Peter Brabrook – 1937-2016
WHUFC.com
West Ham United has been left deeply saddened by the passing of Hammers
great Peter Brabrook. The 1964 FA Cup winner and England international
winger died following a short illness on Saturday at the age of 79. A hugely
popular character, Peter made 215 appearances across six seasons, scoring 43
goals, before returning to the Club as both an Academy coach and scout,
working in the latter role until just weeks before his death. A friendly,
approachable and hugely knowledgeable figure beloved by his teammates,
colleagues and supporters alike, the 1958 FIFA World Cup finalist will be
sorely missed by everyone at the Club and the football world as a whole.
Born in Greenwich in November 1937, Peter spent the early part of his career
with Chelsea, helping the Blues to win the Football League title as an
18-year-old in 1955. Three years later, the young outside-right was on his
way to the FIFA World Cup finals in Sweden, where he earned one of his three
senior England caps when he started against the Soviet Union.
In 1962, Peter made the move across London to the Boleyn Ground for a
£35,000 fee, making his West Ham debut in a 1-1 draw with Burnley on 22
October of that year. A maiden goal in Claret and Blue arrived the following
month in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
His most successful season with the Club, both personally and collectively,
came in 1963/64, when he netted a career-high 12 goals, including two
against Charlton Athletic and Orient during the Hammers' triumphant run to
the FA Cup final. At Wembley, it was his cross that Ronnie Boyce nodded in
with just seconds remaining to secure the famous trophy for the first time
in the Club's history.
The following season, injuries restricted Peter to just 25 appearances,
including one in West Ham's European Cup Winners' Cup run, which ended in
another glorious victory at the Home of Football. The south London-born
player was more heavily involved the following season, 1965/66, when he
helped the Hammers reach the semi-finals of both the League Cup and European
Cup Winners' Cup. Peter departed the Club in 1968, completing his playing
career with Orient and Romford before returning to the Hammers to work
within the Academy of Football. There, he scouted and coached some of the
finest graduates in West Ham history, including Joe Cole, Michael Carrick
and Frank Lampard Jr. In more recent years, Peter scouted Football League
clubs, seeking to unearth talent at senior level, and he remained a regular
and welcome visitor to both Chadwell Heath and, this season, Rush Green.
West Ham United would like to express their sincere condolences to Peter's
family and friends at this sad time.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says the Hammers' point at Anfield on Sunday gives them the
perfect platform to build on in what he calls a 'crucial week' for his team.
The east Londoners follow the 2-2 draw with Liverpool by taking on Burnley
and Hull City at London Stadium – two games which the manager wants to use
to climb up the Premier League table. But he knows the challenge both will
present will be a significant one and the boss needs the Hammers to show the
same mental fortitude they displayed on Merseyside. He explained: "I was
pleased with the character shown by the team. After the loss last week, 5-1
to Arsenal, and then making a start that couldn't be worse, we showed a
great reaction. "It's a really great point for us, a positive situation
before this crucial week for us. "We tried to get as many points as possible
from these four, on paper, very difficult fixtures and now we have Burnley
and Hull at home. "Those games will be extremely difficult in every way and
we will have to show the character again, but also the quality,
togetherness, patience, because they will be very mentally demanding games.
We have to be ready for them."
The boss also had praise for how his goalkeeper Darren Randolph bounced back
from the error which led to Divock Origi's leveller early in the second
half, springing to his left to make a terrific stop from Jordan Henderson
and preserve the visitors' point.
He continued: "Darren is more than okay. It's the nature of the goalkeeper's
job. He made a mistake for the equaliser, it's true, but before and after
that he showed a great individual reaction. He was there in the moments we
needed our goalkeeper. "He showed his quality, his composure and he made a
couple of great saves – that strike from Henderson was a crucial moment for
us."
The manager concluded by offering his condolences to the victims of the
bombings in Istanbul this weekend – outside the stadium of his former club
Besiktas, where he spent two years prior to joining the Hammers. He said:
"I'd like to dedicate this point to the people in Turkey. I was there with
my staff for two years and I feel for them. "My prayers go out to them, it
is very sad what is happening in one of the best cities and one of the best
countries – because of the nature of the people, being so friendly and so
warm – that it's tearing me apart what happened there. "[I send] big
condolences to the families of the victims."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
George Dobson scored his first goal in senior football for Walsall on
Saturday
Josh Cullen helped Bradford secure an important home point
And Lewis Page, Reece Burke and Enner Valencia all played a part for their
loan sides this weekend
A first goal in senior football for Hammer George Dobson, on loan at
Walsall, could not help the Saddlers claim their second consecutive victory
as they were beaten 2-1 by Fleetwood Town on Saturday. Dobson's 76th minute
strike – a belter that fizzed through a crowd of players and past Town
keeper Alex Cairns from all of 25 yards – could not salvage anything as the
visitors found themselves two down in Lancashire previously. Ash Hunter's
superb curling strike had given the hosts the lead just three minutes before
the interval, and that advantage was doubled on 67 minutes as Bobby Grant
smashed home after an initial effort had hit the crossbar. Despite the
defeat, the match will live long in the memory for Dobson, who has now made
ten appearances for the League One outfit in all competitions.
Elsewhere in the third tier, Josh Cullen continued his terrific season,
starting and completing 90 minutes for Bradford City as they maintained an
unbeaten home record to draw with visiting Charlton Athletic. The Addicks,
under the guidance of new boss Karl Robinson, taking charge of his first
league match, threatened in the first half and struck the woodwork twice
through Josh Magennis and Jordan Botaka. But a second half sending off for
Patrick Bauer helped see Bradford over the line and remain in touch with top
two Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United.
Lewis Page's Coventry City had an afternoon to forget in Essex as Southend
United were 3-1 winners at Roots Hall. The left-back played the full match
for the Sky Blues but could not prevent Anthony Wordsworth, former Hammer
Anton Ferdinand and Stephen McLaughlin bagging goals for the hosts. Dan
Agyei grabbed a consolation one minute from time, but City continue their
battle against relegation this season as they sit just inside the drop zone.
Up a division, there was similar misery for Reece Burke – on loan at
struggling Wigan Athletic – who fell to defeat at Aston Villa.
The West Ham defender played 45 minutes for the Latics in the 1-0 loss in
which Jack Grealish scored the winner in the 88th minute.
Warren Joyce's men, despite the defeat, are still just two points from
safety in the Championship table and will look to improve their position on
Wednesday as they host Newcastle United.
Finally, in the Premier League, Enner Valencia was given 19 minutes for
Everton though the Blues were beaten 3-2 in a thriller at Vicarage Road.
Watford moved up to seventh with the terrific win in which Stefano Okaka's
brace and Sebastian Prodl's first of the season helped c linch the victory.
Romelu Lukaku was also on the scoresheet twice but in vain for the Toffees
who sit in ninth in the top flight.
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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan pays tribute to two Hammers and looks ahead to
an important week...
I would like to start this week by paying tribute to two special people who
have sadly passed away in recent days, taken from us by the evil disease
that is cancer. Peter Brabrook was a member of our greatest team, a team
that won the FA Cup for the first time in the Club's history in 1964, won
the European Cup Winners' Cup and reached the League Cup final. Peter played
for England at the World Cup at the age of 21, and a player who thrilled
West Ham United fans like me with his exciting wing play. He later returned
to the Club as an Academy coach and scout, helping to develop some of the
best players we have ever produced.
Jack Howard was just 12 when he passed away. A huge Hammers fan, Jack
bravely fought the disease with the support of his loved ones and the West
Ham family. I would like to express my personal condolences to Peter and
Jack's families at this time. We will pay tribute to them both at
Wednesday's game against Burnley.
I think we are all feeling more positive about our season after Sunday's
performance at Liverpool. Personally, I was impressed with the spirit and
togetherness shown by the team after falling behind early on. After what
happened late on against Arsenal, some teams would have crumbled after Adam
Lallana's goal, but not West Ham United.
Slaven Bilic and his players can take a lot of pride from what they achieved
against Liverpool, who have been thrashing teams at home this season.
Instead of going into their shells and feeling sorry for themselves, they
showed what playing for West Ham is all about. We tightened things up at the
back, pressed them all over the pitch as a team scored two great goals. We
deserved to be winning at half-time. It was a shame that we conceded after
the break, but Darren Randolph shrugged off the disappointment of his
mistake to make an absolutely world-class save from Jordan Henderson.
Make no mistake about it, getting a draw at Anfield was important for the
confidence and belief in the squad – and sets us up for two vital home
matches this week. We welcome Burnley and Hull City to London Stadium and we
will need every one of you behind the team as we seek six points that would
take us nearer to where we want to be in the Premier League table.
Tickets are available for both matches – Burnley on our Ticket Exchange and
Hull to our Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and fans on the Priority
List – and I would strongly urge you to buy now if you want to be here to
cheer the team on.
As I said last week, we are a real force to be reckoned with when we are all
pulling in the same direction – we showed that at Liverpool, at Manchester
United, at Crystal Palace and at home to Chelsea.
These two matches will go a long way to shaping our season and we need a
full house right behind the players to give us the best possible chance of
securing the points we need.
I can assure you we are all determined to end a historic year for West Ham
United on a high.
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Nordtveit keen to kick on after Anfield draw
WHUFC.com
Norway international Havard Nordtveit said Sunday's draw against Liverpool
was the result of weeks of hard work
The 26-year-old admitted it has been a difficult start to life in the
Premier League
After an assist and a solid performance at Anfield, the summer signing is
keen to kick on for Slaven Bilic's men
Midfielder Havard Nordtveit admitted it felt great to be part of the Hammers
side which picked up a point at Anfield on Sunday after a difficult start to
life at the Club. West Ham travelled to Merseyside to take on an in-form
Liverpool outfit who look to be serious title contenders in the Premier
League this season and came away with a crucial point to show for their
efforts. After Adam Lallana put the Reds on the front foot, Dimitri Payet
equalised with a stunning free-kick before Michail Antonio poked home
Nordtveit's long ball before the break. Divock Origi levelled three minutes
into the second half but the visitors stood strong, with Norwegian Nordtveit
blocking and clearing everything that came his way. After securing the draw
and providing an assist, he said: "We have been working hard for many, many
weeks now and I felt that we got what we deserved today. After a hard start
at West Ham, I finally now want to show the fans what I'm doing in training
every day. "There are always things you can do better – nobody is perfect –
but after a hard start at West Ham, adapting from the Bundesliga to the
Premier League which has been tough, I finally now want to show the fans
what I'm doing in training every day."
Nordtveit joined the east Londoners from German outfit Borussia
Monchengladbach during the summer but was making just his fifth Premier
League start in the clash at the weekend. But after providing some
much-needed solidity at the back as both right-back and centre-back in parts
of the second half, the 26-year-old is now keen to kick on in claret and
blue. "I said last time, I'm always positive and working hard," he
continued. "The group is always positive so I'm just lucky and happy to be
here and hopefully now we can look forward to the next game and do the same
performance at home. "[This result] shows what we have in this Club and in
this team. It shows what spirit we have in each player. "After 90 minutes,
you can always feel when you've played against a good team like Liverpool,
and that shows that we don't belong in the situation we are in in the table.
"We want to be further up and hopefully it was a turning for us. We are just
looking forward to the next game and hopefully we can take more points."
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FT - West Ham United PL2 2-3 Swansea City
WHUFC.com
FT: All over here. The Hammers have been beaten 3-2 by Swansea. They staged
a late comeback thanks to goals from Martinez and Quina but in the end
Swansea just had enough to see the win out! Much more reaction to come on
our channels over the next 24 hours. Full-time: West Ham United PL2 2-3
Swansea City.
90+1: GOALLL! There's just one goal in it now! Quina caresses the ball into
the far corner. Do we have a comeback on here? 2-3
90: 4 mins added at the end of this game!
87: But the Hammers respond! Martinez stabs home after Parfitt-Williams's
flick on. Is it too little too late? 1-3
84: And the penalty is scored by Byers for his second of the match. Not been
a great night for the Hammers. 0-3
83: Penalty to Swansea. Sylvestre gets the wrong side of James and bundles
him over in the box. Chance here to wrap things up. 0-2
81: Akinola flicks a Browne free-kick towards goal but it rolls into the
arms of Brighitti. More frustration for the home side. 0-2
77: Samuel goes into the book for a foul of Neufville. Browne again whips in
a teasing ball but it's cleared by Swansea. 0-2
75: Sub now for the Hammers. Dan Kemp is replaced by Djair Parfitt-Williams.
0-2
72: Sub for Swansea. Their goalscorer Biabi is taken off and Owain Jones
comes on. 0-2
70: Neufville is shown the first booking of the evening for a coming
together at worst. Then Martinez has space for a shot but is closed down
well by defenders in white. 0-2
67: Couple of good set pieces delivered by Browne but the Hammers are yet to
make the most of them this evening. Time running out to get back into this
game. 0-2
59: Much better since going behind. Quina fakes a shot before sending a
drive just over the bar from 25 yards. 0-2
57: Better from the Hammers. Samuelsen works the ball to Browne but his
shots squirms just wide. 0-2
53: There's actually been a change at the break. Noah Sylvestre has replaced
Sam Wesley at right back. 0-2
50: It's just got worse for the Hammers. The ball was given away cheaply in
the midfield and was shuffled to Biabi who couldn't miss when through on
goal. 0-2
48: Swansea's Blair works some room on the edge of the box but sends a shot
well over Trott's crossbar. 0-1
46: We're back underway at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Big half
required from the Hammers. Come on boys! 0-1
HT: We're reached the interval here and the Hammers trail. It's been a
strange half with the home side having much more possession and chances, but
Swansea took theirs on half an hour. George Byers with the goal and there's
work to do for the boys. 0-1 at the brea
45: Edging towards the break here - 1 minute of added time here! 0-1
39: Another great chance for the Hammers. Browne swings a deep free kick in
and it comes off Swansea's captain Davies. Unfortunately, Birighitti tips
the ball round the post for a corner. 0-1
36: A break in proceedings now as the a Swansea player is treated to on the
near touchline. The goal came out of nothing really and the Hammers will
have to come from behind here. 0-1
30: And just like that, the Hammers are behind. Totally against the run of
play in this first half. George Byers finds some space and manages to
squeeze the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. May have
took a deflection on the way through. 0-1
29: Samuelsen flicks the ball through to Martinez who shows his ruthlessness
in front of goal to find the bottom corner. Unfortunately, he was flagged
offside. 0-0
28: Browne tries his luck from distance but his shot sails over the bar.
Swansea haven't had a sniff so far. 0-0
26: Quina tries to find Samuelsen with a delightful cross field pass but
it's just behind the Norwegian. The Hammers are probing and have been the
better side in the opening stages. 0-0
22: Best chance of the game so far! Kemp gets the ball from Quina on the
right, cuts in past two challenges and forces Birighitti into a terrific
reflex save. The Hammers are on top! 0-0
18: Wonderful play again from Browne. He skips about four challenges but his
pass is just behind Martinez. The Spaniard was flagged offside though. 0-0
14: Browne bursts through the challenge of two defenders but a deflection on
his shot takes the sting out of it. Drops into the arms of Birighitti. 0-0
10: Nice build-up by the Hammers. Quina tries to slide the ball through to
Kemp but it's too close to Birighitti. 0-0
7: Neufville fouls Samuel on the Swansea right and the away have a free-kick
in a dangerous area here. Blair sends the ball in but it's straight at
Trott. 0-0
5: Nice one-two between Browne and Martinez. Browne sends a stinging into
the palms of Birighitti. Bright start by the boys! 0-0
2: Spells of possession for both sides in the opening embers. As expected,
the Hammers start with Martinez as the focal point of the attack with Browne
in behind.
1: We're underway at the CCS. Last game at home until the New Year so let's
end with a bang boys!!
6.50pm: Not long from kick-off at the CCS. Terry Westley is without captain
Declan Rice this evening who is out with illness. Tunji Akinola comes back
into the side, with Dan Kemp also returning to the starting eleven. The
players will be out shortly! COYI!
Hammers XI: Trott; Westley (Sylvestre, 45), Pike, Akinola, Neufville; Quina,
Makasi; Kemp (Parfitt-Williams, 75), Browne (c), Samuelsen; Martinez. Subs:
Howes, Hector-Ingram, Diangana.
Goals: Martinez, Quina.
Bookings: Neufville.
Swansea XI: Birighitti, Reid, Lewis, Blair, Davies (c), Rodon, James (Bray,
85), Holland, Biabi (Jones, 72), Byers, Samuel. Subs: Zabret, Evans, Cooper.
Goals: Byers 2, Biabi.
Bookings: Samuel
6pm: Evening and welcome to the Chigwell Construction Stadium for West Ham
United PL2's match with Swansea City. The Hammers are fourth in Premier
League 2 and come up against the league's frontrunners tonight, who have won
five league games on the bounce. It will be a testing night for Terry
Westley's men - that's for sure. Team news to follow!
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE: EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER, YOUTH AND EVENTS UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 DECEMBER 2016 AT 9:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
That's more like it! A much better performance at Anfield and whilst we were
under pressure for parts of the game we showed spirt, grit and
determination. This is something that we have lacked in many games this
season and it appears Bilic's training ground disclosure about certain
players not applying themselves worked with there being a number of notable
absences from the bench for Liverpool. These players were not injured they
were deliberately not selected.
I thought Payet showed fight, something that some have accused him of not
doing and once again Reid was superb. Mark Noble continues to come under
some stick and he is now needing to raise his game with many players looking
to come back into the starting eleven. I really like Noble and wouldn't drop
him yet but in certain games you may need more intensity to your midfield.
We have drawn up a list of target players of which nearly all come from the
domestic leagues. This is something that I have covered in many of my
columns and radio shows. We are targeting the big clubs especially Chelsea,
Liverpool and Manchester United and we want proven domestic players which is
reassuring compared to our summer signings. The main targets I have all
mentioned in previous columns so the names will not surprise anyone. We will
focus our attentions on a forward possibly two and a right back. We will
also look to cover some of the players who are going to the African nations.
These are likely to be Ayew, Sakho, Feghouli and Kouyate.
The Zaza deal is taking time to negotiate and we have a couple of plans. One
is to try to renegotiate the deal to take out the permanent signing clause,
to organise for a buyer to take over the loan (with some interested from
Spain and Italy) or to just not play him and take the loss of the loan fee
but of course this is the least preferred option. A number of players could
leave the club. Tore was expected to leave but his current complex injury
problems mean this is now tricky. Arbeloa has proven to be a disappointment
since his arrival and despite Bilic and him attempting to have a closer
working relationship it wouldn't surprise me if he left. Feghouli could also
be allowed to leave on loan too. Calleri is currently injured and back in
South America it is also unlikely that he will stay in January which will
bring an end to quite a disappointing gamble. We only spent £1m on loan fees
for him though so not too much is lost.
It was great to see a number of youngsters make the bench including Alex
Pike who I was lucky enough to interview a few years back and is someone who
I also played for the same youth side as (although he is much younger than
me) so it wasn't together. We have many talented youngsters coming through.
Reece Oxford is the highest profile and I know I have said many times he
should sign his contract soon. He turns 18 this Friday and an announcement
cannot be far off. He has now returned to training following his injury.
Martinez is another who has returned from injury and scored another goal for
the development squad today. He surely cannot be overlooked for much longer
and Quina, another talented player, got a goal too. The future is very
bright.
