Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes his side will have learned a valuable lesson from last
Saturday's defeat to Watford as they seek to put things right when Everton
visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The West Ham United manager felt his side were not in the 'red zone' at
Vicarage Road and as such the hosts ran out deserved winners after scoring
two goals without reply. Bilic believes his players will now appreciate more
than ever that they cannot take their foot off the pedal for any Premier
League game. "We showed that we can play against so called lesser opposition
like Palace, Newcastle and parts of the games against Sunderland,
Bournemouth and Leicester," Bilic said. "Those teams do the 'dirty work'
better than the big teams so you have to work more against them than you do
against someone like Manchester City. "Manchester City will beat you with
class but someone like Watford are better at the 'dirty work' than them so
you need to match them and that is something we did not do on Saturday. We
were nowhere what is required to win those kind of games. "You are going to
lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart from the first ten minutes,
when Watford approached us with a lot of respect, and we had a lot of the
ball. "But when they smelt that we were not penetrating them enough and a
lot of our movement and passing was backwards then they smelt the
opportunity to come up and go with us. "But we have learnt that lesson now
and I see no reason why we should not come back the way we played before.
Number one thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work
and win second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any
team."
Demonstrating typical honesty, Bilic explained that he had made clear to his
team that he will not accept a drop in effort, particularly with his former
side Everton visiting the Boleyn on Saturday. "It was a collective bad day
against Watford. We beat Chelsea and all last week I spent more time talking
about how we should stay grounded but we definitely we didn't have that five
per cent in the red zone and if you are like that and unlucky then you have
no chance. "So I told the guys this is unacceptable. It happened and let's
at least make sure it does not happen again."
Finally, Bilic offered his support for Andy Carroll, whose mistake allowed
Nathan Ake to set up Odion Ighalo for the Hornets' opener. His fellow
striker Diafra Sakho missed the game with a thigh strain and his manager is
hoping he will be fit to return to the matchday squad for the visit of
Everton. "Andy came back because it was a free kick for it and he took the
wrong decision by taking a risk in that area. It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that. "We missed Sakho up front and he was one of
those players who has that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing
up front, although Andy was very brave. So he was missed and I hope he is
going to be back for Everton."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We are all frustrated with the result against Watford on Saturday but I know
that Slaven and his backroom staff will be working hard with the players
this week to put things right.
It seems that all our defensive errors this season are punished by goals.
I've never know anything like it. That said and done, to have 20 points on
the board after 11 games is still a great start to the season. I have a
theory that if you win big you lose the next game. We won against Arsenal
and were then poor against Leicester. After our 'big win' over Chelsea, the
defeat therefore wasn't such a surprise to me. The other week Newcastle had
a big result beating Norwich 6-2 at home and then lost to Sunderland.
Sunderland then have a big win over Newcastle and then lose to Everton. I am
now hoping that Everton's big win over Sunderland might see them lose
against us next weekend. Having said all that Watford were the better team
and deserved their win, but had Enner's shot gone in, instead of hitting the
post, it might have been a different game. However, we probably didn't
deserve anything from the game and we will all be looking for a better
performance when we return to the Boleyn Ground this weekend.
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke played the full game as Bradford City secured a valuable point
away at Millwall with a 0-0 draw. The point keeps the Bantams 14th with 21
points from 15 games.
Matt Jarvis played the first 45 minutes of Norwich City's narrow 2-1 defeat
away at Manchester City. The winger was replaced by livewire Nathan Redmond
with the score at 0-0. Yaya Toure's 89th minute penalty sealed the victory
for the Citizens after Cameron Jerome's goal cancelled out Nicolas
Otamendi's powerful header.
Diego Poyet's MK Dons slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to high flying Hull City.
Ahmed Elmohamady broke the deadlock after 19 minutes before former Hammer Mo
Diame doubled their tally just before the full time whistle.
Josh Pask's fledgling career continued as Luton Town beat Dagenham &
Redbridge 2-0. A goal either side of the break sealed the win Luton, the
defeat sees the Daggers slip to bottom of League Two.
Jordan Brown played 63 minutes of Chelmsford City's 2-0 defeat away at Bath
City. The young striker was replaced by Hugo Skepelhorn.
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MPs hail West Ham United Foundation
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary in style on
Monday with a special reception in the Houses of Parliament. As the
Foundation gets ready for a major expansion of its work when West Ham moves
to the Club's magnificent new Stadium in Stratford next year, the reception
was attended by MPs, local councillors, and leading figures from the worlds
of football and business, all keen to lend their support. Among the
attendees was the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt.
Hon John Whittingdale. He wished West Ham well in continuing and expanding
the life changing work of the Foundation following the Stadium move. Stephen
Timms, the MP whose East Ham seat includes the Boleyn Ground, acted as host
of the reception, and gave the assembled gathering the benefit of his
first-hand experience of the Foundation's work: "West Ham has long been a
very powerful presence at the heart of our community", he said, "right in
the centre of the Borough of Newham. The Foundation plays a very full role
in partnership with lots of other local organisations in the interests of
the local community. "It is a very wide-ranging programme that the
Foundation has at West Ham, it's an ambitious programme and one which does a
lot of very valuable work in our local area."
Many other prominent Hammers fans in the House of Commons were also in
attendance, including David Amess, Jim Fitzpatrick and Mike Gapes. Also
present were Essex MP, Rebecca Harris, and the Treasurer of the all-party
Parliamentary Football Group, Chris Heaton-Harris. They were joined by West
Ham's Joint-Chairman, David Gold, the Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of
Newham, Lester Hudson, and the Premier League's Chief Executive, Richard
Scudamore, as well as representatives of dozens of charities, schools and
community groups who have received support from the Foundation over recent
years.
