Sakho strike earns Hammers crucial Old Trafford point
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho's early opener was cancelled out by Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the
Hammers were held by Manchester United in the first of two trips to Old
Trafford in four days on Sunday. In only his second appearance of the
season, the Senegalese headed brilliantly past David De Gea to give the
visitors a second minute lead, but United's Swedish talisman grabbed the
leveller less than 20 minutes later. A string of superb Darren Randolph
saves kept the hosts at bay throughout the second half, and Slaven Bilic's
men collected a crucial Premier League point ahead of Wednesday night's EFL
Cup quarter-final. The perfect start for West Ham was provided by Sakho as
he latched onto Dimitri Payet's perfect set-piece delivery from the right
and, stretching on the dive, planted a header past De Gea. Jose Mourinho's
side then began to take control at Old Trafford, though their first
meaningful effort was comfortably saved by Randolph who was right behind
Juan Mata's tame attempt. But the hosts equalised moments later, when
Zlatan Ibrahimovic sneaked in behind James Collins to flick home Paul
Pogba's inch-perfect cross from deep in the 21st minute. The first half's
moment on controversy involved Pogba shortly after, as manager Jose Mourinho
was sent to the stands following an angry outburst. The Frenchman, falling
after going past Mark Noble, was correctly booked for diving, prompting the
explosive bottle-kicking moment from his boss. With ten minutes remaining in
the first period, Michail Antonio dragged a left-footed attempt just wide
but the 20-time English champions came closest to breaking the deadlock two
minutes later. The superb Darren Randolph was on hand to deny Jesse Lingard
one-on-one with his legs, before then saving low to his left to excellently
keep out the England international for a second time.
The Hammers began the second period better than they had ended the first,
with Sakho glancing Payet's corner just over and the Frenchman then having a
go himself from a free-kick, only to be denied by Spaniard De Gea. Randolph
in goal for Slaven Bilic's side was getting used to denying Lingard by the
74th minute, as he was again behind an effort from the winger, but the
visitors' nerves were really ratted two minutes later. Substitute Henrikh
Mkhitaryan somehow struck the post from close range, and though Lingard was
able to tap home from close range, the linesman's flag cancelled the
celebrations. Randolph next denied Pogba before foiling Ibrahimovic late on
after the forward's back post header seemed destined for the net, and
Cheikhou Kouyate's last-ditch clearance frustrated United further. There was
nearly a fairytale ending to the clash for the Hammers and former Manchester
United forward Ashley Fletcher who, collecting a superb Antonio centre,
fired straight at De Gea. The fixture ended level, however, and the Hammers
picked up a crucial point ahead of Wednesday's cup clash back in the north
west.
Manchester United: De Gea, Jones, Rojo, Pogba, Mata (Mkhitaryan 65),
Ibrahimovic, Lingard (Fellaini 85), Rashford (Rooney 65), Herrera, Valencia,
Darmian.
Subs not used: Romero, Blind, Young, Schweinsteiger.
Goals: Ibrahimovic 21
Bookings: Pogba 28
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate, Collins, Ogbonna, Antonio, Obiang,
Noble, Cresswell, Lanzini (Ayew 74), Payet (Feghouli 90+3), Sakho (Fletcher
65).
Subs not used: Adrian, Zaza, Nordtveit, Fernandes.
Goals: Sakho 2
Bookings: Cresswell 90
Attendance: 75,313
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - It's a great point
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was pleased with his team's performance as West Ham United
earned a point at Manchester United on Sunday evening. The Hammers had to
battle hard to make their point after Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelled out
Diafra Sakho's early opener, with Darren Randolph making a string of saves
to deny Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba.
The second half saw the visitors make more headway in home territory and
Ashley Fletcher was desperately close to winning it late on, but Bilic was
content with the poins. He explained: "It might have been more, okay we had
a great chance, but it is a great point for us. "We have to praise their
players, who showed their quality, but we showed our quality too, especially
in the second half. "In the first half, from the time we scored until they
equalised we lost too many balls. "To be fair, they we better in the first
half, but in the second half we closed the game up on them and I was pleased
with how we played. "We were a bit more attacking [in our mentality] in the
second half, which is not easy to do at Old Trafford. "They try to press
when you have the ball, and if you get out of that press then you have the
space they leave behind. "We were using that better in the second half and
we could have scored, but they had a couple of chances too and it is a
really good point for us."
Randolph more than made his mark on his second start since dislodging Adrian
between the posts and Bilic was full of praise for the Irishman's
performance.
He said: "He deserved his chance. Make no mistake, it's not Adrian's fault
that we're in this position but we felt Randy deserved his chance and he did
really well.
"We limited them in the second half but when we needed to defend in our box
we were brave, we were good and sharp, "And when that was not enough, we had
Randolph, who was great today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Superb stopper Randolph delighted with draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph was delighted as the Hammers picked up a
vital point against Manchester United
The Republic of Ireland international was in terrific form, making a number
of key saves
The stopper also said the squad was pleased to see teammate Diafra Sakho
return to the scoresheet
Hammers stopper Darren Randolph says his performance against Manchester
United in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday was up there with his most
memorable. The Republic of Ireland number one was in scintillating form in
the north west, keeping the visitors in the game on a number of occasions to
help Slaven Bilic's side earn a crucial Premier League point. Randolph twice
denied Jesse Lingard superbly in the opening period before then foiling Red
Devils scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and big-money summer signing Paul Pogba in
the second. And after the Hammers stood strong to pick up the draw, Randolph
admitted the game was one of his best in claret and blue. He said: "It's
certainly up there [with my most memorable] although I'd have liked to be
less busy. When you're having a good day, you're having a good day. "We got
the luck today and the saves obviously counted towards something because we
got a point. "I haven't [got a favourite save] but I'm just happy to have
made the saves that count for something and that we've got a point out the
game. "We're very happy. It was tough and like the Alamo at times, but
that's what it takes when you come to these places."
The Hammers took the lead just two minutes into the fixture, with Diafra
Sakho latching brilliantly onto a Dimitri Payet free-kick to head in his
first goal of the season. And Randolph continued to express how delighted
the whole squad are to see the Senegalese back on the scoresheet. "It's
brilliant [for Sakho]," the goalkeeper said. "He's obviously worked really
hard to get back and you know when he plays he puts in a shift. "Everyone is
delighted for him to get a goal in his second game in six or seven months
and obviously it was a shame to see him go off."
The Hammers will travel back to Old Trafford on Wednesday for an EFL Cup
quarter-final, and Randolph believes the side can take a great deal from
Sunday's stalemate. "We can take a lot of confidence from this," he
continued. "Even with our performance last week. It wasn't good enough for
the whole game but today we were good enough for 95 minutes and we managed
to get a point. "We should take a lot of confidence going into Wednesday's
game. "I can only try and perform and show what I can do when I get the
chance. If I get the nod, I get the nod and if not I would fully back Adrian
and then we'd want to push on again and get ourselves further up the table
and progress in the cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks - United penalty was one of my greatest moments
WHUFC.com
It has been nearly twenty years since Julian Dicks scored one of his
greatest goals for West Ham United – a memorable penalty to earn a draw
against Manchester United at Upton Park. December 8 1996 will always be
remembered as one of the great matches under the lights in east London after
the Hammers came from two goals down to earn a draw against the Premier
League champions. After Florin Raducioiu had pulled a goal back with 12
minutes to go, Michael Hughes was then brought down inside the area and it
was left for Dicks to fire an unstoppable penalty past Peter Schmeichel to
cue wild celebrations around Upton Park.
It was a moment that Dicks will always remember and as the two teams prepare
to meet twice inside the space of four days, the Hammers coaching assistant
will hope to experience a similar feeling at the final whistle.....
I have to be honest and admit the game doesn't feel like 20-years ago as I
keep seeing the penalty and it is amazing how time flies, but I remember it
like it was yesterday. It was a big moment because we had come back from two
goals down and at that stage we thought it was going to be a big defeat.
They had players like Beckham, Cantona, Giggs, who were great players and it
is not easy to play them at the best of times, especially when you are 2-0
down. I remember Ludo was fantastic once again that afternoon and we thought
we were going to get a beating. But Harry brought on Florin and he brought
us back into the game with a great goal. You always have a chance when you
are playing at Upton Park, no matter who you are playing against and the
players sensed that. We then got the penalty after Hughes was taken out by
Schmeichel. Michael probably made more of it but we got the decision our
way. I remember the ball was on the spot and the players were arguing.
Cantona then came over to me and said 'Dicks, small goal.' I managed to
score and remember running past Cantona on the way back and he winked at me.
That was one penalty that I was not going to miss. I will always remember
the celebrations and you feel a lot of emotion when the ball goes in,
because if I had missed it people would have been talking about it for a
long time, so to get a point at that stage was a great achievement for the
boys.