I was devastated to hear the news that Peter Brabrook had sadley passed away
after a short battle with cancer. He was a much loved person around the club
and is credited with the development of many of our top youngsters such as
Frank Lampard Jnr, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand. I have had
the pleasure of getting to know Bertie Brayley from the same youth team as
Carrick and Cole and he often told me how close he and Peter still were and
what he meant to him and I know this is the case with many other West Ham
associated people. He was also meant to be a brilliant winger in his playing
days and played alongside Bobby Moore. He continued to work for the club
until the discovery of his condition and should be remembered as a key part
of our history.
Our West Ham Way Pre Match event was a huge success before the Arsenal game.
We had over 300 people in attendance and have received nothing but positive
praise. Myself, Dave from SD&CC and Mark Ward have been delighted with the
response but all being perfectionists we are determined to make each event
better and better. For the price of £25 you get free unlimited beer
(Carlsberg and Carling) and bitter (Toby and Tetley), we show West Ham DVDs,
play West Ham related music, we have great raffles with prizes such as
books, posters, club shop gifts available, the hammerettes in attendance and
free coach travel to the London Stadium. The coaches drop you as close as
possible to the ground and it is a short walking distance. Even if you do
not have tickets for the game you can still watch it in the East London
Working Man's club with fellow fans. Of course the most important part of
the event is the Q and A session that is hosted by ex "Boys of 86" player
Mark Ward. Mark is very charismatic and brings scouse cheek to the event and
this Hull City match event will see Stuart Slater as the guest. Stuart
Slater was my first ever favourite player and was electric when he broke
through into the side before moving onto Celtic. We look forward to seeing
many of you there! You can purchase tickets here: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET2
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Peter Brabrook
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Peter Brabrook, one of the stars of West Ham United's FA Cup win over
Preston has died aged 79. The Greenwich-born winger made 167 appearances for
West Ham during the mid 1960s including an appearance in the 1964 FA Cup
Final. And having retired from the game in the early 1970s, Brabrook
returned to West Ham to take a place in Tony Carr's Academy, which produced
the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Jnr during his time at Chadwell
Heath.
Born in 1937, Brabrook began his career at Ford United before joining
Chelsea in 1954. Although he only played a bit-part role in Chelsea's League
Championship success in 1954/55, he went on to make 251 appearances for the
Blues. Unfortunately for Brabrook - but to West Ham's distinct advantage -
he failed to impress incoming Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty and was sold to
the Hammers in 1962, in a deal worth £35,000.
And within three years Brabrook had added an FA Cup winners to his earlier
Championship success at Stamford Bridge. Brabrook, who also won three
England caps during his career had been battling cancer. He passed away on
Saturday.
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Payet still the key to future success
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Rich Sprent
Dimitri Payet has come in for a bit of stick this season. Apparently he is
overweight, lazy and disinterested.
Payet has never been the sort of player who will continually run down lost
causes. He's not a player who will make block tackles, timely interceptions
or one to throw his weight around in an effort to turn the ball over. He's
being made out that he's failing for not single-handedly winning football
matches for this under performing team.
Yet the stats say otherwise; squawka.com has him achieving three times
overall the amount of the nearest Hammer, Michail Antonio. In fact, they've
given him a higher score than Antonio and Lanzini put together.
And here's a lovely stat for you all. Payet has weighed in with 47 chances
created (assists + key passes). Antonio and Manuel Lanzini have 29 between
them. No one else is worthy of mention. A bit deeper digging amongst the
Opta stats shows that practically everything West Ham does offensively goes
through the inside left position. Through Dimitri Payet.
Lanzini combines well with the Frenchman but of late has been drawn towards
him leaving the right vacant. Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku combine
well with the main man also and it's obvious where we are dangerous. Where
we are not is down the right hand side.
Antonio clearly has an amazing work ethic and engine. In games against
Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United last season he showed that he could
dominate the opposing fullback and own the right flank. Playing there in the
odd game is one thing. To play there every week is something else.
Bilic wanted Antonio as his starting right back this season. It didn't even
look close to working. The club's summer recruitment was heavily effected by
this decision. It was magnified when Byram tore his hamstring.
The wing back system could be viewed as a cheat by Bilic in trying to cram
in an extra player into the side. Antonio has chipped in with seven goals
and has comparable offensive output as last season. He has the athletic
attributes to cause problems going forward despite playing deeper.
What it has done to the balance of the side is shocking. He simply cannot
defend as a full back and there is no one for him to link with.
Antonio has one of the highest rates for losing possession in the team. He
has continued with this rate from last season. Despite his great effort he
is struggling to fulfill a huge workload. As well as the hole at the back
behind him, there is a glaring hole in the West Ham attack. And it is clear
that it is in the area of inside right forward. There is simply no one that
occupies this area to cause the opposition any sort of issue.
Enter, Andre Ayew. His stats over the past few seasons haven't been
particularly outstanding. He is not a stand out winger. He is not a striker.
He doesn't grab many assists. He's only hit double figures twice in his
career. He does have good pass completion and is blessed with good
acceleration and pace.
Ayew can do a job in the attacking midfield positions across the pitch yet
nothing in his skillset jumps out as to why this player has become our
record signing. If the plan is to fit him in to the inside right position to
fill the void then there were and are arguably much better players out
there. He is more suited as a wide player in a Dutch front three.
The word is that the structure of the deal suited West Ham and that he was
bought on the never-never on some very favourable terms. Despite the signing
fest of right wingers, we do not play them as such. Ayew's union with the
Irons appears to be a marriage of fiscal convenience rather than a true love
of his footballing attributes.
So what next for Slaven Bilic? He has a misfiring team that achieves less
than one in four of its shots on target. It is midfield-heavy and cannot
manage to get ahead of the lone forward. It's a team that struggles to
create any sort of space and goalscoring opportunity despite a Balon D'or
nominee being the focus.
This misfiring attack is then coupled with a defence that allows the most
shots on target inside the penalty area in the Premier League. Add to that
an admitted lack of intensity throughout the team and it should be no
surprise that the team is ailing.
The imperfect system is clearly trying to give flexibility and balance yet
repeatedly fails to do either. It ignores the main strengths of the team and
forces pressure on the three most creative players on the park to excel.
These three have contributed to 76/144 chances created. The team have scored
17 goals.
This system needs to go unless something clicks. It is reliant on Ayew
having a worldy year at inside forward. It's desperate for Sakho and/or
Carroll staying fit. It is begging for there to be resurgence in intensity.
All of these and more are required to make it work.
Failing these factors, then Payet will need to attain even more. He may very
well look disinterested, but he's carrying the team at the moment.
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My disappointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Darren Randolph left Anfield a dejected man after his mistake potentially
cost West Ham two Premier League points. The goalkeeper, who recently
replaced Adrian as first team goalkeeper dropped a cross two minutes into
the second half to allow Divock Origi to make it 2-2. "We managed to get
ourselves back in the game and then ahead but I was disappointed with their
equaliser," said a clearly disappointed Randolph. And when asked whether he
felt he had redeemed himself with a stunning save from Jordan Henderson
later in the game, he replied simply: "No. I's one of those things that
happened and we move on."
The Irish international has been in the form of his life form since the
summer, when he excelled for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 16. Slaven
Bilic recalled him to the first team in place of Adrian following the 4-1
defeat against Manchester United, since when he has conceded seven goals in
two games.
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Magnusson - I'll never understand how West Ham lost Tevez case
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's former Chairman Eggert Magnusson says he still cannot
understand how the club managed to lose a £30million+ legal battle with
Sheffield United over Carlos Tevez in 2008.
The reign of Magnusson and business partner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who
succeeded the outgoing Terry Brown as the majority shareholder of West Ham
in 2006 will mostly be remembered for two significant events.
Firstly, the club's incredible end to the 2006/07 campaign that culminated
in the 'Great Escape' - and secondly, the legal wrangle with Sheffield and
the Premier League that eventually cost West Ham United in excess of
£35million in fines, awards and other associated costs.
Speaking exclusively to the KUMB Podcast's James Longman this week,
Magnusson admitted that he is still baffled by the outcome of the ensuing
court case which saw the League One club land an astonishing and
unprecedented £30million payout.
And although he maintains that predecessor Terry Brown was unaware of the
secret agreements that could have potentially broken Premier League edicts
pertaining to third party ownership, the 69-year-old is less sure about
other prominent members of the club at that time who were instrumental in
closing the deal to sign Tevez and Argentinian team mate Javier Mascherano.
"I still don't understand how West Ham lost the court case," Magnusson,
talking exclusively on this week's KUMB Podcast said. "I think it was badly
handled by the people who were responsible for the club at that time.
"I just can't believe how they lost the case with Sheffield United. I've
been in football all my life and to say that one player can win promotion or
avoid relegation, it's impossible.
"Terry Brown thought that everything was ok with the deal, I sincerely
believe that. But there were some forces within the club that were doing
things they knew were not correct and in the end, that came to light.
"We had problems with the Premier League all season because of this. I
remember how I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about
documents out there I had never seen which could have ultimately led to us
being relegated to the Championship."
In the interview, Magnusson also speaks about his (eventual) successors,
David Sullivan and David Gold, and talks about the rest of his brief spell
as Chairman of West Ham.
He also discusses his relationship with Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley,
"splashing the cash" on players such as Freddie Ljungberg and Craig Bellamy,
the reasons for his sudden and unexpected departure plus his continued
affection for the club and
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ballon d'Or nominee Dimitri Payet is 'fully committed' to West Ham, says
skipper Mark Noble
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
14:07, 12 DEC 2016UPDATED14:07, 12 DEC 2016
Mark Noble has insisted Dimitri Payet is "fully committed" to West Ham – and
still one of the best players in the Premier League .
The France star hinted he could seek a January move last month when he told
French TV: "I will not close the door on anything."
But Payet , who was outstanding last season and is on the Ballon d'Or
shortlist, scored a stunning free kick against Liverpool to lift the Hammers
out of the bottom three – and also has five assists. And captain Noble said:
"This season was going to be so difficult because of what he did last
season. I am not just talking about he was one of the best players in the
Premier League. For the last season, he has been one of the best players in
the whole world with the Euros. "But the chances he has created this season
and the important goals he has scored for us, Dimi is full committed – I can
tell you that now. He is great with the lads. I have got a very close bond
with Dimi. I just love seeing people come to the club and do so well. "I see
him train every day. I see how he feels when he loses games. And don't
forget, he hasn't even had a holiday. "I still believe he has still been one
of the best players this season in the Premier League. He has created
chances for other players. It is up to other players to score those chances
– he can't cross it and score it himself."
West Ham now face home games against Burnley and Hull this week with the
chance to move Slaven Bilic's team clear of relegation trouble. And Noble
gave his boss his full backing. He told talkSPORT : "The thing with the boss
is that he is so passionate and really, really wants to do well for the club
and the fans. Obviously he played here so he knows what it is like.
Sometimes when you are getting the results we have had, he takes it
personally. "He wears his heart on his sleeve and he is not going to be
coming to press conferences buzzing like he was last year. We are not in the
same position. "I wholly believe he is the man to lead this football club –
I am 100% behind him as the captain of this football club and I am pretty
sure the boys are. I am the buffer between him and the changing room."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart on West Ham radar as Slaven Bilic backs red-faced Darren Randolph
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Darren Randolph was the villain and then hero for West Ham at Anfield, amid
speculation the club will make a summer bid for Manchester City's England
goalkeeper Joe Hart. West Ham led Liverpool 2-1 at half-time but Randolph's
error early in the second half handed the home side an equaliser, scored by
Divock Origi. Randolph later atoned for the mistake by brilliantly saving
from Jordan Henderson but West Ham may look to strengthen their goalkeeping
department by bidding for Hart at the end of the season. Hart is on a
season-long loan at Serie A club Torino but wants to return to England next
season, in an effort to cement his international place.
Randolph has acquitted himself well since replacing Adrian for the Hammers'
last four League matches and Slaven Bilic defended his keeper, saying: "Yes,
he made a mistake but before and after he showed great reaction because he
was there when you need your goalkeeper. "After they equalised he showed
his quality and composure."
Michail Antonio, West Ham's man of the match yesterday, believes the point
gained at Liverpool provides a much-needed platform on which to build in
what is a massive five days for Bilic and his team. On Wednesday, West Ham
are at home to Burnley and three days later they meet Hull, also at the
London Stadium. "We want to get as far away as we can from the situation
we're in," said Antonio. "Hopefully we'll get three points in the week and
distance ourselves from the bottom three. "The point at Liverpool shows we
have determination and grit. We have to push on from here."
Bilic played Antonio, who missed the 5-1 defeat at Arsenal with a groin
problem, up front and the switch worked. "We knew Liverpool would play very
offensively but Michail is ideal against that because of his pace, timing
and physicality," he said. "He did a brilliant job for us."
West Ham demonstrated character and determination following the mauling by
Arsenal. "We showed great reaction, especially after Liverpool scored so
early. This was a demanding schedule, playing against Spurs, Manchester
United twice, Arsenal and now Liverpool. Now we have Burnley and then Hull
and both will be very demanding games in terms of quality, patience and
mental strength."
Andy Carroll, who came on as a second-half substitute at Anfield, is in line
to start against Burnley while Cheikhou Kouyate could also return following
a hamstring strain.
Meanwhile Bilic, who was coach at Turkish club Besiktas before joining West
Ham, dedicated the draw to the victims of the Istanbul bomb blast. "Me and
my staff were there for two years and I feel for them, my prayers are for
them," he said. "They are maybe the best people I ever met, they're so
friendly, so warm and what has happened is tearing me apart."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: What I really think about West Ham's Liverpool draw after
Arsenal thrashing
SLAVEN BILIC believes West Ham's draw with Liverpool yesterday was the
perfect reaction to last week's thrashing to Arsenal.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 07:24, Mon, Dec 12, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:38, Mon, Dec 12, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham went behind early on against Liverpool but left Anfield with a
hard-earned 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio.
The precious point lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone, one point
clear of Swansea and Hull, and Bilic hopes his side can now build momentum
going into a crucial Christmas period. West Ham have relatively winnable
games for the rest of December, with Burnley, Hull, Swansea and champions
Leicester all to come before the turn of the year. "I'm definitely pleased
with character," said Bilic, whose side lost 5-1 at home to Arsenal last
week. "We lost our last game 5-1 against Arsenal and then after a start that
couldn't be worse when you concede a goal here you expect confidence to drop
more. "But we showed great reaction. I am very pleased with the whole 90
minutes. It was a great point for us and a positive situation before a
crucial week for us. "Now we have Burnley and Hull at home which will be
extremely difficult. We have to show quality and patience."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ian Wright hails "great point" by West Ham united
Shane Callaghan
HITC
West Ham United won an unlikely point at Anfield on Sunday. Ian Wright has
told BBC Sport that West Ham United should be pleased with their hard-fought
point in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool. The Irons went into the match on
the back of a 5-1 drubbing by Arsenal last week but it was a much-improved
showing from West Ham this time around. It got off to a horrendous start,
however, as Adam Lallana fired the Reds ahead inside five minutes and the
travelling Hammers must have feared the worst. But goals before half time
from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio flipped the game on its head, before
Divock Origi levelled up on 48 minutes. West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph
could and probably should have done a little better, but he gifted Origi the
chance to equalise by fluffing a routine catch.
Nevertheless, Wright, who spent time at the East London club during the end
of his playing career, says that Slaven Bilic's side should be delighted
with the result all things considered. "I thought West Ham did well
considering what happened last week," he told BBC Sport.
"It is a great point. I know Darren Randolph is disappointed because of the
mistake he made, but West Ham should be pleased with the result." The point
lifts West Ham up to 17th, one point above Swansea, and Bilic will be
feeling a little less anxious about his job following speculation during the
week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 13
Sunday, December 11
Daily WHUFC News - 12th December 2016
Hammers show desire with Anfield point
WHUFC.com
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
52 years. 52 years the Hammers waited for three points on the Red half of
Merseyside. At one point on Sunday, it looked as though it would be two
victories there in 451 days. As when Dimitri Payet equalised with a
trademark free-kick and Michail Antonio poked home – not with his head – to
lead, it was time to dream for the east Londoners packed into Anfield during
a superb first half performance. Four games unbeaten against the Reds last
season, the Hammers put themselves in prime position to make it five in
total. Liverpool, looking the part in 2016/17 under the guidance of
charismatic boss Jurgen Klopp, had other ideas. Hopes dashed through Divock
Origi's equaliser, but not everything lost for West Ham; a crucial point
picked up at what has not been a happy hunting ground over the years.
For all the delight the first half provided the away end filled with almost
3,000 happy Hammers, the clash started in the worst possible fashion for
Slaven Bilic's men. Sadio Mane and Divock Origi combined with frightening
pace before the former found Lallana inside the box, who finished past
Darren Randolph with aplomb on the turn after just five minutes. Time for
West Ham to step up. And step up they did. Peppering Loris Karius' goal with
attempts, the visitors began to turn it on as they had here last season.
First Manuel Lanzini went close on the volley, before Antonio was denied a
quick equaliser on eight minutes. Still behind, inspiration was needed. And
as the football world knows by now, nothing provides the Hammers with more
inspiration than a free-kick within shooting distance. There's only one man
for the job. A pat on the back for the superb Pedro Obiang, drawing the foul
from Lallana, and an opportunity for Payet to draw West Ham level.
Predictably, he did just that. Whip, precision, pace; Karius' dive
despairing, the Frenchman's celebration trademark. Cresswell, back in his
hometown, was next to try from range, before Roberto Firmino dragged one
wide for the hosts. Six minutes from half time stalemate at Anfield;
encouraging, but not satisfying enough for West Ham. Seemingly from nowhere,
excitement was about to transform into ecstasy behind the goal. Back in the
starting XI, Havard Nordtveit provided the assist, clipping a long ball over
the top of the Reds' defence into the path of Antonio – with the help of
Jordan Henderson's head – who coolly slotted home.
No win here in 52 years – surely it couldn't be London buses for the
Hammers? The hosts were sure to cast doubt on that within three minutes of
the restart, however. Disappointment and frustration for BIlic's side –
though for nobody more than Darren Randolph – as Origi tapped in the
Irishman's spilled catch.
If he wanted a chance to atone for his error, Randolph couldn't have hoped
for much better with 20 minutes remaining. World class, no two words better
describing the 29-year-old's save from Henderson's perfectly-placed strike.
Backs to the wall. Wijnaldum twice went close, but the visitors stood
strong, Nordtveit in particular throwing himself at everything that came his
way. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Michail Antonio; the trio having never
lost against Liverpool were not about to throw this away now. Desire,
passion and commitment; all were present in abundance. Liverpool left
frustrated, West Ham returning to the capital with something to show for
their efforts as the Premier League clash finished 2-2.
Liverpool: Karius, Clyne, Wijnaldum, Lovren (Klaven 46), Milner, Firmino,
Henderson, Mane, Lallana, Origi, Matip.
Subs not used: Mignolet, Moreno, Lucas, Ejaria, Woodburn, Alexander-Arnold.
Goals: Lallana 5, Origi 48
Bookings: Firmino 53, Mane 76
West Ham United: Randolph, Nordtveit, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang,
Lanzini (Fernandes 68), Noble, Antonio, Ayew (Carroll 62), Payet.
Subs not used: Adrian, Fletcher, Quina, Browne, Pike.
Goals: Payet 27, Antonio 39
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Antonio – We showed our character
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio said that the Hammers showed their grit, determination and
character with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield
The Hammers' top scorer grabbed the visitors' second goal to give them the
lead on Merseyside
Bilic's men were forced to battle hard after Divock Origi's equaliser
Determination, grit and character; Michail Antonio believes the Hammers
showed all three qualities in abundance at Anfield as his side picked up a
point in a 2-2 draw. Top scorer Antonio grabbed West Ham's second on
Merseyside, poking past goalkeeper Loris Karius to give the visitors the
lead after Dimitri Payet had beautifully cancelled out Adam Lallana's opener
with a free-kick. After Divock Origi levelled things up again three minutes
into the second period, Slaven Bilic's side were forced to battle hard to
earn their share of the spoils, something Antonio was proud of on Sunday. He
said: "We showed that we've got determination, grit and we showed what
happens in the past doesn't affect us and we can move on. It's a great point
away. "We just want to keep pushing on and build on this now. We need to
keep moving, building and in the week hopefully get the three points and
distance ourselves from the bottom three. "It's a massive show of character.