The Chief Executive of the Foundation, Joseph Lyons, introduced the
attendees to four young people from the East London and Essex area whose
lives have been transformed as a result of the Foundation's work. "Over the
next decade", he said, "we will work tirelessly to create more of these
stories. "Today, we are outlining our new 10 year strategy which redefines
our vision. We want to be a truly inclusive organisation offering a range of
programmes that provide positive experiences to all."
Mr Lyons set out the Foundation's priorities and goals for the next decade,
including expanding its work across all of Essex, establishing international
programmes, creating pathways to education and work for young people in the
region, and using sport as a motivator for social change. He said that, in
the space of 25 years, the Foundation had provided support and opportunities
to 1.5 million young people and adults, but it planned to reach a further 1
million people in the next 10 years alone. West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady, who has masterminded the expansion of the Foundation's work since
arriving at the Club in 2010, explained to the reception why the West Ham
board believe it is so important to support the Club's local communities.
"When my two Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, and I began our work
at West Ham", she said, "one of our first priorities was to expand the work
the Club had been doing to create better futures for local people. "My
Chairmen both originated from the area and...with their passion for giving
something back to their local community and my determination to use sport to
better the lives of its people, it quickly became something that was
incredibly important to all three of us. "We made sure the Foundation became
the hub to deliver the Club's vision for outreach, benefitting the charities
we feel most passionate about and most importantly giving brighter futures
for the most deprived people in our community. "We now have some remarkable
stories to tell of the lives we've changed and an exciting, ambitious vision
for the future, as we prepare to take up residence in our new home."
The event ended with MPs presenting the Foundation with a special birthday
card signed by all those in attendance. The message inside read:
"Congratulations on 25 years of life-changing community work and long may it
continue in your new home."
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FT- Brighton & HA 1-2 Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
FT: That's the final whistle and the Hammers have secured their away win of
the season. On the balance of play, a deserved three points yet Brighton
rallied in the second half. Reaction to follow.
95: Heart in mouths moment as Brighton have a goal scramble. Howes saves and
even their keeper is up now. Pure carnage at the end.
93: Tom Dallison goes into the book for a rash challenge, it looks like he's
come off the worse. Two minutes to go!
91: Howes boots it upfield and Gordon holds off his marker terrifically.
Moses Makasi is coming on for Djair Parfitt-Williams.
89: Five minutes of time to be added on here!
87: Cullen floats a free-kick in but Gordon is flagged for offside. A
precious few seconds wasted at least.
85: Backs to the wall defending now! They've given everything, only five
minutes to go! Marcus Browne is replaced by Amos Nasha.
81: Goal for Brighton! Jeff Monakana finishes well from a tight angle after
Howes got hands to the initial shot. Nervy ten minutes now!
78: Lovely move inspired by Samuelsen as he dances past half of Brighton and
into the box, Pike to tries to shoot on the volley but can't get enough on
it.
75: Pike, again, wins a header he has no right to, which is indicative of
the Dev Squad's determination this evening. Josh Cullen is booked for a
trip.
71: Tilley tries to beat Pike for pace but he's having none of it as the
right-back pulls off a fantastic sliding challenge. The Seagulls respond by
bringing on Vahid Hambo for Daniel Akindayini.
69: Howes is called into action again, this time rises highest to claim a
high ball. He made it look a lot easier then it was.
66: Superb save from Sam Howes! He does ever so well to get down, quickly to
his left to palm away a near post-flick. Supber work, he clearly wants this
clean sheet!
62: What a goal that would have been! Walton punches a ball clear which
Samuelsen controls first time in his sleep, he lays it to Hendrie who tries
to curl it into the top corner. Walton recovers to pluck it out of the air
in the knick of time.
59: Backs to the wall defending for the Hammers but they deal with the
danger well. The Seagulls are getting frustrated and a few heavy challenges
are flying about. Stephen Hendrie is booked for an over zealous challenge.
57: Idris Kanu is replaced by Jaanai Gordon in a like for like swap. The
younger looked lively on his U21 debut. .
56: Crunching tackle on the youngster Kanu, he's on his haunches, Barclay
will be booked for his troubles.
54: Superb tracking back by Marcus Browne. His development over the past 12
months has really been something to watch. He originally loses the ball but
tracks back 40 odd yards and wins it back with a wonderfully timed
challenge.
52: How did he miss? Akindayini is clean through on goal yet he blazes it
wide of the far post. It had the power but not the accuracy. A let off.
51: Bit of pressure from the hosts as they win a string of corners, yet
Browne clears it away.
49: Jack Harper is replaced by James Tilley.
46: We're back under way here at the Amex. No changes at half time. More of
the same please!
45: GOAL for the Hammers! Josh Cullen rolls the ball home nicely after
Samuelsen's effort was parried into his path. Calm finish, deserved too.
2-0!
44: Of course, just as I say that Jack Harper goes close to equalising. He
tests Sam Howes but the England youth goalkeeper sees it early and makes no
mistakes picking it up.
43: Just a few remaining in this first half. As good a first half
performance as I can remember from Terry Westley's charges.
40: Phenomenal clearing header by Declan Rice, he lept like a salmon to
prevent what looked like a near certain goal. He's not done either as he
bombs forward, setting Kanu down the wing.
38: That's Samuelsen's fourth goal of the season in eight appearances!
34: GOAL for the Hammers! Martin Samuelsen despatches the spot kick home
coolly but is ordered to retake it, this time Walton gets his gloves to it
but it doesn't matter as he slides in the rebound. 1-0 to the Hammers. COYI
34: Penalty to the Hammers, after Marcus Browne is felled by goalkeeper
Christian Walton...
