Snodgrass – We will bounce back
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass said his side need to put the 3-2 defeat away at Bournemouth behind them and turn their attentions to the games ahead as they seek a second consecutive top half finish in the Premier League. The Hammers were just seven minutes from securing a valuable away point, courtesy of Andre Ayew's second equaliser in as many away games, before Joshua King completed his hat-trick which gave the Cherries the three points. Now, with reigning champions Leicester City up next at home this Saturday, the Scottish international explained that he and his teammates need to put all their efforts into training this week: He said: "I believe that if we keep working hard on the training ground the performances and results will come, we need to put this result behind us, we've been on a good run as of late but we can't give teams two penalties and concede three goals, so we need to get back to the training ground and move forward. "When we scored the first goal I thought we needed to see it out until half-time but we conceded a second penalty, we conceded a goal so that was hard, the manager said it and we all agree that we need to be better at game management which will help us see it through at times."
Since joining from Hull City in January transfer window, Snodgrass has put himself about tirelessly with his typical never-say-die attitude – which, frustratingly for the No11, has come at the cost of several debilitating knocks. The midfielder continued: "Ten minutes into the game against Chelsea I needed ten stiches in my knee, and then rolled my ankle as soon as I came on today so it was hard to push off properly and put them under pressure. "It's difficult and that made it harder but I'm a big enough to keep on going and I'm sure it won't be long before we're back to winning games. "To be honest, I couldn't have settled in any better, the people here have been absolutely great. My teammates have been first class, they're a great bunch of lads and the management and staff have been brilliant too. "The move couldn't have gone any better really, now I'm concentrated on doing well for the team and I'm looking forward to the games coming up."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew scored his second goal in as many away games in the Hammers' 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday
Ghana man's debut Hammers season has been interrupted by injury and international commitments
Manager certain the No20 will have huge impact over the season's closing months
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is looking forward to seeing Andre Ayew make his mark on the closing months of the campaign.
The Ghana man's stop-start first season in east London has started to fire with goals in successive away games and the boss expects more to come as the Hammers aim for a top-half finish. Ayew's season has been disrupted by injury and international commitments, but with goals in e victory at Swansea, draw at Watford and in Saturday's loss at AFC Bournemouth, he has shown he knows where the net is.
With the visit of Premier League champions Leicester City to come next week, Bilic feels the goals will continue to flow for the No20.
He explained: "Andre had a couple of major things which happened to him, which affected his season so far "The first was that he had a massive injury in the first game of the season, then when he came back it was a little bit too early, so he was searching for fitness and form. "Then he went to the Africa Cup of Nations and now he looks really good. That's the reason we bought him – he has that sense to be in the right place at the right time. "He scored like that against Swansea, he scored like that against Watford and he scored a similar kind of goal again on Saturday. That's a big quality for the strikers to be in a good position, so now he's back in good shape and of course we expect him to improve us."
Bilic admitted he expected his team to be better when out-of-possession against the Cherries, with the three goals conceded – and two penalties given away too – not allowing them to continue their good recent away form. He added: "Every game gives you something to think about short-term, as well as long-term. Saturday's game doesn't change anything in terms of what we need for the summer. "We have to improve, especially against the teams who are putting us under pressure – pressing and all that, because on the ball we look really good."
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A message from the Joint-Chairmen
WHUFC.com
A message from David Sullivan and David Gold...
When London Stadium became our new home last summer, we were adamant that the move should benefit our most loyal supporters. We promised to provide affordable Premier League football for our 52,000 founding Season Ticket Holders, and that promise is ongoing.
Today, we are delighted to announce a price freeze for all Season Ticket Holders renewing for the 2017/18 campaign. It was important for us to reward the loyalty of our Season Ticket Holders, and to say thank you for the unwavering support of the team during our historic inaugural season at London Stadium. The devotion, ideas, passion and commitment our supporters have shown has been truly overwhelming and reinforced what we have always known - that West Ham United is a family. This year, more than ever, it is important to renew before the deadline of Wednesday 31 May as, with a 55,000-strong Waiting List, any seats not renewed by the date will be made available on a priority basis to these supporters who are eager to become Season Ticket Holders.
Furthermore, anyone wishing to relocate their seat must renew their existing seat at the earliest possible opportunity, as seat relocations will be prioritised based on how early a Season Ticket Holder renews. Further details on the renewal process can be found by clicking here – including an improved low-interest monthly payment plan, introduced after listening to the feedback of our supporters.
Looking ahead to next season, we are intent on delivering success on the pitch for our supporters. As always, every single penny generated from Season Ticket sales will be re-invested in the playing squad, and we will be working hard in the summer transfer window to identify the players we believe will strengthen the team and bring us further success.
As the custodians of this football club, we are absolutely committed to that objective. In the meantime, we hope that all supporters enjoy the rest of this season, as Slaven and the players aim to secure the highest finish possible in the top half of the Premier League.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan and David Gold
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Season Ticket Renewals 2017/18 - FAQs
WHUFC.com
When is the renewal deadline?
The renewal deadline for the 2017/18 season is 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2017.
What are the prices?
The club are delighted to announce a price freeze for all founding Season Ticket Holders renewing for the 2017/18 season. Prices will again range from just £289 for Adults and £145 for Concessions, with Under-16s able to renew for just £99.
How Can I Pay?
You can pay online using our Eticketing site at eticketing.co.uk/whufc
When logging in, your seat will be reserved until 5pm on May 31, with the simple renewal process to be completed before that date.
Alternatively, you can call us on 0333 030 1966 (select option 3) or visit the Main Ticket Office next to the Stadium Store at London Stadium. Telephone lines and the Ticket Office are open from 9 am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Opening hours will be extended nearer to the renewal deadline date – please look out for details on whufc.com
What methods of payment are accepted?
You can pay by all credit or debit cards (including American Express), Cash, Club Cash or Finance.
What are the Finance Options?
After listening to feedback from our supporters, we are pleased to announce a new low-interest monthly payment plan for Season Ticket Holders renewing for 2017/18. Our finance options are through our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance, who offer a 10-month plan at just 6% interest (down from 19.9% last year), and a 0% interest four month option (with a £30 arrangement fee). Applications to renew using a payment plan will need to be made online by Friday 14 April 2017. The first payment is made 30 days after application. Any finance application must be for the full price of renewal and cannot be used in conjunction with Club Cash.
What is Club Cash and how does it work?
Club Cash is rewarded when people list and sell their tickets on the Ticket Exchange. Balances can be used on other Home Match purchases and/or towards season ticket renewals. Supporters can use their remaining balances or part of this against the Season Ticket price throughout the renewals process. To use Club Cash before April 16, supporters will need to call us or visit in person. From April 17, this will be an option through the Eticketing site.
Can I split payment between multiple methods i.e. card and cash?
Yes, you can split payments and pay by different means. For example you could pay part of your balance by credit card and the remaining balance by cash. This must be made at the same time.
If you have a club cash balance less than your renewal cost, you can put the full amount towards this and pay the remainder by another method of payment.
The only time you cannot split a payment is when using finance. This must be paid fully by the finance method.
I am looking to move seats for the 2017-18 season, how can I do this?
Firstly, you must renew your existing seat. The relocation process will be undertaken at the beginning of June. Seat relocation will be subject to availability and prioritised by how early you renew your Season Ticket(s).
Priority will also be given to Bondholders, those with accessible requirements and to those who contacted the Club at the beginning of the season.
Priority window slots will be communicated to supporters nearer the time.
At the point of confirmation, if the relocation falls into a different price band, the difference in cost will either be refunded or required to be paid in full immediately.
Further information on the dates and process will be announced in May.
What happens if I don't renew by 5pm on May 31?
Due to the time constraints linked to relocation requests, and our commitment to the 55,000-plus supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List, following the deadline, all seats not renewed will be made available initially for relocation requests.
Can I buy extra seats?
Due to the strong demand and Waiting List that we have, we cannot give existing Season Ticket Holders the option of purchasing extra seats at this time. To have the potential chance of purchasing extra seats in the future, you can join the Waiting List online for £10, a fee that would be discounted from the cost of any future Season Ticket purchase.
What is included in the season ticket and what are my further benefits?
The 2017/18 Season Ticket will again include all 19 Premier League home games as well as priority access to home cup matches, away matches, Club Store discount and reduced cost of away travel. Please click here for full benefits.
What are the extra schemes available and how can I join them?
The Home Cup Scheme enables you to automatically purchase your Season Ticket seat* for all West Ham United home cup matches at London Stadium. You can join this scheme now by adding your card details at the end of your renewal purchase. Subject to availability, you can also join the Away Season Ticket scheme. Places for this are extremely limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis that gives you a ticket to all 19 away Premier League matches as well as domestic away cup matches.
Do you need to see ID when purchasing concession tickets?
The club will be doing a full audit on reduced price Season Tickets and will require identification from all of those who are over 65, under 21 and under 16 by the middle of July 2017. Further details on this will be made available shortly on whufc.com
For any further questions please contact the ticket office on 0333 030 1966 and select option 3) where one of our agents can discuss.
*For some home cup games the Club will be required to give an increased allocation to away supporters. As such, Season Ticket holders in certain areas (blocks 120-127 and 220-229) may not be permitted to purchase their seat. Those who are affected, subject to availability, and on a first come first served basis, will be offered an exclusive period within which to acquire tickets for alternative seats in the stadium.
Click here to renew your Season Ticket for 2017/18 https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc/
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Season Ticket Renewals 2017/18 - Key points
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have today announced details of the Season Ticket renewal process for the 2017/18 campaign. Here is the key information you need to know…
PRICE FREEZE
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that founding Season Ticket Holders at London Stadium will enjoy a price freeze when renewing for the 2017/18 campaign, continuing the promise that our move to London Stadium should benefit our most loyal supporters and provide affordable Premier League football for our Season Ticket Holders.
This year, more than ever, it is important to renew before the Wednesday 31 May deadline as, with a 55,000-strong Waiting List, any seats not renewed will be made available to these supporters on a priority basis, who are eager to become Season Ticket Holders.
For more information on 2017/18 Season Ticket Renewals, click here
LOW-INTEREST FINANCE
You can apply to pay by monthly instalments via our simple payment plan delivered with our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance.
We have listened to your feedback and the new 10-month plan now offers a low 6% interest rate to ensure you pay less (previously 19.9%). Alternatively, the four-month plan offers 0% interest, with a £30 administration fee.
To pay using a monthly payment plan, simply select that option at checkout stage when renewing online at eticketing.co.uk/WHUFC
For more information on the low-interest monthly payment plan options, click here
SEAT RELOCATION
Anyone wishing to relocate their seat must renew their existing seat at the earliest possible opportunity, as seat relocations will be prioritised based on how early you renew.
Once the May 31 deadline for renewals has passed, a two-week window will commence, in which the priority relocation list will be processed in order.
KEY DATES
Monday 13 March Renewal period open.
Friday 14 April Deadline for online Monthly Payment Plan applications. Applications can still be made before the renewal deadline but they must be made in person or by calling the Ticket Office.
Wednesday 31 May Renewal deadline. Make sure you renew by 5pm as, following this date, your seat will be made available to Season Ticket Holders wishing to relocate and offered to the 55,000-plus supporters on the Waiting List.
Thursday 1 June Priority relocation window opens. Seat relocations will be subject to seat availability at the end of the renewal window. Relocations will be prioritised by how early you renew your Season Ticket, and the priority window slots will be communicated to supporters nearer the time.
Thursday 15 June Priority relocation window closes.
Friday 16 June Season Tickets on sale to Waiting List. For more information if you are a supporter on the Waiting List, click here
Click here to renew your Season Ticket for 2017/18 https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc/
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Season Ticket Renewals 2017/18 - Waiting List
WHUFC.com
West Ham United would like to thank all supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List, for the commitment, patience and loyalty you have shown during our historic inaugural season at London Stadium.
We hope that you have enjoyed some of the benefits that have been introduced this year to recognise your status on the Waiting List, including priority windows to apply for any match tickets at London Stadium that may become available due to away clubs returning part of their allocation.
With over 55,000 on the Waiting List eager to purchase a Season Ticket, we understand that you may require clarification following the announcement of the Season Ticket renewal process for the 2017/18 campaign.
While our 52,000 founding Season Ticket Holders are naturally entitled to the right to renew their seat at London Stadium, we recognise the need for those on the Waiting List to be kept fully informed during this process, and can assure you that your position on the list will be honoured.
Existing Season Ticket Holders have until Wednesday 31 May to renew their seat at London Stadium for the 2017/18 season. Once this deadline has passed, a two-week window will commence, in order to process requests for seat relocations, subject to availability.
The priority relocation window then closes on Thursday 15 June, and any remaining seats will be made available to supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List from the following day, Friday 16 June.
These Season Tickets will be allocated on a priority basis, in order of the date you joined the Waiting List. Supporters who are in a primary position on the Waiting List should expect to be contacted by the Ticket Office in the coming weeks to confirm their commitment to accepting an offer to purchase a Season Ticket for the 2017/18 campaign.
Again, we thank you for your patience and understanding during this process, and for your continued support of the Club.
Click here to renew your Season Ticket for 2017/18 https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc/
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Season Ticket renewals 2017/18 - Low-interest finance plan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to inform Season Ticket holders that, having listened to supporter feedback, we have introduced a brand new low-interest payment plan to make renewing your Season Ticket for the 2017/18 campaign easier and more cost-effective.
Following the move to London Stadium last summer, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold stood by their promise to provide affordable Premier League football for West Ham supporters, with Season Tickets priced at just £99 for Under-16s and from as little as £289 for adults.
That promise has continued with the announcement today of a price freeze for Season Ticket Holders renewing for 2017/18, along with a new, reduced interest payment plan that will ease the financial burden by enabling supporters to spread the cost of their Season Ticket over four or 10 months.
You can apply to pay for your 2017/18 Season Ticket renewal by monthly instalments now via our simple payment plans delivered with our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance.
The 10-month plan now offers a low 6% interest rate – significantly reduced from the 19.9% APR previously payable. Alternatively, the four-month plan offers 0% interest, with a £30.00 administration fee.
For Season Ticket Holders looking to relocate their seat once the deadline renewal passes, the low-interest payment plans provide the perfect opportunity to renew as soon as possible in order to secure a prime spot on the priority list for relocations.
The deadline to apply for a payment plan online is Friday 14 April.
Applications can still be made before the renewal deadline but they must be made in person or by calling the Ticket Office. Your first payment will be taken 30 days after your application has been processed.
To renew your Season Ticket for 2017/18 using the low-interest monthly payment plan, simply select that option at checkout stage when renewing online.
Click here to renew your Season Ticket for 2017/18 https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc/
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Loanee round up
WHUFC.com
Josh Cullen once again impressed as Bradford City were 2-0 winners in League One
There were sub appearances elsewhere for the likes of Reece Oxford and Toni Martinez
Oxford was making his first appearance for Reading after joining in January
The star of the Hammers loanees this weekend was again Josh Cullen, who continues to impress at Bradford City as they look to hold onto their League One play-off spot. The midfielder, making his 36th Bantams appearance of a superb season, played 90 minutes again for Stuart McCall's men as they were 2-0 winners at struggling Coventry City, now under the guidance of new boss Mark Robins. After a goalless first period, City stormed into the lead after just six second half minutes with substitute Alex Jones finishing off a Tony McMahon corner. And just five minutes later, the result was put beyond all doubt when Jordy Hiwula's deflected effort found the back of the net to make it 2-0. Bradford are now eight points clear of seventh placed Southend United, while they are outside the automatic promotion spots by just a couple of points.
In the Premier League, Enner Valencia was an unused substitute for Everton during their 3-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion, while in the second tier, there was finally an appearance for teenage defender Reece Oxford who joined Reading in January.
The centre-back has been made to wait for his Royals bow, but played the final 17 minutes in the side's 3-0 defeat to Preston North End on Saturday.
Tom Barkhuizen scored either side of a Daryl Horgan goal to lift Preston into eighth, while Oxford's Reading remain in fifth place in the Championship.
Back down into League One, George Dobson played 22 minutes for Walsall as the Saddlers picked up a point in south east London against Charlton Athletic.
Simeon Jackson gave the visitors the lead at the Valley but Tony Watt hit back for the Addicks to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.
Martin Samuelsen and Toni Martinez went up against each other at London Road, as the Norwegian's Peterborough United were beaten 2-1 by Martinez's Oxford United.
Samuelsen was left on the bench while the Spaniard – signed from Valencia during the summer – was introduced with seven minutes remaining in the clash.
By then, the visitors were 2-0 to the good thanks to Phil Edwards and Tom McAleny goals, though Craig Mackail-Smith did fire in an injury time consolation for Posh.
Struggling Newport County picked up what could be a vital three points at the summit of League Two on Saturday, with Hammer Jaanai Gordon playing the final minutes at Crewe Alexandra.
County, now with Mike Flynn as manager, were made to come from behind after Callum Cooke had opened the scoring for the Alex. Dan Butler equalised and skipper Joss Labadie fired home a late winner.
Finally, Sam Howes kept another clean sheet for Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National League south as his team were 2-0 winners over Hungerford Town.
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Chong wonder-goal secures point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies twice come from a goal down to grab a 2-2 draw with Swindon Town
Ladies sit tenth in eleven-club FA Women's Premier League Southern Division table
Manager Greg De Carnys believes his players have the confidence and ability to avoid relegation
A late wonder goal from Dayna Chong claimed a valuable FA Women's Premier League Southern Division point for West Ham United Ladies against Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday.
