Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic said West Ham United's Andy Carroll-based game plan worked
superbly against Arsenal on Saturday. The manager revealed that he started
Carroll ahead of the Club's other strikers because of his ability to make
the most of crosses into the opposition penalty area – a theory the No9
proved by netting an outstanding hat-trick from three balls into the box
from wide areas. Two headers and a spectacular volley left Bilic and the
watching fans and media alike speculating about what the England centre
forward can achieve for Club and country if he stays fit between now and the
season's end. "We have good strikers, of course, and Andy is fit now and he
looked really sharp and we hoped we were going to have success like this,
with space on the flanks which we could use to put in good crosses," Bilic
explained. "We have a few players who can bend the ball in really well –
Payet, Lanzini, Antonio, Cresswell and Noble when he goes wide – and
basically you are putting the ball in the box, it's more likely to find Andy
than the defenders. "He has done it against Liverpool, against Chelsea and
now against Arsenal, so it was a good decision."
When asked why Carroll has not been able to produce such goods on a
consistent basis, the manager told the press to look no further than the
fitness issues which have blighted his West Ham and England career in recent
years. Bilic would not be drawn on whether the hat-trick hero will be
deployed again when Manchester United visit in the Emirates FA Cup
sixth-round replay on Wednesday evening – but he did say Diafra Sakho and
Alex Song are unlikely to be fit to take part. "I'm not blaming him but it's
a fact that he's out every now and then," observed the manager. "And it's a
fact that when he's got consistency he's like he was in this game. "The
medical team and the Club are doing everything they can with Andy and he is
doing it, but he should be even better if he can stay away from those
injuries for a few years, because it's a waste for West Ham, it's a waste
for England, but it's the biggest waste for him. "What more can I say about
Andy Carroll? If he goes to bed at ten, he should go to bed at nine-thirty
now! He has to do something, but I am not a medical expert or voodoo – I'm
just his manager speaking about that and I know he loves football. "It's not
the training, because when he trains, he loves football. He's not one of
those who doesn't try in training. When we play five-a-side, he wants to win
and he gives everything. "Will he start against Man United? I hope he's
going to be fit for Man United. I don't think Sakho or Song will be fit for
that game."
Having been asked repeatedly for his observations about the offside decision
that ruled out Manuel Lanzini's opening goal against the Gunners, Bilic was
reluctant to speak on the subject with Monday's newspaper reporters.
However, he did comment that his West Ham side could have been thrashed had
Arsenal added a third goal before Carroll struck twice in a matter of
minutes before half-time. "I decided not to talk about it," he told the
journalists. "They are all asking about it and I like to share my opinion
because it affects my job and my mood. "It was nil-nil when we had a goal
disallowed and we could have lost five-nil if they had scored another one at
two-nil. I would like to talk about those decisions but if I talk about them
in the last four weeks in a row then I found it ridiculous. I ain't going to
talk about it. "We should be third in the table, maybe not third because I
don't know the gaps and all that, but fourth definitely, without a doubt. I
know we should be fourth, but maybe not third. I'll say fourth!"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini - We're positive
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini feels there are plenty of positives to take from the 3-3 draw
with Arsenal, with the Hammers showing plenty of character and commitment to
get themselves back in the game having trailed by two. As the game went on,
the Argentine fought well against a strong Arsenal midfield and tried to
drive the side forward on the break. Lanzini told whufc.com: "When you go
2-0 down in the first half, you know that it is always going to be difficult
to come back to get something out of the game. But we then started to move
the ball around a bit better and things got better. "It was very end to end
and the balance shifted between the two sides during the game. We were up
against a good side with a talented midfield and we knew that before the
game. "We knew that we needed to break up their rhythm, but at first, we
didn't manage to do that and that's why we struggled a bit. When we were
able to break up their movement, we got ourselves back into the game and
into a position to at least draw the game. "The team showed a lot of
character to get a point from the game. It is slightly frustrating that we
weren't able to take the three points, but on the whole, I think we take a
lot of positives from it and we will now concentrate on Wednesday's cup game
against Manchester United."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
West Ham loan stars Reece Burke and Josh Cullen are both playing major roles
in Bradford City's late promotion charge in League One. The pair played all
90 minutes as the Bantams beat Swindon Town 1-0 on Saturday, with the
victory moving City up to third in the division. Billy Clarke got the
game's only goal, converting after a long throw in the 20th minute.
Bradford, with five games to play, are now six points below Burton Albion in
second.
Elsewhere in League One, Elliot Lee was on a winning side as Colchester
United picked up a vital away win at Blackpool. The Us were 1-0 victors
thanks to Chris Porter's second half strike, and the win provides hope for
Colchester as they look to avoid the drop. Lee had the best chance of a
goalless first half, as he fired just wide via a deflection.
Martin Samuelsen's Peterborough United, however, were less fortunate, as
they were beaten 2-1 by Rochdale. The Norweigan was a second half substitute
for Graham Westley's team.
There was also defeat for right-back Kyle Knoyle, on loan at Dundee United,
as Inverness Caledonian Thistle were 2-0 winners at Tanadice. Knoyle had one
of Dundee's best opportunities in the second half, forcing visiting stopper
Owain Fon Williams to make a save.
Finally, Sam Westley was an unused substitute in Dutch side VVV Venlo's 3-1
away win in the Eerste Divisie over MVV Maastricht on Friday.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley - We're gutted but proud
WHUFC.com
Academy manager Terry Westley praised his Development Squad's passion and
desire despite defeat to Aston Villa on Monday night. The young Hammers
twice equalised in the game but were dealt the cruel, late blow when the
hosts struck in the 88th minute to win 3-2. But Westley was proud of the
spirit the Hammers showed to fight their way back into the match on two
occasions. He said: "We're gutted but proud in many ways. The way the
players in the second half of the season have really responded and the run
of games we had undefeated [is great]. "Tonight we needed a win so we had to
keep pushing and it just shows the incredible passion and desire these
players have to keep coming back. "We took it right to the very end. We had
chances right until the final whistle. We were totally committed."
The conditions were difficult for the U21s, as the rain continued to come
down in stair-rods during the first half. "I think the conditions affected
our game," Westley continued. "We really passed the ball and there were
patches first half when we dominated and tried to get it down.
"There was one stage when I thought it was going to be called off. The ball
started to get stuck in the water but thankfully towards the second half it
started to ease. "But it was full-blooded, heart on your sleeve stuff. We
scored two, should have defended better, but unfortunately we'll miss out on
the top five."
The youngsters now have the final of the Premier League Cup, in which they
face Hull City at both the Boleyn Ground and the KC Stadium, to focus on.
"The players have a great Cup final to look forward to now at the last
season at the Boleyn. "These players don't want to be disappointed like they
are now. In many ways, this can act as a catalyst for us to go on and make
sure that we win the Cup."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies held in final fixture
WHUFC.com
West Ham Ladies completed their 2015/16 season with a goalless draw at home
to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers completed their
slate of 22 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division fixtures by holding
the Hoops to a stalemate at AFC Hornchurch. The result meant Marc Nurse's
side ended the season with just one defeat in their final four matches – a
marked improvement on the run of heavy defeats they suffered in February.
However, Sunday's result means West Ham will finish tenth of the 12 teams in
the Southern Division, ahead of Plymouth Argyle and Forest Green Rovers,
after winning just five of their 22 matches. The highlight of an at-times
testing campaign came in early March, when captain Katie Bottom's penalty
secured a memorable 1-0 derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn
Ground. The club will now take the summer months to take stock and rebuild
ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
This is a big week for the Club with our big FA Cup quarter final replay
against Manchester United on Wednesday night and we go into the game off the
back of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Saturday. I was delighted to
see Andy Carroll score a hat-trick and he once again showed the quality he
can bring to the team. He was unstoppable at times and had ten attempts on
goal during the game which was fantastic to see. We all hope he can continue
this impressive form until the end of the season and stay among the goals as
he is a major threat to any team. After staging an excellent comeback from
two goals down, we all felt a bit disappointed that we could not hold onto
the victory and had to settle for a draw.
The game could have easily finished 5-3 and yet again big decisions are not
going in our favour. It was clear to see that Manuel Lanzini was onside when
he put the ball in the net but the assistant referee raised his flag. It is
supposed to balance out over a season, but it hasn't for us so far. We've
had one penalty while Leicester have had eight! But on a positive note we
showed our fighting qualities once again and have shown throughout the
season that we are never beaten and a lot of credit has to go to Slaven and
his backroom staff for creating such a positive attitude among the players.
We are now all looking forward to a special night under the lights in our
final ever cup tie at the Boleyn Ground.
I would love to see the club play at Wembley again and we know the incentive
of beating United and reaching the semi finals of the FA Cup.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Interview - Alan Curbishley
WHUFC.com
Alan Curbishley enjoyed a memorable spell at West Ham United as both a
player and a manager. Curbishley made his debut for the Hammers back in
March 1975 against Chelsea and went on to make 97 appearances during his
four year spell at the Boleyn Ground. The talented midfielder eventually
made the switch into management and after a successful 15 year spell in
charge of Charlton, he returned to his boyhood club when he was appointed
manager of the Hammers back in December 2006. Curbishley pulled off the
great escape when he helped the Club win seven of their final nine games to
stay in the Premier League. The biggest drama came at Old Trafford on the
final day of the season when West Ham needed a result to stay up and Carlos
Tevez continued his amazing form when he scored the winning goal against
Manchester United to make it seven goals in his final ten games.
Curbishley said: "Funnily enough I could not get any kind of result against
Manchester United when I was at Charlton but when I came to West Ham I
quickly got rid of that winning my first three games against them. "The
final day win at Old Trafford was great and we knew we had to get something.
The support was fantastic and we took thousands of fans to Wigan and
Manchester United. "Whenever I see footage of the game you see Mark Noble
jumping over his team-mates at the end of the game and that summed it all up
that day. "I don't think Manchester United will be looking forward to this
game with the atmosphere that will be created and I am looking forward to
it."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUEmployee Exclusive Column: Sakho details revealed, Top Targets already
in talks and Collins to play?!
April 11, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
The Arsenal game was an amazing spectacle and yet frustrating at the same
time. I thought attacking wise we played really well. Carroll, obviously
was superb; Payet, Antonio, Lanzini and Kouyate all helped out well with the
attack. As did Cresswell who put in some superb crosses. Defensively we
have looked a lot less solid since Collins has been injured. I took a lot
of abuse for suggesting this on Saturday but I honestly believe we are far
more stable with the Ginger Pele in. He is in the form of his life and he
is a leader as well. He controls that defensive line and is respected by
all the players. Bilic, having had doubts originally, rates him very
highly. For me the best partnership (and this doesn't necessarily mean who
I think are the best players) is Collins and Ogbonna. I believe Ogbonna's
pace works well alongside Ginge's aerial power.
People seemed to take this as a slating, on my behalf, of Winston Reid.
This just isn't the case. I rate Winston very highly too and I believe on
his day there is no better centre back. It is great to have this
competition for centre back places when you also throw in Tomkins, Oxford,
Burke and Henry who can play there too. I am lead to believe that Collins
will return to the starting 11 against Manchester United and Randolph will
also play (as he has in the Cup games). Again, I rate Adrian very highly
but there have been a couple of errors recently and I think it will be good
to have Randolph play another game. I also believe we have been missing Sam
Byram but he should also be back for the Leicester game, as he is cup-tied
for Manchester United, giving us a fully strength side to choose from.
I have deliberately avoided commenting about the Ref's standards in this
game again as it seems to be a regular thing but for me video technology is
essential now. It would put to bed all this conspiracy theories for a
start.
As I said when the team was announced Sakho is not "injured". I actually
knew that he wasn't playing on Friday and deliberately held off saying
anything because I have been told that the club has been mad at me for doing
this before. Although in fairness if you had seen Sakho's snapchats you
probably would have had a strong suspicion that he wasn't playing, due to
the rant and then the lateness of his posts. If Arsenal had known that
Carroll was starting I wouldn't have been surprised if they played
Mertesacker instead due to his height. I actually felt Carroll playing was
the right decision because Arsenal have always struggled to deal with more
physical forwards.
I have learnt from a journalist friend that you must use the word allegedly
when discussing controversial stories and so everything I say now is
"alleged" information. I knew this story was about to break and for those
who follow me on twitter you would have seen I said he wasn't injured
straight away (before anyone else) and then said the story will break in the
papers, which it has. The reason I didn't want to say is that I only like
to bring positive news about the club. I often hear negative stories, which
I don't put out. I have to respect the strong relationships I have with
people in club and putting out negative stories compromises that a little
bit, I am often advised not to as well. In the last week I have been asked
to remove two stories from my columns as the club wanted certain things kept
quiet.
Ultimately though I am a huge fan, I go to all home games (breaking short
family holidays like I did this week to attend) and I go to about 10 away
games. I don't want negative stories out there about the club especially on
the eve of a massive cup quarter final. Now that the finer details of the
story have been broken by these newspapers now I can talk about it.
Sakho was at training on Friday and took part. You only need to look at the
official sites photos from the event to see this. Sources of mine at the
training ground confirmed that he was there too. He was, so I am told
(allegedly and all this business) advised that he will not start on Friday.
He didn't respond well to this and stormed off. During this he was
allegedly wound up by another player for not being selected, who again
without saying too much, is fairly easy to work out. He then told the club
he was "injured" and couldn't play on Saturday. He missed a fans signing
session in the week but this was down to having checks on another injury
apparently. The snapchat rants were also supposedly not aimed at the club
but at an individual, I suggest aimed perhaps at the player who had been
winding him up but cannot confirm this to be true. This player who is also
involved is unlikely to figure much more himself either again.
The bottom line is Sakho has become frustrated at seeing Payet get a huge
pay rise, Carroll command the salary that he does and hear of the club
looking for a new 20 goal a season forward or two. The pursuit of these
forwards has been well documented and I know first-hand that our chairman is
already in discussions. I have brought the names of these forwards in many
column before so I won't go over them again but some top options are being
explored and there may even be more than one.
Sakho is also aware of interest from other clubs. There was a bid for him
lodged in January which we rejected but another transfer destination has
already been potentially lined up for Sakho to move to in the summer. I
know the name of the club but will not break it now, this club play in
another league to us but have had a great season in it. They will be playing
European football next year. Whilst the deal isn't finalised there has been
discussions.
The thing frustrating people in the club is that we have superb creativity
from the likes of Payet, Lanzini, Antonio, and Cresswell and so on but we
don't have someone who finishes them regularly. Both Carroll and Sakho have
that potential but are continuously injured.
The club feel that with a regular goalscorer we could achieve so much, you
only have to look at the other clubs at the top of the league:
Leicester-Vardy and Tottenham-Kane to see what can be achieved. Sakho has
been quite a controversial figure whilst at the club: there were the
allegations which have been rejected now involving his girlfriend, his car
crash and the occasional mood swing. David Sullivan has done a lot for him.
He brought him to the club, from the French second division, even though Sam
made it clear he wanted Wickham ahead of him and that is who we initially
bid for. At the end of season awards Sakho dedicated his trophy to David
Sullivan and he has supported him through his troubles.
It may be time, as much as I hate to say it, for both to go their separate
ways. Personally I hope we can put it all behind us now and finish the
season without it. The club obviously feel the same and this is why there
has been no comment other than to say the "party line" that he is injured,
the injury that was checked out in the week, which his agent has also said.
I understand this because by commenting it confirms the situation and we
really need to all remain united and get to the end of the season. Let us
all hope it is forgotten about, we accept it was a "genuine injury" and he
plays and scores in future games.
The future is so bright. The quality of the players that we are lining up
is testimony to that. We are looking to strengthen at youth level too and
the stadium plans are fantastic. There is so much that has to be kept quiet
on this but trust me the plans are huge and exciting and whilst I am going
to miss Upton Park, these plans make it all worthwhile.
I was lucky enough to go to the chairman's house on Monday and have a good
chat with him, alongside the West Ham Way Tv crew and SDCC as they were
filming a great quiz feature with the Sullivan lads. Speaking to DS you can
see the passion and enthusiasm he has for the club. He has massive plans
and a huge determination to pull them off. We have a wealthy chairman but
more importantly we have a fan as well. You just have to look at the
situation that Aston Villa or Newcastle are now in to realise how important
that factor is!
As far as the site goes. We shall be announcing the winner of the Matthew
Etherington signed shirt this week. We also have our West Ham Way shirts to
buy for £20, it would be great to see some of you support the site by buying
them please contact me to do so, as this website is provided at a negative
cost to myself and any money goes back into the site. You also get entered
into a competition to win another prize (likely to be the new home shirt)
and at the moment your odds of winning are great. I am in talks with
various companies about advertising on the site, we have many different
packages catered to your price range. Remember to follow us on Facebook,
snapchat, Instagram (we have a new account), the website and twitter of
course.