Every goal I scored for West Ham was special, whether it was the penalty or
header I scored against Tottenham, but because it was Manchester United and
they were a fantastic side with fantastic players, it made it even more
special. People talk about the great nights at Upton Park, but for me that
was one of the special nights and one of my best memories. I am not on
Twitter, but my daughter keeps sending me links and I never get bored of
watching it back. I will hope to get another similar result on Sunday and we
all know the importance of the game. We won't go to a bigger stadium and
they still have fantastic players. It is a big time for us to cause an
upset. We didn't lose against Manchester United last season and we took the
game to them. If you go to Old Trafford and get something out of it, it will
be a big bonus for everyone. The training has been really good and with
75,000 people this could be a major turning point in our season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham United
By Saj Chowdhury
BBC Sport
Jose Mourinho was sent off for a second time in a month as his Manchester
United side drew against West Ham at Old Trafford. The Portuguese boss
kicked a water bottle in reaction to referee Jon Moss showing Paul Pogba a
yellow card for diving. Replays showed West Ham's Mark Noble did not make
contact with the France midfielder. Mourinho, sent off by Mark Clattenburg
during last month's 0-0 draw at home to Burnley, got his marching orders
from the official moments later. Moss also dismissed him in October 2015,
when Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea - again during a match against West
Ham. The drama came after two goals were scored in the opening quarter of
the match. West Ham took the lead in the second minute when Diafra Sakho
headed in from Dimitri Payet's free-kick. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was partly at
fault for the goal but made amends in the 21st minute when he nodded in from
Pogba's dinked delivery. The hosts were thwarted on several occasions by
Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph, while Jesse Lingard had the ball in the
net for the home side but it was correctly ruled out for offside.
Mourinho is becoming a familiar figure in the stands after red mist
descended for the second time in a matter of weeks. Earlier this month he
was banned and fined for an incident in the tunnel at half-time during the
match against Burnley, and in a separate case was fined £50,000 for comments
made about referee Anthony Taylor before United's match with Liverpool. Both
incidents came a year after Mourinho served a one-match stadium ban for an
abusive rant at Moss at half-time during a Chelsea Premier League match at
Upton Park. He was also fined £50,000 for saying that referees were afraid
to award Chelsea penalties during their 3-1 defeat by Southampton in October
2015. There were 22 passes leading up to Ibrahimovic's goal - only Eden
Hazard's v Everton has had more passes before it in the Premier League this
season (23). All of Manchester United's players were part of the move. Any
feelings of euphoria that Manchester United had following Thursday's 4-0
Europa League win over Feyenoord will have disappeared after this result.
Mourinho's men are 11 points shy of leaders Chelsea following their fifth
draw in seven league matches. In that period, they have only won one game.
On Sunday, they were thwarted by the brilliance of Randolph. The goalkeeper
- playing only his second league game of the season - twice blocked from
Ibrahimovic and made instinctive saves to deny Marcus Rashford and Lingard.
He also pushed a Henrikh Mkhitaryan shot on to the post - the follow-up was
tapped into the net by the offside Lingard. When Randolph was rounded by
Ibrahimovic after an awful James Collins backpass, Cheikhou Kouyate was on
hand to hook the ball clear of danger.
Man of the match - Darren Randolph (West Ham)
The Republic of Ireland keeper replaced the dropped Adrian last week and,
after this brilliant display at Old Trafford, he is highly likely to keep
his place
'It should be a foul for us'
Manchester United assistant manager Rui Faria speaking to BBC Sport about
Mourinho's sending-off: "The referee explained it to Jose and there is
nothing more to say. I think there was frustration from Jose after the
yellow card for Pogba. It should be a foul for us but the referee understood
it in another way. "I don't take over. I follow the normal procedure. The
boss is Jose all the time and he passes on what is the best for the team and
we just try to make it happen without having him there." On the match: "We
did more than enough to win the game in a comfortable way. "We didn't and
the reality is that we are playing well. The team is doing what we ask. We
create the opportunities but we are not scoring the goals and we are
suffering because we want to win the matches.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "It might have been more but it is a great point
for us, especially as we played well. I have to praise the players, who
showed character, commitment and quality, especially in the second half. "In
the first half, when we scored, we were a little bit afraid because we were
winning at Old Trafford and then until they scored we lost too many balls.
"In the second half, we told the players to go up on them and I was very
pleased with how we played. You can't attack here all the time. "They tried
to press when they lost the ball and if you get out of that, there is a lot
of space. We were using that really well in the second half."
Diafra Sakho's goal is the second quickest Manchester United have conceded
at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
The West Ham forward has scored three times in four Premier League games
against United, and in both games contested at Old Trafford.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in consecutive league games for the first time
since his first two appearances in the competition.
Paul Pogba provided his first assist in the Premier League, in his 15th
appearance.
What's next?
Manchester United face West Ham at Old Trafford again in the EFL Cup
quarter-finals on Wednesday and are back in league action at Everton next
Sunday. After their cup tie, the Hammers will be at home to Arsenal next
Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF ANALYSIS: JONATHAN MOSS
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 27 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 10:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article is written by Sam Royden @SamRoyden
After a sickening last minute defeat away at Spurs last weekend, West Ham
play Manchester United twice in four days in the Premier League and EFL
Quarter Finals respectively away at Old Trafford. It's difficult to
comprehend how West Ham lost the game last weekend after being 2-1 up going
into the final minutes of the game. Nordtveit gave Mike Dean a decision to
make in the 93rd minute when he caught Son inside the penalty box, which
Harry Kane subsequently scored and won the game for Spurs. The referee
appointed for this Gameweek 13 fixture against Man U was Jon Moss.
Well, I think it's difficult for me not to start with the Pogba/Mourinho
incident. Paul Pogba was cautioned for simulation by Jon Moss, there was no
contact made by Mark Noble. Following this decision by Moss, Jose Mourinho
was sent to the stands for aggressively kicking a water bottle. This is a
difficult one for me as I've played football and understand the frustrations
when a decision doesn't go your way, but as a manager you've got to lead by
example. I believe Anthony Taylor, who was the fourth official for this
fixture, highlighted the incident to Moss because the water bottle seemed to
fly into the crowd. This couldn't be confirmed by the TV replays but it's
the act of aggressive behaviour that I feel made Moss's mind up.
West Ham started brilliantly scoring in the first 90 seconds. Moss was right
on the spot to award West Ham a free kick 25 yards outside the Manchester
United box when Lingard caught Dimitri Payet. The free-kick subsequently led
to Diafra Sahko's first goal of the season. Late in the first half there was
a convincing appeal for handball from West Ham after Dimitri Payet's cross
hit Rojo's hand inside the penalty area. In my opinion, there was a case for
a penalty as Rojo's arm was away from his body. The only reason why I think
Moss ignored the appeals was due to Rojo's position and Moss deemed Rojo was
too close to the ball/player to move his outward arm and was ball to hand.
Throughout the second half, Jon Moss was particularly quiet compared to the
first half right up until the 80th minute when three cautions were issued.
There has been a lot of talk this season surrounding dissent towards the
officials. I felt Michail Antonio could have been cautioned for his reaction
after he shoved Matteo Darmian in the back. Antonio was very animated and to
be consistent with this kind of punishment this season, I was surprised a
yellow card wasn't issued.
I have to praise the assistant referee as he brilliantly flagged Jesse
Lingard offside before scoring from close range. The Manchester United
midfielder was in an offside position after Mkhitaryan's initial shot
ricocheted off the post. This was a very good decision by the assistant
referee.
There was a flurry of yellow cards in the final 5 minutes of the game. The
first caution was issued to Manchester United substitute Marouane Fellaini
after very good footwork by Mark Noble meant he was caught just outside the
penalty area. Aaron Cresswell was the only West Ham player cautioned in the
game but this was more than deserved after the West Ham left back very
blatantly caught the back of Mkhitaryan's heels on a promising Manchester
United attack. Antonio Valencia was the final player cautioned within the
game after an obvious handball deep inside the West Ham third. In my
opinion, Jon Moss got all of these yellow cards correct.
Overall, I felt that Jon Moss officiated the game well in parts. In my
opinion, his decision making was accurate and was quick on the mark to make
decisions especially Paul Pogba's dive. I do feel that West Ham should have
had a penalty in the first half; Regardless of your position you cannot have
your arm away from your body. However, I do feel that Moss felt that Rojo
didn't move his arm towards to the ball and it was ball to hand. With our
current performances, I feel a point away at Old Trafford is a good result
and we can build on it. With Fellaini and Pogba suspended for the EFL
Quarter Final on Wednesday, I think Bilic will field a strong team to
hopefully get us into the Semi-Finals.
