Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager has plans in place to ensure West Ham United come out fighting
fit in two weeks' time
02.03.2014
Sam Allardyce will be a frustrated spectator on Saturday as his West Ham
United side have a rare game-free weekend. Following last Saturday's 1-0
loss at Everton, the Hammers would have been preparing for a good
opportunity to get back to winning ways by hosting Hull City, but due to the
Tigers' progress in the FA Cup, the game has had to be rescheduled for
Wednesday 26 March. The West Ham United manager is planning to make the most
of the extended preparation period for the next outing - a trip to Stoke
City on Saturday 15 March - by nursing yet more injured players back to full
fitness. "We'd have liked to have another game, which would have been our
chance to overcome the Everton defeat and get another victory," he said. "We
have to be patient. Everybody's going to get fitter and they'll be able to
get ready and excited for the away game at Stoke City. "The players are all
very disappointed that we have lost our undefeated run but Everton are a
good side and we just got slaughtered when we played there last season and
were fortunate to come away with a 2-0 defeat.
"On Saturday we were very close to getting a point and the only
disappointment was our final third play wasn't good enough to cause Everton
the problems that we should have done."
Although clearly happy with his squad's physical condition, Big Sam will not
allow his players to take their foot off the pedal and has plans to organise
a behind-closed-doors practice game to provide some much needed game time
for those that have not been starting in the first team in recent weeks. The
likes of Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te, Antonio Nocerino, Joe
Cole and Jack Collison could all feature as the manager seeks to ramp up the
competition for places in his squad. "The lads will have a few days off with
their families as they can't get any fitter than they are at the minute.
They are in a good frame of mind at the moment. We're disappointed now but
we've got to get over that and make sure that we've got the confidence and
the energy and the belief to play the next game when it comes around. "Andy
Carroll has been constant in training terms but it's match fitness that we
need to help him with. If anybody needed a game next week it would be Andy
but we've got to wait a couple of weeks before we can get him fit again. We
may fit in a behind-closed-doors game for him and some of the other squad
players that might not have been playing so much recently."
Big Sam concluded his Monday briefing by reiterating his belief that Carroll
has all the credentials to force his way into England's final squad for this
summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. West Ham's record signing returned from a
three-match suspension at Goodison Park on Saturday and his manager insists
the No9 just needs to focus on staying fully fit to guarantee his place in
England manager Roy Hodgson's squad. "I think Andy is a fantastic
alternative in so much as you can change from the plan that you've got,
whether you start with him or bring him off the bench. I'm not talking about
pumping the ball up to his head. I don't put him on to just win headers but
to control the ball with his chest and feet and bring other people into
play. "You saw on Saturday what he can do inside and outside the box. If he
stays fit, he's got it in his own hands and if he does as well as he did
last season, Roy can't ignore him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A painful return for AC
WHUFC.com
A dislocated finger and defeat at Goodison Park made for a painful day for
the returning Andy Carroll
02.03.2014
A dislocated finger and defeat by Everton at Goodison Park made for a
painful Saturday for the returning Andy Carroll. The centre forward returned
to West Ham United action as a first-half substitute after a three-match
suspension, but could not prevent the Hammers from falling to a 1-0 defeat
on Merseyside.To add injury to insult, Carroll suffered a horrific-looking
dislocated finger twice during his hour on the pitch. "It was a tough game,"
said the No9. "We obviously had a slow start and it was disappointing to
concede at the end, but that's how football goes. "We're obviously
disappointed now so it's a little bit upsetting.
"As for my finger. I stubbed it and it just popped out. It's a little bit
painful but it'll be all right and it won't slow me down."
Manager Sam Allardyce assessed that West Ham did not use the ball well
enough in the final-third - an opinion agreed with by Carroll, who fired two
long-range efforts narrowly off-target from the visitors' two best chances.
After a month out of Barclays Premier League action following his red card
against Swansea City on 1 February, the 25-year-old admitted to being a bit
rusty in front of goal. Andy Carroll has his finger re-set by physio
Dominic Rogan
"Of course, yes, we didn't pass it as well as we can or as well as we've
showed in the last few games. We just need to go back now and concentrate on
the next game. "I felt all right, but obviously I haven't played for a while
so I was a little bit rusty. We're just all disappointed at the minute. "The
two chances both landed good for me to hit, but I just caught them a little
bit high. It was disappointing but that's how it is."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers backing Kick It Out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to confirm their involvement in Kick It Out's
season of action
02.03.2014
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that the Club will be backing Kick It
Out's season of action at the Boleyn Ground for the Barclays Premier League
visit of Liverpool on Sunday 6 April. The Hammers will continue their
commitment to promote tolerance and inclusion in 2014 with this landmark
campaign, one that celebrates Kick It Out's 20th anniversary. For 20 years,
Kick It Out has contributed to making football a safer, more enjoyable and
less intimidating place for those from under-represented communities wishing
to participate in the game. In addition to campaign activity in the build-up
to the fixture, the Hammers will once more warm up in campaign T-shirts to
raise awareness of the vital equality and inclusion work that continues
unabated. The Club is intent on tackling discrimination in whatever form it
takes, promoting events and campaigns throughout the season that highlight
and combat prejudice towards disability, race, sex, sexual orientation and
religion throughout the year. Fittingly, Hammers No20 and Kick It Out
ambassador Guy Demel is wholeheartedly championing the cause, insistent that
education is the pathway to ridding the sport of prejudice. "I believe the
only way to kick out the problem is to target educating youths," Demel
explained. "It's important for everybody to be happy in sport - and I think
it all starts with educating the kids. "It's important to have an
organisation like Kick It Out because it's never nice to be abused. Racism
isn't just against black people - it can be white people too. It's not
always about a specific colour or nation. "Any form is not good in society
so it's important to send out a positive message. Having lots of meetings
and discussions about this can educate people that football is no different
to anywhere else in the world. "We as a club here at West Ham United will
once again be supporting the Kick It Out campaign. In the 20 years it has
been running there has been a lot achieved, but there is more work still to
be done."
Kick It Out's Professional Game Manager, Keeley Baptista, has praised West
Ham's continued support for the organisation's campaigns. She said: "Kick It
Out has a long-standing relationship with West Ham United and is aware of
all of the work undertaken by the Club to promote anti-discrimination
initiatives throughout the year. "The campaign has developed strong links
with the West Ham United Community Sports Trust and sees how the Club
engages so positively with their supporters and the local community.
"Leadership on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion comes from the
very top of the club with joint-chairman David Gold a firm supporter of Kick
It Out and its key initiatives."
The Hammers also commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) earlier this
year, a poignant reminder of the tragedies of the past and a platform to
highlight the discrimination that is still prevalent in conflict today. HMD
demonstrates how lessons of the past can inform lives today to create a
safer future, while presenting a chance to cement a collective commitment to
social inclusion. Elsewhere, West Ham remain at the forefront where Football
v Homophobia is concerned. The Hammers lent their backing for a third
successive season, kick-starting February's international show of support.
As one of the very first professional clubs to do so in 2012, Club captain
Kevin Nolan reiterated: "We're passionate about supporting this and we hope
that it sends out a message that there is no place for discrimination in
football, nor in any sport."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admits that he feared the sack
Last Updated: 02/03/14 2:03pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admits that he did he fear being given the sack
after his side's miserable run of form throughout December and January. The
Hammers went seven Premier League games without a win as they slipped into
the bottom three, casting doubts over Allardyce's future at the club as they
also crashed out of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. However, prior to the
late defeat at Everton, West Ham had won five and drawn one of their
previous seven outings, a run of form which has seen them climb to 10th in
the table and distance themselves seven points ahead of the bottom three.
Allardyce's perfect record throughout February has helped ease any
relegation fears and he says he is grateful for being allowed the time to
turn things around. "Thankfully the owners stuck by me, but I'd be lying if
I said I didn't wonder how much longer they could withstand the pressure,"
he told the Sunday People.
"I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd sacked me but it would have been
unlike them. "And I don't think I would have deserved it given my experience
in these situations and the problems we were having. "When they were at
Birmingham they were not owners who would quickly sack managers. But with
the move to the Olympic Stadium in the background, it means the stakes are
high. "Thankfully the owners stuck by me, but I'd be lying if I said I
didn't wonder how much longer they could withstand the pressure." "The
Premier League is worth about £70million a season. When you go down to the
Championship it's about £10million plus parachute money so the gulf between
the divisions is like the Grand Canyon. "The devastation caused by
relegation is huge and affects a club for years, so I don't mind admitting
January was probably the most difficult time in my Premier League
management. "It was the toughest I've ever known. We had poor results,
defensive problems, Andy Carroll injured and then Kevin Nolan getting sent
off on New Year's Day for the second time in a month. "We weren't far from
getting the results but the turning point was going to Cardiff." Allardyce
also admitted that he could feel the pressure mounting as results worsened,
but says he was relieved to have been backed in the January transfer window.
"David Gold replies to almost every message he gets on Twitter and I'm
certain there were a lot calling for me to be sacked," he said. "Then the
media are on the case and suddenly TV cameras start appearing at your
training ground trying to get footage of an adverse reaction or a fight bet
ween the players. "All that puts pressure on the owners as well as me and we
all know that many owners have succumbed to that and pressed the panic
button. "But in the January window they backed me by getting four players in
- Marco Boriello from Roma, Antonio Nocerino from AC Milan, Pablo Armero
from Napoli and Roger Johnson from Wolves. The irony of that is now those
players can't get a game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Returning West Ham striker Andy Carroll dislocates finger in defeat at
Everton
Mar 02, 2014 11:08 By Ben Burrows
The Mirror
Crocked front man Andy Carroll has injured himself - again. But never fear
Hammers fans, it's only a dislocated finger. Tell that to Carroll though who
was clearly in a lot of pain after suffering the injury in the clash with
Everton on Saturday. Despite having to have the wayward digit relocated by
the side of the pitch - much to boss Sam Allardyce's anguish - the
25-year-old can see the funny side. Posting a image on his Instagram account
the England man said: "Where's he pointing!!!" Before the posting the after
pic: "And boom back in place!!"
Record-signing Carroll has endured a nightmare campaign for the Hammers.
Sidelined with a foot injury for much of the season, the lanky striker then
saw red for an elbow on Swansea's Chico Flores ruling him out for three more
matches. Carroll has been a busy boy on Instagram this weekend. Only
yesterday he shared a picture of his girlfriend Billi Mucklow with
suspiciosly hairy armpits.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Monday, March 3
Sunday, March 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd March 2014
Lukaku strikes late to end Hammers run
WHUFC.com
Romelu Lukaku's 81st minute goal was enough to defeat West Ham United on
Saturday
01.03.2014
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench at Goodison Park on Saturday to turn a game
against West Ham United for the second time this season. The Everton
striker, on loan from Chelsea, notched twice at the Boleyn Ground in
September to overturn a 2-1 deficit in his team's favour, and this time he
stopped the contest from drifting to a 0-0 draw with his 81st minute goal.
West Ham defended solidly to restrict Everton's chances as much as they
could, given that the Toffees dominated possession, but they were eventually
undone inside the final ten minutes as their four-game winning streak came
to an end. The Hammers named an unchanged side for the fourth game in a row,
meaning Andy Carroll had to settle for a place on the bench following his
return from a three-match ban. The game started quietly in the Merseyside
sunshine as the Hammers set their stall out to be typically hard to break
down. The home side saw much of the ball as a result, but without the
presence of a regular striker until the hour, they could not make the most
of it at that stage. Adrian only had one save to make in the opening period,
and that was a comfortable one as he blocked off the near post to prevent
Steven Naismith's 22nd minute shot from finding a route to goal. Gerard
Deulofeu looked to be the home player most likely to possess the key to
unlock the Hammers' defence, and he weaved his way into the box on 39
minutes before placing a left-footed shot just wide of the mark. At the
other end the Hammers' chances were limited before the break and Carroll did
not have to wait long for his introduction, replacing Carlton Cole with 28
minutes played.
Everton began the second period at a quicker tempo and were desperately
close to opening the scoring in the first minute after the restart. Steven
Pienaar exchanged passes with Leighton Baines in the left hand channel and
shot for goal first time. The South African's effort looked goalbound, but
Adrian stretched out a hand to flick the ball onto the upright, before
getting up to stop Deulofeu's rebound. The same player went close five
minutes later when Baines got in down the left and crossed low, but Pienaar
lifted his shot over the top. Toffees keeper TIm Howard was called into
action on 55 minutes when Andy Carroll's venomous 30-yard shap shot needed a
tip over. 60 seconds later Kevin Nolan's curler was deflected behind as the
Hammers build some pressure for the first time, but Everton withstood it and
then signalled their intentions to press for the three points by bringing
Lukaku off the bench. When the breakthrough did arrive nine minutes from
time, it came as little surprise that the Chelsea loan player provided it.
Baines was the goal-maker, seizing his opportunity to burst clear inside the
box and cut back for Lukaku to apply the finish from ten yards. It was a
late blow that the Hammers could not recover from as their five-match
unbeaten run ground to a halt.
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu
(McGeady 73), Osman (Lukaku 59) Pienaar; Naismith (Barkley 85)
Subs: Robles, Hibbert, Mirallas, Browning
Goal: Lukaku 81
Booked: Baines
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel (Reid 80), Collins, Tomkins, McCartney;
Nolan, Noble, Taylor; Jarvis (Diame 66), C.Cole (Carroll 28), Downing
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, J.Cole, Nocerino
Booked: Tomkins
Referee: Jonathan Moss
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian takes Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
Hammers No13 takes whufc.com fan vote for the second month in a row
01.03.2014
Adrian has won the whufc.com fan vote to be named as West Ham United Player
of the Month for the second month in succession. Having topped the January
poll by a landslide margin, the 27-year-old goalkeeper faced much sterner
opposition this month after the Hammers' enjoyed a stunning February. Four
wins in four meant there were plenty of candidates for the top honour, but
Adrian's three clean sheets gave him the nod, just ahead of skipper Kevin
Nolan. The Spaniard polled 38.8% of the vote, a slim 0.6% ahead of Nolan,
who scored five goals in February. Adrian conceded just once in 360 minutes
of play as the Hammers climbed out of the bottom three and up to tenth in
the Barclays Premier League table. Mark Noble was third after scooping 14%
of the vote.
whufc.com Players of the Month winners 2013/14
August James Collins
September Ravel Morrison
October Ravel Morrison
November Stewart Downing
December Carlton Cole
January Adrian
February Adrian
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor frustrated by late blow
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor felt the Hammers deserved to keep a clean sheet at Everton on
Saturday
02.03.2014
West Ham United suffered a frustrating end to their four-match winning
streak when Romelu Lukaku struck late to send them to defeat at Everton on
Saturday.
The Hammers spent much of the contest focused on keeping the Toffees out,
and their defensive work looked set to be rewarded with a point and another
clean sheet. But home danger man Lukaku came off the bench to settle the
contest and leave Matt Taylor disappointed that his side had not gone home
with something to show for their efforts. He said: "It was very
disappointing to come away with nothing. We know they are a top team and
they were going to have a lot of possession, but we defended relatively well
so it was disappointing to lose the game. "I thought we could maybe have
done better when we had our chances, and it was just unfortunate to lose
that goal late in the game. "Lukaku scored the goal so he made the
difference. He's a big player for them and it's disappointing we didn't get
a result, but we're still in a positive frame of mind. "We've got a weekend
off next week and we've now got to make sure that we're right to go to
Stoke, because they got a great result against Arsenal on Saturday."
Taylor is sure the Hammers possess the mental strength to bounce back and
perform at their best when they make that trip to the Britannia Stadium in
two weeks time. He continued: "It is a little frustrating that we haven't
got a game to bounce back in next week, but that's the FA Cup, you can't do
anything about it. "But what it does do is give the players who go away on
international duty extra time to come back and get themselves ready for
what's going to be a difficult game away at Stoke. "In possession we weren't
as good as we have been, but out of possession I thought we were. We didn't
look like conceding and then they've nicked a goal at the end. "We'll pick
ourselves up and move on. There are ten games left in the season and we have
to get as many good results as we can to try and stay in the top half."
Taylor made his ninth straight Barclays Premier League start on Saturday and
he is relishing the chance to show what he can do. He added: "I'm enjoying
my football, enjoying the opportunity to play because the older you get the
more you appreciate playing football. "If I can continue to contribute to
the team I'll be happy with that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies head for Colchester Town
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies take on Colchester Town in the Essex FA County Cup on
Sunday
01.03.2014
West Ham United Ladies take on Colchester Town in the Essex FA County Cup
quarter-finals on Sunday. The Hammers travel to the Boxted Sports Ground
eager to return to winning ways in the knockout competitions, having
suffered a 5-1 home defeat by Super League 2 club Watford in the FA Women's
Cup third round last weekend. Having recorded just four victories in 17
matches in all competitions in 2013/14, the County Cup represents West Ham's
final chance of winning silverware this term. Colchester Town have had a
similarly disappointing season, winning just two of their 15 Eastern Region
Women's Football League fixtures and going out of the FA Women's Cup at the
second qualifying round stage. Kick-off at the Boxted Sports Ground on
Sunday will be at 1.30pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes features in England draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes started for England U17s in their 2-2
draw with Portugal on Friday
01.03.2014
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes started for England U17s in their 2-2
draw with Portugal at the Algarve Tournament on Friday. The schoolboy
stopper, who has already played Development Squad football for the Hammers
this term, completed the full game at the Estadio Algarve - a stadium built
specially for the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship finals. Two goals
from Middlesbrough's Callum Cooke earned England a 2-2 draw but, having
twice led, the Young Lions were left frustrated by having to settle for a
share of the spoils as Portugal equalised with just two minutes remaining.
Cooke put England in front from the penalty spot on 33 minutes before the
host nation equalised three minutes after half-time through Diogo Goncalves.
