Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking forward with optimism after running Arsenal close
on Saturday
08.10.2012
Sam Allardyce believes Saturday's match with Arsenal has shown that his
new-look West Ham United side need to hold no fear when mixing it with the
Barclays Premier League big boys. The Hammers matched the Gunners for much
of Saturday's sell-out encounter, but after Mohamed Diame had opened the
scoring in the 21st minute, two fine second-half strikes from the visitors
were decisive as they ran out 3-1 winners. Big Sam's side caused their north
London neighbours a host of problems, however, and had they taken one of the
number of good opportunities that had fallen their way, they could well have
maintained their position above Arsenal in the table. "We tried our best -
that's all we can do," Big Sam said. "We weren't overran. We might have been
a lot worse of in terms of possession - that's obvious - but in terms of
chances created and shots on goal, it was very close indeed.
"Whenever my teams have won against top teams in the past we have always
punished the opposition when we had the opportunity." Diame's first goal in
claret and blue is likely to be among the contenders for Goal of the Season
at the 2013 Player Awards night, while Arsenal's third goal - a long-range
effort from Santi Cazorla - was also worthy of praise, according to
Allardyce. "I'm not sure Cazorla's goal was better than Diame's. It was a
great strike but Momo beat two players and then smashed it in the net. They
were probably as good as each other. "The quality of both goals was
fantastic. It's a pity we couldn't show that quality with our chances in the
second half.
In addition to testing the Arsenal backline, West Ham United once again
defended their goal bravely and selflessly, with Jussi Jaaskelainen rarely
troubled. Big Sam was pleased with what he saw and will be demanding the
same level of performance when Southampton visit the Boleyn Ground on 20
October.
"For all of Arsenal's possession - which was fantastic considering the way
they move the ball around - our defensive unit did a fantastic job and
limited their chances. "In the second half we wanted to do a little bit more
in terms of testing their defenders. We did that but we didn't score and we
paid a heavy price for that as they punished us at the end."
Andy Carroll's return to the starting XI was another positive from the
afternoon and he carried on where he left off on his home debut against
Fulham. After winning countless headers and working hard to not afford the
Arsenal defenders any time on the ball, the West Ham No8 came close with two
headers - one from a corner in the first half and another from a George
McCartney cross in the second. "That's why we've got him - he's an
unbelievable player and he can only get better. For his second chance he
outjumped the goalie. The goalie can use his hands to catch the ball but he
goes and outjumps him. "Anybody that doesn't fear Andy Carroll is foolish.
As long as we can keep giving him the service I think he's going to be a
tremendous asset."
Like a number of other first-team and Development Squad players, Carroll
will be absent from Chadwell Heath this week as he reports for international
duty with England. Despite him lasting a full 90 minutes on Saturday, Big
Sam is hopeful he will return fully fit after the Three Lions' double header
against San Marino and Poland. "I'm not worried Andy could play for England
as he is really lacking in match practise. What I will speak to Roy about is
his fatigue level.
"Andy will be stiffer than everybody else after this because he hasn't
played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks. So he will take a bit more time to
recover.
"But he should be fine for Friday and hopefully he will get a game at some
stage to improve his match fitness."
The international break will give Big Sam a chance to look back over an
impressive start to lfe back in the top tier of English football, but also
an opportunity to look ahead, with a tough run of fixtures on the horizon as
the Hammers head into November. It's been a good start to the season and
it's been exciting. We've gelled a bit quicker than I thought we would.
We've got some real talent in the team with some good experience.
Southampton is our next game and it will be a big test for us. We'll need to
lift ourselves for that to try and get back on the winning trail again."
Allardyce and his West Ham United medical staff are also likely to use the
break to assess the extent of injuries picked up by Ricardo Vaz Te, Guy
Demel and Winston Reid on Saturday. Vaz Te is looking like the most serious,
with a dislocated shoulder set to keep him out for up to 12 weeks. Demel's
thigh injury forced him off in the secon half, while Winston Reid suffered a
back spasm that was still being looked at on Monday morning.
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'Moose' remembers John Bond
WHUFC.com
Ian 'Moose' Abrahams talks to Kevin Bond about his late, great father and
West Ham United legend John
08.10.2012
The changing face of football was bought home to me last month with the sad
passing of former West Ham defender John Bond, who I was lucky enough to
meet last season in the Legends Lounge here at Upton Park at the home game
with Bristol City. John joined West Ham in March 1950 from Colchester
Casuals. He'd been spotted playing by West Ham assistant manager Ted Fenton
when he was manager with Colchester United and he convinced Hammers manager
Charlie Paynter to offer Bond a contract and he duly turned professional in
March 1950
John was a popular figure with the Upton Park fans and was nicknamed
'Muffin' because of his ability to kick like a mule. While here, John won
the old Division Two title in 1958, the FA Cup in 1964 and played his part
in the successful run to the European Cup Winners' Cup final at Wembley the
following season.
I am lucky enough to know John's son Kevin - a successful player and coach
just like his Dad - and he has paid a glowing tribute to his father.
"From when I was born we lived in Vaughan Road, which was around 200 yards
from Upton Park, and we stayed there all the time that my father played for
played for West Ham. I was born in 1957 and remember being in such close
proximity to the stadium and of course the 1964 FA Cup final at Wembley.
"That day I remember my sister and my mum sat in stands with me and being so
pleased and delighted with West Ham's win. I was only seven at the time and,
being so young, the day passed me by but it was a fantastic day for all of
us. What I do remember are the celebrations on the open-top bus which went
around east London and how crazy it all was with all the streets lined with
so many supporters.
"Probably my biggest memory with regards to my father's time at West Ham is
that whenever we spoke when we spent time together, he told me how much he
adored the club and how much he adored his time at the club.
"It was different to how it is today and that's not being critical of how
things are today, it's just the nature of how things are. In my father's day
so many of the players knew each other and came from the same culture. These
days many come from different parts of the world, but that's just the way it
is.
"His team-mates were his friends and until the day he died they remained his
friends. He stayed in touch with lots of them I still speak to Peter
Brabrook as he did. He spoke to Kenny Brown and Martin Peters for 50 or 60
years and he knew them all.
"He loved West Ham as a club and he adored Ron Greenwood, who he said taught
him so much about football. He had magnificent times at the club and I don't
believe he would've swapped his time at West Ham for a dozen medals playing
for anyone else. He just loved it at West Ham being around the people I've
mentioned and more, including the likes of Noel Cantwell."
As Kevin alluded to, his father played during a very different era when
players staying ten or 15 years at a single club was not uncommon. John
himself was at Upton Park 16 years.
"I remember him saying once that Ron Greenwood came up to him and said that
QPR wanted to sign him. I don't know if he was having a difficult time at
the club, but QPR wanted him. Anyway my father told Ron he didn't want to
leave, even when Ron told him he may not get a game.
"My father told Ron it was his decision and it's a good thing he did stay
because he went on to win the FA Cup. There was never any question of him
leaving. He was happy there and always happy there. It was only when he
wasn't good enough anymore for West Ham, at the end of his career, that he
had two fantastic years with a few of his old West Ham mates down at
Torquay. But he never had any desire to leave West Ham, he never thought
about leaving West Ham or moving anywhere else, he loved it at West Ham."
John Bond went into management and was successful at many clubs. It was
during this period that he helped Kevin on his way into the game. Kevin
started his career as a trainee at Bournemouth under his father and when
John moved to Norwich he took Kevin with him, handing him his league debut
came at Leicester City in April 1976.
"I had to work hard to earn my place in my Dad's team and to get a living
out of the game. I'd be the first to accept this and many who worked with my
Dad thought I'd struggle to be a footballer. As the manager, though, he had
the opportunity to give me a chance and he did. No-one else thought I'd
become a footballer, but I repaid his faith in me as I became a player in my
own right."
John's management style came as result of his upbringing at the Academy of
Football.
"Having come out of West Ham it was clear to him how he wanted the game to
be played. He knew what he wanted and knew how to get the best out of
people. He was comfortable on the training ground, but said it how it was.
If he upset people, it wasn't in a nasty or aggressive way. It was just that
he said it as saw it or felt it. I don't think you'll see that breed of
manager anymore."
It is clear from speaking to Kevin that John had a very special relationship
with West Ham and the fans and that is why I know there will be a real sense
of loss around Upton Park today.
"He was comfortable at West Ham and with the fans. He didn't necessarily
have any more of a special rapport with the fans than anybody else, but I
think if you speak to any of the players at the time they will say the same
the fans were great and they all seemed to get on amazingly well with
supporters.
"I remember he told me that one day somebody in the Chicken Run had a moan
at him during the game. He walked up to him in the stand and said 'If you
don't like it, why don't you go home?'!
"There was an association between the players and supporters, more than
there is today. It's well-documented the players and fans used to meet in
the cafe's round the corner from the ground.
"My dad lived 200 yards from the ground, he related to the fans and they
related to him. He adored his 16 years at West Ham United."
Follow Ian Abrahams on twitter @BroadcastMoose
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Allardyce on... Arsenal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce feels - with some justification - that his team were hard done
by against Arsenal in the weekend's big London derby. His full post-match
press conference exclusively in full for you here on KUMB...
Sam: You gave it a good go today and you caused them problems?
Yes. The clinical thing for us was defending properly in the early part of
the game because it was difficult to get the ball off of Arsenal - but our
defending as a team and a unit was excellent which allowed us to frustrate
them. Yes, they had great possession but in terms of chances created, or
shots at goal, they were very few and far between of course.
For Mo [Diame] to get us off to that wonderful start with that brilliant
piece of skill from our first real sustained attack was brilliant. I was
just hoping we'd get in [to half time] at 1-0 - but we didn't. It shows you
that when we didn't have that protection and we made that little mistake how
the much the opposition, when they're as good as they are, can punish you.
Mo looks like he's going to be in good possession on the half-way line. He
pops it off, the Arsenal player picks it up and they've scored within a
whisker. 1-1 wasn't bad at all considering; I wanted to really test
Arsenal's defence and we did that. But because we didn't score when we did
test it they punished us in the end.
Obviously the second goal was a killer because we were in a fantastic
position to create another chance to score at that stage. Because we picked
out the wrong pass all of a sudden the opposition go from one end of the
pitch to the other, we've opened ourselves up to try and get in front and
they've severely punished us yet again.
Between that, Kevin Nolan had a couple of great chances and also Andy
Carroll when he out-jumped the 'keeper. That could have dropped in the back
of the net, but it didn't. Then [Santi] Cazorla scored a wonder-goal and
that was the end of it. We tried our best, it wasn't quite good enough - but
we're pleased with our performance. Just perhaps a little disappointed we
didn't get a draw.
Carroll was a handful but he looked fit. Was he okay?
He's okay, he's fine. We didn't want to play him for 90 minutes because he's
only just come back from that spell out injured and hasn't played that much.
Unfortunately, our injury plight worsened as the game progressed which is a
little worrying because we picked up injuries against QPR and we got three
more today. Winston Reid was struggling badly with sciatica, back spasm -
but we'd used all of our subs; Guy Demel came off with a thigh and [Ricardo]
Vaz Te with a dislocated shoulder. So we're disappointed with the result and
disappointed with those injuries that we've picked up - but I'm not
disappointed with the lads' application and performance.
Will Ricardo be long term or do you think he'll be alright after the
[international] break?
No, he won't be alright; it'll be six to 12 weeks depending on how [bad it
is]. We can't get it back [in place], he's going to have to go to hospital
to have an anaesthetic to slot the shoulder back in the socket. Then the
specialist will determine how long it takes to sort that out.
It's a bit of a shame but we all suffer injuries. We just have to use the
squad that we've got and make sure we don't pick any more injuries up on
international duty. I think if we keep performing like we have, here at West
Ham particularly, we'll give ourselves a great chance of beating Southampton
and get back to winning ways.
[Question from Matt Law of the Sunday Mirror] There was some pretty nasty
abuse for Arsene Wenger; would you rather not hear that from your fans?
From..? I didn't hear it to be honest. I was obviously concentrating on the
game, I'm not sure what the fans were saying. But if they are, it's not
right.
It seemed as if Theo Walcott made the difference coming on there today.
Wenger descirbed his goal as "the killer goal". Is that fair comment?
Yeah. Like I said, if you look back to what we were doing at that time we
were threatening Arsenal and they were on the back foot. Mo Diame flicked a
little ball in behind [Carl] Jenkinson and got in down the left-hand side,
their right. He's free just outside the box and what we wanted him to do was
either the same thing as he did in the first half - have a shot and score -
or smash it across the middle of the defenders and the goalkeeper like they
did for their first goal.
But he scuffed it, it hit an Arsenal player and dropped down. The first pass
goes off and you can see from where I am, we've opened ourselves up so much
because we've loaded the box to try and score. With Theo Walcott's pace,
you're not going to stop him, are you?
It's a good goal from their point of view; they've exploited the space
brilliantly in the space of just a few seconds with their quality and pace.
It's just a great shame that we didn't make more of our opportunity. It was
sort of a double-punishment if you like; we didn't take advantage of our
great opportunity there and they won the ball back and scored at the other
end.
You can see why he [Walcott] wants to be a centre forward so much from that
finish, would you say?
[shrugs shoulders] [laughs] It's not for me to tell Arsene Wenger what to do
or not what to do! It's obviously a problem for Arsene and for Theo to sort
out - not me.
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Work in process
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th October 2012
By: Paul Walker
So now we know, at last we have an idea of just where we are and what level
of improvement we are making under Sam Allardyce.
Like him or loathe him, and I meet fans of both persuasions, Sam has just
completed 60 games in charge of our club, and lost just 13...three of which
were cup ties, and we all know how disinterested big Sam is when cup
competitions come around. They get in the way of the real job in hand,
firstly promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt and now
staying in the Premier League.
Yes, I know most of that 60 were outside the top flight so the achievement
is relative. So any real early-season assessment has had to wait as far as I
was concerned, until we played a true top of the range club. And until
Arsenal arrived at the Boleyn on Saturday, we did not really know how far we
had progressed under Sam.
And I left the ground on Saturday, gutted we had lost but also relieved we
had been able to hold our own against one of Europe's genuine heavyweights,
and impressed with what I had witnessed.
We didn't just play long ball, we mixed things up and produced a performance
of strength and organisation. Only when we got tired and got caught pushing
forward in the last 13 minutes did Arsenal cut us open to score twice and
achieve a deserved victory, but one that left them aware that the had not
totally outclassed us.
In fact, two mistakes by Momo Diame, after he'd scored a stunning goal, cost
us victory. First he turned in midfield into traffic and had the ball
pinched from him, and that led to Theo Walcott's goal, and then soon after
when he made the wrong choice of pass as he sought to lift the ball into
their box. Again the ball was lost, and in the back of our net within
seconds.
It says something that we can isolate small incidents to pinpoint where we
lost the game. The previous time Arsenal were at our place was January 2011,
we were totally outclassed, embarrassingly humiliated. We lost 3-0 and it
was a stroll for the Gunners.
We have seen lots of statistics these past few days, some which must have
made Sam think Christmas had come early. So I'm going to throw in a few more
for good measure.
Of that team who lost so badly back in January 2011, only five of the 18
Hammers players on show that day, are still with us. Mark Noble, James
Tomkins, Winston Reid, George McCartney and Carlton Cole.
Sam says 40 players have gone from our club since then, and we have a very
different squad now. The likes of Upson, Bridge and Kovac played that day,
do I need to say more. We were on a different planet to our opponents.
We were going down and were just not able to compete. On Saturday we at
least did that, and with a little more luck could have scored a couple more
in the second period.
Sam has changed so much, even the first team selected in his reign - the 1-0
home defeat to Cardiff on the first day of last season - has seen a massive
alteration. Eight of the 16 used that day have since left (or been dumped);
Green, Ilunga, Barrera, Parker, Piquionne, Faye, Boffin and Sears to be
exact.
It has been a major work in progress, and I defy anyone to say that our
current squad is not a world away from the beginning of last term or that
shameful display the last time Arsene Wenger's team played at the Boleyn.
But even that is not enough for some people. I still blink at some of the
stuff on message boards from fans who reckon we should be able to compete
with the likes of Arsenal, and cannot see the stark reality of football
these days.
Arsenal have been in the Champions League for the last 15 seasons. That
means, at a conservative estimate, £20m of Champions League money a season.
So that's around £300m they have had, plus a fine new stadium, that we have
not had access to.
If you add in all the Premier League prize money and the rest of the cash
that floods into the top clubs, you could say Arsenal have had well over
£500m to play with over those 15 seasons while we have been floundering from
one ownership shambles to another.
Now look at us. Why on earth do some fans believe we can compete against
that sort of financial muscle? It's the same for Manchester United, Chelsea,
Liverpool (then maybe, but probably not now) and even Spurs who have been in
Europe consistently for the past few seasons.
So when Sam sends out an organised team who are not over-run and are able to
compete to a decent standard, that's an achievement little over 14 months
since he arrived.
Just look across London to QPR and see a manager in Mark Hughes who has
behaved like a kid in a chocolate factory and used 23 players this season
but has not put together anything like a proper team. And up at Anfield
where Brendan Rodgers is the short-passing flavour of the month but just
cannot win matches.
I'm beginning to wonder if he is some kind of one-trick pony who has ridden
on the back of Roberto Martinez to get a top job. After working under Jose
Mourinho at Chelsea but not pulling up any trees at Watford and Reading
before moving to Swansea, he walked into a club put together by Martinez
that was impressing everyone. It got him a move to Liverpool, after Roberto
had turned the job down, and now he can't win a home match for love nor
money.
Our start to the season has been ok considering the fact that the first few
games were against sides who will be around us in the table this season.
Arsenal were the first of the big boys, and we managed to cope.
Sam must also be smiling that the long-ball tag has been rubbished somewhat.
Unless you are reading the Mail on Sunday, which I will come to later.
Last week a very decent piece of writing from the Mail's Neil Ashton
produced statistics to show that Real Madrid and Barcelona use the long ball
about as much as us. I hear you all laughing, and Sam also would have smiled
knowing you can produce stats to prove anything.
The criteria for what is a long ball was also open to interpretation. In
effect, any pass forward more than 25 yards counted. So balls swept out to
the wings counted, as did Xavi's perfectly weighted passes threaded through
the eye of a needle for Messi to run onto. Not quite the same as balls hung
up for Cole to fight for.
But the Sunday Supplement boys of Sky the previous Sunday morning had
started the ball rolling when they suggested Sam's long-ball tag was a myth.
Neil Ashton was 'chairing' that programme - taking over from the sadly
departed Brian Woolnough - and just carried on the theme in his own paper
later in the week.
The point being made was that Sam does mix-up his tactics, it is not all hit
long and hope for a flick on. But he is the only manager who gets stick for
it.
You just have to look at Everton, under the excellent David Moyes, to know
that long-ball is acceptable. And just watch how Alan Pardew's Newcastle lob
the ball up for Ba and Cisse to relentlessly battle for.
And Martin O'Neill at Leicester (Emile Heskey) and Aston Villa (John Carew)
has never been afraid to hit it long. Now he has Steve Fletcher, and it's
the same tactics.
Which brings me back to the Mail on Sunday where the outstanding veteran
Patrick Collins has clearly got a thing about us. He wrote a snearing,
sarcastic piece recently about Sam's debatable relationship with his agent
pal Mark Curtis, and then was cruelly dismissive of our efforts against
Arsenal. The previous home game against Sunderland, saw another Collins
writing the report for the same paper, Mark Collins. I do hope there's no
nepotism there.
In that report, it looked as if the scribe has written down every anti-Sam
cliché he could muster while he was on the Tube coming to the game, and then
listed them through an annoyingly biased article which implied Sunderland
were unlucky.
We had managed four times as many shots and twice as much possession than
O'Neill's team, but those facts were somewhat lost in a piece that set out
to rubbish Sam from start to finish.
Now he is no angel, yes the ball does go long to Andy Carroll, but that is
not the only way we play. That is my point. But we do not seem to be given
the sort of understanding that Moyes, Pardew and O'Neill seem to get.
One more stat. And that was on Sky, who showed that Sam was in the top six
of 'wins to matches played' in the Premier League. So what do we have?
My view is that we have a strong, professional manager who has knocked our
club into shape, and now we have the character, team spirit, desire and work
rate to hold our own in the top flight.
But it is only so far so good. If we are nine points off the relegation zone
after 20 matches, I will suggest we can stay up.
But now, having done ok against the Gunners, we have Manchester City,
Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton before
the new year. That means the matches against Southampton, Wigan, West Brom
and Reading in that spell are ones we must get points from.
Tough, for sure, but at least we know we can compete against the big teams,
and that has been a long time coming for a club like ours.
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Academy round-up - plus Jack Collison interview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th October 2012
By: Willis Jamieson
WHU U18s 0-1 Blackburn Rovers; WHU U16s 3-2 Blackburn Rovers
As a result of his knee injury, Jack Collison has been out of first team
action all season. On Saturday he used his spare time today to go back to
Little Heath, where he made his name at the Academy, to support the youth
teams in action against Blackburn Rovers.
The two Academy teams had mixed success with the under 16s coming back
brilliantly from a goal behind to win 3-2. Sadly, the under 18s went down
1-0 in a close battle against their Northern opponents.
Collison said it was his first time back for a while but was impressed with
the technical ability and skill of the youths and said he would try and get
back again to show his support while he is out injured. He was looking
forward to seeing the "kids coming through".
It was a tough match and the young Hammers were fortunate to go into the
break still level with Blackburn having enjoyed a large amount of
possession.
The home side did have a couple of chances; the best of the first half being
after Josh Cullen won a free kick on the edge of the Blackburn penalty area
and Sadlier saw his effort just tipped over the bar. The defence worked very
hard with Cheye Alexander at right back being the standout player of the
half, tackling strongly and trying to get forward.
The second half was more positive for West Ham and it brought back good
memories for Collison who said he loved his time here from when he joined at
the age of 16. The midfielder spoke about a couple of great goals he scored
on "the pitches where it all began" as a youth and was enjoying watching the
attacking display.