Thanks,
Sam
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham: Jose Mourinho sent off in another draw
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 27/11/16 8:30pm
SSN
Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands as Manchester United were again
frustrated at home with a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Diafra Sakho gave the
Hammers the lead after just two minutes when he headed in Dimitri Payet's
free-kick. But United responded midway through the first half when Zlatan
Ibrahimovic flicked past Darren Randolph from Paul Pogba's pass over the
top. Pogba was booked for diving shortly afterwards, an incident that
enraged Mourinho and saw him sent from the sidelines for kicking a water
bottle in frustration. It is the second time in the space of a month that
Mourinho has been sent to the stands after his dismissal during the goalless
draw against Burnley. And his mood was unlikely to have improved much as he
watched his side held at home for the fourth successive match in the Premier
League. As in recent games at Old Trafford, United created chances to take
the lead, but they could not find a way past Randolph, who made several key
stops. Ibrahimovic returned from suspension for the hosts while Bastian
Schweinsteiger was named in the squad for the first time this season. With
Winston Reid suspended for West Ham, James Collins started in defence, and
Mark Noble returned to the side. The Hammers made a dream start as, in the
second minute, Payet fizzed a free-kick across goal and Sakho nodded in
ahead of Ibrahimovic. The goal seemed to stun the home fans as well as the
United players, who took a while to respond. Eventually, they started to
take control and Ibrahimovic atoned for losing Sakho for the opening goal
when he headed Pogba's perfectly-weighted pass beyond Randolph. Pogba was
involved in the action again in the 27th minute, receiving a yellow card for
diving. The incident angered Mourinho, who kicked a water bottle into the
air in frustration and was subsequently sent to the stands. But United
finished the half strongly and started to create more chances. Jesse Lingard
volleyed over from close range before Marcus Rashford, whose last goal was
two months ago, failed to beat Randolph after being played through on goal.
Ibrahimovic then headed wide before seeing a shot stopped by a brilliant
block by Angelo Obgonna. Randolph saved well from Lingard late in the half,
but West Ham created chances of their own after the break, with David de Gea
tipping over an audacious long-range free-kick from Payet and Sakho heading
over from a corner. Wayne Rooney, who is one goal short of equalling Sir
Bobby Charlton's scoring record for United, went close after coming off the
bench but his low shot lacked the power to trouble Randolph.
In a frantic finish, both sides created opportunities to take the lead.
Randolph made a sharp stop to turn Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort on to the
post before the Hammers keeper palmed away a shot from Pogba that was
heading for the bottom corner. Collins then played Randolph into trouble
with a backwards header that was short, but Cheikhou Kouyate cleared before
Ibrahimovic could turn into the empty net after his touch took him around
the keeper. Ashley Fletcher, who left United for West Ham in the summer,
almost snatched a winner for the visitors on the counter in the final few
minutes, but was denied by De Gea from close range.
Player ratings
Man Utd: De Gea (6), Valencia (7), Jones (6), Rojo (6), Darmian (6), Herrera
(6), Pogba (6), Lingard (6), Mata (5), Rashford (5), Ibrahimovic (7).
Subs: Rooney (5), Mkhitaryan (5), Fellaini (5).
West Ham: Randolph (8), Kouyate (7), Collins (6), Ogbonna (7), Antonio (6),
Obiang (6), Noble (6), Cresswell (7), Lanzini (5), Payet (7), Sakho (7).
Subs: Feghouli (5), Ayew (5), Fletcher (5).
Man of the match: Darren Randolph.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic pleased with point as West Ham draw at Manchester United
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 27/11/16 8:32pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic was content with a "great point" even though West Ham gave up
an early lead to draw 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday. Diafra Sakho
gave the Hammers the perfect start when he headed in from Dimitri Payet's
free-kick after two minutes at Old Trafford. But Zlatan Ibrahimovic replied
for United midway through the first half and both sides spurned chances to
win the match. "It was a really good game for us, a great point," Hammers
boss Bilic told Sky Sports. "I have to praise the guys for their
performance, they showed character, commitment, team spirit and the quality
you need to get anything when you play at Old Trafford. "They were better in
the first half and I am not happy with the way we reacted after we scored
the goal, as we should have gained confidence from it.
"But in the second half, we were much better, we pressed them high,
exploited the spaces they were leaving behind, and we played some really
good football.
"At the end, we could have won the game, I am really pleased with the
performance and to get a point here is always good."
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph was the man of the match for the Hammers after
making several key stops. And Bilic added: "You can't prevent them not
having a few chances, we limited them in the second half but when we needed
to defend in our box we were really good and sharp and when that was not
enough we had Randolph in goal who was great today." The Hammers also had
penalty appeals turned away late in the first half when Payet's cross hit an
arm at close range.
"For me it was a penalty," said Bilic. "I am not talking about a bad tackle
or yellow card…it was very close but it was a penalty."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini suspended for Manchester United's EFL Cup
clash with West Ham
BYFRANK SMITH
22:36, 27 NOV 2016UPDATED22:36, 27 NOV 2016
The Mirror
Manchester United will be without Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini for their
EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham United on Wednesday due to
suspension.
Pogba received his fifth booking of the season during this afternoon's 1-1
draw with the Hammers after he was adjudged to have dived by referee Jon
Moss.
The incident resulted in Jose Mourinho being sent to the stands for dissent
and comes after the world's most expensive player was booked against
Watford, Chelsea, Manchester City and Burnley earlier this season.
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancels out Diafra
Sakho's header - 5 things we learned Fellaini was only introduced from the
substitutes bench in the 88th minute at Old Trafford but there was still
enough time for the Belgian to be booked for a strong challenge on Mark
Noble. It was also the former Everton midfielder's fifth caution of the
season after he made the referee's notebook against Hull City, Manchester
City, Watford and Liverpool. The two sides will be back at Old Trafford in
three days' time as they look to book their place in January's EFL Cup
semi-final. Today's draw was Manchester United's fourth consecutive
stalemate in the league at Old Trafford - something the club had not done
since 1980 - and meant the Red Devils have endured their worst start to a
season since the 1990/91 campaign after 13 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Neville makes excuse for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United labour to
draw against West Ham
Neville believes the Europa League is to blame for the Red Devils' slump
after a fourth successive home game without a victory
The Mirror
Gary Neville has leaped to the defence of Jose Mourinho after another draw
at Old Trafford by insisting the Europa League is to blame. Manchester
United are 11 points off the pace in the title race and already and eight
points off Arsenal, who sit fourth. That makes it United's worst start to a
season after 13 rounds since 1989, but Neville believes the Red Devil's
Europa League commitment is to blame - despite Southampton winning against
Everton at the same time as United's 1-1 draw against West Ham. Neville
Tweeted: "That EL [Europa League] is a killer!! Always has been and always
will... Twitter please educate me on a team that's excelled in the league
and been in it. "I'm sure there has been a team but seems to hamper most."
Neville was then bombarded with fans accusing him of sour grapes, but the
Sky Sports pundit responded by insisting that there is too much evidence to
merely dismiss it as that. "I think their are too many examples for it to be
an excuse. Every team seems to struggle," Neville added. "I'd like to see a
study of teams in EL and try and measure it." Mourinho is likely to be in
hot water with the authorities once again after being dismissed to the
stands by referee Jon Moss. That is likely to be the least of his worries as
he continues to blunder after assembling the most expensive Premier League
squad in history.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th November 2016
Preview - Man Utd
WHUFC.com
When and where?
Manchester United v West Ham United
Premier League
Sunday 27 November 2016, 4.30pm GMT
Old Trafford
What's the story?
West Ham United begin an Old Trafford double header on Sunday when they
travel to Manchester United for a Premier League match-up.
With an EFL Cup quarter-final to follow just three days later, these teams
will certainly be well acquainted with each other by the end of the week.
Three league points are first on the agenda, though, with both teams in need
of them.
Manchester United have had an up-and-down start to the campaign under new
boss Jose Mourinho, but defeated Feyenoord 4-0 in the UEFA Europa League in
midweek.
Domestically, the Red Devils have taken five points from their last four
games, with draws against Burnley and Arsenal, being complemented by a win
over Swansea City and a loss to Chelsea.
The Hammers suffered the pain of a late defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last
time out, seeing a 2-1 lead turn into a 3-2 deficit in the final moments of
the game.
That left Slaven Bilic's side with 11 points from their opening twelve games
and 17th in the league table, while Manchester United are sixth with 19
points.
Team news
The Hammers are without Winston Reid, who is serving a one-match ban having
been sent off at Tottenham last week.
However, Mark Noble is back after having to sit out at White Hart Lane due
to a ban of his own.
Andy Carroll could return after being out since August with a knee problem.
For Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return after his
domestic one-game suspension, while Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan
could play after impressing against Feyenoord.
