Daily WHUFC News - 26th February 2017

Ayew nets crucial equaliser
WHUFC.com

Andre Ayew netted the crucial equaliser to help West Ham secure a well
deserved 1-1 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road. Ayew came off the
substitutes bench to score his second goal for the Hammers following his
Club record move from Swansea last summer. Michail Antonio had done all the
hard work when he superbly raced past Younes Kaboul and saw his shot come
back off both posts. The Ghana international has only just returned from a
long-term thigh injury, but he was in the right place at the right time to
convert the rebound. It was the least the Hammers deserved after they fell
behind early in the game when Troy Deeney struck a penalty past Darren
Randolph. Slaven Bilic's side dominated the game and had a number of chances
to get on the scoresheet. The only downside for the Hammers was the late
sending off for Antonio who was sent off for two bookable offences and will
now miss the big London derby against Chelsea at London Stadium.

Watford got off to a dream start when they opened the scoring after just two
minutes. Cheikhou Kouyate was adjudged to have brought down Zarate inside
the box. Referee Craig Pawson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and
Deeney fired the spot kick past Darren Randolph into the bottom corner.
Watford could have doubled their lead on six minutes when M'Baye Niang burst
clear towards the Hammers penalty box and fired a powerful shot which flew
just over the bar.
The Hammers were getting frustrated as they looked to find a way back into
the game and Robert Snodgrass sliced a shot well wide of the post on 32
minutes.
The away side continued to create the best openings and Antonio was doing
everything he could to help the Hammers get back into the game. The Hammers
forward went on another great run into the penalty box on 40 minutes but saw
his close-range shot deflect just over the bar by Younes Kaboul. There was
another golden chance for West Ham on the stroke of half-time after Aaron
Cresswell raced to the byeline and saw his cross only parried by Heurelho
Gomes. Snodgrass was following in but was inches away from striking the ball
into the back of the net.

Former Hammer Mauro Zarate was carried off on a stretcher on the stroke of
half-time after damaging his knee when he slipped and was later taken to
hospital.
The Hammers had strong claims for a penalty turned down on 50 minutes after
Cheikhou Kouyate appeared to be brought down by Niang but the referee waved
for play to continue, much to the fury of the West Ham fans behind the goal.
It was all one-way traffic as West Ham threw everything at the Watford goal.
Lanzini's teasing cross into the box on 59 minute was parried away by Gomes
but there was no West Ham player to follow the rebound in and Watford were
able to clear. Gomes came to Watford's rescue on 62 minutes after a
Snodgrass free-kick was headed back across goal by Kouyate and Fonte saw his
close-range header produce a superb save by the Watford keeper diving away
to his left hand side. The Hammers must have started to fear it was not
going to be their day after Cresswell played a superb cross in from the left
hand side and Antonio beat Miguel Britos to the ball but saw his header fall
inches past the post. But the away side were finally rewarded for all their
dominance in the game and Antonio played a major role in the equaliser for
substitute Ayew on 73 minutes. The Hammers forward used all his pace to take
the ball past Kaboul and fired a superb shot which beat Gomes and hit both
posts. The rebound fell perfectly for Ayew and he has the easy task of
striking the ball into an empty net. The game ended on a sour note for West
Ham after Antonio was sent off for his second bookable offence after he
handled the ball on the floor.
Watford could have stolen all three points with the final kick of the game
after Deeney headed the ball on and substitute Isaac Success was just yards
from putting the ball into the back of the net, but he somehow failed to
make any connection. Bilic and his players will count themselves unlucky
that they were not able to pick up all three points, but they can take a
number of positives from this impressive display as they prepare for another
big London derby against Chelsea in the next game.

Watford: Gomes; Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zarate (Doucoure 45), Deeney, Niang (Success 82)
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Zuniga, Okaka
Bookings: Janmaat, Cleverley, Holebas

West Ham: Randolph; Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell; Obiang, Noble;
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90), Snodgrass (Ayew 65); Antonio
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri
Bookings: Antonio, Kouyate
Red Card: Antonio

Referee: Craig Pawson

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Ayew - It was a fair result
WHUFC.com

Second half substitute Andre Ayew scores West Ham United's equaliser in
Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford
Ghana forward strokes home after Michail Antonio's shot comes back off both
posts
Hammers' point moves them up to ninth in the Premier League table

Andre Ayew announced his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in style on
Saturday, climbing off the bench to rescue a point for the Hammers at
Watford.
After helping Ghana to a fourth place finish in Equatorial Guinea last
month, he had to wait two weeks for his chance to slot back in Claret and
Blue - but he grabbed the opportunity with both hands with an impressive
cameo. It took him just eight minutes after his introduction to score the
crucial goal, adding the finishing touch after Michail Antonio's shot
cannoned off both posts. The 73rd minute strike cancelled out Troy Deeney's
early penalty and ensured the visitors' heavy second half pressure gained
the result it deserved. He said: "I think in the first half they got control
of the ball, they put us under pressure and we couldn't really play our
game. In the second half we managed to come out and play how we know how to
play. "It's a fair result - they had the first half and we had the second.
It was a tough game, this is the Premier League. We just need to keep
working hard and hopefully we'll get the results we want. "For the goal the
ball came to me off both posts, and sometimes that's the game and that's how
it comes. Sometimes it doesn't [drop for you], but that's football. For me
it was important to score, it's my first game back from the Africa Cup of
Nations. "I will continue to work hard and hopefully I can get some more
goals."

