Daily WHUFC News - 10th April 2016

West Ham United 3-3 Arsenal
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll netted a memorable hat-trick but the Hammers had to settle for a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal in the final ever London derby at the Boleyn Ground. Carroll was back in the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth back in January. And the Hammers forward reminded everyone of his quality when he scored three goals inside eight minutes to help the home side stage an amazing comeback from a two goal deficit after Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in pole position. The goals came at the perfect time for Carroll who is looking to impress England manager Roy Hodgson with the European Championship Finals just two months away.
It was the first hat-trick at the Boleyn Ground since Kevin Nolan's three goals against Reading back in May 2013 and looked to be enough to help the Hammers close the gap on the top four. But Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny made it 3-3 on 70 minutes and both sides had to settle for a draw in one of the best games of the season witnessed at the Boleyn this season.

In a pulsating contest, the home side could have taken the lead on 13 minutes when Mark Noble's cross fell to Carroll who produced a superb over-head kick and the ball picked out Manuel Lanzini who converted from close-range but his effort was ruled out for offside. Arsenal made them pay as they opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Alex Iwobi played the ball into the path of Ozil who appeared to be in an offside position but he produced a clinical finish past Adrian into the corner of the net. The north London club doubled their lead on 35 minutes and Iwobi was involved in the heart of the action once again when played a clever ball over the top of the Hammers defence which picked out Sanchez and he slid the ball past Adrian from close-range.

Despite falling two goals behind there were signs of a Hammers comeback when Carroll produced the best chance for the home side on 38 minutes when he picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and fired a powerful left-foot shot which produced a fine save from David Ospina diving low to his left. The turnaround started on the stroke of half-time when the Hammers pulled a goal back on 44 minutes when Aaron Cresswell's cross fell perfectly for Carroll and he directed a powerful header past David Ospina into the corner of the net.

Adrian made a fine save to deny Monreal just after the restart and it proved crucial as the Hammers raced down the other end and made it 2-2 just 160 seconds later. Dimitri Payet's corner was punched clear by Ospina. The loose ball fell to Noble who crossed into the chest of Carroll who saw his first attempt blocked by Gabriel Paulista. But the Hammers forward made no mistake with his second effort as he fired the ball on the turn and his shot flew past Ospina. It was the perfect way to end the half and with club legends Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds being introduced to the crowd at half-time alongside a number of heroes from the 1970's, everything was set up for a pulsating second half.

There was more controversy on 50 minutes when Carroll did well to keep hold of the ball inside the area following a challenge with Laurent Koscielny. The loose ball fell to Payet who rolled the ball into the back of the net. The linesman awarded the goal but was over-ruled by referee Craig Pawson who blew his whistle for a foul on the Arsenal defender, much to the anger of the home support. However, their mood quickly changed on 52 minutes when the majority of the Boleyn Ground went crazy as Carroll made it 3-2 to the home side. Michail Antonio showed his quality once again when he raced past Nacho Monreal down the right hand and played the perfect cross in for Carroll who directed his header over the top of Gabriel and the ball flew into the roof of the net.

Manuel Lanzini produced one of the saves of the season on 68 minutes when he was in the right place to superbly clear a shot off the line from Monreal. But Arsenal drew level on 70 minutes when Ozil's cross was flicked on by Welbeck into the path of Koscielny and he converted from close-range. The Hammers tried to find a fourth goal and came close on 74 minutes when Payet's dipping shot well saved by Ospina low to his right hand side, but the game ended all-square. All eyes now turn to the crucial FA Cup quarter final replay against Manchester United on Wednesday and it promises to be another special night under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.

West Ham (4-2-3-1) Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble; Antonio (Emenike 46), Lanzini, Payet; Carroll
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Hendrie, Oxford, Obiang, Moses, Valencia
Yellow Cards: Carroll, Antonio

Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Ramsey 60), Elneny (Giroud 68); Sanchez, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck (Walcott 81)
Subs not used: Cech, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Chambers
Yellow Cards:

Referee: Craig Pawson

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Carroll - A Boleyn hat-trick is special
WHUFC.com

It has already been a season of memories to last a lifetime for West Ham United players and supporters – and Andy Carroll added his name to the list of unforgettable moments in this Farewell Boleyn campaign with an eight-minute hat-trick against Arsenal on Saturday. Trailing 2-0 to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, West Ham's long unbeaten Boleyn Ground run looked in real peril, but not to Carroll, who notched in the 44th and 45th minutes to bring his team level before the break. Then, with just seven minutes of the second half played, the No9 nodded home from a Michail Antonio cross to complete a sensational treble. Laurent Koscienly later levelled for the Gunners, but it was another demonstration that the Hammers now belong in such exalted Barclays Premier League company.