Howes, 16, was then called into action again on 63 minutes, when he produced
a fine save to stop Renato Sanches putting Portugal in front. Cooke put
England back in front on 77 minutes, only for Goncalves to set up Anthony
Oliveira for a late leveller. England, who opened the tournament with a 2-0
win over Netherlands on Wednesday, will complete their Algarve Tournament
with a winner-takes-all clash with Germany on Sunday in Lagos - the same
stadium where West Ham's first-team squad trained during their pre-season
trip to Portugal in August. Howes will hope to keep his place ahead of
Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam laments final-third failures
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United did not create enough clear-cut
chances in their 1-0 defeat at Everton
01.03.2014
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United's failure to create clear-cut chances
in the final third had cost them dear in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Everton. The Hammers maintained their run of resilient,
organised and disciplined defensive displays at Goodison Park, only to be
undone by substitute Romelu Lukaku's crisp 81st-minute finish from Leighton
Baines' low cross. However, it was West Ham's inability to open Everton up
in the hosts' own penalty area - added to referee Jon Moss' decision not to
punish Gareth Barry for an alleged professional foul on Kevin Nolan - that
left Big Sam feeling frustrated. "That was the difference - the gilt-edged
chance that fell to Lukaku, he put away," said the manager. "When we were in
that position, on the counter-attack, we didn't find the type of ball that
Baines found to get a get a clear shot at goal and put it in the back of the
net. "We had several opportunities, particularly the second half, but we
couldn't produce a lot more effective deliveries to score a goal. "Whereas
our technique in the last four games has been absolutely spot-on, and we've
scored lots of goals, this time it wasn't as good as it has been. Because of
that, we lost the game. "Even right at the death, we had the last free-kick
of the game but the quality on the delivery wasn't there. Last game, we saw
Everton very unluckily lose at Chelsea on the last free-kick of the game.
"Our quality was missing when Frank Lampard's quality wasn't, which is why
they lost that game 1-0, even if it was unluckily so on the way they played.
"What we needed to do was produce that quality and we'd have got a 1-1. It
wasn't there when it had been over the previous four games. It's my
responsibility to get the lads producing that quality in the final-third,
like they had been in those games, when we got four very big wins."
While Everton's winner was not disputed, Big Sam was left apoplectic by the
referee's decision not to penalise Barry for appearing to tug back Nolan as
he went through on goal midway through the first half. "I was up and down
like a lunatic because I saw it, but unfortunately the referee said he
didn't, which is beyond me because I was in the same position [angle-wise]
as the referee, but 50 yards behind him. "I could see Gareth Barry putting
his arms around Kevin Nolan and pulling him down. I have no doubt he was
going to score, because he's scored five goals in four games and is through
one-on-one with the 'keeper."
After an opening half-hour dominated by the home side, aside from the Nolan
incident, Big Sam did make a big decision to replace Carlton Cole with Andy
Carroll after half-an-hour. The No9 worked hard on his return after a
three-match suspension, troubling the Everton back four and flashing two
well-struck 25-yard shots over Tim Howard's crossbar in the second half.
"Our hold-up play needed to be better because we did not counter-attack
enough, bar the odd occasion, which was a very good breakout from a header
from James Collins. Stewart Downing collected and, like I said, in the
previous four games he'd have produced a ball and if had then, Matt Taylor
was one-on-one with the goalie. "Other than that, we were stuck in our own
half, so I needed to get better hold-up play. I didn't think it was quite
happening for Carlton, so Andy came on and we got more into the game."
The manager now has two weeks to prepare for the trip to Stoke City on 15
March, where he hopes his side will embark on another unbeaten run.
"We can do that, but we've got to wait a couple of weeks before we play the
next game, which is a shame. "We'd have all liked to have had a game next
weekend and gone again, but Hull City being in the last 16 of the FA Cup
means that game is called-off now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1 West Ham 0
1 March 2014
Last updated at 20:23
By Aimee Lewis
BBC Sport
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score a late winner for Everton against
a West Ham side that frustrated the hosts for the majority of the match.
Lukaku, making his first appearance following a month-long absence with an
ankle injury, side-footed home Leighton Baines's cross in the last 10
minutes. The hosts had monopolised possession, with Steven Naismith going
close and Steven Pienaar hitting the woodwork. But stubborn West Ham
defending kept the hosts at bay until Lukaku struck. In a tale of two
returning strikers it was Lukaku, rather than West Ham's Andy Carroll, who
stole the show and kept alive his side's hopes of qualifying for Europe next
season. Carroll, available again after serving a three-game suspension, was
on the pitch for longer, replacing Carlton Cole in the 28th minute, but it
was the 20-year-old Belgian who made his presence felt after coming on in
the 59th minute. His strike, only his second league goal in 11 games, not
only reduced the gap between Everton and fifth-placed Tottenham to two
points but also ended West Ham's five-match unbeaten run in the league. For
possession and territory there was only one team in the match, but for all
their dominance and neat passing the hosts were unable to break a West Ham
defence that has kept 13 clean sheets this season, the most in the Premier
League. Everton's best chances in the first half fell to Naismith. Seven of
Romelu Lukaku's 10 Premier League goals for Everton have come in the closing
quarter of the game. Leighton Baines has assisted his first Premier League
goal of the season. The striker was unable to keep two headers on target
early on but, midway through the half, forced West Ham goalkeeper Adrian
into a reflex save at the near post. That, however, proved to be the home
team's only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Gerard Deulofeu also
went close, weaving between a number of West Ham defenders before going
inches wide with a low shot from the edge of the box. West Ham occasionally
threatened on the counter-attack, and Deulofeu was called into action at the
other end of the field to prevent Matt Taylor running through on goal. But
even after the introduction of Carroll, the visitors were unable to muster a
shot on target. If the first half was a damp squib then at least Pienaar
ensured the second half started with a bang, hitting the woodwork with a low
shot across goal. The follow-up fell kindly for Deulofeu, but Adrian easily
gathered the Spaniard's mis-hit half-volley. Although this match would
suggest otherwise, scoring has not been a problem for West Ham of late, with
the Hammers hitting the net at least twice in each of their past four league
matches. A palm-stinging save from Tim Howard kept out Carroll's ferocious
first-time strike and, moments later, Kevin Nolan was inches wide with a
cleverly-worked curling effort - but that was as good as it got for Sam
Allardyce's side. It was no surprise that Roberto Martinez turned to Lukaku
for inspiration, and the club's top scorer made the most of his opportunity.
The Belgian, on loan from Chelsea, could have added a second, but shot high
with a first-time strike on the turn.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "Romelu is someone we have missed for a
long time and it was a clinical touch. "He had a bit of a chest infection
and I knew he would be more effective finishing the game rather than
starting. "West Ham had an accumulation of bodies behind the ball, but the
last few minutes become harder to defend with Rom with his freshness and
power."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "Unfortunately, it wasn't quite good enough in
the end. "Our chances in the final third we should have done a lot better
with and those wasted moments could have been the turning point for us. "We
never caused Everton too many problems because of our final ball and our
final pass - they didn't put enough fear into their defenders."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st March 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's unbeaten run finally came to an end at Goodison Park this
afternoon.
Romelu Lukaku's 81st-minute striker was all that separated the two teams,
but enough to condemn Sam Allardyce's side to their first Premier League
defeat since the 3-1 home defeat against Newcastle on January 18.
The game was listing towards a 14th clean sheet of the season for West Ham
before the on-loan striker - making his return from a month-long spell on
the sidelines - sidefooted Leighton Baines' low cross home from close range,
much to the frustration of the Hammers who had once again defended as if
their lives depended upon it.
Once again Allardyce's charges looked set to frustrate their opponents with
little more than dogged determination - Everton enjoyed 69 per cent of
possession from which they created 22 shots to West Ham's six - but for only
the second time in his last six games, Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was beaten
(by a player whose decision to join Everton rather than West Ham on transfer
deadline day last September indirectly led to a calamitous opening half of
the campaign at the Boleyn Ground).
Having fallen behind so late on, West Ham had little to offer in reply as
the final few minutes ebbed away with Allardyce devoid of options having
utilised his full quota of substitutes moments before the goal was scored
(Winston Reid for Guy Demel).
That was partly due to the removal of Carlton Cole (for Andy Carroll) after
just 28 minutes - a situation that evoked memories of Alan Pardew replacing
(a furious) Marlon Harewood at Reading several years before - for what
appeared to be tactical reasons, with the striker showing no obvious sign of
distress.
Whatever the reason, Carroll fared little better than his bemused team mate
for the remaining 62 minutes (plus added time), with his only reward for a
frustrating day being a badly-broken finger - see Andy's Instagram feed for
the grisly close-up, should you be of a curious (and non-squeamish) nature.
That too could be said of Everton in the opening half, from which the hosts
fashioned just a single shot on target - the in-form Adrian producing a
smart save from Naismith at his near post. The Spaniard was alert again to
deny the home side a second time less than two minutes after the restart,
when he pushed Pienaar's goal-bound strike against the post before saving
the rebound from Deulofeu.
West Ham's best chances of the game arrived a few minutes later; Carroll's
goal-bound 25-yard drive was tipped over by Tim Howard before a deflected
Kevin Nolan effort fizzed inches wide of the target. However there was
little else to cheer for a vocal travelling contingent of fans who, it has
to be said, have been unusually spoilt on their travels of late.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce bemused by refereeing decision
Last Updated: 01/03/14 7:22pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was left bemused by referee Jonathan Moss'
decision not to send off Gareth Barry in the first half of his side's 1-0
defeat at Everton. Midway through the opening 45 minutes, Kevin Nolan went
down under the challenge of Barry, who was the last man just outside the
area, but Moss waved play on despite the Hammers' protestations. Moss kept
his cards pocketed and the hosts eventually went on to claim the three
points thanks to second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku's late strike.
Allardyce was mystified by the decision and says that he had the same view
as the referee at the time. "I saw it at the time and I saw it from behind
where John was positioned so I was in exactly the same position as John
Moss, 40 yards behind him so I could see it," he told Sky Sports.
"Apparently he said to Kevin (Nolan) that he couldn't, so it's beyond me to
say he can't see it when I can and he can't. "Gareth Barry knows he's got to
pull Kevin down because he's got behind him. He then knows that Leighton
Baines is not going to catch him up and that's why he pulls him down. But
not only was it not a free-kick, he didn't give anything." "It's clear that
Gareth Barry has got both arms around Kevin Nolan, that's why I was jumping
up and down like a lunatic at the time, moaning at the fourth official
saying 'why the hell has he not given us a free-kick?'. "Then having a look
at it, it's Kevin Nolan through on goal and Leighton Baines was well behind
Gareth Barry. "Gareth Barry knows he's got to pull Kevin down because he's
got behind him. He then knows that Leighton Baines is not going to catch him
up and that's why he pulls him down. But not only was it not a free-kick, he
didn't give anything. "I suppose he's going to say and hide behind the fact
that he's said he couldn't see it but it's a bit much when I can see it when
I'm in the same position as he is - no obstructed view, clear view of the
incident. "Like I said, I was directly behind him and I could see it from
the distance I was at and those are big turning points in game but they're
out of our hands. We can't affect what the referee does on the field, we can
only affect our own performance."
Despite the controversy, Allardyce was proud of the showing from his side
and admits that a draw would have suited him. "It looked like it was
probably going to pan out to a 0-0 draw which would've obviously been very
good for us, picking up another point and another clean sheet," he said.
"But unfortunately, in the end, that wasn't to be so we're disappointed but
we've got to bounce back from this. "We make life extremely difficult for
opposition players and then of course when we were in possession, I thought
we got a lot of good possession, particularly in the second half in the
final third. "Today we didn't do enough with it as we've shown in the last
five or six games. That's why we've scored goals and won by two-goal
margins. "Today we didn't find the final third play we've been finding and
hence we've ended up losing that 1-0."
Allardyce also cleared up his thinking behind swapping Carlton Cole for Andy
Carroll during the first half, stating tactical reasons for making the
change. He said: "I was going to bring him on at half-time but I just felt
that Carlton wasn't holding the ball up enough for us and that's why we
couldn't get out of our half in those first minutes of the first half. "I
needed better hold up play and I think that playing into Andy, he gave us
that and that's why we got going forward that little bit more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Taylor takes positives from Everton setback
Last Updated: 01/03/14 9:20pm
SSN
Matt Taylor remains positive about West Ham's future despite them going down
to a late 1-0 defeat at European hopefuls Everton. Romelu Lukaku denied the
Hammers a point with a goal nine minutes from time at Goodison Park and
ended their fine run of winning form in the Premier League. But Taylor says
they have to continue looking up at the teams ahead of them in the table,
rather than down at the relegation places as it was just over a month ago.
He said: "We conceded a lot of pressure and space, in the main we defended
well. We just didn't do enough, particularly in front of goal. Everton are
hard to come to, and had we got a point we would have deserved it. "You have
to take the positives. We would have loved to get a win with the run we've
been on. "We are tough to break down but when we have possession we need to
use it more in final third. If chances keep coming for them they'll take one
- that's the Premier League, the most unforgiving in the world. "Losing
hurts, we haven't had that feeling for a few weeks. It's international week
and some of us will have a bit of time of so we have more time to prepare
for Stoke and we want to go on another run like the one we just had.
"Everything is a work in progress, there aren't many teams in the position
they want to be but we're looking better than we were a few weeks back.
There's the games to go, we're in the top half, we want to cement our
position there." Defender Guy Demel added: "Of course we are disappointed
after defending so well, a draw would have been fair. "Next week we have a
game at home and we have to stay happy and work hard. "Of course there is
still work to be done, every Premier League game is hard. No-one gives you
points for free, that's why everyone wants to be in the Premier League. "We
knew when our heads were down, we could get ourselves out of the situation -
we did that and we have to make sure we stay there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Romelu Lukaku earns Everton 1-0 win over West Ham at Goodison Park
Last Updated: 01/03/14 6:36pm
SSN
A late strike from second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku earned Everton a 1-0
win over West Ham in a closely-fought encounter at Goodison Park. The hosts
enjoyed the better of play in the opening stages but first-half chances were
few-and-far between for both sides with West Ham happy to sit deep and look
to counter.
Best of the Match:
Man of the Match: Leighton Baines was a constant thorn in the West Ham side
with his attacks down the left and he expertly picked out Lukaku for the
winner.
Controversial moment: Kevin Nolan went down under the challenge of Gareth
Barry, who was the last man, just outside of the box but nothing was given.
A first-half sending-off for the hosts could have changed everything.
Change of the Match: Introducing Romelu Lukaku proved to be an inspired
substitution from Roberto Martinez as the striker marked his return by
slotting home the winner.
Effort of the Match: Early in the second half, the lively Gerard Deulofeu
was inches away from finding the net after skipping past a number of
defenders with ease.
Steven Naismith forced Adrian into a smart near-post stop, before Tim Howard
bravely smothered Kevin Nolan for the visitors who introduced Andy Carroll
in the first half. At the other end, the lively Gerard Deulofeu jinked past
three defenders before firing wide as it remained deadlocked at the break.
Everton almost found themselves ahead immediately after the restart as
Steven Pienaar clipped the post following Leighton Baines' cut-back and
Deulofeu was unable to capitalise on the rebound. The Toffees eventually
took the lead as Lukaku stepped off the bench to guide Baines' 81st-minute
cross past a helpless Adrian, much to the relief of the home crowd. It was
perhaps fitting a striker should decide what was, in the majority, a rather
turgid affair on the 34th anniversary of the death of Goodison's greatest
goalscorer Dixie Dean.
With his loan spell due to end in three months, and no prospect of a
permanent stay so far, Lukaku will never match Dean's record of 383 goals in
433 appearances, but this strike was an important one as the Toffees had
failed to score in three of their last four league matches and had won just
twice since the turn of the year. That run has seen them drop well off the
pace for Champions League contention but this result will give them a
much-needed lift. Up to the goal being scored, the major talking point was
referee Jon Moss' assessment that Gareth Barry had not fouled Nolan just as
the West Ham captain looked to be clean through on goal in the first half. A
red card at that point may have changed the outcome, especially with West
Ham having won their last four and with four clean sheets in their last five
games, and manager Sam Allardyce was visibly aggrieved at the decision.
Roberto Martinez is very happy to have a fit-again Romelu Lukaku at his
disposal after the Belgian scored the winner against West Ham.
Everton, who have lost once in 21 league games at home, struggled to trouble
Adrian, with only Naismith's angled strike and Deulofeu's weaving run
through the Hammers' massed ranks to shoot narrowly wide genuinely
threatening.
With the hosts coming up against a barrier - both physical and mental - in
the final third, it seemed both sides were happier counter-attacking.
But when Carlton Cole flicked on a ball to Nolan, exploiting a space between
the centre-back pair of Sylvain Distin and John Stones, deputising for the
injured Phil Jagielka, Barry appeared to have both arms around the Hammers
captain's midriff before he went to ground on the edge of the area, although
Moss waved play on.
The introduction of Carroll, on for a frustrated Carlton Cole, saw West Ham
raise their game as they started to dominate the physical battle.
Sam Allardyce was left disappointed that a late Romelu Lukaku goal ended his
side's recent good run.
Pienaar came closest to scoring less than two minutes into the second half
when Baines teed him up for a low shot from the left of the penalty area,
but Adrian did enough to tip it on to the post and then recover to claim
Deulofeu's rebounded effort.
Pienaar did not do so well with Baines' next pass, looping a shot over the
crossbar, while Carroll forced Howard to tip over a rasping left-foot effort
from distance after Stones' poor touch and drilled over another powerful
half-volley.
Lukaku finally made his return on the hour and Aiden McGeady arrived 10
minutes later, but they struggled to add any life to Everton up front.
That was, however, until eight minutes from time, when Baines' cut-back
picked out Lukaku on the penalty spot and he rammed home left-footed through
a crowded box.
Energised, the Belgian was then narrowly over with a volley on the turn but
he had already done enough and his strike saw the Toffees overtake
Manchester United to move into sixth place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce reflects on the crazy world of the Premier
League manager
Mar 02, 2014 03:01 By Steve Bates
The Mirror
Taking a walk near his apartment in Canary Wharf in London's East End, Sam
Allardyce can't help but chuckle at the crazy world of a Premier League
manager, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People. West Ham well-wishers want
pictures and autographs and can't wait to shake his hand. But a few weeks
ago the knives were out for Big Sam. Today's back-slappers were yesterday's
dissenters and many would cheerfully have wrung his neck. They reckon the
only certainty in management is one day you'll get the sack but here's
another – after four straight wins Allardyce is surely odds-on to scoop the
Barclays manager of the month award for February. From zero to hero in a
month is an irony not lost on the Hammers boss. But Allardyce admits he
wouldn't have been surprised if West Ham's owners had hit the panic button
and sacked him after heavy cup defeats at Manchester City and Nottingham
Forest. And he praised the courage of David Sullivan and David Gold for
holding their nerve when others were screaming for his head. "I've not been
manager of the month since December 2006 when I was at Bolton," said Big
Sam. "In the middle of our crisis back in December and January, being a
contender for something like that wasn't even on my radar. "Thankfully the
owners stuck by me – but I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder how much
longer they could withstand the pressure. "I wouldn't have been surprised if
they'd sacked me but it would have been unlike them. "And I don't think I
would have deserved it given my experience in these situations and the
problems we were having. "When they were at Birmingham they were not owners
who would quickly sack managers.