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Bilic - We deserved more than a point
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic felt his side deserved more than a point and has nothing but
praise for the character his side showed during the 1-1 draw at Vicarage
Road.

After falling behind after just two minutes when Troy Deeney fired a penalty
past Darren Randolph, the Hammers showed all their fighting qualities to
find a way back into the game and Club record signing Andre Ayew netted the
crucial equaliser.

It could have easily been all three points for the Bilic's side as they
dominated the second half and had a number of chances to get on the
scoresheet.

The Hammers boss was unhappy with the late dismissal of Michail Antonio, but
says he was more focused on taking the positives from the game and felt his
team showed more quality throughout the ninety minutes.

Bilic said: "Considering the way we played I think we deserved more than a
point from the way that we played through the whole game.

"I told the guys at the end that okay it was a good point and a great
performance in the second half but we cannot start like that, especially
away and it is hard to turn the game around.

"If I was Watford manager, I was after a penalty. Mauro Zarate went down
very easy. If that was given then I'm expecting the same for us. But it
didn't have to be, of course, it was not blatant.

"The red card - OK, I just spoke to the referee. He had a good game. It was
a difficult game. "Although Michail Antonio's reaction is an instinctive one
he din't stop them gaining anything. He acted by the book and the book says
it is a red card.

"In the second half it was all us until the end of the game when they had a
good chance, but I am so glad how we came back in the second half and we
deserved at least a point. We were excellent.

"This is a good point because it is hard to come from behind. But in terms
of which team showed more quality, it was definitely us."

Bilic had nothing but praise for the way Ayew has overcome a frustrating
start to his Hammers career and grabbed his second goal for the Club
following his return from a long-term groin injury.

The Hammers boss feels the Ghana international is now getting back to his
best form and will grow even stronger over the coming weeks and months.

Bilic added: "We have to praise Ayew from the bench. He got a big injury in
his first game against Chelsea. He has come back from the African Cup and is
looking back to his best.

"We have enough quality and we showed that today."

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U18s beaten at home by Chelsea
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's U18s were beaten 3-0 at home by Chelsea
The Hammers now have to rely on other results so to determine their final
league position
Mark Phillips said his side didn't deserve to be beaten by a margin of three
goals

West Ham United U18s rounded off the U18 Premier League South campaign with
a undeserving 3-0 defeat at home to league leaders Chelsea.

Three second half goals from the Blues made it four defeats in a row for the
Hammers but they can take heart from another battling display.

"I thought we performed very well against them today. They've leading at the
top by a mile but we could well have beaten them today," said assistant
manager Mark Phillips.

"A little bit of better finishing would have helped us but overall I think
we did alright today."

"We had four U16s playing for us today and they did very well. I'm very
pleased for them."

The U18's resources were stretched with absentees including Conor Coventry,
Joe Powell, Alfie Lewis, Ben Wells and Rosaire Longelo.

But their relative inexperience did not seem to matter in the first half as
the Hammers edged a tight opening 45 minutes.

Chances were at a premium with Jeremy Ngakia's shot flying over the bar ten
minutes before half-time providing the only real goalmouth action.

However, the Hammers were hit by a suckerpunch just minutes after the
interval when Chelsea captain Luke McCormick slotted home from the penalty
spot after a foul by Reece Hannam.

Jahmal Hector-Ingram could, and probably should, have equalised for the home
side minutes later, although he couldn't quite guide substitute Yiannis
Constantinou's cross on target.

Chelsea showed their class in a five-minute spell midway through the second
half. First, Tariq Uwakwe let fly on the half volley from 25 yards and found
the top corner, before Cole Da Silva started and finished an intricate move
to make it 3-0.

And that's how it finished, with the Hammers knowing they have to rely on
other results to see if they will finish 4th and, as a result, make it into
the Elite Merit Group.

"I still think it's 50/50 as to whether we'll be in the top four because
Fulham have to beat Norwich next week and Norwich aren't a bad side," added
Phillips.

"If we end up in the middle four, we'll go and compete with those teams.
There's still some tough tests in there."

West Ham: Matrevics; Eggleton, Akinola, Alese, Hannam (Constantinou, 59);
Mingi; Ngakia, Henry, Johnson, Scully; Hector-Ingram.

Subs not used: Watson, Forde, Rosa, Spyrides.

Bookings: Alese, Hannam.

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Watford 1-1 West Ham United
By Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport

Substitute Andre Ayew scored a second-half equaliser to earn West Ham a
Premier League point against Watford. The hosts went ahead on three minutes
through Troy Deeney's penalty after Mauro Zarate was brought down in the box
by Cheikhou Kouyate. Just three minutes later they could have doubled their
advantage but M'Baye Niang's powerful drive flew narrowly over the crossbar.
The game was held up for a lengthy period just before half-time when
Watford's Zarate went down with a knee injury. He was taken to hospital for
a scan to determine the extent of the problem. Watford goalkeeper Heurelho
Gomes brilliantly kept out Jose Fonte's header with a full-stretch save,
before Michail Antonio's low shot struck both posts and Ayew was on hand to
tuck in the rebound. Hammers midfielder Antonio was dismissed with five
minutes to go after receiving a second yellow card for deliberate handball.
The result moved both sides up a place in the table. The Hornets climbed to
12th, while the Hammers go ninth.