Kieran Sadlier and Nathan Mavila caught Jack's eye a number of times.
Sadlier, with his close control through the middle cut into the box a couple
of times only to see his shots blocked. Mavila caused Blackburn problems on
the wing, with one particular piece of skill where he drew the defender in,
dummied the ball and let it run down the line before getting the cross in,
leading an impressed Collison to joke "I might have tried that on FIFA".
Sadly, despite the improved second half it would be Blackburn who would
snatch the win. Aa low cross was stabbed home at the back post past a
faultless Sam Baxter in the West Ham goal to send the visitors home with
three points.
The under 16s had a better result as they came from behind to win 3-2,
Collison particularly enjoying a (calmly taken) penalty from Lamarr Douglas
after the goalkeeper tried to put him off. Ahmed and Marcio Martins scored
the others.
As Collison left for Upton Park to watch the game against Arsenal he said he
had been "really impressed" with the work of the first team this season and
the way they have "picked up some excellent points" in the games so far.
"My injury has been frustrating," he said, "but I hope to be back sooner
rather than later. If the boys can continue to do well I look forward to
getting back in to a successful team".
Until then, he hopes to use his free Saturdays to see a few more of the
Academy games.
My thanks go to Jack Collison for taking the time to share his thoughts on
the game, the Academy and his progress - and I hope to see him back in the
first team soon.
Willis Jamieson may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/WillisJamieson.
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I'm having kittens...
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th October 2012
By: John Rolls
With the Arsenal game now behind us, we can use it as a benchmark to look at
the team and the squad and draw some conclusions.
It is fair to say that Arsenal were the the first team with real quality we
have faced this season. I think it also fair to say that in a match so
heated with emotion West Ham really needed someone out there with a cool
head to have calmed us down a bit.
I was surprised that Kevin Nolan missed for him what would have been on any
other day certain goals, but we must forgive him as he has been outstanding
for us over the whole of last season. Everyone has an off day and hopefully
this was his.
I am still undecided about Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis on a day where the
Arsenal back four were sh*tting themselves trying to deal with Andy Carroll.
What was needed was the two of them running at the full backs and getting
the crosses in as it was evident the Arsenal centre backs couldn't handle
Carroll at all. But all too often Vaz and Jarvis started to run and went the
easy route the square ball inside; I don't know if it's a confidence thing
or instructions.
I am at a loss as to why Sam Allardyce started with George McCartney instead
of Matt Taylor; Taylor is a better crosser of a ball and on a day when we
were going to use Carroll's dominace of the air why did we take one weapon
out of the armoury?
Now I come to the title of this piece. I really am worried about our defence
- and I include Jussi Jaaskelainen in that.
Living as I do in Cardiff, I once saw a young ginger-haired centreback make
his debut and play for Cardiff City. He looked a real hot prospect and with
the right coaching could perhaps progress a bit.
He did have this annoying habit of stopping to pull up his socks every few
minutes, it got to be that me and a few mates would have a bet on how many
times he would do it during a match. However he played well, he fitted in as
a make-piece striker and centre back and alongside Danny Gabbidon formed
quite an effective pairing.
When Gabbidon left for West Ham and Ginge went with him, everyone here in
Cardiff thought he had gone as a make weight. Personally I thought he was
the better part of the deal.
His first spell with the Hammers was good - not outstanding - and he was the
centre back we needed. When he decided that another claret and blue team was
preferable to us, I mentally wished him well, but he came back. There's a
old saying; "never go back". Well, he has - and I'm sorry to say the
concentration level has dropped again.
After the absolute howler against Swansea, I have kittens everytime he makes
a back pass or makes a tackle. I know Swansea was a one-off and he has in
some way atoned for it. But answer me this: against the Arsenal, when
Walcott made the run to score, who was standing in the centre of the defence
clearly playing Walcott onside by a couple of yards with arms aloft calling
for offside?
Yes, it was Ginge. Instead of standing there he should have seen what was
coming and called for the line to push up. Isn't he the leader of the back
four? The one with the experience? I can't see me or my ticker taking a
whole season of this.
The Swansea howler will haunt me every day this season; FFS Ginge, step it
up mate. I want to go back to counting the sock pull-ups safe in the
knowledge that you'll be the rock at the centre of defence we so desperately
need.
I also have heart palpitations whenever the ball is passed back to
Jaaskelainen; it sets my pulse racing . I just have thoughts of him clearing
it short (has has done this a few times) and putting the pressure straight
back on us. Either that or he waits with the ball at his feet until the
opposition come towards him and then clears. Just get the ball forward!
In his time Jaas has been an excellent keeper, a great shot stopper
effective in what he did but never one to really command his box. I get the
same feeling watching him now as I got what watching that other West Ham
goalkeeping legend, Allan McKnight(mare, how many of you remember him?).
I know I shouldn't be this way and that I should have confidence in the man
but I still feel like it's watching a Norman Wisdom film. Something will
come along and cause a comical farce. I haven't seen enough of our reserve
keepers to make a valid judgement on them, but from what I have heard
Stephen Henderson seems the better of the 'keepers.
I know we only want to be assured of Premier League survival, but for the
sake of my nerves I'm only watching when we are in the opponent's half! Can
someone please reassure me that we have a 'keeper who can step in?
So in summary. With Ginge giving me the twitches whenever he has the ball
and Jaas giving me the heebie-jeebies whether he has the ball or not, I need
help, I need comfort - but most of all, I need them to inspire me.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce warns England about Andy Carroll's fitness
Last Updated: October 7, 2012 11:02pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will ask England boss Roy Hodgson to keep a
close eye on Andy Carroll's fitness ahead of next week's World Cup
qualifiers.
Carroll has recently returned after a month lay-off with a hamstring injury,
but he was still called up for Friday's Wembley clash against San Marino and
the following match in Poland on Tuesday week. Alllardyce hopes Carroll will
get the chance to improve his match sharpness, although he thinks that
Hodgson must monitor his workload over the next few days. "Andy is really
lacking in match practice. What I will speak to Roy about is his fatigue
level," Allardyce said. "Andy will be stiffer than everybody else after this
because he hasn't played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks, so he will take
a bit more time to recover. "But he should be fine for Friday and hopefully
he will get a game at some stage to improve his match fitness."
Carroll played the full 90 minutes as the Hammers slipped to a 3-1 defeat to
Arsenal on Saturday and Allardyce thinks his team must continue to play to
his strengths. "Andy can only get better as time goes on," he said. "As long
as we can keep giving him the service, I think he is going to be a
tremendous asset."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel's unravelling: Birmingham want rid of the former Man United starlet
The Mirror
By Ian Edwards
Ravel Morrison's turbulent career is on the verge of hitting rock bottom
with Lee Clark desperate to boot him out of Birmingham. Blues boss Clark has
run out of patience with the former Manchester United starlet already, less
than three months after signing him on a 12-month loan from West Ham.
Morrison, who was previously booted out of Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson
because of off-the-pitch issues, has not started a game for the Championship
club since the opening day of the season. Even though Birmingham are
struggling just three points above the relegation zone, Clark is refusing to
even include the 19-year-old in his squad.
Sources close to the Midlands club claim Morrison's attitude in training and
around the club has been unacceptable and they want to terminate the loan
agreement immediately. Under the terms of the agreement, however, all three
parties - Birmingham, West Ham and Morrison - have to agree to the
season-long loan agreement being ripped up. It is believed Hammers want
Morrison to remain at St Andrew's until June and are reluctant to terminate
the deal. In August, Clark vowed to help put the troubled midfielder, who
was once rated as the best prospect to emerge from United's academy since
Paul Scholes almost two decades ago, on the right path.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce felt the move was the perfect opportunity for
Morrison to rebuild his career before returning to the Premier League club.
Morrison joined West Ham for £1.4m in January 2012, after Ferguson ran out
of patience with the talented kid. The United manager decided it was time to
show him the door after Morrison admitted two charges of intimidating a
witness. Earlier this year, Morrison was fined £7,000 by the FA for posting
a homophobic comment on Twitter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham delay Reid's departure to NZ
FRED WOODCOCK
Last updated 12:37 09/10/2012
Stuff.co.nz
The All Whites are assembling in Auckland today ahead of their Oceania World
Cup qualifier against Tahiti in Papeete on Saturday (NZT), but Reid won't be
joining them just yet. New Zealand Football chief executive Grant McKavanagh
said the 2010 World Cup star was due to have scans tonight (NZT). He was
hopeful they would reveal nothing untoward and Reid would be on the first
available flight out of Heathrow. ''We're very hopeful of getting him down,
if not directly to Tahiti to play then down for the Christchurch game,''
McKavanagh said today.''Winston wants to be here, he's just got to get
through the scan and make sure there's nothing untoward in it. It's pretty
positive.'' Reid suffered the spasms late in the match but had to play on as
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had already made his three substitutions.
McKavanagh was confident Reid would be available for both matches against
Tahiti, the return leg being next Tuesday night in Christchurch. Reid had
indicated he wanted to play in both matches and if he couldn't make the
first one but was available for the second, he would still be flown out for
the Christchurch fixture. ''From Rick's (coach Ricki Herbert) point of view,
one of the things we're looking at is continuity with this team, between now
and next November,'' McKavanagh said. ''It's pretty important to get the
unit together playing as regularly as possible.''
The last thing West Ham will want to do is release Reid under any sort of
injury cloud but if the scans reveal nothing of concern, they have no option
as the matches are in a Fifa window and New Zealand have all the rights.
Meanwhile, about 4500 tickets have already been sold for next Tuesday
night's match at AMI Stadium, more than the total pre-sales of about 4000
for the match against the Solomon Islands in Auckland last month. ''The
Christchurch people are certainly getting out and supporting it,'' said
McKavanagh. ''To have that many pre-sales a week out is extremely
encouraging.'' Two wins against Tahiti could secure a berth in the World
Cup intercontinental playoff against the fourth-best team from CONCACAF
(North and Central America, and the Caribbean) next year, depending on the
results of the New Caledonia-Solomons matches on the same days.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison in more trouble as Lee Clark and
Birmingham look to end loan spell early
Telegraph.co.uk
Ravel Morrison is facing further turbulence in his troubled career after it
emerged that Lee Clark wants to send him back to parent club West Ham.
By John Percy10:00PM BST 08 Oct 20123 Comments
Clark, the Birmingham manager, is already losing patience with the
controversial midfielder and is keen to strike a deal with Sam Allardyce and
cut his loan move short in January. Morrison, 19, joined the Championship
club on loan in August but has frustrated Clark with his general attitude
and alleged lack of commitment in training. The former Manchester United
trainee has not been included in Birmingham's first-team squad for the last
three matches and has made only one start in the league. Clark cannot send
the teenager back to West Ham until the transfer window reopens next year
but will still require Allardyce's permission to terminate the deal. If
Allardyce refuses, Birmingham could have Morrison on their books until June.
Morrison's behaviour is also believed to have infuriated senior members of
Birmingham's squad.
Morrison's problems at St. Andrew's are the latest in a long list of
acrimonious episodes ever since he broke through United's youth academy and
was touted as one of the country's most prodigious young talents. Two days
after winning the 2011 FA Youth Cup with United, Morrison was fined £600 by
a court for throwing his girlfriend's mobile phone out of a window during an
argument. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of witness intimidation last
year and has a police caution for assaulting his mother. His United career
was dogged by off-field disciplinary problems and absences. Rio Ferdinand
once denied on Twitter that Morrison had stolen his watch at the training
ground.
Sir Alex Ferguson had attempted to control him but eventually washed his
hands of him earlier this year, shortly after claiming he had made
"unrealistic" wage demands. United rejected a bid from Newcastle in January
before offloading him to West Ham later that month for an initial £650,000.
Barely weeks after signing he was fined £7,000 by the Football Association
and warned about his conduct after homophobic comments made on Twitter.
Allardyce farmed him out on loan to Birmingham with the intention of him
gaining first-team experience but he has not appeared since August. Clark is
understood to have held a series of meetings with Morrison in a bid to get
the youngster onside but despite Birmingham's run of three defeats in the
last four games has still not called on him.
Now the under-fire Birmingham manager is ready to cut his losses, barely a
month after describing him as a "magician". Now Morrison is facing the grim
prospect of his career going up in a puff of smoke.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 9
Monday, October 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th October 2012
Momo's mixed afternoon
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame enjoyed his first goal for West Ham United as he prepares for
national service
07.10.2012
Mohamed Diame was able to take some comfort from his fine first goal for
West Ham United in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. Diame opened the
scoring with a superb individual effort, but Oliver Giroud equalised for the
visitors just before half-time. The Hammers had chances but were caught on
the break by Theo Walcott before Santi Carzorla sealed the result with a
long-distance strike. "I think we had a good start to the match," Diame
said. "We were really focused and took the lead, but overall it is very
disappointing for us because we lost the game. "I am very happy because I
scored my first goal of the season, but like I said it is hard because we
lost the game. Hopefully the next time I score we will win the game."
The combative midfielder was booked by referee Phil Dowd for his celebration
after the emotion of opening his account for the Hammers got the better of
him. Diame then had to show restraint for the rest of the match to avoid
picking up a second booking. "I know the booking was my fault," he said. "It
came very early on so it had a massive effect on the way I played the rest
of the game because it meant I couldn't play the way I normally do. "I also
came in a little bit late on Mikel Arteta in the second half and I feared
for the worst, luckily the referee gave me another chance but the earlier
yellow card had already killed my game."
Overall the Hammers put in a very impressive performance, matching the
Gunners for much of the 90 minutes; Diame however rued the many missed
opportunities the home side passed up. "When you see the game and see how
well we played early on it is a very disappointing result. We were at home
and we should have got something from the game. "When it was 1-1 we had
chances to take the lead and make it 2-1 but we didn't so now we need to
make sure we are ready and focused for the next game."
Diame will now join up with Senegal ahead of a tricky-looking tie with the
Ivory Coast and the former Wigan Athletic man is hoping for back-to-back
wins for club and country upon his return. "I am now going away to play with
my national team, we have a very difficult game but I hope I can get a win
for my country. "It will also be a chance to get some rest ahead of playing
Southampton where we can hopefully get three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moh chance! Diame convined that he was off after clattering Arteta
The Mirror
West Ham's Mohamed Diame admitted he thought he was going to be sent off in
the Hammers' 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal. Diame was booked for jumping into
the crowd to celebrate and was lucky to escape a second yellow card when
referee Phil Dowd gave him a warning for scything down Arsenal's Mikel
Arteta. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce accused Arteta of overreacting to get
Diame into further trouble just six minutes after he scored the opener. The
Senegal midfielder said: "Yes, I was very worried about the second one. When
I did the tackle, I thought the yellow card was going to come out again.
"For the first booking, I know it was my fault, but I was doing my best in
the game and I was very proud to score. "We started well but in the end we
lost so that's very disappointing for us. "I'm very happy with my goal but
we lost the game, so hopefully the next time when I score we're going to
win."
Allardyce, who claimed Diame's goal was as good as Santi Cazorla's late
strike, said: "It does frustrate me because Diame made another tackle and
Arteta rolled around a bit. "It put him on the edge. We had to tell him at
half-time not to make another tackle. We were telling him: 'Don't spoil it
for yourself.'"
Allardyce has also urged England boss Roy Hodgson to treat Andy Carroll
carefully as the Geordie centre-forward is only just coming back from a
month-long lay-off. Allardyce added: "He's an unbelievable player and he
can only get better. "Anybody that does not fear Andy Carroll is foolish. He
can only get better as time goes on. "As long as we can keep giving him the
service, I think he's going to be a tremendous asset. "But Andy is really
lacking in match practice. What I will speak to Roy about is his fatigue
level. Andy will be stiffer than everybody else after this because he hasn't
played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks. "So he will take a bit more time
to recover. But he should be fine for Friday and hopefully he will get a
game at some stage to improve his match fitness."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce declares West Ham's Carroll fit and firing for England duty after
defeat to Arsenal
West Ham United 1 Arsenal 3
STEVE TONGUE MONDAY 08 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
For those new to the Premier League the lessons are hard learned. Even for
older hands like Sam Allardyce, forewarned is not necessarily forearmed.
"Whenever my teams have won against top teams in the past we have always
punished the opposition when we had the opportunity," he said. West Ham's
failure to make the most of those chances on Saturday cost them a first home
defeat since promotion as Arsenal broke out after seizing possession to
score two late goals through Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla with
breathtaking counter-attacks.
In punching above his weight for many years at Bolton, Allardyce
particularly enjoyed getting under the skin of Arsène Wenger. Yet their
pre-match handshake, accompanied by broad smiles, indicated a level of
mutual respect, as did Allardyce's praise for the visitors' "fantastic way
they move the ball around".
His team had somehow been ahead against the tide of the game with Mohamed
Diamé's cleverly scooped shot but conceded at a crucial point just before
half-time to Olivier Giroud. Their most dangerous moments tended to involve
Andy Carroll, one climb way above the goalkeeper to head George McCartney's
cross just wide drawing gasps all round the ground. The managers' mutual
admiration extended to Wenger saying: "You can never control Carroll for 90
minutes. He was really up for it."
It was Carroll's first full game for a month but Allardyce, unlike some
managers, is happy for his man to play another one in the international
break over the next 10 days: "What I will speak to Roy [Hodgson] about is
his fatigue level. He should be fine for Friday [against San Marino] and
hopefully he will get a game at some stage to improve his match fitness.
He's an unbelievable player and can only get better as time goes on. As long
as we keep giving him the service, I think he's going to be a tremendous
asset."
Wenger could say the same about the dazzling Cazorla. Asked if the Spaniard
made Walcott a better player, the Arsenal manager responded: "He makes
everybody a better player. It is just a pleasure to watch him and I hope
every young football player in England watches him."
Walcott is another Englishman hoping for an opportunity over the weekend,
having already declared that his goal, smartly curled between Jussi
Jaaskelainen and the near post, was "the way to answer your critics". His
follow-up about hoping for "a nice run in the team" may draw a wry smile
from Wenger, who continues to use Gervinho and even Aaron Ramsey ahead of
him. The unspoken lesson may be that the manager will decide his best
position and Walcott should concentrate on making the team.
Goals: West Ham Diamé 21. Arsenal Giroud 41, Walcott 77, Cazorla 83. Subs:
WH Taylor (Vaz Te, 63), Tomkins (Demel, 73), Cole (Diamé, 82). Ars Santos
(Gibbs, 56), Walcott (Gervinho, 61), Koscielny (Podolski, 85). Booked: WH
Diamé, Reid, Taylor. Ars Gervinho, Walcott. Man of match Giroud. Match
rating 7/10. Poss: WH 31%. Ars 69%. On target: WH 3. Ars 7. Ref P Dowd
(Staffordshire). Att 34,974.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce ready to unleash Maiga after crocked Vaz Te is ruled out for 12
weeks
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 7 October 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 7 October 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is ready to give Modibo Maiga his Premier League debut after
losing Ricardo Vaz Te for up to 12 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. The
West Ham forward suffered the injury after a collision with Arsenal
goalkeeper Vito Mannone in the second half of the Gunners' 3-1 win at Upton
Park. Vaz Te will miss at least six weeks but will have a clearer view of
how long he faces on the sidelines after seeing a specialist this week. It
is a blow to Allardyce, but the Hammers manager is set to put his faith in
summer signing Maiga to fill the gap left by Vaz Te. Maiga has impressed
Allardyce and his backroom team during training and first-team cameos
during his opening weeks in England. And the 26-year-old is in line to play
against Southampton on October 20. The Mali forward is yet to make a Premier
League start since his £4.7million arrival from Sochaux, but has scored
twice in the Capital One Cup.
Allardyce is also sweating on the fitness of Andy Carroll going into the
international break. The striker returned to the starting line-up against
Arsenal after a lengthy hamstring lay-off — and now meets up with the rest
of the England squad ahead of Friday's clash against San Marino. 'Andy is
really lacking in match fitness. I will speak to Roy Hodgson about his
fatigue level,' said Allardyce. 'Andy will be stiffer than everybody else
after this because he hasn't played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks. So he
will take a bit more time to recover.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame enjoyed his first goal for West Ham United as he prepares for
national service
07.10.2012
Mohamed Diame was able to take some comfort from his fine first goal for
West Ham United in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. Diame opened the
scoring with a superb individual effort, but Oliver Giroud equalised for the
visitors just before half-time. The Hammers had chances but were caught on
the break by Theo Walcott before Santi Carzorla sealed the result with a
long-distance strike. "I think we had a good start to the match," Diame
said. "We were really focused and took the lead, but overall it is very
disappointing for us because we lost the game. "I am very happy because I
scored my first goal of the season, but like I said it is hard because we
lost the game. Hopefully the next time I score we will win the game."
The combative midfielder was booked by referee Phil Dowd for his celebration
after the emotion of opening his account for the Hammers got the better of
him. Diame then had to show restraint for the rest of the match to avoid
picking up a second booking. "I know the booking was my fault," he said. "It
came very early on so it had a massive effect on the way I played the rest
of the game because it meant I couldn't play the way I normally do. "I also
came in a little bit late on Mikel Arteta in the second half and I feared
for the worst, luckily the referee gave me another chance but the earlier
yellow card had already killed my game."
Overall the Hammers put in a very impressive performance, matching the
Gunners for much of the 90 minutes; Diame however rued the many missed
opportunities the home side passed up. "When you see the game and see how
well we played early on it is a very disappointing result. We were at home
and we should have got something from the game. "When it was 1-1 we had
chances to take the lead and make it 2-1 but we didn't so now we need to
make sure we are ready and focused for the next game."