The Hammers trailed twice at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane, but battled back to earn a share of the spoils and extend their unbeaten run to a season-best three matches.
Georgia Walters scored twice for the Robins, but Greg De Carnys's team showed their strong team spirit as first Molly Peters, then Chong, levelled to snatch a deserved draw.
"It means a lot to the players," said the manager. "You can see the passion in their eyes and you can see that it means something in the celebrations when the goal went in.
"Dayna is a fantastic footballer, she can get on the ball and make things happen, you saw with the goal that she can do all sorts things, she's a joy to watch.
"We played some really good stuff, these girls have come a long way. We've now got three more league games which will be a good challenge for us, which we will relish and everyone can see that we are getting better."
After an even start at Ship Lane, Chyna Collings headed wide and Walters fired over for Swindon, before Peters shot straight at Robins goalkeeper Robyn Levett for the home side.
Swindon went ahead on 14 minutes when Amy Cooper uncharacteristically gave the ball away, which led to Walters' opening goal.
However, their lead did not last long as Peters showed great pace to get round the back of the defence and slot the ball in to level.
With confidence now flowing, West Ham went on the offensive, with Julie Melfald seeing a shot blocked, Shannon Albuery launching a long-range effort off-target, while right-back Chantelle Mackie and Chloe Burr linked well regularly down the right flank.
Elsewhere, Cooper and Chong were moving the ball well in the middle of the park, while Hannah Wheeler and Jodie Jacobs continued to build their impressive partnership at the back.
Against the run of play, Swindon went ahead for a second time ten minutes before half-time when Wheeler was penalised and Walters netted the resulting penalty.
Into the second period and the Hammers started with determination and were nearly rewarded when, after some good passing play, the ball fell to Peters but her shot went narrowly wide.
Burr then fired a powerful shot at the Swindon goal which was beaten away by Levett while, at the other end, Lottie Ivison in the West Ham goal had little to do.
Whitney Locke, who had rescued the Hammers with a late equaliser against the same opposition two weeks previously, was introduced in an attempt to turn things around again.
However, the game looked to be beyond De Carnys's team as West Ham appeared to be unable to break down the Swindon defence as the game entered its final stages.
Then, in the 85th minute West Ham had a corner cleared only as far as Chong on the edge of the box, and she fired in an unbelievable volley into the Swindon net to make it 2-2.
Despite late pressure, the Hammers could not find a winner, but they will travel to unbeaten leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies with growing confidence in their next match.
West Ham sit tenth in the eleven-club table, three points above Queens Park Rangers, who have two games in-hand. One of those two and Swindon, who are also on eight points alongside the Hammers, will likely be relegated, but manager De Carnys believes his players have what it takes to stay up.
"We were creating lots of chances but it doesn't always happen for you in the penalty area," he observed. "We're hopeful that we can take that progress we've been making over the last few months into these final games and get the points we need to stay in the division."
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FT - Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United PL2
WHUFC.com
FT: And that's it - what an outstanding effort that was by the Hammers. They played 60 minutes with ten men and managed to hold out for a point in the end. They arguably had the better chances over the course of the match, but I'm sure Terry Westley would take a point considering the circumstances. We're back at St. James' on Saturday for the last 16 of the Premier League Cup so it's over and out from the North East!
90: Five minutes added time at the end of this match.
89: Browne is down once again after winning a smart free-kick on the edge of his own penalty area. Not long to play now and it's been an outstanding effort by the Hammers in this second half. They've played with ten men for about 60 minutes!
87: Great effort by the home sub Fernandez who, on the half volley, lashes an effort just wide of the top corner.
85: The Hammers are playing with nine for the time being as Browne is off receiving treatment - luckily he's okay to continue.
84: The visitors looked like they were in for a second there. Fletcher's pass was slightly behind Browne who had to take his shot early. It's blocked and out for a corner.
82: Close from Newcastle as Heardman jumps with Trott for a cross. There looked to be a foul on the keeper but the ball rolled towards goal - luckily, Rice was there to clear the ball away.
80: Terry Westley looks to be readying his final change - Joe Powell comes on to replace Edmilson Fernandes.
78: Lovely work by Kemp on the right hand side. A stepover is followed by great cross, cleared by a Toon defender.
75: Newcastle make their second change - Elmhanni is replaced by Wilson.
70: Newcastle's extra man is starting to show now. Charman breaks clear but shoots just wide after great pressure from subs Akinola and Sylvestre.
68: Rare chance for Newcastle as Heardman works some room and fires straight at Trott. Then, Charman skims the crossbar from the edge of the area!
65: Newcastle break at pace but the Hammers stand firm. The visiting backline are doing tremendously here to stop the hosts from having any effort at goal.
62: Belief is slowly growing among this West Ham group. Kemp fizzes a tease ball in and it's hacked away by Newberry. Another corner to come now.
60: What an opportunity. Newcastle try and take a quick free-kick but it backfires and the Hammers break at pace. Unfortunately, Browne's ball to Fernandes is cut out at the vital moment!
56: The hosts make their first change of the evening as Fernandez comes on for Ward.
55: Substitute Sylvestre is straight among the action. He frees Fletcher who forces Sels into action and then moments later, the visitors win the ball back high up the pitch and Browne fires just wide.
53: Nice work by Fletcher as he wriggles through a challenge and charges forward. Unlucky with his pass though which is hit just behind Fernandes.
50: Second sub made by Terry Westley - Nathan Holland is coming off for Noha Sylvestre who will fill in at left-back.
48: No changes by either side at the break. Hard to tell how the Hammers have reshaped since going down to ten men - looks like Holland is now playing at left-back!
46: We're back underway at St. James' Park. Can the town men Hammers find a winner?! Come on boys!
HT: The referee brings to end an eventful first half. The main talking point was the red card given to Arthur Masuaku - the Hammers have responded well to going down to 10 men though! Big effort needed in the second half.
45: 2 mins added at the end of an entertaining first half!
43: The Hammers are beginning to dominate as we approach half-time. Browne sprays a great ball into the feet over Fletcher, whose touch is just too heavy. From the resulting corner, the striker rises highest but heads just wide!
41: Good again from the Hammers. Browne is freed on the right but his shot is deflected just over for a corner. The resulting delivery comes to nothing!
38: A chance a either end. First, Fernandes plays a nice one-two with Fletcher before shooting just wide. Then at the other end, Elmhanni forces a great save from Nathan Trott!
35: Terrific character being shown by the visitors. They aren't shying away from the task in hand and are keen to be patient and keep possession of the football!
32: It's going a take a huge effort from the remaining players on the pitch now. The Hammers had just started to put some pressure on the hosts and Terry Westley will hope the red card doesn't derail his side's momentum.
29: Not good for the Hammers. Masuaku has been shown a straight red card, presumably for an off the ball incident spotted by the linesman. The visitors will have to play the rest of tonight with 10 men!
27: Newcastle have a free-kick in the dangerous position, just on the edge of the box. Vuckic crosses but it's headed away well by Rice.
25: Close again from the Hammers as Fernandes unleashes a powerful drive at goal. It just misses Sels's left hand post. Still 0-0 here.
22: A one-two between Kemp and Fletcher is neatly worked but Kemp's second touch is slightly too heavy. Nothing between the two sides so far!
17: Some afters here between Masuaku and Vuckic. The Hammers full-back dispossessed the Newcastle man but there seem to be a slight disagreement between the two. The ref diffuses the situation and we're back underway.
14: After a frenetic opening period, the Hammers try to implement possession football onto proceedings. Good retrieval work from Kemp sees him fire a long range effort into the arms of Sels.
10: Akinola replaces Pask.
9: Worrying signs for the Hammers - Josh Pask has gone down holding his hamstring and it looks to be a reoccurrence of the injury that kept him out of action for 2 months at the end of last year.
7: It's been a very open start to the match and both sides look a threat going forward. Browne almost returned the favour to Fletcher moments ago but his through ball was blocked.
3: Almost the perfect start and return from Browne. Fletcher did brilliantly to bring the ball down under pressure and he slid a lovely ball through to the Hammers No10. Keeper Sels did well to be equal to Browne's powerful strike.
1: We're underway in the north east - COME ON YOU IRONS!
6.55pm: Almost ready to go at St. James' Park - what an arena for the Hammers to play this evening.
6.40pm: Huge game tonight for both sides. The Hammers know a win will consolidate a place in the play-offs but come up against a Newcastle side with promotion ambitions of their own. The two will do battle again on Saturday in the Premier League Cup last 16, so it's the start of a crucial week for both sets of players!
6.15pm: So a couple of changes made by Terry Westley for this evening's contest. Domingos Quina hasn't recovered from the injury picked up in the draw with Stoke and he is replaced by Marcus Browne, who briefly returns from his loan spell at Wigan for some game time. Also, Dan Kemp comes back into the fold and replaces Martin Samuelsen on the right hand side. First team regulars Arthur Masuaku, Edmilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher all start in what is a strong Hammers starting eleven.
Newcastle: Sels, Williams, Newberry, Ward (Fernandez, 56), Good, Findlay, Heardman, Barlaser, Charman, Vuckic, El-Mhanni (Wilson, 75).
Subs not used: Cass, Harker, Bailey.
West Ham: Trott, Knoyle, Pask (Akinola, 10), Rice, Masuaku, Makasi, Fernandes (Powell, 82), Kemp, Browne, Holland (Sylvestre, 50), Fletcher.
Subs not used: Matrevics, Diangana.
Bookings: Browne.
Red card: Masuaku.
6pm: Good evening and a welcome to St. James' Park for tonight's PL2 clash between West Ham United and Newcastle United. With just three games to play in the league, tonight is a crucial game for the Hammers as they aim to finish in the Division Two top four. The visitors are currently fifth and a point behind the Toon Army, and a win for Terry Westley's men will see them leapfrog the north east side. Team news to follow!
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THIS IS WHO I WOULD MAKE OUR TOP SUMMER SIGNING
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 MARCH 2017 AT 8:02PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Apu Vyas @apuvyas
Do we need two strikers or just the one? Having said that, we tried all last summer to get 'the one' and we didn't even manage that. How can we possibly manage to get two?!
Even me who pays no attention to anything but West Ham heard about the Rooney to China rumours and who can blame him, £1m per week! But you sense that he's not one of football's mercenaries and would want to continue to challenge himself at the highest level. I don't doubt that he will still be in the Premier League next season. Whether that will be at Man U or possibly a return to his boyhood club Everton time will tell. Now, let me get my flak jacket, because I think we should throw our proverbial hat in the ring for his services!
I think we forget our place sometimes.
We're at the top table with the big boys, but let's face it, we have their scraps. And if they want something of ours, they'll take it. We've always been a selling club as far back as I can remember, and it hasn't always been about cold hard cash, but opportunities for betterment and to challenge for trophies. Ince, Bilic, Ferdinand, Cole, Lampard, Tevez and most recently Payet.
To change that, there really is a simple answer. Become winners.
But how do we do that? There is one league to win a year. Two cups. Quite often we start talking about it being 'our year' or 'our name is on the cup'. And then by January or occasionally February, hopes have faded, just like our collective dreams.
Arsenal are considered a big club by anybody's standards, but they choke, big time.
It is often said that they are lacking the leaders required to inspire their undoubtedly talent. Maybe they are missing that mean streak that Viera and Petit used to give them.
I think of us and how we seemed to universally despise Lucas Neill. But he left and suddenly our defence was at sixes and sevens without his leadership. Nolan gave more to the team than the eye could see and I suspect Noble does too.
Which brings me onto Rooney. He's not even Marmite, a lot of Man U fans I speak to don't even like him. But he's most definitely a winner; 5 Premier League titles, some domestic cups as well as The Champions League, arguably only won by the best team in World Football.
As for goals, where do we start? Record scorer for England and Man U. He's achieved double figures per season 13 years running. There is also a lot of quality in those goals. That European volley seconds after arguing with the ref spring to mind as does the scissors kick against Man City and (unfortunately), that goal from the half way line against us when he outmuscled Tomkins.
Bottom line, this is what you would get from Rooney; quality, aggression, goals and leadership. He's approaching 32, but I don't believe that's a problem. Not only are footballers looking after themselves and prolonging their careers, he's not had any long term injuries to wear him down. He was never a speed merchant so that won't be a problem. Don't forget the clamour for Defoe in January as well as older strikers who have served us well, Clive Allen and Teddy Sheringham spring to mind.
Our current style of play doesn't lend itself to a 'fox in the box' type. For that reason, I don't think Defoe would have been a good acquisition and possibly one of the reasons Zaza didn't work out. Our top scorer last season was Payet skilfully coming in from midfield and Lanzini is starting to do that this season and that is where Rooney finds himself a lot when I've seen him. I guess, great players find the space and exploit it.
And what a player for our young strikers such as Fletcher, Calleri and Martinez to learn from. In fact, he may even have a role in Central Midfield displacing Noble!
This isn't about getting a striker on the cheap or as an alternative to the fabled 20-goal-a-season striker that we would all love to get.
The reality is that for next season we need two strikers. Carroll and Sakho are made of glass, we cannot rely on them. If we do buy a £30m striker (Lacazette?) that's great, but who is to say he would hit the ground running? Who will take the pressure off him to lead our line? Rooney would be ideal for this. The pressure wouldn't affect him, he knows the league, he wouldn't expect to play the full 90 minutes of every single game, but he would raise the levels of those around him and be hungry enough to want to score when he does play and to be a winner, which is what we all want to achieve.
I know all the sexy talk in the summer will be about the £30m striker, but going for Rooney as a foil makes perfect sense to me.
Agree or disagree? Let me know on Twitter @apuvyas or pop in to Planet Leasing in Loughton where I'm happy to talk about cars, vans and West Ham!
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BILIC: THE BIG QUESTION
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 MARCH 2017 AT 8:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Jordan Tomlinson
I, like all west ham fans, was hurting after Saturday. I thought the late goal was harsh on us, as despite our defensive shortcomings for more or less the whole game I thought we looked decent in attack and looked like we could've stolen it at the end. But it's important to take positives from these games. I thought Ayew looked sharp when he came on and Byram showed beginnings of his potential with that excellent assist. But the question does ponder, is it Bilic' fault that we are in this kind of situation to begin with?
If you rewind to the end of last season, to that magical evening against United, I doubt you would find one West Ham fan calling for Bilic' head. I for one, know that me and my dad were both amazed to find out this season that Bilic' contract hadn't already been extended, given how the board are so keen for new contracts. However, about a quarter of the way in the situation had changed, drastically. I believe Watford was the first sign of fans turn that I saw. Again, I was there, and that is probably still the most painful loss I can recall this season. From the manor in which we dominated the game, to the way in which we utterly capitulated, was heartbreaking. And frankly, not that it wasn't already obvious, that revealed the underlying problems we have had all season.
Fast forward to another painful game against Middlesbrough, and it was at this point that it became clear to me that our summer signings were not only lacking quality, but lacking passion, awareness and frankly did not play in the right position. Anyone at the game would remember the first, and to my knowledge, only use of the golf buggy to carry away an injured Sam Byram. Whilst amusing at the time, this then led to the substitution of Arbeloa, which was much less amusing. To this day he is possibly one of the worst right backs I have seen don a west ham shirt. It was at this point apparent how badly our summer signings had gone. The uselessness of Tore was beyond apparent at this point, Zaza was still to net a goal for us, Calleri was absent and Feghouli still stuck on the bench. We drew the game from a piece of magic from Payet (just saying his name still leaves a bad taste in my mouth) but this was again a turning point for many fans. I myself began to question Bilic. Not just because of the results, but I felt his signings had simply been woeful. It was his call to bring in Tore, and I believe he played a large part in Zaza also, both flopped majorly.
Then came a solid run of results, which saw us climb out of the relegation zone, rise to 9th, before falling back to our current position. A lot happened in that time, namely the Payet saga. I believe that looking back at the situation retrospectively Bilic handled the situation perfectly. He tried to cover it up for as long as possibly and to change Payets mind, but to no avail. We knew something was wrong at the city game and it was simply too blindingly obvious to cover up any longer. I think everything Bilic did was right and he handled the situation near perfectly.
So here comes the deciding bit. Am I Bilic out, or Bilic in? Personally I don't know. What I do know, is that there are credible arguments on both sides. I do know, for example, that Bilic is stubborn. For me, this is his biggest downfall, second to none. Whether it's arrogance, ignorance I don't know. But something about Bilic seems to prevent the blindingly obvious being apparent to him. The Antonio situation was obviously the most prominent at the start of the season. However we are over that, but now seem to have come full loop, this time with Kouyate. Frankly, I was outraged when we didn't sign another right back in the window. This is not due to Byrams ability, as I believe he could easily start for us. The problem with Byram is his injury record. He is frankly, our least reliable player at the moment, even more so than Carroll. So for Bilic to then turn down the chance to sign a rightback in January was borderline insane, I simply cannot understand what he was thinking. This is the first problem. But then, for Byram to now be fit, and for Bilic to then sacrifice the core of our midfield and play him out of position instead of Byram, is simply illogical. There is nothing more to it. His stubbornness also reflects in games, in his unwillingness to make subs early enough, change the system, it is a HUGE downfall of Bilic.