"But with the move to the Olympic Stadium in the background, it means the
stakes are high. "The Premier League is worth about £70million a season.
When you go down to the Championship it's about £10m plus parachute money so
the gulf between the two divisions is like the Grand Canyon. "The
devastation caused by relegation is huge and affects a club for years, so I
don't mind admitting January was probably my most difficult time in Premier
League management. "It was the toughest I've ever known. We had poor
results, defensive problems, Andy Carroll injured and then Kevin Nolan
getting sent off on New Year's Day for the second time in a month. "We
weren't far away from getting the results but the turning point was going to
Cardiff. "Andy was back on the bench and that gave everyone a boost but we
had James Tomkins sent off when we were winning 1-0 with 25 minutes left. I
just sat there thinking what else could possibly go wrong this season, but
Andy came on and made the second goal for Nolan. "To win in that manner
boosted belief, and to climb away from trouble with the results we've had in
February is massive credit to the players and staff. "I include the owners
in that too because the whole industry applies pressure to club owners
these days. "David Gold replies to almost every message he gets on Twitter
and I'm certain there were a lot calling for me to be sacked. Then the media
are on the case and suddenly TV cameras start appearing at your training
ground trying to get footage of an adverse reaction or a fight between the
players. "All that puts pressure on the owners as well as me and we all know
that many owners have succumbed to that and pressed the panic button. "But
in the January window they backed me by getting four players in – Marco
Borriello from Roma, Antonio Nocerino from AC Milan, Pablo Armero from
Napoli and Roger Johnson from Wolves. The irony of that is now those players
can't get a game. I've said to them all "Sorry, what can I do? The team is
winning every week." "If we weren't, they would be playing. They were
brought in to help us out but we haven't needed them. "But their arrival was
vital because it gave the other players a boost and showed what our
intentions are. That lifted everyone."
Allardyce and his stars had a break in Dubai after three of their February
wins and came back to add a fourth with a 3-1 victory over Southampton. "The
players loved the break and the new boys who came from Italy in January were
blown away by the camaraderie in the camp," Allardyce said. "But I've made
it clear we aren't out of the woods yet and need to reach a safety level of
at least 38 points before we push on. "To get four successive wins in a
calendar month is a great achievement at any time for West Ham – but
particularly at this time of the season because February is usually a month
when a top team chasing the big prizes strings a run of wins together. "We
are coming out of a very difficult period but we have nailed it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Romelu Lukaku's 81st minute goal was enough to defeat West Ham United on
Saturday
01.03.2014
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench at Goodison Park on Saturday to turn a game
against West Ham United for the second time this season. The Everton
striker, on loan from Chelsea, notched twice at the Boleyn Ground in
September to overturn a 2-1 deficit in his team's favour, and this time he
stopped the contest from drifting to a 0-0 draw with his 81st minute goal.
West Ham defended solidly to restrict Everton's chances as much as they
could, given that the Toffees dominated possession, but they were eventually
undone inside the final ten minutes as their four-game winning streak came
to an end. The Hammers named an unchanged side for the fourth game in a row,
meaning Andy Carroll had to settle for a place on the bench following his
return from a three-match ban. The game started quietly in the Merseyside
sunshine as the Hammers set their stall out to be typically hard to break
down. The home side saw much of the ball as a result, but without the
presence of a regular striker until the hour, they could not make the most
of it at that stage. Adrian only had one save to make in the opening period,
and that was a comfortable one as he blocked off the near post to prevent
Steven Naismith's 22nd minute shot from finding a route to goal. Gerard
Deulofeu looked to be the home player most likely to possess the key to
unlock the Hammers' defence, and he weaved his way into the box on 39
minutes before placing a left-footed shot just wide of the mark. At the
other end the Hammers' chances were limited before the break and Carroll did
not have to wait long for his introduction, replacing Carlton Cole with 28
minutes played.
Everton began the second period at a quicker tempo and were desperately
close to opening the scoring in the first minute after the restart. Steven
Pienaar exchanged passes with Leighton Baines in the left hand channel and
shot for goal first time. The South African's effort looked goalbound, but
Adrian stretched out a hand to flick the ball onto the upright, before
getting up to stop Deulofeu's rebound. The same player went close five
minutes later when Baines got in down the left and crossed low, but Pienaar
lifted his shot over the top. Toffees keeper TIm Howard was called into
action on 55 minutes when Andy Carroll's venomous 30-yard shap shot needed a
tip over. 60 seconds later Kevin Nolan's curler was deflected behind as the
Hammers build some pressure for the first time, but Everton withstood it and
then signalled their intentions to press for the three points by bringing
Lukaku off the bench. When the breakthrough did arrive nine minutes from
time, it came as little surprise that the Chelsea loan player provided it.
Baines was the goal-maker, seizing his opportunity to burst clear inside the
box and cut back for Lukaku to apply the finish from ten yards. It was a
late blow that the Hammers could not recover from as their five-match
unbeaten run ground to a halt.
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu
(McGeady 73), Osman (Lukaku 59) Pienaar; Naismith (Barkley 85)
Subs: Robles, Hibbert, Mirallas, Browning
Goal: Lukaku 81
Booked: Baines
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel (Reid 80), Collins, Tomkins, McCartney;
Nolan, Noble, Taylor; Jarvis (Diame 66), C.Cole (Carroll 28), Downing
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, J.Cole, Nocerino
Booked: Tomkins
Referee: Jonathan Moss
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian takes Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
Hammers No13 takes whufc.com fan vote for the second month in a row
01.03.2014
Adrian has won the whufc.com fan vote to be named as West Ham United Player
of the Month for the second month in succession. Having topped the January
poll by a landslide margin, the 27-year-old goalkeeper faced much sterner
opposition this month after the Hammers' enjoyed a stunning February. Four
wins in four meant there were plenty of candidates for the top honour, but
Adrian's three clean sheets gave him the nod, just ahead of skipper Kevin
Nolan. The Spaniard polled 38.8% of the vote, a slim 0.6% ahead of Nolan,
who scored five goals in February. Adrian conceded just once in 360 minutes
of play as the Hammers climbed out of the bottom three and up to tenth in
the Barclays Premier League table. Mark Noble was third after scooping 14%
of the vote.
whufc.com Players of the Month winners 2013/14
August James Collins
September Ravel Morrison
October Ravel Morrison
November Stewart Downing
December Carlton Cole
January Adrian
February Adrian
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor frustrated by late blow
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor felt the Hammers deserved to keep a clean sheet at Everton on
Saturday
02.03.2014
West Ham United suffered a frustrating end to their four-match winning
streak when Romelu Lukaku struck late to send them to defeat at Everton on
Saturday.
The Hammers spent much of the contest focused on keeping the Toffees out,
and their defensive work looked set to be rewarded with a point and another
clean sheet. But home danger man Lukaku came off the bench to settle the
contest and leave Matt Taylor disappointed that his side had not gone home
with something to show for their efforts. He said: "It was very
disappointing to come away with nothing. We know they are a top team and
they were going to have a lot of possession, but we defended relatively well
so it was disappointing to lose the game. "I thought we could maybe have
done better when we had our chances, and it was just unfortunate to lose
that goal late in the game. "Lukaku scored the goal so he made the
difference. He's a big player for them and it's disappointing we didn't get
a result, but we're still in a positive frame of mind. "We've got a weekend
off next week and we've now got to make sure that we're right to go to
Stoke, because they got a great result against Arsenal on Saturday."
Taylor is sure the Hammers possess the mental strength to bounce back and
perform at their best when they make that trip to the Britannia Stadium in
two weeks time. He continued: "It is a little frustrating that we haven't
got a game to bounce back in next week, but that's the FA Cup, you can't do
anything about it. "But what it does do is give the players who go away on
international duty extra time to come back and get themselves ready for
what's going to be a difficult game away at Stoke. "In possession we weren't
as good as we have been, but out of possession I thought we were. We didn't
look like conceding and then they've nicked a goal at the end. "We'll pick
ourselves up and move on. There are ten games left in the season and we have
to get as many good results as we can to try and stay in the top half."
Taylor made his ninth straight Barclays Premier League start on Saturday and
he is relishing the chance to show what he can do. He added: "I'm enjoying
my football, enjoying the opportunity to play because the older you get the
more you appreciate playing football. "If I can continue to contribute to
the team I'll be happy with that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies head for Colchester Town
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies take on Colchester Town in the Essex FA County Cup on
Sunday
01.03.2014
West Ham United Ladies take on Colchester Town in the Essex FA County Cup
quarter-finals on Sunday. The Hammers travel to the Boxted Sports Ground
eager to return to winning ways in the knockout competitions, having
suffered a 5-1 home defeat by Super League 2 club Watford in the FA Women's
Cup third round last weekend. Having recorded just four victories in 17
matches in all competitions in 2013/14, the County Cup represents West Ham's
final chance of winning silverware this term. Colchester Town have had a
similarly disappointing season, winning just two of their 15 Eastern Region
Women's Football League fixtures and going out of the FA Women's Cup at the
second qualifying round stage. Kick-off at the Boxted Sports Ground on
Sunday will be at 1.30pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes features in England draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes started for England U17s in their 2-2
draw with Portugal on Friday
01.03.2014
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes started for England U17s in their 2-2
draw with Portugal at the Algarve Tournament on Friday. The schoolboy
stopper, who has already played Development Squad football for the Hammers
this term, completed the full game at the Estadio Algarve - a stadium built
specially for the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship finals. Two goals
from Middlesbrough's Callum Cooke earned England a 2-2 draw but, having
twice led, the Young Lions were left frustrated by having to settle for a
share of the spoils as Portugal equalised with just two minutes remaining.
Cooke put England in front from the penalty spot on 33 minutes before the
host nation equalised three minutes after half-time through Diogo Goncalves.
Howes, 16, was then called into action again on 63 minutes, when he produced
a fine save to stop Renato Sanches putting Portugal in front. Cooke put
England back in front on 77 minutes, only for Goncalves to set up Anthony
Oliveira for a late leveller. England, who opened the tournament with a 2-0
win over Netherlands on Wednesday, will complete their Algarve Tournament
with a winner-takes-all clash with Germany on Sunday in Lagos - the same
stadium where West Ham's first-team squad trained during their pre-season
trip to Portugal in August. Howes will hope to keep his place ahead of
Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam laments final-third failures
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United did not create enough clear-cut
chances in their 1-0 defeat at Everton
01.03.2014
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United's failure to create clear-cut chances
in the final third had cost them dear in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Everton. The Hammers maintained their run of resilient,
organised and disciplined defensive displays at Goodison Park, only to be
undone by substitute Romelu Lukaku's crisp 81st-minute finish from Leighton
Baines' low cross. However, it was West Ham's inability to open Everton up
in the hosts' own penalty area - added to referee Jon Moss' decision not to
punish Gareth Barry for an alleged professional foul on Kevin Nolan - that
left Big Sam feeling frustrated. "That was the difference - the gilt-edged
chance that fell to Lukaku, he put away," said the manager. "When we were in
that position, on the counter-attack, we didn't find the type of ball that
Baines found to get a get a clear shot at goal and put it in the back of the
net. "We had several opportunities, particularly the second half, but we
couldn't produce a lot more effective deliveries to score a goal. "Whereas
our technique in the last four games has been absolutely spot-on, and we've
scored lots of goals, this time it wasn't as good as it has been. Because of
that, we lost the game. "Even right at the death, we had the last free-kick
of the game but the quality on the delivery wasn't there. Last game, we saw
Everton very unluckily lose at Chelsea on the last free-kick of the game.
"Our quality was missing when Frank Lampard's quality wasn't, which is why
they lost that game 1-0, even if it was unluckily so on the way they played.
"What we needed to do was produce that quality and we'd have got a 1-1. It
wasn't there when it had been over the previous four games. It's my
responsibility to get the lads producing that quality in the final-third,
like they had been in those games, when we got four very big wins."
While Everton's winner was not disputed, Big Sam was left apoplectic by the
referee's decision not to penalise Barry for appearing to tug back Nolan as
he went through on goal midway through the first half. "I was up and down
like a lunatic because I saw it, but unfortunately the referee said he
didn't, which is beyond me because I was in the same position [angle-wise]
as the referee, but 50 yards behind him. "I could see Gareth Barry putting
his arms around Kevin Nolan and pulling him down. I have no doubt he was
going to score, because he's scored five goals in four games and is through
one-on-one with the 'keeper."
After an opening half-hour dominated by the home side, aside from the Nolan
incident, Big Sam did make a big decision to replace Carlton Cole with Andy
Carroll after half-an-hour. The No9 worked hard on his return after a
three-match suspension, troubling the Everton back four and flashing two
well-struck 25-yard shots over Tim Howard's crossbar in the second half.
"Our hold-up play needed to be better because we did not counter-attack
enough, bar the odd occasion, which was a very good breakout from a header
from James Collins. Stewart Downing collected and, like I said, in the
previous four games he'd have produced a ball and if had then, Matt Taylor
was one-on-one with the goalie. "Other than that, we were stuck in our own
half, so I needed to get better hold-up play. I didn't think it was quite
happening for Carlton, so Andy came on and we got more into the game."
The manager now has two weeks to prepare for the trip to Stoke City on 15
March, where he hopes his side will embark on another unbeaten run.
"We can do that, but we've got to wait a couple of weeks before we play the
next game, which is a shame. "We'd have all liked to have had a game next
weekend and gone again, but Hull City being in the last 16 of the FA Cup
means that game is called-off now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1 West Ham 0
1 March 2014
Last updated at 20:23
By Aimee Lewis
BBC Sport
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score a late winner for Everton against
a West Ham side that frustrated the hosts for the majority of the match.
Lukaku, making his first appearance following a month-long absence with an
ankle injury, side-footed home Leighton Baines's cross in the last 10
minutes. The hosts had monopolised possession, with Steven Naismith going
close and Steven Pienaar hitting the woodwork. But stubborn West Ham
defending kept the hosts at bay until Lukaku struck. In a tale of two
returning strikers it was Lukaku, rather than West Ham's Andy Carroll, who
stole the show and kept alive his side's hopes of qualifying for Europe next
season. Carroll, available again after serving a three-game suspension, was
on the pitch for longer, replacing Carlton Cole in the 28th minute, but it
was the 20-year-old Belgian who made his presence felt after coming on in
the 59th minute. His strike, only his second league goal in 11 games, not
only reduced the gap between Everton and fifth-placed Tottenham to two
points but also ended West Ham's five-match unbeaten run in the league. For
possession and territory there was only one team in the match, but for all
their dominance and neat passing the hosts were unable to break a West Ham
defence that has kept 13 clean sheets this season, the most in the Premier
League. Everton's best chances in the first half fell to Naismith. Seven of
Romelu Lukaku's 10 Premier League goals for Everton have come in the closing
quarter of the game. Leighton Baines has assisted his first Premier League
goal of the season. The striker was unable to keep two headers on target
early on but, midway through the half, forced West Ham goalkeeper Adrian
into a reflex save at the near post. That, however, proved to be the home
team's only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Gerard Deulofeu also
went close, weaving between a number of West Ham defenders before going
inches wide with a low shot from the edge of the box. West Ham occasionally
threatened on the counter-attack, and Deulofeu was called into action at the
other end of the field to prevent Matt Taylor running through on goal. But
even after the introduction of Carroll, the visitors were unable to muster a
shot on target. If the first half was a damp squib then at least Pienaar
ensured the second half started with a bang, hitting the woodwork with a low
shot across goal. The follow-up fell kindly for Deulofeu, but Adrian easily
gathered the Spaniard's mis-hit half-volley. Although this match would
suggest otherwise, scoring has not been a problem for West Ham of late, with
the Hammers hitting the net at least twice in each of their past four league
matches. A palm-stinging save from Tim Howard kept out Carroll's ferocious
first-time strike and, moments later, Kevin Nolan was inches wide with a
cleverly-worked curling effort - but that was as good as it got for Sam
Allardyce's side. It was no surprise that Roberto Martinez turned to Lukaku
for inspiration, and the club's top scorer made the most of his opportunity.
The Belgian, on loan from Chelsea, could have added a second, but shot high
with a first-time strike on the turn.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "Romelu is someone we have missed for a
long time and it was a clinical touch. "He had a bit of a chest infection
and I knew he would be more effective finishing the game rather than
starting. "West Ham had an accumulation of bodies behind the ball, but the
last few minutes become harder to defend with Rom with his freshness and
power."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "Unfortunately, it wasn't quite good enough in
the end. "Our chances in the final third we should have done a lot better
with and those wasted moments could have been the turning point for us. "We
never caused Everton too many problems because of our final ball and our
final pass - they didn't put enough fear into their defenders."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st March 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's unbeaten run finally came to an end at Goodison Park this
afternoon.
Romelu Lukaku's 81st-minute striker was all that separated the two teams,
but enough to condemn Sam Allardyce's side to their first Premier League
defeat since the 3-1 home defeat against Newcastle on January 18.
The game was listing towards a 14th clean sheet of the season for West Ham
before the on-loan striker - making his return from a month-long spell on
the sidelines - sidefooted Leighton Baines' low cross home from close range,
much to the frustration of the Hammers who had once again defended as if
their lives depended upon it.
Once again Allardyce's charges looked set to frustrate their opponents with
little more than dogged determination - Everton enjoyed 69 per cent of
possession from which they created 22 shots to West Ham's six - but for only
the second time in his last six games, Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was beaten
(by a player whose decision to join Everton rather than West Ham on transfer
deadline day last September indirectly led to a calamitous opening half of
the campaign at the Boleyn Ground).
Having fallen behind so late on, West Ham had little to offer in reply as
the final few minutes ebbed away with Allardyce devoid of options having
utilised his full quota of substitutes moments before the goal was scored
(Winston Reid for Guy Demel).