It shows that we can do it, it shows that we've got the players to do it and
now we just have to do it."
The 26-year-old's seventh of the season – the first not with his head – came
in the 39th minute as he raced clear and left Karius with no chance after
Havard Nordtveit's long ball. And the midfielder, being deployed as the most
advanced Hammer for much of the first half, showed his delight as he
performed one of his much-loved celebrations. "It was the running man
celebration today," he explained. "I was sticking with the nineties theme!
"I was thinking about heading it as I was going through! No, it had a nice
bounce and I could get one with my feet. I take them as they come. "I got
one with my feet and hopefully I can keep doing it. The point is massive for
us. "It's one of those things where we're playing week in, week out to move
forward and get further away from the situation we're in now."
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Bilic takes pride in Liverpool draw
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic happy with 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool
Hammers fell behind, led, were pegged back and held on to secure a point
Manager wants his team to build on result in home games with Burnley and
Hull
Slaven Bilic hailed West Ham United's resilience and togetherness in
securing a deserved 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool. The Hammers went
to Anfield without eleven senior players and on the back of a 5-1 home
defeat by Arsenal, and their confidence took a further dent when Adam
Lallana slotted the Reds into a fourth-minute lead. However, a trademark
Dimitri Payet free-kick and Michail Antonio's opportunistic strike had
Bilic's side in front by half-time. Divock Origi took advantage of a Darren
Randolph error to level three minutes into the second half, but the Hammers
produced a fine rearguard action to hold on and take a very hard-earned
point back to east London. "The players deserve a lot of credit, of course,"
said the manager. "We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the
game for us, but after that in the first half we definitely showed a great
reaction and were good on the ball and created chances. "Of course we had to
defend, but I'm really happy with the way we reacted after the goal. "In the
second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also expected
us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us. "We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal
here and our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed
character first of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good
result."
Bilic was also supportive of his goalkeeper, who shrugged off his mistake to
make a truly world-class save to keep out Jordan Henderson's curling effort,
which was destined for the top corner. "That's the nature of their job," he
observed. "When they make a mistake like Randy did for the second one, it
can be difficult, but apart from that he was solid, he was really good and
made a couple of great saves, so I'm happy with him."
The challenge for West Ham now is to build on Sunday's draw by beating
newly-promoted Burnley and Hull City at London Stadium this coming week.
Both the Clarets and the Tigers secured their own impressive results at the
weekend – Burnley beating AFC Bournemouth and Hull drawing with Crystal
Palace – so Bilic knows the Hammers will not be able to take their
collective foot off the pedal. "We knew that after these four games we had a
couple of games at home against Burnley and against Hull, which we have to
win, basically," he concluded. "Hopefully we're going to win them and while
it isn't going to change our season, it will help us move up the table and
be in a much better situation. "They will be very hard games, of course,
where we have to show our quality first of all, and our togetherness and
everything. They will be difficult games, but I'm sure we're going to be
ready for Burnley."
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Pike confident of turnaround in form
WHUFC.com
Alex Pike is confident things will turn around for West Ham United PL2
The Hammers are winless in four matches
They host Swansea City at the Chigwell Construction Stadium (7pm) on Monday
Alex Pike says everyone involved with West Ham United PL2 is working hard to
improve their current form, which has seen them go winless in four matches.
The Hammers have endured a frustrating few weeks, losing consecutive league
matches and going winless since the end of October, but Pike is confidence a
turnaround is on the horizon. With just two games left before the Christmas
break, the 19-year-old understands the need for maximum points in their next
two fixtures. "The spirit is alright. These things happen like the first
team have found out this year, teams hit a bit of bad form. The two losses
aren't ideal but everyone has been working hard to rectify it," he said.
"When you've shown that you can do it, it's just a matter of getting back to
that form. Working hard on the training pitch means you can get the bad
things out of the way and hopefully this week we can bounce back and get a
win."
The Hammers entertain Premier League 2 leaders Swansea City on Monday
evening (7pm kick-off) with the aim of closing the gap on the league's
pacesetters.
Swansea have won five in a row in the league and visit the Chigwell
Construction Stadium in fine form, but Pike is confident the Hammers can
resurrect their own form and achieve a positive result. "Any game in this
league, you never know what to expect because players can push onto the
first team or they might have a cup game coming up," he added. "So you never
know but we've got to expect a hard game as we always do. Hopefully we can
live up to the challenge and do well.
"We've got a strong team at the moment and not too many injuries either. So
hopefully we can get two wins in the next two games and go into Christmas
and enjoy the break a little bit more. It's always better to go into the
break with wins."
West Ham United PL2's match with Swansea City kicks off at 7pm from Dagenham
and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium on Monday. Admission is free
for season ticket holders – otherwise, it's £5 for adults and £3 for
children.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
By Jamie Strickland
BBC Sport
Goals by Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio exposed Liverpool's defensive
frailties again as West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation
zone with a hard-fought draw at Anfield. After conceding four in last
weekend's loss at Bournemouth, Liverpool shipped two avoidable first-half
goals on their way to ceding more ground to Chelsea and Arsenal in the title
race. Adam Lallana's smart low finish had put Liverpool ahead inside five
minutes but the visitors were level before the half-hour when goalkeeper
Loris Karius - at fault for Bournemouth's winner a week ago - failed to deal
with Payet's saveable 25-yard free-kick. Karius was less culpable for West
Ham's second scored by Antonio, but it was a scruffy goal that did not
reflect well on a Liverpool backline that has now conceded 20 goals in 15
league games - the worst record among the teams in the top six. But errors
were not the sole preserve of the Liverpool defence, and a big mistake by
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph, dropping a cross into the path of
Divock Origi, gifted Liverpool the equaliser.
Randolph made amends with a quite stunning late save to keep o ut Jordan
Henderson's equally sublime strike as West Ham held on for a point that sees
them climb to 17th. Until recently Liverpool's new goalkeeper had largely
gone under the radar since joining from manager Jurgen Klopp's former club
Mainz in the summer. After missing the start of the season with a broken
hand, Karius was installed as Klopp's number one at the end of September,
replacing Simon Mignolet.
The German had a relatively untroubled time of it in his first nine games,
although small mistakes were in evidence - but nothing as high-profile as
the injury-time spill that allowed Nathan Ake to score Bournemouth's winner
last time out. And the pressure is sure to intensify on the 23-year-old
after his part in West Ham's opener, with Payet's free-kick nicely struck
but much too central to be considered unstoppable. West Ham's second goal
was also avoidable from Liverpool's perspective. Havard Nordtveit's hopeful
drilled pass from his own half struck the head of the retreating Henderson,
deflecting the ball high into the air and wrong-footing Reds centre-back
Joel Matip, allowing Antonio in. The West Ham man might not have had the
chance to score had Karius been further advanced in his area, but nothing
should be taken away from the finish, a cute poke with the outside of his
boot that just had enough force to cross the line.
Liverpool lack killer instinct
Liverpool are the top scorers in the Premier League with 37 goals in 15
games, so it is perhaps uncharitable to point the finger at their forward
line after this blip.
Yet for all their possession - 68% - they managed just three shots on target
in the whole match, with two of those coming from West Ham errors. The
visitors were guilty of snoozing for Liverpool's opener as Sadio Mane picked
up the ball in the middle of the park and made unchecked progress to the
left wing. His cross bounced through to Lallana, who had time to control and
finish under zero pressure from a static West Ham defence. Their second was
also a gift, Mane's cross inexplicably squirming out of Randolph's gloves
and landing perfectly for Origi to score for a fourth successive game in all
competitions - the first Liverpool player to do so since Daniel Sturridge in
February 2014. Mane was at the heart of everything good Liverpool did in
attack, playing a part in an intricate passing move that ended with a
blocked Henderson shot, and then twisting and turning on the edge of the
area to create an opening for Georginio Wijnaldum that flew wide.
Wijnaldum also failed to get enough curl on his shot when advancing on goal
down the left channel, while Roberto Firmino was guilty of missing the
target after good approach play. Indeed Liverpool's only other shot on
target was Henderson's superb long-distance strike, which was reminiscent of
his stunning winner against Chelsea in September but met on this occasion by
the right hand of the flying Randolph.
Man of the match - Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Liverpool will be frustrated at failing to pick up all three points but that
was in no way down to a lack of effort on the part of Sadio Mane, who
provided the assist for both goals and could have had a hand in more had his
team-mates been more clinical
Antonio finds his feet - match stats
Watford are the only side in the top half of the table to have conceded more
goals (26) than Liverpool (20).
West Ham have scored five goals in their past two league games at Anfield -
as many as they did in their previous 20.
Michail Antonio scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season, but
his first that wasn't a header. His last non-headed goal was at Stoke on the
last day of last season.
The Hammers have now lost a league-high 12 points from leading positions in
the Premier League this season.
'The goals could have been avoided' - reaction
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "We tried everything. One West Ham goal was a
free-kick and one was lucky. They were 2-1 up and we had some great
offensive situations and should have had more. We tried everything. We were
often in the box, a lot of situations. "It felt like the whole time we were
were in their box. We needed a bit of luck. A draw doesn't feel too good,
doesn't feel too bad. "The goals could have been avoided. For the first goal
- don't make the foul, don't lose the ball. The second goal was unlucky.
Joel Matip had a fantastic game and in this moment he couldn't clear the
ball. Loris Karius was surprised and it was too late.
"Should Karius have saved the free-kick? For this I have to see it again - I
only saw it in the match."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We showed a great reaction after they were one
up. In the first half we were very good. "I wasn't happy with the second
half because I expected us to be better on the ball. In the end, well done
for the players." On Darren Randolph's mistake: "It's the nature of their
job - when they make a mistake it is obvious. He made a mistake but after
and before he showed real quality and he was crucial for us in moments when
they had a chance or two."
What's next?
It's a quick turnaround for these clubs with a round of midweek Premier
League fixtures to come. Both teams are in back action at 19:45 GMT on
Wednesday as Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough and West Ham host Burnley.
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Now we must start winning, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic admitted that he was reasonably pleased with a point from
today's Premier League clash at Anfield, but says his team must start
winning again - beginning with their next outing against Burnley.
Having navigated a tricky November and early December, Bilic's side now face
a run of games against teams in the lower half of the table - namely Hull,
Burnley, Swansea and Leicester.
And despite today's point being enough to lift West Ham out fo the
relegation zone - which they dropped into last night following Swansea's
defeat of fellow strugglers Sunderland - Bilic says that his team must turn
one point into three when they face newly-promoted Burnley at the Olympic
Stadium this week.
"We knew that we had a couple of games at home after this that we had to
win, basically," Bilic said following his side's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
"Hopefully we're going to win them and it can change - not the season maybe,
but to help us climb the table. Maybe it won't be a comfortable situation
still, but much better than this.
"They're going to be hard games, of course, where we have to show our
quality and togetherness. It's going to be a difficult couple of matches and
I've got to make sure we're going to be ready for Burnley on Wednesday."
Referring to this afternoon's game, which the Hammers led 2-1 before a
Darren Randolph error allowed the hosts to snatch a point, Bilic insisted
that his players deserved to take the plaudits for a battling display.
"We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the game for us, but
after that in the first half we definitely showed a great reaction," he
surmised. "Of course we had to defend, but I'm really happy with the way we
reacted after the goal.
"In the second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also
expected us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us.
"We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal here and
our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed character first
of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good result."
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Slaven Bilic proud of West Ham fight in Liverpool draw
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:21pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes his West Ham side deserve a lot of credit after
recovering from 1-0 down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool. West Ham fell behind to
an early Adam Lallana goal at Anfield, but responded brilliantly and headed
into the break 2-1 ahead after goals from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio.
While Divock Origi capitalised on a Darren Randolph error to make it 2-2
three minutes into the second half, the Hammers held on for a valuable
point. BIlic was delighted with his side's resilience in a draw which sees
them move out of the relegation zone and into 17th. "They deserve a lot of
credit. We conceded a very early goal but after that we showed a great
reaction," Bilic said. "We were good on the ball and I was really happy. In
the second half, you are expecting Liverpool to be better but I expected
more from us. "We showed compactness and resilience to get a point which is
a great achievement for us." For a club who has not won since October, West
Ham's draw will still be seen as a positive following 5-1 and 4-1 losses to
Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Bilic admitted he feared the worst when his side conceded to Liverpool after
just five minutes. "When you lose 5-1 at home then concede an early goal at
Anfield, your confidence drops even more," Bilic added. "But we reacted
really well and showed character, teamwork and togetherness and at the end
we got a really good point." The Hammers manager went on to defend Randolph
despite his costly error before looking ahead to West Ham's next set of
fixtures. Bilic's side face crucial home league matches against Burnley and
Hull before Christmas, with the Clarets visiting the London Stadium first on
Wednesday night. "We have to win and hopefully we will, and then it will
change - not the season, but it can help up move up the table," Bilic said.
"It's going to be very hard and we will have to show our quality - it will
be a difficult couple of games mentally but I'm sure we're going to be ready
for Burnley on Wednesday."
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Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United: Jurgen Klopp's men stumble
By Gerard Brand at Anfield
Last Updated: 11/12/16 7:54pm
SSN
Liverpool fell behind in the Premier League title race after being held to a
2-2 draw by West Ham at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool took the lead early on
through Adam Lallana's neat strike, but Dimitri Payet's 25-yard free-kick
and Michail Antonio's finish had West Ham going into the break 2-1 up via
some questionable goalkeeping from Loris Karius on both occasions. Divock
Origi capitalised on Darren Randolph dropping a Sadio Mane cross to finish
from close range just after the break, but despite dominating the second
half in possession, Liverpool could not grab a winner. The result means
third-place Liverpool are six points behind leaders Chelsea and three behind
second-place Arsenal. West Ham are 17th, a point above the drop zone.
Lallana and Joel Matip both returned for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp made two
changes from the side that lost at Bournemouth, with Emre Can missing out
through a knee injury.
West Ham made four changes as Aaron Cresswell, Andre Ayew, Antonio and
Havard Nordtveit were given the nod at Anfield following a 5-1 defeat by
Arsenal.
After a dramatic 4-3 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, it initially looked
more simple for Liverpool this time out as they took the lead after five
minutes.
After getting down the left wing, Mane's centre found Lallana eight yards
out, and the midfielder stroked it into the bottom right corner past
Randolph. There were warning signs early on for Liverpool, as Antonio got in
behind Dejan Lovren and forced a save out of Karius, before West Ham
equalised on 27 minutes. Payet, who had not scored for West Ham since
October 1, curled a free-kick into the bottom left corner from 25 yards,
though there were question marks over the positioning of Karius, who also
got a palm to the effort. Anxiety grew in the Liverpool camp, and it was
soon 2-1 to West Ham in somewhat fortuitous fashion.
Matip was left flat-footed as Nordtveit's hopeful drilled ball forward
deflected off the head of Lovren, allowing Antonio to sneak in and poke the
ball past Karius, who was caught in between racing out and staying closer to
goal. Roberto Firmino then glanced a header wide as Liverpool reacted well
before the break, while Matip's looping header from a corner bounced off the
crossbar. They were back level just two minutes after the break through
Origi, who reacted well to finish into an empty net from a few yards out
after Randolph had failed to catch Mane's hopeful left-wing cross. Gini
Wijnaldum then fired wide from just inside the area a couple minutes later,
while at the other end Ayew's diving header went a few yards wide of the
left post. Jordan Henderson then lined one up from 30 yards out, forcing
Randolph into a fine fingertip save as the ball headed for the top corner,
as Liverpool dominated the second period. They could not find the winner,
however, as West Ham's defence stood firm despite having little possession
in the second half.
Player Ratings
West Ham: Randolph (5), Nordtveit (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (6),
Noble (6), Obiang (7), Ayew (6), Lanzini (6), Payet (7), Antonio (8)
Subs: Carroll (6), Fernandes (6)
Liverpool: Karius (4), Clyne (6), Lovren (5), Matip (4), Milner (6),
Henderson (6), Wijnaldum (8), Lallana (8), Mane (7), Origi (7), Firmino (6)
Subs: Klavan (6)
Man of the match: Michail Antonio
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Slaven Bilic sends prayers to Turkey after Besiktas explosions
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:39pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic dedicated West Ham's point against Liverpool to the people of
Turkey after the terror attack outside Besiktas' stadium on Saturday. Bilic
spent two seasons as manager of the Super Lig team before leaving them in
the summer of 2015 to make the move to the Premier League with the Hammers.
He had an emotional reaction after the 2-2 draw at Anfield when asked about
the explosions outside the Vodafone Arena, which claimed the lives of 38
people and left more than 150 being treated in hospital. Many of the dead
were reported to have been riot police who were still in the area around the
stadium nearly two hours after Besiktas had beaten Bursaspor 2-1. "I would
like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because we were there for
two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big time," Bilic said.
"I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what happened
there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they are maybe
the best people I ever met. "So it's very sad what's happening in one of the
best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the nature of the
country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so good, so warm
and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's happening there.
Big condolences for the families of the victims."
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West Ham's refusal to buckle after soft Liverpool opener follows Arsenal
hammering delights Slaven Bilic
Team battered at home by one title contender last weekend gifted another a
fifth-minute goal at Anfield but hit back to lead on their way to a valuable
point
BYDAVID ANDERSON
20:57, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:57, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic managed to out-Klopp Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. It takes some
doing to be more animated than the hyperactive Liverpool boss. But West Ham
counterpart Bilic was during Sunday's 2-2 draw . He prowled his technical
area, kicking and heading every ball and appealing every decision. In the
few moments he was still, he stood in his familiar pose, bent over with his
hands on his thighs, watching the action intently. The passionate Bilic is
clearly still up for the fight in the face of the Hammers' chastening start
to the season. And he was heartened by his side's positive display, if not
their defending, as he continued his remarkable record against Liverpool.
The Croat now has three wins and two draws against the Reds with West Ham
boss —in addition to a Europa League success when his Besiktas side met the
Merseysiders in 2015. West Ham are out of the bottom three after being
pushed in by Saturday's results, and Bilic was delighted — especially after
they gave away a soft early goal. "Definitely, I think we showed character,"
he said. "After we lost our last game 5-1 to Arsenal and after our start,
which couldn't be worse, we showed a great reaction, particularly in the
first half "I'm very pleased. I'm very pleased with the character in the
first half in particular. It's a really good point for us before a crucial
week for us." Bilic defended Darren Randolph for his howler, which gifted
Divock Origi Liverpool's second goal, and highlighted his fantastic
fingertip save to deny Jordan Henderson once it was 2-2. He said: "That's
the nature of the job for a goalkeeper and he made a mistake for the second
goal, but before that, and after that, he showed great ability." The bomb
attack outside the ground of his former club Besiktas put Bilic's troubles
at West Ham into perspective and he offered his condolences to the victims.
"It's tearing me apart what happened," he said. "I'm very sad about what
happened in one of the best cities in the world in one of the best
countries. My condolences go out to the families."
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Slaven Bilic dedicates West Ham point at Liverpool to victims of Besiktas
stadium bomb
Two separate explosions went off just outside of Besiktas' stadium just 90
minutes after a match on Saturday night and Bilic has paid tribute
BYAARON FLANAGAN
20:10, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:12, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has dedicated West Ham's point from their draw at Liverpool to
the victims of the bomb attacks outside of his former club's stadium.