His tactics also must be questioned at times. His five at the back system for example. I will admit that I was actually a fan of this at first, I thought the three centre backs gave excellent cover for crosses and it suited Cresswell perfectly. However huge problems with this system soon came apparent. Firstly was the midfield. Due to Bilic not signing another centre back Kouyate had to drop back into defence, leaving Noble and Obiang in the centre of the park. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with these players, at CDM. But for those two to be the only centre mids in the team was disastrous. There was no creativity and just a huge hole where the midfield used to be. Furthermore, Lanzini was never a left midfielder to start with, let alone a left forward playing off of Carroll. This is a quick pacey centre forwards position, not that of a playmaker. The same was true for Payet, and the result was a very isolated front three and no midfield. Not to mention that this never suited Byram either. The problem is that I could recognise these major problems after two or three games. It took Bilic about ten to change the system, and you can't be that slow in the premier league, every aspect of the game, from the play through to the management has to be quick, decisive and accurate, I'm afraid Bilic is not.
However, I am not in the view that Bilic should leave, despite this, and I think this is to do with last season. Last season was the best I've ever seen as a hammer, and I'm sure most will agree. Despite finishing 7th, this didn't reflect he true brilliance of the season, shown as we were only four points of 4th, and if it weren't for despicable refereeing we would have finished 4th. This was with the horrific injury crisis we were hit with. In that season Bilic showed every aspect that a premier league manager needs to. The team was well-drilled, played fantastic football, played with desire and commitment, but what made last season was the signings. The prolific front four which worked so well was Sakho, Payet, Lanzini and Antonio. Three of those four were signed that summer. Summer signings are absolutely crucial in terms of deciding where a team finishes and it's no surprise we are meandering in mid-table after a woeful summer of poor signings co-ordinated by Bilic and penny pinching from the board. So I would argue that Bilic needs another summer. But it cannot be like this summer. Deals have to be made quickly and decisively, whilst deadline day transfers are exiting they are pricey and usually flop. Last summer all our signings were tied up very early and we reaped the benefits, if Bilic is showing signs of a repeat of this summer he would need to go.
Another factor is the risk. Arsenal are in the same boat. Many fans want Wenger gone, but many worry about the risk. Only a quick glance at United, a shadow of what they used to be, needs to be taken to know that sacking a manager can be dangerous. And whilst Bilic hasn't been long serving, he has been revolutionary. Mark my words we are no longer the West Ham of old. It is actually quite remarkable in some ways, for us to be having what any fan would consider a poor season, yet we are hovering mid-table, implying this club is moving on to bigger and better things. But I worry, like others do I know, that sacking Bilic could send us into freefall. If another poor summer were had, combined with a poor manager, things could go disastrously wrong. To use Payet's words, I don't want our club to 'regress' but there is simply no way of knowing what the right option is. And so for these reasons I wouldn't back sacking Bilic, but at the same time I wouldn't oppose it. I think I will wait for future results to speak for themselves…
Thanks for reading, as this was my first article, please tweet me with any views you have and whether you agree or disagree with me, and thanks to the West Ham Way for letting me write, all the best!
COYI
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MARK NOBLE CONUNDRUM
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 MARCH 2017 AT 8:30PM
tehWestHamWayc.o.uk
Written by Aaron Lee @6_AaronLee
Hello everyone
Its been a while since I've wrote a column due to being in the process of moving house but I'm hoping to start writing more regularly from now on fingers crossed
Now on to the important stuff. After the poor result and performance in our previous match away to Bournemouth where we lost 3-2,which is a score line that I think flattered us by the way there has been more questions asked about our captain Mark Noble and his role in our team.
In terms of effort, commitment and passion I cant say a bad word about him. He gives 100% every time he plays for West Ham and you can see how much it means to him. Last season I thought he had a very good season and that was his best in a claret and blue shirt by a long way. I know some fans adore Mark Noble I'm not one of them I never have been but I don't knock the opinion of fans who love him we all agree and disagree on players but lately more and more supporters have brought into question as to whether Mark Noble should be starting every game for us and how he is a shadow of the player from last season which lets be honest has been the case for quite a few players this season including Adrian, James Collins and especially Aaron Cresswell.
Slaven Bilic made a comment saying how important Noble was in the dressing room and on the pitch which I understand as captain he is a big link between the manager and players but this does not mean he should be an automatic starter which Bilic hinted at, regardless of his form. We have been in this situation before with Sam and Kevin Nolan. At the moment we are playing Cheik Kouyate at right back every week who offers absolutely nothing in that position to accommodate Noble in the middle of the park and this is my issue. I think Noble struggles more at home especially on a bigger pitch as he has even admitted himself his legs are starting to go due to all the football he has played over the years. He has also been often criticised by supporters for holding on to the ball for to long and maybe not going forward as much as he should when in possession.
Antonio Conte came in at Chelsea and he could see that John Terry was not up to the level required to help benefit the team week in week out and made the decision to drop Chelsea's Captain and one of their best ever players for the greater good of the team. Now I'm not saying this will make us start challenging but I'd like to see Slaven take a similar approach in regards to Noble, not get rid of Noble completely as I still think he should stay at West Ham as he has a lot to offer the club. He could still be club captain and share responsibilities with Winston Reid who is vice captain in a similar way he did with Kevin Nolan. Noble would have a big influence in the dressing room still with the new players and would certainly help with the younger players coming through but maybe Slaven should pick and choose what games he plays in and doesn't play in a bit more.
I think we should really start looking to the likes of Edmilson Fernandes and Josh Cullen (when he returns from Bradford) to start challenging for a starting spot in the team alongside Cheik Kouyate and Pedro Obiang with Noble taking a step back and being picked for games that suit him more and coming off the bench in other games if necessary. Even though I have never been Mark Noble's biggest fan I wouldn't like to see the fans turn on him the way some did with Nolan when it was a similar situation. I still do think he has a lot to offer us I want to reiterate that and as I said in terms of commitment and heart he shows for the club ill always respect Mark Noble but I think its time for him to take more of a back seat in terms of playing every game.
Up The Hammers
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Bilic finding there's no case for the defence
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th March 2017
By: Paul Walker
Deep down you sense that David Sullivan is not totally convinced about Slaven Bilic's longevity as West Ham manager.
The tone and words our owner used in his tirade on the club's website on Sunday morning after the depressing defeat at Bournemouth can only be described as an urgent wake-up call to his manager, despite all the talk of extended contracts.
Bilic, seemingly, has been told there will be a roll-over extension at the London Stadium and there will be significant funds to spend in the summer.
But Sullivan, as we all can, sees a very worrying downward trend. One moment Bilic is being praised for his handling of the Dimitri Payet situation as well as hauling the side into the top nine of the table after some truly dreadful results early-season.
That should have been the end of the debate really. But one win in six, now only nine points off the relegation zone and with five clubs below us with a game in hand, has Sullivan's alarm bells ringing again. Yet another crisis.
Lose on Saturday at home to rejuvenated Leicester, now their players have got rid of that nice uncle Claudio Ranieri and have their dressing room pal Craig Shakespeare installed as manager, and the brown stuff may well hit the fan.
Maybe a chant of "You got Ranieri sacked" would be appropriate when the failed champions emerge on Saturday. Either way, they are much tougher proposition now with their pace against our defence.
If that's what you can call it. Sullivan may well be aware of some very distressing statistics. In our last 50 games in all competitions, we have conceded an alarming 85 goals, with just nine clean sheets. On 12 occasions in that run we have conceded three or more in a match.
Our last 50 Premier League games has seen us ship 79 goals, with 12 clean sheets. In 36 matches in all competitions this term, we have let in 63 goals, with just eight clean sheets. This is a disaster just waiting to happen.
It does not seem to matter who we play in the centre of defence, the goals still keep flying in. And since £70,000-a-week Jose Fonte was installed alongside Winston Reid, we have managed one win in six and let in 13. We clearly miss the injured Angelo Ogbonna while James Collins' bravery wouldn't go amiss at the moment.
How ever you look at it, these statistics are a disgrace, and would have got a manager elsewhere the sack already. The fact that we have won only six of our last 21 matches just underlines that. Something has to change, and quickly.
Bilic still insists we are not safe from the drop, and he's right. And the fact that we have Spurs, Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal still to play in our final ten games, plus Leicester, and worrying trips to Burnley, Stoke and Hull, you wonder where the seven or so points we still need to be safe will come from.
The way we are playing, without organisation and discipline, you would not bet on us getting much against an improving Swansea or desperate Sunderland either at the moment.
We are better than this, and Sullivan knows it. You cannot one moment be on the verge of a top eight or nine finish, and a few weeks later looking as ragged as this, without there being a serious problem somewhere.
Sometimes I have to feel sorry for our beloved 'little general' Sullivan. Don't worry folks, it soon passes.
There he was, after a difficult, bumpy season watching from the posh seats, with his club in the top half of the table, 12 points clear of relegation. And he had co-owner David Gold somehow managing to be talking about Europe even if we were a dozen points behind seventh placed Everton..come on, there's optimism and then there's blind optimism.
Then we go to Bournemouth, who hadn't won this year, and get played off the park by a team who had all that intensity and passion Bilic moans that West Ham have lost.
Sullivan would have been looking for a nice, quiet weekend with plenty of good spirits around the place. He would have known that the announcement to freeze season ticket prices, and that nice little advert on line, would have been set up for release on Monday.
He could do with some decent headlines for a change. Then his team go and play as badly as that and the internet is awash with all the wrong messages.
So I was not surprised to see Sullivan, at 9.16am on the club website, laying into his manager, coaches and players. It's not the first time he's done it this season, and not the first time he has mentioned "the manner" of the defeat.
Sometimes I wince at Sully's pronouncements that would be better kept behind closed doors and out of the media spotlight, because that only heaps more pressure on everyone. But I am sure many Irons fans felt the same way as they woke up on Sunday morning, and the owner is allowed to dig out anyone he feels like at that time of the day!
Sullivan's words were pointed. "Slaven, the players and staff all know we have to do better. We have conceded two many goals early in halves. I am disappointed we let Bournemouth score a third so late in the game after equalising like we did.
"I'm sure Slaven, the backroom staff and team are not happy with what happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days. I was disappointed with the manner of our defeat." Somehow I doubt the next line would be, "...and here's a new contract".
All the twitter 'experts' have their views. Most want Mark Noble dropped, and Cheikhou Kouyate restored to midfield. I accept our skipper has not had the best of seasons, but in his defence he is the only true leader we have out there and he's always the one who is desperately trying to plug holes all around him.
That's the problem with twitter and social media. One muppet suggests Noble should be at right-back, three lads agree with him and suddenly the whole world is seeing stories that Noble should be a right-back. Nonsense. You need pace and height to play there and the ability to handle one on one situations without diving in and giving away penalties.
Incidentally, we have the second-worst record in the PL this term for conceding spot-kicks, eight, and that has to stop as well.
Three in the last two away games, and all from attacks down our right. Yes, I know, here I go again, we need a proper right-back, not a stop-gap. And this criticism has too be shared by Sullivan too, being one of the three-man team who do our transfers, as I keep being told.
Frankly, we sold the best 'stop gap' in James Tomkins, at least he was a better defender than Michail Antonio, Edimilson Fernandes, Havard Nordtveit and Kouyate, who have all been tried in that role.
And that brings me to Sam Byram,who has his critics, and Slav does not seem to trust him. But in that run of 50 games in all competitions, dating back Newcastle away in January 2016, we have started with a recognised right back on just 13 occasions. Byram( 10), Alvaro Arbeloa, Carl Jenkinson and Joey O'Brien once each.
And in those 13 games, we have lost just three. Somehow that says something. Byram deserves a chance, although I can see the problem sometimes with his rashness.
His powerful run forward created Andre Ayew's equaliser at Bournemouth. That really should have been the point to shut up shop, as Sullivan seemed to be suggesting. But minutes later Byram was racing down the flank again, but Ayew criminally lost possession in midfield and the ball was spun into space on Bournemouth's left with Byram 60 yards the wrong side of the play. And that produced their winner.
Nobody, I see, has chosen to slag-off Ayew for that error in the way Noble was pilloried for the mistake when Chelsea got away to score their opener earlier this month, I felt Noble was trying not to conceded possession rather than opting for a high punt back into the box in that instance. A 50-50 fight for possession at best.
And there were two other West Ham players in that incident just as culpable. But Noble is the whipping boy at the moment, isn't he?
So where has it all gone wrong recently? Maybe too many players are waiting or agitating for offers of new contracts. Reid seems to want a pay hike because Fonte is getting big money. The New Zealand media seem to think he wants £123,000 a week!
Antonio is up for a big deal and it seems his agent has got the hump because Fonte is paid twice as much as his man. Pedro Obiang wants a new contract because Liverpool are interested. Adrian also seems likely to get a rise now Bilic doesn't want him to leave.
Agents are always at the back of all this clamour and discontent. They are a breed apart. Not always Slav's cup of tea either, with him revealing last week that one agent threatened to get him the sack if he did not put his client in the team! Nice people.
Lets concentrate for a few weeks with the job in hand. Get the points, get us safe and then a few players may have earned their new deals . Clean sheets anybody?
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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'First come, first served' decision causes rethink
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Away season ticket holders have forced West Ham to review the situation regarding next season's allowance.
It was announced earlier today that away season tickets for the 2017/18 season - of which just 500 are currently available - would be sold on a first come, first served basis, much to the anger of existing away regulars.
However following a number of complaints to the club throughout the morning (Monday), KUMB understands that an internal meeting had been scheduled (for Tuesday) with regards to reviewing the situation.
Meanwhile all current away season ticket holders are being contacted to be informed that their seats will now be held until Wednesday, 31 May, on the basis that they have been re-applied for by 5pm on Thursday, 16 March.
West Ham United announced this morning that all season ticket prices are being frozen for next season.
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Senegal international 'lazy', claims Owen
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Professional dullard Michael Owen has accused West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate of being "a bit lazy".
The former Liverpool striker, speaking on BT Sport at the weekend hit out at the Senegal international following United's defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
"Kouyate has been playing right-back," he told fellow pundits. "He was poor at Watford, gave a penalty away. I don't think he's a right-back at all - I don't think he's disciplined enough.
"I think he's a bit lazy. He doesn't track runners really. That's a mistake, playing him right-back."
37-year-old Owen, who once bought a whole street in Ewloe, North Wales for members of his family to live in was heavily criticised last week after he was witnessed leaping around the BT Sport studio joyfully celebrating Barcelona's final goal in their 6-1 defeat of Paris St Germain.
Matt B. @MatthewBeardmo3
Michael Owen. Ex #LFC star who signs for Man Utd👎 Ex Real Madrid star who celebrates a Barcelona win👎👎 What a guy 🙉
10:16 PM - 8 Mar 2017
2 2 Retweets 1 1 like
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Former Liverpool star launches into surprising rant over 'lazy' West Ham United player
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:25, 13 MAR 2017UPDATED10:27, 13 MAR 2017
BT Sport pundit Michael Owen has accused Cheikhou Kouyate of being lazy in an astonishing outburst on television. What is baffling about the former Liverpool striker's comments is that the Senegalese powerhouse is being played horribly out of position at right back.
We all know - maybe Owen doesn't - that Kouyate is a dominating centre midfielder by trade and right back really isn't his best position. Considering the dearth of options in that position for West Ham it's admirable that Kouyate is sticking to his task the best he can but to be called lazy is ridiculous. Kouyate himself has admitted his frustration at being deployed in that position but is willing to sacrifice himself for the team. Speaking on BT at the weekend, Owen said: "He was poor at Watford, gave a penalty away.
"I don't think he's a right-back at all - I don't think he's disciplined enough. I think he's a bit lazy. He doesn't track runners really. "That's a mistake, playing him right-back."
Well, we could have told you it was a mistake, Michael, but it's something that has to be done at the moment. We are all hoping that Kouyate can return to his normal central midfield position soon, somewhere he has barely featured this season having also played at centre back.
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West Ham announce season ticket price freeze for second year
ALEX YOUNG
Ecening Standard
West Ham have announced a price freeze on season tickets for their second season at the London Stadium. The Hammers have an existing 52,000 season-ticket holders at the London Stadium, and a waiting list of 55,000. The cheapest adult season ticket was £289 for the 2016/17 term - West Ham's first since leaving Upton Park - and season tickets for under-16s were £99. A family of four can purchase a combined season ticket for £776. Those prices remain the same for holders who renew for the 2017/18 campaign, the adult season ticket being the cheapest on offer in England's top flight. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We promised to provide affordable Premier League football for our 52,000 founding season-ticket holders, and that promise is ongoing. "Today, we are delighted to announce a price freeze for all season-ticket holders renewing for the 2017/18 campaign."
West Ham's decision comes following similar moves by Manchester United and Everton and the continued impact of the £5 billion TV deal the Premier League boasts.
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Slaven Bilic opens up on why he signed West Ham striker
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United's Andre Ayew will be looking to finish the season strongly. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic spoke to the club's official website for an exclusive interview, and explained how much he believes summer signing Andre Ayew can bring to the club, sharing the reason why he brought the Ghanaian to the London Stadium. The 27-year-old made the move to West Ham from Swansea City in August 2016, for a fee believed to be in the region of £20 million, but suffered horrendous luck with injury, and was forced off just 30 minuted into his Hammers debt against Chelsea, subsequently going on to miss the next two months of the season. He then faced further disruption to his Premier League campaign in January with his participation in the African Cup of Nations with Ghana. Ayew is back playing regularly for Slaven Bilic's side, however, and the Croatian explained how important he is to his team, highlighting the main reason he brought him into the club last summer, as quoted by WHUFC.com: "Now he looks really good. That's the reason we bought him – he has that sense to be in the right place at the right time. He scored like that against Swansea, he scored like that against Watford and he scored a similar kind of goal again on Saturday. That's a big quality for the strikers to be in a good position, so now he's back in good shape and of course we expect him to improve us."