A top journalist who is one of the ones I respect most is talking to Sakho's
agent today and he or I will bring further updates but I think it is
important that we move on. I hope him and Bilic can sort it out today and
that he does feature against United because this is one of the most
important games we have had since the Play Off final! Wednesday, the
atmosphere will be electric!! I cannot wait and it is this that we need to
focus on.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday musings: Robbed, again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 11th April 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Slaven Bilic refused to criticise referee Craig Pawson following West Ham
United's 3-3 draw against Arsenal on Saturday for fear of sounding
"ridiculous". Bilic - whose team were denied a deserved three points by yet
more contentious decisions - has always been uncomfortable using his press
conferences to castigate officials for their shortcomings. And it's probably
just as well he opted not to examine Pawson's mistakes, as those of us in
attendance may have been there all night otherwise! Pawson - like Bobby
Madley at Stamford Bridge and Martin Atkinson at Old Trafford in the weeks
preceding this highly-anticipated London derby - gave virtually every 50/50
decision in favour of the visitors, including three crucial goal-related
decisions that altered the course of the game. The 36-year-old official -
who was jeered off the pitch at the final whistle, much like Mark
Clattenburg following the clash with Crystal Palace last weekend - ruled out
a perfectly good Manuel Lanzini goal, allowed a marginally-offside Mesuit
Ozil strike to stand before overturning a Dimitri Payet effort as punishment
for Andy Carroll committing a foul (that was a 50/50 challenge) moments
before in the build-up. Pawson's erratic performance left Bilic and around
35,000 West Ham supporters fuming, and wondering just what could have been
had the PGMOL's 'finest' performed both fairly and adequately this season.
By rights, West Ham should already be in the semi finals of the FA Cup
(instead of facing a replay against Manchester United on Wednesday night)
and in the top four of the Premier League - a position denied them as a
result of a string of mystifyingly-poor calls. And when former Tottenham
star Gary Lineker - no great fan of the Hammers - suggests on Match of the
Day that Bilic and his players have every right to feel hard done by, you
know it's not simply paranoia that leads one to wonder if everything is
above board here. Sadly Pawson's shortcomings overshadowed what proved to be
a thrilling London derby, the last in Upton Park and one that will be fondly
remembered for Andy Carroll's stunning hat-trick - almost certainly the last
ever to be scored in a competitive fixture at the Boleyn. Unsurprisingly,
the goal-fest led to renewed calls for Carroll to be reintroduced to the
England squad, who are preparing for this summer's European Championships in
France. Whilst I'm clearly biased, there is nobody in this country as adept
in the air as the big, likeable Geordie and it'd be a smart move by Roy
Hodgson to take him along.
However having seen the likes of Aaron Cresswell and the in-form Mark Noble
continuously denied a crack at the national team by the myopic Hodgson, I -
and thousands of fellow West Ham fans - won't be holding our breath...
* An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LLDC ordered to spill the beans on OS deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 11th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
The details pertaining to West Ham United's occupancy of the Olympic Stadium
are to be revealed, after an appeal against the original decision by the
Information Commissioner was rejected.
The London Legacy Development Corporation were told today that barring a
fresh appeal they must finally publicise full conditions of the contract
between the corporation and West Ham United FC, who begin a 99-year lease at
the Stratford complex this summer.
And that news has delighted members of the fans coalition, a body comprising
of supporters from 14 clubs who have been calling for transparacy regarding
the deal for the last two years.
"We're naturally delighted with the outcome, as we see this as an issue of
fairness to the taxpayer, to clubs near and far, and to football as a
whole," said a spokesman for the group.
"We now respectfully request that the LLDC do what is right, waive the right
to an appeal, and publish the deal in full so that it can be properly
assessed and its implications understood.
"Naturally, due process has to be completed, and though the LLDC's appeal
has been dismissed, it will be their decision as to whether they want to
continue to pursue a case that has fallen at every hurdle – with the further
financial cost to the taxpayer that will bring."
Supporters involved in the coalition include fans from Tottenham, Charlton,
AFC Wimbledon, Leicester City, Orient and Fulham.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham tracking Argentine striker Gustavo Bou with view to £9million
summer bid
18:29, 11 APR 2016 UPDATED 18:30, 11 APR 2016
BY ED MALYON
The Hammers are in the market for a new front man and have sent scouts to
watch Bou on numerous occasions since the turn of the year
The Mirror
West Ham United are following Racing Club striker Gustavo Bou with a view to
a £9million move for the Argentine forward. The 26-year-old Bou was a late
bloomer but has become one of the most feared strikers in South America
since joining Racing where he has scored 43 goals in 50 games.
Scouts have been to watch the poacher several times since the turn of the
year, and he has been promised a summer exit after being denied a massive
payday when Racing rejected Beijing Guouan's bid in late February. The
Hammers are expecting to add to their forward line this summer, with Diafra
Sakho's future in doubt , and could dip into the Argentine market that
previously brought them Mauro Zarate. Compatriot Manuel Lanzini, who played
in River Plate's youth team with Bou, will also be staying at the club after
agreeing a deal to make his loan from Al-Jazira permanent.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers scout South American goal machine
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Hammers are tracking Racing Club striker Gustavo Bou with a view to a
£9million move for the Argentine forward according to reports originating in
Argentina.The 26-year-old Bou one of the most prolific strikers in South
America since joining Racing where he has scored 43 goals in 50 games.
The report in Ole' claims West Ham scouts have been to watch the striker
several times since the turn of the year, and it is claimed he has been
promised a summer exit after being denied a massive payday when Racing
rejected Beijing Guouan's bid in late February.
Compatriot Manuel Lanzini, who played in River Plate's youth team with Bou.
Bou went on to play 32 appearances for River Plate senior team going on loan
to Olimpo, Liga De Quito and Gimnasia La Plata during his six years there.
He joined Racing club as a free agent in August 2014
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rooney to make come back at Boleyn Ground
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manchester United say Wayne Rooney is poised to make a comeback at the
Boleyn Ground on Wednesday in the FA Cup sixth round replay.
Wayne Rooney started tonight for Manchester United Under 21's in a game at
Old Trafford against Middlesbrough U21's. He was replaced on sixty minutes
unscathed.
Rooney continues his recovery from a knee injury but Louis van Gaal was
cautious about the striker's sharpness upon his return. "We have to wait and
see if that is the case," Van Gaal said. "He shall play on Monday 60
minutes. We will see how he is doing because he is more than two months out
of the game. "Of course he is a great striker but he has to show already if
he is in certain shape. It is always like that."
Rooney has scored 11 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this
season including seven in his last eight outings.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho happy at West Ham despite reports striker is unsettled
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 11/04/16 11:39am
SSN
Diafra Sakho is not at loggerheads with West Ham despite a cryptic
expletive-laden message posted by the striker on social media at the
weekend, Sky sources understand. Widespread reports surfaced of a fall-out
between Sakho and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic at training on Friday when the
Senegal international did not feature in the matchday squad for the Premier
League visit of Arsenal at the weekend. But Bilic insisisted after
Saturday's 3-3 draw with the Gunners - in which Sakho's replacement Andy
Carroll scored a hat-trick - that the 26-year-old had in fact reported an
injury that kept him out of the Arsenal game.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold reinforced Bilic's claim in a Twitter
message posted on Saturday, suggesting Sakho was unwell but should be in
contention to return to the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final replay
against Manchester United on Wednesday night. Sources close to the player
have since insisted the message - posted on the social media platform
Snapchat - was a private matter and not aimed at Bilic or West Ham in any
way whatsoever.
Further reports had claimed Sakho has become increasingly unsettled due to
West Ham's pursuit of a new striker this summer, while it has also been
reported he has become frustrated at seeing contact talks stall. But Sky
sources understand that these reports are wide of the mark and talk of a new
deal is premature, with Sakho signing an improved contract at West Ham
within the last 18 months. Sakho, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014, has
scored six goals for the club this season.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fears growing over Sakho's future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho's future is on the line today with the unhappy striker set to
meet boss Slaven Bilic for the first time since his training ground problems
last Thursday. And given Slav's refusal to entertain strops from players –
as demonstrated by his treatment of Morgan Amalfitano soon after his arrival
– there may be some stormy waters ahead for the Senegal striker.
The general view appears to be that Sak is likely to face disciplinary
action with most believing he will be on the bench at best for the
Manchester United game. This may have been confirmed by our best source
inside the club claimed this morning who said: "His problems are 80 per cent
about not being picked Saturday." But he added ominously: " Sadly, there's
always the possibility sadly that somebody somewhere may be trying to
engineer a move."
ClaretandHugh was the first media outlet to report the problems with the
manager later claiming he wasn't picked because the striker had reported a
minor injury. However Slav had told BT ahead of the game that he was not
injured which led to confusion over the situation in general. The mainstream
media has picked up on the story only this morning with The Mirror claiming
Sak was already unsettled after his latest contract talks stalled, while
Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate have been handed improved deals. And they
add: "He is also understood to be upset by the club's intention to land a
big-name striker in the summer, which would push him further down the
pecking order."
After reporting the alleged training ground problems they add: "Sakho is
said to have reacted badly to discovering he would not be starting against
the Gunners, with hat-trick hero Andy Carroll getting the nod instead. After
training on Friday, and despite still being included in Bilic's matchday
squad, Sakho declared he had a knee injury. He was a notable absentee on the
Hammers' team sheet on Saturday. He also posted a foul-mouthed message on
social media, which said: "When I am hated I don't give a f**k, I do
everything to be more hated."
The message on Snapchat – and its timing – appears to have gone down
particularly badly with heavy metal music lover Bilic. The Mail says that
when asked about it, the Irons boss replied: 'That's a good one. That's
taken from the band Godsmack. No, leave it.' Godsmack are a heavy metal band
from Massachusetts.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho's anguish deserves sympathy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Although it has become clear over the last few hours that Diafra Sakho could
be on his way from West Ham in the summer, his recent behaviour on snapchat
may be easier to understand than many consider. Top ITK ExWHUEmloyee has
confirmed ClaretandHugh's story of earlier in the day that a move is very
much on this summer. We quoted our own top source as saying that somebody
somewhere may be trying to engineer a move for him " and Ex adds that "a
move has potentially been lined up for him."
However, Sakho's outburst on snapchat was troubling, although may be
explained by personal circumstances which many would have trouble handling.
We have been told that the social media message posted on Friday was a
private matter and not aimed at Bilic or West Ham in any way whatsoever. It
is know that Difra Sakho lives alone in Emerson Park, Essex in a £3m home
away from his former partner and daughter who remain in France. He had told
the Daily Express earlier this year:"Of course my daughter misses me and I
miss her. But we are on Skype all of the time and I try to chat to her. We
are still both adapting – both her and me – to the situation. She is not
that far away and she does come to visit frequently, which makes me very
happy of course. "But when I lived with my mother when I was growing up, my
father did exactly the same thing. He went off to earn money for the family.
"My dad was away from home all the time. He was a bus driver between Senegal
and Guinea-Bissau. I effectively grew up without my father. "My dad would
come back once a month or two but as a family we accepted it and it did not
mean he did not love us. On the contrary, he did all of this because he did
love us. That was the path that he showed us. He helped us a huge amount and
we were always grateful for that."
Friends of the striker say he is lonely and has found it difficult to make
friends in this country. Meanwhile, he yesterday posted a photo on Snapchat
of his daughter arriving at an airport so possibly he has been given some
time off to be with her. In another twist his former girlfriend, Mya Hassan
gave birth to a girl two weeks ago. Mya was dating the West Ham striker
until he allegedly physically assault and threatened her which led to him
to be arrested by the Metropolitan police in London, though he denied those
claims after he was released.
Mya posted pictures of her new daughter with balloons saying 'Sadia Sakho'
suggesting Diafra Sakho is the father of her child. Whatever the rights and
wrongs of the entire affair it must be a tough time for the Senegalese
striker. He has our sympathies – loneliness itself is a killer – never mind
the other problems.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho's West Ham future in doubt after striker's strop leaves Slaven
Bilic fuming
22:30, 10 APR 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Sengal international appeared to throw a strop and rule himself out of
Saturday's 3-3 draw against Arsenal
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho's West Ham future is in doubt after leaving manager Slaven
Bilic fuming. Striker Sakho faces crunch talks after appearing to throw a
strop and rule himself out of Saturday's 3-3 draw against Arsenal . The
Senegal international was already unsettled after his latest contract talks
stalled, while Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate have been handed improved
deals.
He is also understood to be upset by the club's intention to land a big-name
striker in the summer, which would push him further down the pecking order.
Sakho is said to have reacted badly to discovering he would not be starting
against the Gunners, with hat-trick hero Andy Carroll getting the nod
instead. After training on Friday, and despite still being included in
Bilic's matchday squad, Sakho declared he had a knee injury. He was a
notable absentee on the Hammers' team sheet on Saturday. He also posted a
foul-mouthed message on social media, which said: "When I am hated I don't
give a f**k, I do everything to be more hated." Sources close to Sakho claim
the message was nothing to do with him being dropped, but he still faces a
fine and dressing down for his outburst.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man Utd's Juan Mata focuses on FA Cup replay at West Ham
Last Updated: 11/04/16 1:04pm
SSN
Juan Mata remains upbeat despite Manchester United's 3-0 defeat at Tottenham
on Sunday and says he is already looking forward to Wednesday's FA Cup
replay at West Ham. United's chances of claiming a top-four finish in the
Premier League suffered a massive setback at the weekend and the Spaniard
admits it is important to play another match as soon as possible. The winner
of the midweek fixture in east London will secure an FA Cup semi-final clash
against Everton at Wembley later this month. As for the Tottenham game, Mata
said: "Conceding three goals in just seven minutes is tough to take for
everyone, especially when you feel that you were doing a few good things
before that. It's actually one of the most important games of the season. "I
think it's fair to say that during the first half, the game was even. We had
a good start and they pushed in the last few minutes before the break.
"However, the first goal was very painful for us and the opponents took
advantage of it. "I think it's good to play the next game as soon as
possible because it allows the team to move on from White Hart Lane and
focus completely on the match against West Ham. "It's actually one of the
most important games of the season and we can't afford to feel sad or upset
when preparing for it. "We have a fantastic opportunity to make it to
Wembley and give our fans what they deserve: a reason for joy this season."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini says Hammers ready for Emirates FA Cup replay
www.thefa.com
By FA Staff
11 Apr 2016
Manuel Lanzini believes West Ham can use the character shown in their game
with Arsenal to their advantage in Wednesday's Emirates FA Cup tie with
Manchester United. The Hammers came back from two goals down to draw level
and then take a 3-2 lead in Saturday's London derby with the Gunners, thanks
to a hat-trick from Andy Carroll. But even though Arsenal found an
equaliser to level the score up at 3-3, Lanzini is taking the positives out
of the match as they switch their attentions to the sixth round replay with
United. "When you go 2-0 down in the first half, you know that it is always
going to be difficult to come back to get something out of the game,"
admitted the Argentine. "But we then started to move the ball around a bit
better and things got better. It was very end to end and the balance shifted
between the two sides during the game. We were up against a good side with a
talented midfield and we knew that before the game. "We knew that we needed
to break up their rhythm, but at first, we didn't manage to do that and
that's why we struggled a bit. "When we were able to break up their
movement, we got ourselves back into the game and into a position to at
least draw the game."
There's now a spot at Wembley and a semi-final against Everton to play for
when Louis Van Gaal's Reds arrive at Upton Park for what will be the last
ever FA Cup tie to be played at the Boleyn. And Lanzini says Slaven Bilic's
men can put the disappointment of only getting a point on Saturday behind
them and take confidence from it. "The team showed a lot of character to get
a point from the game," he told WHUFC.co.uk "It is slightly frustrating that
we weren't able to take the three points, but on the whole, I think we take
a lot of positives from it. "We will now concentrate on Wednesday's cup game
against Manchester United."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Olympic Stadium deal: LLDC ordered to publish contract details
• Tribunal reject appeal from LLDC over publishing details of deal
• West Ham will pay £15m towards £701m conversion of stadium
Owen Gibson
@owen_g
Monday 11 April 2016 15.45 BST Last modified on Monday 11 April 2016 15.50
BST
The London Legacy Development Corporation has been ordered to publish the
details of its controversial deal with West Ham over the Olympic Stadium in
full, following a failed appeal to the Information Tribunal. The LLDC, which
operates the Olympic Park on behalf of City Hall, had argued that making the
details of the contract public would harm commercial negotiations between
its appointed stadium operator, Vinci, and other potential tenants and
sponsors. It has been confirmed that West Ham will pay £15m towards the
conversion of the £701m stadium to make it suitable for both football and
athletics, but other details – including annual rent, understood to be
around £2.5m, and the specifics of other payments – have so far been
withheld. The Information Tribunal, upholding an earlier decision by the
Information Commissioner that the contract should be published in full under
Freedom of Information rules, decided unanimously to reject the appeal.
It said the fact that anchor tenants West Ham, who will move into the 60,000
capacity stadium at the end of the season, did not choose to appear before
the Tribunal harmed the LLDC's case. And it was not convinced of the LLDC's
case that disclosing details of the 99-year lease agreement with West Ham,
which makes it the anchor tenant during the football season, would
significantly harm negotiations with other potential users.
Unless it decides to appeal again, a decision that can only be made on
limited legal grounds and would increase costs that have already risen
beyond £21,000, the LLDC has 35 days to publish the contract in full. A
determined Freedom of Information campaign that was led by Richard Hunt of
the Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust, who presented his own evidence at
the Tribunal, expanded to include a coalition of 14 clubs concerned that
there was not enough transparency over the use of public money to convert
the stadium. "We're naturally delighted with the outcome, as we see this as
an issue of fairness to the taxpayer, to clubs near and far, and to football
as a whole," said a spokesman for the coalition. "We now respectfully
request that the LLDC do what is right, waive the right to an appeal, and
publish the deal in full so that it can be properly assessed and its
implications understood."