Mixed match for West Ham

Slaven Bilic's side had fallen behind early in the game, but showed their
fight by continuing to push forward and getting their reward in the second
half to gain a point. Striker Ayew came off the bench to claim just his
second goal in a Hammers shirt as the ball kindly fell to him inside the box
following Antonio's effort.
It was Ayew's 14th Premier League goal and the the Ghanaian has now netted
against 13 different teams in the division Having hit the woodwork, former
Nottingham Forest man Antonio should have got on the scoresheet but headed
narrowly wide from close range after Aaron Cresswell's cross. His
unfortunate match got worse late on when he was given the first red card of
his professional career and West Ham also had Argentine Zarate - who won the
penalty - taken off on a stretcher after appearing to twist his knee in the
first half.

Leaky Watford

Deeney's spot-kick was his fourth goal in his past five games and Watford's
only shot on target in the entire match. Since the start of last season,
Deeney has scored nine penalties, the joint highest tally with Tottenham's
Harry Kane. If they failed to trouble West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph
after the penalty, it looked like the Hornets might at least hold out at the
other end, but Walter Mazzarri's side now have just just one clean sheet in
their past 16 games. They could even have snatched a win in injury time, but
substitute Isaac Success was not able to get any contact on Deeney's
knock-down in the box.

Man of the match - Michail Antonio (West Ham)
West Ham's driving force. His brilliant run and shot eventually resulted in
the equaliser. His day was somewhat spoilt by the red card, but that came
after he had
brought the Hammers back into the game

'This season is to grow'

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic speaking to BBC Sport: "Considering we were in
good form and how well we played today, especially in second half, it's two
points dropped. "On the other hand, considering we are playing away against
a good team and we conceded an early goal, there's always a danger you will
concede a second then you can lose the game. "If you ask me which team today
showed more quality in every department, especially on the ball, that was
[us], especially in the second half. I told the guys we have to give them
some credit."

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri speaking to BBC Sport: "I saw Mauro Zarate
in a lot of pain. Unfortunately it is not a good sign. He was also making a
lot of difference on the pitch. Hopefully it is not too bad. He was making a
difference on the pitch. "If we speak about the game, I didn't like how we
went down in the second half. "We also commit some silly mistakes that we
can avoid. It's not acceptable to allow them a goal on counter-attack when
you are winning 1-0. The injury didn't allow me to make all the
substitutions I wanted. "This is our first season and this season is to
grow, to prepare and to grow. Year by year the objective is to make the next
step forward."

Ton up under Bilic - the stats

Troy Deeney has scored nine of his 21 Premier League goals from penalties
(43%).
Watford have kept only one clean sheet in their past 16 Premier League
matches.
Jose Holebas picked up his 12th yellow card of the season in this match -
more than any other Premier League player in 2016-17.
West Ham have now lost just one of their past seven Premier League away
games (won three, drawn three, lost one).
Andre Ayew's goal was the 100th scored in the Premier League for West Ham
under Slaven Bilic.
What next?

Watford host Southampton in the league next Saturday (kick-off 15:00 GMT),
while West Ham face Chelsea on Monday, 6 March (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

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WATFORD 1-1 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 25 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican

West Ham drew even today to Watford 1-1 in a late day Premier League match
at Vicarage Road. Goals by Troy Deeney from the spot, and an equaliser late
from Andre Ayew, in his first match back from international duty, were all
the scoring action on the day that saw Slaven Bilic's side earn a
hard-fought point.

West Ham came to Watford without Andy Carroll, and the hosts were without
Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele due to their recent injuries. Despite
the absences, Walter Mazzarri's side had an enthusiastic crowd at their home
grounds for the final league match of a successful February for the Hornets.
The Hammers had hoped to avenge a September 2-4 defeat in which Watford came
back from a 2-0 deficit to embarrass West Ham in their new stadium.

Early on it looked like they were in store for another embarrassment as
Cheikhou Kouyaté, playing in the back, unnecessarily took down his former
teammate Mauro Zarate in the penalty area to earn a penalty kick in only the
third minute of play. Troy Deeney's kick was outside the reach of the diving
Darren Randolph and almost immediately the Hornet's had a lead.

West Ham, late in the first half, had an opportunity when Watford keeper
Heurelho Gomes pushed an Aaron Cresswell cross towards Robert Snodgrass.
From short distance Snodgrass was unable to get the clean shot.
Late in the second half, West Ham did find their needed goal as Manuel
Lanzini found Antonio ahead of the defense, and his shot hit both posts
before deflecting into the path of a fortunate Andre Ayew, who sunk the ball
into the net.

The enthusiasm grew as the Hammers looked to collect all three points but
waned quickly when Antonio was awarded his second yellow card with only four
minutes remaining. Down ten men West Ham seemed content to hang on for the
draw, and other than a frightening corner kick from Watford in the closing
minutes of stoppage time, the visiting club was able to hold on for a single
point.