The East London outfit will need Ayew to be at his very best during the remainder of their campaign, with vital games coming up against teams below them in the table such as Leicester City, Swansea City and Hull City. And he will need to start scoring more regularly if he is to justify his hefty price-tag.
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Adrian could be set to stay at West Ham after reports of a new contrct
The goalkeeper's current deal was due to expire at the end of the campaign
Football London
BYROB GUEST
21:44, 12 MAR 2017
Adrian could be set to remain at West Ham beyond the current season after reports emerged that the club have triggered an option to keep him at the London Stadium. The goalkeeper's contract was due to expire come the end of the campaign but the Hammers have exercised an option to keep him for a further two years according to the Sun. The 30-year-old has fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic this term and last played in his side's crushing 5-0 defeat in the FA Cup against Manchester City at the start of January.
Adrian last featured in the league for the Hammers on November 5 in the 1-1 draw with Stoke, with Bilic since preferring Darren Randolph as his number one goalkeeper. The Spaniard joined the club from Real Betis in 2013 and signed a new deal two-year deal back in October 2015, with the option of a further two years. The shot-stopper, who has made over 100 appearances for the club, now looks set to stay with the Hammers for a fifth season and compete with Randolph for the number one spot. Everton had discussed a potential January move for the goalkeeper with doubts over Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg as the club's long-term first choice goalkeeper.
Ronald Koeman shelved plans in the January transfer window due to Robles' form but it remains to be seen as to whether he will reignite his interest come the summer. The Hammers have been linked with a summer move for Joe Hart and Bilic has a big decision on his hands on as to whether he makes a move for a new first-choice goalkeeper or keep faith with Randolph.
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Robert Snodgrass reveals he played against Bournemouth with a twisted ankle and 'stretched ligaments'
The Scotland star started on the bench after needing 10 stitches in a knee injury suffered against Chelsea
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
22:30, 12 MAR 2017
Robert Snodgrass admitted he played through the pain barrier in vain as West Ham were hurt by a last-gasp winner. The Scotland star started on the bench after needing 10 stitches in a knee injury suffered against Chelsea. The £7million January signing then stayed on despite falling awkwardly immediately after coming on but Bournemouth still hit the Hammers with a 90th-minute sucker punch as they pushed for their own winner. Snodgrass said: "I twisted my ankle and stretched my ligaments but we only had defenders and a centre midfielder on the bench so you have to try to push through that pain barrier for your teammates. But I couldn't really push off with any force. "I thought it had paid off but then it's bitterly disappointing when you concede after getting yourself back in the game. "Credit to Bournemouth, the points have got them closer to safety. But we needed to see the lead through to half-time but we conceded a penalty then a goal and the manager is asking why. A bit more game management would have seen us through. "Away from home a point would have been a good result but the type of team we are, we tried to go on and win the game. And you're exposed at the other end. But you can't give a team two penalties and concede the goals the way we did."
West Ham won one in six and sit nine points clear of the bottom three. "I don't understand why people are talking about losing focus and all that and the season is over," said Slaven Bilic. "The season is everything but over. We need points like the clubs around us."
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Liverpool transfer news and rumours: 'West Ham prepare move for Daniel Sturridge as Andy Carroll replacement'
The Mirror
BYFOOTBALL SPY
06:00, 13 MAR 2017UPDATED06:12, 13 MAR 2017
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is a target for West Ham, who see the England international as the ideal replacement for Andy Carroll. Carroll was linked with a move to China in January, though a move away could yet materialise this summer, according to the Star. The report suggests the Hammers would like to receive £32m for Carroll, which would fund a £25m move for Sturridge. Jurgen Klopp has used the former Chelsea and Man City star sparingly this term, which could push the 27-year-old to move to the London Stadium in search of first team football.
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Football: Winston Reid in line for hefty wage increase at West Ham
3:35 PM Monday Mar 13, 2017
NZ Herald
All Whites captain Winston Reid may jump to the top of the list of New Zealand's richest athletes following reports the West Ham defender is set for a contract upgrade that will see him earn a weekly wage of $123,000.
The Mirror today reported that Reid's new deal would put his salary on level-pegging with new signing and fellow centre-back Jose Fonte.
The 28-year-old penned a six-year contract in 2015 but is in line for an upgrade after turning in a number of impressive performances while playing 25 of West Ham's 28 Premier League games this season.
Reid's potential windfall could see him climb to the top of the tree of New Zealand's highest paid sports stars, albeit temporarily.
New Zealand NBA star Steven Adams will move to the top of the sporting rich list when his mammoth $140 million four-year deal with Oklahoma City Thunder begins at the start of the new season in October.
The 23-year-old is currently on $4.3 million in the last year of his four-year rookie contract, but will move up to enjoying a weekly pay cheque of around $673,000.
Last week, Rhett Ellison, the son of Kiwi three-time Super Bowl champion Riki Ellison, also rocketed into the top tier of big earners after signing a $26 million contract with the New York Giants.
The 28-year-old fullback and tight end is guaranteed $11.5 million from the four-year deal regardless of whether the Giants decide to cut him before the end of his contract term.
Kiwi sailor Sir Russell Coutts remains another near the top of New Zealand's best paid sports figures, with estimated annual earnings of around $13 million.
IndyCar race driver Scott Dixon is not far behind with an $11 million annual wage, while golfing pair Lydia Ko ($8 million) and Danny Lee ($6.3 million), and former All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter ($4.2 million) are also among the country's highest paid sports stars.
Retired All Blacks captain Richie McCaw ($2.5 million), champion jockey James McDonald ($2 million) and cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams ($1.5 million) are also among the top earners.
Meanwhile, Reid will be a leading player for the All Whites in their World Cup qualifiers against Fiji later this month, with an away clash on March 25 to be followed by a second match at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on March 28.
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West Ham's key man delivers worrying London Stadium verdict
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United made the move to their new home at the start of this season. Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate delivered his verdict on the club's London Stadium, when speaking to Sky Sports, and highlighted the major difference between their new home and the club's famous old ground Upton Park. The 27-year-old Senegal international has fully established himself as a vital member of the West Ham side, since his move to East London in the summer of 2014, making 102 appearances in all competitions in the process. He has recently been deployed at right-back by Slaven Bilic, due to the Croatian's lack of options in that position, which has nullified his influence on the team. And slotting him back into his regular midfield role will be paramount to the Hammers' chances of success this term. Kouyate's high energy levels, and box-to-box style of play are so important to the manner in which the Hammers operate, especially at their new London Stadium, what with he pitch being so large.
The Senegalese is not a big fan of his new surroundings, however, admitting to Sky Sports that he preferred playing at the Boleyn Ground: "I did prefer playing at Upton Park with the atmosphere there and we performed much better. This club has a project which involves aiming to become on of the biggest and best in the country and in order to do that we needed to move to a new stadium. We are still adapting and settling in at our new ground. It's huge and there's a big gap between the pitch and the fans which makes a big difference, but we are getting used to it."
Bilic's side return to 'home comforts' on Saturday, when they welcome Premier League champions Leicester City to the London Stadium, and three points will be an absolute must, as they look to address their current slide.
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West Ham transfer news: Besiktas join race for £18m Croatian ace
By Eren Sarigul - March 13, 20170
turkishfootball.com
Besiktas are the latest side to be linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic. Turkish-Football recently reported that Galatasaray are keen on the Croatia international while the Sun states that West Ham have also been closely pursuing the 30-year-old. Per the source, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic worked with Mandzukic when he was Croatia boss and wants to be reunited with him. According to the Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas want to sign a big name striker over the summer and have placed Mandzukic at the top of their shopping list. The daily Turkish paper states that the Black Eagles want to sign Mandzukic as a replacement for Mario Gomez, who left at the beginning of the season. Besiktas currently sit at the top of the Turkish League take with 54 points after 24 games. The Istanbul giants were held to a 2-2 draw by Kayserispor yesterday evening. Mandzukic has under 18 months remaining on his contract meaning Juve may be willing to let him leave for a cut price fee this summer. The experinced striker has found the back of the net five times in the Serie A this season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 14
Monday, March 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th March 2017
From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan was left disappointed by the nature of
Saturday's defeat at AFC Bournemouth...
Hello everyone,
Like you all, I was very disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our
defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday. We went down there determined to bounce
back from the Chelsea game, but we didn't play as well as we know we can at
Vitality Stadium. Slaven, the players and the staff all know we have to do
better.
Bournemouth had been on a difficult run of results and hadn't won a game
this year, but they were at home and their crowd were right behind them. You
could see from the kick-off that they really wanted that game and it showed
on the pitch throughout the 90 minutes. They missed a penalty and we went
straight up the other end and scored through Michail Antonio, which I
expected to settle us down. However, the game remained really open and they
got an equaliser, then missed another penalty before going ahead from a set
piece just after half-time. We have conceded too many goals early in halves
in recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games
like the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Bromwich
Albion, there will be matches where we cannot equalise. That situation
cannot go on.
We managed to level this time around, with another goal from Andre Ayew, so
I was really disappointed when we let them score a third so late in the
game.
I am sure that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with
what happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days. We
have a week to prepare for our next game at home to Leicester City and I
really urge you to give everything you can to support the team at London
Stadium, as it is a massive game for us. Before then, we have a special Iron
Men DVD signing event with our Final Game goalscorers Diafra Sakho, Michail
Antonio and Winston Reid at the Stadium Store on Thursday between 4-6pm.
Please head along, meet the players and grab a copy of a piece of our
history. Thank you again for your loyal support – particularly the 1,340 of
you who travelled to Bournemouth and did not once stop singing.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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Carroll - It was shocking
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll admits West Ham United produced a 'terrible performance' at AFC
Bournemouth
Striker said the Hammers 'didn't really get going' in their 3-2 defeat at
Vitality Stadium
No9 felt the visitors could have had a penalty awarded for handball late on
"It was a terrible performance from us." Andy Carroll gave that brutally
honest assessment of West Ham United's 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth.
Despite their hosts missing two first-half penalties, Michail Antonio firing
the Hammers into the lead and Andre Ayew equalising with just seven minutes
remaining, Joshua King's hat-trick ensured Carroll and company departed the
Vitality Stadium with nothing. "We didn't really get going and their two
penalties could have really finished the game, but we kept ourselves in it
and got back into it late on, luckily, but I don't know what went on from
then on," he observed. We went gung-ho and lost the game. "We were just all
over the place. We spoke in the dressing room after the game and every
player agreed they just weren't at it. I think it was just a shocking game
for everyone. "We came down and felt well but didn't really get going at
all. Obviously we got the two goals, but it wasn't good enough."
The Hammers trained hard in the days leading up to the game, having pushed
Chelsea all the way at London Stadium on Monday evening. With a near
fully-fit squad and Michail Antonio returning from suspension to score the
opening goal at Bournemouth, one might have expected West Ham to go on and
condemn Bournemouth to a sixth defeat in nine matches. Instead, they allowed
Eddie Howe's side to play their open, attacking brand of football. "I
haven't got a clue what happened, but it was a bad day at the office,"
Carroll confirmed. The No9 admitted both Bournemouth penalties were rightly
awarded, but felt referee Bobby Madley could have given the Hammers a
spot-kick of their own when his cross hit Adam Smith on the upper arm late
on. "With the way I saw them, I thought they were both penalties, to be
honest, but we could have had one when I crossed the ball and it has hit his
hand when it wasn't in a natural position," he said. "I thought we could
have had one, but it wasn't given. "Their second goal also hit their lad on
the hand and it's bounced into King's path, so that could have been
disallowed. "It was just one of those days when we didn't get the decisions
and it didn't really happen."
While Carroll was clearly hugely frustrated by Saturday's performance, it
should be said that the defeat was West Ham's first on the road since New
Year's Eve.
"We need to get this performance and whatever caused it out of our systems,"
he concluded. "We need to start again against Leicester next weekend, put it
right and get the three points."
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PL2 Hammers travel north
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 face Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Monday
The Hammers can strengthen a PL2 Division 2 play-off place with a victory
Newcastle are currently a place and a point above Terry Westley's men in the
league table
West Ham United PL2 make the long trip up north on Monday to face fellow
Premier League 2 Division 2 promotion hopefuls Newcastle United.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at London Stadium last
week but can strengthen a play-off position at St James' Park.
Newcastle are a place above the Hammers in fifth position and a win would
see Terry Westley's side leapfrog their opponents in the league table.
The match also signals the start an exciting period for the U23s, as they
will be playing at three Premier League stadiums in their final three
matches.
Assistant coach Liam Manning believes his players should make the most of
the opportunity to perform at such big arenas.
"We need to pick up some results in the last three games to get in the
play-offs and the pleasing thing in we have three games in three stadiums;
Newcastle on Monday at St. James', back here [London Stadium] against
Middlesbrough and then away to West Brom at the Hawthorns," he said.
"They're really good experiences for the boys and hopefully we can kick on
and finish in that top five.
Newcastle have only won one of their last five fixtures and were beaten 2-1
by Norwich City at home last week.
Meanwhile, a strong Hammers XI could only draw at home to Stoke City,
despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances to take all
three points.
Speaking after the draw, Moses Makasi said: "We wanted to beat them so we
could go towards the top of the play-offs but it is what it is and we'll go
again next week against Newcastle.
"We dominated possession but when a team like that gets a goal in a game,
they've got something to hold on to. Once it went 1-1, they were fighting
for their lives. We needed to try and break them down but we've just got to
take the positives out of it."
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Stat's A Fact - Ayew's Impact
WHUFC.com
West Ham United left the Vitality Stadium extremely frustrated as a late
Joshua King goal compounded Slaven Bilic's side to a 3-2 defeat against
Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
King had a memorable afternoon as he bagged all three for the hosts, while
West Ham's goals came from Michail Antonio – his first of 2017 - and Andre
Ayew.
Despite the disappointing result, there was one positive to come from
Saturday's south coast outing as Andre Ayew came off the bench to score
again - his second goal in successive away Premier League matches.
Playing for only the last 32 minutes of the game, Ayew attempted two shots
on goal with only Michail Antonio (six) and Sofiane Feghouli (three), who
both started, having more.
The Hammers enjoyed slightly a higher pass-success rate than the hosts (76
per cent) and the impact of Andre Ayew was fundamental in that.
Individually, his 92 per cent completion rate was the best by any West Ham
United player on the day.
After joining the Hammers from Swansea City for a club record fee in August,
Ayew was ruled out for three months after picking up an unfortunate groin
injury during the opening Premier League game of the season.
Ayew celebrates his goal against Bournemouth
However, since scoring his first league goal, against Swansea, on 26
December and returning from a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with
Ghana, Ayew has begun to show his true colours.
Despite not starting in either game, Andre has now scored in consecutive
away matches after he netted in the 1-1 draw with Watford, as well as on
Saturday against Bournemouth. Not only through his goals has he made an
impact but his high work rate and clever movement have made him a
threatening game changer for Bilic whenever he comes off the bench.
Saturday's goal was his third in the claret and blue of West Ham United.
Such is his impressive form of late, though, that all of those three have
come in just six matches since December 26.
Ayew is now up to five goals in all competitions in that period after he
also netted twice for Ghana, against Uganda and DR Congo, during the 2017
Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Of course, Andre will be hoping to force his way in to Slaven Bilic's
starting XI plans and there is no doubt that if he can continue his goal
scoring form of 2017, his call up may not be too far away.
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A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A WEST HAM FAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon
Welcome to my world. I'm planning to give you a weekly game re-cap, my five
thoughts for the week and if a topic that comes up that excites me, makes me
mad, or I want to give you my opinion on something then I'll be posting an
extra topic.
Strap yourself in and let's go.
**Game Recap**
### Bournemouth 3-2 West Ham
I'd like to say I was hoping that the day at the seaside would make
everything ok. I mean it worked for me as a kid, and for a fleeting moment I
thought lady luck had finally turned up on our door step.
We started S.L.O.W.L.Y again for the umpteenth time. I'm not sure what gets
said inside the dressing room before the game and I'm sure Bilic gee's them
up but we come out of the blocks in almost every game like Jeff Capes
carrying a couple of spare wheels. Maybe it's complacency and the thought
that we are better than the other team and by us showing up we will bag all
us all three points, whatever the problem we found ourselves on the other
end of some attractive football with our goal constantly under threat. Every
attack left me in fear. Our right side was being bullied, Feghouli lacks the
presence to track back on a consistent basis, and Kouyaté is playing in a
position that does not utilize his skills. Within minutes we gave away a
cheap penalty via Bournemouths movement and strength and our lack of
discipline to do the right things, which at this level should not be
happening.
Up stepped King who opened his hips, sent Randolph the wrong way and placed
the ball outside the upright. Let off number 1.
Then from the ensuring goal kick, a flick on by Carroll, a poor square pass
by a Bournemouth defender allowed Feghouli to snatch the ball just outside
the box, a nice pass to Antonio allowed him to turn his defender a and steer
the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0. COYI. Lady Luck is with us.
For the next ten minutes or so we withstood the pressure from Bournemouth
and then we finally settled down, with both teams having chances but nothing
to write home about. I was starting to feel better about where this game may
go.
Then, had been the case during the first thirty minutes our defense got
stretched and nice piece of skill saw King flick the ball over Fontes and
beat Randolph on the side of the goal he was covering. Fair play, it was
coming, they had been the better side in the first 30 minutes.