Carroll said: "It was nice to get three goals, I didn't realise it was as quick as eight minutes between them, but we feel we should have taken the three points. "It is a great feeling to score my first hat-trick for the Club, especially as we're coming to the end [at the Boleyn Ground]. I'll always remember scoring a hat trick at the Boleyn. "I was pleased with the finishes. The first was a header, then the second one, I was lucky with the right foot as I didn't connect properly, but it sat up nicely for my left and I put it away. Then it was another cross for my header to make it 3-2. We probably should have taken the three points. We got a little sloppy at the end and got tired because it was a tough game, but we are happy with the point."

With the Hammers now set to face Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup in midweek and league leaders Leicester City next weekend, Carroll is confident of making sure a big week ends in style. He added: "We've done well against all the top teams we've played this season. We've shown that we should be up there and hopefully we can carry on. "It's a big week for us and this will be a boost. We're scoring goals, it's not as though we're scraping points. We've shown that we can beat the top teams so we're looking forward to the games we've got ahead."

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Jurcevic - It was a very emotional game
WHUFC.com

Assistant manager Nikola Jurcevic says West Ham United could be in the Barclays Premier League's top three if decisions had not repeatedly gone against them. The Hammers were left to rue another questionable call in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Arsenal, with Manuel Lanzini's early goal being ruled out for offside, despite the No28 clearly being played on by right-back Hector Bellerin. The Gunners took advantage by going two goals clear through Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, but the hosts regrouped and stormed into the lead thanks to Andy Carroll's sensational eight-minute hat-trick either side of half-time. Arsenal grabbed an equaliser through Laurent Koscielny's finish, but Jurcevic felt the Hammers – who had two other 'goals' disallowed during a breathless game – would have prevailed if Lanzini's header had stood.

"We saw after the game on the video that it was an absolutely regular goal and in the last few games we have many referee decisions against us, but what can we do?" ," Jurcevic told West Ham TV. "This is football life and this time it happened. "It was a very emotional game. It was a fantastic game and I think our supporters can be happy because it was a dynamic 90 minutes. "On the one side we are a little bit sad because we had a good chance to take three points against Arsenal, but on the other side we can be proud of our play because we fought for 90 minutes and scored three very nice goals. "The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic and in the end we must be satisfied with this result, three-three, against a big team like Arsenal. I think it's OK."

Having suffered from controversial calls at Manchester United in the FA Cup sixth round and in the Barclays Premier League draws with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and now Arsenal, Jurcevic admitted frustration was growing in the Hammers camp. "This is a little bit frustrating for all of us," he conceded. "We speak about our situation in the table and the position and how many points we have, sometimes we think maybe without these decisions we could be fighting for position number three or four minimum in the Premier League. "But on the other side, it's not in our hands. We spoke with the guys and they must work hard and give everything in every game, but these decisions from the referees are sometimes really frustrating for us."

On a much more positive note, Jurcevic was fulsome in his praise for hat-trick hero Carroll, who netted two trademark headers either side of a spanking volley that levelled things up on the stroke of half-time. "He showed all his class," the assistant purred. "He is a centre forward par excellence. He is strong in the air with his head and will fight for everything and was absolutely man of the match – not only because of his three goals but because he was running for the team. "I am really happy for him because he's had some problems with injuries and could not play 90 minutes in every game, but if he is fit, he is top-class."

So, where does Saturday's entertaining stalemate leave West Ham, who sit sixth in the standings with six games to play? "First we have a very important game against Man United and we have a very big chance to go to Wembley," Jurcevic observed. "This is our dream and we will try to do the best we can and see what happens. "In the Premier League we are now in a position where we have a good chance to stay in sixth position, or maybe fifth. Also, if we play another six games in top form we have maybe a chance for position number four."

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Important Ticketmaster update
WHUFC.com

Following the recent announcement of West Ham United's new partnership with Ticketmaster, supporters are now invited to activate their accounts on the new ticketing system.

To do so, supporters should click here to activate their account and are advised to consult the user guide beforehand which can be viewed here.

This applies to all supporters with an existing client reference number. If you do not currently possess a client reference number, you are welcome to register a new account.

Supporters are reminded that all tickets and membership products relating to the new Stadium will be sold via Ticketmaster, whilst all tickets in relation to the final season at the Boleyn Ground will continue through whufcboxoffice.com.

This means that any existing or new Season Ticket Holders who have paid a deposit for their 2016/17 Season Ticket need to activate their account in order to pay the remaining balance. The deadline to do so is 5pm Sunday 5 June.

As a Season Ticket Holder, it is vitally important to use the client reference number relating to your Season Ticket so that your Season Ticket Holder status can be authorised. If you do not, you will be unable to pay your remaining 2016/17 Season Ticket balance, or purchase cup tickets in the priority booking window.

Additionally, supporters can also use the new Ticketmaster system to register on the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List for just £10.

Supporters who are not currently on the Priority List, but are hopeful of securing a Season Ticket in the future, are advised that joining the List is the only means of procuring Season Tickets.