Once again, West Ham was probably lucky to secure a point without a true
striker on the pitch. Andy Carroll has been absent for the last two matches,
and Diafra Sakho is still a month away from contributing. All Bilic's other
options "up top" seem to be patches and not solutions. The gaffer seems to
be resolved in that he can plug Michail Antonio into any spot on the pitch.
As a forward Antonio showed great spirit but needed quicker pace from his
supporting attackers. Bilic's placement of Kouyate in a defending position
looked especially awkward in the opening moments. Zarate all but baited
Kouyate into the challenge that resulted in the early penalty kick. Other
than that mistake, the club did keep the hosts out of the goal for the
remainder of the match.

West Ham has a few days to regroup until their March 6 visit by
league-leading Chelsea. With Carroll expected to return, this will be the
ultimate test of both the club and the supporters as they try to make London
Stadium as unfriendly a ground as possible for the London Derby.
Wishes for a new striker and right back won't be granted until at least this
summer. Until then, Bilic will have to make do with his, now healthy, squad.

Watford: Gomes, Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zárate (Doucoure 45), Deeney (c), Niang (Success 82).
Subs Not Used: Arlauskis, Prödl, Zúñiga, Okaka.
Goal: Deeney (P)
Yellow Cards: Janmaat, Cleverley, Dourcoure, Holebas

West Ham: Randolph; Kouyate, Reid, Fonte, Cresswell; Obiang, Noble (c);
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90), Snodgrass (Ayew 65); Antonio.
Subs Not Used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri
Goal: Ayew
Red Card: Antonio
Yellow Card: Kouyate

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Under 18s: West Ham Utd 0-3 Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Under 18s were heavily beaten at Little Heath this morning
by London rivals Chelsea.

The visitors ran out 3-0 winners in the end - with all goals coming in the
second half - after strikes from Luke McCormick, Tariq Uwakwe and Cole
Dasilva gave the Blues an unassailable lead.

After a fairly even opening half, high-flying Chelsea - who have won five on
the bounce and beat Brighton 13-0 last weekend - took the lead just two
minutes after the restart, when McCormick converted from the spot after
McEachran went down inside the area.

And the Blues found themselves two up just ahead of the hour mark when
Uwakwe lobbed Hammers' 'keeper from som considerable distrance.

The win was all but confirmed on 70 minutes when Chelsea made it 3-0 through
Dasilva, who both started and ended the move.


West Ham Utd: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinopla (c), Alese, Hannam, Mingi,
Ngakia, Henry, Johnson, Scully, Hector_ingram.

Chelsea: Cumming, C.Dasilva, James, Guehi, Panzo, McCormick, Uwakwe,
Gallagher, St Clair, McEachran, Castillo.

Goals: McCormick (47p), Uwakwe (59), Dasilva (70).

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Watford 1-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham failed to turn their superiority into goals at Watford tonight -
but could count themselves extremely unlucky to leave Vicarage Road with
only one point.
Slaven Bilic's side were the better of the two teams overall but still had
to rely on a late Andre Ayew equaliser to earn a point from a well-fought,
yet far from memorable Premier League encounter. That's because the Hammers
found themselves a goal behind within three minutes as Watford - through
captain Troy Deeney - took an early advantage from the penalty spot, after
makeshift right-back Cheikhou Kouyate was adjudged to have unfairly impended
former Iron Mauro Zarate.
That Zarate appeared to have orchestrated the challenge by charging into
Kouyate from his blind side went unnoticed - or was ignored - by referee
Craig Pawson, making just the first of several key decisions in the home
side's favour. As the game progressed West Ham were to find themselves
frustrated on several more occasions by Pawson; Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell and
Michail Antonio all saw equally viable penalty claims ignored - the latter a
victim of his own honesty, having been clearly shoved off-balance as he
lined up to strike.
And in the end Bilic's battlers had to rely on a brilliantly-crafted and
swiftly executed counter attack to earn a point; fashioned by Manuel
Lanzini, forced into enemy territory by the electric Antonio and finished by
an alert (substitute) Ayew, who pounced after the #30's shot had rebounded
off both posts. The Hammers may well have gone on to win the game in the
closing stages had (the otherwise excellent) Antonio not picked up a second
yellow card four minutes from full time, which crucially rules him out of
United's next Premier League fixture with Chelsea.
And whilst there will be a certain degree of frustration and dissatisfaction
in the Hammers camp that they were unable to record a win, on a day in which
both Everton and West Bromwich Albion won to extend the gap above, it was
overall a respectable point - if not a game that will love long in the
memory.

West Ham Utd: Randolph, Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Obiang, Noble,
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90+1), Snodgrass (Ayew 65), Antonio.
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri.
Goals: Ayew (73).
Booked: Antonio, Kouyate.
Sent Off: Antonio (86).