32: The Hammers are called into defending for a change. Page gets his head
to it before Dobson hurls himself at a rebounded shot from the edge of the
box.
29: Lovely close control from Samuelsen gets him out of a tight spot and he
sends Page on his way. He gets to the byline but is scythed down just as
he's about to cross. Booking for the Brighton man.
25: Close! Yet again, Page delievers, Pike aheads across goal and Browne
hooks a shot. It looks destined for the far corner yet falls inches wide.
Even the home crowd are applauding that move!
24: Interesting to see Stephen Hendrie play in central defence tonight, he's
looking assured and marshalling the defence.
22: Rice does well to block Akindayini's shot on the edge of the box. He's a
strong lad for only 16!
19: Samuelsen ghosts into the box, has to check and leaves it to Page to
swing in another dangerous cross. It's good and Parfitt-Williams is about to
pounce but Molumby clears again.
16: Declan Rice picks a ball out of the fog with a superb touch and turn.
It's his positive thinking that sets Alex Pike tearing down the right flank.
He beats Jesse Starkey and drills a cross along the deck, Jayson Molumby
slides to clear the danger.
14: Best opening to a game for the Hammers all season, they're controlling
posession and territory extremely well. It's like watching Barcelona!
12: Page expertly heads a dangerous ball into Howes' path and he collects
with minimum fuss. Down the other end, Cullen, as ever, is chasing and
harrying everything in sight.
10: Another good delivery into the box, this time from the right-hand side
from Pike. Good to see the right-back in action after suffering an injury.
The cross is good but Ben Barclay gets a strong foot to it.
8: George Dobson does well to intercept a pass and he heads it straight to
Idris Kanu, the debutant spins expertly and draws a foul. Superb forward
play there.
6: The hosts are battling their way into the game. Daniel Akindayini looks
like a handful up front already, Charlie Harris looks good in possession.
3: Moments later the visitors are on the attack again, this time Marcus
Browne shoots from the edge of the box. It falls just wide. Positive start!
2: Excellent start for the Hammers as Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelsen and
Lewis Page venture forward and work a dangerous cross into the box. Alex
Pike attacks it at the back post which is scrambled, almost sliced into his
own net by a Brighton defender. The corner is cleared.
1: Here we go! Brighton, in their traditional Blue and White stripes,
kicking left to right, the Hammers are in Claret and Blue and will get us
under way.
6.50pm: We're just 10 minutes away from kick off here at the Amex. The fans
are streaming in and we could be set for a classic. COYI!
6.35pm: Not every day in the world of U21 football do you come across an
ex-Real Madrid player, however that is exactly what we have on our hands
tonight. Scottish striker Jack Harper joined the Seagulls in the summer from
the Galacticos, and after speaking to some of the locals it sounds like big
things are expected of him. One to watch, no doubt.
6.20pm: Tonight's hosts currently prop up the Barclays U21 Premier League
division two table, having said that, however, they secured an impressive
1-1 draw away at West Bromwich Albion last time out who are currently
second.
6pm: Hello and welcome to our live coverage from Amex Stadium in Brighton.
It's a chilly night on the South Coast, let me tell you!
As you can see from the teams below, some interesting talking points. Idris
Kanu makes his debut for the U21s, still only 15 years old!
Further good news is the return of Alex Pike, making his first start of the
season having recovered from injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion U21: Walton, Hunt (c), Starkey, Molumby, Barclay,
Dallison, Ward, Harris, Akindayini, Harper (Tilley 49), Monakana
Subs: Hambo, Doherty, Tighe, Davies
West Ham United U21: Howes, Pike, Page, Dobson, Rice, Hendrie,
Parfitt-Williams (Makasi 90), Cullen (c), Kanu (Gordon 57), Browne (Nasha
85), Samuelsen
Subs: Brown (GK), Akinola
Referee: Richard Hulme
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No red cards? Paul the other one!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
This weekend's home meeting with Everton will be refereed by a relative
newcomer to the Premier League.
Paul Tierney has overseen just two top flight matches so far this season but
has been given the role of officiating this coming Saturday, when Roberto
Martinez's side provide the next opposition at the Boleyn Ground.
Tierney, who at just 35 is one of the league's youngest officials is one of
only four referees NOT to have issued a red card in the Premier League this
season - and his average of 2.5 yellow cards per match is well below the
mean number dished out by card happy officials so far this season.
Meanwhile Martin Atkinson, who has issues the most yellow cards in the
Premier League this term - no less than 46 in his first ten matches - is
scheduled to be fourth official, alongside linesmen D Bryan and A Nunn.
So far this season, only four of West Ham United's 11 Premier League
fixtures have ended with 22 players on the field.
Four Hammers - Adrian (vs Leicester), Carl Jenkinson (vs Bournemouth), Mark
Noble (vs Liverpool) and James Collins (vs Watford) have seen red whilst
three opponents - Jeremain Lens (Sunderland), Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace)
and Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - have also enjoyed an early bath.
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Monday musings: A Hammers horror show
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road
on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford. And it was
a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise
their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League. During
his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his
squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the
Hornets. However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers
having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from
the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn
Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.
That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against
the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool
and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.
Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday
was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed
just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard
to take all three points. Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a
plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an
uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the
previously-reliable James Tomkins. My Under Nines players know better than
to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's
exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus
gifting Watford the opening goal. And just three minutes after the restart,
Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where
Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.
Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig
Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West
Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game. And their misery was
compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six
minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on
Watford's match winner Ighalo. It was the fourth successive West Ham match
in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on
the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this
season. That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this
season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table'
in 2014/15!