Terrorists killed 38 people and injured another 166 more in two bombings
outside of Besiktas' Vodafone Arena in Istanbul. Riot police were targeted
outside the stadium with a car bomb at around 10.20pm on Saturday night. A
second attack 45 seconds later saw a suicide bomber blow themselves up in
Macka Park just across from the stadium. The blasts took place just 90
minutes after Besiktas faced off against Bursaspor, but no fans were thought
to have been injured. Bilic spoke with emotion about the attacks after West
Ham came from behind to secure a valuable 2-2 draw at Liverpool in the
Premier League on Sunday. The Croatian boss took charge of Besiktas between
2013 and 2015 before moving to the Premier League to take charge of the
Hammers. "I would like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because
we were there for two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big
time. "I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what
happened there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they
are maybe the best people I ever met. So it's very sad what's happening in
one of the best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the
nature of the country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so
good, so warm and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's
happening there. Big condolences for the families of the victims."
Besiktas adorned the outside of the stadium with Turkish flags on Sunday,
which was a national day of mourning, and posted a message of defiance on
its Twitter feed. It read: "After yesterday's inhumane attacks, £Besiktas
Vodafone Arena is decorated w/ Turkish flags today. Terrorism will not
achieve its goals here!"
The club have offered condolences to the families of two club employees who
were among the deceased - Vefa Karakurdu, a security director at the stadium
and member of the club's congress, and Tunc Uncu who worked in their club
shop. A statement from Fikret Orman, chairman of Besiktas' board, added:
"We strongly condemn the terrorist bomb attack on our police officers during
their departure from the Vodafone Arena. "On behalf of Besiktas I wish the
deceased mercy from Allah. I offer my condolences to the families and I wish
a swift recovery to those injured."
West Ham went behind to an Adam Lallana strike inside of the first five
minutes of the game at Anfield. But Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio hit
back to give the Hammers the lead before the break. Divock Origi levelled
the game back up shortly after the interval and West Ham were able to hang
on to earn a valuable point to see them move out of the drop zone.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
52 years. 52 years the Hammers waited for three points on the Red half of
Merseyside. At one point on Sunday, it looked as though it would be two
victories there in 451 days. As when Dimitri Payet equalised with a
trademark free-kick and Michail Antonio poked home – not with his head – to
lead, it was time to dream for the east Londoners packed into Anfield during
a superb first half performance. Four games unbeaten against the Reds last
season, the Hammers put themselves in prime position to make it five in
total. Liverpool, looking the part in 2016/17 under the guidance of
charismatic boss Jurgen Klopp, had other ideas. Hopes dashed through Divock
Origi's equaliser, but not everything lost for West Ham; a crucial point
picked up at what has not been a happy hunting ground over the years.
For all the delight the first half provided the away end filled with almost
3,000 happy Hammers, the clash started in the worst possible fashion for
Slaven Bilic's men. Sadio Mane and Divock Origi combined with frightening
pace before the former found Lallana inside the box, who finished past
Darren Randolph with aplomb on the turn after just five minutes. Time for
West Ham to step up. And step up they did. Peppering Loris Karius' goal with
attempts, the visitors began to turn it on as they had here last season.
First Manuel Lanzini went close on the volley, before Antonio was denied a
quick equaliser on eight minutes. Still behind, inspiration was needed. And
as the football world knows by now, nothing provides the Hammers with more
inspiration than a free-kick within shooting distance. There's only one man
for the job. A pat on the back for the superb Pedro Obiang, drawing the foul
from Lallana, and an opportunity for Payet to draw West Ham level.
Predictably, he did just that. Whip, precision, pace; Karius' dive
despairing, the Frenchman's celebration trademark. Cresswell, back in his
hometown, was next to try from range, before Roberto Firmino dragged one
wide for the hosts. Six minutes from half time stalemate at Anfield;
encouraging, but not satisfying enough for West Ham. Seemingly from nowhere,
excitement was about to transform into ecstasy behind the goal. Back in the
starting XI, Havard Nordtveit provided the assist, clipping a long ball over
the top of the Reds' defence into the path of Antonio – with the help of
Jordan Henderson's head – who coolly slotted home.
No win here in 52 years – surely it couldn't be London buses for the
Hammers? The hosts were sure to cast doubt on that within three minutes of
the restart, however. Disappointment and frustration for BIlic's side –
though for nobody more than Darren Randolph – as Origi tapped in the
Irishman's spilled catch.
If he wanted a chance to atone for his error, Randolph couldn't have hoped
for much better with 20 minutes remaining. World class, no two words better
describing the 29-year-old's save from Henderson's perfectly-placed strike.
Backs to the wall. Wijnaldum twice went close, but the visitors stood
strong, Nordtveit in particular throwing himself at everything that came his
way. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Michail Antonio; the trio having never
lost against Liverpool were not about to throw this away now. Desire,
passion and commitment; all were present in abundance. Liverpool left
frustrated, West Ham returning to the capital with something to show for
their efforts as the Premier League clash finished 2-2.
Liverpool: Karius, Clyne, Wijnaldum, Lovren (Klaven 46), Milner, Firmino,
Henderson, Mane, Lallana, Origi, Matip.
Subs not used: Mignolet, Moreno, Lucas, Ejaria, Woodburn, Alexander-Arnold.
Goals: Lallana 5, Origi 48
Bookings: Firmino 53, Mane 76
West Ham United: Randolph, Nordtveit, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang,
Lanzini (Fernandes 68), Noble, Antonio, Ayew (Carroll 62), Payet.
Subs not used: Adrian, Fletcher, Quina, Browne, Pike.
Goals: Payet 27, Antonio 39
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Antonio – We showed our character
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio said that the Hammers showed their grit, determination and
character with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield
The Hammers' top scorer grabbed the visitors' second goal to give them the
lead on Merseyside
Bilic's men were forced to battle hard after Divock Origi's equaliser
Determination, grit and character; Michail Antonio believes the Hammers
showed all three qualities in abundance at Anfield as his side picked up a
point in a 2-2 draw. Top scorer Antonio grabbed West Ham's second on
Merseyside, poking past goalkeeper Loris Karius to give the visitors the
lead after Dimitri Payet had beautifully cancelled out Adam Lallana's opener
with a free-kick. After Divock Origi levelled things up again three minutes
into the second period, Slaven Bilic's side were forced to battle hard to
earn their share of the spoils, something Antonio was proud of on Sunday. He
said: "We showed that we've got determination, grit and we showed what
happens in the past doesn't affect us and we can move on. It's a great point
away. "We just want to keep pushing on and build on this now. We need to
keep moving, building and in the week hopefully get the three points and
distance ourselves from the bottom three. "It's a massive show of character.
It shows that we can do it, it shows that we've got the players to do it and
now we just have to do it."
The 26-year-old's seventh of the season – the first not with his head – came
in the 39th minute as he raced clear and left Karius with no chance after
Havard Nordtveit's long ball. And the midfielder, being deployed as the most
advanced Hammer for much of the first half, showed his delight as he
performed one of his much-loved celebrations. "It was the running man
celebration today," he explained. "I was sticking with the nineties theme!
"I was thinking about heading it as I was going through! No, it had a nice
bounce and I could get one with my feet. I take them as they come. "I got
one with my feet and hopefully I can keep doing it. The point is massive for
us. "It's one of those things where we're playing week in, week out to move
forward and get further away from the situation we're in now."
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Bilic takes pride in Liverpool draw
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic happy with 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool
Hammers fell behind, led, were pegged back and held on to secure a point
Manager wants his team to build on result in home games with Burnley and
Hull
Slaven Bilic hailed West Ham United's resilience and togetherness in
securing a deserved 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool. The Hammers went
to Anfield without eleven senior players and on the back of a 5-1 home
defeat by Arsenal, and their confidence took a further dent when Adam
Lallana slotted the Reds into a fourth-minute lead. However, a trademark
Dimitri Payet free-kick and Michail Antonio's opportunistic strike had
Bilic's side in front by half-time. Divock Origi took advantage of a Darren
Randolph error to level three minutes into the second half, but the Hammers
produced a fine rearguard action to hold on and take a very hard-earned
point back to east London. "The players deserve a lot of credit, of course,"
said the manager. "We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the
game for us, but after that in the first half we definitely showed a great
reaction and were good on the ball and created chances. "Of course we had to
defend, but I'm really happy with the way we reacted after the goal. "In the
second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also expected
us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us. "We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal
here and our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed
character first of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good
result."
Bilic was also supportive of his goalkeeper, who shrugged off his mistake to
make a truly world-class save to keep out Jordan Henderson's curling effort,
which was destined for the top corner. "That's the nature of their job," he
observed. "When they make a mistake like Randy did for the second one, it
can be difficult, but apart from that he was solid, he was really good and
made a couple of great saves, so I'm happy with him."
The challenge for West Ham now is to build on Sunday's draw by beating
newly-promoted Burnley and Hull City at London Stadium this coming week.
Both the Clarets and the Tigers secured their own impressive results at the
weekend – Burnley beating AFC Bournemouth and Hull drawing with Crystal
Palace – so Bilic knows the Hammers will not be able to take their
collective foot off the pedal. "We knew that after these four games we had a
couple of games at home against Burnley and against Hull, which we have to
win, basically," he concluded. "Hopefully we're going to win them and while
it isn't going to change our season, it will help us move up the table and
be in a much better situation. "They will be very hard games, of course,
where we have to show our quality first of all, and our togetherness and
everything. They will be difficult games, but I'm sure we're going to be
ready for Burnley."
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Pike confident of turnaround in form
WHUFC.com
Alex Pike is confident things will turn around for West Ham United PL2
The Hammers are winless in four matches
They host Swansea City at the Chigwell Construction Stadium (7pm) on Monday
Alex Pike says everyone involved with West Ham United PL2 is working hard to
improve their current form, which has seen them go winless in four matches.
The Hammers have endured a frustrating few weeks, losing consecutive league
matches and going winless since the end of October, but Pike is confidence a
turnaround is on the horizon. With just two games left before the Christmas
break, the 19-year-old understands the need for maximum points in their next
two fixtures. "The spirit is alright. These things happen like the first
team have found out this year, teams hit a bit of bad form. The two losses
aren't ideal but everyone has been working hard to rectify it," he said.
"When you've shown that you can do it, it's just a matter of getting back to
that form. Working hard on the training pitch means you can get the bad
things out of the way and hopefully this week we can bounce back and get a
win."
The Hammers entertain Premier League 2 leaders Swansea City on Monday
evening (7pm kick-off) with the aim of closing the gap on the league's
pacesetters.
Swansea have won five in a row in the league and visit the Chigwell
Construction Stadium in fine form, but Pike is confident the Hammers can
resurrect their own form and achieve a positive result. "Any game in this
league, you never know what to expect because players can push onto the
first team or they might have a cup game coming up," he added. "So you never
know but we've got to expect a hard game as we always do. Hopefully we can
live up to the challenge and do well.
"We've got a strong team at the moment and not too many injuries either. So
hopefully we can get two wins in the next two games and go into Christmas
and enjoy the break a little bit more. It's always better to go into the
break with wins."
West Ham United PL2's match with Swansea City kicks off at 7pm from Dagenham
and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium on Monday. Admission is free
for season ticket holders – otherwise, it's £5 for adults and £3 for
children.
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Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
By Jamie Strickland
BBC Sport
Goals by Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio exposed Liverpool's defensive
frailties again as West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation
zone with a hard-fought draw at Anfield. After conceding four in last
weekend's loss at Bournemouth, Liverpool shipped two avoidable first-half
goals on their way to ceding more ground to Chelsea and Arsenal in the title
race. Adam Lallana's smart low finish had put Liverpool ahead inside five
minutes but the visitors were level before the half-hour when goalkeeper
Loris Karius - at fault for Bournemouth's winner a week ago - failed to deal
with Payet's saveable 25-yard free-kick. Karius was less culpable for West
Ham's second scored by Antonio, but it was a scruffy goal that did not
reflect well on a Liverpool backline that has now conceded 20 goals in 15
league games - the worst record among the teams in the top six. But errors
were not the sole preserve of the Liverpool defence, and a big mistake by
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph, dropping a cross into the path of
Divock Origi, gifted Liverpool the equaliser.
Randolph made amends with a quite stunning late save to keep o ut Jordan
Henderson's equally sublime strike as West Ham held on for a point that sees
them climb to 17th. Until recently Liverpool's new goalkeeper had largely
gone under the radar since joining from manager Jurgen Klopp's former club
Mainz in the summer. After missing the start of the season with a broken
hand, Karius was installed as Klopp's number one at the end of September,
replacing Simon Mignolet.
The German had a relatively untroubled time of it in his first nine games,
although small mistakes were in evidence - but nothing as high-profile as
the injury-time spill that allowed Nathan Ake to score Bournemouth's winner
last time out. And the pressure is sure to intensify on the 23-year-old
after his part in West Ham's opener, with Payet's free-kick nicely struck
but much too central to be considered unstoppable. West Ham's second goal
was also avoidable from Liverpool's perspective. Havard Nordtveit's hopeful
drilled pass from his own half struck the head of the retreating Henderson,
deflecting the ball high into the air and wrong-footing Reds centre-back
Joel Matip, allowing Antonio in. The West Ham man might not have had the
chance to score had Karius been further advanced in his area, but nothing
should be taken away from the finish, a cute poke with the outside of his
boot that just had enough force to cross the line.
Liverpool lack killer instinct
Liverpool are the top scorers in the Premier League with 37 goals in 15
games, so it is perhaps uncharitable to point the finger at their forward
line after this blip.
Yet for all their possession - 68% - they managed just three shots on target
in the whole match, with two of those coming from West Ham errors. The
visitors were guilty of snoozing for Liverpool's opener as Sadio Mane picked
up the ball in the middle of the park and made unchecked progress to the
left wing. His cross bounced through to Lallana, who had time to control and
finish under zero pressure from a static West Ham defence. Their second was
also a gift, Mane's cross inexplicably squirming out of Randolph's gloves
and landing perfectly for Origi to score for a fourth successive game in all
competitions - the first Liverpool player to do so since Daniel Sturridge in
February 2014. Mane was at the heart of everything good Liverpool did in
attack, playing a part in an intricate passing move that ended with a
blocked Henderson shot, and then twisting and turning on the edge of the
area to create an opening for Georginio Wijnaldum that flew wide.
Wijnaldum also failed to get enough curl on his shot when advancing on goal
down the left channel, while Roberto Firmino was guilty of missing the
target after good approach play. Indeed Liverpool's only other shot on
target was Henderson's superb long-distance strike, which was reminiscent of
his stunning winner against Chelsea in September but met on this occasion by
the right hand of the flying Randolph.
Man of the match - Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Liverpool will be frustrated at failing to pick up all three points but that
was in no way down to a lack of effort on the part of Sadio Mane, who
provided the assist for both goals and could have had a hand in more had his
team-mates been more clinical
Antonio finds his feet - match stats
Watford are the only side in the top half of the table to have conceded more
goals (26) than Liverpool (20).
West Ham have scored five goals in their past two league games at Anfield -
as many as they did in their previous 20.
Michail Antonio scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season, but
his first that wasn't a header. His last non-headed goal was at Stoke on the
last day of last season.
The Hammers have now lost a league-high 12 points from leading positions in
the Premier League this season.
'The goals could have been avoided' - reaction
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "We tried everything. One West Ham goal was a
free-kick and one was lucky. They were 2-1 up and we had some great
offensive situations and should have had more. We tried everything. We were
often in the box, a lot of situations. "It felt like the whole time we were
were in their box. We needed a bit of luck. A draw doesn't feel too good,
doesn't feel too bad. "The goals could have been avoided. For the first goal
- don't make the foul, don't lose the ball. The second goal was unlucky.
Joel Matip had a fantastic game and in this moment he couldn't clear the
ball. Loris Karius was surprised and it was too late.
"Should Karius have saved the free-kick? For this I have to see it again - I
only saw it in the match."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We showed a great reaction after they were one
up. In the first half we were very good. "I wasn't happy with the second
half because I expected us to be better on the ball. In the end, well done
for the players." On Darren Randolph's mistake: "It's the nature of their
job - when they make a mistake it is obvious. He made a mistake but after
and before he showed real quality and he was crucial for us in moments when
they had a chance or two."
What's next?
It's a quick turnaround for these clubs with a round of midweek Premier
League fixtures to come. Both teams are in back action at 19:45 GMT on
Wednesday as Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough and West Ham host Burnley.
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Now we must start winning, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic admitted that he was reasonably pleased with a point from
today's Premier League clash at Anfield, but says his team must start
winning again - beginning with their next outing against Burnley.
Having navigated a tricky November and early December, Bilic's side now face
a run of games against teams in the lower half of the table - namely Hull,
Burnley, Swansea and Leicester.
And despite today's point being enough to lift West Ham out fo the
relegation zone - which they dropped into last night following Swansea's
defeat of fellow strugglers Sunderland - Bilic says that his team must turn
one point into three when they face newly-promoted Burnley at the Olympic
Stadium this week.
"We knew that we had a couple of games at home after this that we had to
win, basically," Bilic said following his side's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
"Hopefully we're going to win them and it can change - not the season maybe,
but to help us climb the table. Maybe it won't be a comfortable situation
still, but much better than this.
"They're going to be hard games, of course, where we have to show our
quality and togetherness. It's going to be a difficult couple of matches and
I've got to make sure we're going to be ready for Burnley on Wednesday."
Referring to this afternoon's game, which the Hammers led 2-1 before a
Darren Randolph error allowed the hosts to snatch a point, Bilic insisted
that his players deserved to take the plaudits for a battling display.
"We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the game for us, but
after that in the first half we definitely showed a great reaction," he
surmised. "Of course we had to defend, but I'm really happy with the way we
reacted after the goal.
"In the second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also
expected us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us.
"We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal here and
our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed character first
of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good result."
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Slaven Bilic proud of West Ham fight in Liverpool draw
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:21pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes his West Ham side deserve a lot of credit after
recovering from 1-0 down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool. West Ham fell behind to
an early Adam Lallana goal at Anfield, but responded brilliantly and headed
into the break 2-1 ahead after goals from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio.
While Divock Origi capitalised on a Darren Randolph error to make it 2-2
three minutes into the second half, the Hammers held on for a valuable
point. BIlic was delighted with his side's resilience in a draw which sees
them move out of the relegation zone and into 17th. "They deserve a lot of
credit. We conceded a very early goal but after that we showed a great
reaction," Bilic said. "We were good on the ball and I was really happy. In
the second half, you are expecting Liverpool to be better but I expected
more from us. "We showed compactness and resilience to get a point which is
a great achievement for us." For a club who has not won since October, West
Ham's draw will still be seen as a positive following 5-1 and 4-1 losses to
Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Bilic admitted he feared the worst when his side conceded to Liverpool after
just five minutes. "When you lose 5-1 at home then concede an early goal at
Anfield, your confidence drops even more," Bilic added. "But we reacted
really well and showed character, teamwork and togetherness and at the end
we got a really good point." The Hammers manager went on to defend Randolph
despite his costly error before looking ahead to West Ham's next set of
fixtures. Bilic's side face crucial home league matches against Burnley and
Hull before Christmas, with the Clarets visiting the London Stadium first on
Wednesday night. "We have to win and hopefully we will, and then it will
change - not the season, but it can help up move up the table," Bilic said.
"It's going to be very hard and we will have to show our quality - it will
be a difficult couple of games mentally but I'm sure we're going to be ready
for Burnley on Wednesday."