Watford: Gomes, Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas, Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zarate (Doucoure 45), Deeney, Niang.
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Success, Zuniga, Okaka.
Goals: Deeney (3 pen).
Booked: Janmaat, Cleverley, Holebas.
Referee: Craig Pawson

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Slaven Bilic left with mixed emotions after West Ham draw at Watford
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 25/02/17 9:41pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic was left with "mixed emotions" after West Ham came from behind
to rescue a 1-1 draw at Watford. The Hammers boss saw his side fall behind
to a Troy Deeney penalty after only three minutes, but Andre Ayew climbed
off the bench to snatch a point. In an eventful encounter, Bilic was
infuriated that West Ham were not awarded a second-half spot-kick for an
almost identical incident to the one which gave Watford the lead. They also
had to hold out for the final five minutes with 10 men after Michail Antonio
was sent off after collecting a second yellow card for handball. "I'm so
pleased with the way we played, especially in the second half, but I'm not
happy with the way we started the game, so it's mixed emotions," said Bilic.
"We reacted good in the first half, and the second half was one of our best
performances and we definitely deserved the point. In my point of view we
deserved to win."

Mauro Zarate had an immediate impact against his former side after he was
sent sprawling to the turf by Cheikhou Kouyate, with Deeney doing the
honours from the spot. Bilic was fined for throwing a television microphone
in frustration after West Ham conceded a late equaliser against West Brom
last time out. So perhaps sensibly, the TV company did not leave any in his
vicinity at Vicarage Road as in the second half the Croatian was furious
when Kouyate was wrestled to the ground by M'Baye Niang in the area, only
for referee Craig Pawson to wave play on. But Bilic added: "I spoke with
the ref after the game and there are no hard feelings. "If I was Watford
manager I would say there's was a penalty. As West Ham manager I say he went
down easily. But we are both right. And the second one was very similar."

The leveller arrived in bizarre fashion in the 73rd minute when Antonio's
shot clipped the near post, rolled along the goal-line and back out off the
far post.
Fortunately for the Hammers record signing Ayew was lurking and side-footed
in his second goal for the club. Antonio, who had been booked in the first
half, blotted his copybook by deliberately handling the ball after he had
been tackled to be shown a second yellow card.

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Watford 1-1 West Ham: Zarate haunts his old club before being carried off on
a stretcher - 5 things we learned
The Argentine won a penalty against his former side, but was later carried
from the field with a serious-looking knee injury before Andre Ayew found an
equaliser
The Mirror
BYMIKE WALTERS
19:37, 25 FEB 2017UPDATED19:49, 25 FEB 2017

In the battle for ninth place at Vicarage Road, sub Andre Ayew salvaged a
deserved point for West Ham. It could have been more for the Hammers –
although their tenacious display also included a late red card for Michail
Antonio. And for Watford, a hard-earned point was overshadowed by the loss
of new signing Mauro Zarate to a serious knee injury. With Mauro Zarate
eager to impress against his former club, it took just 105 seconds for the
Argentine playmaker to make his presence felt. Cheikhou Kouyate, tracking
Zarate into the box, needlessly sent him crashing with a clumsy foul,
referee Craig Pawson pointed inevitably to the spot and Troy Deeney tucked
away his eighth goal of the season. The Hammers' response was spirited, but
Robert Snodgrass was slow to react when Heurelho Gomes could only parry
Aaron Cresswell's cross-shot. And at the other end, M'Baye Niang sent a
long-range missile whistling inches over the top before Zarate, who had made
a scintillating start, was carried off in first-half stoppage time after
appearing to twist his right knee. Such was the concern for Zarate that the
first 45 minutes turned out to be 56 by the time Pawson's stopwatch had
finished ticking. Watford were discomfited by the enforced reshuffle, and
within five minutes of the restart they were fortunate not to concede a
reciprocal penalty when Kouyate went down under Niang's untidy escort. It
only seemed a matter of time before the Hammers' pressure would tell, and 17
minutes from time their pressure was finally rewarded. Michail Antonio's
low shot ricocheted off BOTH posts but fell into Andre Ayew's path and the
substitute, who had only been on the pitch seven minutes, couldn't miss.
West Ham looked the likelier winners until Antonio's dismissal, four minutes
from time, for a second caution.

Here are five things we learned:

1. Deeney was like a dog with a rabona

Watford skipper Troy Deeney was unimpressed with West Ham's party tricks in
the Hornets' 4-2 win in the return fixture last September, accusing the
Hammers of trying to "mug off" their opponents with assorted Rabonas and
fancy-dan tricks. There was only one possible outcome when Deeney stepped up
to put Watford in front after just three minutes from the spot: No Panenka
chip, no Rabona, just a tidy finish into the bottom corner.

2. Missing you, Andy

Andy Carroll had scored five goals in six starts before his latest sicknote
with a groin strain, and West Ham boss Slaven Bilic decided to take no risks
with his injury on a dam, blowy evening in Hertfordshire. Michail Antonio's
industry, versatility and goals have been major assets for the Hammers this
season when Bilic has been short of recognised strikers. But the Eastenders'
attack often lacked a focal point for the stream of crosses – high and low –
from the flanks here. For long periods, West Ham enjoyed more possession and
territory, but until sub Andre Ayew's equaliser, there was not enough end
product.

3. Double Vision

In 136 years, Watford had never completed a home-and-away League double
against West Ham. Ten years ago, they did beat the Hammers 1-0 twice in a
fortnight at Upton Park – in the FA Cup fourth round and again in the League
– but it proved a false dawn in a season which ended in relegation under
Aidy Boothroyd. So impoverished was the Hornets' highlights reel in season
in 2006-7 that Darius Henderson's decisive penalty in the second of those
triumphs in binary featured on the shortlist for Watford's goal of the
season. No kidding.