That was partly due to the removal of Carlton Cole (for Andy Carroll) after
just 28 minutes - a situation that evoked memories of Alan Pardew replacing
(a furious) Marlon Harewood at Reading several years before - for what
appeared to be tactical reasons, with the striker showing no obvious sign of
distress.
Whatever the reason, Carroll fared little better than his bemused team mate
for the remaining 62 minutes (plus added time), with his only reward for a
frustrating day being a badly-broken finger - see Andy's Instagram feed for
the grisly close-up, should you be of a curious (and non-squeamish) nature.
That too could be said of Everton in the opening half, from which the hosts
fashioned just a single shot on target - the in-form Adrian producing a
smart save from Naismith at his near post. The Spaniard was alert again to
deny the home side a second time less than two minutes after the restart,
when he pushed Pienaar's goal-bound strike against the post before saving
the rebound from Deulofeu.
West Ham's best chances of the game arrived a few minutes later; Carroll's
goal-bound 25-yard drive was tipped over by Tim Howard before a deflected
Kevin Nolan effort fizzed inches wide of the target. However there was
little else to cheer for a vocal travelling contingent of fans who, it has
to be said, have been unusually spoilt on their travels of late.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce bemused by refereeing decision
Last Updated: 01/03/14 7:22pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was left bemused by referee Jonathan Moss'
decision not to send off Gareth Barry in the first half of his side's 1-0
defeat at Everton. Midway through the opening 45 minutes, Kevin Nolan went
down under the challenge of Barry, who was the last man just outside the
area, but Moss waved play on despite the Hammers' protestations. Moss kept
his cards pocketed and the hosts eventually went on to claim the three
points thanks to second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku's late strike.
Allardyce was mystified by the decision and says that he had the same view
as the referee at the time. "I saw it at the time and I saw it from behind
where John was positioned so I was in exactly the same position as John
Moss, 40 yards behind him so I could see it," he told Sky Sports.
"Apparently he said to Kevin (Nolan) that he couldn't, so it's beyond me to
say he can't see it when I can and he can't. "Gareth Barry knows he's got to
pull Kevin down because he's got behind him. He then knows that Leighton
Baines is not going to catch him up and that's why he pulls him down. But
not only was it not a free-kick, he didn't give anything." "It's clear that
Gareth Barry has got both arms around Kevin Nolan, that's why I was jumping
up and down like a lunatic at the time, moaning at the fourth official
saying 'why the hell has he not given us a free-kick?'. "Then having a look
at it, it's Kevin Nolan through on goal and Leighton Baines was well behind
Gareth Barry. "Gareth Barry knows he's got to pull Kevin down because he's
got behind him. He then knows that Leighton Baines is not going to catch him
up and that's why he pulls him down. But not only was it not a free-kick, he
didn't give anything. "I suppose he's going to say and hide behind the fact
that he's said he couldn't see it but it's a bit much when I can see it when
I'm in the same position as he is - no obstructed view, clear view of the
incident. "Like I said, I was directly behind him and I could see it from
the distance I was at and those are big turning points in game but they're
out of our hands. We can't affect what the referee does on the field, we can
only affect our own performance."
Despite the controversy, Allardyce was proud of the showing from his side
and admits that a draw would have suited him. "It looked like it was
probably going to pan out to a 0-0 draw which would've obviously been very
good for us, picking up another point and another clean sheet," he said.
"But unfortunately, in the end, that wasn't to be so we're disappointed but
we've got to bounce back from this. "We make life extremely difficult for
opposition players and then of course when we were in possession, I thought
we got a lot of good possession, particularly in the second half in the
final third. "Today we didn't do enough with it as we've shown in the last
five or six games. That's why we've scored goals and won by two-goal
margins. "Today we didn't find the final third play we've been finding and
hence we've ended up losing that 1-0."
Allardyce also cleared up his thinking behind swapping Carlton Cole for Andy
Carroll during the first half, stating tactical reasons for making the
change. He said: "I was going to bring him on at half-time but I just felt
that Carlton wasn't holding the ball up enough for us and that's why we
couldn't get out of our half in those first minutes of the first half. "I
needed better hold up play and I think that playing into Andy, he gave us
that and that's why we got going forward that little bit more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Taylor takes positives from Everton setback
Last Updated: 01/03/14 9:20pm
SSN
Matt Taylor remains positive about West Ham's future despite them going down
to a late 1-0 defeat at European hopefuls Everton. Romelu Lukaku denied the
Hammers a point with a goal nine minutes from time at Goodison Park and
ended their fine run of winning form in the Premier League. But Taylor says
they have to continue looking up at the teams ahead of them in the table,
rather than down at the relegation places as it was just over a month ago.
He said: "We conceded a lot of pressure and space, in the main we defended
well. We just didn't do enough, particularly in front of goal. Everton are
hard to come to, and had we got a point we would have deserved it. "You have
to take the positives. We would have loved to get a win with the run we've
been on. "We are tough to break down but when we have possession we need to
use it more in final third. If chances keep coming for them they'll take one
- that's the Premier League, the most unforgiving in the world. "Losing
hurts, we haven't had that feeling for a few weeks. It's international week
and some of us will have a bit of time of so we have more time to prepare
for Stoke and we want to go on another run like the one we just had.
"Everything is a work in progress, there aren't many teams in the position
they want to be but we're looking better than we were a few weeks back.
There's the games to go, we're in the top half, we want to cement our
position there." Defender Guy Demel added: "Of course we are disappointed
after defending so well, a draw would have been fair. "Next week we have a
game at home and we have to stay happy and work hard. "Of course there is
still work to be done, every Premier League game is hard. No-one gives you
points for free, that's why everyone wants to be in the Premier League. "We
knew when our heads were down, we could get ourselves out of the situation -
we did that and we have to make sure we stay there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Romelu Lukaku earns Everton 1-0 win over West Ham at Goodison Park
Last Updated: 01/03/14 6:36pm
SSN
A late strike from second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku earned Everton a 1-0
win over West Ham in a closely-fought encounter at Goodison Park. The hosts
enjoyed the better of play in the opening stages but first-half chances were
few-and-far between for both sides with West Ham happy to sit deep and look
to counter.
Best of the Match:
Man of the Match: Leighton Baines was a constant thorn in the West Ham side
with his attacks down the left and he expertly picked out Lukaku for the
winner.
Controversial moment: Kevin Nolan went down under the challenge of Gareth
Barry, who was the last man, just outside of the box but nothing was given.
A first-half sending-off for the hosts could have changed everything.
Change of the Match: Introducing Romelu Lukaku proved to be an inspired
substitution from Roberto Martinez as the striker marked his return by
slotting home the winner.
Effort of the Match: Early in the second half, the lively Gerard Deulofeu
was inches away from finding the net after skipping past a number of
defenders with ease.
Steven Naismith forced Adrian into a smart near-post stop, before Tim Howard
bravely smothered Kevin Nolan for the visitors who introduced Andy Carroll
in the first half. At the other end, the lively Gerard Deulofeu jinked past
three defenders before firing wide as it remained deadlocked at the break.
Everton almost found themselves ahead immediately after the restart as
Steven Pienaar clipped the post following Leighton Baines' cut-back and
Deulofeu was unable to capitalise on the rebound. The Toffees eventually
took the lead as Lukaku stepped off the bench to guide Baines' 81st-minute
cross past a helpless Adrian, much to the relief of the home crowd. It was
perhaps fitting a striker should decide what was, in the majority, a rather
turgid affair on the 34th anniversary of the death of Goodison's greatest
goalscorer Dixie Dean.
With his loan spell due to end in three months, and no prospect of a
permanent stay so far, Lukaku will never match Dean's record of 383 goals in
433 appearances, but this strike was an important one as the Toffees had
failed to score in three of their last four league matches and had won just
twice since the turn of the year. That run has seen them drop well off the
pace for Champions League contention but this result will give them a
much-needed lift. Up to the goal being scored, the major talking point was
referee Jon Moss' assessment that Gareth Barry had not fouled Nolan just as
the West Ham captain looked to be clean through on goal in the first half. A
red card at that point may have changed the outcome, especially with West
Ham having won their last four and with four clean sheets in their last five
games, and manager Sam Allardyce was visibly aggrieved at the decision.
Roberto Martinez is very happy to have a fit-again Romelu Lukaku at his
disposal after the Belgian scored the winner against West Ham.
Everton, who have lost once in 21 league games at home, struggled to trouble
Adrian, with only Naismith's angled strike and Deulofeu's weaving run
through the Hammers' massed ranks to shoot narrowly wide genuinely
threatening.
With the hosts coming up against a barrier - both physical and mental - in
the final third, it seemed both sides were happier counter-attacking.
But when Carlton Cole flicked on a ball to Nolan, exploiting a space between
the centre-back pair of Sylvain Distin and John Stones, deputising for the
injured Phil Jagielka, Barry appeared to have both arms around the Hammers
captain's midriff before he went to ground on the edge of the area, although
Moss waved play on.
The introduction of Carroll, on for a frustrated Carlton Cole, saw West Ham
raise their game as they started to dominate the physical battle.
Sam Allardyce was left disappointed that a late Romelu Lukaku goal ended his
side's recent good run.
Pienaar came closest to scoring less than two minutes into the second half
when Baines teed him up for a low shot from the left of the penalty area,
but Adrian did enough to tip it on to the post and then recover to claim
Deulofeu's rebounded effort.
Pienaar did not do so well with Baines' next pass, looping a shot over the
crossbar, while Carroll forced Howard to tip over a rasping left-foot effort
from distance after Stones' poor touch and drilled over another powerful
half-volley.
Lukaku finally made his return on the hour and Aiden McGeady arrived 10
minutes later, but they struggled to add any life to Everton up front.
That was, however, until eight minutes from time, when Baines' cut-back
picked out Lukaku on the penalty spot and he rammed home left-footed through
a crowded box.
Energised, the Belgian was then narrowly over with a volley on the turn but
he had already done enough and his strike saw the Toffees overtake
Manchester United to move into sixth place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce reflects on the crazy world of the Premier
League manager
Mar 02, 2014 03:01 By Steve Bates
The Mirror
Taking a walk near his apartment in Canary Wharf in London's East End, Sam
Allardyce can't help but chuckle at the crazy world of a Premier League
manager, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People. West Ham well-wishers want
pictures and autographs and can't wait to shake his hand. But a few weeks
ago the knives were out for Big Sam. Today's back-slappers were yesterday's
dissenters and many would cheerfully have wrung his neck. They reckon the
only certainty in management is one day you'll get the sack but here's
another – after four straight wins Allardyce is surely odds-on to scoop the
Barclays manager of the month award for February. From zero to hero in a
month is an irony not lost on the Hammers boss. But Allardyce admits he
wouldn't have been surprised if West Ham's owners had hit the panic button
and sacked him after heavy cup defeats at Manchester City and Nottingham
Forest. And he praised the courage of David Sullivan and David Gold for
holding their nerve when others were screaming for his head. "I've not been
manager of the month since December 2006 when I was at Bolton," said Big
Sam. "In the middle of our crisis back in December and January, being a
contender for something like that wasn't even on my radar. "Thankfully the
owners stuck by me – but I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder how much
longer they could withstand the pressure. "I wouldn't have been surprised if
they'd sacked me but it would have been unlike them. "And I don't think I
would have deserved it given my experience in these situations and the
problems we were having. "When they were at Birmingham they were not owners
who would quickly sack managers.
"But with the move to the Olympic Stadium in the background, it means the
stakes are high. "The Premier League is worth about £70million a season.
When you go down to the Championship it's about £10m plus parachute money so
the gulf between the two divisions is like the Grand Canyon. "The
devastation caused by relegation is huge and affects a club for years, so I
don't mind admitting January was probably my most difficult time in Premier
League management. "It was the toughest I've ever known. We had poor
results, defensive problems, Andy Carroll injured and then Kevin Nolan
getting sent off on New Year's Day for the second time in a month. "We
weren't far away from getting the results but the turning point was going to
Cardiff. "Andy was back on the bench and that gave everyone a boost but we
had James Tomkins sent off when we were winning 1-0 with 25 minutes left. I
just sat there thinking what else could possibly go wrong this season, but
Andy came on and made the second goal for Nolan. "To win in that manner
boosted belief, and to climb away from trouble with the results we've had in
February is massive credit to the players and staff. "I include the owners
in that too because the whole industry applies pressure to club owners
these days. "David Gold replies to almost every message he gets on Twitter
and I'm certain there were a lot calling for me to be sacked. Then the media
are on the case and suddenly TV cameras start appearing at your training
ground trying to get footage of an adverse reaction or a fight between the
players. "All that puts pressure on the owners as well as me and we all know
that many owners have succumbed to that and pressed the panic button. "But
in the January window they backed me by getting four players in – Marco
Borriello from Roma, Antonio Nocerino from AC Milan, Pablo Armero from
Napoli and Roger Johnson from Wolves. The irony of that is now those players
can't get a game. I've said to them all "Sorry, what can I do? The team is
winning every week." "If we weren't, they would be playing. They were
brought in to help us out but we haven't needed them. "But their arrival was
vital because it gave the other players a boost and showed what our
intentions are. That lifted everyone."
Allardyce and his stars had a break in Dubai after three of their February
wins and came back to add a fourth with a 3-1 victory over Southampton. "The
players loved the break and the new boys who came from Italy in January were
blown away by the camaraderie in the camp," Allardyce said. "But I've made
it clear we aren't out of the woods yet and need to reach a safety level of
at least 38 points before we push on. "To get four successive wins in a
calendar month is a great achievement at any time for West Ham – but
particularly at this time of the season because February is usually a month
when a top team chasing the big prizes strings a run of wins together. "We
are coming out of a very difficult period but we have nailed it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Saturday, March 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st March 2014
Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the important pre-match information ahead of Saturday's trip to Goodison
Park
28.02.2014
EVERTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• A fifth straight Barclays Premier League win is the prize on offer for
West Ham United when they travel to Goodison Park to play Everton on
Saturday.
• The Hammers last won five consecutive top-flight matches in the 2005/06
season, with the run ending with a 2-2 draw against the Toffees.
• Sam Allardyce's side are enjoying a five match unbeaten run which started
against Chelsea on 29 January, and has taken in wins against Swansea City,
Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton.
• Last time out on their travels, the Hammers saw off Aston Villa thanks to
two second half goals from captain Kevin Nolan.
• West Ham have gone three matches without an away league defeat, but have
not recorded a win at Goodison Park since 2005.
• The side's excellent recent form has propelled them to tenth place in the
table, with 31 points from 27 games.
• Everton have enjoyed a successful season under Roberto Martinez so far,
sitting seventh in the league standings with 45 points from 26 games.
• Despite their strong position in the table, Martinez's men have won just
once in their last five league matches.
• Last time out Chelsea scored a last minute winner to see off the Toffees
at Stamford Bridge.
• Their last match at Goodison Park provided their last victory, with a 2-1
win against Aston Villa giving them the points.
Team news
West Ham United
• Andy Carroll is available again after he served a three-match suspension
following his red card against Swansea City.
• Ricardo Vaz Te is in full training and could be in contention for a place
amongst the substitutes for Saturday's game.
• Joey O'Brien remains the Hammers' only long-term injury absentee as he
recovers from surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Everton
• Lacina Traore is definitely unavailable for the clash after he pulled up
with a hamstring injury before the defeat against Chelsea.
• The Toffees could be boosted by striker Romelu Lukaku's return from an
ankle injury.
Last time out
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Barry, Osman (Barkley
63), McCarthy, Mirallas (Deulofeu 75), Naismith, Pienaar (McGeady 80)
Subs not used: Robles, Hibbert, Stones, Garbutt
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor,
Nolan (Reid 73), Jarvis (Diame 57), Downing, C Cole
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collison, J Cole, Nocerino
Goals: Jarvis 20, C Cole 23, Nolan 71
Previous meeting
When West Ham and Everton met earlier in the season the two teams produced a
five-goal thriller at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers led twice through Ravel
Morrison and Mark Noble goals either side of Leighton Baines' free-kick. The
left-back buried another set-piece after Noble had received his marching
orders with seven minutes left before Romelu Lukaku headed the winner two
minutes later to complete a remarkable comeback.
West Ham United 2-3 Everton
Barclays Premier League
21 September 2013
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Rat, Diame, Noble,
Morrison, Nolan (Taylor 80), Jarvis (Vaz Te 72), Maiga (Petric 63)
Subs not used: Collison, Adrian, Tomkins, McCartney
Goals: Morrison 31, Noble 76 (pen)
Red cards: Noble 81
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas, Naismith
(McCarthy 46), Barry, Barkley, Osman (Oviedo 52), Jelavic (Lukaku 45)
Subs not used: Robles, Heitinga, Stones, Deulofeu
Goals: Baines 62, 83, Lukaku 85
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
21 September 2013 - West Ham United 2-3 Everton
12 May 2013 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
22 December 2012 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 64
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Everton
2012/13 Premier League 6th (63 points)
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 107 times in league matches. Everton
have won 54 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 127 times, with Everton winning 64, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in twelve matches against the Hammers, including
the last ten Premier League meetings. Everton have won 19 of the 35 Premier
League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just six.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victory over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest home win over West Ham came on 22 October 1927, when
they romped to a 7-0 Division One victory at Goodison Park. Tommy White
(two), Ted Critchley, Dick Forshaw, Anthony Weldon, a Jack O'Donnell penalty
and a William Henderson own-goal were on the scoresheet.
• John Campbell scored on his debut in the first-ever league meeting between
the West Ham and Everton on 15 March 1924 - a game which ended in a 2-1 home
Division One victory for the Hammers. Born in South Shields, Campbell scored
eleven goals in 29 appearances for the Hammers before joining Clapton Orient
in 1929.
• Academy graduate Mick Beesley was just 18 when he scored on his debut
against Everton on 24 September 1960, but could not prevent West Ham falling
to a 4-1 Division One defeat at Goodison Park. He would make just one more
first-team appearance before joining Southend United in summer 1962.
• David Unsworth made his West Ham debut against Everton just days after
completing a £1million move to the Hammers from the Merseyside club. The
centre-back ended on the losing side as the Toffees won 2-1 in a Premier
League fixture at Goodison Park on 23 August 1997.