To compound our misery Pugh drove into the box made Fontes (that name keeps
coming up) look silly, who stuck out a foot, and down when the Bournemouth
attacker. Penalty. Afobe placed the ball down, checked on his run up and
dribbled the ball into the diving arms of Randolph. Let off number 2.
And so we made it to the first half tied at 1-1. We should have been 3-1 or
more down but Lady Luck was hanging around for us.
The second half started like the first; slow out of the blocks again, and
this time King punished us right away with a close range finish. A free kick
outside the box had Reid beaten by a double team and as the ball fell to
King he volleyed the header home.
A little drama though for this goal. King was in a offside position, but not
interfering with play when the kick was taken, and watching the replays
showed that Antonio played him onside after the header. The referee
conferred with his linesman and they both decided the goal should stand.
2-1.
Sparring continued for the next thirty-five minutes with it increasingly
looking like they would grab a third before we got our second.
To switch things up we introduced Ayew and Snodgrass, and Snodgrass within
minutes of coming on looked like he was going off as he chased down a lost
cause and twisted his ankle, he stayed on but was pretty much invisible the
rest of the game.
Lanzini dropped deeper and was getting more involved and starting to make
things tick a little quicker and we started to see the odd chance but it
still never looked like we were dominating or really going to get that
equalizer.
Kouyaté was substituted for Byram and I have to admit that seemed a weird
decision, however it was Byram who got behind the defense, via a sublime
pass from Obiang, who Fifa'd the ball backwards to Ayew who calmly put the
ball into an open net. 2-2.
Game on, until Ayew tried to be clever in the middle of the park, had the
ball stolen from him and the counter attack was on. Swift movement down the
middle by Wilshire with West Ham backing off allowed him to play a ball out
to the left, who received the retuned pass and shot low and hard towards our
goal. Randolph deflected this to the on coming King who thumped the ball
high into the net. 3-2.
G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R
We could talk about the loss until the proverbial cows come home and there
will be the usual requests for Bilics head after another poor showing and if
I'm honest that flirtation with a relegation battle still looms a little
close, especially if you consider we have to play a number of those teams in
that battle. We play with a lack off intensity a lot of the time and look
labored. I look at our fixture list and wonder where we will get additional
points.
**Steve's Fives.**
1) Cresswell has not been the same player the year as he was last year. The
injury he sustained in preseason seems to have slowed and actually regressed
his development. He looks less assured on the ball, doesn't seem up for a
fight and in general his positioning has been poor throughout the season. He
was chasing shadows most of the game against Bournemouth.
2) No CB partnership. From week one our CB's have had no partnership.
Injuries and the constant change of formation may account for a lot of this,
but the game against Burnley highlighted even more the lack of communication
and how weak this partnership makes the whole defense. While we are on CB's,
I thought Fontes would be a good option and cover for the injured Ogbonna
but so far he has been slow, bullied, moved out of position too easily, a
liability 1 on 1 and lacks the West Ham passion. I need to see more from him
the rest of the year.
3) Carroll has been ineffective since returning. Carroll is only useful when
he is fit and when decent crosses are coming, the last two games (Chelsea
and Bournemouth) have shown us that neither is true. Carroll lacks a step or
three and the wing backs and wide men are not providing him decent service,
and to be honest I'm not convinced that should be plan A – I'd like to see
Carroll coming on for the last 30 minutes, after we have played a little
more on the ground and run the other team around but we have no player
(hurry up Sakho) that can offer that to us at the moment, even Antonio is
played as a target man.
4) We must protect this right side. Move Kouyaté into the middle of the park
with Obiang. Put Byram at right back and have Antonio support him and tell
Obiang to keep an overall eye on that side too. Sorry Noble, I love you more
than you know, but I want to see what this team can do with Kouyaté in the
right position and both he and Obiang are better than you at the moment. And
I can hear you, Byram and Antonio would be a liability there. Any worse than
what we have right now?
5) Pitch Size, what pitch size?. Upton Park – 110 x 70 yards – 7700 sq.
yards, Olympic Stadium 115 by 74 yards – 8510, Southampton, St Mary's
Stadium, 115 x 74.5, 8740, Swansea, Liberty Stadium, 115 x 74 yards, 8510.
We don't win at home because it does not feel home, It's not the pitch size.
We beat Southampton 3-1 at their ground even though it's larger than ours.
I'm going to cover my naïve view of the move in an up coming blog.
Thanks for reading – I'm excited to write and give you the West Ham
perspective from a life long fan living in Coatesville, PA.
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REF ANALYSIS – BOBBY MADLEY
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 11 MARCH 2017 AT 6:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
A less than convincing first half by Robert Madley and his overall game in
general. Madley awarded two penalties to Bournemouth in the first half. I
had no question about his decision to award the first penalty however I
thought his positioning was poor for the second penalty which I felt could
have been a lot better.
The first penalty was as obvious as you could get. Sofiane Feghouli was the
wrong side of Daniels before bringing him down. It was a poor decision by
Feghouli and it was an easy decision for Madley. After the penalty had been
given, Madley cautioned Mark Noble for dissent. Feghouli wasn't punished for
his foul however, it could have easily been a caution. Feghouli wasn't
denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity so a red card wasn't warranted.
The second penalty was a difficult one for me because there was contact by
Fonte but it was clear that Pugh was looking for contact with Fonte's
planted leg. Madley's position was completely wrong to see this in my
opinion.
I noticed on a handful of occasions that whenever West Ham fouled
Bournemouth, the Bournemouth players were surrounding the referee moaning
and gesturing for a stronger punishment than a foul. This is unacceptable
behaviour and the FA & the IFAB have been keen to stamp this out. However,
it's the duty of the referee to manage the players and this showed a lack of
authority from Robert Madley and a lack of respect by the players. This was
apparent after Pedro Obiang was cautioned for brining down Joshua King 30
yards outside of West Ham's goal. The swarm of Bournemouth players were
indicating that other players, including Mark Noble, attempted to bring down
the Cherries striker.
There were a couple of decisions that Madley choose not make during the
first half. Firstly, Madley could have sent off Mark Noble for a second
bookable offence after sliding into a challenge and catching a Bournemouth
midfielder late. Madley could have also cautioned Bournemouth's Gosling
after a high foot on Mark Noble that caught the West Ham captain.
There was uproar in the second half from the West Ham players for
Bournemouth's second goal of the afternoon. The biggest question was whether
Joshua King was offside or not. The answer is that we wasn't offside when
the goal was scored. The offside law is one of the laws that is still a huge
grey area. To clear up King's goal, during the first phase, King was at
least 5 yards beyond the last West Ham defender in an offside position, not
interfering with play. When the ball was delivered, King was still in an
offside position, but once the Bournemouth player flicked the ball towards
the direction of King, Michail Antonio already tracked and played King
onside. Even though West Ham players were questioning the linesmans decision
to not signal for offside, Madley consulted his assistant referee before
awarding the goal.
There were two handball shouts by West Ham in the second half. Handball has
to be deliberate, it's extremely difficult for a player to move his arm out
of the way, when the player is in close proximity and at high speeds. The
question I always ask, is it deliberate?
Madley issued a handful of cautions in the second half for Bournemouth
players. Madley remained consistent after Pugh brought down Kouyate, a
similar challenge to Obiang who was booked in the first half. I think Afobe
was particularly lucky only receiving a yellow card as the big Bournemouth
striker was extremely late when challenging Randolph. Not only was the
challenge late, but Afobe wasn't in control and his studs were raised which
caught Randolph high on the top of the ankle.
As mentioned previously, Gosling could and should have had a yellow card for
his high boot on Mark Noble. Ironically, Gosling was cautioned for
completely preventing Antonio advancing after the West Ham man cleverly put
the ball past the Bournemouth man.
For West Ham's second goal, it appears that Sam Bryan was offside when the
ball was played by Pedro Obiang. The West Ham substitute was at least a yard
offside when the ball was played forward – this just sums up a pretty woeful
afternoon from the officials.
I do struggle to give Madley credit as I feel that his decision making is
often incorrect and he shows a lack of authority and player management. I
felt that his decision making was poor throughout the game and I feel his
position was poor for the awarding of the second penalty and he struggled to
maintain consistency.
It's hugely frustrating that after going level at 2-2 on 83 minutes, you'd
expect experienced Premier League players to be well drilled and ensure that
after a difficult game, which West Ham were obviously second best
throughout, to shut up shop and take the point. You have to question the
mentality of the players as this season has been below average and if it
wasn't for the scrappy wins against Burnley and Hull over the Christmas
period, we would be in horrible trouble. There needs to be some serious
improvement on recruitment in the summer transfer window as players are not
pulling their weight this season.
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PRO MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC IN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @WHU_Forever
Hello everyone, as this is my first time writing I would like to say what a
pleasure it is to be writing for The West Ham Way and am grateful for the
opportunity to express my opinion on such a well-established Fan site.
Bilic In or Bilic out? A question which has caused debate between West Ham
fans all over social media. Following our form throughout the season it
really isn't a surprise. An early exit from Europe, followed by stadium
issues, Payet and awful form has put serious question marks the man's
ability to take us to the next level.
Bilic has avoided a lot of stick because he is "proper West Ham" and I can
understand people's loyalty to him, after the highs we got from last season.
Emotions running high last year, he delivered some truly unforgettable
memories, and wrote his name in the history books. He got everything right
last season. Tactics, transfers, and had everyone bang behind him. He has a
lot of reasons to be offered another year in my opinion. Was he fully backed
in the summer? Absolutely not. Cheap loans and missed targets impacted the
season massively and had our season starting off in a frustrating manor. The
Payet saga was handled with class, and really reunited the players and the
fans, leading to us picking up important points. He looks to be securing
Premier League football for another year despite all the difficulties.
But, is there more he could have done? Most definitely. It's safe to say
Bilic is a very suborn man who, when he has a plan in head will not change.
We learnt the hard way that we desperately needed a Right Back, but Antonio
was continued to be played there even when it was clear for all to see it
was damaging him as a player. To make it worse, instead of buying a right
back in the window, he decided to play Kouyate in RB. Kouyate being one of
our most influential players in the midfield being wasted at RB. All this
happening while we have a young, hardworking RB on the bench in Sam Byram,
who must be devastated by the lack of game time he has been getting. I do
think we have better options in the midfield than Mark Noble too, who he
seems to have a loyalty too. I think Noble gets some seriously undeserved
stick, although he isn't our best option, he isn't a bad player. But poor
performances and being persistently played has put serious pressure on him,
which he clearly can't handle.
For me, if Slaven can reach 40 points, and keep us up comfortably, he should
be offered another year. He loves the club, and we have seen he can provide
success from his first season. He needs to adapt, needs to properly backed
and trusted.
Thanks for reading,
COME ON YOU IRONS!!
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ANTI MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC OUT
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Ian Barnard @onebarian1
There's no doubt that as a person Slaven Bilic appears to be a really nice
chap, he's an educated man that shows warmth and humility and in just about
every interview comes across as one of life's good guys. Add to this the
fact that he had one whole playing season with us, where he was quickly
adored by the faithful for his committed playing style, and it's easy to see
why he retains the unwavering support of the majority of West Ham fans, but
does that necessarily mean a good man is a good manager?….lets take off the
claret and blue tinted specs for a minute and take a look.
A manager needs a number of things in his armoury, clearly tactical
awareness is paramount but communication skills, people skills, decision
making and trust all form part of good leadership, and in essence good
managers not only display all of these elements but they use them all in
conjunction, take one element out and the strength of the individual is
lessened.
Taking those individual elements in order let's start by looking at his
tactical awareness, the man knows his onions, listening to him as a pundit
last year it's clear he knows what it takes to win matches, be that
nullifying opposition threats, setting up a team to attack or counter attack
and making those fine 'in game' adjustments to win or at least not lose
matches. He's done it with reasonable success as the Croatia national team
manager and to some degree with Besiktas, his spell in Russia was a bit of a
disaster but that aside from a purely technical perspective he has a tick in
the box.
So to communication skills, not just language but body language, he's a
highly intelligent man and his command of the English language poses no
problems, he clearly works on tactics and strategy during the week and again
I've no doubt there are no issues getting his methods and work ethic across.
Similarly on the touch line he's involved barking out instructions and
gesturing those little 'in game' tweaks that are required, so again I think
it's fair to say outward communication isn't a major issue. However
communication is a 2-way thing and I do wonder how much, if at all, he
listens to those around him, surely his coaching staff are flagging issues
which clearly means his blinkered Alladyce like pigheadedness dictates that
he won't listen to them, or more worryingly is there a detachment between
him and his staff?
Now let's look at people skills and this is where I perceive there's a
gaping whole in his armoury, having good people skills as a manager isn't
just about being fair or understanding, there are times when difficult
decisions need to be made and ultimately upsetting individuals comes with
the territory. Being loyal is great but good managers have the ability to
detach themselves, take a step back and take stock of the situation, and to
be honest Slaven can't or more likely won't do this. Yes he handled the
Payet situation well once things had come to a head but this had clearly
festered for nearly half of the season. I think Slaven as a Manager likes to
be liked and it's clear he shows unwavering faith in those players closest
to him, what he doesn't have is that hard streak which allows him to make
those unpleasant decisions. If he was at Man Utd he'd find a spot for
Rooney, if he was at Man City and Aguerro would have been found a spot even
with Jesus in the side, if he was at Liverpool Sturridge would probably be
in goal, but that's the difference Mourinho, Guardiola, Conte and Klopp will
bench players for the betterment of the side. Bilic trusts Noble despite the
fact we've got stronger options available, Obiang is our Kante and Kouyate
has the ability to be another Viera, what he'll never be is a right back,
but because those Bilic adores his core men those difficult decisions will
always be averted.
I like and respect Slaven as a man but personally I think his people skills
are his Achilles heel, he needs to be more detached and see what tens of
thousands of fans have seen since the start of the season.
Now let's quickly look at decision making, this obviously follows on from
people skills as its so closely linked, again this shows major short
comings, some of his starting formations are baffling to say the least,
Lanzini a man who can be a modern day Berkovic is deployed wide left when
he's clearly more dangerous in the centre, Snodgrass brought in but used in
a variety of positions and then there's Antonio. Slaven also has this
ability to make changes at the end of games which invite pressure on us,
surely it's no coincidence that we top the charts when it comes to giving
points away at the death of matches, the Tottscum one in particular still
pains me! I'd hate to think how many points we've dropped through poor
management decisions this season.
Finally trust, again sadly a deficiency from my perspective. How long did it
take Antonio to break into the team last year, and low and behold once he
was given the chance he turned out to be rather good! We've the best crop of
youngsters coming through for ages but I just can't see them getting a
chance with Slav at the helm, Martinez was scoring for fun in PL2 but didn't
get a sniff, we've got several out on loan but will they get a chance when
they return?…I personally doubt it. Sadly Mr Bilic has serious trust issues,
ok so he sees Byram in training but give the lad some proper game time to
really appraise him. Look at Koeman at Everton and before at Southampton,
he's not afraid to blood youngsters and watch them flourish. An 18 year old
scored a champions league goal for Dortmund this week, would he have got
that chance if Slav were their manager I somehow doubt it.
So to summarise, yes our Slav is a genuinely nice fella, he's tactically
astute, he's sadly detrimentally loyal and clearly falls short when those
difficult decisions need to be made, which is why he'll never manage a top 5
club. For us to push on its my belief that the board need to make one of
those decisions that sadly Slaven cannot make, either that or settle for
being a mid table side like Stoke, I for one want us to push on not slip
back and as much as I like Slaven the man, sadly I've lost faith in Slaven
the Manager. COYI
Ian Barnard @onebarian1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan urges Slaven Bilic and West Ham to improve after Bournemouth
loss
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 12/03/17 11:53am
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan insists manager Slaven Bilic and his
side must improve following their 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. Sullivan
expressed his frustration after West Ham produced a below-par performance at
the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, which left the Hammers without a win in
four matches.
Josh King netted a hat-trick, including a 90th-minute winner, to secure
Bournemouth's first victory of 2017 after he and Benik Afobe had both missed
from the penalty spot Michail Antonio opened the scoring for West Ham and
Andre Ayew had made it 2-2 with less than seven minutes remaining before
King grabbed the decisive goal.
West Ham welcome a revitalised Leicester side to London Stadium on Saturday
and Sullivan is expecting a response from Bilic and his players. "I was very
disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our defeat at Bournemouth on
Saturday," Sullivan told the club's official website. "We went down there
determined to bounce back from the Chelsea defeat on Monday, but we didn't
play as well as we know we can. "Slaven, the players and the staff all know
we have to do better. "We have conceded too many goals early in halves in
recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games like
the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Brom, there will be
matches where we cannot equalise. That situation cannot go on. "I am sure
that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with what
happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Michail Antonio backed for England recall by admittedly biased
Slaven Bilic
"I'm his club manager and I'm not objective, but I don't see many strikers
or wingers playing better than him"
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 10 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic believes Michail Antonio's red-hot form for West Ham this
season should see him back in the England fold. The versatile 26-year-old is
back from suspension for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bournemouth ,
having scored the winner against them in the Hammers' first top-flight game
at their new London Stadium home back in August. With boss Gareth Southgate
finalising his Three Lions squad for this month's games against Germany and
Lithuania, West Ham counterpart Bilic sees no reason why forward Antonio
should not be in the frame. "I'm his club manager and I'm not objective,"
admitted Bilic, "but I don't see many strikers or wingers playing better
than him. "Dele Alli got his chance and grabbed it in the first game
against France, the friendly game [last November]. He scored. Same with
Jamie Vardy. "If Mikey continues like this, or improves, it's going to come
to him."