4. These Hammers bite

Once upon a soft touch, West Ham would have buckled under when they fell
behind inside three minutes away from home. But Slaven Bilic's men produced
a spirited response to their early setback. They were resolute and backed up
their ability on the ball with tenacity in the challenge. Michail Antonio is
not a natural centre forward, but he put himself about, with and without the
ball, until his late red card for two bookable offences.

5. What a strange comment

Nothing to do with the match, but when Karren Brady takes to her high horse
about the behaviour of Millwall fans, she is playing with fire. In her
weekly sermon for a right-wing red-top, the Duchess of Knightsbridge
observed: "Yes, I know a few West Ham fans like a ruckus but they are not in
the same league as some of Millwall's who made a mess of their FA Cup win."

Mmm... does the Manchester United team coach ring any bells?

It was a strange remark for the vice-chair of a Premier League club to make.
We all love a chorus of Knees Up Mother Brown on the old joanna, and
mainstream West Ham fans are salt of the earth, but as one of Lady Brady's
critics on Twitter, Samantha Rowles, put it: Nothing about that statement is
cool.

Watford player ratings

Gomes 7 - Several crucial interventions, notably flying save from Fonte
header

Janmaat 6 - Booked. Robust foul on Antonio was worth every shade of yellow

Kaboul 8 - Impressive block to deny Snodgrass and commanding display all
round

Britos 6 - Headed over from yawning late chance to nick all the points

Holebas 6 - Booked. Most-booked player in the Premier League this season was
at it again

Behrami 7 - Give him a mop and bucket, he'd make a brilliant cleaner – swept
up admirably

Cleverley 6 - Booked. Industrious as ever but never managed to find 'killer'
pass

Capoue 5 - Covered miles of ground but his athleticism had little
discernible effect

Zarate 7 - Scintillating start, and chopped down for early penalty, before
he was carried off

Niang 5 - Peripheral influence apart from one fierce shot and dodgy
challenge on Kouyate

Deeney 6 - Back among the goals, but probably not back among the nightclubs
this time

Subs: Doucoure (booked, Zarate, 45) 4, Cathcart (Janmaat, 52) 6, Success
(Niang, 82)

West Ham player ratings

Randolph 6 - Move along, nothing to see here apart from last-gasp scare

Kouyate 6 - Booked. Impetuous challenge to concede needless penalty, then
denied one himself

Reid 7 - No major issues, Kiwi international held the fort diligently

Fonte 8 - Marked the muscular Deeney well and close to heading the equaliser

Cresswell 6 - Provided usual mix of width, energy and attacking intent

Obiang 7 - Good stuff, never shirked a challenge, like the cut of his jib

Noble 6 - Always looking for openings but too often chose the sideways
option

Feghouli 6 - Barely involved for 45 minutes but stepped it up after break

Lanzini 7 - Took over from his compatriot Zarate in running the show

Snodgrass 5 - Wasted a stack of corners by failing to clear the first
defender

Antonio 8 – MOM Sent off. Amazing shot against both posts, all-action
display including red card

Subs: Ayew (Snodgrass, 65) 7 , Fernandes (Lanzini, 90)

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Daily WHUFC News II - 25th February 2017

Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com

BilicGood morning everyone,

We are preparing for another big game at Vicarage Road and the players are
full of confidence following our successful trip to Dubai. We are a
different team from the one who faced Watford back in September.

I was asked in the pre-match press conference about Troy Deeney's comments
after the game that my players were showboating and it helped motivate the
Watford players to stage a remarkable comeback.

I was annoyed that we lost a game when we were at home and two up. Troy
Deeney said that, but it was a good moment for him to say that, to show the
spirit of that team - but we didn't annoy them and we didn't try to
humiliate them.

Back then we had players like Payet and Lanzini who had just come back from
injuries or the European Championships and didn't do a proper pre-season, or
players like Zaza, who had just come to the club.

Sakho, Carroll and Ayew were injured and we didn't have any option other
than to put those players in the starting line-up.

That's why we crumbled, basically, after they scored the fourth goal,
psychologically and also physically we couldn't cope with it.

Now the situation is totally different. We are a team that is in good form
and we didn't want a gap because we already had good momentum but I am
expecting us to continue how we finished.

I was asked if I will use his comments as part of my pre-match talk to the
players. To be fair extra motivation can never harm you if it doesn't
produce a chip on your shoulder or a negative kind of pressure.

I have a feeling that we don't need extra motivation now, we have a big
motivation in training and I'm expecting it to be even bigger in games.

I'm probably going to say something, not just about that but something to
give them a kind of injection before the game.

There is still a long way to go in the Premier League. We want to climb the
table and what we definitely don't want is to come back again into the dodgy
zone because we know how it feels when you are there. So, the motivation
will not be a problem on Saturday.

Watford are doing a good job in terms of recruiting the players. Maybe in
England they are not big names but they are very experienced and all have a
lot of games in the big leagues.

I rate them as a very experienced group of players with big quality.

