Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2018

Arnautovic's Southampton stunner wins March Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com

Marko Arnautovic's stunning goal against Southampton has won your vote to take the West Ham United Goal of the Month prize for March. Arnautovic's far-post volley rounded off a flowing defence-to-attack move involving Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell, before Arthur Masuaku delivered a sumptuous cross from deep on the left flank. The Austrian's finish – his ninth goal of the season – made it 3-0 before the break and gave the Saints no way back in a crucal win for David Moyes' men. His goal took 67 percent of the vote, beating Joao Mario's 20-yard rocket from the same game into second.

Andria Georgiou's long-range goal in the Ladies' FAWPL Plate semi-final victory over Hull City was third, while Michail Antonio's solo strike in the fundraising friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge was fourth

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Westley: Marcus Browne was too much for Everton in every sense
WHUFC.com

Terry Westley praised the performance of four-goal hero Marcus Browne after the West Ham United U23s skipper led his side by scoring all his team's goals away at Everton in Premier League 2. The 20-year-old struck a stunning winner from a 25-yard free-kick against Manchester City on Thursday, and he followed up that terrific performance with a scintillating 90 minutes on Merseyside as he brushed the Toffees aside. The 4-0 victory meant the Hammers moved up to fifth in Division 1, leapfrogging Monday night's opponents and London rivals Chelsea into the top half. And Westley was delighted, both with his captain and the whole squad after a fantastic five days. He said: "Marcus was too much for them in every sense. He was too quick, too powerful, his finishing was better tonight. He took everything he had. "He was the standout player on the pitch, congratulated by the referee, and that shows you how good you've been, when the referee does that after the game. "Against two really established clubs at an Academy level, they are two great wins and we really took it to Everton tonight. We shook the team up a little bit after the amount of effort that went into Thursday's game. "It was a chance to play one or two who have been around it and were desperate to get in the team; [Anthony] Scully, Powelly [Joe Powell], Sead [Haksabanovic]. But we kept the basis and the back four of the team together and they really gave us a platform to play off. "We attacked really well and the goalkeeper and the back players deserve credit as well tonight."

Browne took his tally to six goals in eleven U23 appearances for the campaign, having spent the majority of the first half of the term unavailable through injury.
Academy Manager Westley believes his recent form has shown just how hard the forward has worked since returning to fitness. "I think the behaviour traits for [Browne] are very important and are what you need when you have been injured," Westley explained. "You have to look after your body. "Being out of the team and struggling with those has shown him how professional he needs to be off the pitch. "Also the responsibility of being captain; he's led by example tonight and at City. In the dressing room, in training, he needs to try and keep that culture of excellence and those behaviours on and off the pitch, when he gets right, he's a real handful. Congratulations to him."

The result was also a second clean sheet in successive games for the Hammers and the back five – including the goalkeeper – remained the same after the victory at City. "I'm really pleased for the back four and the goalkeeper," Westley continued. "They had to dig deep against Man City and the keeper had to make great saves. "I really felt those five, keeping them together was a good decision because they gave us the platform to go and play and they certainly did that tonight. "We played an older Everton team. They weren't young boys; they were pros. We had three U18s in the starting XI. It was a tall order and to win as comprehensively as we did, everyone at the Academy deserves great credit."

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Four-goal Browne: It was one of my best days in football
WHUFC.com

Marcus Browne described Monday's 4-0 away win at Everton as one of his best days in football as he scored all of the Hammers' goals in Premier League 2. The skipper was in scintillating form on Merseyside, too hot for the Toffees to handle, and as skipper led from the front by increasing his tally of goals to six for the season. Browne had bagged the winner in a 1-0 win at Manchester City with a terrific 25-yard free-kick four days earlier, and explained that gave him the confidence to play so well against Everton at their Southport FC home. After the four-goal haul, the beaming captain said: "It's definitely up there with one of my better days in football! I don't think you go into any game thinking you're going to score four goals, but I scored four and I'm delighted. "It's been a difficult week with two games in five days and we've got through it. I think the goal on Thursday gave me a bit more confidence going into today's game and I feel like I'm playing with confidence and got four goals because of it. "It was massive performance from the boys all round. We really dug in and stuck to the game plan and any game away from home that you win 4-0 in, it's always massive. "I'm obviously delighted to have scored all four goals."
Browne had a tough start to the campaign, unavailable through a series of knee and back injuries. But coming back to full fitness, the 20-year-old has shown his quality, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby and generally impressing for the U23 squad. About his comeback, Browne continued: "It wasn't easy being out for so long but the first couple of games back are where you're getting back into it and you're lacking a bit of fitness. "You feel like you're off the pace a bit and you've dropped down a few levels and you're behind the boys. "But I feel like I've built myself up and I'm good fitness-wise now and I'm getting confidence in the last few games, getting back into it. I feel like I've got my touch back and I'm ready and firing. "I think the aim for us is to get in the top six now and that's where we need to be and that's where we're heading. "[As captain], I feel like I am a natural leader in the team anyway so [being captain] I feel comes quite naturally for me. "I just try to look after the boys as best as I can, get everyone level headed and I know that we have to work hard week-in, week-out and perform to our best to get results like we did today."