Antonio was called up for Sam Allardyce's one and only squad last summer,
but did not play in the victory away to Sloavakia. He was not in the parties
for Southgate's four games in interim charge during the autumn. This season,
he has eight goals in the league and three assists, to attract interest from
Chelsea.
Bilic added: "The categories that really matter are high intensity and
sprinting. They are the most important ones. Mikey is our best player in all
of them. He gives you that kind of boost of energy. "He opens the spaces and
then, if you add goals that he scores, he's vital for us. "Players like
Kante, Michail, they can run always. Cheikhou Kouyate. They can run for fun,
because they're born like that. Their muscles, their heart most of all,
their lungs are ideal for that. "Then you have some players who can do it
naturally but are a little bit lazy. You have to push them. "Michail has all
three: He has natural ability, he wants to do it and maybe the most
important one he can do it at high intensity. He's quick, he's got pace,
that's why we talk about him a lot."
West Ham have lost only two of their last seven games — and they were to
champions-elect Chelsea and third-placed Manchester City. Although
Bournemouth are struggling at the other end of the table with five defeats
in their last seven, Bilic believes their point at Manchester United last
weekend — secured despite playing the second half with 10 men — served as a
warning for his players not to take them lightly. He said: "Sometimes the
wounded lion is the most dangerous one. But are we going to be afraid? No."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid in line for West Ham contract extension worth more than £70,000
per week
The 28-year-old New Zealander only signed a six-year deal in 2015 but he is
set to pen another contract with improved terms
The Mirror
BYFOOTBALL SPY
22:30, 11 MAR 2017
Winston Reid is in line to have his contract renewed by West Ham – earning
him a pay rise that will bring him in line with Jose Fonte. The New Zealand
star, 28, signed a six-year agreement in 2015, but is now set to be handed a
fresh deal. Fonte, 33, moved from Southampton on wages of over £70,000 a
week and Reid is among a number of the current Hammers squad set to be given
similar. Fonte's January arrival has done little to improve West Ham's
defence and they have conceded in every league game since he joined for
£8million. Michael Antonio is one player revising his demands following
Fonte's arrival.
Antonio is the Hammers' top scorer this season with nine goals in all
competitions and is likely to ask for more money to reflect his contribution
on the field.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan was left disappointed by the nature of
Saturday's defeat at AFC Bournemouth...
Hello everyone,
Like you all, I was very disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our
defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday. We went down there determined to bounce
back from the Chelsea game, but we didn't play as well as we know we can at
Vitality Stadium. Slaven, the players and the staff all know we have to do
better.
Bournemouth had been on a difficult run of results and hadn't won a game
this year, but they were at home and their crowd were right behind them. You
could see from the kick-off that they really wanted that game and it showed
on the pitch throughout the 90 minutes. They missed a penalty and we went
straight up the other end and scored through Michail Antonio, which I
expected to settle us down. However, the game remained really open and they
got an equaliser, then missed another penalty before going ahead from a set
piece just after half-time. We have conceded too many goals early in halves
in recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games
like the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Bromwich
Albion, there will be matches where we cannot equalise. That situation
cannot go on.
We managed to level this time around, with another goal from Andre Ayew, so
I was really disappointed when we let them score a third so late in the
game.
I am sure that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with
what happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days. We
have a week to prepare for our next game at home to Leicester City and I
really urge you to give everything you can to support the team at London
Stadium, as it is a massive game for us. Before then, we have a special Iron
Men DVD signing event with our Final Game goalscorers Diafra Sakho, Michail
Antonio and Winston Reid at the Stadium Store on Thursday between 4-6pm.
Please head along, meet the players and grab a copy of a piece of our
history. Thank you again for your loyal support – particularly the 1,340 of
you who travelled to Bournemouth and did not once stop singing.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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Carroll - It was shocking
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll admits West Ham United produced a 'terrible performance' at AFC
Bournemouth
Striker said the Hammers 'didn't really get going' in their 3-2 defeat at
Vitality Stadium
No9 felt the visitors could have had a penalty awarded for handball late on
"It was a terrible performance from us." Andy Carroll gave that brutally
honest assessment of West Ham United's 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth.
Despite their hosts missing two first-half penalties, Michail Antonio firing
the Hammers into the lead and Andre Ayew equalising with just seven minutes
remaining, Joshua King's hat-trick ensured Carroll and company departed the
Vitality Stadium with nothing. "We didn't really get going and their two
penalties could have really finished the game, but we kept ourselves in it
and got back into it late on, luckily, but I don't know what went on from
then on," he observed. We went gung-ho and lost the game. "We were just all
over the place. We spoke in the dressing room after the game and every
player agreed they just weren't at it. I think it was just a shocking game
for everyone. "We came down and felt well but didn't really get going at
all. Obviously we got the two goals, but it wasn't good enough."
The Hammers trained hard in the days leading up to the game, having pushed
Chelsea all the way at London Stadium on Monday evening. With a near
fully-fit squad and Michail Antonio returning from suspension to score the
opening goal at Bournemouth, one might have expected West Ham to go on and
condemn Bournemouth to a sixth defeat in nine matches. Instead, they allowed
Eddie Howe's side to play their open, attacking brand of football. "I
haven't got a clue what happened, but it was a bad day at the office,"
Carroll confirmed. The No9 admitted both Bournemouth penalties were rightly
awarded, but felt referee Bobby Madley could have given the Hammers a
spot-kick of their own when his cross hit Adam Smith on the upper arm late
on. "With the way I saw them, I thought they were both penalties, to be
honest, but we could have had one when I crossed the ball and it has hit his
hand when it wasn't in a natural position," he said. "I thought we could
have had one, but it wasn't given. "Their second goal also hit their lad on
the hand and it's bounced into King's path, so that could have been
disallowed. "It was just one of those days when we didn't get the decisions
and it didn't really happen."
While Carroll was clearly hugely frustrated by Saturday's performance, it
should be said that the defeat was West Ham's first on the road since New
Year's Eve.
"We need to get this performance and whatever caused it out of our systems,"
he concluded. "We need to start again against Leicester next weekend, put it
right and get the three points."
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PL2 Hammers travel north
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 face Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Monday
The Hammers can strengthen a PL2 Division 2 play-off place with a victory
Newcastle are currently a place and a point above Terry Westley's men in the
league table
West Ham United PL2 make the long trip up north on Monday to face fellow
Premier League 2 Division 2 promotion hopefuls Newcastle United.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at London Stadium last
week but can strengthen a play-off position at St James' Park.
Newcastle are a place above the Hammers in fifth position and a win would
see Terry Westley's side leapfrog their opponents in the league table.
The match also signals the start an exciting period for the U23s, as they
will be playing at three Premier League stadiums in their final three
matches.
Assistant coach Liam Manning believes his players should make the most of
the opportunity to perform at such big arenas.
"We need to pick up some results in the last three games to get in the
play-offs and the pleasing thing in we have three games in three stadiums;
Newcastle on Monday at St. James', back here [London Stadium] against
Middlesbrough and then away to West Brom at the Hawthorns," he said.
"They're really good experiences for the boys and hopefully we can kick on
and finish in that top five.
Newcastle have only won one of their last five fixtures and were beaten 2-1
by Norwich City at home last week.
Meanwhile, a strong Hammers XI could only draw at home to Stoke City,
despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances to take all
three points.
Speaking after the draw, Moses Makasi said: "We wanted to beat them so we
could go towards the top of the play-offs but it is what it is and we'll go
again next week against Newcastle.
"We dominated possession but when a team like that gets a goal in a game,
they've got something to hold on to. Once it went 1-1, they were fighting
for their lives. We needed to try and break them down but we've just got to
take the positives out of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat's A Fact - Ayew's Impact
WHUFC.com
West Ham United left the Vitality Stadium extremely frustrated as a late
Joshua King goal compounded Slaven Bilic's side to a 3-2 defeat against
Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
King had a memorable afternoon as he bagged all three for the hosts, while
West Ham's goals came from Michail Antonio – his first of 2017 - and Andre
Ayew.
Despite the disappointing result, there was one positive to come from
Saturday's south coast outing as Andre Ayew came off the bench to score
again - his second goal in successive away Premier League matches.
Playing for only the last 32 minutes of the game, Ayew attempted two shots
on goal with only Michail Antonio (six) and Sofiane Feghouli (three), who
both started, having more.
The Hammers enjoyed slightly a higher pass-success rate than the hosts (76
per cent) and the impact of Andre Ayew was fundamental in that.
Individually, his 92 per cent completion rate was the best by any West Ham
United player on the day.
After joining the Hammers from Swansea City for a club record fee in August,
Ayew was ruled out for three months after picking up an unfortunate groin
injury during the opening Premier League game of the season.
Ayew celebrates his goal against Bournemouth
However, since scoring his first league goal, against Swansea, on 26
December and returning from a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with
Ghana, Ayew has begun to show his true colours.
Despite not starting in either game, Andre has now scored in consecutive
away matches after he netted in the 1-1 draw with Watford, as well as on
Saturday against Bournemouth. Not only through his goals has he made an
impact but his high work rate and clever movement have made him a
threatening game changer for Bilic whenever he comes off the bench.
Saturday's goal was his third in the claret and blue of West Ham United.
Such is his impressive form of late, though, that all of those three have
come in just six matches since December 26.
Ayew is now up to five goals in all competitions in that period after he
also netted twice for Ghana, against Uganda and DR Congo, during the 2017
Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Of course, Andre will be hoping to force his way in to Slaven Bilic's
starting XI plans and there is no doubt that if he can continue his goal
scoring form of 2017, his call up may not be too far away.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A WEST HAM FAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon
Welcome to my world. I'm planning to give you a weekly game re-cap, my five
thoughts for the week and if a topic that comes up that excites me, makes me
mad, or I want to give you my opinion on something then I'll be posting an
extra topic.
Strap yourself in and let's go.
**Game Recap**
### Bournemouth 3-2 West Ham
I'd like to say I was hoping that the day at the seaside would make
everything ok. I mean it worked for me as a kid, and for a fleeting moment I
thought lady luck had finally turned up on our door step.
We started S.L.O.W.L.Y again for the umpteenth time. I'm not sure what gets
said inside the dressing room before the game and I'm sure Bilic gee's them
up but we come out of the blocks in almost every game like Jeff Capes
carrying a couple of spare wheels. Maybe it's complacency and the thought
that we are better than the other team and by us showing up we will bag all
us all three points, whatever the problem we found ourselves on the other
end of some attractive football with our goal constantly under threat. Every
attack left me in fear. Our right side was being bullied, Feghouli lacks the
presence to track back on a consistent basis, and Kouyaté is playing in a
position that does not utilize his skills. Within minutes we gave away a
cheap penalty via Bournemouths movement and strength and our lack of
discipline to do the right things, which at this level should not be
happening.
Up stepped King who opened his hips, sent Randolph the wrong way and placed
the ball outside the upright. Let off number 1.
Then from the ensuring goal kick, a flick on by Carroll, a poor square pass
by a Bournemouth defender allowed Feghouli to snatch the ball just outside
the box, a nice pass to Antonio allowed him to turn his defender a and steer
the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0. COYI. Lady Luck is with us.
For the next ten minutes or so we withstood the pressure from Bournemouth
and then we finally settled down, with both teams having chances but nothing
to write home about. I was starting to feel better about where this game may
go.
Then, had been the case during the first thirty minutes our defense got
stretched and nice piece of skill saw King flick the ball over Fontes and
beat Randolph on the side of the goal he was covering. Fair play, it was
coming, they had been the better side in the first 30 minutes.
To compound our misery Pugh drove into the box made Fontes (that name keeps
coming up) look silly, who stuck out a foot, and down when the Bournemouth
attacker. Penalty. Afobe placed the ball down, checked on his run up and
dribbled the ball into the diving arms of Randolph. Let off number 2.
And so we made it to the first half tied at 1-1. We should have been 3-1 or
more down but Lady Luck was hanging around for us.
The second half started like the first; slow out of the blocks again, and
this time King punished us right away with a close range finish. A free kick
outside the box had Reid beaten by a double team and as the ball fell to
King he volleyed the header home.
A little drama though for this goal. King was in a offside position, but not
interfering with play when the kick was taken, and watching the replays
showed that Antonio played him onside after the header. The referee
conferred with his linesman and they both decided the goal should stand.
2-1.
Sparring continued for the next thirty-five minutes with it increasingly
looking like they would grab a third before we got our second.
To switch things up we introduced Ayew and Snodgrass, and Snodgrass within
minutes of coming on looked like he was going off as he chased down a lost
cause and twisted his ankle, he stayed on but was pretty much invisible the
rest of the game.
Lanzini dropped deeper and was getting more involved and starting to make
things tick a little quicker and we started to see the odd chance but it
still never looked like we were dominating or really going to get that
equalizer.
Kouyaté was substituted for Byram and I have to admit that seemed a weird
decision, however it was Byram who got behind the defense, via a sublime
pass from Obiang, who Fifa'd the ball backwards to Ayew who calmly put the
ball into an open net. 2-2.
Game on, until Ayew tried to be clever in the middle of the park, had the
ball stolen from him and the counter attack was on. Swift movement down the
middle by Wilshire with West Ham backing off allowed him to play a ball out
to the left, who received the retuned pass and shot low and hard towards our
goal. Randolph deflected this to the on coming King who thumped the ball
high into the net. 3-2.
G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R
We could talk about the loss until the proverbial cows come home and there
will be the usual requests for Bilics head after another poor showing and if
I'm honest that flirtation with a relegation battle still looms a little
close, especially if you consider we have to play a number of those teams in
that battle. We play with a lack off intensity a lot of the time and look
labored. I look at our fixture list and wonder where we will get additional
points.
**Steve's Fives.**
1) Cresswell has not been the same player the year as he was last year. The
injury he sustained in preseason seems to have slowed and actually regressed
his development. He looks less assured on the ball, doesn't seem up for a
fight and in general his positioning has been poor throughout the season. He
was chasing shadows most of the game against Bournemouth.
2) No CB partnership. From week one our CB's have had no partnership.
Injuries and the constant change of formation may account for a lot of this,
but the game against Burnley highlighted even more the lack of communication
and how weak this partnership makes the whole defense. While we are on CB's,
I thought Fontes would be a good option and cover for the injured Ogbonna
but so far he has been slow, bullied, moved out of position too easily, a
liability 1 on 1 and lacks the West Ham passion. I need to see more from him
the rest of the year.
3) Carroll has been ineffective since returning. Carroll is only useful when
he is fit and when decent crosses are coming, the last two games (Chelsea
and Bournemouth) have shown us that neither is true. Carroll lacks a step or
three and the wing backs and wide men are not providing him decent service,
and to be honest I'm not convinced that should be plan A – I'd like to see
Carroll coming on for the last 30 minutes, after we have played a little
more on the ground and run the other team around but we have no player
(hurry up Sakho) that can offer that to us at the moment, even Antonio is
played as a target man.
4) We must protect this right side. Move Kouyaté into the middle of the park
with Obiang. Put Byram at right back and have Antonio support him and tell
Obiang to keep an overall eye on that side too. Sorry Noble, I love you more
than you know, but I want to see what this team can do with Kouyaté in the
right position and both he and Obiang are better than you at the moment. And
I can hear you, Byram and Antonio would be a liability there. Any worse than
what we have right now?
5) Pitch Size, what pitch size?. Upton Park – 110 x 70 yards – 7700 sq.
yards, Olympic Stadium 115 by 74 yards – 8510, Southampton, St Mary's
Stadium, 115 x 74.5, 8740, Swansea, Liberty Stadium, 115 x 74 yards, 8510.
We don't win at home because it does not feel home, It's not the pitch size.
We beat Southampton 3-1 at their ground even though it's larger than ours.
I'm going to cover my naïve view of the move in an up coming blog.
Thanks for reading – I'm excited to write and give you the West Ham
perspective from a life long fan living in Coatesville, PA.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF ANALYSIS – BOBBY MADLEY
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 11 MARCH 2017 AT 6:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
A less than convincing first half by Robert Madley and his overall game in
general. Madley awarded two penalties to Bournemouth in the first half. I
had no question about his decision to award the first penalty however I
thought his positioning was poor for the second penalty which I felt could
have been a lot better.
The first penalty was as obvious as you could get. Sofiane Feghouli was the
wrong side of Daniels before bringing him down. It was a poor decision by
Feghouli and it was an easy decision for Madley. After the penalty had been
given, Madley cautioned Mark Noble for dissent. Feghouli wasn't punished for
his foul however, it could have easily been a caution. Feghouli wasn't
denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity so a red card wasn't warranted.
The second penalty was a difficult one for me because there was contact by
Fonte but it was clear that Pugh was looking for contact with Fonte's
planted leg. Madley's position was completely wrong to see this in my
opinion.
I noticed on a handful of occasions that whenever West Ham fouled
Bournemouth, the Bournemouth players were surrounding the referee moaning
and gesturing for a stronger punishment than a foul. This is unacceptable
behaviour and the FA & the IFAB have been keen to stamp this out. However,
it's the duty of the referee to manage the players and this showed a lack of
authority from Robert Madley and a lack of respect by the players. This was
apparent after Pedro Obiang was cautioned for brining down Joshua King 30
yards outside of West Ham's goal. The swarm of Bournemouth players were
indicating that other players, including Mark Noble, attempted to bring down
the Cherries striker.