We are in pretty good shape going into the game. Aaron Cresswell is good and
looks sharp. Robert Snodgrass missed training during the week with diarrhoea
but he was back in training on Thursday. Diafra Sakho is very happy now.
He's running and doesn't feel any problems. Hopefully the back problems that
were causing all those problems with his hamstrings, which the doctor says
is quite common (have gone away). In a few weeks time he will start to train
with us. He will be a like a great new signing.

Arthur Masuaku is back and sharp, looks really good. So we have options now
in basically every position. Even Angelo Ogbonna is recovering really good
from his knee operation. So it's good.

We want to climb the table. Our plan is very simple. We will try to win as
many games as we can. First of all we want to be safe. We're still not safe.
If we are talking about the teams above us, West Brom is there and
reachable.

There is a big gap now with Everton, but we just need to keep playing well
in every game and then everything is possible. There are still an awful lot
of points to be played for and everything is open. It's not over yet.

Enjoy the game this afternoon.

Slaven

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Antonio – Our squad has great unity
WHUFC.com

West Ham United face Watford on Saturday and Michail Antonio believes his
side can claim the victory
The winger thinks the feeling of togetherness in the squad could have a huge
impact on the Hammers' performance at Vicarage Road
Slaven Bilic's team will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the
Hornets in September

Michail Antonio believes the current feeling of unity in the West Ham United
squad can play a huge part in leaving Vicarage Road on Saturday with three
points in the bag. The Hammers take on Watford in the late kick off this
weekend and will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the Hornets at
London Stadium earlier this season. And having just returned from a five-day
team trip to Dubai for warm weather training, Antonio thinks the
togetherness amongst the players can help them claim a victory in
Hertfordshire. He said: "The trip was definitely good for the team unity,
and it's one of those things where you're away from home for five days solid
with each other. At training, we're together for four hours then you go
home, but out there, it was 24/7. It's good for the team. "The feeling's
very good [in the squad]. We've had a couple of good results over the past
few weeks, so the boys are ready to keep kicking on and keep going forward.
"There's definitely that unity in the squad right now. Everyone that's here
wants to be here and play their football here. We're enjoying our football
right now. "[The new boys] Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have settled
well, as well. They've gelled and they're a good set of boys. I knew Jose
from Southampton and Snodgrass has come in and he has got a bit of banter
about him."

Antonio was on the scoresheet twice back in September against the Hornets,
putting Slaven Bilic's side two goals up before their opponents scored four
without reply to stun the Claret and Blue Army. There's definitely unity in
the squad right now. Everyone that's here wants to be here and play their
football here. We believe we have got the players to go to Watford and get
the three points. But the 26-year-old believes the team has grown in
confidence since their early-season struggles, and they can come away from
Vicarage Road having got revenge over Walter Mazzarri's team. "Watford are
doing very well at the moment, so it's a tricky place to go," he continued.
"But we really do believe we have got the players to go there and get the
three points. So, that's the mission we're looking to set for ourselves.
"[The defeat against Watford] is definitely one of those things in football
where what happens in the past has happened and you just have to keep
looking forward. "[Against West Brom last time out], we also had some
frustration in not getting the win, but we need to make sure we get those
points back on Saturday. "After that, we have Chelsea at home and they're
having an unbelievable season and have probably already won the Premier
League. It's one of those things where we have just got to go out in every
game and set our own targets and keep fighting."

Antonio is West Ham's top scorer this season with eight league goals and is
enjoying his time as a key player for the side in east London. "I definitely
see my future here and I am loving my time here. They give me the
opportunity to play in the Premier League and there'd be no reason to leave,
really. "[Being linked away] is not distracting at all, because I take it as
a compliment, as to how I'm playing on the field. But if I stop that, those
reports will stop because I'm not playing so well so I need to just continue
that. "My Mum is from south London and when I lived up north, it was
difficult for me to get down as much to see her, so now I can see her
weekly. It's more relaxed here for me and it's more of a chilled vibe.
"That's why, probably, I'll be playing the rest of my career here in
London."

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Feghouli - We hope to put on a good show
WHUFC.com

Sofiane Feghouli thanks West Ham United fans for their support this season
Algerian believes Hammers played near to their best against West Brom a
fortnight ago
No7 says squad 'owe it' to travelling fans to go for a win at Watford on
Saturday

Sofiane Feghouli has thanked the Claret and Blue Army for their support
during his maiden season at West Ham United.

The No7 endured a difficult start to his time in English football, suffering
a hamstring injury just weeks after completing his summer move from Spanish
giants Valencia. A fit-again Feghouli then struggled to force his way back
into Slaven Bilic's team before establishing himself as a regular starter
this calendar year.

Throughout 2016/17, Hammers fans have stuck with the Algeria star, and their
faith has been rewarded with a series of impressive performances in West
Ham's recent improved run of form and results.

Already hugely popular among supporters in his homeland, Feghouli's
popularity continues to grow among those in this country, and the winger is
pleased he has been given the chance to repay the faith they have placed in
him.

"It's very important for me to have a relationship with the fans," he told
whufc.com. "After the match at Southampton [which West Ham came from behind
to win 3-1], I received messages from supporters on social media and the
support from the 3,000 fans who travelled to the game was excellent.

"The atmosphere at all of our recent games has been superb and that drives
us on to go and get the wins, which is especially important in England
because every game is so difficult here.