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Slav wants Sakho back for Everton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has again acknowledged the difference Diafra Sakho makes to his
West Ham side and wants him back for the match against Everton. However, he
has refused to blame Andy Carroll's mistake which led to the first goal as
the reason why we lost the game declaring: "It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that." Sakho's energy and relentless running has been
regularly mentioned as a key factor in the teams successes this season and
even Palace defender Damien Delaney paid special attention to his
contribution following the in at Selhurst Park.
Bilic said: "We missed Sakho up front. He is one of those players who has
that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing up front, although
Andy was very brave. So he (Sakho) was missed and I hope he is going to be
back for Everton. In the unlikely event of Sakho missing the game it could
well be that Enner Valencia may get the shout as his game appears 'closer'
to that of the the main man. Although the team lacked it's normal urgency
and creative flair against Watford it has to be remembered that we were
missing our best defender and striker. With the two of them back at the
Bolyen at the weekend I am convinced we can get a result against our bogey
team.
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Irons set for Everton double boost
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are hoping that Winston Reid will be back for the game against
Everton with Alex Song set to take his place on the bench for the time this
season. Reid's absence was seriously noticeable on Saturday as the Hammers
were caught flailing at times against a twin strike force which caused them
constant problems. James Tomkins commented that it was unusual to face a
double threat up front as not many clubs play that way these days. It could
have been a whole lot different had we had number one defender Reid at the
back – preferably with the gifted Song in front of him! A club source
revealed this morning that the Kiwi is on the mend and likely to make it for
the match against Everton although Song is an unlikely starter. He said:
"Winston looks as though he will probably make it and with Alex on the bench
possibly coming on as sub we could send out a very strong team."
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Bilic's 'dirty work' call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is still reflecting on the Watford experiene but has sent an
upbeat message to the fans. With Everton at the weekend he declared: "We
have learnt that lesson now and I see no reason why we should not come back
the way we played before. " And he explained to www.whufc.com: "Manchester
City will beat you with class but someone like Watford are better at the
'dirty work' than them so you need to match them and that is something we
did not do on Saturday. We were nowhere what is required to win those kind
of games. "You are going to lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart
from the first ten minutes, when Watford approached us with a lot of
respect, and we had a lot of the ball. "But when they smelt that we were not
penetrating them enough and a lot of our movement and passing was backwards
then they smelt the opportunity to come up and go with us. "But Number one
thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work and win
second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any team."
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No "hidden agendas" at West Ham anymore
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has admitted that Slaven Bilic is binding everything together at
West Ham declaring: "That's his job and despite the weekend result he's
doing it brilliantly." Gold has spoken at length to this site about the new
spirit across the Irons squad and says: "I have run a lot of businesses and
the atmosphere in the work place is created by the top managers. "At a
football club the coach is the pivotal figure, everything hangs around him
and Slaven is sorting out West Ham in his own image. "The first thing we
looked for when he was interviewed was passion and he has it in spades but
he's a down to earth guy who brings real dignity to the club in his general
attitude. It's a totally different situation to ones I have known
previously. There's are no hidden agendas with the manager – he is ready to
share his thoughts with myself and David Sullivan. There have been times
when managers have acted as though they are part of the secret service and
kept stuff to themselves but that's all gone. "West Ham is a great club to
be a part of these days."
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Leroy;s verdict: Here's why it all went wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I'm afraid whichever way I look at it Andy Carroll has to go back to the
bench for the game against Everton even should Diafra Sakho remain
unavailable. It's been said very often already this weekend but it was shown
very clearly that there needs to be a major overhaul in the system for AC to
become No 1 again and I don't see it happening. We have been incredibly
successful before Saturday because Sakho's running pushes the opposition
further and further back and there's no need to pump balls forward . That's
because he creates the space for Payet and Lanzini to run at defenders and
create the sort of chances that have brought so many goals this season. Andy
plays with his back to defenders and they know he won't get in behind them
and thus they can – as Watford did – get hold of midfield and stifle our
creative players.
It was all shown so clearly at Vicarage Road – neither Payet or Lanzini were
at the races and that is the reason why. People have been saying it's
worrying if we have to rely on one player such as Sakho but every team has
one that's essential to the system – Sanchez at Arsenal, Aguero at
Manchester City and so on. It's nothing to worry about – it's just the way
it is. We need him back quickly.
However, should he still be out at the weekend then Slav mus surely go with
Valencia ho has the pace to worry defenders. OK he's not as good technically
as Diafra but he would do more of a job than Andy managed I reckon. Where
all this leaves AC I don't really know and I'm not particularly worried
about that because all that matters to me is the team and the way it
performs.
Slaven has to manage that situation and if using AC as an impact sub is what
he decides then that's that. If it doesn't suit the player and he starts
getting agitated well there we are. Andy will have decisions to make.
There's another possibility and it concerns Antonio. Can he do the type of
job needed when Sak's not around. This weekend isn't the time to find out
but it's a possibility. Slav will have thought of that one before me I'm
sure and it's going to be interesting finding out t some stage
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Jekyll and Hyde …or Victor Moses
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I was watching the new serialisation of Jekyll and Hyde last night (Sun)
when Victor Moses came into my mind. He got off lightly this weekend only
because poor old Andy Carroll and to a lesser extent James Tomkins was
taking all the stick but so far he has done a pretty good impersonation of
Robert Louis Stevenson's fictional character in a West Ham shirt.
jekyllMoses never got a mention in all the criticism following the game yet
that first 45 minutes was a thoroughly awful outing. To be honest I'd been
warned when he signed on loan that the Chelsea midfielder comes with a
health warning having been told he's either brilliant and doing remarkable
things with a football or playing in a manner which has you wondering
whether he'd be better off in another occupation. His control, touch and
shooting abilities had completely deserted him against Watford. How on earth
that appearance could justify the £185k he apparently picking up as part of
the loan deal beggars belief. Rumours inside football for several years have
been that the player is actually five years old than his quoted age and a
look at his photo certainly gives the impression that he is a very mature 24
year old!