There were a couple of decisions that Madley choose not make during the
first half. Firstly, Madley could have sent off Mark Noble for a second
bookable offence after sliding into a challenge and catching a Bournemouth
midfielder late. Madley could have also cautioned Bournemouth's Gosling
after a high foot on Mark Noble that caught the West Ham captain.
There was uproar in the second half from the West Ham players for
Bournemouth's second goal of the afternoon. The biggest question was whether
Joshua King was offside or not. The answer is that we wasn't offside when
the goal was scored. The offside law is one of the laws that is still a huge
grey area. To clear up King's goal, during the first phase, King was at
least 5 yards beyond the last West Ham defender in an offside position, not
interfering with play. When the ball was delivered, King was still in an
offside position, but once the Bournemouth player flicked the ball towards
the direction of King, Michail Antonio already tracked and played King
onside. Even though West Ham players were questioning the linesmans decision
to not signal for offside, Madley consulted his assistant referee before
awarding the goal.
There were two handball shouts by West Ham in the second half. Handball has
to be deliberate, it's extremely difficult for a player to move his arm out
of the way, when the player is in close proximity and at high speeds. The
question I always ask, is it deliberate?
Madley issued a handful of cautions in the second half for Bournemouth
players. Madley remained consistent after Pugh brought down Kouyate, a
similar challenge to Obiang who was booked in the first half. I think Afobe
was particularly lucky only receiving a yellow card as the big Bournemouth
striker was extremely late when challenging Randolph. Not only was the
challenge late, but Afobe wasn't in control and his studs were raised which
caught Randolph high on the top of the ankle.
As mentioned previously, Gosling could and should have had a yellow card for
his high boot on Mark Noble. Ironically, Gosling was cautioned for
completely preventing Antonio advancing after the West Ham man cleverly put
the ball past the Bournemouth man.
For West Ham's second goal, it appears that Sam Bryan was offside when the
ball was played by Pedro Obiang. The West Ham substitute was at least a yard
offside when the ball was played forward – this just sums up a pretty woeful
afternoon from the officials.
I do struggle to give Madley credit as I feel that his decision making is
often incorrect and he shows a lack of authority and player management. I
felt that his decision making was poor throughout the game and I feel his
position was poor for the awarding of the second penalty and he struggled to
maintain consistency.
It's hugely frustrating that after going level at 2-2 on 83 minutes, you'd
expect experienced Premier League players to be well drilled and ensure that
after a difficult game, which West Ham were obviously second best
throughout, to shut up shop and take the point. You have to question the
mentality of the players as this season has been below average and if it
wasn't for the scrappy wins against Burnley and Hull over the Christmas
period, we would be in horrible trouble. There needs to be some serious
improvement on recruitment in the summer transfer window as players are not
pulling their weight this season.
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PRO MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC IN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @WHU_Forever
Hello everyone, as this is my first time writing I would like to say what a
pleasure it is to be writing for The West Ham Way and am grateful for the
opportunity to express my opinion on such a well-established Fan site.
Bilic In or Bilic out? A question which has caused debate between West Ham
fans all over social media. Following our form throughout the season it
really isn't a surprise. An early exit from Europe, followed by stadium
issues, Payet and awful form has put serious question marks the man's
ability to take us to the next level.
Bilic has avoided a lot of stick because he is "proper West Ham" and I can
understand people's loyalty to him, after the highs we got from last season.
Emotions running high last year, he delivered some truly unforgettable
memories, and wrote his name in the history books. He got everything right
last season. Tactics, transfers, and had everyone bang behind him. He has a
lot of reasons to be offered another year in my opinion. Was he fully backed
in the summer? Absolutely not. Cheap loans and missed targets impacted the
season massively and had our season starting off in a frustrating manor. The
Payet saga was handled with class, and really reunited the players and the
fans, leading to us picking up important points. He looks to be securing
Premier League football for another year despite all the difficulties.
But, is there more he could have done? Most definitely. It's safe to say
Bilic is a very suborn man who, when he has a plan in head will not change.
We learnt the hard way that we desperately needed a Right Back, but Antonio
was continued to be played there even when it was clear for all to see it
was damaging him as a player. To make it worse, instead of buying a right
back in the window, he decided to play Kouyate in RB. Kouyate being one of
our most influential players in the midfield being wasted at RB. All this
happening while we have a young, hardworking RB on the bench in Sam Byram,
who must be devastated by the lack of game time he has been getting. I do
think we have better options in the midfield than Mark Noble too, who he
seems to have a loyalty too. I think Noble gets some seriously undeserved
stick, although he isn't our best option, he isn't a bad player. But poor
performances and being persistently played has put serious pressure on him,
which he clearly can't handle.
For me, if Slaven can reach 40 points, and keep us up comfortably, he should
be offered another year. He loves the club, and we have seen he can provide
success from his first season. He needs to adapt, needs to properly backed
and trusted.
Thanks for reading,
COME ON YOU IRONS!!
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ANTI MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC OUT
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Ian Barnard @onebarian1
There's no doubt that as a person Slaven Bilic appears to be a really nice
chap, he's an educated man that shows warmth and humility and in just about
every interview comes across as one of life's good guys. Add to this the
fact that he had one whole playing season with us, where he was quickly
adored by the faithful for his committed playing style, and it's easy to see
why he retains the unwavering support of the majority of West Ham fans, but
does that necessarily mean a good man is a good manager?….lets take off the
claret and blue tinted specs for a minute and take a look.
A manager needs a number of things in his armoury, clearly tactical
awareness is paramount but communication skills, people skills, decision
making and trust all form part of good leadership, and in essence good
managers not only display all of these elements but they use them all in
conjunction, take one element out and the strength of the individual is
lessened.
Taking those individual elements in order let's start by looking at his
tactical awareness, the man knows his onions, listening to him as a pundit
last year it's clear he knows what it takes to win matches, be that
nullifying opposition threats, setting up a team to attack or counter attack
and making those fine 'in game' adjustments to win or at least not lose
matches. He's done it with reasonable success as the Croatia national team
manager and to some degree with Besiktas, his spell in Russia was a bit of a
disaster but that aside from a purely technical perspective he has a tick in
the box.
So to communication skills, not just language but body language, he's a
highly intelligent man and his command of the English language poses no
problems, he clearly works on tactics and strategy during the week and again
I've no doubt there are no issues getting his methods and work ethic across.
Similarly on the touch line he's involved barking out instructions and
gesturing those little 'in game' tweaks that are required, so again I think
it's fair to say outward communication isn't a major issue. However
communication is a 2-way thing and I do wonder how much, if at all, he
listens to those around him, surely his coaching staff are flagging issues
which clearly means his blinkered Alladyce like pigheadedness dictates that
he won't listen to them, or more worryingly is there a detachment between
him and his staff?
Now let's look at people skills and this is where I perceive there's a
gaping whole in his armoury, having good people skills as a manager isn't
just about being fair or understanding, there are times when difficult
decisions need to be made and ultimately upsetting individuals comes with
the territory. Being loyal is great but good managers have the ability to
detach themselves, take a step back and take stock of the situation, and to
be honest Slaven can't or more likely won't do this. Yes he handled the
Payet situation well once things had come to a head but this had clearly
festered for nearly half of the season. I think Slaven as a Manager likes to
be liked and it's clear he shows unwavering faith in those players closest
to him, what he doesn't have is that hard streak which allows him to make
those unpleasant decisions. If he was at Man Utd he'd find a spot for
Rooney, if he was at Man City and Aguerro would have been found a spot even
with Jesus in the side, if he was at Liverpool Sturridge would probably be
in goal, but that's the difference Mourinho, Guardiola, Conte and Klopp will
bench players for the betterment of the side. Bilic trusts Noble despite the
fact we've got stronger options available, Obiang is our Kante and Kouyate
has the ability to be another Viera, what he'll never be is a right back,
but because those Bilic adores his core men those difficult decisions will
always be averted.
I like and respect Slaven as a man but personally I think his people skills
are his Achilles heel, he needs to be more detached and see what tens of
thousands of fans have seen since the start of the season.
Now let's quickly look at decision making, this obviously follows on from
people skills as its so closely linked, again this shows major short
comings, some of his starting formations are baffling to say the least,
Lanzini a man who can be a modern day Berkovic is deployed wide left when
he's clearly more dangerous in the centre, Snodgrass brought in but used in
a variety of positions and then there's Antonio. Slaven also has this
ability to make changes at the end of games which invite pressure on us,
surely it's no coincidence that we top the charts when it comes to giving
points away at the death of matches, the Tottscum one in particular still
pains me! I'd hate to think how many points we've dropped through poor
management decisions this season.
Finally trust, again sadly a deficiency from my perspective. How long did it
take Antonio to break into the team last year, and low and behold once he
was given the chance he turned out to be rather good! We've the best crop of
youngsters coming through for ages but I just can't see them getting a
chance with Slav at the helm, Martinez was scoring for fun in PL2 but didn't
get a sniff, we've got several out on loan but will they get a chance when
they return?…I personally doubt it. Sadly Mr Bilic has serious trust issues,
ok so he sees Byram in training but give the lad some proper game time to
really appraise him. Look at Koeman at Everton and before at Southampton,
he's not afraid to blood youngsters and watch them flourish. An 18 year old
scored a champions league goal for Dortmund this week, would he have got
that chance if Slav were their manager I somehow doubt it.
So to summarise, yes our Slav is a genuinely nice fella, he's tactically
astute, he's sadly detrimentally loyal and clearly falls short when those
difficult decisions need to be made, which is why he'll never manage a top 5
club. For us to push on its my belief that the board need to make one of
those decisions that sadly Slaven cannot make, either that or settle for
being a mid table side like Stoke, I for one want us to push on not slip
back and as much as I like Slaven the man, sadly I've lost faith in Slaven
the Manager. COYI
Ian Barnard @onebarian1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan urges Slaven Bilic and West Ham to improve after Bournemouth
loss
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 12/03/17 11:53am
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan insists manager Slaven Bilic and his
side must improve following their 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. Sullivan
expressed his frustration after West Ham produced a below-par performance at
the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, which left the Hammers without a win in
four matches.
Josh King netted a hat-trick, including a 90th-minute winner, to secure
Bournemouth's first victory of 2017 after he and Benik Afobe had both missed
from the penalty spot Michail Antonio opened the scoring for West Ham and
Andre Ayew had made it 2-2 with less than seven minutes remaining before
King grabbed the decisive goal.
West Ham welcome a revitalised Leicester side to London Stadium on Saturday
and Sullivan is expecting a response from Bilic and his players. "I was very
disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our defeat at Bournemouth on
Saturday," Sullivan told the club's official website. "We went down there
determined to bounce back from the Chelsea defeat on Monday, but we didn't
play as well as we know we can. "Slaven, the players and the staff all know
we have to do better. "We have conceded too many goals early in halves in
recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games like
the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Brom, there will be
matches where we cannot equalise. That situation cannot go on. "I am sure
that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with what
happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Michail Antonio backed for England recall by admittedly biased
Slaven Bilic
"I'm his club manager and I'm not objective, but I don't see many strikers
or wingers playing better than him"
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 10 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic believes Michail Antonio's red-hot form for West Ham this
season should see him back in the England fold. The versatile 26-year-old is
back from suspension for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bournemouth ,
having scored the winner against them in the Hammers' first top-flight game
at their new London Stadium home back in August. With boss Gareth Southgate
finalising his Three Lions squad for this month's games against Germany and
Lithuania, West Ham counterpart Bilic sees no reason why forward Antonio
should not be in the frame. "I'm his club manager and I'm not objective,"
admitted Bilic, "but I don't see many strikers or wingers playing better
than him. "Dele Alli got his chance and grabbed it in the first game
against France, the friendly game [last November]. He scored. Same with
Jamie Vardy. "If Mikey continues like this, or improves, it's going to come
to him."
Antonio was called up for Sam Allardyce's one and only squad last summer,
but did not play in the victory away to Sloavakia. He was not in the parties
for Southgate's four games in interim charge during the autumn. This season,
he has eight goals in the league and three assists, to attract interest from
Chelsea.
Bilic added: "The categories that really matter are high intensity and
sprinting. They are the most important ones. Mikey is our best player in all
of them. He gives you that kind of boost of energy. "He opens the spaces and
then, if you add goals that he scores, he's vital for us. "Players like
Kante, Michail, they can run always. Cheikhou Kouyate. They can run for fun,
because they're born like that. Their muscles, their heart most of all,
their lungs are ideal for that. "Then you have some players who can do it
naturally but are a little bit lazy. You have to push them. "Michail has all
three: He has natural ability, he wants to do it and maybe the most
important one he can do it at high intensity. He's quick, he's got pace,
that's why we talk about him a lot."
West Ham have lost only two of their last seven games — and they were to
champions-elect Chelsea and third-placed Manchester City. Although
Bournemouth are struggling at the other end of the table with five defeats
in their last seven, Bilic believes their point at Manchester United last
weekend — secured despite playing the second half with 10 men — served as a
warning for his players not to take them lightly. He said: "Sometimes the
wounded lion is the most dangerous one. But are we going to be afraid? No."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid in line for West Ham contract extension worth more than £70,000
per week
The 28-year-old New Zealander only signed a six-year deal in 2015 but he is
set to pen another contract with improved terms
The Mirror
BYFOOTBALL SPY
22:30, 11 MAR 2017
Winston Reid is in line to have his contract renewed by West Ham – earning
him a pay rise that will bring him in line with Jose Fonte. The New Zealand
star, 28, signed a six-year agreement in 2015, but is now set to be handed a
fresh deal. Fonte, 33, moved from Southampton on wages of over £70,000 a
week and Reid is among a number of the current Hammers squad set to be given
similar. Fonte's January arrival has done little to improve West Ham's
defence and they have conceded in every league game since he joined for
£8million. Michael Antonio is one player revising his demands following
Fonte's arrival.
Antonio is the Hammers' top scorer this season with nine goals in all
competitions and is likely to ask for more money to reflect his contribution
on the field.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th March 2017
Cherries pick off Hammers
WHUFC.com
AFC Bournemouth miss two penalties before securing 3-2 Premier League win
over Hammers
Joshua King missed a spot-kick but recovered to score a hat-trick for the
Cherries
West Ham United led through Michail Antonio and levelled through Andre Ayew
late on
West Ham United paid the penalty for failing to take advantage of two missed
AFC Bournemouth spot-kicks to fall to a 3-2 defeat at Vitality Stadium.
The Hammers would have climbed back into the Premier League's top ten with a
point, only to allow Joshua King's hat-trick to condemn them to a first away
defeat of 2017.
An ultimately disappointing game on the south coast featured five goals, two
missed penalties, six yellow cards, 36 goal attempts (16 of them on target)
and seemingly endless talking points.
King had missed a first-half penalty before Michail Antonio fired Slaven
Bilic's side in front. The Bournemouth striker then equalised and scored a
second either side of Benik Afobe's own miss from 12 yards.
Substitute Andre Ayew looked to have snatched a draw seven minutes from
full-time, only for King to win it in the 90th when he slammed the loose
ball high into the net from ten yards.
A breathless first half saw Bournemouth become the first opponent to miss
two penalties in a Premier League fixture against West Ham, and the first
top-flight team since Aston Villa against Wimbledon back in September 1998
to miss two penalties in the opening 45 minutes.
King was the first culprit, firing into the advertising board after Sofiane
Feghouli had been adjudged to have fouled Marc Pugh as he burst into the
box.
Within 48 seconds, the visitors were ahead as Feghouli made amends by
finding the returning Antonio, back after a one-game ban, who controlled and
rolled a low left-foot shot beyond Artur Boruc.
With Bournemouth seemingly shell-shocked, West Ham then assumed control and
missed a succession of presentable opportunities to extend their lead, with
Antonio dragging wide and Manuel Lanzini slamming too high.
Eddie Howe's side gradually got their composure back and, as they continued
to throw players forward with abandon, forced Darren Randolph to save from
Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook.
The home side finally equalised on 31 minutes through King when Norway
forward flicked the ball over Jose Fonte with his right foot before sending
a controlled half-volley into the corner with his left.
Five minutes later and Bournemouth won their second penalty when Fonte was
ruled to have tripped Pugh. However, Afobe's effort was weak and the
Republic of Ireland plunged to his right to hold on safely.
To complete a relentless first half, Boruc then made a fortunate save to
keep out Feghouli's deflected effort with his legs, meaning the two sides
went in as they started - level.
That remained the case for less than three second-half minutes as Afobe
flicked a free-kick into the path of the No17, who swept past a helpless
Randolph to turn the game on its head.
Eyes again turned to Mr Madley as he debated with his assistant - either
over Afobe's handling of the ball or whether King should have been adjudged
offside from the initial free-kick - before awarding the goal.
Bilic responded by sending on Ayew, Robert Snodgrass and, later, Sam Byram.
After both teams had passed up further opportunities - Afobe for Bournemouth
and Antonio and Lanzini for West Ham - the changes looked to have paid off
when Byram crossed for Ayew to score on 83 minutes.
However, King still had time to crown a memorable personal performance when
he was in the right place at the right time to score after Randolph had
saved substitute Jack Wilshere's shot with his left boot.