• Trevor Sinclair scored twice on his West Ham debut in a 2-2 Premier League
draw with Everton at the Boleyn Ground on 31 January 1998.
• Charlton Athletic loanee goalkeeper Sasa Ilic endured a debut to forget as
West Ham suffered a 4-0 home Premier League defeat by Everton on 26 February
2000. Ilic would never play for the Hammers again.
• George Eastman (18 April 1925), Jimmy Andrews (24 November 1951), Johnny
Cartwright (17 October 1959), Ron Tindall (25 November 1961), Hayden Foxe
(31 March 2001) and James Tomkins (22 March 2008) also made their West Ham
debuts against Everton.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Richard
Wright.
Referee
• Saturdays referee will be Jonathan Moss.
• Moss was last in charge of the Hammers when they suffered a 6-0 defeat at
the Ethihad Stadium to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final
first leg. Moss has also overseen a 3-1 defeat against Norwich City and a
1-0 loss to Stoke City earlier this season.
• In all, Moss showed 86 yellow cards; sent-off one player and awarded nine
penalties in the 31 matches he took charge of last season.
• Headteacher Moss was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in June
2011.
• He took charge of the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle
United and Stevenage and was then promoted to the National Group of
Referees.
General information
• There are a limited number of tickets still remaining for Saturday's
fixture - buy your ticket here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday's match is light rain with temperatures
around 6C (43F).
• If you're travelling up to Liverpool via train, click here for travel
updates.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge ready for Toffees test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is hoping to help the Hammers keep another clean sheet when
they play Everton
28.02.2014
Clean sheet No14 is the aim for James Collins on Saturday as the Hammers
travel to Merseyside to play Everton in the Barclays Premier League. West
Ham United's defensive solidity has seen Sam Allardyce's side top the clean
sheet league with 13, including four in the last five games, coinciding with
an upturn in the Club's fortunes. Collins has partnered Winston Reid, James
Tomkins, George McCartney, Joey O'Brien and Roger Johnson at the back this
season, and the big centre back believes the team can be proud of their
record. "We've defended reasonably well all season. We've got 13 clean
sheets although there has been the odd game where we conceded three or four.
"That is going to happen in the Premier League. Every team you play against
has one great centre forward so we are happy with our great defensive
record."
All but one of the aforementioned defenders has spent time on the sidelines
either injured or suspended at some stage this season, and Collins feels
getting a full squad of players fit and a great result at Stamford Bridge,
have helped turn things around. "The fans were feeling the same way as we
were, it was a hard time and I know the amount of injuries isn't an excuse
but it did have a big impact on us. "When we got everyone back and there was
a competition for places and that's what made us pick up. "Chelsea away,
getting that draw was a massive result. We got a little bit of stick from
Jose Mourinho about how we played but we went there with a plan and we got
the draw and we haven't really looked back since. I think that was the
turning point."
While the No19 and his teammates have been doing all they can to stop the
shots raining down on their goal, they know that they can also rely on the
man between the sticks, whoever it is. Jussi Jaaskelainen started the season
in possession of the starting berth, but has since lost his place to Adrian
who has continued the Hammers' fine clean sheet record with four shutouts in
his last five appearances. The Spaniard arrived at the Club from Real Betis
in the summer on the recommendation of Collins' countryman Martyn Margetson,
and the defender feels he has been a great acquisition. "He's been
magnificent since he's come in. My Welsh mate has gone up in the summer to
see him and we got him in on a free transfer. He did have to wait for his
time to come. "Jussi obviously started the season and did well but when
Adrian came in he has been unbelievable. He's only a young kid, but he plays
with an old head on his shoulders so he's a great person to have behind us.
"How I look at him is that he's a great shot stopper. He comes for crosses,
which is good for us and stops us heading them out. He's great, he's an
all-round goalkeeper. He's only going to get better as he's only very
young."
At the age of 27, Adrian is at a good age for a goalkeeper and according to
Collins he will only get better as he becomes more experienced in the
Premier League. "He's come in and he's done unbelievably. He's got time on
his side and the more games he plays the better he's going to get. "He works
hard and Jussi pushes him in training as obviously Jussi want to get his
spot back as well. If he carries on like this he can be one of the greats."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stew relishing Merseyside return
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's in-form winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to
returning to Merseyside
27.02.2014
West Ham United's in-form winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to
returning to Merseyside on Saturday. The former Liverpool wideman spent two
years with the Reds between summer 2011 and 2013, playing four times against
Everton, including an FA Cup semi-final victory at Wembley in April 2012.
Downing returned to Anfield in December, only to suffer a nasty heel injury
as West Ham lost 4-1. Now, however, the Hammers and their England
international return to Merseyside in confident mood after winning their
previous four games. "It's very enjoyable at the Club at the moment," said
Dowing. "Everyone is back now from injury and suspension and that's what
we've been waiting for. We've had a bit of luck along the way but I think we
were due some. "I'm happy personally because things are going quite well.
The manager is obviously happy because the team is winning. We've been a bit
lucky at times, but the last couple of weeks it's all come together. "We're
not out of the woods yet because we've still got games to win, starting at
Everton at the weekend."
Everton have lost three of their last four Barclays Premier League matches -
all away from home - but Downing is not expecting an easy ride against the
Blues.
"Everton is always a difficult place to go, even when they're not playing
that well. The crowd are really on top of you, Roberto Martinez is doing a
good job there and his team is playing really well using different way of
playing to how Everton have played. "We should have got something from the
game down here. They were two great free-kicks to be fair to Leighton
Baines, but I think we can go there and get a result."
Downing will likely come into direct conflict with England left-back Baines,
who is commonly considered to be the best left-back in the country at
present, and in-form Republic of Ireland right-back Seamus Coleman. "I
always relish playing against the best players and I think Bainesy has
probably gone up a level the last couple of years, even though he was always
a good player. In terms of creating and scoring goals, I think he has been
one of the top players, so it'll be a good test. "Let's see if we can make
him defend a bit more than he would like and hopefully we can put them on
the back foot. "I think Coleman has probably been one of their standout
players. He has really come to the fore and he has played some good football
under Roberto. His style suits the way they play.
"Then again, they like to go forward and attack, so we have to get them
defending and get them into areas they don't want to go in. It's a good test
for the widemen who start on the day."
While Everton will undoubtedly pose a threat on home turf, West Ham have
carried one of their own in recent weeks, scoring nine goals and conceding
just one in their last four league matches. The question posed to Downing
was 'Why have the Hammers enjoyed such a resurgence?'. "I think the team has
been disjointed at lot of the time with people being out injured and having
to play out of position, including key players, which has obviously made it
difficult for the manager. "The big thing is that we carried on doing what
we're good at. A lot of clubs, you've seen panic and change their managers
one or two times, but the big thing is that the Club has stuck to its guns
and the Chairmen have backed the manager and the manager has backed the
players. The players have always played for the manager and we've stuck
together."
Downing has certainly benefitted from the form of Carlton Cole, with the
pair playing their part in two goals in last weekend's home win over
Southampton. On Saturday, Cole will be joined in the squad by Andy Carroll,
who is available again after a three-man suspension. The winger says manager
Sam Allardyce has a welcome selection headache at Goodison Park. "It's a
difficult situation for the manager, but one he will probably like because
he's not had one for six or seven months! "It's obviously a big decision
because Carlton has come in and done really well and earned himself a
contract with his goals, while Andy is back to get some goals. "Whoever
starts is a good option and it makes it easy for us wingers because they are
big target men and we can play off them. It's a difficult decision for the
manager, but a good one to have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers set for international duty
WHUFC.com
A host of Hammers will represent their respective nations during the
international week
28.02.2014
A host of West Ham United players will represent their respective nations
during the international week. At senior level James Collins, Jack Collison,
Pablo Armero and Mohamed Diame will all be heading off to pull on their
country's colours, while Ravel Morrison, Raphael Spiegel, Leo Chambers,
Jamie Harney, Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle could all be in age-group action.
Meanwhile, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes is already away with England's U17
squad at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal.
Four seniors could all be in friendly action on Wednesday 5 March. Collins
and Collison are in the Wales squad to face Iceland in Cardiff, Armero's
Colombia take on Tunisia in Barcelona and Diame's Senegal take on Mali in
Paris. Collins and Collison will hope to boost Chris Coleman's Wales after
they missed out on qualification for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals,
while opponents Iceland were edged out in a Play-Off by Croatia.
Armero will hope to cement his spot in José Pékerman's squad for Brazil
2014, having featured in all but one of Colombia's South American qualifiers
for the tournament. Diame, meanwhile, will hope to erase the disappointment
of an African Play-Off defeat by Ivory Coast when Senegal take on their West
African neighbours in Saint-Leu La Forêt.
Morrison and Spiegel could both be in competitive action in UEFA European
U21 Championship qualfiers. Unbeaten England top Group 1 ahead of the visit
of third-place Wales to Derby County's Pride Park on 5 March, while
Spiegel's Switzerland are second in Group 5 ahead of their home fixture with
winless Liechtenstein in Thun on the same evening.
Chambers' England U19s will also be in action on 5 March, when they host
Turkey in a friendly at the Swansway Stadium in Chester. Fellow defender
Harney is in the Northern Ireland U19 squad for a friendly double-header
with Switzerland in Belfast and Dungannon on 4 and 6 March respectively.
Finally, Academy defenders Burke and Knoyle are in England's U18 squad for a
friendly double-header with Croatia at St George's Park on 3 and 5 March.
West Ham's loanees are also set for a busy period.
In the Scottish Premiership, George Moncur's Partick Thistle and Paul
McCallum's Heart of Midlothian are on the road at Ross County and Motherwell
respectively on Saturday. Closer to home, Morrison could make his home debut
for Queens Park Rangers in their Championship clash with Leeds United at
Loftus Road on Saturday lunchtime - a game that could also feature Modibo
Maiga. Jordan Spence's MK Dons will hope to ignite their challenge for a
League One Play-Off place when they host in-form Sheffield United.
Sean Maguire's Sligo Rovers - the FAI Cup holders - continue their
preparations for the 2014 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign by
taking on champions St Patrick's Athletic in the President's Cup Final at
Richmond Park in Dublin on Sunday. The winners will be presented with the
trophy by Irish President Michael D Higgins. Back in England, Rob
Girdlestone and Taylor Miles should be in the Concord Rangers squad for
their Skril South trip to Whitehawk on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 1 March
WHUFC.com
Les Ferdinand helped the Hammers to a win over former club Spurs on this day
eleven years ago
01.03.2014
Anniversary
Name: Bobby Ferguson
Date of birth: 1 March 1945
Clubs: Kilmarnock, West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Adelaide
City
Scotland international goalkeeper Bobby Ferguson made the move down to
England when he signed for West Ham United from Kilmarnock in 1967.
Aged 22, he had already made 73 league appearances for the Scottish club and
cost the Hammers a £65,000 fee, which was at the time a world record for a
goalkeeper. He remained at the Boleyn Ground for 13 years, and despite
having to compete for the No1 jersey with Peter Grotier and Mervyn Day, he
still managed to play 276 games for the Club. Bobby had a spell on loan with
Sheffield Wednesday in 1974 and was granted a testimonial match with the
Hammers against Southampton in 1981. He emigrated to Australia in 1981 and
coached with Adelaide City before leaving football to run a diving firm.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
1 March 2003
Les Ferdinand (pictured) came back to haunt his old employers as he helped
West Ham United secure a 2-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Ferdinand opened the scoring for the east Londoners with 31 minutes on the
clock, firing a shot through goalkeeper Kasey Keller's grasp. Teddy
Sheringham, who would go on to play for the Hammers, tried to respond but it
was the Hammers who pressed home their claims for victory with a second just
moments after the break. Les Ferdinand was involved again, putting Keller
under pressure from a Michael Carrick cross. The American stopper couldn't
gather and Carrick stormed into the box to drill home. It was a deserved
success for the Hammers, but one that was to ultimately prove fruitless as
they suffered relegation from the Premier League on a heartbreaking final
day of the season.
Complete record - 1 March
2009 West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City (Premier League)
2008 Chelsea 4-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2003 West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
1997 Leeds United 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1989 Luton Town 2-0 West Ham United (League Cup semi-final second leg)
1980 Luton Town 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1969 West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United (Division One)
1958 Doncaster Rovers 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 Cardiff City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 3-0 Swanses Town (Division Two)
1924 Notts County 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 11, Won 5, Drawn 3, Lost 3, Scored 14, Conceded 12
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mad Dog not surprised by revival
WHUFC.com
Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen felt sure Big Sam and the Hammers would always turn
their form around
28.02.2014
Former West Ham United midfielder Martin Allen believes his old Club's
recent run of form proves Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold right
in their backing for manager Sam Allardyce. The Hammers have won four games
in a row to jump up to tenth in the Barclays Premier League table, less than
a month since they sat in the bottom three. Allen, who played more than 200
games for West Ham in the late 1980s and early 1990s, says it is important
for Big Sam's men to try and maintain their positive momentum over the final
eleven games of the season. He said: "I've been very impressed, but it's
only expected in my opinion. Far too many people got on the bandwagon and
got carried away and the results weren't good, but if good players aren't
playing, whoever the manager is you're not going to win. "The team looks
strong now and I think sometimes you can draw strength from the adversity
around the football club if you have the right people involved, and I think
it's commendable the way the owners stuck by the manager. "They were very
supportive, and those supportive messages ripple through the whole Club,
from the manager to the players. The owners had faith in him. "I think the
clean sheet record, 13 clean sheets, has gone under the radar a little bit.
That's testament to the coaches, Sam, Neil McDonald, the analysts and
everyone who works behind the scenes - that doesn't just happen through
luck. "When you lose games you lose self-belief, you lose confidence and you
start to question yourself. That can creep in, but at a reserve game I sat
with Neil McDonald and he said the players were training well - he had that
belief and quite clearly when they've got their players back on the pitch,
there are good players here."
And the one-time combative midfielder christened 'Mad Dog' by the Boleyn
Ground faithful believes a strong finish will strengthen the Hammers' hand
in the transfer market this summer. "They'll want to keep building the
momentum that they've had recently, and that means picking up points,
whether that be draws, wins, good performances, and keeping the positive
vibes in the dressing room and in the stands. "You can build from this and
roll it into next year, and it helps with the recruitment of players, the
higher up the league you finish the better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton v West Ham
KO 15:00
28 February 2014
Last updated at 11:25
By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Saturday, 1 March
TEAM NEWS
Everton captain Phil Jagielka has been ruled out for a fortnight with a
hamstring injury so John Stones is likely to deputise in defence. Romelu
Lukaku returns after an ankle injury, but fellow striker Lacina Traore
(hamstring) is out.
West Ham forward Andy Carroll is available after suspension. Italian loanee
Mario Borriello is struggling with a calf problem, but the Hammers are
hopeful Guy Demel will be fit after a bout of tonsillitis.
MATCH PREVIEW
What a difference a month makes. At the beginning of February, West Ham were
in the bottom three and many were calling for a managerial change. Four
consecutive wins later and they begin March in the top half, seven points
clear of the relegation zone. "Everton were unlucky to lose to Chelsea last
time out and the injury to Lacina Traore is another problem for boss Roberto
Martinez to deal with. "A point will not do the Toffees many favours in the
race for fourth, but a draw would be very acceptable to West Ham because it
will keep their good run going." In contrast, Everton have lost three of
four games since the end of January and have seen fourth place move further
and further away from them. This is an important game for Roberto Martinez's
team. They need a return to winning ways to reignite their European
challenge. They were unlucky to lose to both Tottenham and Chelsea and will
relish being back at Goodison Park, where they have been beaten only once in
their last 21 league matches. Romelu Lukaku's imminent return is timely too
in their search for goals and West Ham will remember that the first of his
nine Everton goals to date came in the corresponding fixture at Upton Park.
The Hammers have their main attacking threat available again as well but
it's testament to the squad that they've managed to win all three of the
games in which Andy Carroll has been suspended. Their recent run has shown
how tight the league is and how a consistent run can change a mood
dramatically. It's also perhaps a lesson in owners holding their nerve.
Earlier in the season, West Ham were more often than not solid defensively
but struggled to score goals. Confidence and self-belief has never been
higher though, epitomised by Kevin Nolan's recent goal return. It presents a
tricky challenge for Everton, who will be desperate for their proud home
record to continue as they still have to face Arsenal, Manchester United and
Manchester City at Goodison this season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton are on an 11-match unbeaten run against West Ham, including
victories in the last three (W7, D4).
West Ham's last win against the Toffees came in April 2007; Bobby Zamora
scored the game's only goal at Upton Park. Zamora also scored the Hammers'
winner in their last victory at Goodison Park, a 2-1 success in December
2005.
There have been four red cards in the last four Premier League games between
the clubs - three for West Ham.
Everton
Everton have lost three of their last four Premier League games. They had
lost only two of their previous 22 matches.
They failed to score in any of those three defeats.
The Toffees have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 league games,
conceding a single goal in 10 of those matches.
Everton have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League games at Goodison
Park (W15, D5).
Roberto Martinez's side have conceded the joint-most penalties in the league
this season (six) along with Crystal Palace.
Kevin Mirallas has scored three of Everton's last four goals.
West Ham
West Ham have won four consecutive Premier League games for the first time
since May 2007. They last won five in a row between January and February
2006.
Kevin Nolan has scored five goals in his last four league appearances. He
scored one in his previous 18 league outings.
The Hammers have kept more clean sheets (13) in the league than any other
club, including four in their last five matches.
Sam Allardyce's men have conceded the highest proportion of Premier League
goals from set pieces this season (41%).
West Ham started last weekend's 3-1 win over Southampton last weekend with
nine British players, including seven Englishmen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison set for emergency loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 28th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Welsh international Jack Collison could be set for a return to
the Championship on loan.
The midfielder has barely featured in Sam Allardyce's first team squad this
season, having made just four brief appearances in 2014 and is set to return
to the second tier on an emergency loan.
Both Nottingham Forest - who confirmed yesterday that they would be without
veteran Andy Reid until April with a hernia problem - and Leeds United have
been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, who spent a month on loan at
Bournemouth last October.
Despite the transfer window having closed at the end of January, clubs
outside the Premier League may still sign players on an 'emergency' basis
until March 24. Collison's current three-year contract, signed in 2011,
expires at the end of the current season.
