Daily WHUFC News - 14th February 2016

Norwich City 2-2 West Ham United
WHUFC.com

West Ham United battled back from two goals down to score a dramatic 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at Norwich City.

The Hammers, who have not won a league game at Carrow Road since Bryan 'Pop' Robson scored the only Division One goal in February 1973, looked set to lose in Norfolk again when Irish pair Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan put the hosts ahead after half-time.

However, Slaven Bilic sent on the attacking cavalry and got his reward as substitute Victor Moses played a pivotal role in Dimitri Payet's goal, which dragged West Ham back into it with 16 minutes to go.

Three minutes later, the comeback was complete as Moses started a move that saw fellow replacement Andy Carroll find Payet on the byline. The Frenchman looked up and cut back for Mark Noble to slam high into the net from 18 yards.

Both teams had big chances to snatch all three points in a frantic final period, but had to make do with a deserved share of the spoils in the end.

Much earlier, with both teams employing 4-2-3-1 formations, the first half was an evenly-contested, eventful if goalless affair, with both teams taking turns to enjoy periods in the ascendancy.

Accordingly, each also created a handful of goalscoring opportunities, half-chances and dangerous set piece positions, but neither could find a way past the opposition goalkeeper.

After Norwich had made the brighter start, with returning captain Russell Martin firing high and wide inside 30 seconds, the Hammers took control with their pass-and-move game inside the Canaries half.

Leading the line, Enner Valencia repeatedly attempted to run in behind the Norwich back four, with varying degrees of success.

On eleven minutes, he broke the offside trap onto Mark Noble's pass, only for his touch to let him down as he tried to bear down on John Ruddy's goal.

Seven minutes later, the Ecuador star showed a far firmer control when he collected from Dimitri Payet, took two touches and stung Ruddy's fingertips with a rasping left-foot shot from 20 yards.
Pedro Obiang then slipped as he attempted a long-range effort and that moment appeared to turn the tide of the game.

Norwich went back on the offensive and showed some real poise around the West Ham penalty are, with Wes Hoolahan in particular looking elusive and skilful, but once inside the 18-yard box things fell apart.

On 24 minutes, Hoolahan drew a foul from James Collins – who became the first of three first half bookings – after Adrian had put Michail Antonio under pressure with a quick throw, but Robbie Brady curled the free-kick over the top.

Collins and Steven Naismith both saw weak efforts elude the target as half-time approached and the two managers were able to regroup with the game still level at the break.

The second half was a completely different animal, with chances galore, Norwich racing into a two-goal lead and West Ham staging yet another late comeback to grab the point which takes them to 40 for the season.

Cameron Jerome had already fired wide before Brady opened the scoring ten minutes after the break, robbing Antonio before curling an exquisite shot past Adrian via the underside of the crossbar.

Ten minutes later, the game appeared to be up for Bilic's side as Naismith's shot was deflected into the path of Hoolahan, who calmly placed his shot under the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

In between the goals, the West Ham manager had brought on Carroll and Moses for Valencia and Alex Song, and those substitutions would pay off late on.

As the game went into the final 20 minutes, Antonio saw a low shot saved by Ruddy, but it would not be long before the Hammers found the net.

Moses raced clear from halfway into the Norwich box, appeared to be fouled twice, stayed on his feet and shot low and hard, Ruddy parried and the supporting Payet slid the ball into the unguarded net.

Three minutes later, it was two-all in stunning fashion. Moses found Carroll by the left touchline, and the England striker poked the ball through for Payet to run onto, look up and pick out Noble, who slammed a shot high past Ruddy from the edge of the area.

The final 15 minutes or so of normal and added time were breathless, with West Ham going close three times – twice through substitute Emmanuel Emenike and once through compatriot Moses.

Norwich nearly stole it themselves in the final seconds, but Adrian stood firm to save Nathan Redmond's low shot at the near post.

Seconds later, the final whistle was blown by referee Mike Jones and everyone inside Carrow Road could finally exhale!

Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin ©, Bassong, Klose, Brady, Howson, O'Neil, Redmond, Hoolahan (Dorran 85), Naismith (Olsson 76), Jerome (Mbokani 84)
Subs not used: Rudd (GK), Pinto, Jarvis, Bamford

Goals: Brady 55, Hoolahan 65

Booked: Howson, Naismith

West Ham United: Adrian, Byram, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Song (Moses 62), Noble ©, Obiang, Antonio (Emenike 70), Payet, Valencia (Carroll 62)
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Oxford, Browne, Parfitt-Williams

Goals: Payet 74, Noble 77

Booked: Collins, Obiang

Referee: Mike Jones

Attendance: 27,101 (2,645 West Ham United)

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Bilic content with Carrow Road comeback
WHUFC.com

Slaven gets his point across at Carrow Road

Slaven Bilic hailed the impact made by his substitutes as West Ham United came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at Norwich City.