AFC Bournemouth: Boruc, A.Smith, Francis C, Cook, Daniels, Fraser (Mousset
85), Arter, Gosling, Pugh, King, Afobe (Wilshere 85)
Subs not used: Allsop (GK), Cargill, B.Smith, Gradel, Ibe
Goals: King 31, 48, 90
Booked: Pugh, Afobe, Gosling, Cook
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate (Byram 78), Fonte, Reid, Cresswell,
Obiang, Noble C (Snodgrass 58), Feghouli (Ayew 58), Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian (GK), Collins, Masuaku, Fernandes
Goals: Antonio 11, Ayew 83
Booked: Noble, Obiang
Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: N/A
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic left 'very disappointed'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic left 'very disappointed' by 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth
West Ham United led early on and equalised through Andre Ayew with seven
minutes remaining
Manager admitted his team should have played for a draw after leveling at
2-2
Slaven Bilic admitted his side should have played for a draw after leveling
late in their 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
West Ham United clawed their way back into a dramatic game at Vitality
Stadium when substitute Andre Ayew slotted home with seven minutes of the 90
remaining.
However, with a host of attacking starters and substitutes on the pitch, the
Hammers went forward one more time in search of a winner. Rather than
snatching an unlikely victory, the Cherries pick Bilic's side off with a
last-minute winner scored by hat-trick hero Josh King, who had earlier
missed a penalty and scored twice after Michail Antonio had opened the
scoring.
"At the end I definitely felt we should have got something out of it," said
the manager, "but Bournemouth also played good and they showed great
aggression and missed a couple of penalties too.
"We were good when we scored the first goal and then we had a few good
opportunities and situations to maybe go two up, having taken advantage of
their shock at missing the first penalty and then us scoring within a
minute.
"After they scored the second goal, we were really good up until we
equalised. After that, it's hard to concede a goal. When it was 2-2 we
should not have conceded a goal from a counter-attack, basically. We are
disappointed, of course."
West Ham had 15 of a relentless game's 36 goal attempts, and seven of the 16
which were hitting their target, but the manager said his team should have
known not to commit too many men forward as full-time approached.
Instead, Bournemouth threw bodies forward - as they had done all afternoon -
and, when childhood Hammers fan Jack Wilshere's shot was saved superbly by
Darren Randolph, King was on hand to roof the loose ball and break the
hearts of the 1,340 travelling supporters.
"At that moment we went for a third goal but basically with too many
players," Bilic observed. "We were very, very open and we lost the ball and
then it was a good counter-attack from them. Darren made a good save, of
course, but it went to their player and they scored.
"We are disappointed, especially because we had so many chances. At the end
of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have got
something out of the game.
"We had been on a good run and had been playing good and we showed good
quality to equalise. We had pressure, but they were always dangerous on the
counter-attack. Basically, when we made it 2-2 they can't score, not from a
counter-attack."
At the end of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have
got something out of the game
Slaven Bilic
The manager was asked for his thoughts on referee Bobby Madley's
performance, which involved awarding two spot-kicks to the home side, but
turning down the visitors' appeals for a late penalty when Andy Carroll's
cross hit Adam Smith on the arm.
There was also a debate around Bournemouth's second goal, which was awarded
after Mr Madley had discussed whether King had been offside when Benik Afobe
- whose first-half penalty was saved by Randolph - knocked the ball into his
path with his arm.
"After the second goal, the players asked for the handball, but to be fair
it was a good goal," Bilic said. "From the touchline I could not see it. I
saw it afterwards and it wasn't clear, but for me it wasn't handball."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - We needed to be more composed
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the season can't prevent Hammers from
falling to 3-2 loss at AFC Bournemouth
Antonio finished left footed just moments after Josh King missed a penalty
for the hosts
Hammers suffer just second away league defeat since November
Michail Antonio edged closer to double figures for the season with his first
half goal at Bournemouth on Saturday, but his ninth of the campaign is not
one he will remember with any fondness after the Cherries came from behind
to win 3-2.
The Hammers were the beneficiaries of two missed penalties by the Cherries
before the game had even reached half-time, but their luck ran out after the
break as Josh King added to his 31st minute leveller with two more goals to
consign the visitors to defeat.
Antonio was disappointed to end up on the losing team - especially after
they had clawed it back to 2-2 with seven minutes left to play - and said
the Londoners should have closed the game out better.
"It was a dramatic game, but a frustrating one for us," Antonio admitted.
"It was end-to-end stuff and we should have stayed a bit more composed when
we went into the lead - especially as we scored straight after they missed
their pen.
"Bournemouth kept pressing us and working hard. They desperately need the
points right now and they showed some grit and some fight.
"The good thing in football is you always get the chance to put it right, so
we'll go again at home against Leicester and hopefully we can get the three
points then."
Antonio's goal came in the tenth minute, finishing off on his weaker left
side after being set up by Sofiane Feghouli, but he will hope his next
strike comes in a winning cause.
He added: "I always want to score goals, but I always want to win games as
well, so it's disappointing that we've ended up losing.
"It's all about winning games, so it's not the feeling I wanted. I can't
really remember the goal to be honest. I just remember Sofiane passing me
the ball, taking it on my left and it going into the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says defeat at Bournemouth was hard to take
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 11/03/17 8:04pm
SSN
West Ham United's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth was hard to take after the
visitors has appeared set for a hard-earned point at the Vitality Stadium,
according to manager Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers, who had taken an early lead through Michail Antonio's ninth
goal of the season, found themselves trailing late on after Josh King's
double either side of half-time.
However, despite the Cherries also missing two first-half penalties, West
Ham looked on course for a draw when substitute Andre Ayew scored with just
seven minutes to go, that was until King completed his hat-trick with a
last-minute strike.
Bilic, though, was angry that his players had thrown away a point by getting
caught on the counter-attack going in search of their own winner, with his
defence out of position as a result.
"We are disappointed because first of all when you score two away goals, we
expect to get something out of the game, especially when you equalise a few
minutes before the end of the game," he said.
"It is hard to concede a goal from a counter-attack. Because we were good
when we were on the ball, we went basically with too many players up too
early and we left the right side of our defence completely open for them.
"Then we lost the ball and they made a good counter-attack with good
positions and a good number of players. And we were open and split at the
back and they scored, so it is hard of course to lose like this.
"We could have still gone for the win, but not so early. The players should
be in position and then if we are with the ball, 30 metres from their goal,
I am expecting my defenders to go up and try and win the ball."
West Ham made the perfect start to the game by scoring just 48 seconds after
King had side-footed a ninth-minute penalty wide of the right-hand post.
Bilic, however, thought his team could have taken advantage of their
opponents' emotional struggles at that point by scoring another goal.
"It was a great moment to score the goal because they were in a little bit
of shock because they missed the penalty," he said. "And straight away
instead of 1-0 to them, it is 1-0 to us.
"We had those 10 minutes when we could use that situation and maybe score
another one, but it is never too early to score a goal."
Overall, though, Bilic was pleased with his side's display on the south
coast, with the Croat now targeting a win against champions Leicester City
at the London Stadium next Saturday to make up for this painful loss.
"There were a lot of positives in this performance," Bilic said. "But also,
especially in the first half, they were much more aggressive, they were much
better in the transition and winning the second ball. And that is how they
created the chances.
"In the second half we conceded very early, then after that we played really
good, so of course it is a setback.
"Every defeat is a setback, but we are looking like a really good team and
we have another game next week and we have to make up for today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
AFC Bournemouth miss two penalties before securing 3-2 Premier League win
over Hammers
Joshua King missed a spot-kick but recovered to score a hat-trick for the
Cherries
West Ham United led through Michail Antonio and levelled through Andre Ayew
late on
West Ham United paid the penalty for failing to take advantage of two missed
AFC Bournemouth spot-kicks to fall to a 3-2 defeat at Vitality Stadium.
The Hammers would have climbed back into the Premier League's top ten with a
point, only to allow Joshua King's hat-trick to condemn them to a first away
defeat of 2017.
An ultimately disappointing game on the south coast featured five goals, two
missed penalties, six yellow cards, 36 goal attempts (16 of them on target)
and seemingly endless talking points.
King had missed a first-half penalty before Michail Antonio fired Slaven
Bilic's side in front. The Bournemouth striker then equalised and scored a
second either side of Benik Afobe's own miss from 12 yards.
Substitute Andre Ayew looked to have snatched a draw seven minutes from
full-time, only for King to win it in the 90th when he slammed the loose
ball high into the net from ten yards.
A breathless first half saw Bournemouth become the first opponent to miss
two penalties in a Premier League fixture against West Ham, and the first
top-flight team since Aston Villa against Wimbledon back in September 1998
to miss two penalties in the opening 45 minutes.
King was the first culprit, firing into the advertising board after Sofiane
Feghouli had been adjudged to have fouled Marc Pugh as he burst into the
box.
Within 48 seconds, the visitors were ahead as Feghouli made amends by
finding the returning Antonio, back after a one-game ban, who controlled and
rolled a low left-foot shot beyond Artur Boruc.
With Bournemouth seemingly shell-shocked, West Ham then assumed control and
missed a succession of presentable opportunities to extend their lead, with
Antonio dragging wide and Manuel Lanzini slamming too high.
Eddie Howe's side gradually got their composure back and, as they continued
to throw players forward with abandon, forced Darren Randolph to save from
Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook.
The home side finally equalised on 31 minutes through King when Norway
forward flicked the ball over Jose Fonte with his right foot before sending
a controlled half-volley into the corner with his left.
Five minutes later and Bournemouth won their second penalty when Fonte was
ruled to have tripped Pugh. However, Afobe's effort was weak and the
Republic of Ireland plunged to his right to hold on safely.
To complete a relentless first half, Boruc then made a fortunate save to
keep out Feghouli's deflected effort with his legs, meaning the two sides
went in as they started - level.
That remained the case for less than three second-half minutes as Afobe
flicked a free-kick into the path of the No17, who swept past a helpless
Randolph to turn the game on its head.
Eyes again turned to Mr Madley as he debated with his assistant - either
over Afobe's handling of the ball or whether King should have been adjudged
offside from the initial free-kick - before awarding the goal.
Bilic responded by sending on Ayew, Robert Snodgrass and, later, Sam Byram.
After both teams had passed up further opportunities - Afobe for Bournemouth
and Antonio and Lanzini for West Ham - the changes looked to have paid off
when Byram crossed for Ayew to score on 83 minutes.
However, King still had time to crown a memorable personal performance when
he was in the right place at the right time to score after Randolph had
saved substitute Jack Wilshere's shot with his left boot.
AFC Bournemouth: Boruc, A.Smith, Francis C, Cook, Daniels, Fraser (Mousset
85), Arter, Gosling, Pugh, King, Afobe (Wilshere 85)
Subs not used: Allsop (GK), Cargill, B.Smith, Gradel, Ibe
Goals: King 31, 48, 90
Booked: Pugh, Afobe, Gosling, Cook
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate (Byram 78), Fonte, Reid, Cresswell,
Obiang, Noble C (Snodgrass 58), Feghouli (Ayew 58), Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian (GK), Collins, Masuaku, Fernandes
Goals: Antonio 11, Ayew 83
Booked: Noble, Obiang
Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: N/A
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic left 'very disappointed'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic left 'very disappointed' by 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth
West Ham United led early on and equalised through Andre Ayew with seven
minutes remaining
Manager admitted his team should have played for a draw after leveling at
2-2
Slaven Bilic admitted his side should have played for a draw after leveling
late in their 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
West Ham United clawed their way back into a dramatic game at Vitality
Stadium when substitute Andre Ayew slotted home with seven minutes of the 90
remaining.
However, with a host of attacking starters and substitutes on the pitch, the
Hammers went forward one more time in search of a winner. Rather than
snatching an unlikely victory, the Cherries pick Bilic's side off with a
last-minute winner scored by hat-trick hero Josh King, who had earlier
missed a penalty and scored twice after Michail Antonio had opened the
scoring.
"At the end I definitely felt we should have got something out of it," said
the manager, "but Bournemouth also played good and they showed great
aggression and missed a couple of penalties too.
"We were good when we scored the first goal and then we had a few good
opportunities and situations to maybe go two up, having taken advantage of
their shock at missing the first penalty and then us scoring within a
minute.
"After they scored the second goal, we were really good up until we
equalised. After that, it's hard to concede a goal. When it was 2-2 we
should not have conceded a goal from a counter-attack, basically. We are
disappointed, of course."
West Ham had 15 of a relentless game's 36 goal attempts, and seven of the 16
which were hitting their target, but the manager said his team should have
known not to commit too many men forward as full-time approached.
Instead, Bournemouth threw bodies forward - as they had done all afternoon -
and, when childhood Hammers fan Jack Wilshere's shot was saved superbly by
Darren Randolph, King was on hand to roof the loose ball and break the
hearts of the 1,340 travelling supporters.
"At that moment we went for a third goal but basically with too many
players," Bilic observed. "We were very, very open and we lost the ball and
then it was a good counter-attack from them. Darren made a good save, of
course, but it went to their player and they scored.
"We are disappointed, especially because we had so many chances. At the end
of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have got
something out of the game.
"We had been on a good run and had been playing good and we showed good
quality to equalise. We had pressure, but they were always dangerous on the
counter-attack. Basically, when we made it 2-2 they can't score, not from a
counter-attack."
At the end of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have
got something out of the game
Slaven Bilic
The manager was asked for his thoughts on referee Bobby Madley's
performance, which involved awarding two spot-kicks to the home side, but
turning down the visitors' appeals for a late penalty when Andy Carroll's
cross hit Adam Smith on the arm.
There was also a debate around Bournemouth's second goal, which was awarded
after Mr Madley had discussed whether King had been offside when Benik Afobe
- whose first-half penalty was saved by Randolph - knocked the ball into his
path with his arm.
"After the second goal, the players asked for the handball, but to be fair
it was a good goal," Bilic said. "From the touchline I could not see it. I
saw it afterwards and it wasn't clear, but for me it wasn't handball."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - We needed to be more composed
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the season can't prevent Hammers from
falling to 3-2 loss at AFC Bournemouth
Antonio finished left footed just moments after Josh King missed a penalty
for the hosts
Hammers suffer just second away league defeat since November
Michail Antonio edged closer to double figures for the season with his first
half goal at Bournemouth on Saturday, but his ninth of the campaign is not
one he will remember with any fondness after the Cherries came from behind
to win 3-2.
The Hammers were the beneficiaries of two missed penalties by the Cherries
before the game had even reached half-time, but their luck ran out after the
break as Josh King added to his 31st minute leveller with two more goals to
consign the visitors to defeat.
Antonio was disappointed to end up on the losing team - especially after
they had clawed it back to 2-2 with seven minutes left to play - and said
the Londoners should have closed the game out better.
"It was a dramatic game, but a frustrating one for us," Antonio admitted.
"It was end-to-end stuff and we should have stayed a bit more composed when
we went into the lead - especially as we scored straight after they missed
their pen.
"Bournemouth kept pressing us and working hard. They desperately need the
points right now and they showed some grit and some fight.
"The good thing in football is you always get the chance to put it right, so
we'll go again at home against Leicester and hopefully we can get the three
points then."
Antonio's goal came in the tenth minute, finishing off on his weaker left
side after being set up by Sofiane Feghouli, but he will hope his next
strike comes in a winning cause.
He added: "I always want to score goals, but I always want to win games as
well, so it's disappointing that we've ended up losing.
"It's all about winning games, so it's not the feeling I wanted. I can't
really remember the goal to be honest. I just remember Sofiane passing me
the ball, taking it on my left and it going into the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says defeat at Bournemouth was hard to take
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 11/03/17 8:04pm
SSN
West Ham United's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth was hard to take after the
visitors has appeared set for a hard-earned point at the Vitality Stadium,
according to manager Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers, who had taken an early lead through Michail Antonio's ninth
goal of the season, found themselves trailing late on after Josh King's
double either side of half-time.
However, despite the Cherries also missing two first-half penalties, West
Ham looked on course for a draw when substitute Andre Ayew scored with just
seven minutes to go, that was until King completed his hat-trick with a
last-minute strike.
Bilic, though, was angry that his players had thrown away a point by getting
caught on the counter-attack going in search of their own winner, with his
defence out of position as a result.
"We are disappointed because first of all when you score two away goals, we
expect to get something out of the game, especially when you equalise a few
minutes before the end of the game," he said.
"It is hard to concede a goal from a counter-attack. Because we were good
when we were on the ball, we went basically with too many players up too
early and we left the right side of our defence completely open for them.
"Then we lost the ball and they made a good counter-attack with good
positions and a good number of players. And we were open and split at the
back and they scored, so it is hard of course to lose like this.
"We could have still gone for the win, but not so early. The players should
be in position and then if we are with the ball, 30 metres from their goal,
I am expecting my defenders to go up and try and win the ball."
West Ham made the perfect start to the game by scoring just 48 seconds after
King had side-footed a ninth-minute penalty wide of the right-hand post.
Bilic, however, thought his team could have taken advantage of their
opponents' emotional struggles at that point by scoring another goal.
"It was a great moment to score the goal because they were in a little bit
of shock because they missed the penalty," he said. "And straight away
instead of 1-0 to them, it is 1-0 to us.
"We had those 10 minutes when we could use that situation and maybe score
another one, but it is never too early to score a goal."
Overall, though, Bilic was pleased with his side's display on the south
coast, with the Croat now targeting a win against champions Leicester City
at the London Stadium next Saturday to make up for this painful loss.
"There were a lot of positives in this performance," Bilic said. "But also,
especially in the first half, they were much more aggressive, they were much
better in the transition and winning the second ball. And that is how they
created the chances.
"In the second half we conceded very early, then after that we played really
good, so of course it is a setback.
"Every defeat is a setback, but we are looking like a really good team and
we have another game next week and we have to make up for today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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