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Hart: We're definitely a really dangerous team
WHUFC.com

Joe Hart believes West Ham United have the attacking players to cause trouble for any opponent. The Hammers will need their talented forwards to be at their best as they continue a challenging Premier League run-in with the visit of Stoke City to London Stadium on Monday evening. Following that clash with the Potters, West Ham will take on three of the current top six in their closing five fixtures, with a trip to Arsenal followed by home matches against leaders Manchester City and second-place Manchester United. But with Marko Arnautovic in the form of his life, Chicharito scoring a superb equaliser at Chelsea last time out, and both Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini closing in on returns from injury, goalkeeper Hart has backed his teammates to hit the target regularly over their final half-dozen fixtures. "We're definitely a really dangerous team," said the stopper, who was himself in outstanding form in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. "Marko is in absolutely fantastic form for us after a difficult start to his West Ham career, but since then he's been our standout player. I'm really pleased for him because he's a really good guy. "Chicha is just a top, top professional. He's a goalscorer. It's been different for him, especially with internationals and travelling the length and breadth of the world, so we weren't able to get him on the bench last weekend, but he's come off the bench this time around and got a goal he deserved. "He's a top player. There is no fluke to his career or fluke to him winning all those medals. People don't get given medals – I know that for a fact and so does Chicha."

Two-time Premier League champion Hart has every incentive to maintain his own good form as the season reaches its conclusion. With places in England's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad up for grabs, the No25 knows only his very best form will secure a spot in Gareth Southgate's final 23-man party to travel to Russia.
Regardless of whether he is ultimately picked or not, the 30-year-old will do his very best every time he pulls on his gloves. "Sunday was for me. I know who I am and what I am. I have had medals around my neck for years and years and got England caps. I work hard, I'm dedicated and even when I'm not playing I'm the same guy. "I play for my team, my family and my friends and anyone else who wants to comment, that's up to them and I don't really care. I love playing football and I'll keep playing football."

And his next chance to do what he loves comes on Monday evening, when West Ham seek three points that should keep them in the Premier League. "I feel like we have a huge, huge game next Monday. It's such an important match for us and, at the end of the day, for all the good that came out of Sunday, we only got one point and we want three points. We're really looking forward to Stoke now. "It's a massive game. I've watched Stoke and heard Paul Lambert talk about his team and he's happy and believes in his team, so they are going to see it as a big opportunity, as we are, so it's going to be a tough game."

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Like My Dreams: A special day for Bailey Punnett
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's 3-0 Premier League victory over Southampton was an emotional occasion for Bailey Punnett. For the match was the first the eleven-year-old had attended following the tragic and sudden death of his dad Scott, who suffered a cardiac arrest while at work. The father and son were Season Ticket Holders, attending matches at London Stadium alongside Scott's close friend Paul Manning and his daughter Mia, also eleven. Despite the shock and devastation caused by his Dad's passing, determined young Bailey told his mum Zoe that he would like West Ham's anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles to be played at his father's funeral, and that he wanted to keep going to Hammers matches in his memory. When Paul wrote to the Club explaining the sad events which had taken place, he, Bailey, Zoe and Mia were invited to Rush Green to meet the players and manager David Moyes. And, to fulfil Bailey's wish, the quartet attended the home match with Southampton as guests of honour, going on a special behind-the-scenes tour, watching the warm-up from pitch-side and meeting the players again after the match. "We'd been together 16 years and he was always a staunch West Ham supporter, and when we had Bailey we wanted to carry that tradition on by taking him to see the team play," Zoe said. "Scott always encouraged Bailey in his football, too. "Losing him has just left a massive hole in our lives. He was loved by everybody. The messages we have received have been amazing and it makes us realise what a really kind person he was. "I still expect him to walk through the door and just can't believe he's not here."

