behaviour during Wednesday's game with Tottenham.
Past fixtures have seen anti-Semitic behaviour by Hammers fans.
Spurs fans traditionally have strong ties with London's Jewish community.
"Any fan acting inappropriately - including racist, anti-Semitic and
homophobic behaviour - will be banned from attending future matches,"
Sullivan and Gold said in a statement.
"It is vitally important that every West Ham United supporter attending the
fixture remembers that they are acting as ambassadors for our club and their
behaviour should reflect the values and standards that we set," the
statement continued.
Gold is of Jewish heritage, and has previously revealed that his great
grandfather killed himself after suffering anti-Semitic taunts.
West Ham are currently sixth in the Premier League table, while Spurs are
second.
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Statue boarded ahead of Spurs visit
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st March 2016
By: Staff Writer
The World Cup Winners statue on the corner of Barking Road and Green Street
has been boarded up ahead of the visit of Tottenham tomorrow evening. The
famous state, which depicts West Ham's three World Cup-winning members has
been fully encased in wooden boards ahead of Wednesday evening's clash with
our North London neighbours. Council officials have taken the decision after
it was revealed that a number of travelling supporters intend to mark their
final appearance at the Boleyn Ground by causing trouble around the ground.
Usually for Tottenham fans that means trouble occurring some considerable
distance from Upton Park, although Council chiefs are taking no chances
ahead of tomorrow's crunch clash.
* Meanwhile, West Ham have sent out their bi-annual message to Hammers fans
asking for them to refrain from engaging in "inappropriate behaviour." A
statement, issued to all season ticket holders this morning urges West Ham
supporters to "remember that they are acting as ambassadors for our club"
whilst insisting that "their behaviour should reflect the values and
standards that we set".
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Exclusive ExWHUEmployee: Mark Noble nominated for Player of the Month award
for February
March 1, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
West Ham United Captain, Mark Noble has been nominated for the Barclays
Premier League February player of the month award. Following in the
footsteps of Slaven Bilic who was nominated for the Manager award in
January, Mark has put in several excellent performances over the last 4
weeks and has obviously caught the eye. Despite his continued invisibility
to anyone involved in the England International set-up it is nice to see
some recognition for the Hammers stalwart and it is indeed truly deserved.
If Mark wins the award he will become the fifth West Ham player to do so
since 1994 and the first since Diafra Sakho in November 2014. Previous West
Ham United players to have won the prestigious award are, Stuart Pearce,
Anton Ferdinand, Scott Parker and Diafra Sakho.
Other nominations for the February award are:
Harry Kane
Willian
Christian Eriksen
Fraser Forster
Jamie Vardy
Robert Huth
Cesc Fabregas
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West Ham sensation Martin Samuelsen thrilled with new club
March 1, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
West Ham wonderkid Martin Samuelsen has told Norwegian outlet NRK he is
delighted to be at the club. The youngster is impressing on loan at
Peterborough United, recently starring against Premier League side West
Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup. Samuelsen signed with the Hammers in the
summer, leaving Manchester City, and he has had harsh words for the team he
left behind, feeling he was never going to be given a chance. He told NRK:
"I was met with constant resistance from the team in terms of playing. "They
tried for some strange reason to make me into a one touch player. That I was
not interested in that at all."
Samuelsen's dribbling is a big part of his game, and it is understandable he
was reluctant to give this a back seat. Elaborating on his time at City, he
added: "It was like a dream I've had since I was very small, but I then
gradually faded away with every game I did not play and for every time I
heard that I was not good enough. "It was very tough, it was perhaps the
toughest of all. But I'm glad I did not give up and carried on."
Samuelsen made his debut in the West Ham first team last summer in the
Europa League against Lusitans, and admitted he could not believe it. He
said: "It was indescribable, really." He added in regards to his nerves: "It
was a sickening experience."
The winger has a good chance of making it into West Ham's first team squad
next season if he can impress in pre-season this campaign. There are great
hopes for the 18-year-old, and if he goes on to become a superstar, he will
really make Manchester City regret letting him go.
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Hendrie a target for Scottish Champions?
March 1, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Celtic have been linked with a move for West Ham stopper Stephen Hendrie as
they seek to bolster their backline. With Emilio Izaguirre expected to quit
Celtic in the summer, the Hoops could turn to long-time target Hendrie as a
replacement. Hendrie is thought to be keen on a return to Scotland and
Celtic could make a move in the summer according to the Daily Record.
The young defender received a lot of praise for his performances from
Southend United boss, Phil Brown during his recent loan spell there.
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Hammers to go for 60k OS capacity
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are hoping they can get the Olympic Stadium capacity increased to
60,000 by the start of the first season. Fans have been crying out for the
club to make the move and ClaretandHugh understands that with the
unprecedented demand for season tickets, the club are now ready to seek
planning permission for a further 6,000 seats. The club expect to sell out
42,000 season tickets available and with those set aside for Corporate
purposes, away fans and walk-up people on the day, around 50,000 will be
accommodated. However, there remain around 20,000 on the Priority list and
the club is ready to go for another 6,000 seats at the stadium.