Diame will now join up with Senegal ahead of a tricky-looking tie with the
Ivory Coast and the former Wigan Athletic man is hoping for back-to-back
wins for club and country upon his return. "I am now going away to play with
my national team, we have a very difficult game but I hope I can get a win
for my country. "It will also be a chance to get some rest ahead of playing
Southampton where we can hopefully get three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moh chance! Diame convined that he was off after clattering Arteta
The Mirror
West Ham's Mohamed Diame admitted he thought he was going to be sent off in
the Hammers' 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal. Diame was booked for jumping into
the crowd to celebrate and was lucky to escape a second yellow card when
referee Phil Dowd gave him a warning for scything down Arsenal's Mikel
Arteta. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce accused Arteta of overreacting to get
Diame into further trouble just six minutes after he scored the opener. The
Senegal midfielder said: "Yes, I was very worried about the second one. When
I did the tackle, I thought the yellow card was going to come out again.
"For the first booking, I know it was my fault, but I was doing my best in
the game and I was very proud to score. "We started well but in the end we
lost so that's very disappointing for us. "I'm very happy with my goal but
we lost the game, so hopefully the next time when I score we're going to
win."
Allardyce, who claimed Diame's goal was as good as Santi Cazorla's late
strike, said: "It does frustrate me because Diame made another tackle and
Arteta rolled around a bit. "It put him on the edge. We had to tell him at
half-time not to make another tackle. We were telling him: 'Don't spoil it
for yourself.'"
Allardyce has also urged England boss Roy Hodgson to treat Andy Carroll
carefully as the Geordie centre-forward is only just coming back from a
month-long lay-off. Allardyce added: "He's an unbelievable player and he
can only get better. "Anybody that does not fear Andy Carroll is foolish. He
can only get better as time goes on. "As long as we can keep giving him the
service, I think he's going to be a tremendous asset. "But Andy is really
lacking in match practice. What I will speak to Roy about is his fatigue
level. Andy will be stiffer than everybody else after this because he hasn't
played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks. "So he will take a bit more time
to recover. But he should be fine for Friday and hopefully he will get a
game at some stage to improve his match fitness."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce declares West Ham's Carroll fit and firing for England duty after
defeat to Arsenal
West Ham United 1 Arsenal 3
STEVE TONGUE MONDAY 08 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
For those new to the Premier League the lessons are hard learned. Even for
older hands like Sam Allardyce, forewarned is not necessarily forearmed.
"Whenever my teams have won against top teams in the past we have always
punished the opposition when we had the opportunity," he said. West Ham's
failure to make the most of those chances on Saturday cost them a first home
defeat since promotion as Arsenal broke out after seizing possession to
score two late goals through Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla with
breathtaking counter-attacks.
In punching above his weight for many years at Bolton, Allardyce
particularly enjoyed getting under the skin of Arsène Wenger. Yet their
pre-match handshake, accompanied by broad smiles, indicated a level of
mutual respect, as did Allardyce's praise for the visitors' "fantastic way
they move the ball around".
His team had somehow been ahead against the tide of the game with Mohamed
Diamé's cleverly scooped shot but conceded at a crucial point just before
half-time to Olivier Giroud. Their most dangerous moments tended to involve
Andy Carroll, one climb way above the goalkeeper to head George McCartney's
cross just wide drawing gasps all round the ground. The managers' mutual
admiration extended to Wenger saying: "You can never control Carroll for 90
minutes. He was really up for it."
It was Carroll's first full game for a month but Allardyce, unlike some
managers, is happy for his man to play another one in the international
break over the next 10 days: "What I will speak to Roy [Hodgson] about is
his fatigue level. He should be fine for Friday [against San Marino] and
hopefully he will get a game at some stage to improve his match fitness.
He's an unbelievable player and can only get better as time goes on. As long
as we keep giving him the service, I think he's going to be a tremendous
asset."
Wenger could say the same about the dazzling Cazorla. Asked if the Spaniard
made Walcott a better player, the Arsenal manager responded: "He makes
everybody a better player. It is just a pleasure to watch him and I hope
every young football player in England watches him."
Walcott is another Englishman hoping for an opportunity over the weekend,
having already declared that his goal, smartly curled between Jussi
Jaaskelainen and the near post, was "the way to answer your critics". His
follow-up about hoping for "a nice run in the team" may draw a wry smile
from Wenger, who continues to use Gervinho and even Aaron Ramsey ahead of
him. The unspoken lesson may be that the manager will decide his best
position and Walcott should concentrate on making the team.
Goals: West Ham Diamé 21. Arsenal Giroud 41, Walcott 77, Cazorla 83. Subs:
WH Taylor (Vaz Te, 63), Tomkins (Demel, 73), Cole (Diamé, 82). Ars Santos
(Gibbs, 56), Walcott (Gervinho, 61), Koscielny (Podolski, 85). Booked: WH
Diamé, Reid, Taylor. Ars Gervinho, Walcott. Man of match Giroud. Match
rating 7/10. Poss: WH 31%. Ars 69%. On target: WH 3. Ars 7. Ref P Dowd
(Staffordshire). Att 34,974.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce ready to unleash Maiga after crocked Vaz Te is ruled out for 12
weeks
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 7 October 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 7 October 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is ready to give Modibo Maiga his Premier League debut after
losing Ricardo Vaz Te for up to 12 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. The
West Ham forward suffered the injury after a collision with Arsenal
goalkeeper Vito Mannone in the second half of the Gunners' 3-1 win at Upton
Park. Vaz Te will miss at least six weeks but will have a clearer view of
how long he faces on the sidelines after seeing a specialist this week. It
is a blow to Allardyce, but the Hammers manager is set to put his faith in
summer signing Maiga to fill the gap left by Vaz Te. Maiga has impressed
Allardyce and his backroom team during training and first-team cameos
during his opening weeks in England. And the 26-year-old is in line to play
against Southampton on October 20. The Mali forward is yet to make a Premier
League start since his £4.7million arrival from Sochaux, but has scored
twice in the Capital One Cup.
Allardyce is also sweating on the fitness of Andy Carroll going into the
international break. The striker returned to the starting line-up against
Arsenal after a lengthy hamstring lay-off — and now meets up with the rest
of the England squad ahead of Friday's clash against San Marino. 'Andy is
really lacking in match fitness. I will speak to Roy Hodgson about his
fatigue level,' said Allardyce. 'Andy will be stiffer than everybody else
after this because he hasn't played a full 90 minutes in recent weeks. So he
will take a bit more time to recover.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th October 2012
Big Sam rues missed chances
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce believes his side had the opportunities to gain a positive
result from Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal
06.10.2012
Sam Allardyce said a lack of quality finishing was the only reason his West
Ham United side did not achieve a positive result against Arsenal. The
Hammers pushed the Gunners all the way in Saturday's Barclays Premier League
derby at the Boleyn Ground, taking the lead through Mohamed Diame's
first-half special, only for two goals in the final 13 minutes to see
Arsenal run out 3-1 winners. While the visitors controlled possession for
the most part in the early stages, West Ham were organised and resolute.
Their reward came on 21 minutes when Diame spun, beat Aaron Ramsey and shot
high into Vito Mannone's top right-hand corner to send the Boleyn Ground
wild. Arsenal probed for an opening, but it took a loose pass from
goalscorer Diame to allow Lukas Podolski the time and space to cross for
Olivier Giroud, who converted his first Premier League goal with an
expertly-taken volley four minutes before half-time. Even then, Kevin Nolan
came within a yard or two of putting his side back in front just before the
break. West Ham started the better after the interval, overcoming the loss
of Ricardo Vaz Te to a dislocated shoulder and Guy Demel to a thigh injury
to create another fine chance, only for Andy Carroll to head Matt Jarvis's
cross just wide of the gaping net. Arsenal's second goal also came from a
turnover of possession. When Diame's cross was blocked, the Gunners raced 80
yards upfield before substitute Theo Walcott slotted calmly past Jussi
Jaaskelainen. After Nolan had shot uncharacteristically over from 14 yards,
Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla rubbed salt into the West Ham wounds,
collecting a loose ball before lashing an unstoppable drive high into
Jaaskelainen's goal.
When asked if the final scoreline had been harsh on his side, Big Sam
pointed to Arsenal's greater quality in front of goal as the main reason for
their victory.
"It was probably harsh, but that's Arsenal for you - if you don't take
advantage of your chances when you get them then they will punish you and
they certainly punished us towards the end of the game," said the manager.
"Obviously the disappointing thing from our point of view was actually
getting our noses in front and finally ending up losing at home. It was a
great team we were playing against and we've experienced how difficult it is
to play against the likes of Arsenal, which is something we need to remember
when we come across the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and
Tottenham. "We did really, really well and, of course, needed to finish the
chances when we got them. We did with the first one - Mo's goal was
brilliant - but then there was one just before half-time when Kevin couldn't
quite dig it out from Mark Noble's free-kick, and then in the second half
Kevin has had two golden chances. "The first one he has either got to just
hit it or square it for Matt Jarvis, but instead he decided to come in on
his left foot and lost it. That was a brilliant chance against an Arsenal
team playing so well. Kevin also had a shot with his left foot from the edge
of the box and he normally doesn't miss those, as we know. "Then Andy has
had his header. The 'keeper has come and thought he could catch it and Andy
has outjumped him and won the header and the goal was open and free and
unfortunately the ball dropped the wrong side of the post. We'll look back
at those and think that, at one-one, that would have put us in front."
Aside from the lack of clinical finishing, Big Sam also lamented the nature
of Walcott's goal, which stemmed from a Diame cross that was cut out inside
the Arsenal penalty area. "Mo has done ever so well to wriggle his way down
the left-hand side but then he hasn't picked the right pass out and his
cross has hit an Arsenal player. They played one pass forward and within
five seconds Walcott has put the ball in our net. That was a real killer for
us. "I don't think there was anything we could do about the third goal.
Cazorla has hit a brilliant strike. "We will be disappointed with how we've
lost it but they are a very good team and we've tried our best. The good
thing is that we've created some reallty good chances against a very good
team but we didn't take them. It was critical at the stage of the game
because it would have put us back in front. "I was really pleased with the
fantastic goal we did score but disappointed there was nothing at the end of
it."
Extra disappointment came in the shape of injuries to Vaz Te, Demel and
Winston Reid. "I don't think we'll have them back in two weeks - I think
they'll be out for a little bit longer than that by the looks of their
injuries. Certainly Ricardo is a big blow because it ilooks like a
dislocated shoulder and that's anything from eight to twelve weeks. "I think
Guy Demel has pulled a thigh muscle and that could be four weeks and Winston
Reid had a back spasm and we couldn't bring him off because we'd used all of
our substitutes and had nobody else to bring on. With eleven points
collected from seven matches and a winnable home game against Southampton up
next on 20 October, it is not all doom and gloom in east London as summer
makes way for autumn. "There is cause for optimism because we have started
the season very well. It was a disappointing result on Saturday but not a
disappointing performance. We've only put in one poor performance in seven
league games and that was at Swansea. "We can't linger on this
disappointment. We have to get back to winning ways in two weeks' time. That
will be the big test for us now - can we bounce back after a defeat and can
we beat Southampton and make sure we get three points on the board again."
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Nolan grabs SBOBET award
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has been named the SBOBET Player of the Month for September
06.10.2012
Congratulations are in order for captain Kevin Nolan after being voted
September's SBOBET Player of the Month with 29.9% of the vote. Nolan, who
was also awarded the same accolade for his performances in August, has
continued to inspire the Hammers as they picked up eleven points from six
games. He collected his award before kick-off against Arsenal. September
began in style for the former Newcastle United man as he opened the scoring
within a minute in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Fulham. His form
continued as the Hammers secured two draws, first away at Norwich City and
then at home against Sunderland. Nolan once again came to the rescue against
the Black Cats, volleying home past Simon Mignolet in the 90th minute after
being thwarted by the Belgian stopper on more than one occasion. Momo Diame
was September's runner up. The combative midfielder has been in impressive
form, providing cover for the defence as well as driving forward in a host
of energetic performances. Winston Reid was the third with 19.5% of the
vote, with Mark Noble a close fourth on 19.1% of the vote. Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Guy Demel wrapped up the voting.
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Lletget feeling at home
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget believes the togetherness within the Dev Squad is the key
to their recent success
06.10.2012
Sebastian Lletget believes that making the jump from United States 'soccer'
to English football earlier than most has allowed him to progress into a
much better player. The United States Under-23 international has become an
integral part of the Development Squad's success this season and he feels he
has the club to thank. Lletget has reaped the rewards of the hard work of
the Academy staff that have aided his development into what he calls 'a
pretty good footballer'. "Coming over from the US earlier than most has
definitely helped my development, the club has made me into a pretty good
player and hopefully I will continue to improve. "I have everyone here at
the club to thank for this, the coaches, the Academy and now of course our
[Development Squad] manager Ian Hendon, he has transformed a group of good
players into a great team."
The American also believes that the togetherness within the camp is brining
positives to performances, Blair Turgott and Rob Hall have already played
together for over a decade and Lletget states understandings like theirs
provides a massive boost. "I think that it is a massive help, I have been at
the club for around five years and have known a lot of the team since then,
we have all come through the ranks together. "It is especially important now
we our hitting the peak of our youth, we are on the edge of the first team
and the understanding of how we play is showing now more than ever."
Hall was once again on the scoresheet against Norwich CIty last weekend and
Lletget praised the striker's attitude and impact, whilst also hailing his
midfield partner George Moncur. "Rob will often get the limelight and it is
thoroughly deserved. He has been excellent this season, not just for us but
also in the first team. He is a very hard worker. "My midfield partner Monkz
is another player who I also have great respect for. He is great to play
with and we have established a good telepathic connection over the past few
years both on and off the ball."
Friday's win against the Canaries secured the Development Squad's first
clean sheet of the season, Hendon has been critical of his team's defensive
play in previous weeks, but Lletget feels confidence will now soar. He
added that he believes that the reasons behind this new defensive solidity
is focus, anticipation and hard work, with Hendon and his coaching staff
putting the impetus on building from the back. "It is very important to get
our first clean sheet, we have a great squad and I think if we keep
performing well and winning games that our confidence will get higher and
higher. "Our chemistry is also excellent and it will only continue to grow
if we keep winning games, hopefully we can keep doing that and qualify for
the Elite League."
"I think we prepared very well for the game against Norwich, defensively we
worked very hard in training and during the game I think it showed, it's
great to secure our first clean sheet. "We analysed the video from previous
games to see what we could improve upon and our anticipation ahead of the
game was very good."
Next up for the Development Squad is a trip to lowly Blackburn Rovers but
Lletget ensured that complacency will not become an issue. "I think that the
one thing we do very well is treat every opposition team the same whether it
be an Arsenal, a Manchester United or another team. "Obviously next week we
face Blackburn Rovers, we will do the same against them and treat them with
respect, hopefully we will keep playing well and get a win."
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Rovers edge out Under-18s
WHUFC.com
The Hammers fell to a 1-0 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat by Blackburn
Rovers at Little Heath
06.10.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr gave an honest assessment of West Ham United's
1-0 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat by Blackburn Rovers at Little Heath
on Saturday A tight game saw both sides struggle to gain a foothold long
enough to dominate proceedings, but West Ham were denied a positive results
by missing a succession of good chances. Blackburn then punished their hosts
by scoring the only goal of the game. Nana Boakye-Yiadom and Kieran Sadlier
both failed to take advantage of decent openings and Carr admitted the
Hammers' profligacy had cost them. "Unfortunately we lost 1-0," said Carr.
"The game was incredibly tight and it could have gone either way. We created
three very good chances before they took the lead but were unable to take
them. "Nana Boakye-Yiadom had two good chances, as did Kieran Sadlier, but
like so often happens in football they hit us on the break and got the goal
that mattered."
Carr also believes that the way in which the game was played did not help
his side, describing it as a 'dour' affair. "It was a dour game," he
continued. "Both teams didn't allow their opponents any space and the
players had very little time on the ball. "If I am being honest it wasn't
pretty to watch. The game lacked any kind of flair and we wasted a lot of
good opportunities, but I suppose at least we did create them."
The best chance of the game fell to Sadlier but the Republic of Ireland
forward, who has been in good form recently, failed to make it count, Carr
believes the Hammers taking the lead would have changed the outcome of the
game. "The best chance of the game fell to Kieran Sadlier. He went through
on goal one-on-one with the goalkeeper and he should have done better than
he did. "If we had taken that chance or one of others I think we would have
gone on to win the game but we didn't and we got punished."
Next up for the Under-18s is another home game against Bolton Wanderers.
Carr, coach Nick Haycock and the West Ham players will all be hoping for an
improvement. "For me the most worrying thing from the game was not the
defeat, but it was the fact we were not clinical enough in front of goal.
"We are always going to create chances because of the way we play but to not
take them was very disappointing. We lacked quality, coolness and composure
in front of goal."
Under-18s: Baxter, Alexander, Shaw, Harney, Onnariase, Miles (Bywater 70),
Makasi, Cullen (T.Tombides 45), Mavila (Nasha 75), Sadlier, Boakye-Yiadom
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Sam Allardyce reveals Ricardo Vaz Te suffers dislocated shoulder
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce revealed West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te dislocated his
shoulder in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat by Arsenal. Vaz Te, 26, fell heavily
after colliding with Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone in the second half.
"Ricardo Vaz Te has a shoulder dislocation by looks of it so that's not so
good," said the West Ham boss. Guy Demel was also brought off with a thigh
strain, Winston Reid played on with a back spasm and Andy Carroll played 90
minutes on his full return.
Allardyce had used all of his substitutions by the time Reid suffered his
problem so was forced to leave the New Zealand international on. "Guy Demel
looks like a thigh strain and Winston Reid had a back spasm but we could not
bring him off, so that's a little worrying for us," said Allardyce. The
Hammers manager admitted he did not want to play Carroll for the full 90
minutes. The England international, 23, made his first start since suffering
a hamstring injury in West Ham's 3-0 win over Fulham in September, having
come off the bench in the Hammers' 2-1 win over QPR on Monday.
Allardyce had agreed with England manager Roy Hodgson that the striker would
not play the full game ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against
San Marino on Friday 12 October and Poland on Tuesday 16 October. But the
West Ham manager was forced to leave the former Newcastle forward on because
of West Ham's injury problems. Carroll had a great chance to score when the
game was level at 1-1 but he headed just wide and the Hammers boss believes
the 90 minutes will benefit him. He said: "Carroll is fine, I spoke to Roy
Hodgson this week. We didn't want him to do 90 minutes today but because of
the injuries we had to and it would have done him the world of good. "It's a
shame he didn't score, that one header dropped the wrong side of post.
Hopefully he will be fit for a long time now and be an asset to us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Arsenal 3
6 October 2012
By Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport
Olivier Giroud scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal as the
Gunners came from behind to beat West Ham. West Ham took the lead against
the run of play when Mohamed Diame beat Vito Mannone with a curling shot.
Giroud equalised before the break when he poked in Lukas Podolski's cross at
the near post. Kevin Nolan missed two chances for the hosts and was made to
pay when Theo Walcott came off the bench to make it 2-1 with Santi Cazorla
hitting a third.
Walcott, who replaced the disappointing Gervinho, helped the Gunners take
advantage in the last half hour as West Ham tired. But having been on top
for large parts of the game, it was no more than Arsene Wenger's team
deserved as they extended their unbeaten record against the Hammers to nine
games and moved to fifth in the Premier League table. Sam Allardyce's side
had to defend stoutly throughout the game but they came up against a
midfield again run by the impressive Cazorla. And their disappointment in
losing their first Premier League home game of the season was compounded by
an injury to forward Ricardo Vaz Te, who went off with a suspected
dislocated shoulder. Walcott and Cazorla's late goals in the space of six
minutes gave the scoreline added gloss as Andy Carroll caused concern in the
visitors' defence on the striker's first start since suffering a hamstring
injury.
But the result was the perfect response to the Gunners' defeat by Chelsea
last weekend and means that is the only league defeat of their season so
far. Carroll's value was also underlined when he spent much of the first 20
minutes bolstering the Hammers defence as Arsenal wasted a number of
promising opportunities. Giroud almost scored in the first two minutes when
Jussi Jaaskelainen tipped his shot round the post and Carroll blocked the
French striker's goal-bound effort later in the first half. So when West
Ham's goal came on 21 minutes it was something of a surprise. Diame was fed
by George McCartney down the left and the Senegalese player skipped past
Aaron Ramsey before curling a delightful finish into the far corner for his
first Hammers goal. Referee Phil Dowd booked the midfielder for his
celebration and perhaps Diame was fortunate to stay on the field soon after
when he clattered Mikel Arteta.
Then, just as Carroll began to become more influential in the attacking
half, Diame had his pocket picked in midfield leading to the equaliser. The
ball was swept to Podolski on the left and Giroud burst to the near post to
tuck in the German's cross for a true poacher's goal. Having got themselves
back on level terms, Arsenal took time to warm to a similarly attacking
theme as the first period. By that stage, Carroll had almost made it 2-1 but
his header from a long diagonal ball was just wide with Mannone beaten to
the delivery, while Nolan wasted a great chance when clean through. As
Arsenal began to assert their authority on the game, Walcott latched onto
Giroud's through ball just 16 minutes after coming on to score his fourth
goal of the season with a precise near-post shot. Another chance fell to
Nolan, but he fired over from the edge of the penalty box, and that miss
proved costly once Cazorla smashed in Arsenal's third from 20 yards to cap a
superb individual performance. The only worry for Arsenal was with left-back
Kieran Gibbs, who left the field in the second half with what Wenger
described afterwards as a "thigh problem".
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Wenger on....West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger discusses what he saw during his side's somewhat
flattering 3-1 win at the Boleyn...
Arsene are you still unsure whether Theo Walcott is a centre forward or not?
He's getting there. We're confident now that when he gets in front of goal
he will score now. he scored an important one today at the moment when the
game was a little bit 50-50. We weakened a bit physically in the second
half. It was a very important test for us today. We expected a difficult
game and we were not disappointed. It was a game with a lot of pace where
both teams went for it in different styles. It was a good test - mentally as
well because we were one-nil down from their first shot on goal but we came
back to win the game.
Olivier Giroud's goal came at a good time after going one nil down
It came at the right time and in similar situations he nearly scored against
Olympiakos on Wednesday night. he was good today - he had a physical
presence and scored a goal. That will help him a lot I think to adapt very
quickly.