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Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United: Jurgen Klopp's men stumble
By Gerard Brand at Anfield
Last Updated: 11/12/16 7:54pm
SSN
Liverpool fell behind in the Premier League title race after being held to a
2-2 draw by West Ham at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool took the lead early on
through Adam Lallana's neat strike, but Dimitri Payet's 25-yard free-kick
and Michail Antonio's finish had West Ham going into the break 2-1 up via
some questionable goalkeeping from Loris Karius on both occasions. Divock
Origi capitalised on Darren Randolph dropping a Sadio Mane cross to finish
from close range just after the break, but despite dominating the second
half in possession, Liverpool could not grab a winner. The result means
third-place Liverpool are six points behind leaders Chelsea and three behind
second-place Arsenal. West Ham are 17th, a point above the drop zone.
Lallana and Joel Matip both returned for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp made two
changes from the side that lost at Bournemouth, with Emre Can missing out
through a knee injury.
West Ham made four changes as Aaron Cresswell, Andre Ayew, Antonio and
Havard Nordtveit were given the nod at Anfield following a 5-1 defeat by
Arsenal.
After a dramatic 4-3 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, it initially looked
more simple for Liverpool this time out as they took the lead after five
minutes.
After getting down the left wing, Mane's centre found Lallana eight yards
out, and the midfielder stroked it into the bottom right corner past
Randolph. There were warning signs early on for Liverpool, as Antonio got in
behind Dejan Lovren and forced a save out of Karius, before West Ham
equalised on 27 minutes. Payet, who had not scored for West Ham since
October 1, curled a free-kick into the bottom left corner from 25 yards,
though there were question marks over the positioning of Karius, who also
got a palm to the effort. Anxiety grew in the Liverpool camp, and it was
soon 2-1 to West Ham in somewhat fortuitous fashion.
Matip was left flat-footed as Nordtveit's hopeful drilled ball forward
deflected off the head of Lovren, allowing Antonio to sneak in and poke the
ball past Karius, who was caught in between racing out and staying closer to
goal. Roberto Firmino then glanced a header wide as Liverpool reacted well
before the break, while Matip's looping header from a corner bounced off the
crossbar. They were back level just two minutes after the break through
Origi, who reacted well to finish into an empty net from a few yards out
after Randolph had failed to catch Mane's hopeful left-wing cross. Gini
Wijnaldum then fired wide from just inside the area a couple minutes later,
while at the other end Ayew's diving header went a few yards wide of the
left post. Jordan Henderson then lined one up from 30 yards out, forcing
Randolph into a fine fingertip save as the ball headed for the top corner,
as Liverpool dominated the second period. They could not find the winner,
however, as West Ham's defence stood firm despite having little possession
in the second half.
Player Ratings
West Ham: Randolph (5), Nordtveit (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (6),
Noble (6), Obiang (7), Ayew (6), Lanzini (6), Payet (7), Antonio (8)
Subs: Carroll (6), Fernandes (6)
Liverpool: Karius (4), Clyne (6), Lovren (5), Matip (4), Milner (6),
Henderson (6), Wijnaldum (8), Lallana (8), Mane (7), Origi (7), Firmino (6)
Subs: Klavan (6)
Man of the match: Michail Antonio
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Slaven Bilic sends prayers to Turkey after Besiktas explosions
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:39pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic dedicated West Ham's point against Liverpool to the people of
Turkey after the terror attack outside Besiktas' stadium on Saturday. Bilic
spent two seasons as manager of the Super Lig team before leaving them in
the summer of 2015 to make the move to the Premier League with the Hammers.
He had an emotional reaction after the 2-2 draw at Anfield when asked about
the explosions outside the Vodafone Arena, which claimed the lives of 38
people and left more than 150 being treated in hospital. Many of the dead
were reported to have been riot police who were still in the area around the
stadium nearly two hours after Besiktas had beaten Bursaspor 2-1. "I would
like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because we were there for
two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big time," Bilic said.
"I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what happened
there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they are maybe
the best people I ever met. "So it's very sad what's happening in one of the
best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the nature of the
country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so good, so warm
and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's happening there.
Big condolences for the families of the victims."
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West Ham's refusal to buckle after soft Liverpool opener follows Arsenal
hammering delights Slaven Bilic
Team battered at home by one title contender last weekend gifted another a
fifth-minute goal at Anfield but hit back to lead on their way to a valuable
point
BYDAVID ANDERSON
20:57, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:57, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic managed to out-Klopp Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. It takes some
doing to be more animated than the hyperactive Liverpool boss. But West Ham
counterpart Bilic was during Sunday's 2-2 draw . He prowled his technical
area, kicking and heading every ball and appealing every decision. In the
few moments he was still, he stood in his familiar pose, bent over with his
hands on his thighs, watching the action intently. The passionate Bilic is
clearly still up for the fight in the face of the Hammers' chastening start
to the season. And he was heartened by his side's positive display, if not
their defending, as he continued his remarkable record against Liverpool.
The Croat now has three wins and two draws against the Reds with West Ham
boss —in addition to a Europa League success when his Besiktas side met the
Merseysiders in 2015. West Ham are out of the bottom three after being
pushed in by Saturday's results, and Bilic was delighted — especially after
they gave away a soft early goal. "Definitely, I think we showed character,"
he said. "After we lost our last game 5-1 to Arsenal and after our start,
which couldn't be worse, we showed a great reaction, particularly in the
first half "I'm very pleased. I'm very pleased with the character in the
first half in particular. It's a really good point for us before a crucial
week for us." Bilic defended Darren Randolph for his howler, which gifted
Divock Origi Liverpool's second goal, and highlighted his fantastic
fingertip save to deny Jordan Henderson once it was 2-2. He said: "That's
the nature of the job for a goalkeeper and he made a mistake for the second
goal, but before that, and after that, he showed great ability." The bomb
attack outside the ground of his former club Besiktas put Bilic's troubles
at West Ham into perspective and he offered his condolences to the victims.
"It's tearing me apart what happened," he said. "I'm very sad about what
happened in one of the best cities in the world in one of the best
countries. My condolences go out to the families."
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Slaven Bilic dedicates West Ham point at Liverpool to victims of Besiktas
stadium bomb
Two separate explosions went off just outside of Besiktas' stadium just 90
minutes after a match on Saturday night and Bilic has paid tribute
BYAARON FLANAGAN
20:10, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:12, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has dedicated West Ham's point from their draw at Liverpool to
the victims of the bomb attacks outside of his former club's stadium.
Terrorists killed 38 people and injured another 166 more in two bombings
outside of Besiktas' Vodafone Arena in Istanbul. Riot police were targeted
outside the stadium with a car bomb at around 10.20pm on Saturday night. A
second attack 45 seconds later saw a suicide bomber blow themselves up in
Macka Park just across from the stadium. The blasts took place just 90
minutes after Besiktas faced off against Bursaspor, but no fans were thought
to have been injured. Bilic spoke with emotion about the attacks after West
Ham came from behind to secure a valuable 2-2 draw at Liverpool in the
Premier League on Sunday. The Croatian boss took charge of Besiktas between
2013 and 2015 before moving to the Premier League to take charge of the
Hammers. "I would like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because
we were there for two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big
time. "I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what
happened there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they
are maybe the best people I ever met. So it's very sad what's happening in
one of the best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the
nature of the country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so
good, so warm and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's
happening there. Big condolences for the families of the victims."
Besiktas adorned the outside of the stadium with Turkish flags on Sunday,
which was a national day of mourning, and posted a message of defiance on
its Twitter feed. It read: "After yesterday's inhumane attacks, £Besiktas
Vodafone Arena is decorated w/ Turkish flags today. Terrorism will not
achieve its goals here!"
The club have offered condolences to the families of two club employees who
were among the deceased - Vefa Karakurdu, a security director at the stadium
and member of the club's congress, and Tunc Uncu who worked in their club
shop. A statement from Fikret Orman, chairman of Besiktas' board, added:
"We strongly condemn the terrorist bomb attack on our police officers during
their departure from the Vodafone Arena. "On behalf of Besiktas I wish the
deceased mercy from Allah. I offer my condolences to the families and I wish
a swift recovery to those injured."
West Ham went behind to an Adam Lallana strike inside of the first five
minutes of the game at Anfield. But Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio hit
back to give the Hammers the lead before the break. Divock Origi levelled
the game back up shortly after the interval and West Ham were able to hang
on to earn a valuable point to see them move out of the drop zone.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 11th December 2016
Preview - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Where and when?
Liverpool v West Ham United
Premier League
Sunday 11 December 2016, 4.30pm GMT
Anfield
What's the story?
West Ham United travel to Anfield on Sunday looking for a response after last weekend's Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
Following the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the Hammers were unable to build upon that against the Gunners, as Alexis Sanchez's hat-trick powered them to a 5-1 win.
Now, Slaven Bilic's men will be looking to last season, when they ended a wait of 52 years for victory at Anfield in the best possible style. Goals from Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho gave the visitors a 3-0 victory – one of three West Ham gained over the Reds last term.
This season, Jurgen Klopp's men have made a terrific start, and they sit third in the table with 30 points from their opening 14 games.
Last weekend's 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth was their first in 12 league games as the Merseysiders attempt to make a swift improvement on last season's eighth place finish.
West Ham, with 12 points from 14 games, are in 18th place, but could move up to 15th with victory on Sunday,
Team news
The Hammers could have both Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio back after they missed the defeat to Arsenal with groin injuries.
Andy Carroll returned from his knee injury with a goal against the Gunners and could start up front.
However, Cheikhou Kouyate is out with a groin injury.
For Liverpool, Sadio Mane is expected to be available despite limping off during the loss to Bournemouth.
Joel Matip could return from an ankle injury, but Daniel Sturridge is out due to a calf problem.
Any links between the two?
West Ham defender Alvaro Arbeloa was at Liverpool between 2007-09, playing 66 Premier League games before moving back to Spain with Real Madrid.
Andy Carroll joined the Hammers from the Reds, initially on loan, in 2012, after signing for Liverpool from Newcastle a year earlier.
How do I get to the match?
Click here for directions to Anfield.
The latest travel information on the trains can be found here. Click here for the latest on the roads.
How can I watch the match?
The game is being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. You can also follow the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #LIVWHU
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Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com
Good morning everybody.
I want to start by wishing all the West Ham United supporters travelling to Liverpool a safe journey.
We want to give you all another day to be proud of at Anfield, but we know it will be far from easy. What I know is that we have worked very hard and prepared well in training this week and will give everything we can to give a good performance.
Liverpool have been winning matches, especially at home, but they play risky football and they leave spaces. Manchester City are also playing like this, and Liverpool are not less-solid than Man City.
For me they are strong contenders to win the Premier League, Liverpool. If they had a defence like they have an offense they would be eight points clear or whatever. For me, they are very strong contenders.
I was asked this week about whether our season has affected my self-belief, and I can honestly say it has not.
My mood, on the other hand, has been affected. It's not the same if my team is winning or losing, but if you talk about confidence and self-belief, situations like this make me stronger.
I have had periods like this in my career before, when things have been tough. OK, I've not been so low in the table, but I had periods with Croatia and Lokomotiv Moscow that were challenging, and they are hard times, but they only make me stronger.
My belief in myself, my players and my staff and my ideas remains strong and grows bigger every day.
This is a job where you take your feelings and emotions home with you. Maybe you can hide them sometimes, but it's not a job where you can divide business from personal life.
You can't do this job in a proper way if you're not emotional, but the catch is to remain in control of your emotions. I didn't see a manager who is not emotional, though, definitely.
I believe in my team and their abilities, but we have to be balanced because Liverpool are playing good football and are on a roll at home. They are exciting to watch and put you under a lot of pressure, so you have to be versatile, complete and play a good game.
You cannot park the bus and stay 25 metres from your goal. You can win the game that way, because it's football, but you have to be very lucky to get anything if you play like this.
On the other hand, you cannot just attack them high up the pitch, because they have the quality to break through you and get into big spaces. Most of the time, they create goalscoring opportuntiies from those situations.
You have to be balanced, like we were last season. We played them four times last season and beat them three times, so we take confidence from last season, but we have to produce the same level of performance to get a similar result.
We shouldn't be afraid of them, but we cannot go there and think we will beat them just because we beat them last season. We need to use our positive memories to inspire us and they can do us no harm.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
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Defiant Slaven Bilic convinced West Ham will emerge stronger from their current struggles
Last week's home hammering by Arsenal and Saturday results have put the Hammers in the bottom three — and now they face a daunting trip to Liverpool
4
SHARES
COMMENTS
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED17:06, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic made it clear that his self-belief remains intact despite a desperate run that has left West Ham in a relegation fight and the humiliation by Arsenal at the London Stadium last week. Arsenal won 5-1 to leave Hammers manager Bilic in a state of shock, and Saturday's results mean the East End club are now in the drop zone. On Sunday afternoon, West Ham go to Anfield to face a Liverpool team stung by their 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth a week ago and in need of a win to maintain their title challenge. But Bilic insisted: "These situations make you even stronger." The Croatian pointed out he had suffered major disappointments as a player and as coach of his country's national team, as well as in club management with Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow and Turkish club Besiktas. "I have had positions like this before," said Bilic. "Maybe not positions like 17th out of 20, but I have had periods of a season and it is hard to be in them. But they make you stronger. "I have belief in myself, my players and the team. And in my ideas."
He revealed that the low he felt after last Saturday's massive setback against Arsenal was part and parcel of management. "It is part of the job. It is not the sort of job where you can divide your emotions from private and personal," said Bilic. "If you are a manager, you cannot do the job if you are not emotional. What you have to do is to be in control of these emotions. "You cannot be a manager and not be emotional."
In August last year, West Ham secured the first of three wins over Liverpool last season when they won at Anfield for the first time since 1963. The Irons also won the reverse league fixture at Upton Park and also an FA Cup fourth-round replay there after drawing the original game on Merseyside. Bilic will remind his players of the triumphant dressing-room vibe that day before they do battle again. "The atmosphere was brilliant," he said. " We played them four times in the league and the FA Cup and won three. But we will have to produce a lot to repeat that."
He agreed that a video review of that win will help to boost morale ahead of this afternoon's clash. "Yes, it helps," said Bilic. "We shouldn't be afraid of them. "Of course I am going to tell the players what we did there last year. "We can't expect to go there and win just because of that. But a good memory can motivate the players. To give them some belief is only good. We watch those videos – and they are good for motivation."
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West Ham plotting transfer raid on relegation scrap rivals Sunderland for defender Lamine Kone
The 27-year-old has a clause in his contract which could see him leave in January for £18m PLUS: Calleri to go and Moyes eyes playmaker
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:30, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED21:51, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Struggling West Ham are ready to trigger an £18million get-out clause in Lamine Kone's contract with fellow strugglers Sunderland. Slaven Bilic wants the 27-year-old to hold together his leaking defence and his bosses will act next month. Centre-back Kone was brought in by then-boss Sam Allardyce for £6million from French club Lorient last January, helped the Wearsiders avoid relegation and signed a new five-year deal in September. But the Ivory Coast player had a clause inserted which could see him leave the Stadium of Light in January — and the Hammers are ready to pounce. West Ham's defence has proved porous this season and co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are anxious to protect the club's Premier League status. Meanwhile, West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri will be offered an escape route by Sevilla after a miserable few months on loan in the East End. Argentinian Calleri joined Hammers in the summer from Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado and has yet to score in nine appearances. The £10million-rated Romania international has impressed since his a summer move from Steaua Bucharest – and now Moyes wants Stanciu with the Black Cats.
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West Ham want to sign Joe Hart - as long as they stay in Premier League
West Ham could look to sign Joe Hart in the summer as long as they safeguard their Premier League place
Matt Law, football news correspondent Ian Winrow
10 DECEMBER 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United will try to bring goalkeeper Joe Hart back to England at the end of the season – as long as the club preserve their Premier League status.
Hart is on loan at Torino and has already accepted that his Manchester City career is over with manager Pep Guardiola willing to listen to offers of £10 million from foreign clubs. City could ask for double that fee from a Premier League rival, but West Ham will hope that the fact they are not a threat to the Manchester club in England or in Europe will help them land the England international for a knock-down price. West Ham are considering a loan move for Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in January because of the poor form of Adrian, who has lost his place to Darren Randolph. But it is Hart who has emerged at West Ham's first choice permanent goalkeeper target for the end of the season, with either Adrian or Randolph expected to leave. Although Hart is enjoying his season-long loan in Torino, the 29-year-old would favour a permanent move back to England to help him keep his place in the national side. Asked about his future this week, Hart said: "I still don't know, I'm still a Manchester City player, but until the summer I will only think about enjoying my season with Torino." Hart will play in his first Turin derby against Juventus on Sunday and believes his experience of the Manchester rivalry between City and United stands him in good stead. "Torino and Manchester are not so different about how they feel about the derby," said Hart. "Torino is a city that breathes football." West Ham have conceded 29 Premier League goals this season and travel to Liverpool looking to avoid another defeat. Relegation would rule out a move for Hart and the threat of going down has contributed to the fact the Hammers are looking at a number of potential loan deals for January including Begovic and midfielder Marouane Fellaini. Adrian joined West Ham from Real Betis in 2013 and has performed well for the club up until this season. The Spaniard was dropped by under-pressure manager Slaven Bilic after a blunder against Stoke City at the start of November. Bilic has admitted he is facing a crucial run of fixtures that could determine his future. After facing Liverpool at Anfield, West Ham entertain Burnley and Hull City, before travelling to Swansea City on Boxing Day.
In his search for inspiration, Bilic this week turned to a recording of his players' last league visit to face Liverpool. A 3-0 victory at the start of last season built on the promise shown in an opening day win at Arsenal and helped set the tone for campaign that suggested club and manager were an ideal fit. Now, five months into the current season, the optimism generated by May's seventh-place finish – two points and one place ahead of today's opponents - has quickly disappeared.
Last weekend's 5-1 home humiliation at the hands of Arsenal marked a low point and confirmed the London club's focus is currently focused on the lower reaches of the table rather than the possibility of a return to European football. Little wonder then, Bilic has attempted to recall the mood generated by last season's successes against the Merseysiders. "The atmosphere in the dressing room was brilliant," said Bilic. "We played them four times and three times we beat them. But we will have to produce a lot to repeat that. We are watching those videos and they are good for motivation. It helps. We shouldn't be afraid of them. But we can't necessarily expect to go and win there just because we won there last year. We recalled that good memory to motivate the players. To give them some belief is only good."
Bilic and his players certainly need it. Last season's swagger has disappeared, replaced by tentative, unconvincing displays, particularly at home. The manager, though, insists he remains convinced his approach is the right one. "It's not a question of whether my team s winning or losing, we are talking about self belief and confidence," he said. "These situations make you even stronger. I have had difficult periods in a but I have belief in myself me my players and the team and in my ideas."
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West Ham's Álvaro Arbeloa: I don't regret coming at all. I want to be here to the end
The Spanish defender backs his manager Slaven Bilic but feels the players 'should be killing each other a bit more' over their side's recent disappointments
Sid Lowe
The Guardian
Saturday 10 December 2016 12.00 GMT
He could see them go – they were not exactly sneaking out. Even before Arsenal scored their final goal last Saturday, thousands of West Ham United fans had left the London Stadium, those long, painful closing minutes played before sweeps of empty white seats. Álvaro Arbeloa could not stop them; nor could he blame them. His manager couldn't, either: afterwards all Slaven Bilic could do was apologise to them. "A big humiliation," he called it. It finished 5-1, the home side conceding three in six minutes, four in 14. It could have been eight.