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West Ham United 3-3 Arsenal
By Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport

Andy Carroll became the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick against Arsenal since Wayne Rooney in 2011. Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt another blow to Arsenal's already slim Premier League title hopes, despite the Gunners fighting back to draw at West Ham. Arsenal are 10 points behind leaders Leicester with six games to play. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez converted Alex Iwobi passes to put Arsenal 2-0 up but Carroll netted twice in 160 seconds to bring his side level by half-time. A far-post header completed Carroll's treble, before Laurent Koscielny hooked in the equaliser from 10 yards. The hosts extended their unbeaten home run in the Premier League to 14 games but Slaven Bilic's side remain sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who play West Bromwich Albion at 17:30 BST.

Hammers' hat-trick hero

Striker Carroll was rarely far from the action in a pulsating London derby, being booked as early as the fourth minute for a needless late tackle on Koscielny. There appeared little way back for West Ham as clinical finishes from Ozil and Sanchez gave the visitors a two-goal cushion, but England international Carroll would turn the game in his side's favour in the space of eight minutes either side of the interval. All three goals were typical Carroll efforts, the first a powerful far-post header from Aaron Cresswell's left-wing cross, while he was awarded too much space by the Arsenal defence to fire in the equaliser at the second attempt during first-half stoppage time. The ex-Newcastle forward was perhaps lucky to escape further punishment when he clashed with Gabriel in the air, catching the centre-back with his arm, shortly before rising above Hector Bellerin to head past David Ospina - who had kept his place in the Arsenal goal ahead of Petr Cech. Andy Carroll netted all three of his goals at the far post from crosses. However, he won only eight of his 20 duels with Arsenal players and just five of his 12 aerial duels (41.7%)

Arsenal's title hopes over?

Wins over Everton and Watford either side of the March international break kept any faint hopes of a title success alive for Arsene Wenger's side. Having led 2-0 after 35 minutes, this result will feel like two points dropped for Arsenal, even though they responded well to Carroll's quick hat-trick and were decent value for their draw. The Gunners have a favourable run-in, with five of their last six opponents currently in the bottom half of the table - but it will take a remarkable collapse from Leicester and Tottenham above them if they are to win an unlikely title. Saturday's result did little to improve Arsenal's record in London derbies this season - they have taken only six points from seven games against other clubs from the capital.

Man of the match: Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Carroll had 10 of West Ham's 16 shots - no player has had more in a Premier League match this season

What the managers said

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit. There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. But the only thing I'm not happy about is the result."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."

The stats you need to know

Carroll's hat-trick was the fastest in the Premier League this season at seven minutes and 14 seconds.
The Hammers are unbeaten in their past 14 home games (won seven, drawn seven) - the longest current run in the top flight.
Alex Iwobi has scored twice and assisted another two goals in his first three league starts for Arsenal.
This is the first time in the Premier League since November 2012 (v Fulham) that Arsenal have led by two goals and failed to win the match. That game also ended 3-3.

What's next?

West Ham switch their attentions to the FA Cup on Wednesday when they host Manchester United in a quarter-final replay, while their next Premier League fixture is at leaders Leicester four days later.

Also on 17 April, Arsenal host Crystal Palace in another London derby.

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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker says England return 'in back of my head'
BBC.co.uk

West Ham striker Andy Carroll says he has not given up hope of being recalled to the England squad for Euro 2016. The 27-year-old, who won the last of his nine England caps in October 2012, scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Arsenal. Asked if he was thinking about a call-up for the tournament in France this summer, Carroll said: "Without a doubt. "I have to keep that in the back of my head, but I have to play each game here and see how it goes," he told BT Sport. Carroll, who has two international goals, was involved in Roy Hodgson's squad at the last European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in 2012 - opening the scoring in the victory over Sweden in the group stage. The former Newcastle forward has been plagued by injuries since completing a £15m move from Liverpool in June 2013, but he marked his 50th Premier League appearance since then with the second top-flight treble of his career.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic added: "Andy Carroll has everything. It's impossible to stop him. "Watch how many times he tried to get the ball off them. He was keeping the ball, laying it off. "Heading - he's maybe the best in the world. He has to stay away from those injuries. He's professional but he's got to be totally dedicated to his career and football."

Carroll featured in three of England's games at Euro 2012, scoring in a group win over Sweden

Should Carroll go to Euro 2016?

Former Celtic and Bolton manager Neil Lennon on BBC Radio 5 live: "I would (take him), yes. He's my type of centre-forward. The big man was really up for it and he's been magnificent. "With 10 minutes to go in an England game, he could be an option for Roy Hodgson."