West Ham retain the option to extend the player's contract by a further two
years, although the club are not expected to trigger that particular clause
meaning Collison could leave on a free transfer this summer.
Since making his debut at Arsenal on New Years Day 2008, the Watford-born
midfielder has made more than 100 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 14
goal in the process.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton welcome in-form West Ham to Goodison Park
Last Updated: 28/02/14 3:46pm
SSN
Everton will be looking to halt West Ham United's recent resurgence on
Saturday and keep themselves in the European hunt. The Toffees sit seventh
heading into the weekend, but have a game in hand on the three sides
directly above them. With only five points separating them from fifth-placed
Tottenham Hotspur, qualification for next season's Europa League remains a
realistic target. They will, however, have to rediscover their early-season
consistency if they are to challenge for such a prize, with back-to-back
defeats - and three in their last four - hindering their progress somewhat.
West Ham are experiencing no such troubles at present, with more points
collected from their last four outings than any other team in the division.
Sam Allardyce's side have achieved perfection during that run, with a sudden
string of successes helping to lift them away from relegation danger. They
are now perched in the top-half of the table and will harbour ambitions of
at least matching last season's 10th-place finish. Everton triumphed 3-2 in
the meeting between the two teams at Upton Park in mid-September. Leighton
Baines equalised on two occasions before Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late
winner, following Hammers goalscorer Mark Noble's red card.
Paul Merson's prediction
If Everton want to get above Manchester United and into the top six, they
have to take advantage in their next four games - against West Ham on
Saturday and then against Cardiff, Swansea and Fulham. However, West Ham
won't be easy. They have won four on the trot and are the form team at the
moment out of everybody, but I think Everton will nick this by a couple of
goals. Sam Allardyce's team are safe as houses now, though, and I always
thought they would be. Fair play to David Gold and David Sullivan for
keeping faith with Sam while other clubs are getting in foreign managers who
have never been in a relegation scrap.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
Everton
Last 6
Chelsea (a)1-0
Swansea (h)3-1
Tottenham (a)1-0
A Villa (h)2-1
Liverpool (a)4-0
Stevenage (a)0-4
Everton's on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is set to return from an ankle
injury after spending a month on the sidelines. Toffees captain Phil
Jagielka has been ruled out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury so John
Stones is likely to deputise in defence. Fellow centre-back Antolin Alcaraz
is fit again and comes back into the squad after spending four weeks out but
on-loan striker Lacina Traore (hamstring) is unavailable.
West Ham
Last 6
3-1
Norwich (h)2-0
A Villa (a)0-2
Swansea (h)2-0
Chelsea (a)0-0
Man City (h)0-3
West Ham striker Andy Carroll returns to action after serving a three-match
suspension. Hammers boss Allardyce must decide whether to restore Carroll to
the starting XI or continue with Carlton Cole up front. Forward Marco
Borriello is a doubt because of a calf problem but defender Guy Demel is
expected to recover from tonsillitis.
Opta stats
Everton have won seven and lost none of their last 11 Premier League
meetings with West Ham.
West Ham United have kept more clean sheets than any other team in the
Premier League (13), including four shut outs in their last five matches in
the competition.
Everton have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League games at Goodison
Park (W15 D5 L1).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing isssues relegation warning to West Ham
Last Updated: 28/02/14 2:38pm
SSN
Stewart Downing has warned West Ham that they are not out of the woods when
it comes to avoiding relegation from the Premier League. A surge in form has
seen Sam Allardyce's team produce a four-match winning run that has lifted
them out of the bottom three and into 10th place, seven points clear of
danger. West Ham face an Everton side on Saturday who have lost three of
their last four matches, but the winger is refusing to underestimate them.
"We're not out of the woods yet because we've still got games to win,
starting at Everton," Downing told the club's website. "Everton is always a
difficult place to go, even when they're not playing that well. "The crowd
are really on top of you, (manager) Roberto Martinez is doing a good job and
his team is playing really well using a different way of playing to the
past. "We've been a bit lucky at times recently, but in the last couple of
weeks it's all come together. We've been due some luck.
"Everyone is back now from injury and suspension and that's what we've been
waiting for."
Andy Carroll is available after his three-match suspension but Downing feels
it will be a tough decision for Allardyce to pick him ahead of in-form
striker Carlton Cole. "It's a difficult situation for the manager, but one
he will probably like because he's not had a decision like this to make for
six or seven months!" he said.
"It's obviously a big decision because Carlton has come in and done really
well and earned himself a contract with his goals, while Andy is back to get
some goals. "Whoever starts is a good option and it makes it easy for us
wingers because they are big target men who we can play off. "It's a
difficult decision for the manager, but a good one to have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DAVID GOLD CALLS FOR A COLLECTIVE FREEZE THEN REDUCTION IN TICKET PRICING
By Sean Whetstone 28 Feb 2014 at 19:06
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham Chairman David Gold was asked during a recent interview "In the
modern age of football what one thing would you change to benefit the fans?"
David Gold answered
"The thing I would love to deliver would be a reduction in season ticket
pricing or ticket pricing in general. I would love to see ticket pricing
come down. I think there is a great danger that we will end up with a
culture of fans that can afford football and young people who won't and
can't as we speak. There is no way a working class man can bring his four
children to watch a match yet when I was a boy I remember my friend's dad
would take 4 children to watch West Ham, no problem and he was a bus driver,
that's not possible today. We have to change that, it is not easy and I have
heard fans say to me many, many times why don't you lead the way. If any
club leads the way in reducing prices they immediately make themselves
vulnerable to their competitors because their competitors will have 5,6,7,8
million pounds more depending how much you reduce the ticket prices. If you
reduce them by a million pounds then you are a million pounds worst off than
your competitor. So the only way it can be done and I lobby for this, is
that is all football clubs come together to reduce pricing and they
collectively agree to freeze prices to start with then with a view to
reducing them"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL CARLTON COLE START AGAINST EVERTON?
By S J Chandos 28 Feb 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce, in his recent press conference, was decidely non-committal on
the issue of the return of Andy Carroll to the first team this weekend. And
understandably so, the first team, minus a suspended Carroll, have recorded
four straight wins, results that have transformed our PL position. It is an
old football adage that 'you do not change a winning team' and it is only
right that Carlton Cole starts this weekend, in recognition of his
contribution to those key victories. There is little doubt that Carroll will
reclaim his first team place sooner rather than later, but he should rightly
start on the bench at Everton and take his chance when it is offered,
probably at some point in the 2nd half.
A lot of has been written about the reasons for West Ham's February
resurgence. However, one key factor was highlight by Sam Allardyce recently,
when he pointed to the role of increased competition in the squad. The
return of our injured players coincided with the transfer window and the
introduction of vital new blood to the squad. This gave the whole squad a
boost and improved performances across the board, to such an extent that
Borriello and Necerino have had only limited appearances; Armero has so far
just made the bench; and Winston Reid is currently only appearing as a
substitute. This development is to welcomed, because we need more active
competition for places in the squad, a situation where players must perform
consistently or there are other creditable options available for selection.
This is the way forward for the club and, as I recently argued at length, we
must ensure that this summer's transfer strategy secures greater quality
indepth in the squad to continue to fire this vital competition next season.
Our serious lapse in results over the period of November 2013-January 2014
was a direct result of a lack of sufficient quality cover in key positions.
Yes, it was an exceptional occurrance to simultaneously lose all three first
team centre halves to injury, but overall the argument still stands. The
board must not repeat its transfer vacilliation of last summer. The
situation with Andy Carroll, and the failure to recruit another top class
striker, was a mistake that could very well have proven a major contributory
factor to our relegation this season. Hopefully, we have dodged that
particular bullet, although I am not 'counting my chickens' just yet, but
learn the lesson and do not repeat a potentially fatal blunder. If anyone
thinks that this is not a danger, cast your mind back to the turbulent
2009-10 season, when Zola's West Ham survived by the skin of their teeth,
but although the manager was replaced in the summer (by Avram Grant), the
fact remains there was a failure to sufficiently strengthen the squad, when
it was clearly crucial to do so. And on that occasion, they markedly failed
to retrieve the situation in the January window. The end result was the
abject relegation of 2010-11 and a season of Championship football. So, lets
learn the lessons, avoid the pitfalls and move forward purposefully as a
club this summer.
Talking of our summer transfer strategy, there have been some promising
early rumours about us being interested in Jack Rodwell of Man City. I am
not sure if there is any real substance to it, but he is exactly the quality
of player that we need to recruit. We need less short-termism and more
ambition to attract greater quality to the club. Rodwell is interesting,
because he undoubtedly has great potential but has largely failed to realise
it at Man City. He has had some injury problems, but he is a player who
would probably benefit from a fresh start at a new club committed to
developing his ability. Maybe if the Ravel Morrison situation is
irretrievable (which I sincerely hope it is not) then the club could do an
exchange deal with City? It would certainly be nice if we were targetting
promising players like Jack Rodwell, but most fans will be highly skeptical
of it happening. Still, who knows, we live in hope and expectation, which is
usually fustrated if you are a Hammers fan!!
Finally, this weekend will be a real test of our recent PL resurgence. We
have a pretty poor PL record against Everton, but perhaps the momentum will
be with us this time. They currently have injury problems and have suffered
some significant recent defeats. Many fans will certainly feel that we owe
Everton a defeat after the Traore episode in the January transfer window.
Talking of Traore, it appears that his injury problems are more serious then
originally thought and it is 'touch and go' whether he will need surgery. If
he does, indeed, require surgery then that will effectively be the end of
his loan deal at Everton. Perhaps, on second thoughts, Everton and Martinez
unintentionally did us a massive favour in nicking Traore away from under
our noses. The last thing we needed was another striker with a long-term
injury!
We still owe them a defeat though! Although. all things being equal, I would
settle for a very useful draw.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LOOKING FORWARD TO EVERTON...
By Iain Dale 28 Feb 2014 at 20:43
West Ham Till I Die
Here's a Q&A I have just done for the Everton site Royal Blue Mersey.
First of all, what have you made to West Ham's season so far?
Well it certainly looks better now than it did a month ago! It's been a bit
of a rollercoaster which wasn't helped by the fact that we didn't actually
have any fit strikers for most of the first half of the season and we just
couldn't hit a barn door from five yards. Our defence has been our saviour.
We have more clean sheets than any team in the league. Not something a West
Ham fan would ever have expected to be able to say!
your seasons expectations changed? What were they and what are they now?
We finished tenth last season and were looking to progress from that.
Spending £15 million on Andy Carroll seemed to be evidence of the club's
ambition but unfortunately all our money was spent on him and Stewart
Downing, when we really needed to buy another quality striker too. We paid
the price. Having looked dead certs for relegation at Christmas, here we are
in 10th place, seven points clear of the drop zone and with Southampton in
our sights. They say a week is a long time in politics, but a month is a
very short time in football.
From the outside looking in, it seems opinion is divided on Sam Allardyce –
is he the right man for the Hammers or is it time for a change?
At the beginning of January I felt the owners had to either commit to him or
fire him. The truth is, they showed balls of steel in sticking with him. All
the teams around us changed their managers, with the exception of Norwich,
and I can't say I would want to change places with any of them. Yes, our
style of football is not like we're used to at West Ham, but it's effective.
We actually do play with wingers, which is good to see. We are a much more
physical team now and we can mix it with the best of them. Allardyce has
done a good jog generally. I did not want him to get the job, but I wouldn't
be among those calling for a change at the end of the season. He's got a
close dressing room and a good team spirit. They fight for each other and
that is good to see.
A lot of West Ham's hopes seemed to have been pinned on Andy Carroll. He
commanded a considerable sum from our loveable neighbours. Money well spent?
The jury is still out on that one, but I'd like to think that if he stays
fit between now and the end of the season I'd be able to give a definitive
yes to that. He is an immense player and defenders genuinely have no idea
how to play him. He wins virtually everything in the air and although he is
not what you'd call prolific he has great ball control and brings others
into the game and makes goals for his teammates. He is a very unselfish
player and his telepathic understanding with Kevin Nolan is something to
behold. I really believe he will come good and he should be travelling to
Brazil in the summer.
Is it true Kevin Nolan likes his Christmas' off so gets booked or sent off
on purpose?
So it is said. He came very close to losing the captaincy over his
ridiculous second sending off, but since then he has applied himself and
scored five goals in the last month. Well, you can't ask for much more than
that, can you?
I do enjoy a trip to the Boleyn. It's one of my favourite away days. Are you
for or against the Olympic Park move? Why?
My hearts says stay and my head says go. Of course we all have a sentimental
attachment to the Boleyn Ground but in the end who wouldn't want to play in
that fabulous stadium? If we are to progress as a club and challenge for
Europe we have to have a bigger stadium. I truly believe we can fill it more
often than not and it will mean ticket prices can hopefully come down.
Anyone who has been to the Olympic Stadium knows what a special place it is,
and although it will look very different to the 2012 layout I truly believe
it will be one of the most impressive stadiums in the Premier League. The
challenge will be to get the kind of atmosphere we can generate at a night
game at the Boleyn.
What about Everton's season to date – what have you made of us and the job
Roberto Martinez has done?
I think Martinez is a great manager and you are very lucky to have him. I
love his style of football and he seems to get the best out of some average
players. I think Everton have overachieved given your squad and that is in
part down to the manager. If we get even a point I will be happy as Everton
are a bit of a bogey team for us of late. A win would mean 5 three pointers
in a row, which is almost unheard of for us. Until this month we'd never won
back to back matches under Allardyce.
Who are the players we need to look out for, and who are the players you
will be trying to keep quiet come Saturday?
The only way you'll win is if you do what thirteen other teams have failed
to do this season and get past James Collins and James Tomkins. They have
been immense since Christmas and are keeping our player of the season up to
Christmas, Winston Reid, out of the team. And even to get to them you have
to break down Noble and Nolan. And if you get past the four of them, you
then face Adrian, our new goalkeeper who ousted Jussi Jaaskelainen from the
team just after Christmas. Until Southampton scored, he had kept four clean
sheets in a row.
What formation and patterns of play can we expect from Big Sam?
Sam will tell you he plays 4-3-3, but it's more like 4-3-2-1 or 4-5-1.
Adrian will be in goal with Demel and McCartney at full back, Collins and
Tomkins in central defence. Then it's Noble, Nolan and a resugent Matt
Taylor (or Diame – keep your thieving hands off him, by the way) with Matt
Jarvis and Stewart Downing on the wings. Up front Andy Carroll may return
from his ridiculous three match ban, or the resurgent and in form Carlton
Cole will deservedly retain his place.
Finally, give us a prediction for the game.
If I am honest, I can't see us getting more than a point, but you never
know. I'll go for 0-0!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll MUST be in England World Cup squad says Hammers'
James Collins
Feb 28, 2014 22:30 By Declan Taylor
The mirror
West Ham defender James Collins has backed Andy Carroll to change Roy
Hodgson's mind after the big striker's Denmark snub. There was no place for
Carroll in the England squad for next Wednesday's friendly at Wembley after
his lengthy lay-off through injury and, more recently, suspension. But
Collins reckons the Hammers' £15million record signing will come good in
time to persuade Hodgson to hand Carroll a place in his Brazil squad. The
Welshman, who has to try to shackle the big Geordie every day in training
said: "Sessions against him are tough. I played against him when he was 18
at Newcastle and he gave me a hell of a time. "He's got such a presence
about him. Even in the tunnel before the game, you look at him and know
you're in for a tough game - he has that effect on people. "I think he has
to be in that World Cup squad. He is a different option to what they have
got - he's a handful and if he's playing like he did at the end of last
season he would be a massive hit for England."
Carroll was shown a straight red card for elbowing Swansea's Chico Flores in
the Hammers' 2-0 win at Upton Park on February 1. But, after serving his
three-match ban, he is in contention to face Everton at Goodison Park on
Saturday – and kick off his bid for a spot on Hodgson's squad. Collins
added: "It's been tough for Andy. He's still young and it was his first real
injury – then the suspension. But he has been unbelievable and in that gym
every day working hard and had some long old days on his own in the gym."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
All the important pre-match information ahead of Saturday's trip to Goodison
Park
28.02.2014
EVERTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• A fifth straight Barclays Premier League win is the prize on offer for
West Ham United when they travel to Goodison Park to play Everton on
Saturday.
• The Hammers last won five consecutive top-flight matches in the 2005/06
season, with the run ending with a 2-2 draw against the Toffees.
• Sam Allardyce's side are enjoying a five match unbeaten run which started
against Chelsea on 29 January, and has taken in wins against Swansea City,
Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton.
• Last time out on their travels, the Hammers saw off Aston Villa thanks to
two second half goals from captain Kevin Nolan.
• West Ham have gone three matches without an away league defeat, but have
not recorded a win at Goodison Park since 2005.
• The side's excellent recent form has propelled them to tenth place in the
table, with 31 points from 27 games.
• Everton have enjoyed a successful season under Roberto Martinez so far,
sitting seventh in the league standings with 45 points from 26 games.
• Despite their strong position in the table, Martinez's men have won just
once in their last five league matches.
• Last time out Chelsea scored a last minute winner to see off the Toffees
at Stamford Bridge.
• Their last match at Goodison Park provided their last victory, with a 2-1
win against Aston Villa giving them the points.
Team news
West Ham United
• Andy Carroll is available again after he served a three-match suspension
following his red card against Swansea City.
• Ricardo Vaz Te is in full training and could be in contention for a place
amongst the substitutes for Saturday's game.
• Joey O'Brien remains the Hammers' only long-term injury absentee as he
recovers from surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Everton
• Lacina Traore is definitely unavailable for the clash after he pulled up
with a hamstring injury before the defeat against Chelsea.
• The Toffees could be boosted by striker Romelu Lukaku's return from an
ankle injury.
Last time out
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Barry, Osman (Barkley
63), McCarthy, Mirallas (Deulofeu 75), Naismith, Pienaar (McGeady 80)
Subs not used: Robles, Hibbert, Stones, Garbutt
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor,
Nolan (Reid 73), Jarvis (Diame 57), Downing, C Cole
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collison, J Cole, Nocerino
Goals: Jarvis 20, C Cole 23, Nolan 71
Previous meeting
When West Ham and Everton met earlier in the season the two teams produced a
five-goal thriller at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers led twice through Ravel
Morrison and Mark Noble goals either side of Leighton Baines' free-kick. The
left-back buried another set-piece after Noble had received his marching
orders with seven minutes left before Romelu Lukaku headed the winner two
minutes later to complete a remarkable comeback.