Be that as it may, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt along with the
others that Saturday was a bad day at the office for him and everybody else.
But there's one player in the squad who will be watching his form very
closely – a certain Michail Antonio who may just be wondering whether his
chance is just around the corner.
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Collins "indiscipline" dubbed a disgrace
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins' foul which led to his sending off has been dubbed a
disgrace. And ClaretandHugh's Leroy Rosenior – making it clear the lack of
discipline shown by the defender was extremely worrying – added: "West Ham
must never lose their discipline like that – I found it the most worrying
aspect of the afternoon." "Collins has to be annoyed and disappointed with
himself. He has been around a long time and the lunge which saw him sent off
was truly shameful. It was almost a case of assault. Terrible indiscipline
"Some people were saying he was showing passion but I'd say he was showing
his stupidity. You can't behave like that because you are getting a beating
and that is all it was about. "There had been no provocation. He just didn't
seem to be able to handle the fact that we were out of the game. Now he's
unavailable for the next one and if Winston Reid isn't available that could
create a big problem." Leroy added: "I hope it is made very clear to him
that'e let everybody down but chiefly himself. We want none of that at West
Ham. "I was all the more shocked because he has been waiting patiently for a
chance, played well when he got it and then acted like that. Really not
good."
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Jose Mourinho given one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine for behaviour
during West Ham defeat
18:12, 2 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:32, 2 NOV 2015
BY JOHN CROSS , LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Portuguese was sent to the stands during the match last month — and is
now barred from Britannia trip that could be his final game in charge
The Mirror
Jose Mourinho has been hit with a stadium ban as the Football Association
declared war on the Chelsea boss. Boss Mourinho was also fined £40,000 and
will not be allowed to attend the struggling champions' game at Stoke on
Saturday, even though it could decide his fate as manager. It is not the
first time the Portuguese has been given a stadium ban and it was claimed he
sneaked in hidden in a laundry basket after UEFA banned him following a
bust-up during a Champions League game with Barcelona. The punishment this
time was handed out after Mourinho swore at referee Jon Moss during half
time of Chelsea's defeat to West Ham last month. He was then sent to the
stands. Mourinho will be able to give a team talk at the hotel, but won't be
allowed near the stadium or to make contact with his coaching staff during
the game. Chelsea can appeal the ban but said on Monday evening that they
would await the FA's written reasons, which are likely to be given before
the weekend. This punishment is in addition to the suspended stadium ban and
£50,000 fine, which he is currently appealing following his post-match
verbal onslaught on referee Bobby Madley following the defeat by
Southampton. The verdict of that appeal is due on Tuesday.
It is clear the FA, fed up with his string of misdemeanors, are determined
to send a strong message to Mourinho and it will not help his position at
Chelsea with his job hanging by a thread following the club's awful start to
the season. An FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory
Commission hearing today, Jose Mourinho has been given a one-match stadium
suspension with immediate effect and fined £40,000. "The Chelsea manager
admitted an FA charge of misconduct regarding his language and/or behaviour
towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area during
half-time of the game against West Ham United on 24 October 2015. "With
regard to Chelsea coach Silvino Louro, who denied an FA misconduct charge in
relation to the same game, The FA, having considered further representation,
withdrew the formal charge of improper conduct but reminded him of his
responsibilities."
Alan Pardew, Billy Davies and long-time Mourinho lieutenant Rui Faria have
served stadium bans in the past. It was Faria who famously wore a hat that
appeared to be concealing an ear-piece during the Champions League game when
Mourinho was not meant to be in the stadium or in touch with any of his
staff. The news is the latest blow to the Portuguese, who is under-pressure
after Chelsea's nightmare start to the season. The Blues have lost six times
already in the Premier League this season and find themselves languishing in
15th in the table. Saturday's home defeat to Liverpool left Mourinho
fighting for his job, with the Portuguese thought to have two games to save
his future. He will be on the bench for Tuesday's Champions League clash
with Dynamo Kiev but a loss at the Britannia stadium, where he now won't
even be present, could be decisive. Off the pitch, Mourinho is set to be
the subject of an individual legal claim from former club doctor Eva
Carneiro. The claim against him will be on the basis that he was
instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from
first-team duties and effectively demoted. Mourinho was cleared of using
discriminatory language towards her following an investigation by the
Football Association, which caused further controversy after Carneiro
revealed she had not been spoken to personally during the investigation, nor
asked to provide any statement.
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Eight league titles in four different countries – Carlos Tevez is a born
winner
Date: 2nd November 2015 at 1:25 pm
Written by: David Smith | Comments (0)
By Harry Harris
CARLOS Tevez left his mark on English football with Manchester United, City
and West Ham and has now become a winner again back in his home land. The
little non-stop striker has inspired Boca Juniors to the Argentine Primera
Division championship, his eighth league title in four countries, which is
some feat. Tevez re-signed for Boca in June after winning titles in Brazil,
England and Italy with Corinthians, Manchester United, Manchester City and
Juventus, and his never-give-up style has proven to be infectious wherever
he has gone. With United he won two Premier League titles and the Champions
League, there was a third league crown with City, before he helped Juve lift
the 2013 and 2014 Scudetto in Italy. Tevez and Javier Macherano also left
their mark on English football for the wrong reason having been caught up in
the infamous third party ownership fiasco at West Ham. Tevez also helped
Juve to the Champions League final last season and since he returned to his
'home' Boca won 11 of 14 matches after the 31-year-old returned to his
boyhood club. "I've won championships in many places but nothing compares
with this," said Tevez, with his comments on the BBC sports web site this
morning Boca were crowned champions with a match to spare as they beat Tigre
1-0 on Sunday. After Tevez, who has 74 caps for his country, helped Boca
claim the 2003 title, he had a league-winning spell with Corinthians. A
high-profile transfer to England with West Ham followed in the summer of
2006, with all the headlines that followed him with the third party
ownership issue, before he moved on to Manchester United, Manchester City,
and then Serie A side Juventus.