Andy Carroll in the Premier League
SEASON TEAM GAMES PLAYED GOALS
2006/07 Newcastle United 4 0
2007/08 Newcastle United 4 0
2008/09 Newcastle United 14 3
2010/11 Newcastle United/Liverpool 26 13
2011/12 Liverpool 35 4
2012/13 Liverpool/West Ham (loan) 26 7
2013/14 West Ham 15 2
2014/15 West Ham 14 5
2015/16 West Ham 21 7
Other surprise England call-ups

Theo Walcott, 2006 World Cup: Arsenal paid £10m to sign Walcott from Southampton in January 2006. He failed to make a single top-flight appearance for the Gunners in the remainder of the 2005-06 season, but England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson made him England's youngest international at the age of 17 years and 75 days, and then took him to the World Cup in Germany. Walcott did not play a single minute at the tournament.

Steve Bull, 1990 World Cup: Bull scored 102 goals in two seasons to help Wolves to the Fourth Division and Third Division titles. That form convinced England manager Bobby Robson to call up the striker, who scored on his debut against Scotland in 1989. Bull, whose limited top-flight experience came early in his career at West Bromwich Albion, was included in the squad for the World Cup in Italy. He made four appearances at the tournament - but did not score a goal.

Jack Butland, Euro 2012: Goalkeeper Butland was called up by Hodgson because of John Ruddy's injury and went to Poland and Ukraine as England's third-choice goalkeeper, despite having not played a top-flight game at that stage.

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I loved every minute, says Bonds
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Billy Bonds bade an emotional farewell to his old stomping ground this afternoon when he gave an emotional speech to the Boleyn faithful during half time of the Premier League clash with Arsenal. Bonds - who spent over 25 years at the club as player and manager and is rated by many as the club's greatest living legend - appeared close to tears at points as he thanked the club's fans for their continuous support. "There's been so many memories," the 69-year-old told match day announcer Martin Godleman. "When I first walked through those doors Moore, Hursty and Martin Peters had just won the World Cup - as our fans think! - and it was a big time for me. "I was very nervous when I came in but I was made welcome."

Bonds - who left the club unexpectedly in 1994 after being stabbed in the back by former best friend Harry Redknapp - admitted that his speech was 20 years late but paid tribute to the clubs fans who, he insisted, are the very essence of the football club. "These people here, the fans, have been absolutely fantastic to me," he added. "When I left the club 20 years ago I never got the chance to say 'thank you' to the players I left behind and to these people. They were fantastic supporters. "Without them you haven't got a football club. They are the heart and soul of the club. We're going to a new stadium and I'm sure they're going to go in their numbers and follow their team. "They been great - and I loved every minute playing in front of them."

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Sakho has 'minor injury', says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Diafra Sakho missed today's game against Arsenal as the result of a "minor injury", according to Slaven Bilic. Sakho, who missed a personal appearance at a club event in midweek was a surprise omission from today's 18-man squad. And when quizzed as to why he hadn't been included in the team that drew 3-3 with Arsenal this lunchtime, Bilic offered a curt response. "This was the best team for today - and that includes 18 players," he said. "He [Sakho] reported a minor injury - or what I hope [will be] a minor injury."

Sahko, who had not been reported as injured when Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke presented his weekly update last Wednesday evening failed to appear at a scheduled meet-and-greet event at the club's Lakeside store. And yesterday he was reported to have posted bizarre notes to followers of his SnapChat channel, one of which is said to have read: "When I am hated I don't give a f**k. I do everything to be more hated."

Soon after Sakho - who was accused by followers of appearing "drunk" - took to Instagram, where he posted the following short video:

Following his non-appearance at the ground today, rumours purporting to explain Sakho's absence began to spread.

Whilst some claimed that he had fallen out with Slaven Bilic after failing to attend a meeting, others reported that he had refused to sit on the bench, having been dropped from the first team as a result of the midweek incident.

Since arriving in England, Sakho has fallen foul of the law on two occasions. In November 2015, he was cautioned by Police after being arrested twice within the space of a few weeks in August of the same year.

The Senegal international had initially been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and malicious communications - for which he accepted the later caution - plus a charge of assault and malicious communications, for which charges were later droppped.

Sakho has made 19 appearances for West Ham United so far this season, scoring six goals. In his debut 2014/15 season, he managed 12 goals in 26 games.

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West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll hat-trick halts Arsenal title charge
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 09/04/16 8:33pm
SSN

Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's faint title hopes as West Ham held them to a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday. The Gunners looked on course to keep in touch with leaders Leicester when Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez struck inside 35 minutes to put the visitors in firm control at Upton Park. Carroll's treble inside 10 minutes either side of the interval turned the game on its head but though the towering forward might have given England boss Roy Hodgson food for thought, the Hammers had to settle for a point as Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny hit back (70). The result does little for the sides' respective title and top-four aspirations, Arsenal 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester, having played a game more, and West Ham still in sixth, two points off the Champions League places. Slaven Bilic's side almost made the perfect start as Manuel Lanzini headed Aaron Cresswell's scuffed volley wide inside the opening minute, although the effort would have been ruled out for offside.