The Hammers trailed by two goals going into the final 20 minutes, but the introduction of Andy Carroll, Victor Moses and later Emmanuel Emenike almost saw the visitors snatch an unlikely victory at Carrow Road.

Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan had put Norwich into a seemingly unassailable position midway through the second half, but Moses' run set up Dimitri Payet to make it 2-1 with 16 minutes to go. Then both Moses and Carroll were involved in the move which ended with Mark Noble slamming Payet's expert cut-back into the top corner.

Emenike and Moses both went close to nicking it late on, and Bilic was fulsome in his praise for his replacements.

"They made the difference," he enthused. "They made a huge impact and I expected that from them, but the way they made that impact was great and they deserve all the praise."

Speaking in more general terms about a breathless second half in Norfolk, Bilic said he was content with a point following a physically and emotionally draining week.

"It was a game of emotions," said the manager. "You can talk about positives and negatives but when you consider we played for 120 minutes on Tuesday night [to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup] and the fact we were two goals down here in a very short period of time, it was a good draw.

"Their first goal was absolutely our gift to them and their second you could call a bit unlucky because there was a deflection and all that, so then you need team spirit and resilience, but you also need quality to come back.

"The way we played in the last half an hour was brilliant and I want to praise the team. The guys did really well to get a point for us."

Both goals showcased West Ham's spirit, desire and quality in the attacking third, with the players showing determination to get into position before showing the ability to finish those chances off.

The first came following an individual run and shot from Moses, which was finished by Payet following up after John Ruddy had parried the Nigerian's shot. The second came at the end of a decisive passing move that cut Norwich's defence to shreds.

West Ham continued to create chances in the final moments, with Emenike and Moses coming within inches of finding a winner.

"I am expecting them to do it because they have that quality and they showed it," the manager explained. "The first goal was a brilliant move, but that's why he's Victor Moses and that's why he is a West Ham player. I was then expecting a player to be there to finish the loose ball, whether that be Dimi or someone else.

"After that we continued to press them and continued to play and scored the second one and could have won the game.

"It summed it up that the home crowd, the home players and the home bench were unhappy with the five minutes of added time. After we got it back to 2-1, there was only one side on the pitch.

"OK, they had a last-second corner but it was us who were on top and wanted to win the game and didn't want the game to stop."

Bilic and his players will recover and regroup before starting preparations for next Sunday's Emirates FA Cup fifth-round trip to Blackburn Rovers.

In the meantime, the Claret and Blue Army can celebrate reaching 40 points, a place in the top six and the new long-term contract signed last week by talisman Payet.

"With our key players, we have to keep them and give them what they deserve and to be fair I have to praise the Chairmen and the Board for the way they reacted quite quickly," said Bilic.

"It's great because, although he already had a long contract, we wanted to show him we appreciate the way he is playing and want to tie his future to West Ham.

"Basically, we are not only showing by moving stadiums that we are moving forward, but also with the team selection and the squad that we have, so big congratulations to the Chairmen and the Board."

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Noble hails Hammers' resolve
WHUFC.com

Skipper Mark Noble was thrilled to end the week on a positive note after his third Barclays Premier League goal of the season completed a storming West Ham United comeback at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The Hammers were staring down the barrel of a second successive league defeat on their travels when Wes Hoolahan pounced on a ricochet in the box, after Robbie Brady had broken the deadlock with a fine effort via the underside of the bar.

But even after the exertions of 120 minutes against Liverpool on Tuesday, Noble and co found the strength to claw their way back.

Dimitri Payet swept home on the angle after Victor Moses had been denied, and the Frenchman then turned provider for Noble himself, who rifled emphatically into the corner from 18 yards to square the contest.


West Ham's No16 hailed the Hammers' resolve to drag themselves back from the brink and confessed to being disappointed that they hadn't left with all three points in the end.

He told West Ham TV: "Especially after the midweek game, the lads put in everything to get the point, which was so important for us after being 2-0 down.

"Sometimes you've got to hold your hands up and we made a mistake, obviously with Michail, but you can't blame him for that. He's been fantastic for us and Robbie scores a great goal. But the fight, the character and the spirit we had coming back was great.