ClaretandHugh was told exclusively: "We have an automatic right to apply for
them and we shall be doing so. It needs planning permission but that
shouldn't be a problem. "It's entirely realistic and we shall be doing it
and hopefully we could have the situation resolved in tome for next season."
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Samuelson hits out at Man City coaches
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Martin Samuelson has told Norwegian media that incompetent trainers with big
egos often hold back talented players such as himself. His comments are
thought to be a dig about his time at Manchester City's Academy before
joining West Ham. "Many young talents have the same style of play as me,
but it is whittled away at the early age of what I would call incompetent
trainers." Martin Samuelsen told NRK Sports. "I have one opinion, others
have a different opinion but my opinion is that there are too many who are
not allowed to express themselves. The team is more important than one
player but if you have a player who can help you win games by using a skill
such as dribbling, it is worth it's weight in gold." "Many people say that
players have big egos, but there are some coaches out there who have far
greater egos, and who can not cope with that individual players are stealing
attention from the collective and their philosophy."
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Michail Antonio may base celebration on Homer Simpson but unlike character
West Ham star is a workaholic, says Slaven Bilic
West Ham are preparing to face title-chasing Tottenham on Wednesday
The Hammers are flying high in Premier League and occupy sixth place
Manager Slaven Bilic has hailed the form of winger Michail Antonio
The former Reading man scored decisive goal in 1-0 win over Sunderland
Bilic is a fan of his Homer Simpson celebration, which he displayed in win
By OLIVER TODD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:35, 1 March 2016 | UPDATED: 11:35, 1 March 2016
Michail Antonio might base his celebrations on Homer Simpson, but manager
Slaven Bilic is sure the emerging West Ham 'workaholic' is nothing like the
bumbling TV icon. Winger Antonio emulated The Simpsons star by spinning
around on the floor with his legs flailing after scoring against Sunderland
on Saturday. And ahead of taking on Tottenham on Wednesday, Bilic has told
Antonio he is better suited to starring in the Barclays Premier League than
matching the lifestyle of the Springfield resident.
MICHAIL ANTONIO SUPER STATS
3 - Headers scored by Antonio this season, the most at West Ham (level with
Andy Carroll).
4.1 - dribbles per game this season by Antonio, second only to Dimitri Payet
(4.4) at West Ham
The 25-year-old summer signing from Nottingham Forest is set to start out of
position at right back to fill a gap in Bilic's injury-hit defence at Upton
Park. 'It's a good one,' Bilic said of the celebration. 'I am a big fan of
Simpsons also. You can't really connect him with Homer Simpson - there is
nothing in common between the two of them. 'Homer is lazy, lazy Homer
Simpson. Antonio is a workaholic, but the celebration was good. 'He is a
perfect example for all the young players, or new players, or the players
who change their level. He was doing that (playing well) last year in the
Championship, came here, he was dreaming about the Premier League. 'He had
to wait for his chance but then he didn't moan, he continued to work hard
and he got his chance because of a few injuries. Since then he's been really
good for us. 'He improved a lot in training, technically, tactically, and
the pace and energy they were always there. He is becoming, or he has
already become, a player of massive importance for us.' Of his celebration,
Antonio said: 'I watched The Simpsons Movie the other day and I saw Homer do
it, and I thought it looked hilarious so I'll do it if I score. 'It was all
planned, I told Nobes (Mark Noble), I told Reece (Oxford) - I told all the
boys and they said no way I'd do it, but I did! I think I pulled it off! 'It
looks like I can only score here. Right now I'm getting goals at home,
hopefully I can get some away, but the next game is at home so let's hope
the form can continue.'
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West Ham warn fans to behave against fierce rivals Tottenham as title
hopefuls travel to Upton Park for the final time
West Ham take on Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday night
Slaven Bilic has urged supporters to show West Ham is a big, polite club
West Ham's co-chairmen will remind fans of their responsibilities
Warning comes after Hammers supporter was stabbed in reverse fixture
By OLIVER TODD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:13, 1 March 2016 | UPDATED: 11:31, 1 March 2016
Slaven Bilic has urged West Ham fans to show they are 'polite' with the
club's chairman warning supporters to behave ahead of Tottenham's final
visit to Upton Park on Wednesday night.
A Hammers fan was stabbed before the reverse fixture in November while
hundreds of hooligans had to be restrained by police on horseback outside
White Hart Lane. West Ham are desperate to make sure Spurs' last visit to
the Boleyn Ground is not remembered for similar scenes and Bilic echoed the
club's sentiments ahead of the game. 'It's a big match for both clubs. No
matter where you are standing in the table, if it's first game of the season
or last game of the season, it's a big, big derby,' the West Ham manager
said. 'It should be a good game because of the position they are in, and we
are in. 'The message is I would like the fans to be behind us, to be behind
the team, behind the club in a positive way. With respect to them, of
course, fans are ambassadors of our club and they can show the world that we
are big, great and a polite club.' Co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan
are expected to release a statement later on Tuesday to remind supporters of
their responsibilities.
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