Santi Corzola showed his class as well with a spectacular finish
He was, overall, a delight to watch from the first to the last minute. He
was very influential in our team and it was fantastic to watch him play.
How do you think you coped with Carroll?
Quite well. You can never control Carroll completely for 90 minutes. You
have to fight for him and be good on the second ball - the problem with west
ham is not only Carroll but also Nolan on the second ball in the box. We
could have been punished once or twice but overall we coped well with it. He
was really up for it Carroll I must say and he did fight absolutely from the
first to the last minute.
You had to put up with some pretty terrible abuse today
I don't listen to that.
It was kind of back to the bad old days
I don't want to talk about that stupidity. It's not my problem. It only
punishes people who talk stupidly.
That moves Arsenal up to 5th in the table. It's good to have some momentum
going into the international break
It was important for us to respond well after our game against Chelsea. We
won against Olympiakos on Wednesday night then had a different game three
days later. We knew today that a draw was not good enough for us. We went
for it. We could have lost it as well - I think maybe it was Nolan who had a
very good chance but we gave absolutely everything to win the game.
Arsene you seemed very unhappy with some of the decisions in the first half.
Was that the case?
We got a cheap yellow card for Gervinho. We got a penalty turned down for
Ramsey. We'll have to watch it again.
What's happening with Kieran Gibbs?
Gibbs has a thigh problem. He might be out for England.
Would you have expected him to get a chance maybe?
I believe that Cole and Baines are in front of him but it would have been a
good opportunity for him in training to show that he can get in front of
them.
There were shades today that your passing game was at its best. Was this
game a watershed for you to push on, to get into the top four and stay
there?
Look we started with a lot of questions raised about the team this season. I
believe that we've now played seven games and the belief is in the squad and
that we have a chance. Of course, it's now down to us to do it week after
week. The spirit is there, the quality is there. It's all about how
consistent we can be now.
Cay you talk for a second about the effect Steve Bould's had helping you
defensively?
That's very difficult I feel. When you look at us last year we did not
concede many goals from set pieces. He has done well but you cannot measure
what the coaches bring to the team. He is doing very well but we are united
as a staff team with Neil Banfiels, Boro Primorac and Steve Bould we do our
job. We'll see where we are at the end of the season.
Theo Walcott's made his position clear to you. He can't do anymore than he
did today, coming on and scoring like that
Yes that's what you want from the players. Theo has an outstanding attitude
and I don't rule anyone out. If I did I wouldn't bring him on in a crucial
moment of the game - I believe in him. I brought him on at 1-1 - Gervinho
was looking a bit tired and he made the difference. He scored the second
goal and that was the most important one.
He was obviously signed as a striker. Do you see that as his long-term
position?
Yes.
(long pause)
He could play with Carroll maybe (laughter).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 1 Arsenal 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United fell to their first home Premier League defeat of the season
- but gave their opponents a run for their money in the process. Sam
Allardyce has won many famous victories over Arsene Wenger over the years
and when Mo Diame put United ahead midway through the first half it looked
as if yet another might be on the cards. But Olivier Giroud restored parity
shortly ahead of half time and two late goals - after West Ham's right side
had been decimated by injury - ensured all three points went to the
visitors. A win today for the Irons would have ensured the club's best top
flight start for nearly 30 years - and having looked all at sea initially
they took a deserved lead when Diame scored an absolute belter from out wide
have jinked his way into the penalty box.
After Kevin Nolan - usually so assured in and around the six yard box - had
missed a golden opportunity to double United's lead, Giroud converted Lucas
Podolski's centre to send the team's into the break on level terms.
Following the break, West Ham looked the stronger of the two teams but
injuries to the impressive Ricardo Vaz Te - a dislocated shoulder that could
keep him out of action until the New Year - and another to the equally
effective Guy Demel left United severely weakened on one side.
That gave the away side the impetus to push on and that's exactly what they
did 13 minutes from time when substitute Theo Walcott beat Jussi
Jaaskelainen at his near post at Arsenal countered.
Six minutes later and the visitors put the game beyond all reasonable doubt
when the excellent Santi Cazorla picked his spot from some 25 yards with
Jaaskelainen a passenger.
Despite the defeat West Ham could be proud of their efforts today with a
thoroughly engaging performance.
Andy Carroll, back in the starting line-up for the first time since his
debut led the line superbly and went close twice, once either side of the
break - firstly when forcing Vito Mannone to make a save from a corner and
then when he beat the 'keeper to the ball with his header narrowly missing
the target.
Although all in the camp will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat, that
impressive start gave the Hammers a comfortable cushion going into today's
fixture which meant defeat certainly wasn't the end of the world.
A two week international break now ensues before West Ham return to action
against Southampton - a game they will be hoping to win in order to continue
their good form that was temporarily halted by a strong Arsenal side.
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West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te could be out for 12 weeks with a dislocated
shoulder
Last Updated: October 6, 2012 8:45pm
SSN
West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te is facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines
after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. The
26-year-old had to be replaced by Matt Taylor just after the hour-mark after
falling awkwardly following a challenge with Arsenal goalkeeper Vito
Mannone. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce confirmed after the match that Vaz Te
would not be fit to return until after the international break and could be
out until the festive period. "No he won't be right, it will be six to 12
weeks depending," he said. "We can't get it back so he is going to have to
go to hospital to have an anaesthetic put in it to slot the shoulder back
into the socket. "The specialist will determine how long it will take to
sort that out so it is a bit of a shame, but we all suffer injuries and we
just have to make sure we use the squad we have got."
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Sam Allardyce stayed upbeat after West Ham's defeat by Arsenal
Last Updated: October 6, 2012 11:22pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce felt his injury-hit West Ham side showed plenty of spirit in
the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal at Upton Park. Mohamed Diame opened the scoring
for the Hammers, who lost Guy Demel and Ricardo Vaz Te through injury, but
the Gunners replied with goals from Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi
Cazorla.
The fit-again Andy Carroll was forced to play the whole match and Allardyce
felt his patched up team produced a creditable display. When asked about
Carroll, he said: "He is okay, he is fine. We didn't want to play him for 90
minutes because he has only just come back from that long spell injured and
hasn't played that much - but unfortunately our injury plight continued as
the game progressed. "It is a little worrying because we got injuries
against QPR and we got three more injuries today, Winston Reid was suffering
badly with sciatica but we had used all of our subs. "Guy Demel came off
with a thigh (injury) and Ricardo Vaz Te unfortunately with a dislocated
shoulder. "We are disappointed with the result and disappointed with those
injuries we have picked up, but I'm not disappointed with the lads'
application and performance. "We tried our best, it wasn't quite good
enough, but we are pleased with our performance and perhaps a little
disappointed that we didn't get a draw."
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Hammered! West Ham fan objects to Carroll's arrival after he beat up her
girlfriend
The Mirror
Julian Andrews
A furious West Ham fan has vowed to stay away from Upton Park while Andy
Carroll plays for her favourite team. The arrival on a season-long loan of
the £35million Liverpool striker was seen as a masterstroke by many Hammers
fans. But Claudine Wykes begs to differ. She's outraged that a club famed
for family values and a caring approach has recruited a man with a proven
record for beating up a girlfriend. Claudine, a PA from Grays, Essex, said:
"I have been a season ticket holder for 10 years and I have been going to
Upton Park for 30 years, so I am a loyal fan of West Ham. "But I object
strongly to Andy Carroll being at the club. "He is proven to have hit a
woman and I cannot support the team while he is at the club."
The England international, 23, paid Samantha Morrison £11,000 compensation
in November 2010 for injuries she received when she was struck by Carroll
outside a nightclub in Newcastle. He was also charged with assaulting
girlfriend Laurie Henderson that year but the charges were later dropped.
Claudine was so upset by Carroll's arrival that she contacted the club to
vent her feelings and ask for a refund. She said: "I have spoken to the club
about it but the only way I can get my money back is if someone else agrees
to buy my ticket. They will then give me the refund and send a bill to the
new ticket holders. "I don't think that is satisfactory. I would have
thought the club would have acted better than that. "It has a reputation as
a family club. Violence against women is a serious issue and I don't want a
player with Andy Carroll's record in the team."
West Ham have confirmed to Sunday Mirror Sport their refusal to give a
direct refund. The club point out that the terms and conditions under which
Claudine bought her ticket state they are not bound to give any money back.
In line with other London clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham, they
make refunds on specific grounds such as the ticket holder's death or their
inability to attend matches because of serious illness. They confirm that
Claudine can get her money back if she can find someone to buy her ticket.
They would then bill the new ticket holder and reimburse her. Claudine is
not content with that offer but a West Ham spokesman said: "We have abided
by the terms and conditions under which the season ticket was sold."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce believes his side had the opportunities to gain a positive
result from Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal
06.10.2012
Sam Allardyce said a lack of quality finishing was the only reason his West
Ham United side did not achieve a positive result against Arsenal. The
Hammers pushed the Gunners all the way in Saturday's Barclays Premier League
derby at the Boleyn Ground, taking the lead through Mohamed Diame's
first-half special, only for two goals in the final 13 minutes to see
Arsenal run out 3-1 winners. While the visitors controlled possession for
the most part in the early stages, West Ham were organised and resolute.
Their reward came on 21 minutes when Diame spun, beat Aaron Ramsey and shot
high into Vito Mannone's top right-hand corner to send the Boleyn Ground
wild. Arsenal probed for an opening, but it took a loose pass from
goalscorer Diame to allow Lukas Podolski the time and space to cross for
Olivier Giroud, who converted his first Premier League goal with an
expertly-taken volley four minutes before half-time. Even then, Kevin Nolan
came within a yard or two of putting his side back in front just before the
break. West Ham started the better after the interval, overcoming the loss
of Ricardo Vaz Te to a dislocated shoulder and Guy Demel to a thigh injury
to create another fine chance, only for Andy Carroll to head Matt Jarvis's
cross just wide of the gaping net. Arsenal's second goal also came from a
turnover of possession. When Diame's cross was blocked, the Gunners raced 80
yards upfield before substitute Theo Walcott slotted calmly past Jussi
Jaaskelainen. After Nolan had shot uncharacteristically over from 14 yards,
Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla rubbed salt into the West Ham wounds,
collecting a loose ball before lashing an unstoppable drive high into
Jaaskelainen's goal.
When asked if the final scoreline had been harsh on his side, Big Sam
pointed to Arsenal's greater quality in front of goal as the main reason for
their victory.
"It was probably harsh, but that's Arsenal for you - if you don't take
advantage of your chances when you get them then they will punish you and
they certainly punished us towards the end of the game," said the manager.
"Obviously the disappointing thing from our point of view was actually
getting our noses in front and finally ending up losing at home. It was a
great team we were playing against and we've experienced how difficult it is
to play against the likes of Arsenal, which is something we need to remember
when we come across the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and
Tottenham. "We did really, really well and, of course, needed to finish the
chances when we got them. We did with the first one - Mo's goal was
brilliant - but then there was one just before half-time when Kevin couldn't
quite dig it out from Mark Noble's free-kick, and then in the second half
Kevin has had two golden chances. "The first one he has either got to just
hit it or square it for Matt Jarvis, but instead he decided to come in on
his left foot and lost it. That was a brilliant chance against an Arsenal
team playing so well. Kevin also had a shot with his left foot from the edge
of the box and he normally doesn't miss those, as we know. "Then Andy has
had his header. The 'keeper has come and thought he could catch it and Andy
has outjumped him and won the header and the goal was open and free and
unfortunately the ball dropped the wrong side of the post. We'll look back
at those and think that, at one-one, that would have put us in front."
Aside from the lack of clinical finishing, Big Sam also lamented the nature
of Walcott's goal, which stemmed from a Diame cross that was cut out inside
the Arsenal penalty area. "Mo has done ever so well to wriggle his way down
the left-hand side but then he hasn't picked the right pass out and his
cross has hit an Arsenal player. They played one pass forward and within
five seconds Walcott has put the ball in our net. That was a real killer for
us. "I don't think there was anything we could do about the third goal.
Cazorla has hit a brilliant strike. "We will be disappointed with how we've
lost it but they are a very good team and we've tried our best. The good
thing is that we've created some reallty good chances against a very good
team but we didn't take them. It was critical at the stage of the game
because it would have put us back in front. "I was really pleased with the
fantastic goal we did score but disappointed there was nothing at the end of
it."
Extra disappointment came in the shape of injuries to Vaz Te, Demel and
Winston Reid. "I don't think we'll have them back in two weeks - I think
they'll be out for a little bit longer than that by the looks of their
injuries. Certainly Ricardo is a big blow because it ilooks like a
dislocated shoulder and that's anything from eight to twelve weeks. "I think
Guy Demel has pulled a thigh muscle and that could be four weeks and Winston
Reid had a back spasm and we couldn't bring him off because we'd used all of
our substitutes and had nobody else to bring on. With eleven points
collected from seven matches and a winnable home game against Southampton up
next on 20 October, it is not all doom and gloom in east London as summer
makes way for autumn. "There is cause for optimism because we have started
the season very well. It was a disappointing result on Saturday but not a
disappointing performance. We've only put in one poor performance in seven
league games and that was at Swansea. "We can't linger on this
disappointment. We have to get back to winning ways in two weeks' time. That
will be the big test for us now - can we bounce back after a defeat and can
we beat Southampton and make sure we get three points on the board again."
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Nolan grabs SBOBET award
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has been named the SBOBET Player of the Month for September
06.10.2012
Congratulations are in order for captain Kevin Nolan after being voted
September's SBOBET Player of the Month with 29.9% of the vote. Nolan, who
was also awarded the same accolade for his performances in August, has
continued to inspire the Hammers as they picked up eleven points from six
games. He collected his award before kick-off against Arsenal. September
began in style for the former Newcastle United man as he opened the scoring
within a minute in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Fulham. His form
continued as the Hammers secured two draws, first away at Norwich City and
then at home against Sunderland. Nolan once again came to the rescue against
the Black Cats, volleying home past Simon Mignolet in the 90th minute after
being thwarted by the Belgian stopper on more than one occasion. Momo Diame
was September's runner up. The combative midfielder has been in impressive
form, providing cover for the defence as well as driving forward in a host
of energetic performances. Winston Reid was the third with 19.5% of the
vote, with Mark Noble a close fourth on 19.1% of the vote. Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Guy Demel wrapped up the voting.
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Lletget feeling at home
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget believes the togetherness within the Dev Squad is the key
to their recent success
06.10.2012
Sebastian Lletget believes that making the jump from United States 'soccer'
to English football earlier than most has allowed him to progress into a
much better player. The United States Under-23 international has become an
integral part of the Development Squad's success this season and he feels he
has the club to thank. Lletget has reaped the rewards of the hard work of
the Academy staff that have aided his development into what he calls 'a
pretty good footballer'. "Coming over from the US earlier than most has
definitely helped my development, the club has made me into a pretty good
player and hopefully I will continue to improve. "I have everyone here at
the club to thank for this, the coaches, the Academy and now of course our
[Development Squad] manager Ian Hendon, he has transformed a group of good
players into a great team."
The American also believes that the togetherness within the camp is brining
positives to performances, Blair Turgott and Rob Hall have already played
together for over a decade and Lletget states understandings like theirs
provides a massive boost. "I think that it is a massive help, I have been at
the club for around five years and have known a lot of the team since then,
we have all come through the ranks together. "It is especially important now
we our hitting the peak of our youth, we are on the edge of the first team
and the understanding of how we play is showing now more than ever."
Hall was once again on the scoresheet against Norwich CIty last weekend and
Lletget praised the striker's attitude and impact, whilst also hailing his
midfield partner George Moncur. "Rob will often get the limelight and it is
thoroughly deserved. He has been excellent this season, not just for us but
also in the first team. He is a very hard worker. "My midfield partner Monkz
is another player who I also have great respect for. He is great to play
with and we have established a good telepathic connection over the past few
years both on and off the ball."
Friday's win against the Canaries secured the Development Squad's first
clean sheet of the season, Hendon has been critical of his team's defensive
play in previous weeks, but Lletget feels confidence will now soar. He
added that he believes that the reasons behind this new defensive solidity
is focus, anticipation and hard work, with Hendon and his coaching staff
putting the impetus on building from the back. "It is very important to get
our first clean sheet, we have a great squad and I think if we keep
performing well and winning games that our confidence will get higher and
higher. "Our chemistry is also excellent and it will only continue to grow
if we keep winning games, hopefully we can keep doing that and qualify for
the Elite League."
"I think we prepared very well for the game against Norwich, defensively we
worked very hard in training and during the game I think it showed, it's
great to secure our first clean sheet. "We analysed the video from previous
games to see what we could improve upon and our anticipation ahead of the
game was very good."
Next up for the Development Squad is a trip to lowly Blackburn Rovers but
Lletget ensured that complacency will not become an issue. "I think that the
one thing we do very well is treat every opposition team the same whether it
be an Arsenal, a Manchester United or another team. "Obviously next week we
face Blackburn Rovers, we will do the same against them and treat them with
respect, hopefully we will keep playing well and get a win."
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Rovers edge out Under-18s
WHUFC.com
The Hammers fell to a 1-0 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat by Blackburn
Rovers at Little Heath
06.10.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr gave an honest assessment of West Ham United's
1-0 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat by Blackburn Rovers at Little Heath
on Saturday A tight game saw both sides struggle to gain a foothold long
enough to dominate proceedings, but West Ham were denied a positive results
by missing a succession of good chances. Blackburn then punished their hosts
by scoring the only goal of the game. Nana Boakye-Yiadom and Kieran Sadlier
both failed to take advantage of decent openings and Carr admitted the
Hammers' profligacy had cost them. "Unfortunately we lost 1-0," said Carr.
"The game was incredibly tight and it could have gone either way. We created
three very good chances before they took the lead but were unable to take
them. "Nana Boakye-Yiadom had two good chances, as did Kieran Sadlier, but
like so often happens in football they hit us on the break and got the goal
that mattered."
Carr also believes that the way in which the game was played did not help
his side, describing it as a 'dour' affair. "It was a dour game," he
continued. "Both teams didn't allow their opponents any space and the
players had very little time on the ball. "If I am being honest it wasn't
pretty to watch. The game lacked any kind of flair and we wasted a lot of
good opportunities, but I suppose at least we did create them."
The best chance of the game fell to Sadlier but the Republic of Ireland
forward, who has been in good form recently, failed to make it count, Carr
believes the Hammers taking the lead would have changed the outcome of the
game. "The best chance of the game fell to Kieran Sadlier. He went through
on goal one-on-one with the goalkeeper and he should have done better than
he did. "If we had taken that chance or one of others I think we would have
gone on to win the game but we didn't and we got punished."
Next up for the Under-18s is another home game against Bolton Wanderers.
Carr, coach Nick Haycock and the West Ham players will all be hoping for an
improvement. "For me the most worrying thing from the game was not the
defeat, but it was the fact we were not clinical enough in front of goal.
"We are always going to create chances because of the way we play but to not
take them was very disappointing. We lacked quality, coolness and composure
in front of goal."
Under-18s: Baxter, Alexander, Shaw, Harney, Onnariase, Miles (Bywater 70),
Makasi, Cullen (T.Tombides 45), Mavila (Nasha 75), Sadlier, Boakye-Yiadom
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Sam Allardyce reveals Ricardo Vaz Te suffers dislocated shoulder
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce revealed West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te dislocated his
shoulder in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat by Arsenal. Vaz Te, 26, fell heavily
after colliding with Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone in the second half.
"Ricardo Vaz Te has a shoulder dislocation by looks of it so that's not so
good," said the West Ham boss. Guy Demel was also brought off with a thigh
strain, Winston Reid played on with a back spasm and Andy Carroll played 90
minutes on his full return.
Allardyce had used all of his substitutions by the time Reid suffered his
problem so was forced to leave the New Zealand international on. "Guy Demel
looks like a thigh strain and Winston Reid had a back spasm but we could not
bring him off, so that's a little worrying for us," said Allardyce. The
Hammers manager admitted he did not want to play Carroll for the full 90
minutes. The England international, 23, made his first start since suffering
a hamstring injury in West Ham's 3-0 win over Fulham in September, having
come off the bench in the Hammers' 2-1 win over QPR on Monday.
Allardyce had agreed with England manager Roy Hodgson that the striker would
not play the full game ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against
San Marino on Friday 12 October and Poland on Tuesday 16 October. But the
West Ham manager was forced to leave the former Newcastle forward on because
of West Ham's injury problems. Carroll had a great chance to score when the
game was level at 1-1 but he headed just wide and the Hammers boss believes
the 90 minutes will benefit him. He said: "Carroll is fine, I spoke to Roy
Hodgson this week. We didn't want him to do 90 minutes today but because of
the injuries we had to and it would have done him the world of good. "It's a
shame he didn't score, that one header dropped the wrong side of post.
Hopefully he will be fit for a long time now and be an asset to us."
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West Ham 1 Arsenal 3
6 October 2012
By Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport
Olivier Giroud scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal as the
Gunners came from behind to beat West Ham. West Ham took the lead against
the run of play when Mohamed Diame beat Vito Mannone with a curling shot.
Giroud equalised before the break when he poked in Lukas Podolski's cross at
the near post. Kevin Nolan missed two chances for the hosts and was made to
pay when Theo Walcott came off the bench to make it 2-1 with Santi Cazorla
hitting a third.
Walcott, who replaced the disappointing Gervinho, helped the Gunners take
advantage in the last half hour as West Ham tired. But having been on top
for large parts of the game, it was no more than Arsene Wenger's team
deserved as they extended their unbeaten record against the Hammers to nine
games and moved to fifth in the Premier League table. Sam Allardyce's side
had to defend stoutly throughout the game but they came up against a
midfield again run by the impressive Cazorla. And their disappointment in
losing their first Premier League home game of the season was compounded by
an injury to forward Ricardo Vaz Te, who went off with a suspected
dislocated shoulder. Walcott and Cazorla's late goals in the space of six
minutes gave the scoreline added gloss as Andy Carroll caused concern in the
visitors' defence on the striker's first start since suffering a hamstring
injury.