"Naturally, due process has to be completed, and though the LLDC's appeal
has been dismissed, it will be their decision as to whether they want to
continue to pursue a case that has fallen at every hurdle – with the further
financial cost to the taxpayer that will bring."
West Ham and outgoing London Mayor Boris Johnson have continually argued
that only a Premier League football club could provide the necessary income
and profile to establish the Olympic Stadium without the need for ongoing
subsidy from the taxpayer. The largest chunk of funding for the
transformation costs come from a one-off settlement of £148.8m from the
exchequer in 2010. Newham council has provided £40m, West Ham £15m, almost
£40m comes from the original £9.3bn budget for the Olympics, and a further
£25m from the government.
The cost of the conversion soared from the original estimate of £160m when
the decision was taken to award West Ham a 99-year lease after an earlier
process had collapsed amid acrimony and legal challenge. Johnson had
initially said he would be "perfectly happy" to publish the details of the
contract, but the LLDC decided to appeal to the Information Commissioner's
decision.
The spokesman for the coalition of 14 clubs, which launched a public
petition that attracted 25,000 signatures within a few days, added: "We
believe that the tribunal stood up for what is right, namely the right of
members of the public to know how their assets are being used, and money is
being spent. "The very reason we launched this campaign was because there
was considerable doubt about the use of a major public asset, and the money
being spent. Don't forget that these are terms granted to a privately owned
business: a Premier League football club who will next year be in receipt of
more than £100m per-season just for turning up."
The LLDC will also be obliged to reveal which costs it is meeting, on
matchdays and elsewhere, and which are being met by West Ham. The exact
terms of the lease, including a negotiated discount if West Ham are
relegated, will also have to be revealed for the first time. During a long
game of legal ping-pong with those who sought more transparency, the LLDC
would reveal only that West Ham retained all the money from ticket sales and
that the annual usage fee covers matchday costs.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PSG interested in West Ham's Dimitri Payet as Tottenham eye Victor Wanyama -
Monday's transfer gossip
SAM LONG 23 minutes
Evening Standard
The Premier League season will soon be over and fans' attention will turn to
the transfer window. With clubs in England's top tier set to benefit from
the funds of a newly-agreed broadcast deal, spending is expected to be
significant. The established elite have a bit of a job on their hands, given
how some of them have been usurped by success stories such as Tottenham and
Leicester this term. Spurs appear to be preparing themselves for a season in
the Champions League by targeting two midfielders. Gremio's Wallace and
Southampton's Victor Wanyama are two names to have cropped up across the
back pages, with both men believed to be of interest to Mauricio Pochettino.
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, is trying to be lured
back to Southampton by former teammate Jose Fonte. But perhaps the biggest
story of the lot is one which involves West Ham talisman Dimitri Payet. PSG
are interested in the Hammers' fan favourite and Slaven Bilic is said to
have slapped a £40m price tag on Payet's head to ward off potential suitors.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England cannot consider West Ham striker Andy Carroll for Euro 2016 after
'one good game', says Alan Shearer
TOM DOYLE
Evening Standard
Former England striker Alan Shearer has looked to pour cold water on calls
for Andy Carroll to be selected for England's Euro 2016 squad. The West Ham
striker bagged a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-3 thriller at the Boleyn Ground
against Arsenal, causing havoc among the Gunners defence. It has seen calls
for the striker to be recalled to the national setup, with 64% of Standard
Sport readers believing Carroll deserves his place in France this summer,
following a poll over the weekend. But Shearer, who worked with Carroll
during their time at Newcastle United, believes it's premature to consider
him for selection, before citing his injury record. "There is no doubt he
would offer us a different option," wrote Shearer in his column for the Sun.
"I was with him at Newcastle so I know the ability he has — when he gets the
right delivery he is unplayable. But we have seen that ability for three or
four games in a row before, then he goes and gets injured. "That has always
been the case with Andy and that is why, at this moment in time, he should
not be considered for England," he continued. "He has had one good game but
plenty of other English strikers have been doing it all season and are
rightly ahead of him. Yes, if he can stay fit and go on a scoring run for
the next six games, the Euros question could maybe be asked again. "But it
remains a very big if because history tells you that an injury is just
around the corner."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Manchester United: Hammers may need penalties to reach FA Cup
semi-finals, says Michael Owen
ALEX CONSTANTINOU
Evening Standard
Michael Owen believes West Ham will need to find a little extra to beat his
former club Manchester United in the FA cup quarter-final replay between the
sides at Upton Park on Wednesday night. The first leg ended 1-1 and the
ex-England striker, who spent three years at old Trafford from 2009, is
expecting a draw after 90 minutes. BetVictor brand ambassador Owen said:
"Wembley is at stake and it's an extremely difficult game to predict.
Nothing could separate the sides at Old Trafford and I think this might be
going all the way to extra-time and penalties."
Owen is predicting the match will finish 1-1, which is priced at 6-1. A
draw is available at 12-5, while a similar outcome with both teams scoring
is 18-5. In the outright market for the FA Cup, Everton are the 5-2
favourites followed by 7-2 shots Watford and Crystal Palace. United are 4s
and you can get 9-2 on West Ham.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic provides Diafra Sakho and Alex Song fitness update ahead of
Manchester United
London 24
11:36 11 April 2016
Pete Evans
West Ham are set to face Manchester United at Upton Park on Wednesday night
without Diafra Sakho and Alex Song. 0 Sakho was left out of the squad that
drew 3-3 with Arsenal having reported a minor injury amid rumours that he is
facing showdown talks with Slaven Bilic this week. Andy Carroll was given
the nod in Sakho's place and his first Premier League start since January
saw him net a memorable hat-trick and complete 90 minutes. While Bilic
wouldn't confirm Carroll would start again in the FA Cup tie with Louis van
Gaal's men he revealed that Sakho, and midfielder Song, look to be facing a
losing battle to feature. "Will he (Carroll) start against Man United? I
hope he's going to be fit for Man United," he told the club's official
website. "I don't think Sakho or Song will be fit for that game."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham captain Mark Noble: 'Unplayable' Andy Carroll should be considered
for Euro 2016
KEN DYER
Evening STandard
West Ham captain Mark Noble believes Andy Carroll, who replaced Diafra Sakho
and scored a hat-trick in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal, deserves serious
consideration from England coach Roy Hodgson when he picks his squad for
this summer's Euros. "A hundred per cent he would provide something
different," said Noble. "He's had a few injuries and he takes a lot of
stick. He gets those injuries because he puts his body on the line for the
team and you can't knock a player who does that. "When he's fit and raring
to go he's unplayable at times and he showed that against Arsenal."
Noble is also clinging to the hope of an England recall, especially
following the knee injury to Jordan Henderson, which is likely to mean the
Liverpool midfielder will miss this summer's tournament. "I'd love to go but
it's completely out of my hands," he said. "It would be fair to say I'm
playing the best football in my career so far but we'll see."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 12
Monday, April 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2016
Antonio - We deserved more
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says West Ham United need to learn how to close out games
after allowing Arsenal to come from behind and snatch a 3-3 Barclays Premier
League draw on Saturday. The Hammers drew for the fourth game in succession,
having led in all four – the Emirates FA Cup sixth-round tie at Manchester
United and subsequent league games at Chelsea and home to Crystal Palace and
Arsenal. And the No30 says he and his teammates will have to find a way of
stopping their opponents from getting back into things if they are to
maintain their challenge for a UEFA Champions League place and reach the FA
Cup final. "It's one of those things where it's happened to us in the last
four games, where we've had the lead and we didn't manage to hold on," he
observed. "We've just got to find that solidity at the back and not let any
more goals in. We've not had a clean sheet in a while now, so that's got to
be our next plan."
On Saturday, West Ham's cause was not helped by a wrongly disallowed 'goal'
scored by Manuel Lanzini while the game was goalless. Arsenal took advantage
to go two goals up, before Andy Carroll's eight-minute hat-trick turned
things around, only for the Gunners to grab a point through Laurent
Koscielny's 70th-minute equaliser. "We definitely feel we should have had
all three points," Antonio continued. "We started quite slowly but once we
got into the game, we had more opportunities than they did. "There were a
couple of other situations that we feel should have gone our way, but that's
just one of those things where it's part and parcel of football. In the last
four games it's happened to us, but we've just got to take it and move on."
Antonio started Saturday's game at right wing-back, before reverting to his
recent right-back role as Slaven Bilic switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation after
the break. The tactical change paid off as West Ham stormed forward, with
the Londoner providing the cross for Carroll to power the hosts into the
lead. "Andy was outstanding, as you could see," said Antonio. "You don't get
a hat-trick without performing well and he did what we know he can do. "When
you hang it up to the back post, there is no-one who can hold him and no-one
who can stop him. "At the start, we were playing with the ball too much and
not really getting it out wide and getting crosses in the box, and you know
if you're not getting crosses in the box, it's not going to help Andy's
game. We started sticking it in and he started putting it in the back of the
net."
Next up is an FA Cup replay with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday evening – a game Antonio and everyone in Claret and Blue is
relishing. "We've shown this season that we're not scared of anyone who
comes here, and even away from home we know we're good enough to play anyone
in the Premier League. "We're going to keep pushing and keep fighting and
try to get as high as possible in the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - Ray Winstone
WHUFC.com
Hollywood star Ray Winstone was back in east London on Saturday to see his
beloved West Ham United and witnessed a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal in
the last ever London derby at the Boleyn Ground. The British actor was
disappointed that the Hammers could not hold onto the lead after staging a
dramatic comeback from two goals down. But he was thrilled to see Andy
Carroll score a hat-trick and hopes he will be part of the England squad for
the European Championship Finals this summer. Winstone said: "It is funny
because any other year if we went 2-0 down it would be game over and all the
fans would be saying goodnight. "But with this team at the moment it is
never over. I thought we should have won the game 5-3, but they still
haven't beaten us this season! "I would definitely take Andy Carroll to the
Euro Finals because I don't think any other international team would know
how to cope with him. He is a strong kid and he can play football. He is a
wonderful player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat's a Fact - AC the hat-trick hero
WHUFC.com
44, 45 and 52. Eight minutes were all that separated Andy Carroll's
hat-trick goals against Arsenal on Saturday. What could well be the final
treble scored at the Boleyn Ground rescued a situation that had the Hammers'
now 14-game unbeaten home run in jeopardy, and gave Slaven Bilic's men a
terrific boost ahead of a massive week in league and cup. Carroll's
goal-getting exploits ended a near three-year wait for a West Ham hat-trick
at the Boleyn Ground – Kevin Nolan's against Reading in May 2013 was the
last – and took his goal tally for the season to seven. It also means the
Hammers have now taken 15 points from their eight London derbies this season
and have not lost in eleven starts. Carroll's contribution was key and he
will be hoping it sets up a big end to the season for him, with glory for
Club and the potential of a place in Roy Hodgson's thoughts on the line. He
made himself so hard to defend against for the Arsenal backline, getting on
the end of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio crosses to notch headed
goals, either side of his left foot finish for 2-2. The former Newcastle and
Liverpool made now has 41 Premier League goals to his name – 21 of those
coming from headers. He tallied ten shots in total against the Gunners –
seven more than the next-most prolific opportunist, also winning five aerial
duels. Only Laurent Koscienly could match that figure. His heading stats
always make for impressive reading – with the No9 being involved in an
average of 13.1 aerial challenges and winning 6.8 of them in every game.
More importantly, that facet of his game led to two goals on Saturday and
gave him a second career hat-trick, six years after his first for Newcastle
against Aston Villa back in 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll should be in England frame for Euro 2016, says Slaven Bilic
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 10/04/16 2:13pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says Andy Carroll's hat-trick heroics against
Arsenal should catapult him back into the England reckoning. Striker Carroll
plundered a stunning treble in just eight minutes either side of half-time
in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Upton Park. The 27-year-old was involved in Roy
Hodgson's squad at the last European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in
2012 and opened the scoring in the victory over Sweden in the group stage.
Carroll has struggled with injuries since, but Bilic feels that if he can
stay fit his aerial prowess would be a major asset for Hodgson and England
in France this summer. "I've said my opinion about a few of our players."
said Bilic. "Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, and Andy Carroll is definitely in
the category that he has to make you think about him because there are not
many players capable of doing what he is doing. But it's Roy's decision.
"His problem is not consistency in terms of little injuries. A lad who is
six foot whatever and with so many kilos - he needs to be fit. Now he is fit
we hope he is going to last like this for years."
Arsenal were 2-0 up and seemingly cruising to a third straight victory
thanks to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. But in the 44th minute
Carroll got on the end of Cresswell's cross to power a header in at the far
post. Moments later, in first-half stoppage time, Carroll acrobatically
turned in Noble's centre at the second attempt to haul his side level.
Carroll completed his hat-trick when he nodded Michail Antonio's cross home
in the 52nd minute and although Laurent Koscielny rescued a point for the
Gunners, their title hopes were potentially dealt a fatal blow. "It is
points dropped," Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck told the club website. "With
the circumstances, going two up and then a goal behind, to get the equaliser
was good. But it was disappointing. "We just need to focus on ourselves and
play the game that we want to. There is no point in us looking at other
teams because we can't affect them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat attack: Carroll's hat-trick 'surprise'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Andy Carroll was entirely laid back about his hat-trick when interviewed
after the game yesterday. It was a brilliant show of self restraint as in
fact this was only the second of his 10 year career – the other one coming
asa Newcastle payer. It came in the second game of the season of the 2o10/11
season when as a Newcastle player he ht the Aston Villa on a Monday night as
the team trounced the midlanders 6-0 at St James' Park.
In that season he finished with 14 goals but yesterday's expoits were enough
to have every pundit attempting to resurrect his Euro 2016 chances.
David Gold was among them saying: "There's a lot of players of the same type
in the current England squad so of Roy Hodgson is going to take another it
should be Andy. "He brings something entirely different – why take more of
the same. I think the big man can do a job for England."
AC however, despite his delight at the three goals, said: "I must keep
England at the back of my head. It's about doing it every week for West
Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ref Watch
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C AND H
FA match officials let West Ham down again for the third match in a row to
finish a draw. The latest villain of the peace is Premier League referee
Craig Pawson with his lino Darren Cann following equally disappointing
performances by Mark Clattenburg for our Palace 2-2 draw and Robert Madley
for our Chelsea 2-2 score draw.
Lanzini's disallowed goal was clearly onside but assistant referee Darren
Cann flagged it offside offside and Craig Pawson decided not to overrule it.
Former referee Howard Webb agreed that the goal was onside and should have
stood describing it as . Four minutes later Ozil scored in an equally tight
call, TV replays showed they got that one right down the last inch but maybe
they gave the benefit of the doubt to the larger visiting club.
West Ham were denied a penalty shout on Lanzini and were disallowed Payet's
goal when Carroll was judged to have put both hands on an Arsenal defender.
Howard Webb agreed with those decisions saying Pawson got those just about
right but the calls were marginal.
Arsenal fans have pointed out that Andy Carroll should have been sent off
for a second yellow card which Pawson missed when Mark Noble tripped the ref
up. Maybe he was lucky to say on but Howard Webb says so was Gabriel who
lashed out at Andy Carroll with his studs. Webb said that action could have
warranted a straight red in his opinion.
West Ham are certainly not getting the rub of the green and it could be
argued we have dropped six points in the last three matches largely because
of match officials. Those six points would have put us above Arsenal in
third place. No point in crying over spilt milk or crying a FA conspiracy.
Refereeing needs to improve and technology is one way to make it fair and
transparent to all teams.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I hope and pray 'Sak' was just having a bad day
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho – as regular readers of my stuff know – is my favourite Hammer
– even above Dimi Payet whom I love to pieces. So that demonstrates exactly
what I think of the guy who is currently at the centre of what hopefully is
nothing more than a storm in a teacup over his absence from the Arsenal
game. The club's hierachy has this morning moved to clear up a possible
controversy over allegations that he had a problem in training when it was
alleged by sources he wouldn't be in the team yesterday. Please God that's
true and I am glad to take it at face value because of my admiration for the
striker who I believe puts 20 per cent minimum on the team's performance at
his best. He creates tremendous space for Dimi and Manu to weave their magic
and has been tireless in his efforts for this club since arriving from
France. It was really sad to see him posting a snapchat message saying that
when he's hated he does even more to be hated but I'm ready to accept that
could have meant anything about anybody. I hope he was just having a bad
day. Diafra Sakho is a fabulous striker and to have picked him up for £3.5
million was amazing although he does attract some negative headlines. We
won't go into them here because they have no relevance to the current
situation. I just hope he's back in the squad for Wednesday night, and plays
his part in taking us to Wembley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho training ground story brings denials
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho's immediate West Ham future ahead of the Manchester United
clash remains the big topic of conversation this morning after his shock
absence from the squad which drew with Arsenal.
Conflicting reports of the situation arose with the Mail claiming – as did
Claretandhugh last night – that there had been a training ground issue on
Friday when he reported an injury.
There is no issue on that and David Sullivan jnr has tweeted: "So many
false rumours about Sakho flying about. As Slaven stated after the game, he
has a minor injury – that's all."
At the same time co chairman David Gold tweeted that the player "didn't feel
well – should be ok for Wednesday."
ClaretandHugh had reported that the player had posted a message on his
personal snapchat which said: 'When I'm hated I don't give a f***. I do
everything to be more hated.' before mentioning the alleged training ground
issue.