While Scott's death has left a massive hole in their lives, Zoe has vowed to take his place at West Ham matches, helping Bailey to fulfil his wish to cheer on the team his Dad loved. "It was very emotional, watching the game," Zoe continued. "I cried at the first goal. But I really enjoyed it. And I'll be coming back with Bailey. "Knowing his dad was here with us and he was shining down on us. And I think it was him that scored those goals." "The best match we went to was the last match at the Boleyn Ground," Bailey said. "We got in the ground early and my Dad was singing and everything. It was amazing. "I'll still keep coming to matches if they win!"

Bailey and Zoe will, of course, continue to be supported by Paul and Mia. "Scott grew up in Canning Town and we all supported West Ham from a young age. He went over to Upton Park from the age of ten and it went from there. I was mates with Scott for nearly 30 years, so we went back a long way and he was West Ham through and through. "We went to quite a few away games together and we got Season Tickets when the Club moved to London Stadium. The four of us would go together every week – it's what Scott would have wanted."

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Zabaleta full of praise for teammates Hart, Arnautovic and Chicharito
WHUFC.com

Pablo Zabaleta was full of praise for his old pal Joe Hart after the West Ham United goalkeeper produced a Man of the Match performance in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea. In recent years, Stamford Bridge has been a tough place for the Hammers to achieve a positive result and, going in 1-0 down at half-time, it seemed more of the same was to come, but a spirited second-half performance helped the visitors snatch a point. While Chicharito grabbed West Ham's goal, it was Hart whose series of fine saves set the foundation for his team to earn a share of the spoils – impressing the man who he has shared a dressing room with for much of the last decade. "I feel Joe's performance was fantastic," said Zabaleta. "He made four great saves that helped us get a point. "What we want is to have healthy competition between him and Adrian, as they have done great for the squad. "I have known Joe for a very long time now and I think he's a great lad. He deserves it as, even when he's dropped, he still works hard and that shows why he's a great professional."
The experienced right-back, who was in solid form himself in west London, had warm words for those at the other end of the field as well, lauding the combination play of Marko Arnautovic and super sub Chicharito which for West Ham's second-half equaliser. "We knew at half-time that we were only 1-0 down and needed to keep working hard all together and to keep our discipline and when the chances came, we knew we had the players going forward who could score goals in Marko, Chicha and Joao Mario," observed the No5. "They have huge quality to make the difference in the end and they have done it." "With them playing up front, they made it tough for the Chelsea defenders. It was a great goal with that cut-back from Marko and a great finish by Chicha. "That was a great finish by Chicharito. He is a game-changer. He creates a chance and he scores. He's always in the right position at the right time, we know that. It was a huge point of course, so now we just need to keep going as this is the best way to continue working."

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Stick your blue flag...
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2018
By: Paul Walker

There you go. Just for a change it's only about the football. I know it's hard to believe in our season of despair, but it only takes sticking it up Chelsea to bring about a show of much needed unity.

So often this season it's always been about the shambles off the field, this time - at least for a few days - let's all laugh at Chelsea.

OK, it was only a draw, and the pointed stick can only be inserted a little way, but it's enough to inflict pain and tears on the posh boys from the west side of London. A victory would have allowed more, but you can't have everything.

Now, in no particular order (there's a lot to get through) I'll start with the fans of this over-indulged club, full of self importance and entitlement. Even if they are, and because of that fact, the biggest club in London now (sorry Spurs, you are way, way down the list) taking anything from the money launderers is as good as a win.

BBC's 606, which used to be at least funny when Danny Baker did it, was full of tearful, wailing Chelsea fans who moaned about such a bad season. Sorry, you are champions, you reached the Champions League knockout stages, you are in the FA Cup semi finals and if you pull yourselves together you will be in the Thursday night league. Get a grip.