"We probably should have won it in the end. We were gutted in there that we hadn't won. We scored two really good goals and what a great comeback for the Club, especially after the winning in the 120th minute against Liverpool. To come back from that just finishes the week off on a good note."

As for his all-important goal, Noble revealed that he may well have resisted the temptation to surge forward, after taking a knock to the knee, but wisely thought otherwise when Payet received possession.

"To be honest, I'd just got a kick on the halfway line and the back of my knee was sore.

"The ball obviously went forward and I saw Dimi had a bit of space and time, and I thought get on your bike, because he'll find you. I just kept going, Dimi found me and it just nestled nicely in the top corner."

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A message from Jack Collison
WHUFC.com

Former West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison has announced his retirement from professional football...

It's hard knowing how to start this…

But as of tomorrow when I wake up, I am no longer Jack Collison – the footballer. As of tomorrow, I am officially retired.

I suppose this day has been coming for a while, but the harsh reality of actually admitting it and saying it is very different to just thinking about it. In all honesty it has been on the cards for a while, but I have never been one to give up without a fight, and this fight against injury has truly been a mammoth battle.

I never in a million years dreamt that, at 27 years of age, I would be having to announce my retirement, but then again I never thought I would have played in the Premier League and for my country by the age of 19.

I think every kid grows up dreaming of one day playing in packed stadiums against some of the best players in the world. I suppose the only difference is that I became obsessed with this dream at a young age and eventually accomplished it.

I feel very blessed to have achieved what I did in my short time playing the game. However deep down I feel there will always be a sickening feeling of 'what if'. Potential not quite reached? Maybe.

The fact that I have never been fully fit since my knee injury at the age of 20 may haunt me in later life, but it is something I have grown comfortable enough to live with for the time being.

It certainly wasn't through a lack of effort and trying. I dedicated my life to the game and even more so to my knee. Hours in the gym, sleepless nights, countless operations and thousands of pounds visiting the best physios around the world, all so I could make it out on to the pitch.

I'm happy that I can look myself in the mirror and say I threw my heart and soul into trying to accomplish my dreams.

However the time has finally come to say, enough is enough, and admit my body can no longer cope with the demands of modern day football.

The nights when I wake up in pain, or the mornings when I struggle to walk will be a constant reminder that I was lucky enough to play the game I love. That I put my body on the line time and time again to live out my dreams in front of the world.

I'm not after sympathy or a pat on the back, I just want to share my story and let people know how grateful I am that I had a little taste of it. I know I am one of the lucky ones.

When I look back now, I have many great memories. I can smile and enjoy sharing my experiences. I would be lying if I said I didn't still wake up some mornings feeling good and think 'one more try.' But that would be unfair. On myself, my fellow professionals and even more so my family. I have put them through hell fighting this battle, over the past couple of seasons especially.

I don't want to be remembered for being useless and just picking up my money, I want to bow out with some of my pride intact. I have had plenty of time to mull this over and have not acted hastily in this decision and I must say that Peterborough United have acted with class throughout. They have allowed me to make the easy transition from playing to coaching without any issues and I now intend to repay their faith by helping the next generation make the step from young up and coming player to first team superstar.

My passion for playing is slowly dying out, but my passion for football is burning ever so strong and I intend to stay within the game and make my mark in other areas.

I am currently completing my coaching badges, whilst managing The Posh U18s and I love watching my own Soccer School flourish. I have other interests as well, including a university degree in sports writing and a Miami venture which I am also very excited about. Although football has made me the man I am today it doesn't define me and I am very optimistic about the future.

I suppose the only way to end this is by showing my appreciation to those who have helped me at various stages in my career and helped me realise my dream.

Firstly, thank you to all of the great clubs I have played for. Thank you to my family, my agent and my friends for sticking by me. We have experienced the ultimate highs, and deepest of lows and It's been amazing to have you by my side throughout. A huge thank you to the fans as well, the support I have received has been amazing and I hope I have repaid some of you with some memorable moments on the pitch.

A special thank you must go to my fiancée and my little girl, I know at times it must have been tough living with such an obsessed maniac, but your love and support through it all has kept me going, even on the darkest of days and I intend to make it up to you now.

Lastly I would like to take the time to thank the beautiful game, for football has given me so much. Through the blood, sweat and tears I am forever grateful.

As a kid you gave me a dream, a vision so intense I dedicated my life to you. As an adult you gave me a livelihood, an opportunity and a platform to share my love of the game with the world, And even as a retired player you have still not stopped giving, as I set upon my journey to give back to the game that has given me so much.