But the result was the perfect response to the Gunners' defeat by Chelsea
last weekend and means that is the only league defeat of their season so
far. Carroll's value was also underlined when he spent much of the first 20
minutes bolstering the Hammers defence as Arsenal wasted a number of
promising opportunities. Giroud almost scored in the first two minutes when
Jussi Jaaskelainen tipped his shot round the post and Carroll blocked the
French striker's goal-bound effort later in the first half. So when West
Ham's goal came on 21 minutes it was something of a surprise. Diame was fed
by George McCartney down the left and the Senegalese player skipped past
Aaron Ramsey before curling a delightful finish into the far corner for his
first Hammers goal. Referee Phil Dowd booked the midfielder for his
celebration and perhaps Diame was fortunate to stay on the field soon after
when he clattered Mikel Arteta.
Then, just as Carroll began to become more influential in the attacking
half, Diame had his pocket picked in midfield leading to the equaliser. The
ball was swept to Podolski on the left and Giroud burst to the near post to
tuck in the German's cross for a true poacher's goal. Having got themselves
back on level terms, Arsenal took time to warm to a similarly attacking
theme as the first period. By that stage, Carroll had almost made it 2-1 but
his header from a long diagonal ball was just wide with Mannone beaten to
the delivery, while Nolan wasted a great chance when clean through. As
Arsenal began to assert their authority on the game, Walcott latched onto
Giroud's through ball just 16 minutes after coming on to score his fourth
goal of the season with a precise near-post shot. Another chance fell to
Nolan, but he fired over from the edge of the penalty box, and that miss
proved costly once Cazorla smashed in Arsenal's third from 20 yards to cap a
superb individual performance. The only worry for Arsenal was with left-back
Kieran Gibbs, who left the field in the second half with what Wenger
described afterwards as a "thigh problem".
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Wenger on....West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger discusses what he saw during his side's somewhat
flattering 3-1 win at the Boleyn...
Arsene are you still unsure whether Theo Walcott is a centre forward or not?
He's getting there. We're confident now that when he gets in front of goal
he will score now. he scored an important one today at the moment when the
game was a little bit 50-50. We weakened a bit physically in the second
half. It was a very important test for us today. We expected a difficult
game and we were not disappointed. It was a game with a lot of pace where
both teams went for it in different styles. It was a good test - mentally as
well because we were one-nil down from their first shot on goal but we came
back to win the game.
Olivier Giroud's goal came at a good time after going one nil down
It came at the right time and in similar situations he nearly scored against
Olympiakos on Wednesday night. he was good today - he had a physical
presence and scored a goal. That will help him a lot I think to adapt very
quickly.
Santi Corzola showed his class as well with a spectacular finish
He was, overall, a delight to watch from the first to the last minute. He
was very influential in our team and it was fantastic to watch him play.
How do you think you coped with Carroll?
Quite well. You can never control Carroll completely for 90 minutes. You
have to fight for him and be good on the second ball - the problem with west
ham is not only Carroll but also Nolan on the second ball in the box. We
could have been punished once or twice but overall we coped well with it. He
was really up for it Carroll I must say and he did fight absolutely from the
first to the last minute.
You had to put up with some pretty terrible abuse today
I don't listen to that.
It was kind of back to the bad old days
I don't want to talk about that stupidity. It's not my problem. It only
punishes people who talk stupidly.
That moves Arsenal up to 5th in the table. It's good to have some momentum
going into the international break
It was important for us to respond well after our game against Chelsea. We
won against Olympiakos on Wednesday night then had a different game three
days later. We knew today that a draw was not good enough for us. We went
for it. We could have lost it as well - I think maybe it was Nolan who had a
very good chance but we gave absolutely everything to win the game.
Arsene you seemed very unhappy with some of the decisions in the first half.
Was that the case?
We got a cheap yellow card for Gervinho. We got a penalty turned down for
Ramsey. We'll have to watch it again.
What's happening with Kieran Gibbs?
Gibbs has a thigh problem. He might be out for England.
Would you have expected him to get a chance maybe?
I believe that Cole and Baines are in front of him but it would have been a
good opportunity for him in training to show that he can get in front of
them.
There were shades today that your passing game was at its best. Was this
game a watershed for you to push on, to get into the top four and stay
there?
Look we started with a lot of questions raised about the team this season. I
believe that we've now played seven games and the belief is in the squad and
that we have a chance. Of course, it's now down to us to do it week after
week. The spirit is there, the quality is there. It's all about how
consistent we can be now.
Cay you talk for a second about the effect Steve Bould's had helping you
defensively?
That's very difficult I feel. When you look at us last year we did not
concede many goals from set pieces. He has done well but you cannot measure
what the coaches bring to the team. He is doing very well but we are united
as a staff team with Neil Banfiels, Boro Primorac and Steve Bould we do our
job. We'll see where we are at the end of the season.
Theo Walcott's made his position clear to you. He can't do anymore than he
did today, coming on and scoring like that
Yes that's what you want from the players. Theo has an outstanding attitude
and I don't rule anyone out. If I did I wouldn't bring him on in a crucial
moment of the game - I believe in him. I brought him on at 1-1 - Gervinho
was looking a bit tired and he made the difference. He scored the second
goal and that was the most important one.
He was obviously signed as a striker. Do you see that as his long-term
position?
Yes.
(long pause)
He could play with Carroll maybe (laughter).
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West Ham Utd 1 Arsenal 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United fell to their first home Premier League defeat of the season
- but gave their opponents a run for their money in the process. Sam
Allardyce has won many famous victories over Arsene Wenger over the years
and when Mo Diame put United ahead midway through the first half it looked
as if yet another might be on the cards. But Olivier Giroud restored parity
shortly ahead of half time and two late goals - after West Ham's right side
had been decimated by injury - ensured all three points went to the
visitors. A win today for the Irons would have ensured the club's best top
flight start for nearly 30 years - and having looked all at sea initially
they took a deserved lead when Diame scored an absolute belter from out wide
have jinked his way into the penalty box.
After Kevin Nolan - usually so assured in and around the six yard box - had
missed a golden opportunity to double United's lead, Giroud converted Lucas
Podolski's centre to send the team's into the break on level terms.
Following the break, West Ham looked the stronger of the two teams but
injuries to the impressive Ricardo Vaz Te - a dislocated shoulder that could
keep him out of action until the New Year - and another to the equally
effective Guy Demel left United severely weakened on one side.
That gave the away side the impetus to push on and that's exactly what they
did 13 minutes from time when substitute Theo Walcott beat Jussi
Jaaskelainen at his near post at Arsenal countered.
Six minutes later and the visitors put the game beyond all reasonable doubt
when the excellent Santi Cazorla picked his spot from some 25 yards with
Jaaskelainen a passenger.
Despite the defeat West Ham could be proud of their efforts today with a
thoroughly engaging performance.
Andy Carroll, back in the starting line-up for the first time since his
debut led the line superbly and went close twice, once either side of the
break - firstly when forcing Vito Mannone to make a save from a corner and
then when he beat the 'keeper to the ball with his header narrowly missing
the target.
Although all in the camp will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat, that
impressive start gave the Hammers a comfortable cushion going into today's
fixture which meant defeat certainly wasn't the end of the world.
A two week international break now ensues before West Ham return to action
against Southampton - a game they will be hoping to win in order to continue
their good form that was temporarily halted by a strong Arsenal side.
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West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te could be out for 12 weeks with a dislocated
shoulder
Last Updated: October 6, 2012 8:45pm
SSN
West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te is facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines
after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. The
26-year-old had to be replaced by Matt Taylor just after the hour-mark after
falling awkwardly following a challenge with Arsenal goalkeeper Vito
Mannone. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce confirmed after the match that Vaz Te
would not be fit to return until after the international break and could be
out until the festive period. "No he won't be right, it will be six to 12
weeks depending," he said. "We can't get it back so he is going to have to
go to hospital to have an anaesthetic put in it to slot the shoulder back
into the socket. "The specialist will determine how long it will take to
sort that out so it is a bit of a shame, but we all suffer injuries and we
just have to make sure we use the squad we have got."
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Sam Allardyce stayed upbeat after West Ham's defeat by Arsenal
Last Updated: October 6, 2012 11:22pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce felt his injury-hit West Ham side showed plenty of spirit in
the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal at Upton Park. Mohamed Diame opened the scoring
for the Hammers, who lost Guy Demel and Ricardo Vaz Te through injury, but
the Gunners replied with goals from Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi
Cazorla.
The fit-again Andy Carroll was forced to play the whole match and Allardyce
felt his patched up team produced a creditable display. When asked about
Carroll, he said: "He is okay, he is fine. We didn't want to play him for 90
minutes because he has only just come back from that long spell injured and
hasn't played that much - but unfortunately our injury plight continued as
the game progressed. "It is a little worrying because we got injuries
against QPR and we got three more injuries today, Winston Reid was suffering
badly with sciatica but we had used all of our subs. "Guy Demel came off
with a thigh (injury) and Ricardo Vaz Te unfortunately with a dislocated
shoulder. "We are disappointed with the result and disappointed with those
injuries we have picked up, but I'm not disappointed with the lads'
application and performance. "We tried our best, it wasn't quite good
enough, but we are pleased with our performance and perhaps a little
disappointed that we didn't get a draw."
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Hammered! West Ham fan objects to Carroll's arrival after he beat up her
girlfriend
The Mirror
Julian Andrews
A furious West Ham fan has vowed to stay away from Upton Park while Andy
Carroll plays for her favourite team. The arrival on a season-long loan of
the £35million Liverpool striker was seen as a masterstroke by many Hammers
fans. But Claudine Wykes begs to differ. She's outraged that a club famed
for family values and a caring approach has recruited a man with a proven
record for beating up a girlfriend. Claudine, a PA from Grays, Essex, said:
"I have been a season ticket holder for 10 years and I have been going to
Upton Park for 30 years, so I am a loyal fan of West Ham. "But I object
strongly to Andy Carroll being at the club. "He is proven to have hit a
woman and I cannot support the team while he is at the club."
The England international, 23, paid Samantha Morrison £11,000 compensation
in November 2010 for injuries she received when she was struck by Carroll
outside a nightclub in Newcastle. He was also charged with assaulting
girlfriend Laurie Henderson that year but the charges were later dropped.
Claudine was so upset by Carroll's arrival that she contacted the club to
vent her feelings and ask for a refund. She said: "I have spoken to the club
about it but the only way I can get my money back is if someone else agrees
to buy my ticket. They will then give me the refund and send a bill to the
new ticket holders. "I don't think that is satisfactory. I would have
thought the club would have acted better than that. "It has a reputation as
a family club. Violence against women is a serious issue and I don't want a
player with Andy Carroll's record in the team."
West Ham have confirmed to Sunday Mirror Sport their refusal to give a
direct refund. The club point out that the terms and conditions under which
Claudine bought her ticket state they are not bound to give any money back.
In line with other London clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham, they
make refunds on specific grounds such as the ticket holder's death or their
inability to attend matches because of serious illness. They confirm that
Claudine can get her money back if she can find someone to buy her ticket.
They would then bill the new ticket holder and reimburse her. Claudine is
not content with that offer but a West Ham spokesman said: "We have abided
by the terms and conditions under which the season ticket was sold."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th October 2012
Arsenal match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news, statistics and records ahead of Saturday's London derby
with the Gunners
05.10.2012
WEST HAM UNITED V ARSENAL
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 5.30pm
REFEREE: PHIL DOWD
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
John Bond
• There will be a minute's applause prior to kick-off in memory of West Ham
United legend John Bond. The full-back passed away on 25 September at the
age of 79. Born and raised just a few hundred yards from the Boleyn Ground,
Bond played 444 games for the Hammers, scoring 37 times. He won the Division
Two title in 1958 and lifted the FA Cup in 1964 before embarking on a
successful career in management.
Important travel information
• Supporters attending the game are reminded that due to engineering work
there is no direct c2c train service between Upminster and Barking on
Saturday. The London Underground District line will be restricted to
operating between Barking and West Ham between 2pm and 11pm only.
• Supporters travelling from Upminster will need to use the half-hourly c2c
shuttle service between Upminster and Grays, changing at Grays for trains to
Barking and West Ham
• Supporters from Basildon, Laindon and West Horndon should travel to Pitsea
and change for trains via Barking and West Ham.
• The District line is closed between Aldgate to Upminster all weekend (in
addition to the Hammersmith and City line being closed between King's Cross
to Barking). However, the District line closure will be reduced between 2pm
and 11pm (Aldgate East to West Ham) to allow West Ham and Arsenal supporters
to travel to Upton Park station. This means the line is operational through
West Ham between West Ham and Barking between 2pm and 11pm. Those
supporters travelling from Central London should use the Jubilee line to
West Ham and change for the District line.
• For the latest London Underground, DLR and bus travel updates and news
click here.
Introduction
• West Ham United host Arsenal still unbeaten at home in the Barclays
Premier League and on the back of their first away win of the season at
Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.
• Andy Carroll is expected to feature after returning from injury in that
2-1 win at Loftus Road. Yossi Benayoun could also feature against the club
where he spent last season on loan from Chelsea.
• The last meeting between the two sides came at the Boleyn Ground, but the
Hammers will be hoping for more luck this time out after suffering a 3-0
defeat in the 2010/11 season.
• West Ham United's last win over Arsenal came in the Premier League on 7
April 2007, Bobby Zamora scored on the stroke of half-time to give the
Hammers all three points as they became the first away team to win at the
Emirates Stadium. There have been nine meetings since then, with the Gunners
emerging victories on seven occasions and the other two ending in draws.
• Last time out at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League it was
drama at the death as captain Kevin Nolan volleyed home a 90th-minute
equaliser against Sunderland. The Black Cates had gone in front after nine
minutes through Scotland striker Steven Fletcher.
• Arsenal suffered their first Barclays Premier League defeat at home to
Chelsea last weekend, losing 2-1.
• West Ham United v Arsenal is one of six Barclays Premier League matches
taking place on Saturday, the others being: (kick-off 3pm unless stated)
Chelsea v Norwich City, Manchester City v Sunderland (12.45pm), Swansea City
v Reading, West Bromwich Albion v Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic v
Everton.
Last time out
Monday 1 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid (Tomkins 23), O'Brien
(McCartney 35), Noble, Diame, Nolan, Vaz Te, Jarvis, Cole (Carroll 72)
Subs not used: Henderson, Benayoun, O'Neil, Maiga
Goals: Jarvis 3, Vaz Te 35
Wednesday 3 October 2012
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos
Arsenal: Mannone; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Santi
Cazorla, Coquelin; Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 70), Gervinho (Giroud 79),
Podolski (Ramsey 79)
Subs not used: Shea, Santos, Djourou, Arshavin
Goals: Podolski 42, Gervinho 56, Ramsey 90
Previous meetings
• West Ham United's previous encounter with Arsenal came on Saturday 15
January 2011 and ended in a 3-0 defeat at the Boleyn Ground.
• Robin van Persie put in an outstanding performance, scoring two goals with
Theo Walcott adding another in between the Dutchman's brace. The first came
after 13 minutes when van Persie rifled in from Walcott's cross and the
combination switched one minute before the break as Arsenal took a 2-0 lead.
The Hammers continued to struggle with the attacking duo and Wayne Bridge
allowed Van Persie to complete the scoring from the spot after bringing down
Walcott in the box.
• The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Faubert, Bridge (Nouble
89), Kovac, Noble (Boa Morte 20), Cole, Sears (Barrera 64), Hines
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas (Denilson
81), Nasri (Arshavin 88), Walcott (Gibbs 88), Song, Wilshere, Van Persie.
Background
• West Ham United have faced Arsenal 125 times in Premier League, Football
League and the domestic knockout competitions. The Hammers have won 33, the
Gunners have won 54 and there have been 38 draws.
• West Ham United's biggest win over Arsenal came on 7 March 1927 when a Vic
Watson hat-trick helped secure a 7-0 win for the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground.
• West Ham United defeated Arsenal 8-2 in the first meeting between the two
clubs on Christmas Day 1915. Syd Puddefoot scored five times in the fixture,
which was played in the war-time London Combination principal tournament.
• Including war-time competitions, the Hammers have met the Gunners a
staggering 162 times, with West Ham United winning 48, Arsenal winning 71
and there being 43 draws.
• The third and most-recent time that West Ham United won the FA Cup was
against Arsenal, with the Hammers winning 1-0 at Wembley on 10 May 1980. The
1980 final is also the last time a team outside the top-flight has won the
competition.
• Five of West Ham United's first eight games against Arsenal were in the FA
Cup, with just three of the encounters coming in the league.
• The Hammers have won just once in their last ten meetings with the
Gunners, but prior this recent downturn in form they had won four in a row.
• The Hammers are still unbeaten at home in the Barclays Premier League,
having beaten Aston Villa (1-0) and Fulham (3-0) before drawing 1-1 with
Sunderland last time out at the Boleyn Ground.
• Arsenal have beaten West Ham United 4-0 three times at the Boleyn Ground
in the league - in Division One on 5 October 1925 and 2 March 1963 and in
the Premier League on 6 February 1999.
• West Ham United became the final visiting team to win at Arsenal's old
Highbury home when they chalked up a 3-2 Premier League success on 1
February 2006.
• The Hammers then became the first away side to win to win at Emirates
Stadium, recording a memorable 1-0 Premier League win on 7 April 2007.
• West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame and Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby
were team-mates at the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris as
youngsters.
• A number of West Ham United and Arsenal players have appeared together for
other clubs, including Modibo Maiga and Gervinho (Le Mans), Guy Demel and
Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund) and Alou Diarra and Marouane Chamakh
(Girondins de Bordeaux).
• Former West Ham United winger Pat Holland was appointed as head coach of
Arsenal's Under-18 side in the summer of 2012.
• Twenty players have made their West Ham United debuts against Arsenal.
Harry Hodges was the first in a 4-1 Division One defeat at Highbury on 10
September 1923, with Wayne Bridge the most recent in a 3-0 home Barclays
Premier League defeat on 15 January 2011.
• Ron Cater, Almeric Hall and Ken Bainbridge all made their Hammers' bows in
a 6-0 FA Cup third-round first-leg victory over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground
on 5 January 1946. Hall scored twice and Bainbridge once.
• Ray Houghton made his one and only West Ham United appearance as a
substitute in a 2-0 Division One defeat at Arsenal on 1 May 1982.
• Steve Jones made his second West Ham United 'debut' in a 2-0 Premier
League defeat at Arsenal on 17 August 1996.
• The other players to have made their West Ham United debuts against
Arsenal include John Morton (March 1932), Phil Woosnam (November 1958), Pat
Holland (April 1969), Clyde Best (August 1969), Bobby Gould (November 1973),
Danny Williamson (April 1994), Les Sealey (September 1995), Bernard Lama
(March 1998), Gary Breen (August 2002), Dean Ashton (February 2006), Jack
Collison (January 2008), Fabio Daprela and Anthony Edgar (both January
2010).
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
15 January 2011: West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
30 October 2010: Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
20 March 2010: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United
3 January 2010 West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup third round)
25 October 2009: West Ham United 2-2 Arsenal
31 January 2009: Arsenal 0-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Arsenal (all competitions) W 33 D38 L 54
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Division One)
Arsenal
2011/12 Premier League 3rd (70 points)
2010/11 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2009/10 Premier League 3rd (75 points)
2008/09 Premier League 4th72 points)
2007/08 Premier League 3rd (83 points)
2006/07 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2005/06 Premier League 4th (67 points)
2004/05 Premier League 2nd (83 points)
2003/04 Premier League 1st (90 points)
2002/03 Premier League 2nd (78 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Phil Dowd.
• Phil Dowd is in his 12th season as a Select Group official, having
initially been promoted to the Barclays Premier League list of referees in
2001.
• Dowd began refereeing in local leagues in 1984, officiating in the
Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance. He was appointed
to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1992, before joining
the League's full list of referees in 1997, aged 34.
• The 49-year-old is commonly considered to be one of England's best match
officials, an opinion backed by his appointments as the referee for the 2012
FA Cup and 2010 Football League Cup finals.
• Previously, Dowd was the fourth official at the 2006 FA Cup final between
West Ham United and Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
• Dowd has refereed 19 West Ham fixtures in total, the most-recent being a
3-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on 23 April 2011. He has taken charge
of 24 Arsenal matches, but none so far this season.
• He will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Michael McDonough, while the
fourth official will be Andre Marriner
Team news
• Jack Collison is unlikely to play after missing the start of the season as
he continues to manage his long-term knee issues.
• Andy Carroll is pushing for a start after returning from a month out with
a hamstring injury in Monday's 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
• Winston Reid is expected to be fit after recovering from the head injury
he picked up playing against QPR. Fellow defender Joey O'Brien faces a race
to be fit after also going off injured on Monday with a hamstring strain.
• Matt Taylor has returned to full training after missing Monday's win with
a calf injury suffered in the Capital One Cup third-round defeat by Wigan
Athletic on 25 September.
Old boys
• Yossi Benayoun spent two years with West Ham United between 2005 and 2007,
appearing in the 2006 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool, before joining
Liverpool. After moving to Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2010, the Israel
captain joined Arsenal on loan last season, scoring eight goals in 25
appearances.
• Guy Demel spent a season with Arsenal as a youngster, joining the Gunners
as a 19-year-old in 2000. However, the right-back did not make a first-team
appearance for Arsenal and joined German club Borussia Dortmund the
following summer.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Jeremie Aliadiere,
James Bigden, Jimmy Bloomfield, Luis Boa Morte, Liam Brady, George Burgess,
Dick Curtis, Kaba Diawara, Ted Drake, Stan Earle, Bert Fletcher, Ron
Greenwood, Eddie Hapgood, John Hartson, Les Henley, Fergie Hunt, James
Jackson, Bernard Joy, Fred Kemp, Henri Lansbury, Tom Lee, Harry Lewis,
William Linwood, Freddie Ljungberg, Roddy MacEachrane, Jimmy Marshall, David
Noble, John Radford, Stewart Robson, Charles Satterthwaite, Laurie Scott,
Rami Shaaban, Bill Sidley, Bob Stevenson, Davor Suker, Matthew Upson,
Charlie Walker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, Richard Wright, Bobby Gould,
Seve Walford, Lee Chapman, Manuel Almunia and Clive Allen.