Now I didn't see any of the game live, without boring you with the sob story, my son went to the game and me and the missus looked after little granddaughter. I know, sometimes you can be pushed too far! But I spent a lovely sunny afternoon teaching her how to stay balanced on her little bike and she didn't fall over once. I can supply the same lesson to Eden Hazard, without the bike of course.

She then showed me how to play CBBC games on the iPad. She's three for heaven's sake, and most of the time I was getting 'you have to be quicker than that, grandad.'

So I let the game slip away when the chance of turning on the TV became out of the question. To be fair, I had more fun on a match day than I have had in the pit of misery all season!

I have since watched the whole recording, and was mightily impressed with the effort and desire not to be overrun. Which could easily have happened, as it has on plenty of other occasions these past two seasons.

So to have heard Sky's Andy Hinchcliffe wittering on about how poor we were and how wonderful Chelsea were, and then to read on BBC's website Danny Mill (an average full back who was very fortunate to play for England) going on about us 'whimper' our way to relegation and not appreciating the importance of the game took some understanding.

We are not as good as Chelsea, we do not have players as good as theirs, but you could not doubt the commitment and effort. It got worse on 606, where we had Kelly Cates (formerly Dalglish) and Joleen, Joleen, Joleen, Joleen Lescott (apologies to Dolly Parton, I couldn't resist that) gushing away about Chelsea. The programme was so poor it sounded like a Radio Caroline training tape from the '60s.

And everybody thought it wasn't a penalty, that N'Golo Kante's tackle on Marko was perfect. The same came from most of the journos. Now sorry, these people have instant TV replays and slow motion at their fingertips. It didn't take much to see that it was a penalty, even if it was near impossible for referee Keith Friend to see it. It would have been a guess.

Mind, you, I've seen too many refs guess that challenges are worthy of a penalty. At least Dermot Gallagher got it right. It's an easy way out for pundits and some writers to be nice about the big teams.　
　
Now I believe our fans see Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as one of the top, if not the top, away trips of the season. A nice sunny day in the wine bars and poncy coffee shops. And if the Shed was still around the ICF boys would take it, this time I am told, they took over one of the Chelsea home fans' designated pubs. So a good day was had by all.

And it was two more unlikely heroes that did it. Joe Hart and Javier Hernandez are both unlikely to be around next season. Chico wants out, he's been saying so for months, but what I love about him is that he still puts in a shift and scores vital goals.

I still don't think he should start, he is just not suited to the Premier League where everyone has to work and press. That's never been his game. Alex Ferguson thought that, and both Slav and David Moyes agree.

Chico will score, he's one of the best in the world in the penalty box, but outside of it he can be lightweight and a liability. And nobody plays 4-4-2 these days. So I expect him to be off in the summer.

Hart, with his vast wages, also looks very unlikely to stay, unless he produces a string of performances like Sunday's and then takes a big pay cut. But that's unlikely, if he continues to do well he'll get a move somewhere, Newcastle have wanted him for months.

I have always liked him but accept this has been a difficult season when his concentration has looked way off at times. Mind you, playing behind our defence early in the season would have made Gordon Banks look bad.

But between them these two won us the point. Hart, who despite taking constant abuse this term, has always been uncomplaining and professional. Chico the same, he does his job and has scored some beauties this term, Sunday's being one of his best.

It was mayhem behind that goal as the Irons' fans went potty. They were pretty vocal throughout and deserve praise for the dignity shown during the Ray Wilkins tribute beforehand, and you could hear them singing 'there's only one Ray Wilkins' above the minutes' applause. Top lads.

The one downer was the soft goal we gave away. Slav, working for Sky, had a pop at Marko and Fernandes for some poor defending. That's rich coming from our former boss who frequently saw us ship four goals a game. Mind you, he was right. The pair were pretty awful as they tried to defend that short corner and Cesar Azpilicueta fumbled the ball over the line.

So here we are, I still think two wins away from safety. It means Stoke next Monday is crucial because it's Arsenal and Manchester City straight after that. It will take a Southampton-level performance on and off the field against the Potters, so lets hope our beloved board can keep their heads down long enough not to cause any distractions from the job in hand.

I am not really interested in any of the off-field stuff any more until we are safe. This unity thing is quite nice, isn't it?


Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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Hernandez in, Zaza out?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2018
By: Staff Writer

La Liga side Valencia are preparing to offload former Hammer Simone Zaza - in order to make room for Javier Hernandez. The Mexican international has made no secret of his disappointment at having failed to secure a first team spot at West Ham under Slaven Bilic or David Moyes, and is set to cut his losses by moving on during the summer. Naturally there is no shortage of interested parties whilst one of his most earnest potential suitors are Los Che, who signed Italian international Zaza on a full-time contract last summer. However in order to make room for the possible acquisition of Hernandez, the former Juve striker is also likely to be moving on at the end of the campaign - according to reports in Spain (El Gol Digital). With Santi Mina and #19 Rodrigo currently first choice at the Mestalla Stadium, Zaza - who has scored 12 times for Valencia this season, although only twice since last December - is set to be the fall guy, not for the first time in his career. Hernandez, who has looked at times like a luxury player in a team battling for its very survival had scored eight times for West Ham since his £14million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. West Ham will be seeking to recapture as much of that outlay as possible for the Mexican international, who celebrates his 30th birthday this June.

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Rice a future captain, says Zaba
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2018
By: Staff Writer

Pablo Zabaleta has backed fellow defender Declan Rice to be a future West Ham captain. The 19-year-old defender was roundly praised at the weekend for an excellent performance against former club Chelsea, who he left at the age of 14. And the Irish international's veteran team mate, who is at the other end of a glittering career believes he has the ability and aptitute to go on and lead the Hammers for many years to come.
Talking about Sunday afternoon's draw at Chelsea, the former Argentinian international said: "I was very pleased with the performance from the back line. "We worked really hard throughout the game to stop Chelsea's front three - Hazard, Willima, Moarata - who are really good players. I thought we were defensively solid today. "Angelo [Ogbonna] and Declan [Rice] were fantastic - Declan is still only 19 but he's improving game after game. He's got that energy to play and I'm very pleased for him. "I hope I can help him and teach him how to defend as this guy has a great future at the club. I'm sure he'll be a West Ham captain in the future."
And Zabaleta - who is coming to the end to the first of a two-year stay at West Ham - also heaped praise upon Man of the Match Joe Hart, who moved to east London from Manchester along with the full back last summer. "I thought his performance was fantastic," added Zabaleta. "He made three or four great saves that helped us to get a point. I'm very pleased for him. "This squad is big, we've got two players for each position and we want to have that helthy competition between Joe and Adrian. They've done great for the squad. "I've known Joe Hart for a long time now, he's a great lad and he deserves it. Even when he's been dropped he kept working hard - and that shows why he's a great professional."

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£37 to upgrade a £20 ticket? No thanks!
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2018
By: Staff Writer

A season ticket holder has written to West Ham after he was asked to pay £37 in order to upgrade a child's season ticket - for a match in which an adult may purchase one on General Sale for £20. The supporter, who wishes to remain anonymous but has been a season ticket holder for more than 20 years hoped to upgrade his young son's season ticket for a friend (a fellow adult) who was hoping to join him for Monday night's vital Premier League clash against Stoke City.
However the longstanding fan - whose son is unable to attend since the match was moved to a school night - was disappointed to learn that the club intended to charge him £37 for the upgrade, nearly DOUBLE what it would cost to buy an adult match day ticket for the match as a result of the club's '2 for £40' promotional offer. "Other games that have been moved to midweek have had '£20 to upgrade' offers," the season ticket holder, who has contacted vice chair Karren Brady and co-chairman David Gold with his complaint told KUMB. "That's reasonable. But £37 to upgrade when you can buy two for £40 seems like unnecessary profiteering."

The £37 fee compares unfavourably to a similar arrangement last season, when West Ham faced Tottenham in a match that was also moved to a weekday at the behest of the TV companies (Friday 5 May 2017). On that particular occasion the parents of child season ticket holders were encouraged to upgrade their tickets at a discounted rate. West Ham United have been approached for comment.