"You reach the point where you think: 'Let's stop the bleeding, at least,'" Arbeloa admits, but the cut was deep. "It felt like we might get into it, but they scored three in six minutes. Bam! We went for it desperately and every counter was a goal: goal, goal, goal. You felt the disappointment. You have to live with that: we can't ask anything from them." The word he uses next is desencantada and while it does not translate exactly, it fits – not just last Saturday but all season, on the pitch and off. The fans are disenchanted, disillusioned. Everyone at West Ham is.
It was not supposed to be this way. After seven years at Real Madrid, having won every trophy there is, there were good reasons for Arbeloa to join West Ham. England, London, the Premier League, European competition, a team playing "attractive" football, a new stadium, the excitement of a new era, supporters he likens to those who so embraced him when he played for Liverpool, the Hammers' opponents on Sunday. "They're alike; there's a great communion between fans and players."
It is tempting to respond: not any more, there's not. Last Saturday Arsène Wenger claimed: "West Ham aren't comfortable at home." Perhaps because it is not home yet. But that alone does not explain them lying 17th, one point from the relegation zone. Their away form has been worse, for a start. "I didn't expect this; nobody did," Arbeloa says. "Last season was spectacular, bringing hope, but then we were knocked out of Europe. That was the first hammer blow and everything followed. Not playing in Europe, which would've given everyone minutes, moving stadium, which has been hard, the team in this position … it's not surprising fans lose enthusiasm, that hope."
There is a case to suggest that last season was part of the problem, creating false expectations; such hope was misplaced. But things still should not be this bad. "They were seventh, above Liverpool. Is repeating that impossible? I don't think so, but we do have to recognise that the two Manchester [clubs], Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have stronger squads," Arbeloa says. "Yet our squad should be as good as, say, Everton's. We shouldn't be so low."
"I played at Upton Park [for Liverpool] and it's completely different. A smaller pitch, the fans closer. Upton Park meant points. A new stadium allows you to grow, but it's good to maintain that proximity. For visiting teams, the new stadium's much easier. That's not the [sole] reason, but it's another ingredient. You can't say: 'This is why we're in this situation, or this is.' It's lots of things. Take injuries: is it that? No, but they play a part. You miss your best players, you can't create an identity, the base of a team. Then when things start going badly, you don't have the same confidence; it becomes a snowball, gathering a momentum, that you have to stop."
After the Arsenal game Bilic tried, accusing his players of lacking intensity, even in training. "It's good for the manager to tell it the way he sees it, to highlight what he thinks we need to do to change the situation," Arbeloa says. "And on the Monday, he told us we have to be united in these difficult moments. I also understand that coaches sometimes try to get a reaction from players via the media."
Bilic's words spoke too of a manager under pressure, reportedly handed an ultimatum, yet Arbeloa says: "He looks more volcanic than he is. Other coaches might have been more susceptible, they might have lost it, but he's been quite calm. We're not in this situation because of the manager and I don't think changing means you'll pick up more points. Inside the team, you won't hear anyone saying he's the problem."
Nor have there been recriminations in the dressing room. "The relationship's good," Arbeloa insists, pausing to add, "maybe even too good. At times, I think we should be killing each other a bit more – more angry. The atmosphere should be more tense."
It is, he says, a young team, a good group, although it sounds like one that lacks leadership, that person who steps forward. "I don't think it would fair to the captain to say that," Arbeloa insists. He says there are different ways to lead – he cites Dimitri Payet's willingness to take the ball and responsibility at difficult moments, for example – but admits there have been few raised voices. If that all sounds a little too comfortable, Arbeloa says they are aware of the reality. And although it is new to him he says he is ready for it, too. "We're conscious of the position we're in, which is important: look at Newcastle, who thought that there was no chance they'd go down.
"The teams around us are getting points, the teams above are opening a gap, Swansea and Sunderland looked dead but they've closed on us. I don't want to be in that position but at Madrid every defeat is a catastrophe and the demands are brutal. Pressure is pressure. That: 'Shit, we have to win.' The next four or five games are crucial."
That run starts at Liverpool on Sunday, although Arbeloa admits that the four matches that follow are likely more decisive: Burnley, Hull, Swansea and Leicester. He will miss out on Anfield, too; he would have loved to return to a stadium special to him, as he did with Madrid, but he is limping as he arrives in Marylebone, his leg purple, swollen and bruised just as he aspired to a rare opportunity. Last Saturday was only his third league appearance of the season. Injuries suggested he might have got a fourth; form suggested he might not have done, except that it is hard to know what his form is actually like with so few chances.
Another reason Arbeloa came was to play, after a final season of limited opportunity in Spain, but he has not. When he got his chance last weekend, for the first time since coming on against Middlesbrough on 1 October, it ended with a heavy defeat. Then came reports that he would be moved on in January, departing in virtual anonymity having arrived feted as a World Cup winner.
A late arrival did not help, Arbeloa insisting that working alone is never the same, "even if you trained 24 hours a day", and he suggests that he and the coach still need time to "connect", but he has not asked for an explanation as to why he has started just one league game all season."You don't ask why when you're playing and you don't ask when you're not," he says. "He's under a lot of pressure; he doesn't need me saying: 'Hey, why aren't I playing?' That would just create tension, another problem to deal with. But I want to play, of course."
Can he though? Is his level good enough any more? "I went almost two months without playing and [against Arsenal] I covered the most distance sprinting and in high intensity," Arbeloa says. "But to really judge it, you need to play more, so I don't know. I do know that I'm killing myself to change things; I haven't just accepted it.
"And I'm not leaving. Sometimes you read things [in the papers] and think: 'Do I say something? Do I ignore it?' I feel like people were misinformed and all I can say is that I'm staying until the summer, no matter what. And no one from West Ham has told me to look for a team or anything."
And then? In January, Arbeloa will be 34. For many players that is retirement age and inactivity tends to nudge players towards the end. It is not a decision he has taken – so long as he feels fit and motivated he intends to continue – and nor has he decided what he will do next. Coaching appeals, especially after Zinedine Zidane told him winning the Champions League as manager was miles better than doing so as a player. "But then," he says with a laugh, "I think about putting up with 25 bastards like me. I'd put a bullet in my head. You're always the bad guy."
He has watched others make the transition and he certainly has some of the attributes – he has had the coaches too, including Benítez, Mourinho, Ancelotti and Del Bosque – but he says that sometimes life, and opportunity, makes decisions for you. Take Jamie Carragher, for example.
"Everyone saw Carragher as a coach but he's as happy as can be on the telly, eh! Relaxed, comfortable. We all said: 'Carragher will be a coach, Stevie [Gerrard] on the telly,' but maybe it'll be the other way around."
Isn't Gerrard a bit quiet to be a coach, though? "And Zidane isn't?" Arbeloa shoots back. "None of us could see it and now look. I've been lucky. I've played with some of the best players in history, but Gerrard's the most complete." More than Zidane? "Could Zidane defend like Steven?" Arbeloa replies, swiftly.
"He defended, he attacked, he was good in the air, he could hit it with his right, with his left, he could head a corner or take it, play everywhere. He could do so much, so well. He has experience, he's worked with good coaches, and if he wants to be a coach, he can.
"You think he's calm but on the pitch he's all passion. You see him flying into a tackle or celebrating a goal and think: 'Calm? Yeah, when he's sleeping maybe …' And if he wants to be a coach there's no better place than Liverpool."
The place West Ham will go on Sunday, travelling to Arbeloa's former home without him. There is that spiral he talks about, so hard to break. When your luck's out, it's out. Summer excitement has given way to this; it could hardly have gone worse so far.
"One of the good things about getting older is you learn with experience and I've learnt that a season isn't September to January; what really matters is January to June, and I hope to be here. I just want to help," he says. "I don't regret coming at all – and the proof of that is that I don't want to go in January; I want to be here to the end."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Where and when?
Liverpool v West Ham United
Premier League
Sunday 11 December 2016, 4.30pm GMT
Anfield
What's the story?
West Ham United travel to Anfield on Sunday looking for a response after last weekend's Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
Following the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the Hammers were unable to build upon that against the Gunners, as Alexis Sanchez's hat-trick powered them to a 5-1 win.
Now, Slaven Bilic's men will be looking to last season, when they ended a wait of 52 years for victory at Anfield in the best possible style. Goals from Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho gave the visitors a 3-0 victory – one of three West Ham gained over the Reds last term.
This season, Jurgen Klopp's men have made a terrific start, and they sit third in the table with 30 points from their opening 14 games.
Last weekend's 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth was their first in 12 league games as the Merseysiders attempt to make a swift improvement on last season's eighth place finish.
West Ham, with 12 points from 14 games, are in 18th place, but could move up to 15th with victory on Sunday,
Team news
The Hammers could have both Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio back after they missed the defeat to Arsenal with groin injuries.
Andy Carroll returned from his knee injury with a goal against the Gunners and could start up front.
However, Cheikhou Kouyate is out with a groin injury.
For Liverpool, Sadio Mane is expected to be available despite limping off during the loss to Bournemouth.
Joel Matip could return from an ankle injury, but Daniel Sturridge is out due to a calf problem.
Any links between the two?
West Ham defender Alvaro Arbeloa was at Liverpool between 2007-09, playing 66 Premier League games before moving back to Spain with Real Madrid.
Andy Carroll joined the Hammers from the Reds, initially on loan, in 2012, after signing for Liverpool from Newcastle a year earlier.
How do I get to the match?
Click here for directions to Anfield.
The latest travel information on the trains can be found here. Click here for the latest on the roads.
How can I watch the match?
The game is being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. You can also follow the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #LIVWHU
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Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com
Good morning everybody.
I want to start by wishing all the West Ham United supporters travelling to Liverpool a safe journey.
We want to give you all another day to be proud of at Anfield, but we know it will be far from easy. What I know is that we have worked very hard and prepared well in training this week and will give everything we can to give a good performance.
Liverpool have been winning matches, especially at home, but they play risky football and they leave spaces. Manchester City are also playing like this, and Liverpool are not less-solid than Man City.
For me they are strong contenders to win the Premier League, Liverpool. If they had a defence like they have an offense they would be eight points clear or whatever. For me, they are very strong contenders.
I was asked this week about whether our season has affected my self-belief, and I can honestly say it has not.
My mood, on the other hand, has been affected. It's not the same if my team is winning or losing, but if you talk about confidence and self-belief, situations like this make me stronger.
I have had periods like this in my career before, when things have been tough. OK, I've not been so low in the table, but I had periods with Croatia and Lokomotiv Moscow that were challenging, and they are hard times, but they only make me stronger.
My belief in myself, my players and my staff and my ideas remains strong and grows bigger every day.
This is a job where you take your feelings and emotions home with you. Maybe you can hide them sometimes, but it's not a job where you can divide business from personal life.
You can't do this job in a proper way if you're not emotional, but the catch is to remain in control of your emotions. I didn't see a manager who is not emotional, though, definitely.
I believe in my team and their abilities, but we have to be balanced because Liverpool are playing good football and are on a roll at home. They are exciting to watch and put you under a lot of pressure, so you have to be versatile, complete and play a good game.
You cannot park the bus and stay 25 metres from your goal. You can win the game that way, because it's football, but you have to be very lucky to get anything if you play like this.
On the other hand, you cannot just attack them high up the pitch, because they have the quality to break through you and get into big spaces. Most of the time, they create goalscoring opportuntiies from those situations.
You have to be balanced, like we were last season. We played them four times last season and beat them three times, so we take confidence from last season, but we have to produce the same level of performance to get a similar result.
We shouldn't be afraid of them, but we cannot go there and think we will beat them just because we beat them last season. We need to use our positive memories to inspire us and they can do us no harm.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
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Defiant Slaven Bilic convinced West Ham will emerge stronger from their current struggles
Last week's home hammering by Arsenal and Saturday results have put the Hammers in the bottom three — and now they face a daunting trip to Liverpool
4
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COMMENTS
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED17:06, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic made it clear that his self-belief remains intact despite a desperate run that has left West Ham in a relegation fight and the humiliation by Arsenal at the London Stadium last week. Arsenal won 5-1 to leave Hammers manager Bilic in a state of shock, and Saturday's results mean the East End club are now in the drop zone. On Sunday afternoon, West Ham go to Anfield to face a Liverpool team stung by their 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth a week ago and in need of a win to maintain their title challenge. But Bilic insisted: "These situations make you even stronger." The Croatian pointed out he had suffered major disappointments as a player and as coach of his country's national team, as well as in club management with Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow and Turkish club Besiktas. "I have had positions like this before," said Bilic. "Maybe not positions like 17th out of 20, but I have had periods of a season and it is hard to be in them. But they make you stronger. "I have belief in myself, my players and the team. And in my ideas."
He revealed that the low he felt after last Saturday's massive setback against Arsenal was part and parcel of management. "It is part of the job. It is not the sort of job where you can divide your emotions from private and personal," said Bilic. "If you are a manager, you cannot do the job if you are not emotional. What you have to do is to be in control of these emotions. "You cannot be a manager and not be emotional."
In August last year, West Ham secured the first of three wins over Liverpool last season when they won at Anfield for the first time since 1963. The Irons also won the reverse league fixture at Upton Park and also an FA Cup fourth-round replay there after drawing the original game on Merseyside. Bilic will remind his players of the triumphant dressing-room vibe that day before they do battle again. "The atmosphere was brilliant," he said. " We played them four times in the league and the FA Cup and won three. But we will have to produce a lot to repeat that."
He agreed that a video review of that win will help to boost morale ahead of this afternoon's clash. "Yes, it helps," said Bilic. "We shouldn't be afraid of them. "Of course I am going to tell the players what we did there last year. "We can't expect to go there and win just because of that. But a good memory can motivate the players. To give them some belief is only good. We watch those videos – and they are good for motivation."
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West Ham plotting transfer raid on relegation scrap rivals Sunderland for defender Lamine Kone
The 27-year-old has a clause in his contract which could see him leave in January for £18m PLUS: Calleri to go and Moyes eyes playmaker
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:30, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED21:51, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Struggling West Ham are ready to trigger an £18million get-out clause in Lamine Kone's contract with fellow strugglers Sunderland. Slaven Bilic wants the 27-year-old to hold together his leaking defence and his bosses will act next month. Centre-back Kone was brought in by then-boss Sam Allardyce for £6million from French club Lorient last January, helped the Wearsiders avoid relegation and signed a new five-year deal in September. But the Ivory Coast player had a clause inserted which could see him leave the Stadium of Light in January — and the Hammers are ready to pounce. West Ham's defence has proved porous this season and co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are anxious to protect the club's Premier League status. Meanwhile, West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri will be offered an escape route by Sevilla after a miserable few months on loan in the East End. Argentinian Calleri joined Hammers in the summer from Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado and has yet to score in nine appearances. The £10million-rated Romania international has impressed since his a summer move from Steaua Bucharest – and now Moyes wants Stanciu with the Black Cats.
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West Ham want to sign Joe Hart - as long as they stay in Premier League
West Ham could look to sign Joe Hart in the summer as long as they safeguard their Premier League place
Matt Law, football news correspondent Ian Winrow
10 DECEMBER 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United will try to bring goalkeeper Joe Hart back to England at the end of the season – as long as the club preserve their Premier League status.
Hart is on loan at Torino and has already accepted that his Manchester City career is over with manager Pep Guardiola willing to listen to offers of £10 million from foreign clubs. City could ask for double that fee from a Premier League rival, but West Ham will hope that the fact they are not a threat to the Manchester club in England or in Europe will help them land the England international for a knock-down price. West Ham are considering a loan move for Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in January because of the poor form of Adrian, who has lost his place to Darren Randolph. But it is Hart who has emerged at West Ham's first choice permanent goalkeeper target for the end of the season, with either Adrian or Randolph expected to leave. Although Hart is enjoying his season-long loan in Torino, the 29-year-old would favour a permanent move back to England to help him keep his place in the national side. Asked about his future this week, Hart said: "I still don't know, I'm still a Manchester City player, but until the summer I will only think about enjoying my season with Torino." Hart will play in his first Turin derby against Juventus on Sunday and believes his experience of the Manchester rivalry between City and United stands him in good stead. "Torino and Manchester are not so different about how they feel about the derby," said Hart. "Torino is a city that breathes football." West Ham have conceded 29 Premier League goals this season and travel to Liverpool looking to avoid another defeat. Relegation would rule out a move for Hart and the threat of going down has contributed to the fact the Hammers are looking at a number of potential loan deals for January including Begovic and midfielder Marouane Fellaini. Adrian joined West Ham from Real Betis in 2013 and has performed well for the club up until this season. The Spaniard was dropped by under-pressure manager Slaven Bilic after a blunder against Stoke City at the start of November. Bilic has admitted he is facing a crucial run of fixtures that could determine his future. After facing Liverpool at Anfield, West Ham entertain Burnley and Hull City, before travelling to Swansea City on Boxing Day.
In his search for inspiration, Bilic this week turned to a recording of his players' last league visit to face Liverpool. A 3-0 victory at the start of last season built on the promise shown in an opening day win at Arsenal and helped set the tone for campaign that suggested club and manager were an ideal fit. Now, five months into the current season, the optimism generated by May's seventh-place finish – two points and one place ahead of today's opponents - has quickly disappeared.
Last weekend's 5-1 home humiliation at the hands of Arsenal marked a low point and confirmed the London club's focus is currently focused on the lower reaches of the table rather than the possibility of a return to European football. Little wonder then, Bilic has attempted to recall the mood generated by last season's successes against the Merseysiders. "The atmosphere in the dressing room was brilliant," said Bilic. "We played them four times and three times we beat them. But we will have to produce a lot to repeat that. We are watching those videos and they are good for motivation. It helps. We shouldn't be afraid of them. But we can't necessarily expect to go and win there just because we won there last year. We recalled that good memory to motivate the players. To give them some belief is only good."
Bilic and his players certainly need it. Last season's swagger has disappeared, replaced by tentative, unconvincing displays, particularly at home. The manager, though, insists he remains convinced his approach is the right one. "It's not a question of whether my team s winning or losing, we are talking about self belief and confidence," he said. "These situations make you even stronger. I have had difficult periods in a but I have belief in myself me my players and the team and in my ideas."
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West Ham's Álvaro Arbeloa: I don't regret coming at all. I want to be here to the end
The Spanish defender backs his manager Slaven Bilic but feels the players 'should be killing each other a bit more' over their side's recent disappointments
Sid Lowe
The Guardian
Saturday 10 December 2016 12.00 GMT
He could see them go – they were not exactly sneaking out. Even before Arsenal scored their final goal last Saturday, thousands of West Ham United fans had left the London Stadium, those long, painful closing minutes played before sweeps of empty white seats. Álvaro Arbeloa could not stop them; nor could he blame them. His manager couldn't, either: afterwards all Slaven Bilic could do was apologise to them. "A big humiliation," he called it. It finished 5-1, the home side conceding three in six minutes, four in 14. It could have been eight.
"You reach the point where you think: 'Let's stop the bleeding, at least,'" Arbeloa admits, but the cut was deep. "It felt like we might get into it, but they scored three in six minutes. Bam! We went for it desperately and every counter was a goal: goal, goal, goal. You felt the disappointment. You have to live with that: we can't ask anything from them." The word he uses next is desencantada and while it does not translate exactly, it fits – not just last Saturday but all season, on the pitch and off. The fans are disenchanted, disillusioned. Everyone at West Ham is.
It was not supposed to be this way. After seven years at Real Madrid, having won every trophy there is, there were good reasons for Arbeloa to join West Ham. England, London, the Premier League, European competition, a team playing "attractive" football, a new stadium, the excitement of a new era, supporters he likens to those who so embraced him when he played for Liverpool, the Hammers' opponents on Sunday. "They're alike; there's a great communion between fans and players."