General Information
• Tickets for Saturday's game are SOLD OUT.
• The weather forecast for the game is for a chilly and misty day with a
maximum temperature of 13C (56F).
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Guy going for glory
BBC.co.uk
Guy Demel is aiming to enjoy a successful few weeks with club and country
05.10.2012
Guy Demel has already achieved a lot during his career, but West Ham
United's right-back is eyeing another successful season in 2012/13. The No20
won the Bundesliga title with German giants Borussia Dortmund and appeared
for Ivory Coast at two FIFA World Cup finals. Now firing on all cylinders
after an injury-affected first season with the Hammers, Demel is looking
forward to achieving great things with club and country over the next few
months. The 31-year-old, who spent a year with Arsenal as a teenager, is
aiming to get one over his old employers on Saturday before turning his
attention to international matters. Ivory Coast hold a 4-2 advantage over
Senegal after the first leg of their CAF Cup of Nations final-round
qualifier, with the return game set for 13 October in Dakar. He may have
already been there and done it in a footballing sense, but Demel is hungry
to enjoy more success. "I don't know if we can talk already about making a
great start at West Ham but we are following the process to meet our goals
and right now everything is good," he told West Ham TV. "We're happy with
the situation. "I try to give my best in every game and every day in
training. The most important thing for me is to stay fit because when you
are fit you can compete and you can play and help your team. I'm really
happy to be part of things. "We worked hard during the pre-season and I feel
there is a really good spirit in the team. I think it is more about the work
we have done off the pitch that has helped me to understand my team-mates
better. We have a good atmosphere and that makes things easier."
Demel conceded that it would be fair to assess West Ham's Barclays Premier
League start as 'great' should they beat Arsenal on Saturday. "It won't be
easy to beat Arsenal because they are a good team and they are doing well at
the moment. We know they can keep the ball so we're going to try to play our
best and we're going to try to win the points. "We are not going out to lose
the game. It's going to be hard but it's all about football. We have our
goals and we're playing at home, so with the support of the fans I think it
is possible to do something."
For Demel, Saturday will see him reunited with a number of familiar faces -
most notably his one-time Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, former Dortmund
team-mate Tomas Rosicky and compatriot Gervinho. "I know Gervinho well and I
played with Tomas as well so I know some of their guys. It's always great
and that's why I came here - to play against so many good teams and to
compete and play against this kind of team. "I think they are not happy to
be playing against us right now because we are in a good position, so it
will be nice to meet them but better to beat them!"
Demel might have spent just one season - 2000/01 - with Arsenal, but he was
at the club long enough to see why Wenger has been able to spot, bring in
and develop so many players like him from all over the world. "I think it is
because of the structure and organisation that Arsenal has and the scouting
that they have all around Europe and beyond. They have people all over and
they really understand what Arsene Wenger wants, so most of the time they
don't make mistakes when they see young players. "There is also the quality
of the training ground and the way they train, as well as the philosophy.
Even if they haven't won many trophies for the last few years, you can see
that they stick with their philosophy and it can bring them success again."
Success is something Demel experienced at Dortmund - a club that has come to
the fore recently following two consecutive Bundesliga title wins and a
midweek UEFA Champions League masterclass at Manchester City. The defender
has not been surprised by their success. "I played four years in Dortmund
and was a champion with them as well in 2002. We talked about philosophy and
Dortmund have changed their philosophy and are now like Arsenal in that they
bring through a lot of young players and try to move the ball quickly on the
floor. "It is a good team and is really a good club. They won the Champions
League a long time ago [in 1997] and I follow them as well."
Finally, Demel is also preparing for a game that is sure to capture the
imagination of the whole of African football. Ivory Coast and Senegal are
two of the continent's powerhouse nations, but both have been starved of Cup
of Nations success in recent years - the Ivorians won the competition in
1992 and Senegal have never won the trophy. With that in mind, both are
desperate to reach the 2013 finals in South African next January. "It's
going to be a really hard game because we won 4-2 at home but to play
against Senegal in Dakar is difficult because they have a really good team.
They have good players like Mo Diame, of course, and it won't be easy for
us. "We have to go to the Cup of Nations so we have to deal with them and
for us it is really important to be in the finals in January. For our
generation, this will the last tournament. "We have been twice in the final
and once in the semi-final in the previous four tournaments so we hope this
will be our one to win."
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West Ham v Arsenal
KO 17:30
5 October 2012
Last updated at 12:38
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 6 October
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce could bring Andy Carroll back into the starting
line-up after his return from injury as a substitute against QPR. Winston
Reid should be available despite being knocked out at Loftus Road, but Joey
O'Brien is a doubt. Arsenal could welcome back central defender Per
Mertesacker after he recovered from a virus. But first-choice keeper
Wojciech Szczesny (ankle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) both remain
unavailable.
MATCH PREVIEW
It's been a good week for West Ham. Victory at QPR left them seventh in the
table and that's better than they would have anticipated at this stage of
the season following promotion. Andy Carroll's sooner-than-expected return
from injury was another piece of good news for the Hammers and he did enough
during a short cameo at Loftus Road to force his way back into the England
squad. Sam Allardyce could well be tempted to start Carroll against Arsenal
who will offer his side their biggest test of the campaign so far.
The Gunners have a great record against their east London rivals, but
Carroll's inclusion would certainly give them something to think about.
Arsenal have looked a little susceptible to crosses into their box -
something the Hammers will undoubtedly try to exploit, particularly if
Carroll is included. However, in general the Gunners have been pretty solid
at the back, a point underlined by Kieran Gibbs's inclusion in the England
squad and Roy Hodgson's assertion that Carl Jenkinson is an England
full-back of the future. And if the Gunners can deal with the threat into
their area then they have plenty in attack to cause West Ham concern. After
a quiet start to his career in England last season, Gervinho now offers a
real threat. Lukas Podolski is also showing the qualities that have made him
such a fine player and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is building on his early
promise. Along with Gibbs and Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also in
the England squad - a strong Gunners' contingent underlining the quality at
Arsene Wenger's disposal. In midfield Santi Cazorla looks a really
high-class player and is Arsenal's biggest creative threat. I expect the
Hammers will use Mark Noble to try to shut him out of the game. It will
undoubtedly be a fantastic atmosphere at Upton Park and there's every chance
of this being a gripping London derby. As in any derby no-one will shirk
from a challenge, meaning referee Phil Dowd will need to keep his wits about
him.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against West
Ham (W6 D2).
West Ham have not scored in their last three Premier League meetings with
Arsenal.
West Ham
The Hammers are unbeaten at Upton Park in the Premier League this season (W2
D1) and have lost just one of their last 16 home league matches.
They have conceded just one goal in three home games this season - only West
Brom (0) have a better home defensive record.
Victory for West Ham would give them their best ever start to a Premier
League season after seven games and their best in the top flight since they
had 18 points from seven games in 1983-84.
West Ham became the first team in Premier League history to have eight
players booked in the same game during Monday's 2-1 win at Loftus Road. They
have also committed 97 fouls in league action this season, the most in the
top flight.
Arsenal
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away games (W6 D4
L1) and are unbeaten away from the Emirates in the division this season.
Only Chelsea (3) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season
than Arsenal (4).
Gervinho has scored more goals for Arsenal this season (5) in seven games
than he did in the whole of 2011-12 in 37 games (all comps).
Victory would be Arsene Wenger's 350th in the Premier League.
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New TV dates for your diary
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Three new live West Ham fixtures have been confirmed this morning.
Supporters will once again have to rearrange their diaries following today's
announcement that the Hammers are to be broadcast live on TV three times in
December. Chelsea's much-anticipated visit to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday,
1st December has been brought forward to 12.45pm. Meanwhile West Ham's
fixture to Liverpool, also at Upton Park has been put back to Sunday, 9th
December at 4pm. Finally, West Ham's trip to West Bromwich Albion, currently
managed by Gianfranco's former number two Steve Clarke - a match originally
scheduled for Saturday, 15th December - has also been put back 24 hours.
The match now takes place on Sunday, 16th December at 4pm kick off. All
games are to be shown on subscription-only satellite TV.
Current live schedule
Arsenal (h): October 6th, 5.30pm
Man City (h): November 3rd, 5.30pm
Stoke (h): November 19th, 8pm
Chelsea (h): 1st December, 12.45pm
Liverpol (h): 9th December, 4pm
West Bromwich Albion (a): 15th December, 4pm
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West Ham v Arsenal preview
Gunners need win to leapfrog Hammers in Premier League table
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 11:45am
SSN
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season against Chelsea last
weekend and will need to be wary once again when they face West Ham at Upton
Park.
The Hammers have been in fine form in front of their own fans, winning two
and drawing one of their three Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground
this season. And Sam Allardyce will be relishing the chance to pit his wits
against Arsene Wenger - a manager he has a winning record against in
top-flight home games. The Arsenal coach will certainly need to tighten up
defensively if his side are to claim the three points needed to overtake
West Ham in the table.
The Gunners, and new assistant Steve Bould, were widely praised for their
improved defensive work in the early stages of this campaign but have now
conceded three goals in their last two league games from set-pieces. That
will encourage a West Ham side bolstered by the return from injury of
England international target-man Andy Carroll.
West Ham
Last 6
1-2
1-4
1-1
0-0
3-0
2-0
Allardyce will consider handing a start to Carroll after he returned to
action as a substitute against QPR but may want to ease the forward back to
full fitness.
Winston Reid has also recovered from a head injury at Loftus Road but
left-back Joey O'Brien is expected to miss out. Jack Collison and Alou
Diarra remain long-term absentees for the Hammers.
Arsenal
Last 6
3-1
1-2
6-1
1-1
1-2
6-1
Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited comeback against West Brom in a reserve
game earlier this week but is not in contention for a first-team place just
yet.
But centre-back Per Mertesacker has recovered from a virus so Wenger will
have a decision to make in defence. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and
midfielder Abou Diaby remain on the sidelines with ankle and thigh
complaints respectively.
Opta Facts
Arsenal have won six and lost none of the last eight Premier League
encounters with West Ham.
Arsene Wenger has won just two of his nine away games as a coach in Premier
League head to head meetings with Sam Allardyce (W2 D3 L4), the first one v
Bolton in April 2002 and the last one v Blackburn in August 2010.
West Ham scored the most goals from set plays in the 2011-12 Championship,
while the last three league goals Arsenal have conceded have come from dead
ball situations.
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Sam Allardyce warns West Ham they face their biggest test yet when they host
Arsenal
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 4:52pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham players that they face the biggest
test of their season so far when they host Arsenal on Saturday. The Premier
League new boys have made an impressive start to the campaign and sit
seventh in the league after three wins and two draws from their opening six
matches. But with the Hammers preparing to meet all of last season's top six
clubs within the next two months, starting with the Gunners, Allardyce is
well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. "We have 11 points from six
games so we are delighted that our start has been as fruitful as it has
been," said Allardyce. "They (Arsenal) are a top four side. This is a big
test for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition.
"Can they understand what they need to do or change their game slightly to
get best chance of a result? "Arsenal are so good at keeping the ball. We
will need to concentrate that they don't get behind us. That is a key area.
"We need to accept that we won't see the ball as much as other home games,
Villa, Fulham and particularly Sunderland."
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My heroes
West Ham United midfielder Matt Taylor speaks to Sky Sports and looks back
through the years to pick his favourite footballers
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 3:51pm
SSN
Paul Gascoigne
As a kid, I used to go to a lot of Tottenham Hotspur games with my dad.
Watching Gascoigne play for Tottenham and England, he was fantastic. I,
along with a lot of people, do not tire of watching Gascoigne's games. He
saw things other people did not, like picking a pass. One of the biggest
things was the emotion he showed on and off the pitch. He was a wonderful
footballer. Being a Tottenham fan as a kid, he was someone I definitely
looked up to.
Chris Waddle
He was a fantastic, jinking winger. You never really knew if he was going to
cross the ball or not. He had so many tricks in his locker and a lot of
feints. He was great to watch, really pleasing on the eye and, at the time,
there were not too many players who were similar to him. He put great balls
in the box for assists and also scored some wonderful goals.
Gary Lineker
There is a bit of a common theme, because I used to watch Tottenham.
Obviously not just when he was at Tottenham, when he was at Barcelona as
well, Lineker was a fantastic finisher. If he was playing now, he would be a
modern day poacher. He was always in the right place at the right time. His
finishing was second to none and he rightly got a lot of caps for England
and also a lot of goals for club and country.
Glenn Hoddle
He was fantastic in the middle of the pitch, fantastic on the ball and had
great energy as well. He seemed to make time and space, when mere mortals
like me might not have as much. He picked a pass and scored some wonderful
goals. I cannot remember who it was against but I remember going to White
Hart Lane and seeing him smash one in the top corner. That is my lasting
memory. I think he has had a distinguished coaching career as well.
John Barnes
I am going away from the Tottenham theme. For Liverpool and England, he was
left-footed and so was I as a kid. I looked up to him. He was a proper
No.10. He got the ball and made things happen. He was a captain as well so
was really good. I had a bit of a soft spot for Liverpool as well when I was
a kid.
West Ham United star Matt Taylor officially opened PlayFootball's latest
5-a-side centre in Romford, Essex. PlayFootball is one of the UK's leading
5-a-side centres. Get involved and log on to playfootball.net for more
information
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no special plans to deal with Andy Carroll
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for Andy Carroll as he prepares
his Arsenal side to cope with the physical threat of the West Ham striker.
The on-loan Liverpool forward appears to have rediscovered some of the form
that deserted him following his high-profile move from Newcastle to Anfield.
Wenger says he never questioned the quality of the 23-year-old but is not
surprised that his career faltered at Liverpool given the weight of
expectation that accompanied his £35m price-tag. However, he insists there
will be no special plan to stop Carroll at Upton Park as the Gunners attempt
to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league record to Chelsea last
time out. "Carroll has the quality and that will come out with time. We
expect Carroll to be at his best - it is down to us to deal with that," said
Wenger. "We can only focus on our own performance and be at our best. "He
started very well, then he had to deal with a high level of expectation with
a massive transfer on his shoulders going to an historic club where a lot
was expected of him. Maybe it was a bit too early for him. "Since I have
seen him at West Ham, he looks back to the Carroll we have seen at
Newcastle, that means with less pressure."
Efficient
Wenger, however, insists the Hammers are anything but a long ball side under
Sam Allardyce, who guided them back up through the play-offs and to a solid
start this season. "West Ham have a good balance, they are efficient, they
are a good mixture I must say between direct play and playing on the
ground," he said. "Technically they are quite sound in midfield, they have
Carroll and (Carlton) Cole up front who can go for high balls. "We know we
will have a big challenge there, we know we will only get away with the
points if we perform at our best." Wenger added: "Allardyce has again a very
good team and you have to give him credit for that. "He has built a good
team, well balanced, always efficient and he is a good manager because he
lasts."
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Match Preview: West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham Till I Die
I always look forward to matches against Arsenal. They are invariably
entertaining and you never quite know what will happen. We have had some
famous victories over them in the last ten years. I'll always remember that
Zamora goal, when we became the first team to beat Arsenal at The Emirates.
Arsenal strike me as quite a vulnerable team at the moment, going through
something of a transition. We certainly have no reason to fear them or feel
inferior. Our start to the season and the fact that we have more points than
them says it all. That's not meant to sound arrogant. It's just that
sometimes teams act as if they're already a goal down when they play teams
like Arsenal. If you don't go out onto the pitch with a positive mental
attitude, then you're already beaten before you cross the white line.
It will be a full house tomorrow and I hope there's a lot of noise. In fact,
i don't think I have looked forward to a match for so long for ages.
I doubt whether there will be many changes to the starting eleven beyond
George McCartney coming in for Joey O'Brien. Winston Reid has recovered from
his injury and I imagine will regain his place, even though James Tomkins
played very well at QPR. I'm so pleased Vaz Te came up trumps at QPR - he's
a real confidence player and wouldn't it be great to see him in top form
against Arsenal. I'm sure we all want to see Andy Carroll play from the
start, but I imagine Sam Allardyce will want to wrap him up in cotton wool
for a little while longer. Expect him to play much of the second half.
Just think. If we win, that's 14 points from 7 games. A third of the way to
safety! And if we continue in this vein, we're heading for 76 points. Lol.
Yes I know I am getting carried away. But who'd have thought we'd have had
this kind of start?
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Karren Brady's football diary
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 06th October 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, SEPT 29
HE can't say I didn't warn him! I've told a married PL director, short man,
big chest, so many times that he really must stop with the one-night stands.
He tells me that every day his London office is receiving flowers, cards,
cuddly toys and today a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey from a lady who is
looking for a repeat performance. The staff take home the flowers and the
toys go in the bin, although he made no mention of what he did with the
book. His club is north of Watford, but everything arrives with a Spurs logo
on, and he has no idea why, as he can't remember what he told the lady in
question on the night in question!
As the man involved particularly dislikes Spurs, I do not know whether his
present angst is caused more by the extra revenue he's generated into Spurs
coffers than the personal embarrassment he's now suffering as a result of
his dalliance!
SUNDAY, SEPT 30
IN England, Luis Suarez, it is known as poetic justice. Ask Brendan Rodgers
and he will explain what that means. When a footballer goes tumbling without
contact around the penalty areas of the Premier League, referees —
particularly those who have been made to look like chumps — are bound to be
suspicious next time they are asked to judge whether he was fouled or
tripped by fresh air. He may think that Suarez's 'previous' is against him
and choose to give the tackler the benefit of the doubt. We may think it
serves him right. Diving in my book is the third worst offence in football.
MONDAY, OCT 1
WITH his array of helpers — from his management company, from the Ryder Cup
team assistants, from friends, probably a few Romans and countrymen — Rory
McIlroy was within a few minutes of missing his starting time. Only one man
to blame, though. Rory himself. On the odd occasion, Brian Clough used to
tell his players to find their own way to a match, just to keep them honest.
Earlier, in his time as a player, that was the form — by train and bus to an
away game, at home by foot to the players' entrance. This didn't always
work. I know of one player who left for a home match and did not turn up for
three days. When he did, he was still in his slippers and was carrying a
half-empty bottle of gin. He worked for me — for a very short time!
TUESDAY, OCT 2
A FANTASTIC win last night for West Ham against QPR. But this morning I am
informed that we are to be fined £25,000 for the record number of bookings,
we received during the game. Maybe ref Mark Clattenburg was right about all
eight, maybe not. As a club we will examine video evidence. Anyway, I'm not
going to argue although I might not have been so cheery about it had we
lost. However, I do think the number of cards and the offences for which
they are given is out of control. It has reached the point where bosses such
as City's Roberto Mancini are demanding cards for opposing players from the
touchline.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 3
SHOULD Roy Keane take up an offer to manage in Turkey, it'd be impossible to
forecast a long and successful career. Short and explosive, more like.
Keane, one of my greatest footballing heroes, seems to think he has the
makings of a top-class manager while the evidence suggests otherwise. The
intensity he possessed as a player used to fire his team. As a manager it
scalds them. As an ex-pat manager in Turkey, it could cause mayhem in the
bazaar. Blackburn would be a doddle by comparison.
THURSDAY, OCT 4
OUR England manager is alleged to make an off-the-cuff remark about a great
player. Neither of them will be happy about the report of it. I can tell you
only this. Roy is everything an England manager should be — keen, bright and
dedicated. In my 20-years plus in this industry I have never known an
England manager, when on a Premier League visit, to stay and watch the whole
game. Instead, they normally arrive five minutes before the start of the
match, with instructions that they are not to be approached in the
boardroom, and then leave 15 minutes before the end. I guess for
£5million-a-year you can't expect much more! On Monday night we played
against QPR at Loftus Road. Roy was there well before the kick-off and was
still there well after the end, with a smile on his face that beamed pride
in the job and gave me hope. It's no surprise he has picked Andy Caroll but
I did expect Mark Noble to also get a call-up.
FRIDAY, OCT 5
EVEN for as slippery a customer as Peter Ridsdale, there can be no return to
football now. He was only an acquaintance of mine and most people would very
quickly put him in the column marked 'watch out'. The 60-year-old former
Leeds, Barnsley and Cardiff chairman has been barred from all company
directorship until 2020. And the only question that remains is how did he
manage to creep into positions of great responsibility with such ease. It
shows another weakness in our game's financial structuring.
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Big Sam braced
By ANDY BAKER
Published: 05th October 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told his happy Hammers: Brace yourselves. West Ham sit
seventh in the table on their return to the Premier League, with just one
defeat in six games this term. But boss Allardyce knows today's home clash
with Arsenal will see an end to the honeymoon period. Big Sam said: "We have
11 points from six games so we are delighted that our start has been as
fruitful as it has been. "Arsenal are a top four side. This is a big test
for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition. "Can
they understand what they need to do to get the best chance of a result? "We
will have our game plan and hopefully that will get us a result but that
means every player playing at their best. "Even then, it may not be good
enough." We're pants — Goals P3
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Sam on pants watch
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 05th October 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE believes the key to West Ham's revival is clean sheets, clean
pants and clean plates. The Hammers are looking down on tonight's opponents
Arsenal from seventh place in the Premier League after an impressive start
to the season following promotion. And boss Big Sam has imposed a few
housekeeping rules for his stars to keep them grounded and get them pulling
in the same direction — up the table. He said: "It is about making the
surroundings that you are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and
feeling like they are well looked after. "They should enjoy coming into
training and it is not too serious. "It has got its own discipline, of
course. You cannot come in late and if you do you get fined. "You have got
to turn out for training on time and look after your own kit. "Not leave it
lying on the training ground if you take it off. "Put dirty kit in the
baskets that are provided. "They also must put their plates away when
they've finished eating, or if there's food left put your plate on the top.