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Masuaku's socks appeal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2018
By: Staff Writer

Arthur Masuaku has explained why he has taken to tearing holes in his socks ahead of matches. The 24-year-old, who recently returned from a six-match suspension was spotted at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with a series of unexplained holes in his footwear. But according to Masuaku, the holes (three in each sock, at the back) are quite deliberate - and designed to allow his calf muscles room for manouvre inside socks that the French winger described as "too tight".
Masuaku, of course, isn't the first Hammer to ensure his kit has a particularly unique look. Alex Song was well known for rolling his shorts up as high as possible, whilst Julian Dicks made a habit of cutting off his short collars prior to every game - for comfort, as he revealed in his KUMB column back in 2012. "Pony were our sponsors and the shirts used to have buttons on," he said. "If you ever chested the ball down it'd hurt, so I used to cut the buttons and the collars off. "I was never a footballer to look posh, with nice cuffs and collars, so off they came! It was purely for comfort. Prior to that we had a Pony shirt with a round neck and I used to cut a 'V' into it - once again because it was more comfortable."

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THREE PLAYERS DAVID MOYES WANTS TO BRING TO WEST HAM THIS SUMMER
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 9 APRIL 2018 AT 7:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Nathan Blake

David Moyes recently took in the Fulham against Leeds game in the Championship, casting his eye over three Fulham stars with a view to a potential move, something that was first broke on ExWHUEmployee's twitter account, as usual!.

Whilst Ryan Sessegnon has been earning all the plaudits at Craven Cottage, three other stars have been identified as possible targets for the Hammers. Tom Cairney, Ryan Fredericks and on-loan Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic have caught the eye.

Mitrovic could get Hammers fans' pulses racing. He's the former Anderlecht striker who joined Newcastle a couple of seasons ago for a significant sum. He hasn't enjoyed the best of times under Benitez, frozen out at St James Park, much like former England prospect Jack Colback.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Colback has gone on loan at Forest whilst Mitrovic has been showing what he can do in west London. He's been in phenomenal form, scoring in eight consecutive games ahead of the summer's World Cup. He's recently been nominated for the Championship Player of the Month for March too.

He's a classic centre-forward, nippy and agile but with a keen eye for goal. Hammers fans might be worried that he hasn't proven himself at the top level, but the top of the Championship isn't that different to the bottom of the Premier League. He'd be a wonderful signing; he's only 23 which means he could well increase in value, but Newcastle would expect to recoup some of that £13m they laid out on him.

Ryan Fredericks is another player with a big future and he was also being watched by Moyes. He 25-years old and came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, but never made the grade there. He spent time on loan at various clubs, eventually moving to Bristol City. It seems you can take the boy out of London, but not London out of the boy. He spent just 26 days with Bristol before leaving for 'personal reasons', earning a move back to the capital with the Cottagers.

He's now played 95 times for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, impressing more as his spell has worn on. He's primed for a Premier League move and it does seem as though he'd be favouring a London club, but if Fulham were to go up the move would be highly unlikely.

Both players would significantly improve the Hammers side, both are young and would likely be the catalyst for West Ham moving up the odds in Premier League betting markets – that is, if they stay there. They're still around 10/1 to be relegated. However, coupled with the final target, they could help usher in a purple period in the Hammers history.

Tom Cairney

The final player Moyes was watching is midfielder Tom Cairney, a slow burner who has taken time to flourish. He's been a driving force behind Fulham's ascent up the table, pulling the strings in midfield with some all-action displays. He's been amongst the goals, bagging five this season, but his game isn't about goals.

Cairney is 27 years old and failed to properly break through at Hull City in a five-year spell there. He's a traditional number six, a midfielder who gets box to box, winning the ball and playing smart passes. He's attracted lots of attention this season; Aston Villa have been watching closely, but it could well be another side in claret and blue where his future lies.

With the recent troubles at the Olympic Stadium fresh in everyone's mind, and a dismal period on the pitch not looking over yet, fans do need something positive to focus on. These three players might not be household names, but they've been at the centre of Fulham's rise this season and are all primed and ready to perform on the biggest stage of them all, the Premier League.

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Mark Noble says Javier Hernandez wants more game time at West Ham
Last Updated: 10/04/18 4:35pm
SSN

West Ham captain Mark Noble says team-mate Javier Hernandez has not played as much as he would have liked under David Moyes this season. The 29-year-old, who has started 16 Premier League games for the Hammers this season, scored three minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday. Newspaper reports this week have suggested the Mexican is prepared to leave the London club this summer due to his lack of first-team minutes.
West Ham boss David Moyes was full of praise for 'keeper Joe Hart after his man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea. Noble praised the striker's finishing ability but admitted the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player would like to play more. "Chicharito is a goal machine - he gets one chance and scores," he told West Ham's website. "He's probably not played as many minutes as he would have liked but probably down to the way the season has gone. "But when you can bring him on, as soon as it fell to him I'm standing right behind him and there were about ten bodies in front, but you know he will find that spot and that's why he's the player he is. "The second-half display had everything. We defended well and I thought we kept the ball a lot better, but Chelsea are a top team and they have some really clever players, particularly the front three. "But we kept our shape and kept playing the way we know we can do, we defended well and we came away with a point. We're over the moon."