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Heurelho Gomes outlines a Slaven Bilic tactic which helped Watford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Watford won 2-0 against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes explained on the Goals on Sunday show on
Sky Sports 1 on Sunday morning how a certain tactic from West Ham United
manager Slaven Bilic helped them win this weekend. The Hornets got the
better of West Ham 2-0 at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Saturday.
Odion Ighalo's goals in the 39th and the 48th minutes proved to be enough
for Watford to pick up all three points. Gomes, who played for the entire 90
minutes, explained on the Goals on Sunday show on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday
morning how the Hammers playing striker Andy Carroll up front helped
Watford. "We spoke before the game that if Andy Carroll plays, then we need
to set a bit more high because they can play long ball," said the
34-year-old. "I think that helped us as well… I believe that it helped us
when Carroll came to play."
Carroll was at fault for Watford's opening goal of the match. The former
Newcastle United and Liverpool striker sliced a clearance under no pressure
at all, and despite having time to clear with Nathan Ake bearing down, he
tried to turn the Watford man, who stole the ball and crossed to Igahlo.
Over the course of the 90 minutes at Vicarage Road, the England
international took one shot, had a pass accuracy of 58%, created one chance,
and made four clearances and two blocks.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 3
Sunday, November 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st November 2015
Watford 2-0 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United slipped to their first away defeat of the season following a 2-0 defeat away to Watford. Two goals from Odion Ighalo, one either side of half-time helped the Premier League new boys to their second consecutive win. While the Hammers initially started full of verve and confidence, it was the Hornets who set about dictating play. Nathan Ake and Ikechi Anya's pace combined with Ighalo and Troy Deeney's guile and strength proved too much to handle. The first moment of real note came ten minutes into the match as Almen Abdi's corner led to a goalmouth scramble. First Ake, then Deeney fired goalward but the Hammers had Andy Carroll to thank for a fantastic block. The Watford faithful screamed for a penalty yet replays showed the big number nine got his head to it. However, the Hammers were not without chances of their own. Victor Moses, reinstated to the side after missing the Chelsea game, looked dangerous down the right flank, shooting just wide of Heurelho Gomes' far post. Moments later it didn't take long before Dimitri Payet showed his eminent class. He picked the ball up with seemingly little on, a couple of flicks later; he shot goalward which tested Gomes' reflexes. Down the other end the Hammers had Adrian to thank as Ikechi Anya had the beating of Tomkins yet the Spaniard dashed off his line and cleared in the knick of time. With five to go before the break, the hosts made their dominance count in somewhat fortunate circumstances. Carroll dallied on the ball in his own box and was robbed by livewire Ake. He pulled a dangerous cross into the six yard box which was steered in via a combination of Ighalo and Aaron Cresswell.
During the interval, Slaven Bilic knew he had to make changes and utilised a strong looking bench by bringing on Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia in place of Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses. However any shift in momentum was soon dented as Ighalo doubled Watford's advantage following a quick break away. The Hornet's top goalscorer showed his typical composure by finishing well. As the second half progressed, the Hammers grew into game, desperate to try and avoid losing their first away game of the season. A huge lifeline went begging when Valencia anticipated Cathcart's short backpass, yet could only prod his effort onto the post. The onrushing Carroll couldn't capitalise on the rebound and Watford cleared their lines. Bilic's last role of the dice was to go hell for leather by bringing on Nikica Jelavic for Mark Noble and his added presence helped the Hammers look more dangerous without enjoying too many clear cut chances. As frustrations grew, James Collins was sent off after his tackle was deemed reckless, replays seemed to suggest the Welshmen had been hard done by but the Hammers' protestations fell on deaf ears. The hosts used their man advantage to see the game out and could have netted a third save for Carl Jenkinson's clearance off the line.
Watford: Gomes, Nyom, Britos, Deeney ©, Cathcart, Ake, Anya (Paredes 68), Abdi (Behrami 76), Watson, Ighalo (Guedioura 86), Capoue
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Ibarbo, Diamanti
Bookings: Nyom, Ake, Capoue
Goals: Ighalo 34, 48
West Ham United: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Carroll, Jenkinson, Noble © (Jelavic 75), Collins, Moses (Valencia 46), Payet, Lanzini (Zarate 46)
Subs: Randolph, O'Brien, Ogbonna, Antonio
Sent off: Collins 84
Referee: Keith Stroud
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on Saturday's disappointing defeat at Vicarage Road
We never saw Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Watford coming, which is the part of the problem, because the fans and perhaps some of the players went there expecting to win, with the way they have played in recent games and won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Having also beaten Chelsea last week, perhaps some travelled to Watford and thought they only had to turn up to win, and you can't do that in the Premier League.
Watford were up for it and they had just back come off a good away win at Stoke City the weekend before and they thoroughly deserved the win. Apart from the first five minutes, West Ham were just not at their best.
Losing Diafra Sakho to injury changed the dynamic of the team and West Ham had to play slightly differently. Although Andy Carroll wasn't bad up front, Sakho just works so hard, he gets down the channels and he brings Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet, in particular, more into the game.