So I'm signing off for now. With a tear in my eye, but a huge smile on my face, I sit here optimistic. I'm excited for the next chapter and if it's anything like the last I know it's going to be one hell of a journey

Thanks for being a part of it

JC x

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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Norwich City 2-2 West Ham Utd <http://www.kumb.com/news_archive.php>
Filed: Saturday, 13th February 2016
By: Staff Writer
KUMB.com

Dimitri Payet will take all the plaudits once again after having a hand in both of West Ham's goals at Carrow Road this afternoon.
But the real star of the show for the Hammers was someone who's been at the club just a little longer.

Mark Noble, who celebrates his testimonial at the club next month was a constant throw-in the side of today's opponents, but even he couldn't prevent Norwich opening up a two-goal lead early on in the second half.

Whilst the Hammers had managed to keep their hosts out in a fairly even - yet largely uneventful - first half, two goals within nine minutes after the break put City in a strong position - and one from which they should have seen the game out comfortably.

Robbie Brady put the Canaries ahead when he took advantage of Michail Antonio dilly-dallying with the ball some 30 yards from goal.

The former Hull striker, whose penalty at the KC Stadium last season condemned West Ham to a narrow defeat strode towards goal unchallenged before unleashing a fierce volley that flew into the top corner leaving Adrian no chance.

West Ham were still reeling from falling behind when they conceded a second, nine minutes later. Wes Hoolahan took advantage of more defensive lapses by the Hammers and converted from close range to give Norwich what appeared to be an unassailable lead.

That was until Dimitri Payet, fresh from signing a new bumper contract decided to grab the bull by the horns and turn the game around with just quarter-of-an-hour of the game remaining.

Vic Moses, on as a replacement for an unusually quiet Antonio broke at pace towards Norwich's goal before being challenges by Canaries 'keeper John Ruddy. Fortunately for West Ham the ball broke kindly and Payet was on hand to slot home the loose ball.

Now playing with their tails up for the first time in the game, West Ham began to look a constant threat and they were rewarded just two minutes later. Payet, receiving the ball wide on the left pulled a low centre back for the advancing Noble, who drove the ball into the back of Ruddy's net to make it 2-2.

West Ham's comeback was gleefully accepted by Slaven Bilic, who said: ""We are never happy with a point, we are not buzzing. But when that point comes after being 2-0 down it gives us confidence and satisfaction.

"After Tuesday night when we played 130 minutes, to show that kind of strength, resilience, character and quality makes us happy."

Unsurprisingly Bilic's joy was not shared was Norwich boss Alex Neil, who was distraught at seeing his team let a two-goal lead slip once again.

"We created good opportunities and it was a better performance than we have had recently," he said. "But from 2-0 up at home and with the way the game was going we should have seen it out.

"We will take a lot from the performance - but we are disappointed we let a lead slip."


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Slaven Bilic praises impact of West Ham substitutes in 2-2 draw at Norwich
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 13/02/16 7:12pm
SSN


Having played 120 minutes in the FA Cup midweek, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was happy his side could salvage a 2-2 draw with Norwich

Slaven Bilic praised the impact of his substitutes as West Ham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Norwich.
West Ham found themselves 2-0 down after 65 minutes after goals from Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan, but Bilic, who threw on Victor Moses, Andy Carroll and Emanuel Emenike in the second-half, saw his side hit back through two goals in two second-half minutes from Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble.
While Bilic was disappointed his side could not find a winner, he praised his side's character and declared himself happy with a point.

"We have to praise the character and the spirit of the guys, especially after 120 minutes on Tuesday," Bilic told Sky Sports.
"From when we scored our first goal until their chance with the last kick of the game it was all us.
"When you come from two goals down to 2-2 you are happy but in the end we could have won the game.
"We probably should have won but then again it was a good point for us. My thoughts are positive. We wanted to win the game but to finish like we did, I'm happy."
Moses played an instrumental part in Payet's equaliser, forcing a save from Ruddy which rebounded to the Frenchman.

Carroll and Emenike also caused Norwich's defence problems and the latter could have won it towards the end of the 90 minutes, but missed a couple chances.
"All the guys deserve praise, especially those that came from the bench," Bilic added.
"All three of them made a great impact."
Bilic also singled out Payet, who signed a new five year deal with the club in midweek , for praise as the Frenchman took his tally for goals scored and assisted to 12 in the Premier League.
"He's like that," Bilic said. "He scored a goal and got another assist and he created the few chances we had at the end.
"It's not a surprise to me or for anyone."



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