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Joe Hart is West Ham's No 1 but not England's, says Tony Gale
Last Updated: 10/04/18 11:49am
SSN

Joe Hart has won over West Ham fans, according to Tony Gale, but the former Hammer does not believe Hart will start in goal for England at the World Cup. Hart looked back to his best on Super Sunday, produced a string of fine saves as he turned in a man-of-the match performance in West Ham's 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
West Ham boss David Moyes was full of praise for the 75-cap England international after his display at Stamford Bridge, insisting Hart has given Gareth Southgate a timely reminder of his international credentials. But Gale, who racked up 300 league appearances during a decade-long spell at West Ham, does not believe Hart has done quite enough to earn an automatic starting berth between the sticks for England in Russia. "(I think he has done) enough to get himself on the plane but not a starting place," Gale told Premier League Daily. "I'm so pleased to see him (starting again for West Ham). "I do think he is better than Adrian in goal. I think he did have a poor time and Adrian deserved to come in but I think that performance at the weekend showed what a good pro he is. "He hasn't complained and has just got on with his game. And he has won the West Ham fans around as well."

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Andy Carroll in contention to return for West Ham against Stoke
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 10/04/18 11:49am
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Andy Carroll is contention to make his comeback from injury for West Ham in their match against Stoke on Monday Night Football, Sky Sports News understands.
The 29-year-old, who has scored two goals in 14 appearances this season, has not played for the Hammers since January 4 after suffering an ankle injury. Carroll has returned to first-team training and is likely to take his place on the substitutes' bench, with the in-form Marko Arnautovic leading the line for David Moyes' side.
West Ham are also hopeful Manuel Lanzini will be fit to feature against the Potters having been without the midfielder for the past two matches. The 25-year-old missed the 3-0 victory over Southampton and 1-1 draw with Chelsea after sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with Argentina. Lanzini, who is back running in training, has scored three goals in 23 appearances this campaign, providing five assists.

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A HUGE WEEKEND LOOMING
By Tony Hanna 10 Apr 2018 at 08:00
WTID

Another point and another step closer to Premier League survival. I won't dwell too much on the game at Chelsea as David Hautzig and Hamburg Hammer have already written excellent pieces on the match. We rode our luck at times but that will always be the case against any of the top six teams in the division, especially away from home. However, it was a gritty display and after last week's performance against Southampton it augurs well for the challenges ahead as the season draws to a close. For about twelve minutes near the end of the match it was as thrilling as it gets, like two boxers giving it all at the end of a bout. Both swinging with all their might looking for the knockout punch. Indeed, we might have stolen the points when Arnie came crashing down in the box, but alas no penalty was given. For me Kante's tackle was a good one but I am sure not all will agree. This is why when VAR does come in they must stick by the on field referees calls in these types of moments. When there is still doubt after watching a video replay their initial on field verdict must be final, or the whole process will not work. I must admit, the only time during Sunday's game where I vented was on the back of that short corner kick we took in the last two minutes. We had one last chance to win the game and we threw it away. If we are going to decline that opportunity and opt to waste time with a view to respecting the point, at least do it well. We would have wasted more time by kicking the ball into the crowd for a goal kick straight from the corner, rather than the debacle attempted between Cullen and Noble.

This coming weekend is huge in relation to the relegation fight. If we can beat Stoke we will be safe in my opinion and if Chelsea can also beat Southampton it will further cement our position. Should we fail to beat Stoke and teams around us win it will still makes things very tricky. A few weeks ago in my column I gave a run down on what lies ahead for the teams in the relegation dog fight. Here is an update.

West Brom are down now and whilst it is still mathematically possible they could survive, they won't.