And after the game Slav explained that it was indeed Sakho who had reported
the injury as reported by ourselves and the Mail.
The Mail added in today's report: "Sakho is understood to have been upset
after finding out he would not be in the starting line-up for Saturday's
London derby and made his feelings known at training on Friday before
leaving."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says West Ham United need to learn how to close out games
after allowing Arsenal to come from behind and snatch a 3-3 Barclays Premier
League draw on Saturday. The Hammers drew for the fourth game in succession,
having led in all four – the Emirates FA Cup sixth-round tie at Manchester
United and subsequent league games at Chelsea and home to Crystal Palace and
Arsenal. And the No30 says he and his teammates will have to find a way of
stopping their opponents from getting back into things if they are to
maintain their challenge for a UEFA Champions League place and reach the FA
Cup final. "It's one of those things where it's happened to us in the last
four games, where we've had the lead and we didn't manage to hold on," he
observed. "We've just got to find that solidity at the back and not let any
more goals in. We've not had a clean sheet in a while now, so that's got to
be our next plan."
On Saturday, West Ham's cause was not helped by a wrongly disallowed 'goal'
scored by Manuel Lanzini while the game was goalless. Arsenal took advantage
to go two goals up, before Andy Carroll's eight-minute hat-trick turned
things around, only for the Gunners to grab a point through Laurent
Koscielny's 70th-minute equaliser. "We definitely feel we should have had
all three points," Antonio continued. "We started quite slowly but once we
got into the game, we had more opportunities than they did. "There were a
couple of other situations that we feel should have gone our way, but that's
just one of those things where it's part and parcel of football. In the last
four games it's happened to us, but we've just got to take it and move on."
Antonio started Saturday's game at right wing-back, before reverting to his
recent right-back role as Slaven Bilic switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation after
the break. The tactical change paid off as West Ham stormed forward, with
the Londoner providing the cross for Carroll to power the hosts into the
lead. "Andy was outstanding, as you could see," said Antonio. "You don't get
a hat-trick without performing well and he did what we know he can do. "When
you hang it up to the back post, there is no-one who can hold him and no-one
who can stop him. "At the start, we were playing with the ball too much and
not really getting it out wide and getting crosses in the box, and you know
if you're not getting crosses in the box, it's not going to help Andy's
game. We started sticking it in and he started putting it in the back of the
net."
Next up is an FA Cup replay with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday evening – a game Antonio and everyone in Claret and Blue is
relishing. "We've shown this season that we're not scared of anyone who
comes here, and even away from home we know we're good enough to play anyone
in the Premier League. "We're going to keep pushing and keep fighting and
try to get as high as possible in the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - Ray Winstone
WHUFC.com
Hollywood star Ray Winstone was back in east London on Saturday to see his
beloved West Ham United and witnessed a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal in
the last ever London derby at the Boleyn Ground. The British actor was
disappointed that the Hammers could not hold onto the lead after staging a
dramatic comeback from two goals down. But he was thrilled to see Andy
Carroll score a hat-trick and hopes he will be part of the England squad for
the European Championship Finals this summer. Winstone said: "It is funny
because any other year if we went 2-0 down it would be game over and all the
fans would be saying goodnight. "But with this team at the moment it is
never over. I thought we should have won the game 5-3, but they still
haven't beaten us this season! "I would definitely take Andy Carroll to the
Euro Finals because I don't think any other international team would know
how to cope with him. He is a strong kid and he can play football. He is a
wonderful player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat's a Fact - AC the hat-trick hero
WHUFC.com
44, 45 and 52. Eight minutes were all that separated Andy Carroll's
hat-trick goals against Arsenal on Saturday. What could well be the final
treble scored at the Boleyn Ground rescued a situation that had the Hammers'
now 14-game unbeaten home run in jeopardy, and gave Slaven Bilic's men a
terrific boost ahead of a massive week in league and cup. Carroll's
goal-getting exploits ended a near three-year wait for a West Ham hat-trick
at the Boleyn Ground – Kevin Nolan's against Reading in May 2013 was the
last – and took his goal tally for the season to seven. It also means the
Hammers have now taken 15 points from their eight London derbies this season
and have not lost in eleven starts. Carroll's contribution was key and he
will be hoping it sets up a big end to the season for him, with glory for
Club and the potential of a place in Roy Hodgson's thoughts on the line. He
made himself so hard to defend against for the Arsenal backline, getting on
the end of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio crosses to notch headed
goals, either side of his left foot finish for 2-2. The former Newcastle and
Liverpool made now has 41 Premier League goals to his name – 21 of those
coming from headers. He tallied ten shots in total against the Gunners –
seven more than the next-most prolific opportunist, also winning five aerial
duels. Only Laurent Koscienly could match that figure. His heading stats
always make for impressive reading – with the No9 being involved in an
average of 13.1 aerial challenges and winning 6.8 of them in every game.
More importantly, that facet of his game led to two goals on Saturday and
gave him a second career hat-trick, six years after his first for Newcastle
against Aston Villa back in 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll should be in England frame for Euro 2016, says Slaven Bilic
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 10/04/16 2:13pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says Andy Carroll's hat-trick heroics against
Arsenal should catapult him back into the England reckoning. Striker Carroll
plundered a stunning treble in just eight minutes either side of half-time
in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Upton Park. The 27-year-old was involved in Roy
Hodgson's squad at the last European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in
2012 and opened the scoring in the victory over Sweden in the group stage.
Carroll has struggled with injuries since, but Bilic feels that if he can
stay fit his aerial prowess would be a major asset for Hodgson and England
in France this summer. "I've said my opinion about a few of our players."
said Bilic. "Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, and Andy Carroll is definitely in
the category that he has to make you think about him because there are not
many players capable of doing what he is doing. But it's Roy's decision.
"His problem is not consistency in terms of little injuries. A lad who is
six foot whatever and with so many kilos - he needs to be fit. Now he is fit
we hope he is going to last like this for years."
Arsenal were 2-0 up and seemingly cruising to a third straight victory
thanks to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. But in the 44th minute
Carroll got on the end of Cresswell's cross to power a header in at the far
post. Moments later, in first-half stoppage time, Carroll acrobatically
turned in Noble's centre at the second attempt to haul his side level.
Carroll completed his hat-trick when he nodded Michail Antonio's cross home
in the 52nd minute and although Laurent Koscielny rescued a point for the
Gunners, their title hopes were potentially dealt a fatal blow. "It is
points dropped," Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck told the club website. "With
the circumstances, going two up and then a goal behind, to get the equaliser
was good. But it was disappointing. "We just need to focus on ourselves and
play the game that we want to. There is no point in us looking at other
teams because we can't affect them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat attack: Carroll's hat-trick 'surprise'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Andy Carroll was entirely laid back about his hat-trick when interviewed
after the game yesterday. It was a brilliant show of self restraint as in
fact this was only the second of his 10 year career – the other one coming
asa Newcastle payer. It came in the second game of the season of the 2o10/11
season when as a Newcastle player he ht the Aston Villa on a Monday night as
the team trounced the midlanders 6-0 at St James' Park.
In that season he finished with 14 goals but yesterday's expoits were enough
to have every pundit attempting to resurrect his Euro 2016 chances.
David Gold was among them saying: "There's a lot of players of the same type
in the current England squad so of Roy Hodgson is going to take another it
should be Andy. "He brings something entirely different – why take more of
the same. I think the big man can do a job for England."
AC however, despite his delight at the three goals, said: "I must keep
England at the back of my head. It's about doing it every week for West
Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ref Watch
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C AND H
FA match officials let West Ham down again for the third match in a row to
finish a draw. The latest villain of the peace is Premier League referee
Craig Pawson with his lino Darren Cann following equally disappointing
performances by Mark Clattenburg for our Palace 2-2 draw and Robert Madley
for our Chelsea 2-2 score draw.
Lanzini's disallowed goal was clearly onside but assistant referee Darren
Cann flagged it offside offside and Craig Pawson decided not to overrule it.
Former referee Howard Webb agreed that the goal was onside and should have
stood describing it as . Four minutes later Ozil scored in an equally tight
call, TV replays showed they got that one right down the last inch but maybe
they gave the benefit of the doubt to the larger visiting club.
West Ham were denied a penalty shout on Lanzini and were disallowed Payet's
goal when Carroll was judged to have put both hands on an Arsenal defender.
Howard Webb agreed with those decisions saying Pawson got those just about
right but the calls were marginal.
Arsenal fans have pointed out that Andy Carroll should have been sent off
for a second yellow card which Pawson missed when Mark Noble tripped the ref
up. Maybe he was lucky to say on but Howard Webb says so was Gabriel who
lashed out at Andy Carroll with his studs. Webb said that action could have
warranted a straight red in his opinion.
West Ham are certainly not getting the rub of the green and it could be
argued we have dropped six points in the last three matches largely because
of match officials. Those six points would have put us above Arsenal in
third place. No point in crying over spilt milk or crying a FA conspiracy.
Refereeing needs to improve and technology is one way to make it fair and
transparent to all teams.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I hope and pray 'Sak' was just having a bad day
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho – as regular readers of my stuff know – is my favourite Hammer
– even above Dimi Payet whom I love to pieces. So that demonstrates exactly
what I think of the guy who is currently at the centre of what hopefully is
nothing more than a storm in a teacup over his absence from the Arsenal
game. The club's hierachy has this morning moved to clear up a possible
controversy over allegations that he had a problem in training when it was
alleged by sources he wouldn't be in the team yesterday. Please God that's
true and I am glad to take it at face value because of my admiration for the
striker who I believe puts 20 per cent minimum on the team's performance at
his best. He creates tremendous space for Dimi and Manu to weave their magic
and has been tireless in his efforts for this club since arriving from
France. It was really sad to see him posting a snapchat message saying that
when he's hated he does even more to be hated but I'm ready to accept that
could have meant anything about anybody. I hope he was just having a bad
day. Diafra Sakho is a fabulous striker and to have picked him up for £3.5
million was amazing although he does attract some negative headlines. We
won't go into them here because they have no relevance to the current
situation. I just hope he's back in the squad for Wednesday night, and plays
his part in taking us to Wembley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho training ground story brings denials
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho's immediate West Ham future ahead of the Manchester United
clash remains the big topic of conversation this morning after his shock
absence from the squad which drew with Arsenal.
Conflicting reports of the situation arose with the Mail claiming – as did
Claretandhugh last night – that there had been a training ground issue on
Friday when he reported an injury.
There is no issue on that and David Sullivan jnr has tweeted: "So many
false rumours about Sakho flying about. As Slaven stated after the game, he
has a minor injury – that's all."
At the same time co chairman David Gold tweeted that the player "didn't feel
well – should be ok for Wednesday."
ClaretandHugh had reported that the player had posted a message on his
personal snapchat which said: 'When I'm hated I don't give a f***. I do
everything to be more hated.' before mentioning the alleged training ground
issue.
And after the game Slav explained that it was indeed Sakho who had reported
the injury as reported by ourselves and the Mail.
The Mail added in today's report: "Sakho is understood to have been upset
after finding out he would not be in the starting line-up for Saturday's
London derby and made his feelings known at training on Friday before
leaving."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th April 2016
West Ham United 3-3 Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll netted a memorable hat-trick but the Hammers had to settle for a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal in the final ever London derby at the Boleyn Ground. Carroll was back in the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth back in January. And the Hammers forward reminded everyone of his quality when he scored three goals inside eight minutes to help the home side stage an amazing comeback from a two goal deficit after Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in pole position. The goals came at the perfect time for Carroll who is looking to impress England manager Roy Hodgson with the European Championship Finals just two months away.
It was the first hat-trick at the Boleyn Ground since Kevin Nolan's three goals against Reading back in May 2013 and looked to be enough to help the Hammers close the gap on the top four. But Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny made it 3-3 on 70 minutes and both sides had to settle for a draw in one of the best games of the season witnessed at the Boleyn this season.
In a pulsating contest, the home side could have taken the lead on 13 minutes when Mark Noble's cross fell to Carroll who produced a superb over-head kick and the ball picked out Manuel Lanzini who converted from close-range but his effort was ruled out for offside. Arsenal made them pay as they opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Alex Iwobi played the ball into the path of Ozil who appeared to be in an offside position but he produced a clinical finish past Adrian into the corner of the net. The north London club doubled their lead on 35 minutes and Iwobi was involved in the heart of the action once again when played a clever ball over the top of the Hammers defence which picked out Sanchez and he slid the ball past Adrian from close-range.
Despite falling two goals behind there were signs of a Hammers comeback when Carroll produced the best chance for the home side on 38 minutes when he picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and fired a powerful left-foot shot which produced a fine save from David Ospina diving low to his left. The turnaround started on the stroke of half-time when the Hammers pulled a goal back on 44 minutes when Aaron Cresswell's cross fell perfectly for Carroll and he directed a powerful header past David Ospina into the corner of the net.
Adrian made a fine save to deny Monreal just after the restart and it proved crucial as the Hammers raced down the other end and made it 2-2 just 160 seconds later. Dimitri Payet's corner was punched clear by Ospina. The loose ball fell to Noble who crossed into the chest of Carroll who saw his first attempt blocked by Gabriel Paulista. But the Hammers forward made no mistake with his second effort as he fired the ball on the turn and his shot flew past Ospina. It was the perfect way to end the half and with club legends Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds being introduced to the crowd at half-time alongside a number of heroes from the 1970's, everything was set up for a pulsating second half.
There was more controversy on 50 minutes when Carroll did well to keep hold of the ball inside the area following a challenge with Laurent Koscielny. The loose ball fell to Payet who rolled the ball into the back of the net. The linesman awarded the goal but was over-ruled by referee Craig Pawson who blew his whistle for a foul on the Arsenal defender, much to the anger of the home support. However, their mood quickly changed on 52 minutes when the majority of the Boleyn Ground went crazy as Carroll made it 3-2 to the home side. Michail Antonio showed his quality once again when he raced past Nacho Monreal down the right hand and played the perfect cross in for Carroll who directed his header over the top of Gabriel and the ball flew into the roof of the net.
Manuel Lanzini produced one of the saves of the season on 68 minutes when he was in the right place to superbly clear a shot off the line from Monreal. But Arsenal drew level on 70 minutes when Ozil's cross was flicked on by Welbeck into the path of Koscielny and he converted from close-range. The Hammers tried to find a fourth goal and came close on 74 minutes when Payet's dipping shot well saved by Ospina low to his right hand side, but the game ended all-square. All eyes now turn to the crucial FA Cup quarter final replay against Manchester United on Wednesday and it promises to be another special night under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham (4-2-3-1) Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble; Antonio (Emenike 46), Lanzini, Payet; Carroll
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Hendrie, Oxford, Obiang, Moses, Valencia
Yellow Cards: Carroll, Antonio
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Ramsey 60), Elneny (Giroud 68); Sanchez, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck (Walcott 81)
Subs not used: Cech, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Chambers
Yellow Cards:
Referee: Craig Pawson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll - A Boleyn hat-trick is special
WHUFC.com
It has already been a season of memories to last a lifetime for West Ham United players and supporters – and Andy Carroll added his name to the list of unforgettable moments in this Farewell Boleyn campaign with an eight-minute hat-trick against Arsenal on Saturday. Trailing 2-0 to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, West Ham's long unbeaten Boleyn Ground run looked in real peril, but not to Carroll, who notched in the 44th and 45th minutes to bring his team level before the break. Then, with just seven minutes of the second half played, the No9 nodded home from a Michail Antonio cross to complete a sensational treble. Laurent Koscienly later levelled for the Gunners, but it was another demonstration that the Hammers now belong in such exalted Barclays Premier League company.
Carroll said: "It was nice to get three goals, I didn't realise it was as quick as eight minutes between them, but we feel we should have taken the three points. "It is a great feeling to score my first hat-trick for the Club, especially as we're coming to the end [at the Boleyn Ground]. I'll always remember scoring a hat trick at the Boleyn. "I was pleased with the finishes. The first was a header, then the second one, I was lucky with the right foot as I didn't connect properly, but it sat up nicely for my left and I put it away. Then it was another cross for my header to make it 3-2. We probably should have taken the three points. We got a little sloppy at the end and got tired because it was a tough game, but we are happy with the point."
With the Hammers now set to face Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup in midweek and league leaders Leicester City next weekend, Carroll is confident of making sure a big week ends in style. He added: "We've done well against all the top teams we've played this season. We've shown that we should be up there and hopefully we can carry on. "It's a big week for us and this will be a boost. We're scoring goals, it's not as though we're scraping points. We've shown that we can beat the top teams so we're looking forward to the games we've got ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jurcevic - It was a very emotional game
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Nikola Jurcevic says West Ham United could be in the Barclays Premier League's top three if decisions had not repeatedly gone against them. The Hammers were left to rue another questionable call in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Arsenal, with Manuel Lanzini's early goal being ruled out for offside, despite the No28 clearly being played on by right-back Hector Bellerin. The Gunners took advantage by going two goals clear through Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, but the hosts regrouped and stormed into the lead thanks to Andy Carroll's sensational eight-minute hat-trick either side of half-time. Arsenal grabbed an equaliser through Laurent Koscielny's finish, but Jurcevic felt the Hammers – who had two other 'goals' disallowed during a breathless game – would have prevailed if Lanzini's header had stood.