The Argentine was the hosts' biggest threat in a cagey opening and he was unfortunate not to have opened the scoring when, having found the back of the net, linesman Darren Cann wrongfully ruled out his header for offside on 13 minutes. Arsenal posed a constant threat and, within five minutes, they took advantage of their reprieve as Alex Iwobi played Ozil through to slot past Adrian. The opener rattled West Ham, who were restricted to a couple of long-range free-kicks from Dimitri Payet, as Iwobi turned provider again, releasing Sanchez who made no mistake in doubling the Gunners lead with a low finish 10 minutes before the break. Having turned Laurent Koscielny on the edge of the area, Carroll looked to halve Arsenal's lead immediately but David Ospina was alert to keep his low out as the Gunners coasted towards the interval. But their lead was eventually snatched in an emphatic 160-second spell from West Ham. First, Carroll outmuscled Nacho Monreal at the far post to head Cresswell's cross beyond the stricken Ospina on 44 minutes, before the turnaround was completed in stoppage-time with a thunderous left-footed volley.

The half-time whistle momentarily spared Arsenal from the ensuing West Ham onslaught, but it was back underway in the second half. The hosts saw half-hearted penalty claims ignored by referee Craig Pawson following Hector Bellerin's clumsy challenge on Lanzini, before they were then denied a third goal as Carroll was penalised for a foul on Koscielny in the build-up to Payet capitalising on defensive hesitancy. The Gunners, though, were unable to keep a rampant West Ham side at bay and the pressure finally told as Carroll complete his hat-trick on 52 minutes with another assured header at the far post after Michail Antonio's cross from the byline. Carroll had the chance to extend his side's lead further, but his failure to convert Payet's cross opened the door for Arsenal to drag themselves off the canvas.

Monreal almost put an indifferent defensive display behind him by levelling the tie on 68 minutes, only for Lanzini to clear his effort from the edge of the area off the line. That chance marked a change in the tide at Upton Park as Arsenal, boosted by the addition of substitute Olivier Giroud, applied the pressure and got the breakthrough through Koscielny's smart finish after another assist from Ozil. With both sides fighting back from losing positions neither risked losing a point in the closing stages as the spoils were unsatisfactorily shared.

Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (7), Tomkins (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (8), Kouyate (6), Noble (7), Lanzini (7), Antonio (8), Carroll (9), Payet (7).
Used subs: Emenike (6).

Arsenal: Ospina (6), Bellerin (6), Gabriel (6), Koscielny (7), Monreal (5), Elneny (7), Coquelin (6), Iwobi (9), Ozil (7), Sanchez (7), Welbeck (8).
Used subs: Giroud (6), Walcott (5), Ramsey (5).

Man of the match: Andy Carroll

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Arsenal draw was 'a blow', says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:49pm
SSN

​West Ham boss Slaven Bilic described their 3-3 draw with Arsenal as "a blow" after conceding a late equaliser, claiming his side deserve to be third in the Premier League. A dramatic encounter at Upton Park on Saturday saw Manuel Lanzini have an early goal controversially disallowed, before Arsenal took a 2-0 lead. An Andy Carroll hat-trick then saw West Ham turn the game on its head, but Laurent Koscielny restored parity for Arsenal with 20 minutes to go. "It's a blow," admitted Bilic. "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. The only thing I'm not happy about is the result. "To be two down against a team that has so much pace, it can be three in no time. Then in the second half to be better than them, and at 3-2 we had chances to be 4-2. I'm proud of everything."
This was the third game in a row that West Ham had dropped points late on in controversial circumstances, and Bilic believes his side should be higher up the league than they currently are. "We deserve to be third in the league, [and we're] not even fourth," he said. Bilic also reserved praise for Carroll, who was making his first start since January. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit," said Bilic. "There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing."

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Andy Carroll exposed Arsenal weakness, admits Arsene Wenger
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:00pm
SSN

Arsene Wenger admitted Andy Carroll exposed the weaknesses which have all but cost Arsenal the title this season after his hat-trick earned West Ham a 3-3 draw. Laurent Koscielny (70) rescued a point for the Gunners, who had taken a 2-0 lead before Carroll's quickfire treble either side of the interval. But Saturday's result means Wenger's men could find themselves 13 points adrift of leaders Leicester with just 18 to play for by Sunday evening. The Arsenal boss reckoned Carroll was lucky to stay on the pitch after escaping a yellow card for a robust early challenge on Koscielny - but conceded his players could not cope with an aerial assault from the hosts. "Why did we struggle with Carroll? Because he's good in the air," said Wenger. "We had a good game but a bad result, and we paid for a weakness we have had all season - headers in our box. "Yes of course, he was lucky to finish the game, but that doesn't mean we have to concede goals from headers; we have to look at ourselves."
Arsenal's title bid appears realistically over but Wenger vowed to keep fighting until the end of the season. "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be," he said. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."