It is tempting to respond: not any more, there's not. Last Saturday Arsène Wenger claimed: "West Ham aren't comfortable at home." Perhaps because it is not home yet. But that alone does not explain them lying 17th, one point from the relegation zone. Their away form has been worse, for a start. "I didn't expect this; nobody did," Arbeloa says. "Last season was spectacular, bringing hope, but then we were knocked out of Europe. That was the first hammer blow and everything followed. Not playing in Europe, which would've given everyone minutes, moving stadium, which has been hard, the team in this position … it's not surprising fans lose enthusiasm, that hope."
There is a case to suggest that last season was part of the problem, creating false expectations; such hope was misplaced. But things still should not be this bad. "They were seventh, above Liverpool. Is repeating that impossible? I don't think so, but we do have to recognise that the two Manchester [clubs], Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have stronger squads," Arbeloa says. "Yet our squad should be as good as, say, Everton's. We shouldn't be so low."
"I played at Upton Park [for Liverpool] and it's completely different. A smaller pitch, the fans closer. Upton Park meant points. A new stadium allows you to grow, but it's good to maintain that proximity. For visiting teams, the new stadium's much easier. That's not the [sole] reason, but it's another ingredient. You can't say: 'This is why we're in this situation, or this is.' It's lots of things. Take injuries: is it that? No, but they play a part. You miss your best players, you can't create an identity, the base of a team. Then when things start going badly, you don't have the same confidence; it becomes a snowball, gathering a momentum, that you have to stop."
After the Arsenal game Bilic tried, accusing his players of lacking intensity, even in training. "It's good for the manager to tell it the way he sees it, to highlight what he thinks we need to do to change the situation," Arbeloa says. "And on the Monday, he told us we have to be united in these difficult moments. I also understand that coaches sometimes try to get a reaction from players via the media."
Bilic's words spoke too of a manager under pressure, reportedly handed an ultimatum, yet Arbeloa says: "He looks more volcanic than he is. Other coaches might have been more susceptible, they might have lost it, but he's been quite calm. We're not in this situation because of the manager and I don't think changing means you'll pick up more points. Inside the team, you won't hear anyone saying he's the problem."
Nor have there been recriminations in the dressing room. "The relationship's good," Arbeloa insists, pausing to add, "maybe even too good. At times, I think we should be killing each other a bit more – more angry. The atmosphere should be more tense."
It is, he says, a young team, a good group, although it sounds like one that lacks leadership, that person who steps forward. "I don't think it would fair to the captain to say that," Arbeloa insists. He says there are different ways to lead – he cites Dimitri Payet's willingness to take the ball and responsibility at difficult moments, for example – but admits there have been few raised voices. If that all sounds a little too comfortable, Arbeloa says they are aware of the reality. And although it is new to him he says he is ready for it, too. "We're conscious of the position we're in, which is important: look at Newcastle, who thought that there was no chance they'd go down.
"The teams around us are getting points, the teams above are opening a gap, Swansea and Sunderland looked dead but they've closed on us. I don't want to be in that position but at Madrid every defeat is a catastrophe and the demands are brutal. Pressure is pressure. That: 'Shit, we have to win.' The next four or five games are crucial."
That run starts at Liverpool on Sunday, although Arbeloa admits that the four matches that follow are likely more decisive: Burnley, Hull, Swansea and Leicester. He will miss out on Anfield, too; he would have loved to return to a stadium special to him, as he did with Madrid, but he is limping as he arrives in Marylebone, his leg purple, swollen and bruised just as he aspired to a rare opportunity. Last Saturday was only his third league appearance of the season. Injuries suggested he might have got a fourth; form suggested he might not have done, except that it is hard to know what his form is actually like with so few chances.
Another reason Arbeloa came was to play, after a final season of limited opportunity in Spain, but he has not. When he got his chance last weekend, for the first time since coming on against Middlesbrough on 1 October, it ended with a heavy defeat. Then came reports that he would be moved on in January, departing in virtual anonymity having arrived feted as a World Cup winner.
A late arrival did not help, Arbeloa insisting that working alone is never the same, "even if you trained 24 hours a day", and he suggests that he and the coach still need time to "connect", but he has not asked for an explanation as to why he has started just one league game all season."You don't ask why when you're playing and you don't ask when you're not," he says. "He's under a lot of pressure; he doesn't need me saying: 'Hey, why aren't I playing?' That would just create tension, another problem to deal with. But I want to play, of course."
Can he though? Is his level good enough any more? "I went almost two months without playing and [against Arsenal] I covered the most distance sprinting and in high intensity," Arbeloa says. "But to really judge it, you need to play more, so I don't know. I do know that I'm killing myself to change things; I haven't just accepted it.
"And I'm not leaving. Sometimes you read things [in the papers] and think: 'Do I say something? Do I ignore it?' I feel like people were misinformed and all I can say is that I'm staying until the summer, no matter what. And no one from West Ham has told me to look for a team or anything."
And then? In January, Arbeloa will be 34. For many players that is retirement age and inactivity tends to nudge players towards the end. It is not a decision he has taken – so long as he feels fit and motivated he intends to continue – and nor has he decided what he will do next. Coaching appeals, especially after Zinedine Zidane told him winning the Champions League as manager was miles better than doing so as a player. "But then," he says with a laugh, "I think about putting up with 25 bastards like me. I'd put a bullet in my head. You're always the bad guy."
He has watched others make the transition and he certainly has some of the attributes – he has had the coaches too, including Benítez, Mourinho, Ancelotti and Del Bosque – but he says that sometimes life, and opportunity, makes decisions for you. Take Jamie Carragher, for example.
"Everyone saw Carragher as a coach but he's as happy as can be on the telly, eh! Relaxed, comfortable. We all said: 'Carragher will be a coach, Stevie [Gerrard] on the telly,' but maybe it'll be the other way around."
Isn't Gerrard a bit quiet to be a coach, though? "And Zidane isn't?" Arbeloa shoots back. "None of us could see it and now look. I've been lucky. I've played with some of the best players in history, but Gerrard's the most complete." More than Zidane? "Could Zidane defend like Steven?" Arbeloa replies, swiftly.
"He defended, he attacked, he was good in the air, he could hit it with his right, with his left, he could head a corner or take it, play everywhere. He could do so much, so well. He has experience, he's worked with good coaches, and if he wants to be a coach, he can.
"You think he's calm but on the pitch he's all passion. You see him flying into a tackle or celebrating a goal and think: 'Calm? Yeah, when he's sleeping maybe …' And if he wants to be a coach there's no better place than Liverpool."
The place West Ham will go on Sunday, travelling to Arbeloa's former home without him. There is that spiral he talks about, so hard to break. When your luck's out, it's out. Summer excitement has given way to this; it could hardly have gone worse so far.
"One of the good things about getting older is you learn with experience and I've learnt that a season isn't September to January; what really matters is January to June, and I hope to be here. I just want to help," he says. "I don't regret coming at all – and the proof of that is that I don't want to go in January; I want to be here to the end."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 10
Daily WHUFC News - 11th December 2016
Captain's blog
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Before talking about football, I want to pass on my condolences to the
family and friends of young Jack Howard, who passed away last weekend.
As a father myself and having known, greatly liked and trained alongside
Dylan Tombides before his sad passing, I know cancer is a disease which is
unforgiving.
I am told Jack fought bravely until the end, like a true Hammer. Rest in
peace.
Mark NobleWe are all looking forward to Sunday's trip to Liverpool, where we
can make some history if we can win, as we'd be the first West Ham United
team to win back-to-back games at Anfield.
We won't be the bookies' favourites, but it's the Premier League and you
never know what's going to happen. Last weekend, they were 3-1 up against
Bournemouth and managed to lose 4-3.
I know Liverpool have been away warm-weather training in Barcelona, which
was nice for them and will have helped them clear their minds.
They'll be hoping to come back to Anfield and get themselves a result, but
anything can happen in football.
To be honest Anfield hasn't been the greatest place for us, but last season
we managed to make history by becoming the first West Ham team to win there
in 52 years, which was fantastic.
I had an eventful game myself, scoring and then getting sent-off, although
my red card was later overturned, which was nice.
We were in the lead, but you knew how quickly they can score goals at
Anfield, then I made a perfectly good tackle and got sent-off for it. If
Liverpool had come back and we hadn't got a result there, it could have been
a different story, but we defended well and Diafra scored a really good goal
at the end.
That's the sort of rub of the green we need. We know it's going to be a
tough game but we've got to try our best.
Hopefully we can go there and get a result at the weekend because we need
something to change for us at the minute and hopefully that can be it.
That sort of performance which we put in at Liverpool last season has to be
the blueprint for every game, because you can't pick and choose when you
want to play. The really successful teams manage to get up for it every week
and that's what we need to do.
It's a great place to play, it's live on TV, so it's a great platform for
everyone to try and get a result.
Finally, I'd like to wish everyone travelling to Anfield a safe journey.
Come on you Irons!
Nobes
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Slaven BIlic wants his West Ham United team to develop a 'clean sheet
mentality'
Hammers have kept just three clean sheets in their opening 14 Premier League
matches
Bilic's side tackle free-scoring Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon
Slaven Bilic says his team need to develop a 'clean sheet mentality' if they
are to turn their season around.
West Ham United have kept just three clean sheets in their opening 14
Premier League matches, conceding 29 goals in the process.
The Hammers head to free-scoring Liverpool on Sunday and Bilic knows they
will need to tighten up if they are to leave Anfield with a point or three.
"We've had three clean sheets, against Bournemouth, against Sunderland and
at Crystal Palace," the manager confirmed. "You can't be guaranteed a clean
sheet but you have to have a clean sheet mentality.
"No team can guarantee they aren't going to concede a goal, no matter who
you are playing against, but you have to have a hunger and mentality that
I'm calling 'clean sheet', no matter what the result it. With that, it can
be 2-0 against Arsenal. It doesn't have to be 5-1.
"It's my responsibility, because we can't crumble. For me, 'clean sheet' is
more about mentality because their guy can score from a free-kick or a great
action, so 1-0 can't be a clean sheet but you know what I'm talking about."
Defending is not only down to defenders, of course, and Bilic is hopeful
that Andy Carroll will be available to play an important role this weekend –
and in next week's home matches with Burnley and Hull City.
Carroll not only defends from the front, but is also an important figure in
his own penalty area when dealing with opposition set pieces.
However, with a busy fixture list to contend with, the manager admitted he
has to 'manage' the centre forward following his recent return from
three-and-a-half months out with a knee injury.
At the other end, the No9 netted on his comeback against Arsenal, and Bilic
knows his presence will be vital this coming week.
"It's a good question and one I've thought a lot about in the last few days,
because we have to manage him," he explained. "It doesn't mean he isn't
going to start against Liverpool, I'm not saying that, but the last game he
played before the Arsenal game was in Romania in the first week of the
season.
"That's a long break and we have three games and we need him in all three of
them, but we can't be that greedy. I would call it 'naïve' to expect him to
last three full 90-minute games in one week, that would be crazy, but he
feels good and he is fit.
"We're going to use him, most definitely, in all three of them, because we
need him in all three of them. Is he gonna start on Sunday? I don't know!"
West Ham kick-off against Liverpool at 4.30pm on Sunday, with the Premier
League fixture being screened live on Sky Sports 1 and across the world.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Insider is back!
WHUFC.com
The Insider is back to bring you the very latest news and views on
speculation surrounding the Hammers!
Hello everyone,
As the January transfer window fast approaches, I will be dusting off my
Filofax and keeping my ear to the ground to bring West Ham supporters the
most reliable information on all the potential comings and goings at London
Stadium.
It has been a difficult season so far for Slaven and his side, but the Board
are certainly confident that their manager can turn this season's form on
its head and steer the side into a more than respectable Premier League
position.
I am told that the Club's activity in the transfer window is highly likely
to depend on the side's results between now and the New Year, with five
games and a potential 15 points to play for.
Injuries will of course play a part as well, and both the Board and the
manager will both be hoping for a busy Christmas period free from fresh
casualties, a factor that has no doubt played a part in the side's recent
form.
However, the African Cup of Nations will also leave the squad depleted with
three or four players set to represent their countries in Gabon, so it is
likely that we will see some activity in the transfer window either way.
I am reliably informed that we will be concentrating on domestic signings
during this window, as they will be more likely to hit the ground running
and make an immediate impact to the side.
It is, of course, never easy to capture your prime targets, especially not
in January, but we hope to see two or three new faces to help complement
Slaven's already talented squad.
At this moment in time we cannot even speculate on the identities of these
targets as we want to make sure we don't alert other club's or leave
ourselves open to being held to ransom by the selling club.
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to bust some myths that
have been reported in the press over the last few days.
There have been reports that Dimitri Payet has a £15million buy-out clause
upon relegation from the Premier League. My source assures me that there is
absolutely no truth in this rumour at all, and that this was never even
considered when the Club renegotiated Payet's contract last season.
It has also been reported that the club have agreed a five-year-contract
with Wolfsburg's teenage midfielder Murat Saglam. Once again, this is a
rumour being presented as a done deal, and my source tells me it is well
wide-of-the-mark.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not
necessarily the views of West Ham United
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s end calendar year with victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s won for the first time in five matches with victory
over Leicester City
Joe Powell and Korrey Henry (pen) scored the goals
Assistant boss Mark Phillips praised his team's first half display
Mark Phillips praised his side's excellent first half display, which set up
a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leicester City in the U18 Premier League
South.
The Hammers dominated the first 45 and were two up by half-time after Joe
Powell's free-kick and Korrey Henry's penalty.
Leicester saw more of the ball in the second half but the Hammers defence
was rarely breached as they picked up their first win in five matches.
"I thought we were excellent in the first half. Second half was slightly
disappointing but that's being negative. We played some terrific football
throughout," said Phillips.
"On the whole it was a good performance and there were some excellent
individual performances out there today. Everyone played very well
throughout."
Manager Steve Potts made three changes from the side which drew with Fulham
last weekend with Bernardo Rosa, Reece Hannam and Ben Johnson coming in for
Malyk Hamilton, the suspended Conor Coventry and Jeremy Ngakia. Anthony
Scully was still missing through injury.
The Hammers were in control from the off and almost went in front with
barely ten minutes on the clock. Alfie Lewis's free-kick was sidefooted just
over the cross by Jake Eggleton.
The breakthrough came on 14 minutes after a period of patient build-up play.
Rosaire Longelo was fouled just on the edge of the penalty area, and up
stepped Joe Powell to notch his first of the season with a wonderful
free-kick.
Powell could have added a second five minutes later after a long-range
effort went just over, but the Hammers soon added to their lead as the game
edged towards half-time.
Top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram weaved his way through a number of
challenges and was eventually tumbled over in the area. Korrey Henry coolly
placed the ball into the bottom corner from the spot to put the away side in
cruise control.
The Hammers seemed content to settle on their lead in the second half and
restricted the Leicester to virtually nothing in the way of chances on goal.
Rihards Matrevics was forced into action with five minutes to play, making a
great save from point blank range, but the Hammers were still a threat on
the counter attack.
Substitute Jeremy Ngakia hit the side netting before Hector-Ingram almost
added another to his collection, smashing the post when through one-on-one
with the goalkeeper.
But the final scoreline of 2-0 was probably a little less comfortable than
the performance suggested for Potts and his players, as they picked up a
much needed victory in the last match before the Christmas break.
Hammers XI: Matrevics; Johnson, Eggleton (Ngakia, 73), Akinola, Hannam;
Henry, Lewis; Powell, Rosa (Hamilton, 73), Longelo, Hector-Ingram.
Subs: Forde, Hudson, Constantinou.
Goals: Powell 14, Henry (pen) 31.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll - It's a massive game
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll eager to return to the starting XI against former club
Liverpool
West Ham United face the Reds at Anfield on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm
Centre forward spent 18 months on Merseyside between 2011-12
Andy Carroll has plenty of reasons for wanting to impress on his latest
return to Liverpool on Sunday.
West Ham United's No9 became the most-expensive English player ever when he
signed for the Reds from Newcastle United in January 2011. He spent 18
rollercoaster months at Anfield, climaxing in a goal in an FA Cup final
defeat by Chelsea at Wembley.
The feeling persisted that Carroll was never given a real chance in a
Liverpool shirt, despite his undoubted ability, and he reminded them of what
they were missing by scoring in West Ham's 2-0 win at the Boleyn Ground in
January this year.
Nearly twelve months on and the Hammers desperately need the 27-year-old to
fire them to a win which will take them back out of the Premier League
relegation zone.
"It's a massive game," he began. "They're a great team playing in a massive
stadium with good fans, so it's going to be tough for us.
"It would be nice to go there and get the win and, for me, to get a win
against one of my old clubs would be even better.
"We just need to go up there, concentrate and get the result. Obviously they
are a tough team to beat, especially at Anfield, so it's going to be even
harder."
Carroll returned from a three-and-a-half month injury lay-off with a goal
against Arsenal last weekend, when he played for around 20 minutes as a
substitute.
Slaven Bilic has refused to say whether the England man will start against
his former club, but the No9 feels ready to contribute, whatever role he is
given.
"The aim is to get more minutes on the pitch on Sunday," he confirmed. "I've
been training hard and I'm fit so hopefully I'll get longer on the pitch
this weekend than I did against Arsenal last Saturday.
"I would like to think I could make a difference to any team. We've
obviously been lacking goals so I would like to get back in the team and get
those goals."
Having beaten Liverpool three times last season – twice in the Premier
League and once in an unforgettable FA Cup replay – Carroll says there is no
reason why the Hammers cannot do so again.
"We have got the quality to beat the top teams and Liverpool are obviously a
top team, so we can beat them," he said.
"We have to stick together and we've worked hard in training this week. All
the lads know what we need to do and hopefully we can put it together for
the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic eyes move for Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge
Last Updated: 10/12/16 11:53am
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he will be interested in signing Daniel
Sturridge if the Liverpool striker becomes available in January. The England
international will miss West Ham's visit to Anfield on Sunday because of a
calf problem, and Bilic believes the player's injury problems are a concern.
But should the 27-year-old leave Liverpool, the Hammers boss reckons there
will be much competition for his signature. Bilic said: "He's one of the
biggest talents, he's a great player. The talent is there, the touch, the
finishing, everything is great. "The only thing that has stopped him being a
regular for club and country are the injuries. "He's just a player that has
been linked with us, basically, and we've been linked with almost every
player. "We're always there in contention. Most of the time it's absolutely
not true, 95 per cent of the time. "But you're asking me about Sturridge
and I have no problem about that. All the clubs are thinking about him
because he is that kind of player. "I don't know his work rate, I don't know
his dedication to his job or whatever but unfortunately for England and for
Liverpool and especially for him he's injured. That's his problem."