"We saw after the game on the video that it was an absolutely regular goal and in the last few games we have many referee decisions against us, but what can we do?" ," Jurcevic told West Ham TV. "This is football life and this time it happened. "It was a very emotional game. It was a fantastic game and I think our supporters can be happy because it was a dynamic 90 minutes. "On the one side we are a little bit sad because we had a good chance to take three points against Arsenal, but on the other side we can be proud of our play because we fought for 90 minutes and scored three very nice goals. "The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic and in the end we must be satisfied with this result, three-three, against a big team like Arsenal. I think it's OK."
Having suffered from controversial calls at Manchester United in the FA Cup sixth round and in the Barclays Premier League draws with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and now Arsenal, Jurcevic admitted frustration was growing in the Hammers camp. "This is a little bit frustrating for all of us," he conceded. "We speak about our situation in the table and the position and how many points we have, sometimes we think maybe without these decisions we could be fighting for position number three or four minimum in the Premier League. "But on the other side, it's not in our hands. We spoke with the guys and they must work hard and give everything in every game, but these decisions from the referees are sometimes really frustrating for us."
On a much more positive note, Jurcevic was fulsome in his praise for hat-trick hero Carroll, who netted two trademark headers either side of a spanking volley that levelled things up on the stroke of half-time. "He showed all his class," the assistant purred. "He is a centre forward par excellence. He is strong in the air with his head and will fight for everything and was absolutely man of the match – not only because of his three goals but because he was running for the team. "I am really happy for him because he's had some problems with injuries and could not play 90 minutes in every game, but if he is fit, he is top-class."
So, where does Saturday's entertaining stalemate leave West Ham, who sit sixth in the standings with six games to play? "First we have a very important game against Man United and we have a very big chance to go to Wembley," Jurcevic observed. "This is our dream and we will try to do the best we can and see what happens. "In the Premier League we are now in a position where we have a good chance to stay in sixth position, or maybe fifth. Also, if we play another six games in top form we have maybe a chance for position number four."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important Ticketmaster update
WHUFC.com
Following the recent announcement of West Ham United's new partnership with Ticketmaster, supporters are now invited to activate their accounts on the new ticketing system.
To do so, supporters should click here to activate their account and are advised to consult the user guide beforehand which can be viewed here.
This applies to all supporters with an existing client reference number. If you do not currently possess a client reference number, you are welcome to register a new account.
Supporters are reminded that all tickets and membership products relating to the new Stadium will be sold via Ticketmaster, whilst all tickets in relation to the final season at the Boleyn Ground will continue through whufcboxoffice.com.
This means that any existing or new Season Ticket Holders who have paid a deposit for their 2016/17 Season Ticket need to activate their account in order to pay the remaining balance. The deadline to do so is 5pm Sunday 5 June.
As a Season Ticket Holder, it is vitally important to use the client reference number relating to your Season Ticket so that your Season Ticket Holder status can be authorised. If you do not, you will be unable to pay your remaining 2016/17 Season Ticket balance, or purchase cup tickets in the priority booking window.
Additionally, supporters can also use the new Ticketmaster system to register on the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List for just £10.
Supporters who are not currently on the Priority List, but are hopeful of securing a Season Ticket in the future, are advised that joining the List is the only means of procuring Season Tickets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 3-3 Arsenal
By Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll became the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick against Arsenal since Wayne Rooney in 2011. Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt another blow to Arsenal's already slim Premier League title hopes, despite the Gunners fighting back to draw at West Ham. Arsenal are 10 points behind leaders Leicester with six games to play. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez converted Alex Iwobi passes to put Arsenal 2-0 up but Carroll netted twice in 160 seconds to bring his side level by half-time. A far-post header completed Carroll's treble, before Laurent Koscielny hooked in the equaliser from 10 yards. The hosts extended their unbeaten home run in the Premier League to 14 games but Slaven Bilic's side remain sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who play West Bromwich Albion at 17:30 BST.
Hammers' hat-trick hero
Striker Carroll was rarely far from the action in a pulsating London derby, being booked as early as the fourth minute for a needless late tackle on Koscielny. There appeared little way back for West Ham as clinical finishes from Ozil and Sanchez gave the visitors a two-goal cushion, but England international Carroll would turn the game in his side's favour in the space of eight minutes either side of the interval. All three goals were typical Carroll efforts, the first a powerful far-post header from Aaron Cresswell's left-wing cross, while he was awarded too much space by the Arsenal defence to fire in the equaliser at the second attempt during first-half stoppage time. The ex-Newcastle forward was perhaps lucky to escape further punishment when he clashed with Gabriel in the air, catching the centre-back with his arm, shortly before rising above Hector Bellerin to head past David Ospina - who had kept his place in the Arsenal goal ahead of Petr Cech. Andy Carroll netted all three of his goals at the far post from crosses. However, he won only eight of his 20 duels with Arsenal players and just five of his 12 aerial duels (41.7%)
Arsenal's title hopes over?
Wins over Everton and Watford either side of the March international break kept any faint hopes of a title success alive for Arsene Wenger's side. Having led 2-0 after 35 minutes, this result will feel like two points dropped for Arsenal, even though they responded well to Carroll's quick hat-trick and were decent value for their draw. The Gunners have a favourable run-in, with five of their last six opponents currently in the bottom half of the table - but it will take a remarkable collapse from Leicester and Tottenham above them if they are to win an unlikely title. Saturday's result did little to improve Arsenal's record in London derbies this season - they have taken only six points from seven games against other clubs from the capital.
Man of the match: Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Carroll had 10 of West Ham's 16 shots - no player has had more in a Premier League match this season
What the managers said
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit. There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. But the only thing I'm not happy about is the result."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."
The stats you need to know
Carroll's hat-trick was the fastest in the Premier League this season at seven minutes and 14 seconds.
The Hammers are unbeaten in their past 14 home games (won seven, drawn seven) - the longest current run in the top flight.
Alex Iwobi has scored twice and assisted another two goals in his first three league starts for Arsenal.
This is the first time in the Premier League since November 2012 (v Fulham) that Arsenal have led by two goals and failed to win the match. That game also ended 3-3.
What's next?
West Ham switch their attentions to the FA Cup on Wednesday when they host Manchester United in a quarter-final replay, while their next Premier League fixture is at leaders Leicester four days later.
Also on 17 April, Arsenal host Crystal Palace in another London derby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham striker says England return 'in back of my head'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll says he has not given up hope of being recalled to the England squad for Euro 2016. The 27-year-old, who won the last of his nine England caps in October 2012, scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Arsenal. Asked if he was thinking about a call-up for the tournament in France this summer, Carroll said: "Without a doubt. "I have to keep that in the back of my head, but I have to play each game here and see how it goes," he told BT Sport. Carroll, who has two international goals, was involved in Roy Hodgson's squad at the last European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in 2012 - opening the scoring in the victory over Sweden in the group stage. The former Newcastle forward has been plagued by injuries since completing a £15m move from Liverpool in June 2013, but he marked his 50th Premier League appearance since then with the second top-flight treble of his career.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic added: "Andy Carroll has everything. It's impossible to stop him. "Watch how many times he tried to get the ball off them. He was keeping the ball, laying it off. "Heading - he's maybe the best in the world. He has to stay away from those injuries. He's professional but he's got to be totally dedicated to his career and football."
Carroll featured in three of England's games at Euro 2012, scoring in a group win over Sweden
Should Carroll go to Euro 2016?
Former Celtic and Bolton manager Neil Lennon on BBC Radio 5 live: "I would (take him), yes. He's my type of centre-forward. The big man was really up for it and he's been magnificent. "With 10 minutes to go in an England game, he could be an option for Roy Hodgson."
Andy Carroll in the Premier League
SEASON TEAM GAMES PLAYED GOALS
2006/07 Newcastle United 4 0
2007/08 Newcastle United 4 0
2008/09 Newcastle United 14 3
2010/11 Newcastle United/Liverpool 26 13
2011/12 Liverpool 35 4
2012/13 Liverpool/West Ham (loan) 26 7
2013/14 West Ham 15 2
2014/15 West Ham 14 5
2015/16 West Ham 21 7
Other surprise England call-ups
Theo Walcott, 2006 World Cup: Arsenal paid £10m to sign Walcott from Southampton in January 2006. He failed to make a single top-flight appearance for the Gunners in the remainder of the 2005-06 season, but England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson made him England's youngest international at the age of 17 years and 75 days, and then took him to the World Cup in Germany. Walcott did not play a single minute at the tournament.
Steve Bull, 1990 World Cup: Bull scored 102 goals in two seasons to help Wolves to the Fourth Division and Third Division titles. That form convinced England manager Bobby Robson to call up the striker, who scored on his debut against Scotland in 1989. Bull, whose limited top-flight experience came early in his career at West Bromwich Albion, was included in the squad for the World Cup in Italy. He made four appearances at the tournament - but did not score a goal.
Jack Butland, Euro 2012: Goalkeeper Butland was called up by Hodgson because of John Ruddy's injury and went to Poland and Ukraine as England's third-choice goalkeeper, despite having not played a top-flight game at that stage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I loved every minute, says Bonds
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Billy Bonds bade an emotional farewell to his old stomping ground this afternoon when he gave an emotional speech to the Boleyn faithful during half time of the Premier League clash with Arsenal. Bonds - who spent over 25 years at the club as player and manager and is rated by many as the club's greatest living legend - appeared close to tears at points as he thanked the club's fans for their continuous support. "There's been so many memories," the 69-year-old told match day announcer Martin Godleman. "When I first walked through those doors Moore, Hursty and Martin Peters had just won the World Cup - as our fans think! - and it was a big time for me. "I was very nervous when I came in but I was made welcome."
Bonds - who left the club unexpectedly in 1994 after being stabbed in the back by former best friend Harry Redknapp - admitted that his speech was 20 years late but paid tribute to the clubs fans who, he insisted, are the very essence of the football club. "These people here, the fans, have been absolutely fantastic to me," he added. "When I left the club 20 years ago I never got the chance to say 'thank you' to the players I left behind and to these people. They were fantastic supporters. "Without them you haven't got a football club. They are the heart and soul of the club. We're going to a new stadium and I'm sure they're going to go in their numbers and follow their team. "They been great - and I loved every minute playing in front of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho has 'minor injury', says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho missed today's game against Arsenal as the result of a "minor injury", according to Slaven Bilic. Sakho, who missed a personal appearance at a club event in midweek was a surprise omission from today's 18-man squad. And when quizzed as to why he hadn't been included in the team that drew 3-3 with Arsenal this lunchtime, Bilic offered a curt response. "This was the best team for today - and that includes 18 players," he said. "He [Sakho] reported a minor injury - or what I hope [will be] a minor injury."
Sahko, who had not been reported as injured when Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke presented his weekly update last Wednesday evening failed to appear at a scheduled meet-and-greet event at the club's Lakeside store. And yesterday he was reported to have posted bizarre notes to followers of his SnapChat channel, one of which is said to have read: "When I am hated I don't give a f**k. I do everything to be more hated."
Soon after Sakho - who was accused by followers of appearing "drunk" - took to Instagram, where he posted the following short video:
Following his non-appearance at the ground today, rumours purporting to explain Sakho's absence began to spread.
Whilst some claimed that he had fallen out with Slaven Bilic after failing to attend a meeting, others reported that he had refused to sit on the bench, having been dropped from the first team as a result of the midweek incident.
Since arriving in England, Sakho has fallen foul of the law on two occasions. In November 2015, he was cautioned by Police after being arrested twice within the space of a few weeks in August of the same year.
The Senegal international had initially been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and malicious communications - for which he accepted the later caution - plus a charge of assault and malicious communications, for which charges were later droppped.
Sakho has made 19 appearances for West Ham United so far this season, scoring six goals. In his debut 2014/15 season, he managed 12 goals in 26 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll hat-trick halts Arsenal title charge
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 09/04/16 8:33pm
SSN
Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's faint title hopes as West Ham held them to a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday. The Gunners looked on course to keep in touch with leaders Leicester when Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez struck inside 35 minutes to put the visitors in firm control at Upton Park. Carroll's treble inside 10 minutes either side of the interval turned the game on its head but though the towering forward might have given England boss Roy Hodgson food for thought, the Hammers had to settle for a point as Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny hit back (70). The result does little for the sides' respective title and top-four aspirations, Arsenal 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester, having played a game more, and West Ham still in sixth, two points off the Champions League places. Slaven Bilic's side almost made the perfect start as Manuel Lanzini headed Aaron Cresswell's scuffed volley wide inside the opening minute, although the effort would have been ruled out for offside.
The Argentine was the hosts' biggest threat in a cagey opening and he was unfortunate not to have opened the scoring when, having found the back of the net, linesman Darren Cann wrongfully ruled out his header for offside on 13 minutes. Arsenal posed a constant threat and, within five minutes, they took advantage of their reprieve as Alex Iwobi played Ozil through to slot past Adrian. The opener rattled West Ham, who were restricted to a couple of long-range free-kicks from Dimitri Payet, as Iwobi turned provider again, releasing Sanchez who made no mistake in doubling the Gunners lead with a low finish 10 minutes before the break. Having turned Laurent Koscielny on the edge of the area, Carroll looked to halve Arsenal's lead immediately but David Ospina was alert to keep his low out as the Gunners coasted towards the interval. But their lead was eventually snatched in an emphatic 160-second spell from West Ham. First, Carroll outmuscled Nacho Monreal at the far post to head Cresswell's cross beyond the stricken Ospina on 44 minutes, before the turnaround was completed in stoppage-time with a thunderous left-footed volley.
The half-time whistle momentarily spared Arsenal from the ensuing West Ham onslaught, but it was back underway in the second half. The hosts saw half-hearted penalty claims ignored by referee Craig Pawson following Hector Bellerin's clumsy challenge on Lanzini, before they were then denied a third goal as Carroll was penalised for a foul on Koscielny in the build-up to Payet capitalising on defensive hesitancy. The Gunners, though, were unable to keep a rampant West Ham side at bay and the pressure finally told as Carroll complete his hat-trick on 52 minutes with another assured header at the far post after Michail Antonio's cross from the byline. Carroll had the chance to extend his side's lead further, but his failure to convert Payet's cross opened the door for Arsenal to drag themselves off the canvas.
Monreal almost put an indifferent defensive display behind him by levelling the tie on 68 minutes, only for Lanzini to clear his effort from the edge of the area off the line. That chance marked a change in the tide at Upton Park as Arsenal, boosted by the addition of substitute Olivier Giroud, applied the pressure and got the breakthrough through Koscielny's smart finish after another assist from Ozil. With both sides fighting back from losing positions neither risked losing a point in the closing stages as the spoils were unsatisfactorily shared.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (7), Tomkins (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (8), Kouyate (6), Noble (7), Lanzini (7), Antonio (8), Carroll (9), Payet (7).
Used subs: Emenike (6).
Arsenal: Ospina (6), Bellerin (6), Gabriel (6), Koscielny (7), Monreal (5), Elneny (7), Coquelin (6), Iwobi (9), Ozil (7), Sanchez (7), Welbeck (8).
Used subs: Giroud (6), Walcott (5), Ramsey (5).
Man of the match: Andy Carroll
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal draw was 'a blow', says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:49pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic described their 3-3 draw with Arsenal as "a blow" after conceding a late equaliser, claiming his side deserve to be third in the Premier League. A dramatic encounter at Upton Park on Saturday saw Manuel Lanzini have an early goal controversially disallowed, before Arsenal took a 2-0 lead. An Andy Carroll hat-trick then saw West Ham turn the game on its head, but Laurent Koscielny restored parity for Arsenal with 20 minutes to go. "It's a blow," admitted Bilic. "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. The only thing I'm not happy about is the result. "To be two down against a team that has so much pace, it can be three in no time. Then in the second half to be better than them, and at 3-2 we had chances to be 4-2. I'm proud of everything."
This was the third game in a row that West Ham had dropped points late on in controversial circumstances, and Bilic believes his side should be higher up the league than they currently are. "We deserve to be third in the league, [and we're] not even fourth," he said. Bilic also reserved praise for Carroll, who was making his first start since January. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit," said Bilic. "There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll exposed Arsenal weakness, admits Arsene Wenger
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:00pm
SSN
Arsene Wenger admitted Andy Carroll exposed the weaknesses which have all but cost Arsenal the title this season after his hat-trick earned West Ham a 3-3 draw. Laurent Koscielny (70) rescued a point for the Gunners, who had taken a 2-0 lead before Carroll's quickfire treble either side of the interval. But Saturday's result means Wenger's men could find themselves 13 points adrift of leaders Leicester with just 18 to play for by Sunday evening. The Arsenal boss reckoned Carroll was lucky to stay on the pitch after escaping a yellow card for a robust early challenge on Koscielny - but conceded his players could not cope with an aerial assault from the hosts. "Why did we struggle with Carroll? Because he's good in the air," said Wenger. "We had a good game but a bad result, and we paid for a weakness we have had all season - headers in our box. "Yes of course, he was lucky to finish the game, but that doesn't mean we have to concede goals from headers; we have to look at ourselves."
Arsenal's title bid appears realistically over but Wenger vowed to keep fighting until the end of the season. "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be," he said. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady 'paranoid' about refereeing decisions
Last Updated: 09/04/16 11:56am
SSN
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady has suggested her team's "frustrating" treatment at the hands of referees this season is "beyond mere coincidence". The 47-year-old has criticised Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Cheikhou Kouyate last weekend - a decision that was overturned by the FA this week. Writing in her column in the Sun, Brady listed a string decisions that have not gone the Hammers' way and paranoia is starting to set in. She said: "Another Saturday, another calamity. Mark Clattenburg brandished a red card with the speed of a 50-1 winning betting slip.