West Ham United 2-3 Everton
Barclays Premier League
21 September 2013
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Rat, Diame, Noble,
Morrison, Nolan (Taylor 80), Jarvis (Vaz Te 72), Maiga (Petric 63)
Subs not used: Collison, Adrian, Tomkins, McCartney
Goals: Morrison 31, Noble 76 (pen)
Red cards: Noble 81
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas, Naismith
(McCarthy 46), Barry, Barkley, Osman (Oviedo 52), Jelavic (Lukaku 45)
Subs not used: Robles, Heitinga, Stones, Deulofeu
Goals: Baines 62, 83, Lukaku 85
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
21 September 2013 - West Ham United 2-3 Everton
12 May 2013 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
22 December 2012 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 64
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Everton
2012/13 Premier League 6th (63 points)
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 107 times in league matches. Everton
have won 54 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 127 times, with Everton winning 64, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in twelve matches against the Hammers, including
the last ten Premier League meetings. Everton have won 19 of the 35 Premier
League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just six.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victory over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest home win over West Ham came on 22 October 1927, when
they romped to a 7-0 Division One victory at Goodison Park. Tommy White
(two), Ted Critchley, Dick Forshaw, Anthony Weldon, a Jack O'Donnell penalty
and a William Henderson own-goal were on the scoresheet.
• John Campbell scored on his debut in the first-ever league meeting between
the West Ham and Everton on 15 March 1924 - a game which ended in a 2-1 home
Division One victory for the Hammers. Born in South Shields, Campbell scored
eleven goals in 29 appearances for the Hammers before joining Clapton Orient
in 1929.
• Academy graduate Mick Beesley was just 18 when he scored on his debut
against Everton on 24 September 1960, but could not prevent West Ham falling
to a 4-1 Division One defeat at Goodison Park. He would make just one more
first-team appearance before joining Southend United in summer 1962.
• David Unsworth made his West Ham debut against Everton just days after
completing a £1million move to the Hammers from the Merseyside club. The
centre-back ended on the losing side as the Toffees won 2-1 in a Premier
League fixture at Goodison Park on 23 August 1997.
• Trevor Sinclair scored twice on his West Ham debut in a 2-2 Premier League
draw with Everton at the Boleyn Ground on 31 January 1998.
• Charlton Athletic loanee goalkeeper Sasa Ilic endured a debut to forget as
West Ham suffered a 4-0 home Premier League defeat by Everton on 26 February
2000. Ilic would never play for the Hammers again.
• George Eastman (18 April 1925), Jimmy Andrews (24 November 1951), Johnny
Cartwright (17 October 1959), Ron Tindall (25 November 1961), Hayden Foxe
(31 March 2001) and James Tomkins (22 March 2008) also made their West Ham
debuts against Everton.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Richard
Wright.
Referee
• Saturdays referee will be Jonathan Moss.
• Moss was last in charge of the Hammers when they suffered a 6-0 defeat at
the Ethihad Stadium to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final
first leg. Moss has also overseen a 3-1 defeat against Norwich City and a
1-0 loss to Stoke City earlier this season.
• In all, Moss showed 86 yellow cards; sent-off one player and awarded nine
penalties in the 31 matches he took charge of last season.
• Headteacher Moss was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in June
2011.
• He took charge of the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle
United and Stevenage and was then promoted to the National Group of
Referees.
General information
• There are a limited number of tickets still remaining for Saturday's
fixture - buy your ticket here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday's match is light rain with temperatures
around 6C (43F).
• If you're travelling up to Liverpool via train, click here for travel
updates.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge ready for Toffees test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is hoping to help the Hammers keep another clean sheet when
they play Everton
28.02.2014
Clean sheet No14 is the aim for James Collins on Saturday as the Hammers
travel to Merseyside to play Everton in the Barclays Premier League. West
Ham United's defensive solidity has seen Sam Allardyce's side top the clean
sheet league with 13, including four in the last five games, coinciding with
an upturn in the Club's fortunes. Collins has partnered Winston Reid, James
Tomkins, George McCartney, Joey O'Brien and Roger Johnson at the back this
season, and the big centre back believes the team can be proud of their
record. "We've defended reasonably well all season. We've got 13 clean
sheets although there has been the odd game where we conceded three or four.
"That is going to happen in the Premier League. Every team you play against
has one great centre forward so we are happy with our great defensive
record."
All but one of the aforementioned defenders has spent time on the sidelines
either injured or suspended at some stage this season, and Collins feels
getting a full squad of players fit and a great result at Stamford Bridge,
have helped turn things around. "The fans were feeling the same way as we
were, it was a hard time and I know the amount of injuries isn't an excuse
but it did have a big impact on us. "When we got everyone back and there was
a competition for places and that's what made us pick up. "Chelsea away,
getting that draw was a massive result. We got a little bit of stick from
Jose Mourinho about how we played but we went there with a plan and we got
the draw and we haven't really looked back since. I think that was the
turning point."
While the No19 and his teammates have been doing all they can to stop the
shots raining down on their goal, they know that they can also rely on the
man between the sticks, whoever it is. Jussi Jaaskelainen started the season
in possession of the starting berth, but has since lost his place to Adrian
who has continued the Hammers' fine clean sheet record with four shutouts in
his last five appearances. The Spaniard arrived at the Club from Real Betis
in the summer on the recommendation of Collins' countryman Martyn Margetson,
and the defender feels he has been a great acquisition. "He's been
magnificent since he's come in. My Welsh mate has gone up in the summer to
see him and we got him in on a free transfer. He did have to wait for his
time to come. "Jussi obviously started the season and did well but when
Adrian came in he has been unbelievable. He's only a young kid, but he plays
with an old head on his shoulders so he's a great person to have behind us.
"How I look at him is that he's a great shot stopper. He comes for crosses,
which is good for us and stops us heading them out. He's great, he's an
all-round goalkeeper. He's only going to get better as he's only very
young."
At the age of 27, Adrian is at a good age for a goalkeeper and according to
Collins he will only get better as he becomes more experienced in the
Premier League. "He's come in and he's done unbelievably. He's got time on
his side and the more games he plays the better he's going to get. "He works
hard and Jussi pushes him in training as obviously Jussi want to get his
spot back as well. If he carries on like this he can be one of the greats."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stew relishing Merseyside return
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's in-form winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to
returning to Merseyside
27.02.2014
West Ham United's in-form winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to
returning to Merseyside on Saturday. The former Liverpool wideman spent two
years with the Reds between summer 2011 and 2013, playing four times against
Everton, including an FA Cup semi-final victory at Wembley in April 2012.
Downing returned to Anfield in December, only to suffer a nasty heel injury
as West Ham lost 4-1. Now, however, the Hammers and their England
international return to Merseyside in confident mood after winning their
previous four games. "It's very enjoyable at the Club at the moment," said
Dowing. "Everyone is back now from injury and suspension and that's what
we've been waiting for. We've had a bit of luck along the way but I think we
were due some. "I'm happy personally because things are going quite well.
The manager is obviously happy because the team is winning. We've been a bit
lucky at times, but the last couple of weeks it's all come together. "We're
not out of the woods yet because we've still got games to win, starting at
Everton at the weekend."
Everton have lost three of their last four Barclays Premier League matches -
all away from home - but Downing is not expecting an easy ride against the
Blues.
"Everton is always a difficult place to go, even when they're not playing
that well. The crowd are really on top of you, Roberto Martinez is doing a
good job there and his team is playing really well using different way of
playing to how Everton have played. "We should have got something from the
game down here. They were two great free-kicks to be fair to Leighton
Baines, but I think we can go there and get a result."
Downing will likely come into direct conflict with England left-back Baines,
who is commonly considered to be the best left-back in the country at
present, and in-form Republic of Ireland right-back Seamus Coleman. "I
always relish playing against the best players and I think Bainesy has
probably gone up a level the last couple of years, even though he was always
a good player. In terms of creating and scoring goals, I think he has been
one of the top players, so it'll be a good test. "Let's see if we can make
him defend a bit more than he would like and hopefully we can put them on
the back foot. "I think Coleman has probably been one of their standout
players. He has really come to the fore and he has played some good football
under Roberto. His style suits the way they play.
"Then again, they like to go forward and attack, so we have to get them
defending and get them into areas they don't want to go in. It's a good test
for the widemen who start on the day."
While Everton will undoubtedly pose a threat on home turf, West Ham have
carried one of their own in recent weeks, scoring nine goals and conceding
just one in their last four league matches. The question posed to Downing
was 'Why have the Hammers enjoyed such a resurgence?'. "I think the team has
been disjointed at lot of the time with people being out injured and having
to play out of position, including key players, which has obviously made it
difficult for the manager. "The big thing is that we carried on doing what
we're good at. A lot of clubs, you've seen panic and change their managers
one or two times, but the big thing is that the Club has stuck to its guns
and the Chairmen have backed the manager and the manager has backed the
players. The players have always played for the manager and we've stuck
together."
Downing has certainly benefitted from the form of Carlton Cole, with the
pair playing their part in two goals in last weekend's home win over
Southampton. On Saturday, Cole will be joined in the squad by Andy Carroll,
who is available again after a three-man suspension. The winger says manager
Sam Allardyce has a welcome selection headache at Goodison Park. "It's a
difficult situation for the manager, but one he will probably like because
he's not had one for six or seven months! "It's obviously a big decision
because Carlton has come in and done really well and earned himself a
contract with his goals, while Andy is back to get some goals. "Whoever
starts is a good option and it makes it easy for us wingers because they are
big target men and we can play off them. It's a difficult decision for the
manager, but a good one to have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers set for international duty
WHUFC.com
A host of Hammers will represent their respective nations during the
international week
28.02.2014
A host of West Ham United players will represent their respective nations
during the international week. At senior level James Collins, Jack Collison,
Pablo Armero and Mohamed Diame will all be heading off to pull on their
country's colours, while Ravel Morrison, Raphael Spiegel, Leo Chambers,
Jamie Harney, Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle could all be in age-group action.
Meanwhile, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes is already away with England's U17
squad at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal.
Four seniors could all be in friendly action on Wednesday 5 March. Collins
and Collison are in the Wales squad to face Iceland in Cardiff, Armero's
Colombia take on Tunisia in Barcelona and Diame's Senegal take on Mali in
Paris. Collins and Collison will hope to boost Chris Coleman's Wales after
they missed out on qualification for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals,
while opponents Iceland were edged out in a Play-Off by Croatia.
Armero will hope to cement his spot in José Pékerman's squad for Brazil
2014, having featured in all but one of Colombia's South American qualifiers
for the tournament. Diame, meanwhile, will hope to erase the disappointment
of an African Play-Off defeat by Ivory Coast when Senegal take on their West
African neighbours in Saint-Leu La Forêt.
Morrison and Spiegel could both be in competitive action in UEFA European
U21 Championship qualfiers. Unbeaten England top Group 1 ahead of the visit
of third-place Wales to Derby County's Pride Park on 5 March, while
Spiegel's Switzerland are second in Group 5 ahead of their home fixture with
winless Liechtenstein in Thun on the same evening.
Chambers' England U19s will also be in action on 5 March, when they host
Turkey in a friendly at the Swansway Stadium in Chester. Fellow defender
Harney is in the Northern Ireland U19 squad for a friendly double-header
with Switzerland in Belfast and Dungannon on 4 and 6 March respectively.
Finally, Academy defenders Burke and Knoyle are in England's U18 squad for a
friendly double-header with Croatia at St George's Park on 3 and 5 March.
West Ham's loanees are also set for a busy period.
In the Scottish Premiership, George Moncur's Partick Thistle and Paul
McCallum's Heart of Midlothian are on the road at Ross County and Motherwell
respectively on Saturday. Closer to home, Morrison could make his home debut
for Queens Park Rangers in their Championship clash with Leeds United at
Loftus Road on Saturday lunchtime - a game that could also feature Modibo
Maiga. Jordan Spence's MK Dons will hope to ignite their challenge for a
League One Play-Off place when they host in-form Sheffield United.
Sean Maguire's Sligo Rovers - the FAI Cup holders - continue their
preparations for the 2014 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign by
taking on champions St Patrick's Athletic in the President's Cup Final at
Richmond Park in Dublin on Sunday. The winners will be presented with the
trophy by Irish President Michael D Higgins. Back in England, Rob
Girdlestone and Taylor Miles should be in the Concord Rangers squad for
their Skril South trip to Whitehawk on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 1 March
WHUFC.com
Les Ferdinand helped the Hammers to a win over former club Spurs on this day
eleven years ago
01.03.2014
Anniversary
Name: Bobby Ferguson
Date of birth: 1 March 1945
Clubs: Kilmarnock, West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Adelaide
City
Scotland international goalkeeper Bobby Ferguson made the move down to
England when he signed for West Ham United from Kilmarnock in 1967.
Aged 22, he had already made 73 league appearances for the Scottish club and
cost the Hammers a £65,000 fee, which was at the time a world record for a
goalkeeper. He remained at the Boleyn Ground for 13 years, and despite
having to compete for the No1 jersey with Peter Grotier and Mervyn Day, he
still managed to play 276 games for the Club. Bobby had a spell on loan with
Sheffield Wednesday in 1974 and was granted a testimonial match with the
Hammers against Southampton in 1981. He emigrated to Australia in 1981 and
coached with Adelaide City before leaving football to run a diving firm.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
1 March 2003
Les Ferdinand (pictured) came back to haunt his old employers as he helped
West Ham United secure a 2-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Ferdinand opened the scoring for the east Londoners with 31 minutes on the
clock, firing a shot through goalkeeper Kasey Keller's grasp. Teddy
Sheringham, who would go on to play for the Hammers, tried to respond but it
was the Hammers who pressed home their claims for victory with a second just
moments after the break. Les Ferdinand was involved again, putting Keller
under pressure from a Michael Carrick cross. The American stopper couldn't
gather and Carrick stormed into the box to drill home. It was a deserved
success for the Hammers, but one that was to ultimately prove fruitless as
they suffered relegation from the Premier League on a heartbreaking final
day of the season.
Complete record - 1 March
2009 West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City (Premier League)
2008 Chelsea 4-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2003 West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
1997 Leeds United 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1989 Luton Town 2-0 West Ham United (League Cup semi-final second leg)
1980 Luton Town 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1969 West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United (Division One)
1958 Doncaster Rovers 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 Cardiff City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 3-0 Swanses Town (Division Two)
1924 Notts County 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 11, Won 5, Drawn 3, Lost 3, Scored 14, Conceded 12
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mad Dog not surprised by revival
WHUFC.com
Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen felt sure Big Sam and the Hammers would always turn
their form around
28.02.2014
Former West Ham United midfielder Martin Allen believes his old Club's
recent run of form proves Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold right
in their backing for manager Sam Allardyce. The Hammers have won four games
in a row to jump up to tenth in the Barclays Premier League table, less than
a month since they sat in the bottom three. Allen, who played more than 200
games for West Ham in the late 1980s and early 1990s, says it is important
for Big Sam's men to try and maintain their positive momentum over the final
eleven games of the season. He said: "I've been very impressed, but it's
only expected in my opinion. Far too many people got on the bandwagon and
got carried away and the results weren't good, but if good players aren't
playing, whoever the manager is you're not going to win. "The team looks
strong now and I think sometimes you can draw strength from the adversity
around the football club if you have the right people involved, and I think
it's commendable the way the owners stuck by the manager. "They were very
supportive, and those supportive messages ripple through the whole Club,
from the manager to the players. The owners had faith in him. "I think the
clean sheet record, 13 clean sheets, has gone under the radar a little bit.
That's testament to the coaches, Sam, Neil McDonald, the analysts and
everyone who works behind the scenes - that doesn't just happen through
luck. "When you lose games you lose self-belief, you lose confidence and you
start to question yourself. That can creep in, but at a reserve game I sat
with Neil McDonald and he said the players were training well - he had that
belief and quite clearly when they've got their players back on the pitch,
there are good players here."
And the one-time combative midfielder christened 'Mad Dog' by the Boleyn
Ground faithful believes a strong finish will strengthen the Hammers' hand
in the transfer market this summer. "They'll want to keep building the
momentum that they've had recently, and that means picking up points,
whether that be draws, wins, good performances, and keeping the positive
vibes in the dressing room and in the stands. "You can build from this and
roll it into next year, and it helps with the recruitment of players, the
higher up the league you finish the better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton v West Ham
KO 15:00
28 February 2014
Last updated at 11:25
By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Saturday, 1 March
TEAM NEWS
Everton captain Phil Jagielka has been ruled out for a fortnight with a
hamstring injury so John Stones is likely to deputise in defence. Romelu
Lukaku returns after an ankle injury, but fellow striker Lacina Traore
(hamstring) is out.
West Ham forward Andy Carroll is available after suspension. Italian loanee
Mario Borriello is struggling with a calf problem, but the Hammers are
hopeful Guy Demel will be fit after a bout of tonsillitis.
MATCH PREVIEW
What a difference a month makes. At the beginning of February, West Ham were
in the bottom three and many were calling for a managerial change. Four
consecutive wins later and they begin March in the top half, seven points
clear of the relegation zone. "Everton were unlucky to lose to Chelsea last
time out and the injury to Lacina Traore is another problem for boss Roberto
Martinez to deal with. "A point will not do the Toffees many favours in the
race for fourth, but a draw would be very acceptable to West Ham because it
will keep their good run going." In contrast, Everton have lost three of
four games since the end of January and have seen fourth place move further
and further away from them. This is an important game for Roberto Martinez's
team. They need a return to winning ways to reignite their European
challenge. They were unlucky to lose to both Tottenham and Chelsea and will
relish being back at Goodison Park, where they have been beaten only once in
their last 21 league matches. Romelu Lukaku's imminent return is timely too
in their search for goals and West Ham will remember that the first of his
nine Everton goals to date came in the corresponding fixture at Upton Park.
The Hammers have their main attacking threat available again as well but
it's testament to the squad that they've managed to win all three of the
games in which Andy Carroll has been suspended. Their recent run has shown
how tight the league is and how a consistent run can change a mood
dramatically. It's also perhaps a lesson in owners holding their nerve.