"Algerian fans are particularly fanatical about Algerian players who are
playing abroad, so naturally they are interested in West Ham and how we are
getting on."

West Ham are getting on pretty well of late, winning six and drawing three
of their last 12 Premier League matches.

However, the most recent of them ended in disappointment as West Bromwich
Albion snatched a late equaliser to deny the Hammers a deserved victory at
London Stadium a fortnight ago.

"It was great frustration for us to concede in the final minute and
immediately after the match we were all extremely disappointed with both the
result and some of the decisions made, but that is the nature of football
and we need to stay positive," Feghouli confirmed.

"In terms of the quality of our football, though, I thought we played one of
our best matches of the season so far.

"We need to continue to play in that way and go into every game with the
attitude that we need to 'Win, win, win!'. We owe that to our supporters."

West Ham's next Premier League fixture at Watford will be screened live by
BT Sport 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday evening.

Around 2,000 Hammers will also make the relatively short trip to Vicarage
Road and Feghouli is determined to reward them with a third straight away
league win.

"Watford is a very important game for us," he observed. "Of course we will
prepare ourselves as best as possible with the staff and we will be going
there with the aim of getting three points.

"We hope to put on a good show for our fans and move higher up the table."

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Three Key Battles - Watford
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United look to avenge September's 4-2 defeat to Watford on
Saturday at Vicarage Road, whufc.com takes a look at three key battles
battles on the pitch in Hertfordshire which could prove crucial.

The Hammers stormed into a two-goal lead earlier this season against Walter
Mazzarri's team, but were pegged back as the Hornets equalised prior to the
half time whistle before completing the comeback in the second period.

Slaven Bilic's outfit are a different beast these days, however, and have
won their last three Premier League matches on the road.

Having never lost back-to-back games against Watford in the league before,
they'll be keen to ensure that record is still in tact at 7:15pm on
Saturday.

Behrami v Kouyate

In and out of the Hornets' starting XI in recent games, ex-Hammer Valon
Behrami will hope he is selected to face his former club. His team have only
won three matches from their last 13 in the top flight, and the Swiss
midfielder started in all three.

Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate returned to the Hammers' squad for the
Southampton victory, after he was missing due to the African Cup of Nations.
He played full-back against the Saints as well as in the recent 2-2 draw
with West Brom, however with Sam Byram now fit, he could move into midfield.

In terms of comparing the two, the Senegalese seems to get around the pitch
and have an impact more than his 31-year-old counterpart.

Kouyate makes more interceptions and clearances per game and his energy in
the middle of the park could prove to be important on Saturday.

Cleverley v Snodgrass

Next up are two relatively new boys for Watford and West Ham; Tom Cleverley
and Robert Snodgrass. The former re-joined the Hornets on loan from Everton
in January, while Snodgrass left Hull City for London Stadium last month.

Since returning to Vicarage Road, Cleverley has had a big impact on
Watford's form, helping the side take eight points from 15 while they had
gained just one in the previous five games.

He's set up two goals, too – against Bournemouth and Arsenal – and looks to
be rediscovering the form which impressed Sir Alex Ferguson so much at
Manchester United.

And though Scotsman Snodgrass is yet to register a goal or an assist for
West Ham, his influence is already clear – he drives the team forward,
completing over two key passes per match and always looks to line himself up
for an attempt on goal where he can.

Amrabat v Feghouli

As well as physically looking relatively similar, Sofiane Feghouli and
Nordin Amrabat's style of play on the pitch is also comparable.

Both flying wingers who look to set goals up for their teammates, the
African pair are dangers for any defence.

Feghouli has really hit some form of late, and goals against Crystal Palace
and West Brom added to the two assists he also has this season in the
Premier League.

Amrabat is certainly one to look out for on Saturday, too. He has made three
goals for teammates this term and loves to get to the byline and pull back a
cross.

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Club accounts released
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer

The 2015/16 accounts for WH Holding Ltd - West Ham United's parent company -
have been released. Co-owner David Sullivan says he was "extremely
satisfied" with the achievements made by West Ham during the 2015/16 season
- a year in which the club spent £53m on players prior to the start of the
campaign and a further £45m thereafter, in preparation for the current term.
However the chairman's subsequent claim that "we took Simone Zaza, Jonathan
Calleri and Gokhan Tore on loan, thereby strengthening and improving our
squad," has been questioned by a number of supporters already.

The key points of this year's statement are as follows:

* WHUFC achieved operating profit of £31.5m - an increase of £4.5m from
2014/15 accounts

* But club makes loss of £4.9m overall

* TV revenue up from £79m to £87m

* And turnover up from £121m to £142m

* The club took out a £30m loan - repayable in July 2017 - against future TV
rights revenue

* £45m was invested in the squad prior to the 2016/17 campaign

* Overall debt under £100m for the first time during Sullivan & Gold's
tenure

* Vice Chair Karren Brady enjoyed a 40 per cent wage increase

* Co-owners draw £6.1m dividends - incvluding 7 per cent interest

* £8m profit on sale of the Boleyn Ground

* Necessary improvements at the OS cost WHUFC £4m

KUMB will provide a detailed analysis of the new WH Holding accounts next
week.

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