Defenders Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are injured.
Any links between the two?
The Hammers' forward Ashley Fletcher will hope for a first senior appearance
at Old Trafford after joining the Club from the Red Devils in the summer.
Manchester United's Michael Carrick came through the Academy ranks at the
Hammers.
Last season, the Hammers and Manchester United faced off four times, with
two draws and a win apiece. Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid
were on target as Bilic's side triumphed 3-2 against the Red Devils in the
final Boleyn Ground match.
How do I get to the game?
Click here for the latest news on the trains and here for information on
road travel.
How can I watch the game?
Sunday's match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can
follow all the action live on whufc.com – with audio commentary, social
media updates, in-running stats, pictures and more. Get involved in the
conversation on social using the hashtag #MNUWHU
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s beaten at home by Reading
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s were beaten 3-0 at home to Reading
It was the Hammers second league defeat in succession
Assistant manager Mark Phillips believes his team will learn and bounce back
West Ham United U18s endured a frustrating afternoon, going down 3-0 at home
to Reading.
The Hammers were aiming to bounce back from their midweek FA Youth Cup exit
at the hands of Stoke City, but were beaten for the first time at home this
season.
Goals from Ben House, Joel Rollinson and Danny Loader helped the Royals on
their way, with the Hammers losing their second league match in succession.
"I think Reading deserved to win today. They had the better chances than us.
I wouldn't say they're a better footballing side than us but they definitely
deserved to win on the day," said assistant manager Mark Phillips.
"It was a similar game to Tuesday (vs Stoke). They (Reading) were a
physical, robust side and we struggled to deal with them.
"This is our worst period of the season without a doubt, but we'll work very
hard on the training ground to put it right."
Reading had the first real chance of an entertaining first half – Teddy Howe
sent a rasping drive crashing against Rihards Matrevics' right hand post.
We'll work very hard on the training ground to put it right
Mark Phillips
The Hammers responded though and a moment of magic from Alfie Lewis almost
paid dividends and he turned in his own half, surged forward and forced the
Reading goalkeeper into a smart save.
However, it was the away side who took the lead – House jinked his way
through the West Ham defence and slotted neatly past Matrevics.
The Royals then doubled their lead around ten minutes later when a deep
free-kick was tapped in at the back post by Rollinson.
The Hammers emerged from the interval with a change of shape, moving to
three at the back and two up top, and it almost paid off as Jahmal
Hector-Ingram fired wide from a tight angle.
However, the Royals added a third with 15 minutes to play and it was a
spectacular strike from Loader – he sent a powerful drive from 25 yards into
the top corner.
The Hammers responded valiantly in the final 10 minutes and could have got
back into the game but both Ben Johnson and Hector-Ingram sent efforts just
wide.
Hammers XI: Matrevics; Johnson, Eggleton, Akinola, Hannam (Longelo, 67);
Coventry, Lewis (Hamilton, 82); Henry, Powell, Scully (Neufville, 46);
Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Forde, Constantinou.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers support Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supports Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport
everyone's game
The Hammers have joined a Britain-wide campaign to show that lesbian, gay,
bi and trans (LGBT) people are welcome at every level of sport.
Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign will see thousands of people, from fans
to players, put on Rainbow Laces on 26 and 27 November to show that sport is
everyone's game and to ensure LGBT people feel welcome and included - while
Mark Noble will wear the rainbow captain's armband at Sunday's game against
Manchester United.
We know most fans welcome and accept LGBT people in sport. However, recent
research shows that half of all fans have heard offensive remarks about
lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the last five years.
We can't let the minority of fans spoil the game and make LGBT fans feel
unwelcome watching or playing football.
By supporting Rainbow Laces we are stepping up to show that offensive
chants, language and behaviour have no place in our game.
Join us and Stonewall to make sport everyone's game.
www.stonewall.org.uk/sport
Alastair Holmes, spokesman from Pride of Irons - the Hammers' official LGBT
supporters' club - said: "We want lesbian and gay football fans to know that
West Ham United are an inclusive club where anyone, regardless of gender,
age, race or sexual orientation can feel welcome and included and enjoy
being part of the West Ham family.
"We're really pleased that the club are demonstrating their commitment, with
the club's crest on the official Twitter feed also showing the rainbow
colours this weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph - We are not afraid of anyone
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph encountered mixed emotions against Tottenham last weekend
but says he is thrilled to be back in the starting line-up and is excited to
be playing against the biggest teams in the top flight.
Randolph has waited patiently for his breakthrough into the first-team, but
finally got his just rewards when he made his first Premier League
appearance of the season during the big London derby against Tottenham last
weekend.
The Republic of Ireland keeper is now hoping to cement his place in the side
and help his team move away from the bottom three with a positive result
against Manchester United on Sunday.
Randolph said: "I was very happy to get back into the team after the
international break and play in a game like that. I was grateful to get my
chance.
"I knew I would have to be patient when I first arrived and was hoping for a
good cup run. It has been a long wait but I just want to enjoy it. I am
excited by the big games coming up.
"Obviously it was not the best result to come back into last weekend and the
players could not believe what happened in the final few minutes.
"It will happen to a number of other teams, but we have to move forward and
look ahead to the big games coming up and try to put things right.
"We are not afraid to play against anyone but we have to do it on a
consistent basis for 90 plus minutes to get the results that we want.
"We have a lot of games in December and it will be tough for a lot of teams,
but hopefully we can capitalise and move towards the top half of the table."
Randolph is no stranger to facing Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his Republic of
Ireland side came up against the prolific forward when they drew 1-1 with
Sweden in the group stages of the European Championship Finals during the
summer.
The 29-year-old is looking forward to facing the former Barcelona and AC
Milan striker once again at Old Trafford and hopes to keep him off the
scoresheet once again.
Randolph added: "I played against him at the Euros and know what he is
capable of.
"I watched videos of him in action leading up to the Ireland game and I will
do the same again in the build-up to the game at Old Trafford.
"We will see what he has in store for us on Sunday but the main thing from
our point of view is making sure we get some points back on the board.
"We need to put some results together and move back up the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham United
SUN, 27 NOV 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:30
Venue: Old Trafford
TEAM NEWS
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return for Manchester United after completing a
one-match domestic suspension.
Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could also start after impressing
against Feyenoord, but Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling remain injured.
West Ham captain Mark Noble is available after serving a ban but defender
Winston Reid misses out because of his red card at Tottenham.
Pedro Obiang is expected to be fit despite an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "I can't be alone in having casually thought that West Ham tend
to do well at Old Trafford, only to be proved wrong when looking back at
results.
"Maybe it's because all three of their only wins there since 1986 were
famous ones, with winning goals scored by famous players - Jermain Defoe,
Carlos Tevez and Paolo Di Canio (with a little help from Fabien Barthez -
taxiiiii!).
"Making a case for them this time got tougher with Manchester United's
impressive win against Feyenoord on Thursday, following another 'one that
got away' performance versus Arsenal last week.
"Everything points to a home win. A famous one? Over to you Wayne Rooney…"
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's display
against Feyenoord: "He just needs now to try to replicate this kind of
performance in the Premier League.
"The Premier League is different. He needs one more step. Obviously now
confidence levels are higher.
"This performance gives him the right to believe that he can play the next
match again and he needs to replicate this kind of performance in the
Premier League, with more physicality, more aggression.
"We know that we were buying a player with a high level of technical
quality, very intelligent, very bright, the way he reads the game."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I speak to the owners, mostly Mr Sullivan,
regularly after every game and in between if something needs talking about.
"I feel supported...I'm not fearful. I feel pressure, of course, because we
are not producing, we're not delivering and we don't have enough points to
feel happy and to feel safe.
"But I see the improvement. Against Spurs I saw a team hungry and alive, the
points were there for us in a difficult away game, so that's what I'm
confident about."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham caved in late on at White Hart Lane last weekend, and they are just
not as good defensively as they were last season.
Manchester United have issues too, especially in attack, but although they
might make hard work of it, I think they will find a way through.
Prediction: 2-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham drew twice away to United last season (0-0 in the league, 1-1 in
the FA Cup), ending a run of eight consecutive defeats at Old Trafford in
all competitions.
The Hammers have won just two of their last 23 league games at Old Trafford
(D1, L20).
The Irons have scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League games at Old Trafford
and never more than once in a single game.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have claimed 19 points from their opening 12 league games.
The only Premier League season in which they made a worse start was 2004-05,
when they had 18 points at this stage.
They have drawn three consecutive home league games for the first time since
a similar sequence between February and April 1992. The last time they drew
four in a row at Old Trafford was between November and December 1980 (a
five-match streak).
United have attempted 203 Premier League shots - 80 more than at this point
last season.
Anthony Martial has scored with all three of his shots on target for
Manchester United against West Ham in all competitions.