"But there was no suspect intent in Cheikhou Kouyate's tackle, nor was it even reckless. What was frustration turns to real bitterness when I hear we have won the appeal. "I'm beginning to get paranoid about the way West Ham are suffering from referees' decisions and I know I shouldn't be. It is the rub of the green we are told, although it feels like much more than that - almost beyond mere coincidence. "We've had three red cards overturned this season, not a single penalty award, not an away penalty in four seasons and the lowest number of penalties in the Premier League in the same time. "There's another meaning of course, to "seeing red". I must go and lie down."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll nets hat-trick in Upton Park thriller - 5 things we learned
14:39, 9 APR 2016 UPDATED 15:50, 9 APR 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammer fought back from 2-0 down to take the lead before Laurent Koscielny ensured a point for Arsenal
The Mirror
Andy Carroll scored an eight minute hat-trick but West Ham were denied a thrilling comeback win by Laurent Koscielny. Defender Koscielny scored a 70th minute equaliser to earn Arsenal a draw from a topsy-turvy clash at Upton Park. The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead which was wiped out by Carroll's treble before Koscielny had the final say in a six-goal thriller. Manuel Lanzini had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside and Arsenal rubbed salt in West Ham's wounds when Mesut Ozil fired them ahead four minutes later. Alex Iwobi, who set up the first, then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute. But Andy Carroll struck twice in two minutes just before half-time and again seven minutes into the second half to turn the game on it's head. However Arsenal hit back when Koscielny tapped in Ozil's cross to make it 3-3.
Here are five things we learned.
1. Ospina inclusion the wrong call
David Ospina of Arsenal fails to stop as Andy Carroll of West Ham United scoring his team's second goal, Petr Cech was fit again after a calf problem but David Ospina retained his starting place and Arsenal's summer signing was on the bench. Wenger's faith and willingness to give Ospina games when he can is admirable but also questionable when Cech is clearly first choice, the better keeper and Arsenal still have plenty to play for.You suspect Cech might have dominated his box better than Ospina for West Ham's second and third goals.
2. Where was Sakho?
Diafra Sakho's absence from the West Ham team sheet raised eyebrows. And it sparked a guessing game about the reason for his omission following suggestions he missed a scheduled public appearance earlier in the week, Slaven Bilic intriguingly saying he picked the best squad for the game and a cryptic message was posted on social media by the striker.Sakho's absence opened the door for Andy Carroll and he grabbed his chance with two hands and three goals in his first league start for three months. In this mood he is unstoppable and, Carroll fitness providing, Sakho might struggle to get back in the team.
3. Officials make the wrong call
Slaven Bilic and West Ham would be forgiven for starting to think there is a conspiracy against them, as Jose Mourinho claimed there was against Chelsea last season. For the fourth game running they would have had grounds to feel aggrieved about decisions, this time when Manuel Lanzini's header was chalked off for offside despite Hector Bellerin playing him onside and again when Dimitri Payet's strike was also ruled out for an alleged foul by Carroll on Laurent Koscielny.
4. Iwobi impresses again
No wonder Arsene Wenger is such a big fan of Alex Iwobi and has been quick to hand him a bumper new contract. The talented 19 year-old has given Arsenal a lift since forcing his way into the first XI and set up two more goals against West Ham. Unlike some youngsters who might be happy just to be getting games at his age, Iwobi is constantly looking to take responsibility and make things happen and is growing in confidence by the game.
5. Prospects for both sides
This was a result that didn't help either side in their respective quests. With Arsene Wenger refusing to give up on the title until it is mathematically out of reach Arsenal needed to win. They should have having led 2-0 but collapsed before rescuing a point. They are now 10 points behind Leicester with six games each to play. A point is a slightly better one for West Ham and keeps them in touch with the top four. Though having fought back to lead 3-2 they too will be disappointed they failed to hold on.
Player ratings
West Ham
Adrian 6 - Helpless for goals but lucky not to be punished for dawdling on ball.
Tomkins 6 - Stepped up at wrong time to let Sanchez into score. Subbed at break.
Reid 7 - Grew in stature after break with number of vital clearances.
Ogbonna 6 - Also got stuck in to contribute to defensive display that improved.
Noble 7 - Drove West Ham forward and more influential after half-time.
Antonio BOOKED 7 - Also improved in second half and set up Carroll's hat-trick goal.
Kouyate 7 - Didn't stop running. Was key to West Ham winning midfield battle.
Lanzini 6 - Unlucky to have goal ruled out making oalline clearance his big contribution.
Payet 7 - Lit up the game with some great bits of skill once again.
Cresswell 7 - Enjoyed first-half wing-back role, setting up Carroll's first, before dropping back.
Carroll BOOKED 9 - Booked, could have been sent off, scored a hat-trick. Arsenal couldn't handle him.
SUBS
Emenike (Tomkins 46) 6
Arsenal
Ospina 6 - Good saves from Carroll and Payet but shaky on crosses.
Bellerin 6 - Lucky to get away with playing Lanzini onside and possible penalty appeal.
Gabriel 6 - Wouldn't have enjoyed tussles with Carroll. Gave Koscielny little help.
Koscielny 6 - Bullied by Carroll but salvaged his day with the equaliser.
Monreal 5 - Beaten too easily by Carroll for his first and Antonio in build-up to hat-trick goal.
Coquelin 5 - Could have been booked, overrun and no surprise he was subbed.
Elneny 7 - Efficient passer and read game well to repeatedly break up play.
Sanchez 6 - Good finish for his goal but was only on the edge of game.
Ozil 7 - Opened scoring crossed for equaliser but generally quiet.
Iwobi 7 - Another eye-catching and mature display. Set up both Arsenal goals.
Welbeck 6 - Worked hard but had little joy or any chances to score.
SUBS
Ramsey (Coquelin 61) 5
Giroud (Elneny 68) 6
Walcott (Welbeck 81) 5
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho training ground walk-out allegations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
Diafra Sakho's absence from today's squad was surrounded by confusion tonight and manager Slaven Bilic now seems set to meet with the player ahead of the match against Manchester United.
We understand the striker reported himself injured after training on Friday, left training and failed to show at the stadium for the Arsenal game today.
Sakho himself has stoked up a storm of unrest before the game by posting on his personal snapchat: "When I'm hated I don't gve a f..k. I do everything to be more hated."
And ClaretandHugh has since been told that he allegedly stormed out of training on Friday as it emerged he may be an unlikely starter for today's game.
There had been suggestions that he had been disciplined after missing out on a a scheduled media appearance at the Lakeside shopping centre club store last week.
But we were told exclusively: "No, that was bad organisation. He had three medical tests, one after the other, with three different people.
"The results were very good and the problem he had has cured itself. The people who had booked the tests hadn't liased with media – thus he couldn't make it."
Nobody has a clue as to why the Senegal striker took to snapchat with such an angry message which suggests the training ground allegations may have some truth in them although given the medical results the injury claim seems odd.
We were told: "Nobody saw Sak at the stadium today and it will now be down to the manager to decide how he handles this on Monday with the Manchester United match in front of us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: "I told you so"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold tonight told those who have criticised him for standing by Andy Carroll: "I told you so!"
The chairman has been the big man's biggest defender as he has battled his way through injury and back to full fitness.
And nobody was more delighted to see the Geordie boy storm back to form than the co chairman who smiled: Ok I'll say it – 'told you so.'
Speaking to ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Its been a case of patience, patience, patience and I've told everybody who would listen that this is a great player who will come back to his very best.
"He played a magnificent game out there today – it was almost the perfect centre foreard's game and I'm thrilled for him and everybody. No player deserves it more.
"Andy's been forced to take a lot of criticism through social media at several levels and it's been wrong. He's a total professional and if he stays fit he can hit the heights. I believe he can and will."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brilliant – a Hammers team built to last!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
By new ClaretandHugh blogger
Paul Gregory
Rarely are points so precious as when they are won from behind. West Ham proved that adage true today.
They probably should have won. Even before Andy Carroll's masterclass in tormenting a defence Manuel Lanzini should have opened the scoring, turning home Carroll's bicycle kick but being flagged for offside. Hector Bellerin was playing him on, and by some margin too.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in control; they were cruising, keeping the ball nicely and taking advantage of some uncharacteristically poor Hammers defending.
Yet there is a fight about this Hammers side, a desire to persevere, to snatch something from the jaws of nothing. Carroll was the focal point and he will rightly gain the plaudits for a performance that embodied everything Arsenal so fear; he was their nightmare made flesh, towering above defenders, harrying and hounding Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny with the ease of a seasoned Premier League target man. No one can accuse Carroll of being a flat-track bully, either; he has scored against Liverpool, Chelsea and now the Gunners.
Yet it is Dimitri Payet who pulled the strings, and who played with such composure and skill that one would think he was strolling about his garden, having a kickabout with his kids, Milan and Noa.
One dazzling show of skill sent Aaron Ramsey askew, his head spinning as Payet passed him, a blur of claret and blue. The France international – surely a shoo-in for Les Bleus' Euro 2016 squad – was not given the chance to add another brilliant free-kick to his collection but his contribution was immense nonetheless; he has been the signing of the season.
That Koscielny would gain some measure of revenge on Carroll with a second-half equaliser is immaterial. Slaven Bilic was disappointed with a point, and that speaks volumes. West Ham no longer hope for a result against the top teams, they expect one.
After calling his side "spectacular" in his post-match press conference, Bilic presented a hypothesis; he feels his side deserve to be third, not sixth.
"I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed," he said.
Bilic, as he says, finds it hard to separate the stone-cold facts from his claret-tinted spectacles, but he may well be right; West Ham haven't lost since February and this result marked their 10th unbeaten.
It is rather unlucky that Leicester's fairytale is playing out in the same season as the Hammers' resurgence, or else Bilic's men may well be hogging ALL the headlines.
Who does one trust now to finish in the top four? The Manchester clubs are flaky at best – City have a ridiculous habit of simply refusing to turn up to games while United must be the most pedestrian contenders for a Champions League spot in recent memory.
West Ham are the team who can be relied upon to get a result, time and time again. Much like the Foxes at the top the Irons show no signs of falling away any time soon.
This is a team built to last, and Champions League football would be the cherry on top of a breathless, brilliant season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More Slav from the press room
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Q: Good choice to start Carroll?
Slav: Yep. We have good strikers of course and he's fit now, he trained for a few weeks, he looks really sharp. We had space on the flanks and we hoped we could use it to put in good crosses, we have really a few players who are capable, Dimitri, Antonio, Mark, who can bend the ball well, it's hard for defenders. He has done similar against Liverpool, Chelsea, many teams. It was a good decision. "We were also good without Andy, he's amazing when he trains regularly, he's a great trainer, he loves to train, he's not lazy. His problem is not consistency it's little injuries, he's 6'4 and so much kilos, now he's fit we hope he's gonna last like this for years.
On Lanzini and various incidents:
Slav: I decided not to talk about the referee, not because I have to defend some decisions and we are not happy, we should not be happy, I'm not going to talk about it. When I said something for four weeks, I sound ridiculous to myself so I'll leave it to you.
The Euros and West Ham players:
Slav: "It's the second thing I decided not to talk about! I was international manager for six years and Roy is doing a great job, they looked really good against Germany, I like England and I found the game against Germany exciting. I was manager for six years and blah blah blah, I only said my opinion to our players; Noble, Cresswell and Carroll. He has to make you think about him, not many players are capable of doing what he can do; not only goals but holding the ball. It's Roy's decision. "I wouldn't blame them when the cross comes, it's hard against Andy. But we expected to have time and space on their flanks, when the ball comes in, you have to blame your defenders when a striker scores three with headers, but you have to blame all defenders in the league when the ball comes in; against Liverpool, Terry and Cahill, it happened. It's more up to him than down to defenders."
No Sakho?
Slav: "This is the team that I named, it's the best team for today, those players. He had a minor injury."
Top four?
Slav: "This is a blow, we can't wait for the game on Wednesday, we are so confident, we came out of this game very confident, everything is unbelievable, I'm proud to be 2-0 down against a team and be three in no time. They have space, come back like that in no time and second half be better than them, have more chances to be 4-2, I'm proud of everything, we were spectacular. I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robbed yet again by wrong decision
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manuel Lanzini's 14th minute goal should have stood and the linesman got it wrong TV replays have shown. Lanzini netted against Arsenal from a Andy Carroll overhead kick but the referee Craig Pawson backed up his linesman in disallowing the goal.
Veteran referee Howard Webb working for BT Sport agrees the officials got it badly wrong yet again which makes the 14th wrong decision against West Ham this season.
Hammers supporters can rightly feel aggrieved yet again that a major decision has gone against them. With momentum with Arsenal, they scored through an Ozil goal, again a marginal decision whether it was onside or not but the officials gave Arsenal the benefit of the doubt so often denied to West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav reckons we should have killed Gunners off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manager Slaven Bilic was happy with almost everything from the Irons – except the point.
And in typical fashion he walked away from a post match interview refusing to talk about Manu Lanzini's disallowed goal saying: "No I won't talk about it in press conferences or my columns because people say 'Oh he's off again.'
He admitted: "No doubt myself and Wenger can criticse our players for the build-ups to some of the goals but let me give my team credit. I was very proud of them.
"To go two down against any team is hard but to come back against one with the ability of Arsenal was brilliant because they could have gone on and made it three or our. We showed spirit, ability and couldn't have got the goals at a better time."
He added: "In the second half they showed they had the ability to create space where there appeared to be none but to be honest we were better and had the chances to kill if off to 4-2."
Of three goal Andy Carroll he said: "He's back and will make life difficult for any defender – be they from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or anyone. He not only scored the goals but linked the play, produced 50 yard diagonal ball. It was brilliant."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll netted a memorable hat-trick but the Hammers had to settle for a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal in the final ever London derby at the Boleyn Ground. Carroll was back in the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth back in January. And the Hammers forward reminded everyone of his quality when he scored three goals inside eight minutes to help the home side stage an amazing comeback from a two goal deficit after Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in pole position. The goals came at the perfect time for Carroll who is looking to impress England manager Roy Hodgson with the European Championship Finals just two months away.
It was the first hat-trick at the Boleyn Ground since Kevin Nolan's three goals against Reading back in May 2013 and looked to be enough to help the Hammers close the gap on the top four. But Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny made it 3-3 on 70 minutes and both sides had to settle for a draw in one of the best games of the season witnessed at the Boleyn this season.
In a pulsating contest, the home side could have taken the lead on 13 minutes when Mark Noble's cross fell to Carroll who produced a superb over-head kick and the ball picked out Manuel Lanzini who converted from close-range but his effort was ruled out for offside. Arsenal made them pay as they opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Alex Iwobi played the ball into the path of Ozil who appeared to be in an offside position but he produced a clinical finish past Adrian into the corner of the net. The north London club doubled their lead on 35 minutes and Iwobi was involved in the heart of the action once again when played a clever ball over the top of the Hammers defence which picked out Sanchez and he slid the ball past Adrian from close-range.
Despite falling two goals behind there were signs of a Hammers comeback when Carroll produced the best chance for the home side on 38 minutes when he picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and fired a powerful left-foot shot which produced a fine save from David Ospina diving low to his left. The turnaround started on the stroke of half-time when the Hammers pulled a goal back on 44 minutes when Aaron Cresswell's cross fell perfectly for Carroll and he directed a powerful header past David Ospina into the corner of the net.
Adrian made a fine save to deny Monreal just after the restart and it proved crucial as the Hammers raced down the other end and made it 2-2 just 160 seconds later. Dimitri Payet's corner was punched clear by Ospina. The loose ball fell to Noble who crossed into the chest of Carroll who saw his first attempt blocked by Gabriel Paulista. But the Hammers forward made no mistake with his second effort as he fired the ball on the turn and his shot flew past Ospina. It was the perfect way to end the half and with club legends Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds being introduced to the crowd at half-time alongside a number of heroes from the 1970's, everything was set up for a pulsating second half.
There was more controversy on 50 minutes when Carroll did well to keep hold of the ball inside the area following a challenge with Laurent Koscielny. The loose ball fell to Payet who rolled the ball into the back of the net. The linesman awarded the goal but was over-ruled by referee Craig Pawson who blew his whistle for a foul on the Arsenal defender, much to the anger of the home support. However, their mood quickly changed on 52 minutes when the majority of the Boleyn Ground went crazy as Carroll made it 3-2 to the home side. Michail Antonio showed his quality once again when he raced past Nacho Monreal down the right hand and played the perfect cross in for Carroll who directed his header over the top of Gabriel and the ball flew into the roof of the net.