Andy can't quite do that. He is a different sort of player who relies more on crosses coming into the box. Andy starting shortened the pitch and reduced the space for West Ham to play in and, unless you can get those crosses in, he is not quite so good at bringing other people into the game.
Mistakes have been costly in games before, particularly the home match with Bournemouth, and they were costly again on Saturday.
I don't quite know what Andy was doing for their first goal, and once Watford got in front I think their confidence grew and their tails were up. They appeared a little bit wary of West Ham initially, but once Watford got in front they looked comfortable and could have won by more, really.
Slaven Bilic looked like he was kicking every ball out on the touchline and he looked as frustrated as all the fans were, but he made a couple of selection decisions before the game which I don't feel were quite right.
Mauro Zarate played so well and scored a goal against Chelsea, so to be left out, he must have been very frustrated and he looked as if he was when he came on. He looked as if he was sulking at times and it didn't work out. I know Slaven rates Victor Moses very highly, but Mauro perhaps deserved to stay in the team.
I would have stuck with the defence that started against Chelsea, but Watford were really up for it and Odion Ighalo is a good little player, isn't he?
West Ham have a chance to bounce back against Everton next weekend and let's hope we have a similar game to the FA Cup third-round replay back in January, which was a fair old match!
Everton are a bit up and down and have been inconsistent this season, while West Ham won their last home game against Chelsea, which was important for West Ham to get back to winning ways at home.
Again, West Ham will be expected to win that game, which puts a different pressure on them, but they are capable of winning it. They won't have too many off-days, because they have a quality team.;
It's also Slaven going up against his other old English club, so he'll be wanting to get one over them and I think they can do it.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Tonks unhappy with Halloween horror show
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins admitted West Ham United's Halloween horror show resulted in a deserved defeat at Watford. The Hammers saw their unbeaten away record and seven-match unbeaten run ended by a Hornets side which took advantage of two terrifying mistakes. First, Andy Carroll was robbed by Nathan Ake, who crossed for Odion Ighalo to score seven minutes before half-time, before the Nigerian doubled his side's lead when a cross slipped through Tomkins' legs four minutes after the break. "It's obviously disappointing because of the manner in which we lost, that's the biggest thing," the No5 began. "I think everyone wasn't at the races like we normally are, so that's the most disappointing thing. "We went down to ten men and that gave us no hope, but it was always going to be hard to come back from 2-0 down, who are hard to beat at their place. "The manner of the goals, obviously AC could have done better and I could have cleared the second one. The striker has finished them well, but they could have been stopped and prevented, which was disappointing. "Everyone can probably hold their hands up and say they did not do as well as they could, so that's the massive disappointment."
While most West Ham fans would have expected at least a draw from a trip to the newly-promoted Hornets, Tomkins said the Hammers did not take their hosts lightly. With Troy Deeney leading the line and Ighalo running in behind and harassing Tomkins and James Collins – who was sent-off for a late tackle on the match-winner – all game long, the No5 praised Quique Sanchez Flores' hard-working Hornets.
Everyone can probably hold their hands up and say they did not do as well as they could, so that's the massive disappointment
James Tomkins "It's a hard place to come," he continued. "People say that we were going to one of the lesser teams, with no disrespect to Watford, but this is a hard place to come and give full credit to them because they did well and are a hard team to beat.
"They play with two up front, which can be quite a handful. Not many teams play two up front now, but they were physical and hard to deal with. "We thought maybe we could dominate in midfield with the numbers we had in there, but we didn't seem to do that, so that's another thing. It's hard to put your finger on why, but there were a number of things we didn't do well. "They pressed us in numbers and they have good spirit here, which are good things. We didn't get complacent. We expected a tough game here. "We went in at half-time 1-0 down but thought we could get back in the game, then went 2-0 down and couldn't do it, so it just wasn't to be."
Next up comes the visit of Everton, who Tomkins made his West Ham debut against as a teenager back in March 2008. The Essex-born defender says the Hammers will not lick their wounds, but will instead look to extend their recent good form at home when they host Roberto Martinez's Toffees. "We'll look to put this behind us as quickly as we can. We will reflect on the few positives we can take out of the game – AC got a full 90 minutes and obviously Enner Valencia played and different things like that – and look at what we can improve on. "Everton at home is a massive game for us and hopefully we have turned our home form around, so we look forward to that."
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Bilic - There are no excuses
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic had no excuses for his side's disappointing display against Watford but hopes it is a one-off and wants to see his team get straight back on the winning trail against Everton next weekend. Two goals from Odion Ighalo inflicted the first away defeat on the Hammers this season who failed to hit the standards that have seen them record memorable victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. The day was compounded when James Collins received a red card late in the game and Bilic says the performance was unacceptable. Bilic said: "I am very disappointed with the defeat. It is normal to be beaten but not in this way. "With the greatest respect to them we helped them with our approach and it was more down to attitude. If you start like this they are growing with confidence and you are on the back foot. "I said to the guys it is unacceptable but we have to make sure it is a one-off. We deserved to be beaten. "We can say their goals were down to our own mistakes but they should have scored before and they were simply better than us. They were more hungry and were ready for our mistakes. There are no excuses. "Andy made a mistake and you can't gamble in front of your goal. You cannot take that risk and he should have kicked the ball out to the stands. He opted to dribble and they scored from it.
"We made a couple of changes at half-time and to be fair I wanted to make more but it was too early in the game. Unfortunately we conceded a goal from an error early in the second half. "If we could have scored after that we would have a chance to get a point, but we didn't deserve it and that is why I am very disappointed."