Wayne Rooney has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 13 league
and cup appearances against West Ham (11 goals, three assists).
He needs one goal to equal Sir Bobby Charlton as Manchester United's
all-time top scorer with 249 goals in all competitions.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost five of their six top-flight away games this term
(W1). Burnley and Leicester are the only sides with poorer away records.
They used 26 different players in their opening 12 Premier League games, the
joint-highest total in the top flight with Sunderland.
West Ham have received seven Premier League red cards since the start of
last season, more than any other side.
Michail Antonio has equalled the Premier League record for headed goals in a
calendar year (11, shared with Tim Cahill in 2010). His last six top-flight
goals have come with his head.
Dimitri Payet has created a league-high 43 goalscoring chances this season
in the Premier League, but only four of these chances have been converted by
the Hammers.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 24%
Probability of home win: 58% Probability of away win: 18%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham preview: Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return from ban
Last Updated: 26/11/16 11:56pm
SSN
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return from his ban when Manchester United host
struggling West Ham on Sunday. The 35-year-old missed the 1-1 draw with
Arsenal having been booked five times but played in the Red Devils' 4-0
Europa League win against Feyenoord on Thursday, while the likes of Henrikh
Mkhitaryan and Wayne Rooney may have impressed Jose Mourinho enough to keep
their starting roles. West Ham's struggles have been well documented this
season and are currently 17th in the Premier League table after a 3-2 loss
to Tottenham. However, a win could send them as high as 11th. The Hammers'
last away win came against Crystal Palace on October 15.
Team news
Mourinho, who is expected to recall goalkeeper David de Gea but remains
without Eric Bailly (knee) and Chris Smalling (toe), must determine whether
Michael Carrick can make a third start in nine days.
West Ham captain Mark Noble returns from suspension but defender Winston
Reid serves a one-match ban. Midfielder Pedro Obiang is expected to be
available despite missing training earlier this week due to an ankle injury.
Long-term absentee Andy Carroll has resumed training after his ankle injury
but Reece Oxford, Sam Byram, Gokhan Tore and Arthur Masuaku are still
sidelined.
Opta stats
West Ham's Ashley Fletcher speaks to Sky Sports about his new life in London
and leaving Man Utd
Manchester United have lost just two of their last 23 league games against
West Ham at Old Trafford, winning 20 (D1).
West Ham haven't won at Old Trafford since their 1-0 victory in May 2007, in
which Carlos Tevez found the net to help the Hammers avoid relegation.
They've lost eight of their 10 meetings in all competitions since there.
Mourinho has won seven of his previous nine Premier League matches against
West Ham (D1 L1), losing 1-2 at Upton Park to Slaven Bilic's Hammers.
In each of his five full Premier League seasons as a manager, Mourinho's
league placing after 12 games has been his final league placing that season.
Manchester United are currently sixth in 2016-17 after 12 games.
Anthony Martial has scored with all three of his shots on target for
Manchester United against West Ham in all competitions.
Rooney has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 13 appearances
against West Ham in all competitions (11 goals, three assists), but hasn't
scored or assisted in his last three.
Michail Antonio equalled the Premier League record for headed goals in a
calendar year in his last appearance (11, joint with Tim Cahill in 2010).
Antonio's last six Premier League goals have all been headers, but he's
still some way off the Premier League record of consecutive headed goals set
by David Wetherall (12 in a row).
Dimitri Payet has created a league-high 43 goalscoring chances this season
in the Premier League, but only four of these chances have been converted by
the Hammers.
Manchester United have attempted 203 shots in total this season in the
Premier League. After 12 league games last season, United had attempted 80
shots fewer (123).
Merson's prediction
Well, Manchester United have to win this and I thought they played well last
week against Arsenal - in fact, they should have won.
West Ham were 2-1 up with a minute to go against Tottenham, but still
managed to go and get beaten 3-2. Along with where they are in the league,
I'm going for United to win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)
Betting
Mourinho's Man United are 4/9 favourites at home to West Ham, with the
Hammers 11/2 to leave Old Trafford with all three points.
The draw is an 18/5 chance, with 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 priced at 9/2 in the
correct score group betting.
Ibrahimovic is the 100/30 market leader to score first, with Diafra Sakho
considered most likely for the visitors at 9/1.
Set-piece specialist Payet is 11/1 to score the opener and 3/1 to hit the
back of the net any time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham players are behind Slaven Bilic, insists goalkeeper Darren Randolph
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 26/11/16 11:04pm
SSN
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph insists he and his team-mates are
completely behind under-pressure manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers, who
finished seventh last season, are struggling in 17th place in the Premier
League after 12 games, and above the drop-zone on goal-difference alone.
Bilic's side face a tough run of fixtures that begins at Manchester United
on Sunday before hosting Arsenal next week and then a trip to Anfield to
face Liverpool. But Randolph said: "We are 100 per cent behind him. There
were no problems last year when we were winning games and we're not going to
turn our backs on him now. "Last season the confidence was massive and that
definitely got us through. The manager has always said not to let that
little bit of doubt creep in and don't lose confidence. "We are no lesser
team than we were last year. We are still the same set of players in the
main. We are all together and there is no issue here with the manager."
Bilic has dropped regular keeper Adrian following some costly blunders and
finally handed Republic of Ireland international Randolph, who joined the
Hammers from Birmingham in May 2015, the chance to prove himself. "I knew
when I came how it was going to be," Randolph said. "I obviously backed
myself for the challenge. I could have stayed in the Championship, but I
wanted to challenge myself. "I knew I would have to be patient when I first
arrived. It's been a long wait but now I'm just going to enjoy it. I am
delighted to get the opportunity and to be playing in the games that we have
coming up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll could make shock return at Manchester United, West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic says
Last Updated: 25/11/16 10:35pm
SSN
Andy Carroll could feature against Manchester United this weekend after just
three days' training, says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.
The England striker has spent the last three months recovering from a knee
injury and was only able to resume full training this week.
However, Bilic has not ruled out including Carroll in his squad for Old
Trafford on Sunday as he aims to improve a record of 13 goals in 12 league
games.
"He's been training with us for three days," said Bilic. "He came back after
a long injury and he's very close.
"He could be in the squad. We're going to see, because we are not talking
about two weeks of training. It has been this week, so we'll see."
A run of six goals in five league games in the spring was a reminder of the
menace Carroll possesses, but he has missed 83 games since making a £15m
move from Liverpool in 2013.
"Last year, before he got injured, when he was fit he makes an impact on a
game, no matter who you play against," Bilic added.
"It's very hard to play against him. The things he is giving us are great.
But we've been talking about this since I came to West Ham.
"It's a shame because you don't see it coming, only when you look at his
record on paper. You don't see in training and in games that he has got
problems, but unfortunately it has happened a few times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in the market for highly-rated Wolverhampton Wanderers defender
Dominic Iorfa
Wolves expect a fee in the region of £5 million for the versatile youngster
from Essex
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:51, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED22:56, 26 NOV 2016
The Mirror
Wolves are set to unload their highly rated defender Dominic Iorfa to West
Ham during the January transfer window. The Midlands club want £5 million
for the versatile youngster with further add-ones based on appearances and
international recognition and Slaven Bilic is keen to complete the deal.
Essex-born Iorfa wants a move to the Premier League and, although there has
been other interest from Southampton and Crystal Palace, the Hammers would
be his preferred destination.
The England Under-21 regular has played at full back and in the centre of
defence for Wolves this season and has been one of the few success stories
at the struggling Molineux club. Dominic Iorfa of England U21 holds off
Jean-Kevin Augustin of France U21 during the U21 international friendly
match between France and England at Stade Robert Bobin on November 14, 2016
in Paris, France. New boss Paul Lambert plans to embark on a wholesale
overhaul of his large squad with many of the 13 players recruited during the
summer after the takeover by the Chinese Fosun Group. Lambert has recognised
that his squad is not just too big but also imbalanced and he would like to
bring in more players with Championship experience to replace the foreign
contingent brought in by super-agent Jorge Mendes. The sale of Iorfa would
generate the funds to help him reshape his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United aiming to prize Dimitri Payet away from West Ham with mega
bid for France international
Jose Mourinho is looking to add pace and width to his side and is also
targeting Atletico's Yannick Carrasco as he steps up his OId Trafford
revolution
3285
SHARES
5
COMMENTS
BYJOHN RICHARDSON
22:30, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED20:39, 26 NOV 2016
The Mirror
Manchester United are targeting a move for West Ham star Dimitri Payet. Old
Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the France winger and has made a
wide player a priority as he attempts to mould his side into Premier League
title contenders. Payet only signed a new £125,000-a-week five-year contract
in February with the Hammers who would want at least £35million for the
29-year-old. West Ham will resist any bids during the January transfer
window but could be vulnerable to renewed offers in the summer. Mourinho is
desperate to add pace and width to his team and has also upped his scouting
on Atletico Madrid's Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco. Payet was outstanding
for the east Londoners last season, winning the club's player of the season
award, then went on to star in France's European Championship finals side.