"Now, if one player doesn't do these things the others say 'oh look, you've
not done this again'. "It creates a family atmosphere and gets a bit of
spirit going. "It is about people getting on well together and having a good
team spirit."
Many of the squad chose extra training on Thursday instead of clocking off.
And new man Andy Carroll, on loan from Liverpool, was among them as West Ham
prepare for the biggest test of their Premier League potential. Allardyce
said: "If they are not looking forward to coming into training they will go
straight home as quick as they can. "This week, they all went off and did
their own stuff, including Andy. "That is a great indicator for me because
it tells me they enjoy being here. "It sends the sports scientists mad
because they worry the boys are doing too much. "I just tell them to shut
up."
Allardyce, who took over in June last year, added: "That is a nice feeling
for me when all of a sudden the players want to stay on the training pitch
when you have blown the whistle. "It was not like that when I first came.
The players wanted to get straight off and get out of here."
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Hammers 'n' tongs: Allardyce ready to fight to protect West Ham's feel-good
factor
The Mirror
Jamie McDonald / Getty
Sam Allardyce is convinced he has made West Ham into happy Hammers once more
- and is ready to have a ruck with his own back-room staff to ensure it
stays that way. The east London club has been transformed since Allardyce
was appointed in June 2011 to such an extent that players are now WANTING to
stay behind after training to do extra work - a contrast to when Avram Grant
was in charge. West Ham have enjoyed a superb start to life back in the top
flight after last season's promotion via the play-offs, winning three of
their opening six league games. Confidence within the squad is sky high as
they prepare to entertain Arsenal in Saturday's televised tea-time game.
Allardyce has revealed how most of his players are refusing to leave the
training field when his sessions end and that he is at loggerheads with his
sports science team, who worry over the amount of work the players are doing
on a daily basis. "That is a nice feeling for me, when all of a sudden the
players want to stay on the training pitch when you have blown the whistle,"
said Allardyce. "It was not like that when I first came - the players wanted
to get straight off and get out of here. "That is a great indicator for me,
because it tels me they enjoy being here.
"Sports Science [staff] will run up to you and say, 'Gaffer, get them off'
and 'They are doing too much.' I just say, 'Shut up.' "They always do that,
but I say if they want to do something on their own, just leave them to it.
If they carry on too long, we will keep an eye on them. "The sports science
[staff] and coaches will tell me what they think we should do but, at the
end of the day, I will make the final decisions. "Sometimes when they don't
like it they have to lump it. "It is about making the surroundings that you
are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and feeling like they are well
looked after. "It has got its own discipline. You cannot come in late. If
you do you get fined. "You have got to turn out for training on time and
look after your own kit. You have got to turn up for certain places and do
what you have to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal bring Per Mertesacker back for likely aerial duel with Andy Carroll
Arsène Wenger expects giant centre-half to be fit and in the trenches for
West Ham bombardment
JACK PITT-BROOKE SATURDAY 06 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
Arsène Wenger hopes he has Per Mertesacker ready for the aerial challenge of
West Ham United this evening. Arsenal travel to Upton Park where they are
likely to face a returning Andy Carroll.
Mertesacker has started the season well before suffering from a virus which
has afflicted the Arsenal squad. His heading ability would certainly be
useful if he recovers.
"He has made a big leap," Wenger said of Mertesacker's form this season,
"and he came back very fit and has improved his fitness a lot. His mobility.
He looks very sharp on the first day that he came back. He lost some weight.
And that helps of course."
The Arsenal manager is an admirer of Carroll, who should make his second
West Ham start today. "I rate him, and don't l think we have seen the best
of him until now," Wenger said. "Since I have seen him at West Ham, he looks
back to the Carroll we have seen at Newcastle, that means with less
pressure."
Wenger does not believe that today's threat is purely aerial, though. "West
Ham have a good mixture," he said. "They can come from midfield. [Mohamed]
Diame can make a difference. [Kevin] Nolan is always dangerous on the second
ball. And [Matt] Jarvis is a technical player."
"You know your players need to be 100 per cent focused. One mistake - you
can have a virtual domination and lose the game. It's a concentration
challenge as well." As well as a late decision at centre-back, Wenger is
still searching for his favoured centre-forward. While no-one has taken over
Robin van Persie's role, Wenger said the newly collegial approach to
goal-scoring was a good thing.
Van Persie last season scored 30 of Arsenal's 74 Premier League goals. This
year the burden is being shared, after his move to Manchester United. "We
have no choice," explained Wenger, "as we had one that scored so many."
Losing Van Persie meant losing Van Persie-dependence too and Wenger said
that this was healthier for the team, revealing just how desperate his
players were last year to be led out by their captain, the talismanic Dutch
striker.
"Because when Van Persie was injured of course it is not only that you
cannot score goals any more," Wenger said. "It is the psychological
consequences on the morale of the team. 'Does Van Persie play on Saturday?'
Players ask you already, does Van Persie play on Saturday or not, when he
has two or three days out."
Wenger signed two strikers from the continent in the hope of replacing Van
Persie's 30 goals, but admitted they might not quite make up the required
numbers. "We bought Lukas Podolski [who had scored] 20 [league goals last
season] and [Olivier] Giroud 20, that is 40," Wenger said. "But it
unfortunately has not worked out like that."
Giroud is yet to score in the Premier League, with Gervinho rather
surprisingly becoming the main centre-forward so far. Wenger hopes that the
other wide and creative players will help to contribute. "We hope always
that [Theo] Walcott can improve his number of goals. Gervinho as well," he
said "[Santi] Cazorla will get a few. He gets in good positions and does not
always finish. But he looks like he can score goals."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the team news, statistics and records ahead of Saturday's London derby
with the Gunners
05.10.2012
WEST HAM UNITED V ARSENAL
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 5.30pm
REFEREE: PHIL DOWD
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
John Bond
• There will be a minute's applause prior to kick-off in memory of West Ham
United legend John Bond. The full-back passed away on 25 September at the
age of 79. Born and raised just a few hundred yards from the Boleyn Ground,
Bond played 444 games for the Hammers, scoring 37 times. He won the Division
Two title in 1958 and lifted the FA Cup in 1964 before embarking on a
successful career in management.
Important travel information
• Supporters attending the game are reminded that due to engineering work
there is no direct c2c train service between Upminster and Barking on
Saturday. The London Underground District line will be restricted to
operating between Barking and West Ham between 2pm and 11pm only.
• Supporters travelling from Upminster will need to use the half-hourly c2c
shuttle service between Upminster and Grays, changing at Grays for trains to
Barking and West Ham
• Supporters from Basildon, Laindon and West Horndon should travel to Pitsea
and change for trains via Barking and West Ham.
• The District line is closed between Aldgate to Upminster all weekend (in
addition to the Hammersmith and City line being closed between King's Cross
to Barking). However, the District line closure will be reduced between 2pm
and 11pm (Aldgate East to West Ham) to allow West Ham and Arsenal supporters
to travel to Upton Park station. This means the line is operational through
West Ham between West Ham and Barking between 2pm and 11pm. Those
supporters travelling from Central London should use the Jubilee line to
West Ham and change for the District line.
• For the latest London Underground, DLR and bus travel updates and news
click here.
Introduction
• West Ham United host Arsenal still unbeaten at home in the Barclays
Premier League and on the back of their first away win of the season at
Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.
• Andy Carroll is expected to feature after returning from injury in that
2-1 win at Loftus Road. Yossi Benayoun could also feature against the club
where he spent last season on loan from Chelsea.
• The last meeting between the two sides came at the Boleyn Ground, but the
Hammers will be hoping for more luck this time out after suffering a 3-0
defeat in the 2010/11 season.
• West Ham United's last win over Arsenal came in the Premier League on 7
April 2007, Bobby Zamora scored on the stroke of half-time to give the
Hammers all three points as they became the first away team to win at the
Emirates Stadium. There have been nine meetings since then, with the Gunners
emerging victories on seven occasions and the other two ending in draws.
• Last time out at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League it was
drama at the death as captain Kevin Nolan volleyed home a 90th-minute
equaliser against Sunderland. The Black Cates had gone in front after nine
minutes through Scotland striker Steven Fletcher.
• Arsenal suffered their first Barclays Premier League defeat at home to
Chelsea last weekend, losing 2-1.
• West Ham United v Arsenal is one of six Barclays Premier League matches
taking place on Saturday, the others being: (kick-off 3pm unless stated)
Chelsea v Norwich City, Manchester City v Sunderland (12.45pm), Swansea City
v Reading, West Bromwich Albion v Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic v
Everton.
Last time out
Monday 1 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid (Tomkins 23), O'Brien
(McCartney 35), Noble, Diame, Nolan, Vaz Te, Jarvis, Cole (Carroll 72)
Subs not used: Henderson, Benayoun, O'Neil, Maiga
Goals: Jarvis 3, Vaz Te 35
Wednesday 3 October 2012
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos
Arsenal: Mannone; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Santi
Cazorla, Coquelin; Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 70), Gervinho (Giroud 79),
Podolski (Ramsey 79)
Subs not used: Shea, Santos, Djourou, Arshavin
Goals: Podolski 42, Gervinho 56, Ramsey 90
Previous meetings
• West Ham United's previous encounter with Arsenal came on Saturday 15
January 2011 and ended in a 3-0 defeat at the Boleyn Ground.
• Robin van Persie put in an outstanding performance, scoring two goals with
Theo Walcott adding another in between the Dutchman's brace. The first came
after 13 minutes when van Persie rifled in from Walcott's cross and the
combination switched one minute before the break as Arsenal took a 2-0 lead.
The Hammers continued to struggle with the attacking duo and Wayne Bridge
allowed Van Persie to complete the scoring from the spot after bringing down
Walcott in the box.
• The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Faubert, Bridge (Nouble
89), Kovac, Noble (Boa Morte 20), Cole, Sears (Barrera 64), Hines
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas (Denilson
81), Nasri (Arshavin 88), Walcott (Gibbs 88), Song, Wilshere, Van Persie.
Background
• West Ham United have faced Arsenal 125 times in Premier League, Football
League and the domestic knockout competitions. The Hammers have won 33, the
Gunners have won 54 and there have been 38 draws.
• West Ham United's biggest win over Arsenal came on 7 March 1927 when a Vic
Watson hat-trick helped secure a 7-0 win for the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground.
• West Ham United defeated Arsenal 8-2 in the first meeting between the two
clubs on Christmas Day 1915. Syd Puddefoot scored five times in the fixture,
which was played in the war-time London Combination principal tournament.
• Including war-time competitions, the Hammers have met the Gunners a
staggering 162 times, with West Ham United winning 48, Arsenal winning 71
and there being 43 draws.
• The third and most-recent time that West Ham United won the FA Cup was
against Arsenal, with the Hammers winning 1-0 at Wembley on 10 May 1980. The
1980 final is also the last time a team outside the top-flight has won the
competition.
• Five of West Ham United's first eight games against Arsenal were in the FA
Cup, with just three of the encounters coming in the league.
• The Hammers have won just once in their last ten meetings with the
Gunners, but prior this recent downturn in form they had won four in a row.
• The Hammers are still unbeaten at home in the Barclays Premier League,
having beaten Aston Villa (1-0) and Fulham (3-0) before drawing 1-1 with
Sunderland last time out at the Boleyn Ground.
• Arsenal have beaten West Ham United 4-0 three times at the Boleyn Ground
in the league - in Division One on 5 October 1925 and 2 March 1963 and in
the Premier League on 6 February 1999.
• West Ham United became the final visiting team to win at Arsenal's old
Highbury home when they chalked up a 3-2 Premier League success on 1
February 2006.
• The Hammers then became the first away side to win to win at Emirates
Stadium, recording a memorable 1-0 Premier League win on 7 April 2007.
• West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame and Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby
were team-mates at the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris as
youngsters.
• A number of West Ham United and Arsenal players have appeared together for
other clubs, including Modibo Maiga and Gervinho (Le Mans), Guy Demel and
Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund) and Alou Diarra and Marouane Chamakh
(Girondins de Bordeaux).
• Former West Ham United winger Pat Holland was appointed as head coach of
Arsenal's Under-18 side in the summer of 2012.
• Twenty players have made their West Ham United debuts against Arsenal.
Harry Hodges was the first in a 4-1 Division One defeat at Highbury on 10
September 1923, with Wayne Bridge the most recent in a 3-0 home Barclays
Premier League defeat on 15 January 2011.
• Ron Cater, Almeric Hall and Ken Bainbridge all made their Hammers' bows in
a 6-0 FA Cup third-round first-leg victory over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground
on 5 January 1946. Hall scored twice and Bainbridge once.
• Ray Houghton made his one and only West Ham United appearance as a
substitute in a 2-0 Division One defeat at Arsenal on 1 May 1982.
• Steve Jones made his second West Ham United 'debut' in a 2-0 Premier
League defeat at Arsenal on 17 August 1996.
• The other players to have made their West Ham United debuts against
Arsenal include John Morton (March 1932), Phil Woosnam (November 1958), Pat
Holland (April 1969), Clyde Best (August 1969), Bobby Gould (November 1973),
Danny Williamson (April 1994), Les Sealey (September 1995), Bernard Lama
(March 1998), Gary Breen (August 2002), Dean Ashton (February 2006), Jack
Collison (January 2008), Fabio Daprela and Anthony Edgar (both January
2010).
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
15 January 2011: West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
30 October 2010: Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
20 March 2010: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United
3 January 2010 West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup third round)
25 October 2009: West Ham United 2-2 Arsenal
31 January 2009: Arsenal 0-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Arsenal (all competitions) W 33 D38 L 54
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Division One)
Arsenal
2011/12 Premier League 3rd (70 points)
2010/11 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2009/10 Premier League 3rd (75 points)
2008/09 Premier League 4th72 points)
2007/08 Premier League 3rd (83 points)
2006/07 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2005/06 Premier League 4th (67 points)
2004/05 Premier League 2nd (83 points)
2003/04 Premier League 1st (90 points)
2002/03 Premier League 2nd (78 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Phil Dowd.
• Phil Dowd is in his 12th season as a Select Group official, having
initially been promoted to the Barclays Premier League list of referees in
2001.
• Dowd began refereeing in local leagues in 1984, officiating in the
Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance. He was appointed
to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1992, before joining
the League's full list of referees in 1997, aged 34.
• The 49-year-old is commonly considered to be one of England's best match
officials, an opinion backed by his appointments as the referee for the 2012
FA Cup and 2010 Football League Cup finals.
• Previously, Dowd was the fourth official at the 2006 FA Cup final between
West Ham United and Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
• Dowd has refereed 19 West Ham fixtures in total, the most-recent being a
3-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on 23 April 2011. He has taken charge
of 24 Arsenal matches, but none so far this season.
• He will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Michael McDonough, while the
fourth official will be Andre Marriner
Team news
• Jack Collison is unlikely to play after missing the start of the season as
he continues to manage his long-term knee issues.
• Andy Carroll is pushing for a start after returning from a month out with
a hamstring injury in Monday's 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
• Winston Reid is expected to be fit after recovering from the head injury
he picked up playing against QPR. Fellow defender Joey O'Brien faces a race
to be fit after also going off injured on Monday with a hamstring strain.
• Matt Taylor has returned to full training after missing Monday's win with
a calf injury suffered in the Capital One Cup third-round defeat by Wigan
Athletic on 25 September.
Old boys
• Yossi Benayoun spent two years with West Ham United between 2005 and 2007,
appearing in the 2006 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool, before joining
Liverpool. After moving to Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2010, the Israel
captain joined Arsenal on loan last season, scoring eight goals in 25
appearances.
• Guy Demel spent a season with Arsenal as a youngster, joining the Gunners
as a 19-year-old in 2000. However, the right-back did not make a first-team
appearance for Arsenal and joined German club Borussia Dortmund the
following summer.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Jeremie Aliadiere,
James Bigden, Jimmy Bloomfield, Luis Boa Morte, Liam Brady, George Burgess,
Dick Curtis, Kaba Diawara, Ted Drake, Stan Earle, Bert Fletcher, Ron
Greenwood, Eddie Hapgood, John Hartson, Les Henley, Fergie Hunt, James
Jackson, Bernard Joy, Fred Kemp, Henri Lansbury, Tom Lee, Harry Lewis,
William Linwood, Freddie Ljungberg, Roddy MacEachrane, Jimmy Marshall, David
Noble, John Radford, Stewart Robson, Charles Satterthwaite, Laurie Scott,
Rami Shaaban, Bill Sidley, Bob Stevenson, Davor Suker, Matthew Upson,
Charlie Walker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, Richard Wright, Bobby Gould,
Seve Walford, Lee Chapman, Manuel Almunia and Clive Allen.
General Information
• Tickets for Saturday's game are SOLD OUT.
• The weather forecast for the game is for a chilly and misty day with a
maximum temperature of 13C (56F).
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Guy going for glory
BBC.co.uk
Guy Demel is aiming to enjoy a successful few weeks with club and country
05.10.2012
Guy Demel has already achieved a lot during his career, but West Ham
United's right-back is eyeing another successful season in 2012/13. The No20
won the Bundesliga title with German giants Borussia Dortmund and appeared
for Ivory Coast at two FIFA World Cup finals. Now firing on all cylinders
after an injury-affected first season with the Hammers, Demel is looking
forward to achieving great things with club and country over the next few
months. The 31-year-old, who spent a year with Arsenal as a teenager, is
aiming to get one over his old employers on Saturday before turning his
attention to international matters. Ivory Coast hold a 4-2 advantage over
Senegal after the first leg of their CAF Cup of Nations final-round
qualifier, with the return game set for 13 October in Dakar. He may have
already been there and done it in a footballing sense, but Demel is hungry
to enjoy more success. "I don't know if we can talk already about making a
great start at West Ham but we are following the process to meet our goals
and right now everything is good," he told West Ham TV. "We're happy with
the situation. "I try to give my best in every game and every day in
training. The most important thing for me is to stay fit because when you
are fit you can compete and you can play and help your team. I'm really
happy to be part of things. "We worked hard during the pre-season and I feel
there is a really good spirit in the team. I think it is more about the work
we have done off the pitch that has helped me to understand my team-mates
better. We have a good atmosphere and that makes things easier."
Demel conceded that it would be fair to assess West Ham's Barclays Premier
League start as 'great' should they beat Arsenal on Saturday. "It won't be
easy to beat Arsenal because they are a good team and they are doing well at
the moment. We know they can keep the ball so we're going to try to play our
best and we're going to try to win the points. "We are not going out to lose
the game. It's going to be hard but it's all about football. We have our
goals and we're playing at home, so with the support of the fans I think it
is possible to do something."
For Demel, Saturday will see him reunited with a number of familiar faces -
most notably his one-time Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, former Dortmund
team-mate Tomas Rosicky and compatriot Gervinho. "I know Gervinho well and I
played with Tomas as well so I know some of their guys. It's always great
and that's why I came here - to play against so many good teams and to
compete and play against this kind of team. "I think they are not happy to
be playing against us right now because we are in a good position, so it
will be nice to meet them but better to beat them!"
Demel might have spent just one season - 2000/01 - with Arsenal, but he was
at the club long enough to see why Wenger has been able to spot, bring in
and develop so many players like him from all over the world. "I think it is
because of the structure and organisation that Arsenal has and the scouting
that they have all around Europe and beyond. They have people all over and
they really understand what Arsene Wenger wants, so most of the time they
don't make mistakes when they see young players. "There is also the quality
of the training ground and the way they train, as well as the philosophy.
Even if they haven't won many trophies for the last few years, you can see
that they stick with their philosophy and it can bring them success again."
Success is something Demel experienced at Dortmund - a club that has come to
the fore recently following two consecutive Bundesliga title wins and a
midweek UEFA Champions League masterclass at Manchester City. The defender
has not been surprised by their success. "I played four years in Dortmund
and was a champion with them as well in 2002. We talked about philosophy and
Dortmund have changed their philosophy and are now like Arsenal in that they
bring through a lot of young players and try to move the ball quickly on the
floor. "It is a good team and is really a good club. They won the Champions
League a long time ago [in 1997] and I follow them as well."
Finally, Demel is also preparing for a game that is sure to capture the
imagination of the whole of African football. Ivory Coast and Senegal are
two of the continent's powerhouse nations, but both have been starved of Cup
of Nations success in recent years - the Ivorians won the competition in
1992 and Senegal have never won the trophy. With that in mind, both are
desperate to reach the 2013 finals in South African next January. "It's
going to be a really hard game because we won 4-2 at home but to play
against Senegal in Dakar is difficult because they have a really good team.
They have good players like Mo Diame, of course, and it won't be easy for
us. "We have to go to the Cup of Nations so we have to deal with them and
for us it is really important to be in the finals in January. For our
generation, this will the last tournament. "We have been twice in the final
and once in the semi-final in the previous four tournaments so we hope this
will be our one to win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Arsenal
KO 17:30
5 October 2012
Last updated at 12:38
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 6 October
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce could bring Andy Carroll back into the starting
line-up after his return from injury as a substitute against QPR. Winston
Reid should be available despite being knocked out at Loftus Road, but Joey
O'Brien is a doubt. Arsenal could welcome back central defender Per
Mertesacker after he recovered from a virus. But first-choice keeper
Wojciech Szczesny (ankle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) both remain
unavailable.
MATCH PREVIEW
It's been a good week for West Ham. Victory at QPR left them seventh in the
table and that's better than they would have anticipated at this stage of
the season following promotion. Andy Carroll's sooner-than-expected return
from injury was another piece of good news for the Hammers and he did enough
during a short cameo at Loftus Road to force his way back into the England
squad. Sam Allardyce could well be tempted to start Carroll against Arsenal
who will offer his side their biggest test of the campaign so far.
The Gunners have a great record against their east London rivals, but
Carroll's inclusion would certainly give them something to think about.