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West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady 'paranoid' about refereeing decisions
Last Updated: 09/04/16 11:56am
SSN

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady has suggested her team's "frustrating" treatment at the hands of referees this season is "beyond mere coincidence". The 47-year-old has criticised Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Cheikhou Kouyate last weekend - a decision that was overturned by the FA this week. Writing in her column in the Sun, Brady listed a string decisions that have not gone the Hammers' way and paranoia is starting to set in. She said: "Another Saturday, another calamity. Mark Clattenburg brandished a red card with the speed of a 50-1 winning betting slip.
"But there was no suspect intent in Cheikhou Kouyate's tackle, nor was it even reckless. What was frustration turns to real bitterness when I hear we have won the appeal. "I'm beginning to get paranoid about the way West Ham are suffering from referees' decisions and I know I shouldn't be. It is the rub of the green we are told, although it feels like much more than that - almost beyond mere coincidence. "We've had three red cards overturned this season, not a single penalty award, not an away penalty in four seasons and the lowest number of penalties in the Premier League in the same time. "There's another meaning of course, to "seeing red". I must go and lie down."

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West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll nets hat-trick in Upton Park thriller - 5 things we learned
14:39, 9 APR 2016 UPDATED 15:50, 9 APR 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammer fought back from 2-0 down to take the lead before Laurent Koscielny ensured a point for Arsenal
The Mirror

Andy Carroll scored an eight minute hat-trick but West Ham were denied a thrilling comeback win by Laurent Koscielny. Defender Koscielny scored a 70th minute equaliser to earn Arsenal a draw from a topsy-turvy clash at Upton Park. The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead which was wiped out by Carroll's treble before Koscielny had the final say in a six-goal thriller. Manuel Lanzini had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside and Arsenal rubbed salt in West Ham's wounds when Mesut Ozil fired them ahead four minutes later. Alex Iwobi, who set up the first, then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute. But Andy Carroll struck twice in two minutes just before half-time and again seven minutes into the second half to turn the game on it's head. However Arsenal hit back when Koscielny tapped in Ozil's cross to make it 3-3.

Here are five things we learned.

1. Ospina inclusion the wrong call
David Ospina of Arsenal fails to stop as Andy Carroll of West Ham United scoring his team's second goal, Petr Cech was fit again after a calf problem but David Ospina retained his starting place and Arsenal's summer signing was on the bench. Wenger's faith and willingness to give Ospina games when he can is admirable but also questionable when Cech is clearly first choice, the better keeper and Arsenal still have plenty to play for.You suspect Cech might have dominated his box better than Ospina for West Ham's second and third goals.

2. Where was Sakho?
Diafra Sakho's absence from the West Ham team sheet raised eyebrows. And it sparked a guessing game about the reason for his omission following suggestions he missed a scheduled public appearance earlier in the week, Slaven Bilic intriguingly saying he picked the best squad for the game and a cryptic message was posted on social media by the striker.Sakho's absence opened the door for Andy Carroll and he grabbed his chance with two hands and three goals in his first league start for three months. In this mood he is unstoppable and, Carroll fitness providing, Sakho might struggle to get back in the team.

3. Officials make the wrong call
Slaven Bilic and West Ham would be forgiven for starting to think there is a conspiracy against them, as Jose Mourinho claimed there was against Chelsea last season. For the fourth game running they would have had grounds to feel aggrieved about decisions, this time when Manuel Lanzini's header was chalked off for offside despite Hector Bellerin playing him onside and again when Dimitri Payet's strike was also ruled out for an alleged foul by Carroll on Laurent Koscielny.

4. Iwobi impresses again
No wonder Arsene Wenger is such a big fan of Alex Iwobi and has been quick to hand him a bumper new contract. The talented 19 year-old has given Arsenal a lift since forcing his way into the first XI and set up two more goals against West Ham. Unlike some youngsters who might be happy just to be getting games at his age, Iwobi is constantly looking to take responsibility and make things happen and is growing in confidence by the game.

5. Prospects for both sides
This was a result that didn't help either side in their respective quests. With Arsene Wenger refusing to give up on the title until it is mathematically out of reach Arsenal needed to win. They should have having led 2-0 but collapsed before rescuing a point. They are now 10 points behind Leicester with six games each to play. A point is a slightly better one for West Ham and keeps them in touch with the top four. Though having fought back to lead 3-2 they too will be disappointed they failed to hold on.

Player ratings
West Ham
Adrian 6 - Helpless for goals but lucky not to be punished for dawdling on ball.
Tomkins 6 - Stepped up at wrong time to let Sanchez into score. Subbed at break.
Reid 7 - Grew in stature after break with number of vital clearances.
Ogbonna 6 - Also got stuck in to contribute to defensive display that improved.
Noble 7 - Drove West Ham forward and more influential after half-time.
Antonio BOOKED 7 - Also improved in second half and set up Carroll's hat-trick goal.
Kouyate 7 - Didn't stop running. Was key to West Ham winning midfield battle.
Lanzini 6 - Unlucky to have goal ruled out making oalline clearance his big contribution.
Payet 7 - Lit up the game with some great bits of skill once again.
Cresswell 7 - Enjoyed first-half wing-back role, setting up Carroll's first, before dropping back.
Carroll BOOKED 9 - Booked, could have been sent off, scored a hat-trick. Arsenal couldn't handle him.