But West Ham have become increasingly worried that Payet's subdued form this
campaign is because he has been distracted by a potential move away. And his
struggles this time around have coincided with the Hammers hovering around
the relegation zone. After giving him a lucrative deal, the Hammers are now
looking for payback as they look to move up the table in their first season
at their new home, The London Stadium. One player who could be on his way
into the London Stadium is Sunderland defender Lamine Kone. Hammers chiefs
are lining up a move for the Ivory Coast star who will cost around £ 15m.
Slaven Bilic is desperate to bolster the defence of his team who have gone
from the top-six contenders last season to the bottom half of the table.
Kone has been on Bilic's wanted list for some time and the Croatian will
sanction a move even though the centre-half could be at the Africa Cup of
Nations early in the new year for up to a month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must rediscover their swagger ahead of a GRUELLING fixture run,
says Darren Randolph
The Hammers face off against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in
their next three Premier League games
SHARE
COMMENTS
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED21:04, 26 NOV 2016
SPORT
The Mirror
Darren Randolph has stressed the importance of West Ham re-discovering the
confidence of last season as the club face three testing Premier League
matches in the next fortnight.
A year ago, the Hammers harboured ambitions of reaching the top six. These
days they are battling to stay out of the bottom three.
They have just eleven points from their twelve matches – and this afternoon
they face Manchester United at Old Trafford, followed by clashes with
title-chasers Arsenal at home and then Liverpool at Anfield.
But Republic of Ireland international Randolph revealed that manager Slaven
Bilic has urged the players to re-kindle the swagger and assurance of last
season.
Randolph has edged ahead of Spaniard Adrian to become the West Ham first
choice goalkeeper and he said: "When results were going our way last year we
were laughing and joking, even in training. Then we were going into the
games at the weekend and winning.
"The confidence was massive and that definitely got us through – and there
were probably some performances that shocked everybody.
"The manager has always said not to let that little bit of doubt creep in.
Not to lose confidence. He said we are no lesser team than we were last
year. We are still the same set of players in the main. We have shown in
patches this season how good we can be."
And Randolph pointed to the experiences of Chelsea last season to illustrate
his case. They started as defending champions and finished in mid-table.
"There is frustration here," said Randolph. "You look round the dressing
room, see the squad we have and we shouldn't be where we are. But it happens
every season to a team. Look at Chelsea last season.
"It is not easy to recognise what it is or that it is easy to fix. It is
hard to put your finger on exactly what has gone wrong. Maybe we had new
players last year and nobody knew about them. But this season they are aware
of those players."
A disappointing sequence of results invariably generates speculation about
the future of the manager. Bilic has not escaped – but Randolph made it
clear the Croat has the backing of the players.
"We are 100 per cent behind him," insisted Randolph. "There were no problems
last year when we were winning games and we are not going to turn our backs
on him now. We are all together and there is no issue here with the
manager."
Randolph will be the last line of a defence that will attempt to frustrate
Wayne Rooney in his attempt to become the record goalscorer at United.
He is currently on 248 – one behind Sir Bobby Charlton. And if Rooney scores
today? "To be honest, I don't care," said Randolph. "He has been around for
I don't know how long and scored so many goals.
"I don't care who scores as long as we win. He can shoot as long as he
wants. It doesn't matter to me as long as we win.
"We know it is going to be a tough game with the players they have but they
need a good result in the league as much as we do. They are expected to be
up there at the top and there is a lot of pressure on them as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
When and where?
Manchester United v West Ham United
Premier League
Sunday 27 November 2016, 4.30pm GMT
Old Trafford
What's the story?
West Ham United begin an Old Trafford double header on Sunday when they
travel to Manchester United for a Premier League match-up.
With an EFL Cup quarter-final to follow just three days later, these teams
will certainly be well acquainted with each other by the end of the week.
Three league points are first on the agenda, though, with both teams in need
of them.
Manchester United have had an up-and-down start to the campaign under new
boss Jose Mourinho, but defeated Feyenoord 4-0 in the UEFA Europa League in
midweek.
Domestically, the Red Devils have taken five points from their last four
games, with draws against Burnley and Arsenal, being complemented by a win
over Swansea City and a loss to Chelsea.
The Hammers suffered the pain of a late defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last
time out, seeing a 2-1 lead turn into a 3-2 deficit in the final moments of
the game.
That left Slaven Bilic's side with 11 points from their opening twelve games
and 17th in the league table, while Manchester United are sixth with 19
points.
Team news
The Hammers are without Winston Reid, who is serving a one-match ban having
been sent off at Tottenham last week.
However, Mark Noble is back after having to sit out at White Hart Lane due
to a ban of his own.
Andy Carroll could return after being out since August with a knee problem.
For Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return after his
domestic one-game suspension, while Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan
could play after impressing against Feyenoord.
Defenders Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are injured.
Any links between the two?
The Hammers' forward Ashley Fletcher will hope for a first senior appearance
at Old Trafford after joining the Club from the Red Devils in the summer.
Manchester United's Michael Carrick came through the Academy ranks at the
Hammers.
Last season, the Hammers and Manchester United faced off four times, with
two draws and a win apiece. Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid
were on target as Bilic's side triumphed 3-2 against the Red Devils in the
final Boleyn Ground match.
How do I get to the game?
Click here for the latest news on the trains and here for information on
road travel.
How can I watch the game?
Sunday's match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can
follow all the action live on whufc.com – with audio commentary, social
media updates, in-running stats, pictures and more. Get involved in the
conversation on social using the hashtag #MNUWHU
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s beaten at home by Reading
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s were beaten 3-0 at home to Reading
It was the Hammers second league defeat in succession
Assistant manager Mark Phillips believes his team will learn and bounce back
West Ham United U18s endured a frustrating afternoon, going down 3-0 at home
to Reading.
The Hammers were aiming to bounce back from their midweek FA Youth Cup exit
at the hands of Stoke City, but were beaten for the first time at home this
season.
Goals from Ben House, Joel Rollinson and Danny Loader helped the Royals on
their way, with the Hammers losing their second league match in succession.
"I think Reading deserved to win today. They had the better chances than us.
I wouldn't say they're a better footballing side than us but they definitely
deserved to win on the day," said assistant manager Mark Phillips.
"It was a similar game to Tuesday (vs Stoke). They (Reading) were a
physical, robust side and we struggled to deal with them.
"This is our worst period of the season without a doubt, but we'll work very
hard on the training ground to put it right."
Reading had the first real chance of an entertaining first half – Teddy Howe
sent a rasping drive crashing against Rihards Matrevics' right hand post.
We'll work very hard on the training ground to put it right
Mark Phillips
The Hammers responded though and a moment of magic from Alfie Lewis almost
paid dividends and he turned in his own half, surged forward and forced the
Reading goalkeeper into a smart save.
However, it was the away side who took the lead – House jinked his way
through the West Ham defence and slotted neatly past Matrevics.
The Royals then doubled their lead around ten minutes later when a deep
free-kick was tapped in at the back post by Rollinson.
The Hammers emerged from the interval with a change of shape, moving to
three at the back and two up top, and it almost paid off as Jahmal
Hector-Ingram fired wide from a tight angle.
However, the Royals added a third with 15 minutes to play and it was a
spectacular strike from Loader – he sent a powerful drive from 25 yards into
the top corner.
The Hammers responded valiantly in the final 10 minutes and could have got
back into the game but both Ben Johnson and Hector-Ingram sent efforts just
wide.
Hammers XI: Matrevics; Johnson, Eggleton, Akinola, Hannam (Longelo, 67);
Coventry, Lewis (Hamilton, 82); Henry, Powell, Scully (Neufville, 46);
Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Forde, Constantinou.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers support Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supports Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport
everyone's game
The Hammers have joined a Britain-wide campaign to show that lesbian, gay,
bi and trans (LGBT) people are welcome at every level of sport.
Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign will see thousands of people, from fans
to players, put on Rainbow Laces on 26 and 27 November to show that sport is
everyone's game and to ensure LGBT people feel welcome and included - while
Mark Noble will wear the rainbow captain's armband at Sunday's game against
Manchester United.
We know most fans welcome and accept LGBT people in sport. However, recent
research shows that half of all fans have heard offensive remarks about
lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the last five years.
We can't let the minority of fans spoil the game and make LGBT fans feel
unwelcome watching or playing football.
By supporting Rainbow Laces we are stepping up to show that offensive
chants, language and behaviour have no place in our game.