Liverpool lost a two-goal advantage in their 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth last
weekend and will be aiming to bounce back against West Ham. Although the
Hammers sit just one point above the relegation zone, Bilic is confident his
side can exploit Liverpool's weaknesses on Merseyside. Bilic said: "They
are definitely one of the contenders for the Premier League title - some of
their football is great and most of their football is quite consistent this
season. "Obviously last week was not great because they were winning 3-1 and
lost 4-3, but they are obviously one of the title contenders. "Of course
that result gives us heart because they are conceding goals. "In a 90-minute
game you have all sorts of situations, but the way Liverpool play at
Anfield, the opponent has to be solid first of all, compact behind the ball
with numbers to stop them creating. "Then, when you have the ball, you can
hurt them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's summer signings will find form, says Slaven Bilic
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 10/12/16 2:03pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham's summer signings will find their form
after failing to impress in the early stages of the season. West Ham
currently sit one point above the relegation zone and could drop into the
Premier League's bottom three before they head to Liverpool on Sunday, live
on Sky Sports 1 HD. Some of West Ham's new players have been criticised for
their poor starts in England, with Simone Zaza failing to find the net in 11
appearances since joining from Juventus on loan. Meanwhile, Sofiane Feghouli
suffered a hamstring injury after arriving on a free transfer from Valencia,
and is yet to score in the league upon his return to full fitness. Bilic
insisted his latest recruits - which also includes Alvaro Arbeloa and Havard
Nordtveit - have the quality to compete in the top-tier. "With some of the
new players, we can say they didn't hit the ground running straight away or
they are not showing what we wanted or why we bought them in the first
place," Bilic told Sky Sports. "But they came to a new league, this is the
Premier League, I'm not saying it's better but it's definitely different to
the leagues they were in before.
"Most of them were hit by injuries when they signed for us, which is another
reason why that period is longer than we thought it was going to be. "They
[new signings] are good enough. At the end of the day you are questioning
and judging the performances of the players on the pitch in whatever role
they play, but they are good players. I'm sure it's about time for some of
them to hit form."
BIlic refused to point the finger at any player specifically, but admitted
his frustration that injuries to key players has hampered their progress
after such an impressive 2015/16 campaign which saw them finish seventh.
Striker Diafra Sakho remains out until the New Year with a hamstring injury,
while Michail Antonio has missed three matches with a groin strain after
scoring six goals in 13 leagues games. "I took responsibility on myself, I
didn't blame anyone, I said it's my responsibility. Why I said it is mainly
because of the injuries," Bilic added. "Basically it stopped some very
important players for us, and right from the beginning of the season.
Whether it's short-term injuries or long-term, they can't get a rhythm in
training. "They come back to training two or three days before a game and in
that time you can't push them really hard because there's a game ahead."
West Ham have struggled in front of goal this season and have been linked
with a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in January. Bilic
revealed he would be interested in signing the England international if he
were to become available, but the West Ham boss also believes the current
squad can turn their form around.
"We are looking for some positions and maybe we are going to get someone,
but I believe in this team," Bilic added. "I know that within this team we
have enough quality to turn things around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic assured of West Ham future in House of Lords tea date with
Karren Brady
Bilic and Brady met earlier this week after the Hammers were handed their
heaviest defeat of the season at home to Arsenal last weekend
BYLIAM CORLESS
16:31, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED16:48, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic was assured of his West Ham future when he met Karren Brady for
tea at the House of Lords on Wednesday. The Hammers have endured a dreadful
start to the season, winning just three of their 14 Premier League matches
so far this season. Their heaviest defeat of the campaign came last weekend
as Arsenal thrashed them 5-1 at the London Stadium. The result put West Ham
just one point clear of the relegation zone and left huge question marks
surrounding Bilic's future at the club. However, Hammers vice-chairman Brady
revealed to The Sun that she met with Bilic in midweek and the Croat assured
her he will turn the club's fortunes around. "Slaven and I have tea at the
House of Lords. For a catch up," Brady wrote, chronicling her activity on
Wednesday, December 7. "Three things he is — decent, passionate, determined.
When he says results will turn round, I 100 per cent believe him. We talk
January window and leave feeling optimistic." Brady revealed she was
"horrified" by the defeat to West Ham but added that "In 23 years in
football, my two chairman [David Gold and David Sullivan and I have sacked
four managers". "The best clubs pull together," she said. "That's exactly
what we are going to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Before talking about football, I want to pass on my condolences to the
family and friends of young Jack Howard, who passed away last weekend.
As a father myself and having known, greatly liked and trained alongside
Dylan Tombides before his sad passing, I know cancer is a disease which is
unforgiving.
I am told Jack fought bravely until the end, like a true Hammer. Rest in
peace.
Mark NobleWe are all looking forward to Sunday's trip to Liverpool, where we
can make some history if we can win, as we'd be the first West Ham United
team to win back-to-back games at Anfield.
We won't be the bookies' favourites, but it's the Premier League and you
never know what's going to happen. Last weekend, they were 3-1 up against
Bournemouth and managed to lose 4-3.
I know Liverpool have been away warm-weather training in Barcelona, which
was nice for them and will have helped them clear their minds.
They'll be hoping to come back to Anfield and get themselves a result, but
anything can happen in football.
To be honest Anfield hasn't been the greatest place for us, but last season
we managed to make history by becoming the first West Ham team to win there
in 52 years, which was fantastic.
I had an eventful game myself, scoring and then getting sent-off, although
my red card was later overturned, which was nice.
We were in the lead, but you knew how quickly they can score goals at
Anfield, then I made a perfectly good tackle and got sent-off for it. If
Liverpool had come back and we hadn't got a result there, it could have been
a different story, but we defended well and Diafra scored a really good goal
at the end.
That's the sort of rub of the green we need. We know it's going to be a
tough game but we've got to try our best.
Hopefully we can go there and get a result at the weekend because we need
something to change for us at the minute and hopefully that can be it.
That sort of performance which we put in at Liverpool last season has to be
the blueprint for every game, because you can't pick and choose when you
want to play. The really successful teams manage to get up for it every week
and that's what we need to do.
It's a great place to play, it's live on TV, so it's a great platform for
everyone to try and get a result.
Finally, I'd like to wish everyone travelling to Anfield a safe journey.
Come on you Irons!
Nobes
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Slaven BIlic wants his West Ham United team to develop a 'clean sheet
mentality'
Hammers have kept just three clean sheets in their opening 14 Premier League
matches
Bilic's side tackle free-scoring Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon
Slaven Bilic says his team need to develop a 'clean sheet mentality' if they
are to turn their season around.
West Ham United have kept just three clean sheets in their opening 14
Premier League matches, conceding 29 goals in the process.
The Hammers head to free-scoring Liverpool on Sunday and Bilic knows they
will need to tighten up if they are to leave Anfield with a point or three.
"We've had three clean sheets, against Bournemouth, against Sunderland and
at Crystal Palace," the manager confirmed. "You can't be guaranteed a clean
sheet but you have to have a clean sheet mentality.
"No team can guarantee they aren't going to concede a goal, no matter who
you are playing against, but you have to have a hunger and mentality that
I'm calling 'clean sheet', no matter what the result it. With that, it can
be 2-0 against Arsenal. It doesn't have to be 5-1.
"It's my responsibility, because we can't crumble. For me, 'clean sheet' is
more about mentality because their guy can score from a free-kick or a great
action, so 1-0 can't be a clean sheet but you know what I'm talking about."
Defending is not only down to defenders, of course, and Bilic is hopeful
that Andy Carroll will be available to play an important role this weekend –
and in next week's home matches with Burnley and Hull City.
Carroll not only defends from the front, but is also an important figure in
his own penalty area when dealing with opposition set pieces.
However, with a busy fixture list to contend with, the manager admitted he
has to 'manage' the centre forward following his recent return from
three-and-a-half months out with a knee injury.
At the other end, the No9 netted on his comeback against Arsenal, and Bilic
knows his presence will be vital this coming week.
"It's a good question and one I've thought a lot about in the last few days,
because we have to manage him," he explained. "It doesn't mean he isn't
going to start against Liverpool, I'm not saying that, but the last game he
played before the Arsenal game was in Romania in the first week of the
season.
"That's a long break and we have three games and we need him in all three of
them, but we can't be that greedy. I would call it 'naïve' to expect him to
last three full 90-minute games in one week, that would be crazy, but he
feels good and he is fit.
"We're going to use him, most definitely, in all three of them, because we
need him in all three of them. Is he gonna start on Sunday? I don't know!"
West Ham kick-off against Liverpool at 4.30pm on Sunday, with the Premier
League fixture being screened live on Sky Sports 1 and across the world.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Insider is back!
WHUFC.com
The Insider is back to bring you the very latest news and views on
speculation surrounding the Hammers!
Hello everyone,
As the January transfer window fast approaches, I will be dusting off my
Filofax and keeping my ear to the ground to bring West Ham supporters the
most reliable information on all the potential comings and goings at London
Stadium.
It has been a difficult season so far for Slaven and his side, but the Board
are certainly confident that their manager can turn this season's form on
its head and steer the side into a more than respectable Premier League
position.
I am told that the Club's activity in the transfer window is highly likely
to depend on the side's results between now and the New Year, with five
games and a potential 15 points to play for.
Injuries will of course play a part as well, and both the Board and the
manager will both be hoping for a busy Christmas period free from fresh
casualties, a factor that has no doubt played a part in the side's recent
form.
However, the African Cup of Nations will also leave the squad depleted with
three or four players set to represent their countries in Gabon, so it is
likely that we will see some activity in the transfer window either way.
I am reliably informed that we will be concentrating on domestic signings
during this window, as they will be more likely to hit the ground running
and make an immediate impact to the side.
It is, of course, never easy to capture your prime targets, especially not
in January, but we hope to see two or three new faces to help complement
Slaven's already talented squad.
At this moment in time we cannot even speculate on the identities of these
targets as we want to make sure we don't alert other club's or leave
ourselves open to being held to ransom by the selling club.
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to bust some myths that
have been reported in the press over the last few days.
There have been reports that Dimitri Payet has a £15million buy-out clause
upon relegation from the Premier League. My source assures me that there is
absolutely no truth in this rumour at all, and that this was never even
considered when the Club renegotiated Payet's contract last season.
It has also been reported that the club have agreed a five-year-contract
with Wolfsburg's teenage midfielder Murat Saglam. Once again, this is a
rumour being presented as a done deal, and my source tells me it is well
wide-of-the-mark.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not
necessarily the views of West Ham United
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U18s end calendar year with victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s won for the first time in five matches with victory
over Leicester City
Joe Powell and Korrey Henry (pen) scored the goals
Assistant boss Mark Phillips praised his team's first half display
Mark Phillips praised his side's excellent first half display, which set up
a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leicester City in the U18 Premier League
South.
The Hammers dominated the first 45 and were two up by half-time after Joe
Powell's free-kick and Korrey Henry's penalty.
Leicester saw more of the ball in the second half but the Hammers defence
was rarely breached as they picked up their first win in five matches.
"I thought we were excellent in the first half. Second half was slightly
disappointing but that's being negative. We played some terrific football
throughout," said Phillips.
"On the whole it was a good performance and there were some excellent
individual performances out there today. Everyone played very well
throughout."
Manager Steve Potts made three changes from the side which drew with Fulham
last weekend with Bernardo Rosa, Reece Hannam and Ben Johnson coming in for
Malyk Hamilton, the suspended Conor Coventry and Jeremy Ngakia. Anthony
Scully was still missing through injury.
The Hammers were in control from the off and almost went in front with
barely ten minutes on the clock. Alfie Lewis's free-kick was sidefooted just
over the cross by Jake Eggleton.
The breakthrough came on 14 minutes after a period of patient build-up play.
Rosaire Longelo was fouled just on the edge of the penalty area, and up
stepped Joe Powell to notch his first of the season with a wonderful
free-kick.
Powell could have added a second five minutes later after a long-range
effort went just over, but the Hammers soon added to their lead as the game
edged towards half-time.
Top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram weaved his way through a number of
challenges and was eventually tumbled over in the area. Korrey Henry coolly
placed the ball into the bottom corner from the spot to put the away side in
cruise control.
The Hammers seemed content to settle on their lead in the second half and
restricted the Leicester to virtually nothing in the way of chances on goal.
Rihards Matrevics was forced into action with five minutes to play, making a
great save from point blank range, but the Hammers were still a threat on
the counter attack.
Substitute Jeremy Ngakia hit the side netting before Hector-Ingram almost
added another to his collection, smashing the post when through one-on-one
with the goalkeeper.
But the final scoreline of 2-0 was probably a little less comfortable than
the performance suggested for Potts and his players, as they picked up a
much needed victory in the last match before the Christmas break.
Hammers XI: Matrevics; Johnson, Eggleton (Ngakia, 73), Akinola, Hannam;
Henry, Lewis; Powell, Rosa (Hamilton, 73), Longelo, Hector-Ingram.
Subs: Forde, Hudson, Constantinou.
Goals: Powell 14, Henry (pen) 31.
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Carroll - It's a massive game
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll eager to return to the starting XI against former club
Liverpool
West Ham United face the Reds at Anfield on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm
Centre forward spent 18 months on Merseyside between 2011-12
Andy Carroll has plenty of reasons for wanting to impress on his latest
return to Liverpool on Sunday.
West Ham United's No9 became the most-expensive English player ever when he
signed for the Reds from Newcastle United in January 2011. He spent 18
rollercoaster months at Anfield, climaxing in a goal in an FA Cup final
defeat by Chelsea at Wembley.
The feeling persisted that Carroll was never given a real chance in a
Liverpool shirt, despite his undoubted ability, and he reminded them of what
they were missing by scoring in West Ham's 2-0 win at the Boleyn Ground in
January this year.
Nearly twelve months on and the Hammers desperately need the 27-year-old to
fire them to a win which will take them back out of the Premier League
relegation zone.
"It's a massive game," he began. "They're a great team playing in a massive
stadium with good fans, so it's going to be tough for us.
"It would be nice to go there and get the win and, for me, to get a win
against one of my old clubs would be even better.
"We just need to go up there, concentrate and get the result. Obviously they
are a tough team to beat, especially at Anfield, so it's going to be even
harder."
Carroll returned from a three-and-a-half month injury lay-off with a goal
against Arsenal last weekend, when he played for around 20 minutes as a
substitute.
Slaven Bilic has refused to say whether the England man will start against
his former club, but the No9 feels ready to contribute, whatever role he is
given.
"The aim is to get more minutes on the pitch on Sunday," he confirmed. "I've
been training hard and I'm fit so hopefully I'll get longer on the pitch
this weekend than I did against Arsenal last Saturday.
"I would like to think I could make a difference to any team. We've
obviously been lacking goals so I would like to get back in the team and get
those goals."
Having beaten Liverpool three times last season – twice in the Premier
League and once in an unforgettable FA Cup replay – Carroll says there is no
reason why the Hammers cannot do so again.
"We have got the quality to beat the top teams and Liverpool are obviously a
top team, so we can beat them," he said.
"We have to stick together and we've worked hard in training this week. All
the lads know what we need to do and hopefully we can put it together for
the weekend."
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Slaven Bilic eyes move for Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge
Last Updated: 10/12/16 11:53am
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he will be interested in signing Daniel
Sturridge if the Liverpool striker becomes available in January. The England
international will miss West Ham's visit to Anfield on Sunday because of a
calf problem, and Bilic believes the player's injury problems are a concern.
But should the 27-year-old leave Liverpool, the Hammers boss reckons there
will be much competition for his signature. Bilic said: "He's one of the
biggest talents, he's a great player. The talent is there, the touch, the
finishing, everything is great. "The only thing that has stopped him being a
regular for club and country are the injuries. "He's just a player that has
been linked with us, basically, and we've been linked with almost every
player. "We're always there in contention. Most of the time it's absolutely
not true, 95 per cent of the time. "But you're asking me about Sturridge
and I have no problem about that. All the clubs are thinking about him
because he is that kind of player. "I don't know his work rate, I don't know
his dedication to his job or whatever but unfortunately for England and for
Liverpool and especially for him he's injured. That's his problem."
Liverpool lost a two-goal advantage in their 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth last
weekend and will be aiming to bounce back against West Ham. Although the
Hammers sit just one point above the relegation zone, Bilic is confident his
side can exploit Liverpool's weaknesses on Merseyside. Bilic said: "They
are definitely one of the contenders for the Premier League title - some of
their football is great and most of their football is quite consistent this
season. "Obviously last week was not great because they were winning 3-1 and
lost 4-3, but they are obviously one of the title contenders. "Of course
that result gives us heart because they are conceding goals. "In a 90-minute
game you have all sorts of situations, but the way Liverpool play at
Anfield, the opponent has to be solid first of all, compact behind the ball
with numbers to stop them creating. "Then, when you have the ball, you can
hurt them."
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West Ham's summer signings will find form, says Slaven Bilic
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 10/12/16 2:03pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham's summer signings will find their form
after failing to impress in the early stages of the season. West Ham
currently sit one point above the relegation zone and could drop into the
Premier League's bottom three before they head to Liverpool on Sunday, live
on Sky Sports 1 HD. Some of West Ham's new players have been criticised for
their poor starts in England, with Simone Zaza failing to find the net in 11
appearances since joining from Juventus on loan. Meanwhile, Sofiane Feghouli
suffered a hamstring injury after arriving on a free transfer from Valencia,
and is yet to score in the league upon his return to full fitness. Bilic
insisted his latest recruits - which also includes Alvaro Arbeloa and Havard
Nordtveit - have the quality to compete in the top-tier. "With some of the
new players, we can say they didn't hit the ground running straight away or
they are not showing what we wanted or why we bought them in the first
place," Bilic told Sky Sports. "But they came to a new league, this is the
Premier League, I'm not saying it's better but it's definitely different to
the leagues they were in before.
"Most of them were hit by injuries when they signed for us, which is another
reason why that period is longer than we thought it was going to be. "They
[new signings] are good enough. At the end of the day you are questioning
and judging the performances of the players on the pitch in whatever role
they play, but they are good players. I'm sure it's about time for some of
them to hit form."
BIlic refused to point the finger at any player specifically, but admitted
his frustration that injuries to key players has hampered their progress
after such an impressive 2015/16 campaign which saw them finish seventh.
Striker Diafra Sakho remains out until the New Year with a hamstring injury,
while Michail Antonio has missed three matches with a groin strain after
scoring six goals in 13 leagues games. "I took responsibility on myself, I
didn't blame anyone, I said it's my responsibility. Why I said it is mainly
because of the injuries," Bilic added. "Basically it stopped some very
important players for us, and right from the beginning of the season.
Whether it's short-term injuries or long-term, they can't get a rhythm in
training. "They come back to training two or three days before a game and in
that time you can't push them really hard because there's a game ahead."
West Ham have struggled in front of goal this season and have been linked
with a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in January. Bilic
revealed he would be interested in signing the England international if he
were to become available, but the West Ham boss also believes the current
squad can turn their form around.
"We are looking for some positions and maybe we are going to get someone,
but I believe in this team," Bilic added. "I know that within this team we
have enough quality to turn things around."
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Slaven Bilic assured of West Ham future in House of Lords tea date with
Karren Brady
Bilic and Brady met earlier this week after the Hammers were handed their
heaviest defeat of the season at home to Arsenal last weekend
BYLIAM CORLESS
16:31, 10 DEC 2016UPDATED16:48, 10 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic was assured of his West Ham future when he met Karren Brady for
tea at the House of Lords on Wednesday. The Hammers have endured a dreadful
start to the season, winning just three of their 14 Premier League matches
so far this season. Their heaviest defeat of the campaign came last weekend
as Arsenal thrashed them 5-1 at the London Stadium. The result put West Ham
just one point clear of the relegation zone and left huge question marks
surrounding Bilic's future at the club. However, Hammers vice-chairman Brady
revealed to The Sun that she met with Bilic in midweek and the Croat assured
her he will turn the club's fortunes around. "Slaven and I have tea at the
House of Lords. For a catch up," Brady wrote, chronicling her activity on
Wednesday, December 7. "Three things he is — decent, passionate, determined.
When he says results will turn round, I 100 per cent believe him. We talk
January window and leave feeling optimistic." Brady revealed she was
"horrified" by the defeat to West Ham but added that "In 23 years in
football, my two chairman [David Gold and David Sullivan and I have sacked
four managers". "The best clubs pull together," she said. "That's exactly
what we are going to do."
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