SUBS
Emenike (Tomkins 46) 6

Arsenal

Ospina 6 - Good saves from Carroll and Payet but shaky on crosses.
Bellerin 6 - Lucky to get away with playing Lanzini onside and possible penalty appeal.
Gabriel 6 - Wouldn't have enjoyed tussles with Carroll. Gave Koscielny little help.
Koscielny 6 - Bullied by Carroll but salvaged his day with the equaliser.
Monreal 5 - Beaten too easily by Carroll for his first and Antonio in build-up to hat-trick goal.
Coquelin 5 - Could have been booked, overrun and no surprise he was subbed.
Elneny 7 - Efficient passer and read game well to repeatedly break up play.
Sanchez 6 - Good finish for his goal but was only on the edge of game.
Ozil 7 - Opened scoring crossed for equaliser but generally quiet.
Iwobi 7 - Another eye-catching and mature display. Set up both Arsenal goals.
Welbeck 6 - Worked hard but had little joy or any chances to score.

SUBS

Ramsey (Coquelin 61) 5
Giroud (Elneny 68) 6
Walcott (Welbeck 81) 5

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Sakho training ground walk-out allegations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive

Diafra Sakho's absence from today's squad was surrounded by confusion tonight and manager Slaven Bilic now seems set to meet with the player ahead of the match against Manchester United.

We understand the striker reported himself injured after training on Friday, left training and failed to show at the stadium for the Arsenal game today.

Sakho himself has stoked up a storm of unrest before the game by posting on his personal snapchat: "When I'm hated I don't gve a f..k. I do everything to be more hated."

And ClaretandHugh has since been told that he allegedly stormed out of training on Friday as it emerged he may be an unlikely starter for today's game.

There had been suggestions that he had been disciplined after missing out on a a scheduled media appearance at the Lakeside shopping centre club store last week.

But we were told exclusively: "No, that was bad organisation. He had three medical tests, one after the other, with three different people.

"The results were very good and the problem he had has cured itself. The people who had booked the tests hadn't liased with media – thus he couldn't make it."

Nobody has a clue as to why the Senegal striker took to snapchat with such an angry message which suggests the training ground allegations may have some truth in them although given the medical results the injury claim seems odd.

We were told: "Nobody saw Sak at the stadium today and it will now be down to the manager to decide how he handles this on Monday with the Manchester United match in front of us."

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Gold: "I told you so"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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David Gold tonight told those who have criticised him for standing by Andy Carroll: "I told you so!"

The chairman has been the big man's biggest defender as he has battled his way through injury and back to full fitness.

And nobody was more delighted to see the Geordie boy storm back to form than the co chairman who smiled: Ok I'll say it – 'told you so.'

Speaking to ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Its been a case of patience, patience, patience and I've told everybody who would listen that this is a great player who will come back to his very best.

"He played a magnificent game out there today – it was almost the perfect centre foreard's game and I'm thrilled for him and everybody. No player deserves it more.

"Andy's been forced to take a lot of criticism through social media at several levels and it's been wrong. He's a total professional and if he stays fit he can hit the heights. I believe he can and will."

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Brilliant – a Hammers team built to last!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
By new ClaretandHugh blogger
Paul Gregory

Rarely are points so precious as when they are won from behind. West Ham proved that adage true today.

They probably should have won. Even before Andy Carroll's masterclass in tormenting a defence Manuel Lanzini should have opened the scoring, turning home Carroll's bicycle kick but being flagged for offside. Hector Bellerin was playing him on, and by some margin too.

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in control; they were cruising, keeping the ball nicely and taking advantage of some uncharacteristically poor Hammers defending.

Yet there is a fight about this Hammers side, a desire to persevere, to snatch something from the jaws of nothing. Carroll was the focal point and he will rightly gain the plaudits for a performance that embodied everything Arsenal so fear; he was their nightmare made flesh, towering above defenders, harrying and hounding Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny with the ease of a seasoned Premier League target man. No one can accuse Carroll of being a flat-track bully, either; he has scored against Liverpool, Chelsea and now the Gunners.

Yet it is Dimitri Payet who pulled the strings, and who played with such composure and skill that one would think he was strolling about his garden, having a kickabout with his kids, Milan and Noa.

One dazzling show of skill sent Aaron Ramsey askew, his head spinning as Payet passed him, a blur of claret and blue. The France international – surely a shoo-in for Les Bleus' Euro 2016 squad – was not given the chance to add another brilliant free-kick to his collection but his contribution was immense nonetheless; he has been the signing of the season.