Stoke are giving it their all, as are their fans, but they have let in 63 goals in 33 games (highest in the PL) and in recent times have also been fairly blunt in attack as well. They have put in decent enough performances in their last two matches – Arsenal away and Spurs at home, but have come away with nothing. Since the turn of the year they have only scored in six of their PL games and only once have they scored more than one. The bookies rate them at 2/7 (78%) for the drop. They have played one more game than us and their remaining fixtures are; West Ham (a), Burnley (h), Liverpool (a), Crystal Palace (h) and Swansea (a). They have enough winnable games left to give them hope but a loss to the Hammers would make things really tough.

Southampton put in a much improved effort on the weekend at Arsenal. Whilst the home side fielded a weakened side due to Cup commitments later this week, the Saints gave the Gunners plenty of problems especially at the back end of the game. However, they have only won once in their past nineteen PL games and that was against bottom club West Brom. The bookies price them at around even money for relegation (50%) and their run in comprises; Chelsea (H), Leicester (a), Bournemouth (h), Everton (a), Swansea (a) and Man City (h). This weekend's game for them is huge as it will leave them with only two more home games to play this season. One will be against their local rivals who would love to put one over them and the other is against the Champions in waiting.

Crystal Palace have the easiest run in of all the relegation candidates but they must start to win some of these or they could be drawn under. The bookies make them a 10/1 (9%) chance for relegation and they are three points behind us having played one more game. Their run is; Brighton (h), Watford (a), Leicester (h), Stoke (a) and West Brom (h). If they can't conjure up half a dozen points from that lot they probably deserve to go down.

Huddersfield are really struggling. They scored a fortunate goal in their away game at Brighton on the weekend to earn a point but showed a distinct lack of ambition when Brighton were reduced to ten men with fifteen minutes to play. Since they beat Watford back on the 16th December they have only won twice, against West Brom and Bournemouth. Their lucky goal at Brighton on the weekend was their first in five matches. They are two points behind us and have played one more game. The bookies rate them a 6/4 (40%) chance to drop and they finish the season with; Watford (h), Everton (h), Man City (a), Chelsea (a) and Arsenal (h). Again, probably their most winnable game remaining is this weekend which highlights the importance of this coming round of fixtures.

Swansea were a team on a roll just a few weeks ago, after looking certainties to go down before their change of manager in late December. They have failed to win in their past three PL games since they beat us 4-1 and are not out of the woods just yet. Like us, they have six games left but now trail the Hammers by two points. They are 11/2 (15%) to be relegated and their remaining fixtures are; Everton (h), Man City (a), Chelsea (h), Bournemouth (a), Southampton (h) and Stoke (h). Like us, four of their remaining six fixtures will be played on their home ground. Again, their most winnable game in the next four fixtures is this weekend. Whether Swansea stay up or go down one thing is almost certain. Their last two fixtures of the season will probably decide who does.

Brighton are 20/1 (4.76%) to go down. They are one point ahead of us and finish this season with; Crystal Palace (a), Spurs (h), Burnley (a), Man Utd (h), Man City (a) and Liverpool (a). Again, looking at their final five fixtures of the season the importance of this weekend's clash with Palace is huge for them.

So what of us? West Ham are now rated a 25/1 (3.85%) chance for relegation. However, a loss this weekend would severely affect the relegation markets. Our remaining games are; Stoke (h), Arsenal (a), Man City (h), Leicester (a), Man Utd (h) and Everton (H). Last week I wrote that a Man City win in the CL ties against Liverpool could see them play a weakened side against us should they reach the semi-finals. Our PL match with them would be sandwiched between the two semis. That is looking more unlikely now but a similar thing will probably happen for our match at Arsenal. They carry a 4-1 lead into their second leg tie with CSKA Moscow this week and should they prevail our match with them will be played just days before the first semi-final leg of the Europa League. The Gunners have fielded weakened teams in the past fortnight against our relegation rivals Stoke and Southampton due to them prioritising the Cup, but neither of those two have been able to take advantage of some pretty awful displays from Wenger's team. Whilst Arsenal have stuck three goals past both of them it has hardly told the real story. Hopefully, Wenger will do the honours and field a team of similar strength for our visit.

So to conclude. This weekend is a huge game for us and Stoke, but a quick look at how the fixture list is panning out and there a few other matches this weekend that will go a long way to deciding who will be relegated this season. Let's hope the boys can bring this one home. COYI.

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