Manuel Lanzini produced one of the saves of the season on 68 minutes when he was in the right place to superbly clear a shot off the line from Monreal. But Arsenal drew level on 70 minutes when Ozil's cross was flicked on by Welbeck into the path of Koscielny and he converted from close-range. The Hammers tried to find a fourth goal and came close on 74 minutes when Payet's dipping shot well saved by Ospina low to his right hand side, but the game ended all-square. All eyes now turn to the crucial FA Cup quarter final replay against Manchester United on Wednesday and it promises to be another special night under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham (4-2-3-1) Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble; Antonio (Emenike 46), Lanzini, Payet; Carroll
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Hendrie, Oxford, Obiang, Moses, Valencia
Yellow Cards: Carroll, Antonio
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Ramsey 60), Elneny (Giroud 68); Sanchez, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck (Walcott 81)
Subs not used: Cech, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Chambers
Yellow Cards:
Referee: Craig Pawson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll - A Boleyn hat-trick is special
WHUFC.com
It has already been a season of memories to last a lifetime for West Ham United players and supporters – and Andy Carroll added his name to the list of unforgettable moments in this Farewell Boleyn campaign with an eight-minute hat-trick against Arsenal on Saturday. Trailing 2-0 to goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, West Ham's long unbeaten Boleyn Ground run looked in real peril, but not to Carroll, who notched in the 44th and 45th minutes to bring his team level before the break. Then, with just seven minutes of the second half played, the No9 nodded home from a Michail Antonio cross to complete a sensational treble. Laurent Koscienly later levelled for the Gunners, but it was another demonstration that the Hammers now belong in such exalted Barclays Premier League company.
Carroll said: "It was nice to get three goals, I didn't realise it was as quick as eight minutes between them, but we feel we should have taken the three points. "It is a great feeling to score my first hat-trick for the Club, especially as we're coming to the end [at the Boleyn Ground]. I'll always remember scoring a hat trick at the Boleyn. "I was pleased with the finishes. The first was a header, then the second one, I was lucky with the right foot as I didn't connect properly, but it sat up nicely for my left and I put it away. Then it was another cross for my header to make it 3-2. We probably should have taken the three points. We got a little sloppy at the end and got tired because it was a tough game, but we are happy with the point."
With the Hammers now set to face Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup in midweek and league leaders Leicester City next weekend, Carroll is confident of making sure a big week ends in style. He added: "We've done well against all the top teams we've played this season. We've shown that we should be up there and hopefully we can carry on. "It's a big week for us and this will be a boost. We're scoring goals, it's not as though we're scraping points. We've shown that we can beat the top teams so we're looking forward to the games we've got ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jurcevic - It was a very emotional game
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Nikola Jurcevic says West Ham United could be in the Barclays Premier League's top three if decisions had not repeatedly gone against them. The Hammers were left to rue another questionable call in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Arsenal, with Manuel Lanzini's early goal being ruled out for offside, despite the No28 clearly being played on by right-back Hector Bellerin. The Gunners took advantage by going two goals clear through Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, but the hosts regrouped and stormed into the lead thanks to Andy Carroll's sensational eight-minute hat-trick either side of half-time. Arsenal grabbed an equaliser through Laurent Koscielny's finish, but Jurcevic felt the Hammers – who had two other 'goals' disallowed during a breathless game – would have prevailed if Lanzini's header had stood.
"We saw after the game on the video that it was an absolutely regular goal and in the last few games we have many referee decisions against us, but what can we do?" ," Jurcevic told West Ham TV. "This is football life and this time it happened. "It was a very emotional game. It was a fantastic game and I think our supporters can be happy because it was a dynamic 90 minutes. "On the one side we are a little bit sad because we had a good chance to take three points against Arsenal, but on the other side we can be proud of our play because we fought for 90 minutes and scored three very nice goals. "The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic and in the end we must be satisfied with this result, three-three, against a big team like Arsenal. I think it's OK."
Having suffered from controversial calls at Manchester United in the FA Cup sixth round and in the Barclays Premier League draws with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and now Arsenal, Jurcevic admitted frustration was growing in the Hammers camp. "This is a little bit frustrating for all of us," he conceded. "We speak about our situation in the table and the position and how many points we have, sometimes we think maybe without these decisions we could be fighting for position number three or four minimum in the Premier League. "But on the other side, it's not in our hands. We spoke with the guys and they must work hard and give everything in every game, but these decisions from the referees are sometimes really frustrating for us."
On a much more positive note, Jurcevic was fulsome in his praise for hat-trick hero Carroll, who netted two trademark headers either side of a spanking volley that levelled things up on the stroke of half-time. "He showed all his class," the assistant purred. "He is a centre forward par excellence. He is strong in the air with his head and will fight for everything and was absolutely man of the match – not only because of his three goals but because he was running for the team. "I am really happy for him because he's had some problems with injuries and could not play 90 minutes in every game, but if he is fit, he is top-class."
So, where does Saturday's entertaining stalemate leave West Ham, who sit sixth in the standings with six games to play? "First we have a very important game against Man United and we have a very big chance to go to Wembley," Jurcevic observed. "This is our dream and we will try to do the best we can and see what happens. "In the Premier League we are now in a position where we have a good chance to stay in sixth position, or maybe fifth. Also, if we play another six games in top form we have maybe a chance for position number four."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important Ticketmaster update
WHUFC.com
Following the recent announcement of West Ham United's new partnership with Ticketmaster, supporters are now invited to activate their accounts on the new ticketing system.
To do so, supporters should click here to activate their account and are advised to consult the user guide beforehand which can be viewed here.
This applies to all supporters with an existing client reference number. If you do not currently possess a client reference number, you are welcome to register a new account.
Supporters are reminded that all tickets and membership products relating to the new Stadium will be sold via Ticketmaster, whilst all tickets in relation to the final season at the Boleyn Ground will continue through whufcboxoffice.com.
This means that any existing or new Season Ticket Holders who have paid a deposit for their 2016/17 Season Ticket need to activate their account in order to pay the remaining balance. The deadline to do so is 5pm Sunday 5 June.
As a Season Ticket Holder, it is vitally important to use the client reference number relating to your Season Ticket so that your Season Ticket Holder status can be authorised. If you do not, you will be unable to pay your remaining 2016/17 Season Ticket balance, or purchase cup tickets in the priority booking window.
Additionally, supporters can also use the new Ticketmaster system to register on the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List for just £10.
Supporters who are not currently on the Priority List, but are hopeful of securing a Season Ticket in the future, are advised that joining the List is the only means of procuring Season Tickets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 3-3 Arsenal
By Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll became the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick against Arsenal since Wayne Rooney in 2011. Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt another blow to Arsenal's already slim Premier League title hopes, despite the Gunners fighting back to draw at West Ham. Arsenal are 10 points behind leaders Leicester with six games to play. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez converted Alex Iwobi passes to put Arsenal 2-0 up but Carroll netted twice in 160 seconds to bring his side level by half-time. A far-post header completed Carroll's treble, before Laurent Koscielny hooked in the equaliser from 10 yards. The hosts extended their unbeaten home run in the Premier League to 14 games but Slaven Bilic's side remain sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who play West Bromwich Albion at 17:30 BST.
Hammers' hat-trick hero
Striker Carroll was rarely far from the action in a pulsating London derby, being booked as early as the fourth minute for a needless late tackle on Koscielny. There appeared little way back for West Ham as clinical finishes from Ozil and Sanchez gave the visitors a two-goal cushion, but England international Carroll would turn the game in his side's favour in the space of eight minutes either side of the interval. All three goals were typical Carroll efforts, the first a powerful far-post header from Aaron Cresswell's left-wing cross, while he was awarded too much space by the Arsenal defence to fire in the equaliser at the second attempt during first-half stoppage time. The ex-Newcastle forward was perhaps lucky to escape further punishment when he clashed with Gabriel in the air, catching the centre-back with his arm, shortly before rising above Hector Bellerin to head past David Ospina - who had kept his place in the Arsenal goal ahead of Petr Cech. Andy Carroll netted all three of his goals at the far post from crosses. However, he won only eight of his 20 duels with Arsenal players and just five of his 12 aerial duels (41.7%)
Arsenal's title hopes over?
Wins over Everton and Watford either side of the March international break kept any faint hopes of a title success alive for Arsene Wenger's side. Having led 2-0 after 35 minutes, this result will feel like two points dropped for Arsenal, even though they responded well to Carroll's quick hat-trick and were decent value for their draw. The Gunners have a favourable run-in, with five of their last six opponents currently in the bottom half of the table - but it will take a remarkable collapse from Leicester and Tottenham above them if they are to win an unlikely title. Saturday's result did little to improve Arsenal's record in London derbies this season - they have taken only six points from seven games against other clubs from the capital.
Man of the match: Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Carroll had 10 of West Ham's 16 shots - no player has had more in a Premier League match this season
What the managers said
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit. There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. But the only thing I'm not happy about is the result."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."
The stats you need to know
Carroll's hat-trick was the fastest in the Premier League this season at seven minutes and 14 seconds.
The Hammers are unbeaten in their past 14 home games (won seven, drawn seven) - the longest current run in the top flight.
Alex Iwobi has scored twice and assisted another two goals in his first three league starts for Arsenal.
This is the first time in the Premier League since November 2012 (v Fulham) that Arsenal have led by two goals and failed to win the match. That game also ended 3-3.
What's next?
West Ham switch their attentions to the FA Cup on Wednesday when they host Manchester United in a quarter-final replay, while their next Premier League fixture is at leaders Leicester four days later.
Also on 17 April, Arsenal host Crystal Palace in another London derby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham striker says England return 'in back of my head'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll says he has not given up hope of being recalled to the England squad for Euro 2016. The 27-year-old, who won the last of his nine England caps in October 2012, scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Arsenal. Asked if he was thinking about a call-up for the tournament in France this summer, Carroll said: "Without a doubt. "I have to keep that in the back of my head, but I have to play each game here and see how it goes," he told BT Sport. Carroll, who has two international goals, was involved in Roy Hodgson's squad at the last European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in 2012 - opening the scoring in the victory over Sweden in the group stage. The former Newcastle forward has been plagued by injuries since completing a £15m move from Liverpool in June 2013, but he marked his 50th Premier League appearance since then with the second top-flight treble of his career.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic added: "Andy Carroll has everything. It's impossible to stop him. "Watch how many times he tried to get the ball off them. He was keeping the ball, laying it off. "Heading - he's maybe the best in the world. He has to stay away from those injuries. He's professional but he's got to be totally dedicated to his career and football."
Carroll featured in three of England's games at Euro 2012, scoring in a group win over Sweden
Should Carroll go to Euro 2016?
Former Celtic and Bolton manager Neil Lennon on BBC Radio 5 live: "I would (take him), yes. He's my type of centre-forward. The big man was really up for it and he's been magnificent. "With 10 minutes to go in an England game, he could be an option for Roy Hodgson."
Andy Carroll in the Premier League
SEASON TEAM GAMES PLAYED GOALS
2006/07 Newcastle United 4 0
2007/08 Newcastle United 4 0
2008/09 Newcastle United 14 3
2010/11 Newcastle United/Liverpool 26 13
2011/12 Liverpool 35 4
2012/13 Liverpool/West Ham (loan) 26 7
2013/14 West Ham 15 2
2014/15 West Ham 14 5
2015/16 West Ham 21 7
Other surprise England call-ups
Theo Walcott, 2006 World Cup: Arsenal paid £10m to sign Walcott from Southampton in January 2006. He failed to make a single top-flight appearance for the Gunners in the remainder of the 2005-06 season, but England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson made him England's youngest international at the age of 17 years and 75 days, and then took him to the World Cup in Germany. Walcott did not play a single minute at the tournament.
Steve Bull, 1990 World Cup: Bull scored 102 goals in two seasons to help Wolves to the Fourth Division and Third Division titles. That form convinced England manager Bobby Robson to call up the striker, who scored on his debut against Scotland in 1989. Bull, whose limited top-flight experience came early in his career at West Bromwich Albion, was included in the squad for the World Cup in Italy. He made four appearances at the tournament - but did not score a goal.
Jack Butland, Euro 2012: Goalkeeper Butland was called up by Hodgson because of John Ruddy's injury and went to Poland and Ukraine as England's third-choice goalkeeper, despite having not played a top-flight game at that stage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I loved every minute, says Bonds
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Billy Bonds bade an emotional farewell to his old stomping ground this afternoon when he gave an emotional speech to the Boleyn faithful during half time of the Premier League clash with Arsenal. Bonds - who spent over 25 years at the club as player and manager and is rated by many as the club's greatest living legend - appeared close to tears at points as he thanked the club's fans for their continuous support. "There's been so many memories," the 69-year-old told match day announcer Martin Godleman. "When I first walked through those doors Moore, Hursty and Martin Peters had just won the World Cup - as our fans think! - and it was a big time for me. "I was very nervous when I came in but I was made welcome."
Bonds - who left the club unexpectedly in 1994 after being stabbed in the back by former best friend Harry Redknapp - admitted that his speech was 20 years late but paid tribute to the clubs fans who, he insisted, are the very essence of the football club. "These people here, the fans, have been absolutely fantastic to me," he added. "When I left the club 20 years ago I never got the chance to say 'thank you' to the players I left behind and to these people. They were fantastic supporters. "Without them you haven't got a football club. They are the heart and soul of the club. We're going to a new stadium and I'm sure they're going to go in their numbers and follow their team. "They been great - and I loved every minute playing in front of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho has 'minor injury', says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 9th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho missed today's game against Arsenal as the result of a "minor injury", according to Slaven Bilic. Sakho, who missed a personal appearance at a club event in midweek was a surprise omission from today's 18-man squad. And when quizzed as to why he hadn't been included in the team that drew 3-3 with Arsenal this lunchtime, Bilic offered a curt response. "This was the best team for today - and that includes 18 players," he said. "He [Sakho] reported a minor injury - or what I hope [will be] a minor injury."
Sahko, who had not been reported as injured when Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke presented his weekly update last Wednesday evening failed to appear at a scheduled meet-and-greet event at the club's Lakeside store. And yesterday he was reported to have posted bizarre notes to followers of his SnapChat channel, one of which is said to have read: "When I am hated I don't give a f**k. I do everything to be more hated."
Soon after Sakho - who was accused by followers of appearing "drunk" - took to Instagram, where he posted the following short video:
Following his non-appearance at the ground today, rumours purporting to explain Sakho's absence began to spread.
Whilst some claimed that he had fallen out with Slaven Bilic after failing to attend a meeting, others reported that he had refused to sit on the bench, having been dropped from the first team as a result of the midweek incident.
Since arriving in England, Sakho has fallen foul of the law on two occasions. In November 2015, he was cautioned by Police after being arrested twice within the space of a few weeks in August of the same year.
The Senegal international had initially been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and malicious communications - for which he accepted the later caution - plus a charge of assault and malicious communications, for which charges were later droppped.
Sakho has made 19 appearances for West Ham United so far this season, scoring six goals. In his debut 2014/15 season, he managed 12 goals in 26 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll hat-trick halts Arsenal title charge
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 09/04/16 8:33pm
SSN
Andy Carroll's hat-trick dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's faint title hopes as West Ham held them to a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday. The Gunners looked on course to keep in touch with leaders Leicester when Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez struck inside 35 minutes to put the visitors in firm control at Upton Park. Carroll's treble inside 10 minutes either side of the interval turned the game on its head but though the towering forward might have given England boss Roy Hodgson food for thought, the Hammers had to settle for a point as Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny hit back (70). The result does little for the sides' respective title and top-four aspirations, Arsenal 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester, having played a game more, and West Ham still in sixth, two points off the Champions League places. Slaven Bilic's side almost made the perfect start as Manuel Lanzini headed Aaron Cresswell's scuffed volley wide inside the opening minute, although the effort would have been ruled out for offside.
The Argentine was the hosts' biggest threat in a cagey opening and he was unfortunate not to have opened the scoring when, having found the back of the net, linesman Darren Cann wrongfully ruled out his header for offside on 13 minutes. Arsenal posed a constant threat and, within five minutes, they took advantage of their reprieve as Alex Iwobi played Ozil through to slot past Adrian. The opener rattled West Ham, who were restricted to a couple of long-range free-kicks from Dimitri Payet, as Iwobi turned provider again, releasing Sanchez who made no mistake in doubling the Gunners lead with a low finish 10 minutes before the break. Having turned Laurent Koscielny on the edge of the area, Carroll looked to halve Arsenal's lead immediately but David Ospina was alert to keep his low out as the Gunners coasted towards the interval. But their lead was eventually snatched in an emphatic 160-second spell from West Ham. First, Carroll outmuscled Nacho Monreal at the far post to head Cresswell's cross beyond the stricken Ospina on 44 minutes, before the turnaround was completed in stoppage-time with a thunderous left-footed volley.
The half-time whistle momentarily spared Arsenal from the ensuing West Ham onslaught, but it was back underway in the second half. The hosts saw half-hearted penalty claims ignored by referee Craig Pawson following Hector Bellerin's clumsy challenge on Lanzini, before they were then denied a third goal as Carroll was penalised for a foul on Koscielny in the build-up to Payet capitalising on defensive hesitancy. The Gunners, though, were unable to keep a rampant West Ham side at bay and the pressure finally told as Carroll complete his hat-trick on 52 minutes with another assured header at the far post after Michail Antonio's cross from the byline. Carroll had the chance to extend his side's lead further, but his failure to convert Payet's cross opened the door for Arsenal to drag themselves off the canvas.
Monreal almost put an indifferent defensive display behind him by levelling the tie on 68 minutes, only for Lanzini to clear his effort from the edge of the area off the line. That chance marked a change in the tide at Upton Park as Arsenal, boosted by the addition of substitute Olivier Giroud, applied the pressure and got the breakthrough through Koscielny's smart finish after another assist from Ozil. With both sides fighting back from losing positions neither risked losing a point in the closing stages as the spoils were unsatisfactorily shared.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (7), Tomkins (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (8), Kouyate (6), Noble (7), Lanzini (7), Antonio (8), Carroll (9), Payet (7).