Join us and Stonewall to make sport everyone's game.
www.stonewall.org.uk/sport
Alastair Holmes, spokesman from Pride of Irons - the Hammers' official LGBT
supporters' club - said: "We want lesbian and gay football fans to know that
West Ham United are an inclusive club where anyone, regardless of gender,
age, race or sexual orientation can feel welcome and included and enjoy
being part of the West Ham family.
"We're really pleased that the club are demonstrating their commitment, with
the club's crest on the official Twitter feed also showing the rainbow
colours this weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph - We are not afraid of anyone
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph encountered mixed emotions against Tottenham last weekend
but says he is thrilled to be back in the starting line-up and is excited to
be playing against the biggest teams in the top flight.
Randolph has waited patiently for his breakthrough into the first-team, but
finally got his just rewards when he made his first Premier League
appearance of the season during the big London derby against Tottenham last
weekend.
The Republic of Ireland keeper is now hoping to cement his place in the side
and help his team move away from the bottom three with a positive result
against Manchester United on Sunday.
Randolph said: "I was very happy to get back into the team after the
international break and play in a game like that. I was grateful to get my
chance.
"I knew I would have to be patient when I first arrived and was hoping for a
good cup run. It has been a long wait but I just want to enjoy it. I am
excited by the big games coming up.
"Obviously it was not the best result to come back into last weekend and the
players could not believe what happened in the final few minutes.
"It will happen to a number of other teams, but we have to move forward and
look ahead to the big games coming up and try to put things right.
"We are not afraid to play against anyone but we have to do it on a
consistent basis for 90 plus minutes to get the results that we want.
"We have a lot of games in December and it will be tough for a lot of teams,
but hopefully we can capitalise and move towards the top half of the table."
Randolph is no stranger to facing Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his Republic of
Ireland side came up against the prolific forward when they drew 1-1 with
Sweden in the group stages of the European Championship Finals during the
summer.
The 29-year-old is looking forward to facing the former Barcelona and AC
Milan striker once again at Old Trafford and hopes to keep him off the
scoresheet once again.
Randolph added: "I played against him at the Euros and know what he is
capable of.
"I watched videos of him in action leading up to the Ireland game and I will
do the same again in the build-up to the game at Old Trafford.
"We will see what he has in store for us on Sunday but the main thing from
our point of view is making sure we get some points back on the board.
"We need to put some results together and move back up the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham United
SUN, 27 NOV 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:30
Venue: Old Trafford
TEAM NEWS
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return for Manchester United after completing a
one-match domestic suspension.
Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could also start after impressing
against Feyenoord, but Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling remain injured.
West Ham captain Mark Noble is available after serving a ban but defender
Winston Reid misses out because of his red card at Tottenham.
Pedro Obiang is expected to be fit despite an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "I can't be alone in having casually thought that West Ham tend
to do well at Old Trafford, only to be proved wrong when looking back at
results.
"Maybe it's because all three of their only wins there since 1986 were
famous ones, with winning goals scored by famous players - Jermain Defoe,
Carlos Tevez and Paolo Di Canio (with a little help from Fabien Barthez -
taxiiiii!).
"Making a case for them this time got tougher with Manchester United's
impressive win against Feyenoord on Thursday, following another 'one that
got away' performance versus Arsenal last week.
"Everything points to a home win. A famous one? Over to you Wayne Rooney…"
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's display
against Feyenoord: "He just needs now to try to replicate this kind of
performance in the Premier League.
"The Premier League is different. He needs one more step. Obviously now
confidence levels are higher.
"This performance gives him the right to believe that he can play the next
match again and he needs to replicate this kind of performance in the
Premier League, with more physicality, more aggression.
"We know that we were buying a player with a high level of technical
quality, very intelligent, very bright, the way he reads the game."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I speak to the owners, mostly Mr Sullivan,
regularly after every game and in between if something needs talking about.
"I feel supported...I'm not fearful. I feel pressure, of course, because we
are not producing, we're not delivering and we don't have enough points to
feel happy and to feel safe.
"But I see the improvement. Against Spurs I saw a team hungry and alive, the
points were there for us in a difficult away game, so that's what I'm
confident about."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham caved in late on at White Hart Lane last weekend, and they are just
not as good defensively as they were last season.
Manchester United have issues too, especially in attack, but although they
might make hard work of it, I think they will find a way through.
Prediction: 2-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham drew twice away to United last season (0-0 in the league, 1-1 in
the FA Cup), ending a run of eight consecutive defeats at Old Trafford in
all competitions.
The Hammers have won just two of their last 23 league games at Old Trafford
(D1, L20).
The Irons have scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League games at Old Trafford
and never more than once in a single game.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have claimed 19 points from their opening 12 league games.
The only Premier League season in which they made a worse start was 2004-05,
when they had 18 points at this stage.
They have drawn three consecutive home league games for the first time since
a similar sequence between February and April 1992. The last time they drew
four in a row at Old Trafford was between November and December 1980 (a
five-match streak).
United have attempted 203 Premier League shots - 80 more than at this point
last season.
Anthony Martial has scored with all three of his shots on target for
Manchester United against West Ham in all competitions.
Wayne Rooney has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 13 league
and cup appearances against West Ham (11 goals, three assists).
He needs one goal to equal Sir Bobby Charlton as Manchester United's
all-time top scorer with 249 goals in all competitions.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost five of their six top-flight away games this term
(W1). Burnley and Leicester are the only sides with poorer away records.
They used 26 different players in their opening 12 Premier League games, the
joint-highest total in the top flight with Sunderland.
West Ham have received seven Premier League red cards since the start of
last season, more than any other side.
Michail Antonio has equalled the Premier League record for headed goals in a
calendar year (11, shared with Tim Cahill in 2010). His last six top-flight
goals have come with his head.
Dimitri Payet has created a league-high 43 goalscoring chances this season
in the Premier League, but only four of these chances have been converted by
the Hammers.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 24%
Probability of home win: 58% Probability of away win: 18%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham preview: Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return from ban
Last Updated: 26/11/16 11:56pm
SSN
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to return from his ban when Manchester United host
struggling West Ham on Sunday. The 35-year-old missed the 1-1 draw with
Arsenal having been booked five times but played in the Red Devils' 4-0
Europa League win against Feyenoord on Thursday, while the likes of Henrikh
Mkhitaryan and Wayne Rooney may have impressed Jose Mourinho enough to keep
their starting roles. West Ham's struggles have been well documented this
season and are currently 17th in the Premier League table after a 3-2 loss
to Tottenham. However, a win could send them as high as 11th. The Hammers'
last away win came against Crystal Palace on October 15.
Team news
Mourinho, who is expected to recall goalkeeper David de Gea but remains
without Eric Bailly (knee) and Chris Smalling (toe), must determine whether
Michael Carrick can make a third start in nine days.
West Ham captain Mark Noble returns from suspension but defender Winston
Reid serves a one-match ban. Midfielder Pedro Obiang is expected to be
available despite missing training earlier this week due to an ankle injury.
Long-term absentee Andy Carroll has resumed training after his ankle injury
but Reece Oxford, Sam Byram, Gokhan Tore and Arthur Masuaku are still
sidelined.
Opta stats
West Ham's Ashley Fletcher speaks to Sky Sports about his new life in London
and leaving Man Utd
Manchester United have lost just two of their last 23 league games against
West Ham at Old Trafford, winning 20 (D1).
West Ham haven't won at Old Trafford since their 1-0 victory in May 2007, in
which Carlos Tevez found the net to help the Hammers avoid relegation.
They've lost eight of their 10 meetings in all competitions since there.
Mourinho has won seven of his previous nine Premier League matches against
West Ham (D1 L1), losing 1-2 at Upton Park to Slaven Bilic's Hammers.
In each of his five full Premier League seasons as a manager, Mourinho's
league placing after 12 games has been his final league placing that season.
Manchester United are currently sixth in 2016-17 after 12 games.
Anthony Martial has scored with all three of his shots on target for
Manchester United against West Ham in all competitions.
Rooney has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 13 appearances
against West Ham in all competitions (11 goals, three assists), but hasn't
scored or assisted in his last three.
Michail Antonio equalled the Premier League record for headed goals in a
calendar year in his last appearance (11, joint with Tim Cahill in 2010).
Antonio's last six Premier League goals have all been headers, but he's
still some way off the Premier League record of consecutive headed goals set
by David Wetherall (12 in a row).
Dimitri Payet has created a league-high 43 goalscoring chances this season
in the Premier League, but only four of these chances have been converted by
the Hammers.
Manchester United have attempted 203 shots in total this season in the
Premier League. After 12 league games last season, United had attempted 80
shots fewer (123).
Merson's prediction
Well, Manchester United have to win this and I thought they played well last
week against Arsenal - in fact, they should have won.