Arsenal have looked a little susceptible to crosses into their box -
something the Hammers will undoubtedly try to exploit, particularly if
Carroll is included. However, in general the Gunners have been pretty solid
at the back, a point underlined by Kieran Gibbs's inclusion in the England
squad and Roy Hodgson's assertion that Carl Jenkinson is an England
full-back of the future. And if the Gunners can deal with the threat into
their area then they have plenty in attack to cause West Ham concern. After
a quiet start to his career in England last season, Gervinho now offers a
real threat. Lukas Podolski is also showing the qualities that have made him
such a fine player and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is building on his early
promise. Along with Gibbs and Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also in
the England squad - a strong Gunners' contingent underlining the quality at
Arsene Wenger's disposal. In midfield Santi Cazorla looks a really
high-class player and is Arsenal's biggest creative threat. I expect the
Hammers will use Mark Noble to try to shut him out of the game. It will
undoubtedly be a fantastic atmosphere at Upton Park and there's every chance
of this being a gripping London derby. As in any derby no-one will shirk
from a challenge, meaning referee Phil Dowd will need to keep his wits about
him.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against West
Ham (W6 D2).
West Ham have not scored in their last three Premier League meetings with
Arsenal.
West Ham
The Hammers are unbeaten at Upton Park in the Premier League this season (W2
D1) and have lost just one of their last 16 home league matches.
They have conceded just one goal in three home games this season - only West
Brom (0) have a better home defensive record.
Victory for West Ham would give them their best ever start to a Premier
League season after seven games and their best in the top flight since they
had 18 points from seven games in 1983-84.
West Ham became the first team in Premier League history to have eight
players booked in the same game during Monday's 2-1 win at Loftus Road. They
have also committed 97 fouls in league action this season, the most in the
top flight.
Arsenal
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away games (W6 D4
L1) and are unbeaten away from the Emirates in the division this season.
Only Chelsea (3) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season
than Arsenal (4).
Gervinho has scored more goals for Arsenal this season (5) in seven games
than he did in the whole of 2011-12 in 37 games (all comps).
Victory would be Arsene Wenger's 350th in the Premier League.
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New TV dates for your diary
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Three new live West Ham fixtures have been confirmed this morning.
Supporters will once again have to rearrange their diaries following today's
announcement that the Hammers are to be broadcast live on TV three times in
December. Chelsea's much-anticipated visit to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday,
1st December has been brought forward to 12.45pm. Meanwhile West Ham's
fixture to Liverpool, also at Upton Park has been put back to Sunday, 9th
December at 4pm. Finally, West Ham's trip to West Bromwich Albion, currently
managed by Gianfranco's former number two Steve Clarke - a match originally
scheduled for Saturday, 15th December - has also been put back 24 hours.
The match now takes place on Sunday, 16th December at 4pm kick off. All
games are to be shown on subscription-only satellite TV.
Current live schedule
Arsenal (h): October 6th, 5.30pm
Man City (h): November 3rd, 5.30pm
Stoke (h): November 19th, 8pm
Chelsea (h): 1st December, 12.45pm
Liverpol (h): 9th December, 4pm
West Bromwich Albion (a): 15th December, 4pm
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Arsenal preview
Gunners need win to leapfrog Hammers in Premier League table
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 11:45am
SSN
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season against Chelsea last
weekend and will need to be wary once again when they face West Ham at Upton
Park.
The Hammers have been in fine form in front of their own fans, winning two
and drawing one of their three Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground
this season. And Sam Allardyce will be relishing the chance to pit his wits
against Arsene Wenger - a manager he has a winning record against in
top-flight home games. The Arsenal coach will certainly need to tighten up
defensively if his side are to claim the three points needed to overtake
West Ham in the table.
The Gunners, and new assistant Steve Bould, were widely praised for their
improved defensive work in the early stages of this campaign but have now
conceded three goals in their last two league games from set-pieces. That
will encourage a West Ham side bolstered by the return from injury of
England international target-man Andy Carroll.
West Ham
Last 6
1-2
1-4
1-1
0-0
3-0
2-0
Allardyce will consider handing a start to Carroll after he returned to
action as a substitute against QPR but may want to ease the forward back to
full fitness.
Winston Reid has also recovered from a head injury at Loftus Road but
left-back Joey O'Brien is expected to miss out. Jack Collison and Alou
Diarra remain long-term absentees for the Hammers.
Arsenal
Last 6
3-1
1-2
6-1
1-1
1-2
6-1
Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited comeback against West Brom in a reserve
game earlier this week but is not in contention for a first-team place just
yet.
But centre-back Per Mertesacker has recovered from a virus so Wenger will
have a decision to make in defence. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and
midfielder Abou Diaby remain on the sidelines with ankle and thigh
complaints respectively.
Opta Facts
Arsenal have won six and lost none of the last eight Premier League
encounters with West Ham.
Arsene Wenger has won just two of his nine away games as a coach in Premier
League head to head meetings with Sam Allardyce (W2 D3 L4), the first one v
Bolton in April 2002 and the last one v Blackburn in August 2010.
West Ham scored the most goals from set plays in the 2011-12 Championship,
while the last three league goals Arsenal have conceded have come from dead
ball situations.
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Sam Allardyce warns West Ham they face their biggest test yet when they host
Arsenal
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 4:52pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham players that they face the biggest
test of their season so far when they host Arsenal on Saturday. The Premier
League new boys have made an impressive start to the campaign and sit
seventh in the league after three wins and two draws from their opening six
matches. But with the Hammers preparing to meet all of last season's top six
clubs within the next two months, starting with the Gunners, Allardyce is
well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. "We have 11 points from six
games so we are delighted that our start has been as fruitful as it has
been," said Allardyce. "They (Arsenal) are a top four side. This is a big
test for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition.
"Can they understand what they need to do or change their game slightly to
get best chance of a result? "Arsenal are so good at keeping the ball. We
will need to concentrate that they don't get behind us. That is a key area.
"We need to accept that we won't see the ball as much as other home games,
Villa, Fulham and particularly Sunderland."
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My heroes
West Ham United midfielder Matt Taylor speaks to Sky Sports and looks back
through the years to pick his favourite footballers
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 3:51pm
SSN
Paul Gascoigne
As a kid, I used to go to a lot of Tottenham Hotspur games with my dad.
Watching Gascoigne play for Tottenham and England, he was fantastic. I,
along with a lot of people, do not tire of watching Gascoigne's games. He
saw things other people did not, like picking a pass. One of the biggest
things was the emotion he showed on and off the pitch. He was a wonderful
footballer. Being a Tottenham fan as a kid, he was someone I definitely
looked up to.
Chris Waddle
He was a fantastic, jinking winger. You never really knew if he was going to
cross the ball or not. He had so many tricks in his locker and a lot of
feints. He was great to watch, really pleasing on the eye and, at the time,
there were not too many players who were similar to him. He put great balls
in the box for assists and also scored some wonderful goals.
Gary Lineker
There is a bit of a common theme, because I used to watch Tottenham.
Obviously not just when he was at Tottenham, when he was at Barcelona as
well, Lineker was a fantastic finisher. If he was playing now, he would be a
modern day poacher. He was always in the right place at the right time. His
finishing was second to none and he rightly got a lot of caps for England
and also a lot of goals for club and country.
Glenn Hoddle
He was fantastic in the middle of the pitch, fantastic on the ball and had
great energy as well. He seemed to make time and space, when mere mortals
like me might not have as much. He picked a pass and scored some wonderful
goals. I cannot remember who it was against but I remember going to White
Hart Lane and seeing him smash one in the top corner. That is my lasting
memory. I think he has had a distinguished coaching career as well.
John Barnes
I am going away from the Tottenham theme. For Liverpool and England, he was
left-footed and so was I as a kid. I looked up to him. He was a proper
No.10. He got the ball and made things happen. He was a captain as well so
was really good. I had a bit of a soft spot for Liverpool as well when I was
a kid.
West Ham United star Matt Taylor officially opened PlayFootball's latest
5-a-side centre in Romford, Essex. PlayFootball is one of the UK's leading
5-a-side centres. Get involved and log on to playfootball.net for more
information
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no special plans to deal with Andy Carroll
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for Andy Carroll as he prepares
his Arsenal side to cope with the physical threat of the West Ham striker.
The on-loan Liverpool forward appears to have rediscovered some of the form
that deserted him following his high-profile move from Newcastle to Anfield.
Wenger says he never questioned the quality of the 23-year-old but is not
surprised that his career faltered at Liverpool given the weight of
expectation that accompanied his £35m price-tag. However, he insists there
will be no special plan to stop Carroll at Upton Park as the Gunners attempt
to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league record to Chelsea last
time out. "Carroll has the quality and that will come out with time. We
expect Carroll to be at his best - it is down to us to deal with that," said
Wenger. "We can only focus on our own performance and be at our best. "He
started very well, then he had to deal with a high level of expectation with
a massive transfer on his shoulders going to an historic club where a lot
was expected of him. Maybe it was a bit too early for him. "Since I have
seen him at West Ham, he looks back to the Carroll we have seen at
Newcastle, that means with less pressure."
Efficient
Wenger, however, insists the Hammers are anything but a long ball side under
Sam Allardyce, who guided them back up through the play-offs and to a solid
start this season. "West Ham have a good balance, they are efficient, they
are a good mixture I must say between direct play and playing on the
ground," he said. "Technically they are quite sound in midfield, they have
Carroll and (Carlton) Cole up front who can go for high balls. "We know we
will have a big challenge there, we know we will only get away with the
points if we perform at our best." Wenger added: "Allardyce has again a very
good team and you have to give him credit for that. "He has built a good
team, well balanced, always efficient and he is a good manager because he
lasts."
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Match Preview: West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham Till I Die
I always look forward to matches against Arsenal. They are invariably
entertaining and you never quite know what will happen. We have had some
famous victories over them in the last ten years. I'll always remember that
Zamora goal, when we became the first team to beat Arsenal at The Emirates.
Arsenal strike me as quite a vulnerable team at the moment, going through
something of a transition. We certainly have no reason to fear them or feel
inferior. Our start to the season and the fact that we have more points than
them says it all. That's not meant to sound arrogant. It's just that
sometimes teams act as if they're already a goal down when they play teams
like Arsenal. If you don't go out onto the pitch with a positive mental
attitude, then you're already beaten before you cross the white line.
It will be a full house tomorrow and I hope there's a lot of noise. In fact,
i don't think I have looked forward to a match for so long for ages.
I doubt whether there will be many changes to the starting eleven beyond
George McCartney coming in for Joey O'Brien. Winston Reid has recovered from
his injury and I imagine will regain his place, even though James Tomkins
played very well at QPR. I'm so pleased Vaz Te came up trumps at QPR - he's
a real confidence player and wouldn't it be great to see him in top form
against Arsenal. I'm sure we all want to see Andy Carroll play from the
start, but I imagine Sam Allardyce will want to wrap him up in cotton wool
for a little while longer. Expect him to play much of the second half.
Just think. If we win, that's 14 points from 7 games. A third of the way to
safety! And if we continue in this vein, we're heading for 76 points. Lol.
Yes I know I am getting carried away. But who'd have thought we'd have had
this kind of start?
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Karren Brady's football diary
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 06th October 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, SEPT 29
HE can't say I didn't warn him! I've told a married PL director, short man,
big chest, so many times that he really must stop with the one-night stands.
He tells me that every day his London office is receiving flowers, cards,
cuddly toys and today a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey from a lady who is
looking for a repeat performance. The staff take home the flowers and the
toys go in the bin, although he made no mention of what he did with the
book. His club is north of Watford, but everything arrives with a Spurs logo
on, and he has no idea why, as he can't remember what he told the lady in
question on the night in question!
As the man involved particularly dislikes Spurs, I do not know whether his
present angst is caused more by the extra revenue he's generated into Spurs
coffers than the personal embarrassment he's now suffering as a result of
his dalliance!
SUNDAY, SEPT 30
IN England, Luis Suarez, it is known as poetic justice. Ask Brendan Rodgers
and he will explain what that means. When a footballer goes tumbling without
contact around the penalty areas of the Premier League, referees —
particularly those who have been made to look like chumps — are bound to be
suspicious next time they are asked to judge whether he was fouled or
tripped by fresh air. He may think that Suarez's 'previous' is against him
and choose to give the tackler the benefit of the doubt. We may think it
serves him right. Diving in my book is the third worst offence in football.
MONDAY, OCT 1
WITH his array of helpers — from his management company, from the Ryder Cup
team assistants, from friends, probably a few Romans and countrymen — Rory
McIlroy was within a few minutes of missing his starting time. Only one man
to blame, though. Rory himself. On the odd occasion, Brian Clough used to
tell his players to find their own way to a match, just to keep them honest.
Earlier, in his time as a player, that was the form — by train and bus to an
away game, at home by foot to the players' entrance. This didn't always
work. I know of one player who left for a home match and did not turn up for
three days. When he did, he was still in his slippers and was carrying a
half-empty bottle of gin. He worked for me — for a very short time!
TUESDAY, OCT 2
A FANTASTIC win last night for West Ham against QPR. But this morning I am
informed that we are to be fined £25,000 for the record number of bookings,
we received during the game. Maybe ref Mark Clattenburg was right about all
eight, maybe not. As a club we will examine video evidence. Anyway, I'm not
going to argue although I might not have been so cheery about it had we
lost. However, I do think the number of cards and the offences for which
they are given is out of control. It has reached the point where bosses such
as City's Roberto Mancini are demanding cards for opposing players from the
touchline.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 3
SHOULD Roy Keane take up an offer to manage in Turkey, it'd be impossible to
forecast a long and successful career. Short and explosive, more like.
Keane, one of my greatest footballing heroes, seems to think he has the
makings of a top-class manager while the evidence suggests otherwise. The
intensity he possessed as a player used to fire his team. As a manager it
scalds them. As an ex-pat manager in Turkey, it could cause mayhem in the
bazaar. Blackburn would be a doddle by comparison.
THURSDAY, OCT 4
OUR England manager is alleged to make an off-the-cuff remark about a great
player. Neither of them will be happy about the report of it. I can tell you
only this. Roy is everything an England manager should be — keen, bright and
dedicated. In my 20-years plus in this industry I have never known an
England manager, when on a Premier League visit, to stay and watch the whole
game. Instead, they normally arrive five minutes before the start of the
match, with instructions that they are not to be approached in the
boardroom, and then leave 15 minutes before the end. I guess for
£5million-a-year you can't expect much more! On Monday night we played
against QPR at Loftus Road. Roy was there well before the kick-off and was
still there well after the end, with a smile on his face that beamed pride
in the job and gave me hope. It's no surprise he has picked Andy Caroll but
I did expect Mark Noble to also get a call-up.
FRIDAY, OCT 5
EVEN for as slippery a customer as Peter Ridsdale, there can be no return to
football now. He was only an acquaintance of mine and most people would very
quickly put him in the column marked 'watch out'. The 60-year-old former
Leeds, Barnsley and Cardiff chairman has been barred from all company
directorship until 2020. And the only question that remains is how did he
manage to creep into positions of great responsibility with such ease. It
shows another weakness in our game's financial structuring.
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Big Sam braced
By ANDY BAKER
Published: 05th October 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told his happy Hammers: Brace yourselves. West Ham sit
seventh in the table on their return to the Premier League, with just one
defeat in six games this term. But boss Allardyce knows today's home clash
with Arsenal will see an end to the honeymoon period. Big Sam said: "We have
11 points from six games so we are delighted that our start has been as
fruitful as it has been. "Arsenal are a top four side. This is a big test
for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition. "Can
they understand what they need to do to get the best chance of a result? "We
will have our game plan and hopefully that will get us a result but that
means every player playing at their best. "Even then, it may not be good
enough." We're pants — Goals P3
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Sam on pants watch
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 05th October 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE believes the key to West Ham's revival is clean sheets, clean
pants and clean plates. The Hammers are looking down on tonight's opponents
Arsenal from seventh place in the Premier League after an impressive start
to the season following promotion. And boss Big Sam has imposed a few
housekeeping rules for his stars to keep them grounded and get them pulling
in the same direction — up the table. He said: "It is about making the
surroundings that you are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and
feeling like they are well looked after. "They should enjoy coming into
training and it is not too serious. "It has got its own discipline, of
course. You cannot come in late and if you do you get fined. "You have got
to turn out for training on time and look after your own kit. "Not leave it
lying on the training ground if you take it off. "Put dirty kit in the
baskets that are provided. "They also must put their plates away when
they've finished eating, or if there's food left put your plate on the top.
"Now, if one player doesn't do these things the others say 'oh look, you've
not done this again'. "It creates a family atmosphere and gets a bit of
spirit going. "It is about people getting on well together and having a good
team spirit."
Many of the squad chose extra training on Thursday instead of clocking off.
And new man Andy Carroll, on loan from Liverpool, was among them as West Ham
prepare for the biggest test of their Premier League potential. Allardyce
said: "If they are not looking forward to coming into training they will go
straight home as quick as they can. "This week, they all went off and did
their own stuff, including Andy. "That is a great indicator for me because
it tells me they enjoy being here. "It sends the sports scientists mad
because they worry the boys are doing too much. "I just tell them to shut
up."
Allardyce, who took over in June last year, added: "That is a nice feeling
for me when all of a sudden the players want to stay on the training pitch
when you have blown the whistle. "It was not like that when I first came.
The players wanted to get straight off and get out of here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers 'n' tongs: Allardyce ready to fight to protect West Ham's feel-good
factor
The Mirror
Jamie McDonald / Getty
Sam Allardyce is convinced he has made West Ham into happy Hammers once more
- and is ready to have a ruck with his own back-room staff to ensure it
stays that way. The east London club has been transformed since Allardyce
was appointed in June 2011 to such an extent that players are now WANTING to
stay behind after training to do extra work - a contrast to when Avram Grant
was in charge. West Ham have enjoyed a superb start to life back in the top
flight after last season's promotion via the play-offs, winning three of
their opening six league games. Confidence within the squad is sky high as
they prepare to entertain Arsenal in Saturday's televised tea-time game.
Allardyce has revealed how most of his players are refusing to leave the
training field when his sessions end and that he is at loggerheads with his
sports science team, who worry over the amount of work the players are doing
on a daily basis. "That is a nice feeling for me, when all of a sudden the
players want to stay on the training pitch when you have blown the whistle,"
said Allardyce. "It was not like that when I first came - the players wanted
to get straight off and get out of here. "That is a great indicator for me,
because it tels me they enjoy being here.
"Sports Science [staff] will run up to you and say, 'Gaffer, get them off'
and 'They are doing too much.' I just say, 'Shut up.' "They always do that,
but I say if they want to do something on their own, just leave them to it.
If they carry on too long, we will keep an eye on them. "The sports science
[staff] and coaches will tell me what they think we should do but, at the
end of the day, I will make the final decisions. "Sometimes when they don't
like it they have to lump it. "It is about making the surroundings that you
are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and feeling like they are well
looked after. "It has got its own discipline. You cannot come in late. If
you do you get fined. "You have got to turn out for training on time and
look after your own kit. You have got to turn up for certain places and do
what you have to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal bring Per Mertesacker back for likely aerial duel with Andy Carroll
Arsène Wenger expects giant centre-half to be fit and in the trenches for
West Ham bombardment
JACK PITT-BROOKE SATURDAY 06 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
Arsène Wenger hopes he has Per Mertesacker ready for the aerial challenge of
West Ham United this evening. Arsenal travel to Upton Park where they are
likely to face a returning Andy Carroll.
Mertesacker has started the season well before suffering from a virus which
has afflicted the Arsenal squad. His heading ability would certainly be
useful if he recovers.
"He has made a big leap," Wenger said of Mertesacker's form this season,
"and he came back very fit and has improved his fitness a lot. His mobility.
He looks very sharp on the first day that he came back. He lost some weight.
And that helps of course."
The Arsenal manager is an admirer of Carroll, who should make his second
West Ham start today. "I rate him, and don't l think we have seen the best
of him until now," Wenger said. "Since I have seen him at West Ham, he looks
back to the Carroll we have seen at Newcastle, that means with less
pressure."
Wenger does not believe that today's threat is purely aerial, though. "West
Ham have a good mixture," he said. "They can come from midfield. [Mohamed]
Diame can make a difference. [Kevin] Nolan is always dangerous on the second
ball. And [Matt] Jarvis is a technical player."
"You know your players need to be 100 per cent focused. One mistake - you
can have a virtual domination and lose the game. It's a concentration
challenge as well." As well as a late decision at centre-back, Wenger is
still searching for his favoured centre-forward. While no-one has taken over
Robin van Persie's role, Wenger said the newly collegial approach to
goal-scoring was a good thing.
Van Persie last season scored 30 of Arsenal's 74 Premier League goals. This
year the burden is being shared, after his move to Manchester United. "We
have no choice," explained Wenger, "as we had one that scored so many."
Losing Van Persie meant losing Van Persie-dependence too and Wenger said
that this was healthier for the team, revealing just how desperate his
players were last year to be led out by their captain, the talismanic Dutch
striker.
"Because when Van Persie was injured of course it is not only that you
cannot score goals any more," Wenger said. "It is the psychological
consequences on the morale of the team. 'Does Van Persie play on Saturday?'
Players ask you already, does Van Persie play on Saturday or not, when he
has two or three days out."
Wenger signed two strikers from the continent in the hope of replacing Van
Persie's 30 goals, but admitted they might not quite make up the required
numbers. "We bought Lukas Podolski [who had scored] 20 [league goals last
season] and [Olivier] Giroud 20, that is 40," Wenger said. "But it
unfortunately has not worked out like that."
Giroud is yet to score in the Premier League, with Gervinho rather
surprisingly becoming the main centre-forward so far. Wenger hopes that the
other wide and creative players will help to contribute. "We hope always
that [Theo] Walcott can improve his number of goals. Gervinho as well," he
said "[Santi] Cazorla will get a few. He gets in good positions and does not
always finish. But he looks like he can score goals."
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