Used subs: Emenike (6).
Arsenal: Ospina (6), Bellerin (6), Gabriel (6), Koscielny (7), Monreal (5), Elneny (7), Coquelin (6), Iwobi (9), Ozil (7), Sanchez (7), Welbeck (8).
Used subs: Giroud (6), Walcott (5), Ramsey (5).
Man of the match: Andy Carroll
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal draw was 'a blow', says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:49pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic described their 3-3 draw with Arsenal as "a blow" after conceding a late equaliser, claiming his side deserve to be third in the Premier League. A dramatic encounter at Upton Park on Saturday saw Manuel Lanzini have an early goal controversially disallowed, before Arsenal took a 2-0 lead. An Andy Carroll hat-trick then saw West Ham turn the game on its head, but Laurent Koscielny restored parity for Arsenal with 20 minutes to go. "It's a blow," admitted Bilic. "I am so proud of my team to come back like that before half-time and then to be better than them in the second half. "I'm proud of everything. We were spectacular. The only thing I'm not happy about is the result. "To be two down against a team that has so much pace, it can be three in no time. Then in the second half to be better than them, and at 3-2 we had chances to be 4-2. I'm proud of everything."
This was the third game in a row that West Ham had dropped points late on in controversial circumstances, and Bilic believes his side should be higher up the league than they currently are. "We deserve to be third in the league, [and we're] not even fourth," he said. Bilic also reserved praise for Carroll, who was making his first start since January. "Now Andy is fit and we hope he will stay fit," said Bilic. "There aren't many players capable of doing what he is doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll exposed Arsenal weakness, admits Arsene Wenger
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 09/04/16 6:00pm
SSN
Arsene Wenger admitted Andy Carroll exposed the weaknesses which have all but cost Arsenal the title this season after his hat-trick earned West Ham a 3-3 draw. Laurent Koscielny (70) rescued a point for the Gunners, who had taken a 2-0 lead before Carroll's quickfire treble either side of the interval. But Saturday's result means Wenger's men could find themselves 13 points adrift of leaders Leicester with just 18 to play for by Sunday evening. The Arsenal boss reckoned Carroll was lucky to stay on the pitch after escaping a yellow card for a robust early challenge on Koscielny - but conceded his players could not cope with an aerial assault from the hosts. "Why did we struggle with Carroll? Because he's good in the air," said Wenger. "We had a good game but a bad result, and we paid for a weakness we have had all season - headers in our box. "Yes of course, he was lucky to finish the game, but that doesn't mean we have to concede goals from headers; we have to look at ourselves."
Arsenal's title bid appears realistically over but Wenger vowed to keep fighting until the end of the season. "We are third on 59 points and that's not where we want to be," he said. "We have made it much more difficult to have a chance to win the championship but no matter, we have to keep going. "You never know what will happen, and we have clubs chasing us as well, so we have to be serious and focus on finishing as high as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady 'paranoid' about refereeing decisions
Last Updated: 09/04/16 11:56am
SSN
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady has suggested her team's "frustrating" treatment at the hands of referees this season is "beyond mere coincidence". The 47-year-old has criticised Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Cheikhou Kouyate last weekend - a decision that was overturned by the FA this week. Writing in her column in the Sun, Brady listed a string decisions that have not gone the Hammers' way and paranoia is starting to set in. She said: "Another Saturday, another calamity. Mark Clattenburg brandished a red card with the speed of a 50-1 winning betting slip.
"But there was no suspect intent in Cheikhou Kouyate's tackle, nor was it even reckless. What was frustration turns to real bitterness when I hear we have won the appeal. "I'm beginning to get paranoid about the way West Ham are suffering from referees' decisions and I know I shouldn't be. It is the rub of the green we are told, although it feels like much more than that - almost beyond mere coincidence. "We've had three red cards overturned this season, not a single penalty award, not an away penalty in four seasons and the lowest number of penalties in the Premier League in the same time. "There's another meaning of course, to "seeing red". I must go and lie down."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-3 Arsenal: Andy Carroll nets hat-trick in Upton Park thriller - 5 things we learned
14:39, 9 APR 2016 UPDATED 15:50, 9 APR 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammer fought back from 2-0 down to take the lead before Laurent Koscielny ensured a point for Arsenal
The Mirror
Andy Carroll scored an eight minute hat-trick but West Ham were denied a thrilling comeback win by Laurent Koscielny. Defender Koscielny scored a 70th minute equaliser to earn Arsenal a draw from a topsy-turvy clash at Upton Park. The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead which was wiped out by Carroll's treble before Koscielny had the final say in a six-goal thriller. Manuel Lanzini had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside and Arsenal rubbed salt in West Ham's wounds when Mesut Ozil fired them ahead four minutes later. Alex Iwobi, who set up the first, then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute. But Andy Carroll struck twice in two minutes just before half-time and again seven minutes into the second half to turn the game on it's head. However Arsenal hit back when Koscielny tapped in Ozil's cross to make it 3-3.
Here are five things we learned.
1. Ospina inclusion the wrong call
David Ospina of Arsenal fails to stop as Andy Carroll of West Ham United scoring his team's second goal, Petr Cech was fit again after a calf problem but David Ospina retained his starting place and Arsenal's summer signing was on the bench. Wenger's faith and willingness to give Ospina games when he can is admirable but also questionable when Cech is clearly first choice, the better keeper and Arsenal still have plenty to play for.You suspect Cech might have dominated his box better than Ospina for West Ham's second and third goals.
2. Where was Sakho?
Diafra Sakho's absence from the West Ham team sheet raised eyebrows. And it sparked a guessing game about the reason for his omission following suggestions he missed a scheduled public appearance earlier in the week, Slaven Bilic intriguingly saying he picked the best squad for the game and a cryptic message was posted on social media by the striker.Sakho's absence opened the door for Andy Carroll and he grabbed his chance with two hands and three goals in his first league start for three months. In this mood he is unstoppable and, Carroll fitness providing, Sakho might struggle to get back in the team.
3. Officials make the wrong call
Slaven Bilic and West Ham would be forgiven for starting to think there is a conspiracy against them, as Jose Mourinho claimed there was against Chelsea last season. For the fourth game running they would have had grounds to feel aggrieved about decisions, this time when Manuel Lanzini's header was chalked off for offside despite Hector Bellerin playing him onside and again when Dimitri Payet's strike was also ruled out for an alleged foul by Carroll on Laurent Koscielny.
4. Iwobi impresses again
No wonder Arsene Wenger is such a big fan of Alex Iwobi and has been quick to hand him a bumper new contract. The talented 19 year-old has given Arsenal a lift since forcing his way into the first XI and set up two more goals against West Ham. Unlike some youngsters who might be happy just to be getting games at his age, Iwobi is constantly looking to take responsibility and make things happen and is growing in confidence by the game.
5. Prospects for both sides
This was a result that didn't help either side in their respective quests. With Arsene Wenger refusing to give up on the title until it is mathematically out of reach Arsenal needed to win. They should have having led 2-0 but collapsed before rescuing a point. They are now 10 points behind Leicester with six games each to play. A point is a slightly better one for West Ham and keeps them in touch with the top four. Though having fought back to lead 3-2 they too will be disappointed they failed to hold on.
Player ratings
West Ham
Adrian 6 - Helpless for goals but lucky not to be punished for dawdling on ball.
Tomkins 6 - Stepped up at wrong time to let Sanchez into score. Subbed at break.
Reid 7 - Grew in stature after break with number of vital clearances.
Ogbonna 6 - Also got stuck in to contribute to defensive display that improved.
Noble 7 - Drove West Ham forward and more influential after half-time.
Antonio BOOKED 7 - Also improved in second half and set up Carroll's hat-trick goal.
Kouyate 7 - Didn't stop running. Was key to West Ham winning midfield battle.
Lanzini 6 - Unlucky to have goal ruled out making oalline clearance his big contribution.
Payet 7 - Lit up the game with some great bits of skill once again.
Cresswell 7 - Enjoyed first-half wing-back role, setting up Carroll's first, before dropping back.
Carroll BOOKED 9 - Booked, could have been sent off, scored a hat-trick. Arsenal couldn't handle him.
SUBS
Emenike (Tomkins 46) 6
Arsenal
Ospina 6 - Good saves from Carroll and Payet but shaky on crosses.
Bellerin 6 - Lucky to get away with playing Lanzini onside and possible penalty appeal.
Gabriel 6 - Wouldn't have enjoyed tussles with Carroll. Gave Koscielny little help.
Koscielny 6 - Bullied by Carroll but salvaged his day with the equaliser.
Monreal 5 - Beaten too easily by Carroll for his first and Antonio in build-up to hat-trick goal.
Coquelin 5 - Could have been booked, overrun and no surprise he was subbed.
Elneny 7 - Efficient passer and read game well to repeatedly break up play.
Sanchez 6 - Good finish for his goal but was only on the edge of game.
Ozil 7 - Opened scoring crossed for equaliser but generally quiet.
Iwobi 7 - Another eye-catching and mature display. Set up both Arsenal goals.
Welbeck 6 - Worked hard but had little joy or any chances to score.
SUBS
Ramsey (Coquelin 61) 5
Giroud (Elneny 68) 6
Walcott (Welbeck 81) 5
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho training ground walk-out allegations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
Diafra Sakho's absence from today's squad was surrounded by confusion tonight and manager Slaven Bilic now seems set to meet with the player ahead of the match against Manchester United.
We understand the striker reported himself injured after training on Friday, left training and failed to show at the stadium for the Arsenal game today.
Sakho himself has stoked up a storm of unrest before the game by posting on his personal snapchat: "When I'm hated I don't gve a f..k. I do everything to be more hated."
And ClaretandHugh has since been told that he allegedly stormed out of training on Friday as it emerged he may be an unlikely starter for today's game.
There had been suggestions that he had been disciplined after missing out on a a scheduled media appearance at the Lakeside shopping centre club store last week.
But we were told exclusively: "No, that was bad organisation. He had three medical tests, one after the other, with three different people.
"The results were very good and the problem he had has cured itself. The people who had booked the tests hadn't liased with media – thus he couldn't make it."
Nobody has a clue as to why the Senegal striker took to snapchat with such an angry message which suggests the training ground allegations may have some truth in them although given the medical results the injury claim seems odd.
We were told: "Nobody saw Sak at the stadium today and it will now be down to the manager to decide how he handles this on Monday with the Manchester United match in front of us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: "I told you so"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold tonight told those who have criticised him for standing by Andy Carroll: "I told you so!"
The chairman has been the big man's biggest defender as he has battled his way through injury and back to full fitness.
And nobody was more delighted to see the Geordie boy storm back to form than the co chairman who smiled: Ok I'll say it – 'told you so.'
Speaking to ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Its been a case of patience, patience, patience and I've told everybody who would listen that this is a great player who will come back to his very best.
"He played a magnificent game out there today – it was almost the perfect centre foreard's game and I'm thrilled for him and everybody. No player deserves it more.
"Andy's been forced to take a lot of criticism through social media at several levels and it's been wrong. He's a total professional and if he stays fit he can hit the heights. I believe he can and will."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brilliant – a Hammers team built to last!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
By new ClaretandHugh blogger
Paul Gregory
Rarely are points so precious as when they are won from behind. West Ham proved that adage true today.
They probably should have won. Even before Andy Carroll's masterclass in tormenting a defence Manuel Lanzini should have opened the scoring, turning home Carroll's bicycle kick but being flagged for offside. Hector Bellerin was playing him on, and by some margin too.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal in control; they were cruising, keeping the ball nicely and taking advantage of some uncharacteristically poor Hammers defending.
Yet there is a fight about this Hammers side, a desire to persevere, to snatch something from the jaws of nothing. Carroll was the focal point and he will rightly gain the plaudits for a performance that embodied everything Arsenal so fear; he was their nightmare made flesh, towering above defenders, harrying and hounding Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny with the ease of a seasoned Premier League target man. No one can accuse Carroll of being a flat-track bully, either; he has scored against Liverpool, Chelsea and now the Gunners.
Yet it is Dimitri Payet who pulled the strings, and who played with such composure and skill that one would think he was strolling about his garden, having a kickabout with his kids, Milan and Noa.
One dazzling show of skill sent Aaron Ramsey askew, his head spinning as Payet passed him, a blur of claret and blue. The France international – surely a shoo-in for Les Bleus' Euro 2016 squad – was not given the chance to add another brilliant free-kick to his collection but his contribution was immense nonetheless; he has been the signing of the season.
That Koscielny would gain some measure of revenge on Carroll with a second-half equaliser is immaterial. Slaven Bilic was disappointed with a point, and that speaks volumes. West Ham no longer hope for a result against the top teams, they expect one.
After calling his side "spectacular" in his post-match press conference, Bilic presented a hypothesis; he feels his side deserve to be third, not sixth.
"I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed," he said.
Bilic, as he says, finds it hard to separate the stone-cold facts from his claret-tinted spectacles, but he may well be right; West Ham haven't lost since February and this result marked their 10th unbeaten.
It is rather unlucky that Leicester's fairytale is playing out in the same season as the Hammers' resurgence, or else Bilic's men may well be hogging ALL the headlines.
Who does one trust now to finish in the top four? The Manchester clubs are flaky at best – City have a ridiculous habit of simply refusing to turn up to games while United must be the most pedestrian contenders for a Champions League spot in recent memory.
West Ham are the team who can be relied upon to get a result, time and time again. Much like the Foxes at the top the Irons show no signs of falling away any time soon.
This is a team built to last, and Champions League football would be the cherry on top of a breathless, brilliant season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More Slav from the press room
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Q: Good choice to start Carroll?
Slav: Yep. We have good strikers of course and he's fit now, he trained for a few weeks, he looks really sharp. We had space on the flanks and we hoped we could use it to put in good crosses, we have really a few players who are capable, Dimitri, Antonio, Mark, who can bend the ball well, it's hard for defenders. He has done similar against Liverpool, Chelsea, many teams. It was a good decision. "We were also good without Andy, he's amazing when he trains regularly, he's a great trainer, he loves to train, he's not lazy. His problem is not consistency it's little injuries, he's 6'4 and so much kilos, now he's fit we hope he's gonna last like this for years.
On Lanzini and various incidents:
Slav: I decided not to talk about the referee, not because I have to defend some decisions and we are not happy, we should not be happy, I'm not going to talk about it. When I said something for four weeks, I sound ridiculous to myself so I'll leave it to you.
The Euros and West Ham players:
Slav: "It's the second thing I decided not to talk about! I was international manager for six years and Roy is doing a great job, they looked really good against Germany, I like England and I found the game against Germany exciting. I was manager for six years and blah blah blah, I only said my opinion to our players; Noble, Cresswell and Carroll. He has to make you think about him, not many players are capable of doing what he can do; not only goals but holding the ball. It's Roy's decision. "I wouldn't blame them when the cross comes, it's hard against Andy. But we expected to have time and space on their flanks, when the ball comes in, you have to blame your defenders when a striker scores three with headers, but you have to blame all defenders in the league when the ball comes in; against Liverpool, Terry and Cahill, it happened. It's more up to him than down to defenders."
No Sakho?
Slav: "This is the team that I named, it's the best team for today, those players. He had a minor injury."
Top four?
Slav: "This is a blow, we can't wait for the game on Wednesday, we are so confident, we came out of this game very confident, everything is unbelievable, I'm proud to be 2-0 down against a team and be three in no time. They have space, come back like that in no time and second half be better than them, have more chances to be 4-2, I'm proud of everything, we were spectacular. I'm not happy with result, this is a blow, we've done enough. I'm first to raise my hand, I'm not objective when talking about West Ham, like my children, they're mine, we deserve to be even third in the league, not even fourth, I'm very disappointed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robbed yet again by wrong decision
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manuel Lanzini's 14th minute goal should have stood and the linesman got it wrong TV replays have shown. Lanzini netted against Arsenal from a Andy Carroll overhead kick but the referee Craig Pawson backed up his linesman in disallowing the goal.
Veteran referee Howard Webb working for BT Sport agrees the officials got it badly wrong yet again which makes the 14th wrong decision against West Ham this season.
Hammers supporters can rightly feel aggrieved yet again that a major decision has gone against them. With momentum with Arsenal, they scored through an Ozil goal, again a marginal decision whether it was onside or not but the officials gave Arsenal the benefit of the doubt so often denied to West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav reckons we should have killed Gunners off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manager Slaven Bilic was happy with almost everything from the Irons – except the point.
And in typical fashion he walked away from a post match interview refusing to talk about Manu Lanzini's disallowed goal saying: "No I won't talk about it in press conferences or my columns because people say 'Oh he's off again.'
He admitted: "No doubt myself and Wenger can criticse our players for the build-ups to some of the goals but let me give my team credit. I was very proud of them.
"To go two down against any team is hard but to come back against one with the ability of Arsenal was brilliant because they could have gone on and made it three or our. We showed spirit, ability and couldn't have got the goals at a better time."
He added: "In the second half they showed they had the ability to create space where there appeared to be none but to be honest we were better and had the chances to kill if off to 4-2."
Of three goal Andy Carroll he said: "He's back and will make life difficult for any defender – be they from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or anyone. He not only scored the goals but linked the play, produced 50 yard diagonal ball. It was brilliant."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