West Ham were 2-1 up with a minute to go against Tottenham, but still
managed to go and get beaten 3-2. Along with where they are in the league,
I'm going for United to win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)
Betting
Mourinho's Man United are 4/9 favourites at home to West Ham, with the
Hammers 11/2 to leave Old Trafford with all three points.
The draw is an 18/5 chance, with 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 priced at 9/2 in the
correct score group betting.
Ibrahimovic is the 100/30 market leader to score first, with Diafra Sakho
considered most likely for the visitors at 9/1.
Set-piece specialist Payet is 11/1 to score the opener and 3/1 to hit the
back of the net any time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham players are behind Slaven Bilic, insists goalkeeper Darren Randolph
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 26/11/16 11:04pm
SSN
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph insists he and his team-mates are
completely behind under-pressure manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers, who
finished seventh last season, are struggling in 17th place in the Premier
League after 12 games, and above the drop-zone on goal-difference alone.
Bilic's side face a tough run of fixtures that begins at Manchester United
on Sunday before hosting Arsenal next week and then a trip to Anfield to
face Liverpool. But Randolph said: "We are 100 per cent behind him. There
were no problems last year when we were winning games and we're not going to
turn our backs on him now. "Last season the confidence was massive and that
definitely got us through. The manager has always said not to let that
little bit of doubt creep in and don't lose confidence. "We are no lesser
team than we were last year. We are still the same set of players in the
main. We are all together and there is no issue here with the manager."
Bilic has dropped regular keeper Adrian following some costly blunders and
finally handed Republic of Ireland international Randolph, who joined the
Hammers from Birmingham in May 2015, the chance to prove himself. "I knew
when I came how it was going to be," Randolph said. "I obviously backed
myself for the challenge. I could have stayed in the Championship, but I
wanted to challenge myself. "I knew I would have to be patient when I first
arrived. It's been a long wait but now I'm just going to enjoy it. I am
delighted to get the opportunity and to be playing in the games that we have
coming up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll could make shock return at Manchester United, West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic says
Last Updated: 25/11/16 10:35pm
SSN
Andy Carroll could feature against Manchester United this weekend after just
three days' training, says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.
The England striker has spent the last three months recovering from a knee
injury and was only able to resume full training this week.
However, Bilic has not ruled out including Carroll in his squad for Old
Trafford on Sunday as he aims to improve a record of 13 goals in 12 league
games.
"He's been training with us for three days," said Bilic. "He came back after
a long injury and he's very close.
"He could be in the squad. We're going to see, because we are not talking
about two weeks of training. It has been this week, so we'll see."
A run of six goals in five league games in the spring was a reminder of the
menace Carroll possesses, but he has missed 83 games since making a £15m
move from Liverpool in 2013.
"Last year, before he got injured, when he was fit he makes an impact on a
game, no matter who you play against," Bilic added.
"It's very hard to play against him. The things he is giving us are great.
But we've been talking about this since I came to West Ham.
"It's a shame because you don't see it coming, only when you look at his
record on paper. You don't see in training and in games that he has got
problems, but unfortunately it has happened a few times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in the market for highly-rated Wolverhampton Wanderers defender
Dominic Iorfa
Wolves expect a fee in the region of £5 million for the versatile youngster
from Essex
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:51, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED22:56, 26 NOV 2016
The Mirror
Wolves are set to unload their highly rated defender Dominic Iorfa to West
Ham during the January transfer window. The Midlands club want £5 million
for the versatile youngster with further add-ones based on appearances and
international recognition and Slaven Bilic is keen to complete the deal.
Essex-born Iorfa wants a move to the Premier League and, although there has
been other interest from Southampton and Crystal Palace, the Hammers would
be his preferred destination.
The England Under-21 regular has played at full back and in the centre of
defence for Wolves this season and has been one of the few success stories
at the struggling Molineux club. Dominic Iorfa of England U21 holds off
Jean-Kevin Augustin of France U21 during the U21 international friendly
match between France and England at Stade Robert Bobin on November 14, 2016
in Paris, France. New boss Paul Lambert plans to embark on a wholesale
overhaul of his large squad with many of the 13 players recruited during the
summer after the takeover by the Chinese Fosun Group. Lambert has recognised
that his squad is not just too big but also imbalanced and he would like to
bring in more players with Championship experience to replace the foreign
contingent brought in by super-agent Jorge Mendes. The sale of Iorfa would
generate the funds to help him reshape his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United aiming to prize Dimitri Payet away from West Ham with mega
bid for France international
Jose Mourinho is looking to add pace and width to his side and is also
targeting Atletico's Yannick Carrasco as he steps up his OId Trafford
revolution
3285
SHARES
5
COMMENTS
BYJOHN RICHARDSON
22:30, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED20:39, 26 NOV 2016
The Mirror
Manchester United are targeting a move for West Ham star Dimitri Payet. Old
Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the France winger and has made a
wide player a priority as he attempts to mould his side into Premier League
title contenders. Payet only signed a new £125,000-a-week five-year contract
in February with the Hammers who would want at least £35million for the
29-year-old. West Ham will resist any bids during the January transfer
window but could be vulnerable to renewed offers in the summer. Mourinho is
desperate to add pace and width to his team and has also upped his scouting
on Atletico Madrid's Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco. Payet was outstanding
for the east Londoners last season, winning the club's player of the season
award, then went on to star in France's European Championship finals side.
But West Ham have become increasingly worried that Payet's subdued form this
campaign is because he has been distracted by a potential move away. And his
struggles this time around have coincided with the Hammers hovering around
the relegation zone. After giving him a lucrative deal, the Hammers are now
looking for payback as they look to move up the table in their first season
at their new home, The London Stadium. One player who could be on his way
into the London Stadium is Sunderland defender Lamine Kone. Hammers chiefs
are lining up a move for the Ivory Coast star who will cost around £ 15m.
Slaven Bilic is desperate to bolster the defence of his team who have gone
from the top-six contenders last season to the bottom half of the table.
Kone has been on Bilic's wanted list for some time and the Croatian will
sanction a move even though the centre-half could be at the Africa Cup of
Nations early in the new year for up to a month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must rediscover their swagger ahead of a GRUELLING fixture run,
says Darren Randolph
The Hammers face off against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in
their next three Premier League games
SHARE
COMMENTS
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 26 NOV 2016UPDATED21:04, 26 NOV 2016
SPORT
The Mirror
Darren Randolph has stressed the importance of West Ham re-discovering the
confidence of last season as the club face three testing Premier League
matches in the next fortnight.
A year ago, the Hammers harboured ambitions of reaching the top six. These
days they are battling to stay out of the bottom three.
They have just eleven points from their twelve matches – and this afternoon
they face Manchester United at Old Trafford, followed by clashes with
title-chasers Arsenal at home and then Liverpool at Anfield.
But Republic of Ireland international Randolph revealed that manager Slaven
Bilic has urged the players to re-kindle the swagger and assurance of last
season.
Randolph has edged ahead of Spaniard Adrian to become the West Ham first
choice goalkeeper and he said: "When results were going our way last year we
were laughing and joking, even in training. Then we were going into the
games at the weekend and winning.
"The confidence was massive and that definitely got us through – and there
were probably some performances that shocked everybody.
"The manager has always said not to let that little bit of doubt creep in.
Not to lose confidence. He said we are no lesser team than we were last
year. We are still the same set of players in the main. We have shown in
patches this season how good we can be."
And Randolph pointed to the experiences of Chelsea last season to illustrate
his case. They started as defending champions and finished in mid-table.
"There is frustration here," said Randolph. "You look round the dressing
room, see the squad we have and we shouldn't be where we are. But it happens
every season to a team. Look at Chelsea last season.
"It is not easy to recognise what it is or that it is easy to fix. It is
hard to put your finger on exactly what has gone wrong. Maybe we had new
players last year and nobody knew about them. But this season they are aware
of those players."
A disappointing sequence of results invariably generates speculation about
the future of the manager. Bilic has not escaped – but Randolph made it
clear the Croat has the backing of the players.
"We are 100 per cent behind him," insisted Randolph. "There were no problems
last year when we were winning games and we are not going to turn our backs
on him now. We are all together and there is no issue here with the
manager."
Randolph will be the last line of a defence that will attempt to frustrate
Wayne Rooney in his attempt to become the record goalscorer at United.
He is currently on 248 – one behind Sir Bobby Charlton. And if Rooney scores
today? "To be honest, I don't care," said Randolph. "He has been around for
I don't know how long and scored so many goals.
"I don't care who scores as long as we win. He can shoot as long as he
wants. It doesn't matter to me as long as we win.
"We know it is going to be a tough game with the players they have but they
need a good result in the league as much as we do. They are expected to be
up there at the top and there is a lot of pressure on them as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