Earlier in the season, West Ham were more often than not solid defensively
but struggled to score goals. Confidence and self-belief has never been
higher though, epitomised by Kevin Nolan's recent goal return. It presents a
tricky challenge for Everton, who will be desperate for their proud home
record to continue as they still have to face Arsenal, Manchester United and
Manchester City at Goodison this season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton are on an 11-match unbeaten run against West Ham, including
victories in the last three (W7, D4).
West Ham's last win against the Toffees came in April 2007; Bobby Zamora
scored the game's only goal at Upton Park. Zamora also scored the Hammers'
winner in their last victory at Goodison Park, a 2-1 success in December
2005.
There have been four red cards in the last four Premier League games between
the clubs - three for West Ham.
Everton
Everton have lost three of their last four Premier League games. They had
lost only two of their previous 22 matches.
They failed to score in any of those three defeats.
The Toffees have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 league games,
conceding a single goal in 10 of those matches.
Everton have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League games at Goodison
Park (W15, D5).
Roberto Martinez's side have conceded the joint-most penalties in the league
this season (six) along with Crystal Palace.
Kevin Mirallas has scored three of Everton's last four goals.
West Ham
West Ham have won four consecutive Premier League games for the first time
since May 2007. They last won five in a row between January and February
2006.
Kevin Nolan has scored five goals in his last four league appearances. He
scored one in his previous 18 league outings.
The Hammers have kept more clean sheets (13) in the league than any other
club, including four in their last five matches.
Sam Allardyce's men have conceded the highest proportion of Premier League
goals from set pieces this season (41%).
West Ham started last weekend's 3-1 win over Southampton last weekend with
nine British players, including seven Englishmen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison set for emergency loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 28th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Welsh international Jack Collison could be set for a return to
the Championship on loan.
The midfielder has barely featured in Sam Allardyce's first team squad this
season, having made just four brief appearances in 2014 and is set to return
to the second tier on an emergency loan.
Both Nottingham Forest - who confirmed yesterday that they would be without
veteran Andy Reid until April with a hernia problem - and Leeds United have
been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, who spent a month on loan at
Bournemouth last October.
Despite the transfer window having closed at the end of January, clubs
outside the Premier League may still sign players on an 'emergency' basis
until March 24. Collison's current three-year contract, signed in 2011,
expires at the end of the current season.
West Ham retain the option to extend the player's contract by a further two
years, although the club are not expected to trigger that particular clause
meaning Collison could leave on a free transfer this summer.
Since making his debut at Arsenal on New Years Day 2008, the Watford-born
midfielder has made more than 100 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 14
goal in the process.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton welcome in-form West Ham to Goodison Park
Last Updated: 28/02/14 3:46pm
SSN
Everton will be looking to halt West Ham United's recent resurgence on
Saturday and keep themselves in the European hunt. The Toffees sit seventh
heading into the weekend, but have a game in hand on the three sides
directly above them. With only five points separating them from fifth-placed
Tottenham Hotspur, qualification for next season's Europa League remains a
realistic target. They will, however, have to rediscover their early-season
consistency if they are to challenge for such a prize, with back-to-back
defeats - and three in their last four - hindering their progress somewhat.
West Ham are experiencing no such troubles at present, with more points
collected from their last four outings than any other team in the division.
Sam Allardyce's side have achieved perfection during that run, with a sudden
string of successes helping to lift them away from relegation danger. They
are now perched in the top-half of the table and will harbour ambitions of
at least matching last season's 10th-place finish. Everton triumphed 3-2 in
the meeting between the two teams at Upton Park in mid-September. Leighton
Baines equalised on two occasions before Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late
winner, following Hammers goalscorer Mark Noble's red card.
Paul Merson's prediction
If Everton want to get above Manchester United and into the top six, they
have to take advantage in their next four games - against West Ham on
Saturday and then against Cardiff, Swansea and Fulham. However, West Ham
won't be easy. They have won four on the trot and are the form team at the
moment out of everybody, but I think Everton will nick this by a couple of
goals. Sam Allardyce's team are safe as houses now, though, and I always
thought they would be. Fair play to David Gold and David Sullivan for
keeping faith with Sam while other clubs are getting in foreign managers who
have never been in a relegation scrap.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
Everton
Last 6
Chelsea (a)1-0
Swansea (h)3-1
Tottenham (a)1-0
A Villa (h)2-1
Liverpool (a)4-0
Stevenage (a)0-4
Everton's on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is set to return from an ankle
injury after spending a month on the sidelines. Toffees captain Phil
Jagielka has been ruled out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury so John
Stones is likely to deputise in defence. Fellow centre-back Antolin Alcaraz
is fit again and comes back into the squad after spending four weeks out but
on-loan striker Lacina Traore (hamstring) is unavailable.
West Ham
Last 6
3-1
Norwich (h)2-0
A Villa (a)0-2
Swansea (h)2-0
Chelsea (a)0-0
Man City (h)0-3
West Ham striker Andy Carroll returns to action after serving a three-match
suspension. Hammers boss Allardyce must decide whether to restore Carroll to
the starting XI or continue with Carlton Cole up front. Forward Marco
Borriello is a doubt because of a calf problem but defender Guy Demel is
expected to recover from tonsillitis.
Opta stats
Everton have won seven and lost none of their last 11 Premier League
meetings with West Ham.
West Ham United have kept more clean sheets than any other team in the
Premier League (13), including four shut outs in their last five matches in
the competition.
Everton have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League games at Goodison
Park (W15 D5 L1).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing isssues relegation warning to West Ham
Last Updated: 28/02/14 2:38pm
SSN
Stewart Downing has warned West Ham that they are not out of the woods when
it comes to avoiding relegation from the Premier League. A surge in form has
seen Sam Allardyce's team produce a four-match winning run that has lifted
them out of the bottom three and into 10th place, seven points clear of
danger. West Ham face an Everton side on Saturday who have lost three of
their last four matches, but the winger is refusing to underestimate them.
"We're not out of the woods yet because we've still got games to win,
starting at Everton," Downing told the club's website. "Everton is always a
difficult place to go, even when they're not playing that well. "The crowd
are really on top of you, (manager) Roberto Martinez is doing a good job and
his team is playing really well using a different way of playing to the
past. "We've been a bit lucky at times recently, but in the last couple of
weeks it's all come together. We've been due some luck.
"Everyone is back now from injury and suspension and that's what we've been
waiting for."
Andy Carroll is available after his three-match suspension but Downing feels
it will be a tough decision for Allardyce to pick him ahead of in-form
striker Carlton Cole. "It's a difficult situation for the manager, but one
he will probably like because he's not had a decision like this to make for
six or seven months!" he said.
"It's obviously a big decision because Carlton has come in and done really
well and earned himself a contract with his goals, while Andy is back to get
some goals. "Whoever starts is a good option and it makes it easy for us
wingers because they are big target men who we can play off. "It's a
difficult decision for the manager, but a good one to have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DAVID GOLD CALLS FOR A COLLECTIVE FREEZE THEN REDUCTION IN TICKET PRICING
By Sean Whetstone 28 Feb 2014 at 19:06
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham Chairman David Gold was asked during a recent interview "In the
modern age of football what one thing would you change to benefit the fans?"
David Gold answered
"The thing I would love to deliver would be a reduction in season ticket
pricing or ticket pricing in general. I would love to see ticket pricing
come down. I think there is a great danger that we will end up with a
culture of fans that can afford football and young people who won't and
can't as we speak. There is no way a working class man can bring his four
children to watch a match yet when I was a boy I remember my friend's dad
would take 4 children to watch West Ham, no problem and he was a bus driver,
that's not possible today. We have to change that, it is not easy and I have
heard fans say to me many, many times why don't you lead the way. If any
club leads the way in reducing prices they immediately make themselves
vulnerable to their competitors because their competitors will have 5,6,7,8
million pounds more depending how much you reduce the ticket prices. If you
reduce them by a million pounds then you are a million pounds worst off than
your competitor. So the only way it can be done and I lobby for this, is
that is all football clubs come together to reduce pricing and they
collectively agree to freeze prices to start with then with a view to
reducing them"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL CARLTON COLE START AGAINST EVERTON?
By S J Chandos 28 Feb 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce, in his recent press conference, was decidely non-committal on
the issue of the return of Andy Carroll to the first team this weekend. And
understandably so, the first team, minus a suspended Carroll, have recorded
four straight wins, results that have transformed our PL position. It is an
old football adage that 'you do not change a winning team' and it is only
right that Carlton Cole starts this weekend, in recognition of his
contribution to those key victories. There is little doubt that Carroll will
reclaim his first team place sooner rather than later, but he should rightly
start on the bench at Everton and take his chance when it is offered,
probably at some point in the 2nd half.
A lot of has been written about the reasons for West Ham's February
resurgence. However, one key factor was highlight by Sam Allardyce recently,
when he pointed to the role of increased competition in the squad. The
return of our injured players coincided with the transfer window and the
introduction of vital new blood to the squad. This gave the whole squad a
boost and improved performances across the board, to such an extent that
Borriello and Necerino have had only limited appearances; Armero has so far
just made the bench; and Winston Reid is currently only appearing as a
substitute. This development is to welcomed, because we need more active
competition for places in the squad, a situation where players must perform
consistently or there are other creditable options available for selection.
This is the way forward for the club and, as I recently argued at length, we
must ensure that this summer's transfer strategy secures greater quality
indepth in the squad to continue to fire this vital competition next season.
Our serious lapse in results over the period of November 2013-January 2014
was a direct result of a lack of sufficient quality cover in key positions.
Yes, it was an exceptional occurrance to simultaneously lose all three first
team centre halves to injury, but overall the argument still stands. The
board must not repeat its transfer vacilliation of last summer. The
situation with Andy Carroll, and the failure to recruit another top class
striker, was a mistake that could very well have proven a major contributory
factor to our relegation this season. Hopefully, we have dodged that
particular bullet, although I am not 'counting my chickens' just yet, but
learn the lesson and do not repeat a potentially fatal blunder. If anyone
thinks that this is not a danger, cast your mind back to the turbulent
2009-10 season, when Zola's West Ham survived by the skin of their teeth,
but although the manager was replaced in the summer (by Avram Grant), the
fact remains there was a failure to sufficiently strengthen the squad, when
it was clearly crucial to do so. And on that occasion, they markedly failed
to retrieve the situation in the January window. The end result was the
abject relegation of 2010-11 and a season of Championship football. So, lets
learn the lessons, avoid the pitfalls and move forward purposefully as a
club this summer.
Talking of our summer transfer strategy, there have been some promising
early rumours about us being interested in Jack Rodwell of Man City. I am
not sure if there is any real substance to it, but he is exactly the quality
of player that we need to recruit. We need less short-termism and more
ambition to attract greater quality to the club. Rodwell is interesting,
because he undoubtedly has great potential but has largely failed to realise
it at Man City. He has had some injury problems, but he is a player who
would probably benefit from a fresh start at a new club committed to
developing his ability. Maybe if the Ravel Morrison situation is
irretrievable (which I sincerely hope it is not) then the club could do an
exchange deal with City? It would certainly be nice if we were targetting
promising players like Jack Rodwell, but most fans will be highly skeptical
of it happening. Still, who knows, we live in hope and expectation, which is
usually fustrated if you are a Hammers fan!!
Finally, this weekend will be a real test of our recent PL resurgence. We
have a pretty poor PL record against Everton, but perhaps the momentum will
be with us this time. They currently have injury problems and have suffered
some significant recent defeats. Many fans will certainly feel that we owe
Everton a defeat after the Traore episode in the January transfer window.
Talking of Traore, it appears that his injury problems are more serious then
originally thought and it is 'touch and go' whether he will need surgery. If
he does, indeed, require surgery then that will effectively be the end of
his loan deal at Everton. Perhaps, on second thoughts, Everton and Martinez
unintentionally did us a massive favour in nicking Traore away from under
our noses. The last thing we needed was another striker with a long-term
injury!
We still owe them a defeat though! Although. all things being equal, I would
settle for a very useful draw.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LOOKING FORWARD TO EVERTON...
By Iain Dale 28 Feb 2014 at 20:43
West Ham Till I Die
Here's a Q&A I have just done for the Everton site Royal Blue Mersey.
First of all, what have you made to West Ham's season so far?
Well it certainly looks better now than it did a month ago! It's been a bit
of a rollercoaster which wasn't helped by the fact that we didn't actually
have any fit strikers for most of the first half of the season and we just
couldn't hit a barn door from five yards. Our defence has been our saviour.
We have more clean sheets than any team in the league. Not something a West
Ham fan would ever have expected to be able to say!
your seasons expectations changed? What were they and what are they now?
We finished tenth last season and were looking to progress from that.
Spending £15 million on Andy Carroll seemed to be evidence of the club's
ambition but unfortunately all our money was spent on him and Stewart
Downing, when we really needed to buy another quality striker too. We paid
the price. Having looked dead certs for relegation at Christmas, here we are
in 10th place, seven points clear of the drop zone and with Southampton in
our sights. They say a week is a long time in politics, but a month is a
very short time in football.
From the outside looking in, it seems opinion is divided on Sam Allardyce –
is he the right man for the Hammers or is it time for a change?
At the beginning of January I felt the owners had to either commit to him or
fire him. The truth is, they showed balls of steel in sticking with him. All
the teams around us changed their managers, with the exception of Norwich,
and I can't say I would want to change places with any of them. Yes, our
style of football is not like we're used to at West Ham, but it's effective.
We actually do play with wingers, which is good to see. We are a much more
physical team now and we can mix it with the best of them. Allardyce has
done a good jog generally. I did not want him to get the job, but I wouldn't
be among those calling for a change at the end of the season. He's got a
close dressing room and a good team spirit. They fight for each other and
that is good to see.
A lot of West Ham's hopes seemed to have been pinned on Andy Carroll. He
commanded a considerable sum from our loveable neighbours. Money well spent?
The jury is still out on that one, but I'd like to think that if he stays
fit between now and the end of the season I'd be able to give a definitive
yes to that. He is an immense player and defenders genuinely have no idea
how to play him. He wins virtually everything in the air and although he is
not what you'd call prolific he has great ball control and brings others
into the game and makes goals for his teammates. He is a very unselfish
player and his telepathic understanding with Kevin Nolan is something to
behold. I really believe he will come good and he should be travelling to
Brazil in the summer.
Is it true Kevin Nolan likes his Christmas' off so gets booked or sent off
on purpose?
So it is said. He came very close to losing the captaincy over his
ridiculous second sending off, but since then he has applied himself and
scored five goals in the last month. Well, you can't ask for much more than
that, can you?
I do enjoy a trip to the Boleyn. It's one of my favourite away days. Are you
for or against the Olympic Park move? Why?
My hearts says stay and my head says go. Of course we all have a sentimental
attachment to the Boleyn Ground but in the end who wouldn't want to play in
that fabulous stadium? If we are to progress as a club and challenge for
Europe we have to have a bigger stadium. I truly believe we can fill it more
often than not and it will mean ticket prices can hopefully come down.
Anyone who has been to the Olympic Stadium knows what a special place it is,
and although it will look very different to the 2012 layout I truly believe
it will be one of the most impressive stadiums in the Premier League. The
challenge will be to get the kind of atmosphere we can generate at a night
game at the Boleyn.
What about Everton's season to date – what have you made of us and the job
Roberto Martinez has done?
I think Martinez is a great manager and you are very lucky to have him. I
love his style of football and he seems to get the best out of some average
players. I think Everton have overachieved given your squad and that is in
part down to the manager. If we get even a point I will be happy as Everton
are a bit of a bogey team for us of late. A win would mean 5 three pointers
in a row, which is almost unheard of for us. Until this month we'd never won
back to back matches under Allardyce.
Who are the players we need to look out for, and who are the players you
will be trying to keep quiet come Saturday?
The only way you'll win is if you do what thirteen other teams have failed
to do this season and get past James Collins and James Tomkins. They have
been immense since Christmas and are keeping our player of the season up to
Christmas, Winston Reid, out of the team. And even to get to them you have
to break down Noble and Nolan. And if you get past the four of them, you
then face Adrian, our new goalkeeper who ousted Jussi Jaaskelainen from the
team just after Christmas. Until Southampton scored, he had kept four clean
sheets in a row.
What formation and patterns of play can we expect from Big Sam?
Sam will tell you he plays 4-3-3, but it's more like 4-3-2-1 or 4-5-1.
Adrian will be in goal with Demel and McCartney at full back, Collins and
Tomkins in central defence. Then it's Noble, Nolan and a resugent Matt
Taylor (or Diame – keep your thieving hands off him, by the way) with Matt
Jarvis and Stewart Downing on the wings. Up front Andy Carroll may return
from his ridiculous three match ban, or the resurgent and in form Carlton
Cole will deservedly retain his place.
Finally, give us a prediction for the game.
If I am honest, I can't see us getting more than a point, but you never
know. I'll go for 0-0!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll MUST be in England World Cup squad says Hammers'
James Collins
Feb 28, 2014 22:30 By Declan Taylor
The mirror
West Ham defender James Collins has backed Andy Carroll to change Roy
Hodgson's mind after the big striker's Denmark snub. There was no place for
Carroll in the England squad for next Wednesday's friendly at Wembley after
his lengthy lay-off through injury and, more recently, suspension. But
Collins reckons the Hammers' £15million record signing will come good in
time to persuade Hodgson to hand Carroll a place in his Brazil squad. The
Welshman, who has to try to shackle the big Geordie every day in training
said: "Sessions against him are tough. I played against him when he was 18
at Newcastle and he gave me a hell of a time. "He's got such a presence
about him. Even in the tunnel before the game, you look at him and know
you're in for a tough game - he has that effect on people. "I think he has
to be in that World Cup squad. He is a different option to what they have
got - he's a handful and if he's playing like he did at the end of last
season he would be a massive hit for England."
Carroll was shown a straight red card for elbowing Swansea's Chico Flores in
the Hammers' 2-0 win at Upton Park on February 1. But, after serving his
three-match ban, he is in contention to face Everton at Goodison Park on
Saturday – and kick off his bid for a spot on Hodgson's squad. Collins
added: "It's been tough for Andy. He's still young and it was his first real
injury – then the suspension. But he has been unbelievable and in that gym
every day working hard and had some long old days on his own in the gym."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