That Koscielny would gain some measure of revenge on Carroll with a second-half equaliser is immaterial. Slaven Bilic was disappointed with a point, and that speaks volumes. West Ham no longer hope for a result against the top teams, they expect one.

After calling his side "spectacular" in his post-match press conference, Bilic presented a hypothesis; he feels his side deserve to be third, not sixth.

"I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed," he said.

Bilic, as he says, finds it hard to separate the stone-cold facts from his claret-tinted spectacles, but he may well be right; West Ham haven't lost since February and this result marked their 10th unbeaten.

It is rather unlucky that Leicester's fairytale is playing out in the same season as the Hammers' resurgence, or else Bilic's men may well be hogging ALL the headlines.

Who does one trust now to finish in the top four? The Manchester clubs are flaky at best – City have a ridiculous habit of simply refusing to turn up to games while United must be the most pedestrian contenders for a Champions League spot in recent memory.

West Ham are the team who can be relied upon to get a result, time and time again. Much like the Foxes at the top the Irons show no signs of falling away any time soon.

This is a team built to last, and Champions League football would be the cherry on top of a breathless, brilliant season.

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More Slav from the press room
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Q: Good choice to start Carroll?
Slav: Yep. We have good strikers of course and he's fit now, he trained for a few weeks, he looks really sharp. We had space on the flanks and we hoped we could use it to put in good crosses, we have really a few players who are capable, Dimitri, Antonio, Mark, who can bend the ball well, it's hard for defenders. He has done similar against Liverpool, Chelsea, many teams. It was a good decision. "We were also good without Andy, he's amazing when he trains regularly, he's a great trainer, he loves to train, he's not lazy. His problem is not consistency it's little injuries, he's 6'4 and so much kilos, now he's fit we hope he's gonna last like this for years.

On Lanzini and various incidents:
Slav: I decided not to talk about the referee, not because I have to defend some decisions and we are not happy, we should not be happy, I'm not going to talk about it. When I said something for four weeks, I sound ridiculous to myself so I'll leave it to you.

The Euros and West Ham players:
Slav: "It's the second thing I decided not to talk about! I was international manager for six years and Roy is doing a great job, they looked really good against Germany, I like England and I found the game against Germany exciting. I was manager for six years and blah blah blah, I only said my opinion to our players; Noble, Cresswell and Carroll. He has to make you think about him, not many players are capable of doing what he can do; not only goals but holding the ball. It's Roy's decision. "I wouldn't blame them when the cross comes, it's hard against Andy. But we expected to have time and space on their flanks, when the ball comes in, you have to blame your defenders when a striker scores three with headers, but you have to blame all defenders in the league when the ball comes in; against Liverpool, Terry and Cahill, it happened. It's more up to him than down to defenders."

No Sakho?
Slav: "This is the team that I named, it's the best team for today, those players. He had a minor injury."

Top four?
Slav: "This is a blow, we can't wait for the game on Wednesday, we are so confident, we came out of this game very confident, everything is unbelievable, I'm proud to be 2-0 down against a team and be three in no time. They have space, come back like that in no time and second half be better than them, have more chances to be 4-2, I'm proud of everything, we were spectacular. I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed."

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Robbed yet again by wrong decision
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Manuel Lanzini's 14th minute goal should have stood and the linesman got it wrong TV replays have shown. Lanzini netted against Arsenal from a Andy Carroll overhead kick but the referee Craig Pawson backed up his linesman in disallowing the goal.

Veteran referee Howard Webb working for BT Sport agrees the officials got it badly wrong yet again which makes the 14th wrong decision against West Ham this season.

Hammers supporters can rightly feel aggrieved yet again that a major decision has gone against them. With momentum with Arsenal, they scored through an Ozil goal, again a marginal decision whether it was onside or not but the officials gave Arsenal the benefit of the doubt so often denied to West Ham.

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Slav reckons we should have killed Gunners off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Manager Slaven Bilic was happy with almost everything from the Irons – except the point.

And in typical fashion he walked away from a post match interview refusing to talk about Manu Lanzini's disallowed goal saying: "No I won't talk about it in press conferences or my columns because people say 'Oh he's off again.'

He admitted: "No doubt myself and Wenger can criticse our players for the build-ups to some of the goals but let me give my team credit. I was very proud of them.

"To go two down against any team is hard but to come back against one with the ability of Arsenal was brilliant because they could have gone on and made it three or our. We showed spirit, ability and couldn't have got the goals at a better time."

He added: "In the second half they showed they had the ability to create space where there appeared to be none but to be honest we were better and had the chances to kill if off to 4-2."

Of three goal Andy Carroll he said: "He's back and will make life difficult for any defender – be they from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or anyone. He not only scored the goals but linked the play, produced 50 yard diagonal ball. It was brilliant."

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