Bilic wants to see an immediate response from his players when they face Everton next Saturday and hopes the players will quickly regain the form they have shown in the opening ten games of the season. Bilic added: "That is what we have to do. Nobody likes to be beaten but not like this. We gave them a hand and they took the opportunity. "We paid the price but let's be sure we can work as hard as them to win a Premier League game."
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Watford 2 West Ham 0
31 October 2015
Last updated at 17:08
By Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport
Watford secured their second win in a row with victory over West Ham as Odion Ighalo continued his goalscoring form. Ighalo turned home the opener after Nathan Ake robbed a dallying Andy Carroll in defence and crossed low. The Nigerian doubled Watford's lead just after the break, firing home from Ikechi Anya's cut-back for his seventh goal of the season. Enner Valencia intercepted Craig Cathcart's poor backpass but hit the post, before James Collins saw red. The centre-back was dismissed for a foul on Ighalo, who was then replaced by Adlene Guedioura. Watford's win, their second at home since promotion from the Championship last term, moves them up to ninth, while West Ham drop to fifth.
If Slaven Bilic had been wondering whether striker Carroll could cut it in defence he need wonder no longer - Watford's opener came from his mistake. The striker sliced a clearance under no pressure at all, but still had time to clear with Ake bearing down. Instead though, he tried to turn the Watford man, who stole the ball and crossed to Igahlo. Bilic will be wondering, too, why his team seem incapable of giving their best in matches they are expected to win. Watford had scored and won just once at home this season, but this Hammers performance was a world away from their victories at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton on Final Score: "I don't know what Andy Carroll was thinking? Just put your foot through it, get rid or put it out for a corner, anything. "It's a dreadful mistake. I think he's tried a Cruyff turn in his own box. Never do that."
Man of the match - Odion Ighalo
Ighalo has now been involved in Watford's last nine Premier League goals, scoring seven and setting up two. His partnership with Troy Deeney up front looks a real strong point for Quique Flores's Hornets, who followed up on their impressive victory at Stoke last weekend with another three points today. If there was an element of slight fortuity about Ighalo's first goal - the cross might have eluded him had Aaron Cresswell not got a touch - his second goal was all power and purpose. Smashed home past Adrian, it sucked the life out of the Hammers right after half-time and capped a deserved win for the home side.
Manager reaction: Watford manager Quique Flores, speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm really pleased, very happy with the result and the performance. "I think we enjoyed the game a lot. The players played with real confidence on the ball, with high pressure, it was an amazing performance. "It's been important to change the mentality when you come in from a lower division, to win gives you the respect of the other teams."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, speaking to BBC Sport: "What happens weeks before and all the statistics is interesting but it doesn't mean a thing once the referee blows his whistle. "From the start we were basically second best. They were better in every football department and totally deserved to beat us. "We didn't have energy. They were quicker, more hungry than us. Today it was just that."
The stats you need to know
Odion Ighalo is now the highest scorer in Watford's Premier League history, overtaking Heidar Helguson and Hameur Bouazza.
This is the first time Watford have scored more than once at home in a Premier League game since April 2007 (4-2 v Portsmouth).
West Ham have received the most red cards in the Premier League this season with four.
This was West Ham's first defeat at Vicarage Road since April 1985, having been unbeaten in 11 games at the ground since then.
The Hammers lost their first away game since the last day of last season (2-0 vs Newcastle).
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Watford 2-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror display of their own as they fell to their first league defeat on the road this season.
Two individual errors - one either side of the half time interval - condemned Slaven Bilic's side to defeat against a Watford side who won at a canter, without having to be at their best.
And the reversal means that West Ham have now picked up just one point from nine against last season's three promoted teams, in complete contrast to their form against the league's better sides.
Watford deservedly took the lead seven minutes ahead of the half time break, although it was an error by Andy Carroll that led to the goal.
Having collected the ball inside his own 18-yard box, the striker bizarrely attempted to perform a Cruyff turn on the byeline but lost possession - and the subsequent cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Aaron Cresswell.
Bilic, no doubt concerned at what he had seen in the opening half rang the changes during the break bringing on Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia for the disappointing Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini.
However they proved to be no more influential than those they replaced, as the home side doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart. This time James Tomkins was guilty of failing to deal with a cross and Ighalo snapped up the chance, finding the top corner with Adrian well beaten.
West Ham barely registered a chance of note during the entire 90 minutes but did manage to hit the woodwork via Enner Valencia midway through the second half. A dreadful back pass was intercepted by the Ecuador international who beat Hornets 'keeper Gomes, but not the woodwork.
Had Valencia converted that chance from nothing, West Ham could have entered the final 20 minutes with renewed vigour. Instead they were to play most of it with only ten men, when James Collins was dismissed in absurd fashion for a strong tackle that warranted a booking, at worst.
The Welsh defender's expulsion summed up West Ham's day and the game petered out with little drama thereafter.
And despite Bilic stressing on Thursday morning that West Ham did not consider a lack of motivation to be an issue following under-par performances against Bournemouth and Norwich previosly, many will see it differently after yet another disappointing performance against a team who were still playing Championship football only six months ago.
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Slaven Bilic: 'We were unacceptable'
Last Updated: 31/10/15 7:43pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says his side were beaten fair and square by Watford as they lost 2-0 at Vicarage Road due to two defensive errors. Slaven Bilic described West Ham's performance as "unacceptable" in their 2-0 defeat at Watford. The Hammers, who were third in the Premier League following last week's win over Chelsea, had beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City on the road this season. But their unbeaten away record was shattered by Watford, who scored goals either side of half-time through Odion Ighalo and dominated the contest throughout. Bilic said: "It was a collective bad day. I told the players it was unacceptable and to make sure it was a one-off. "You are going to lose games in this league but we weren't good today, apart from in the first 10 minutes. "We gave them the win. Watford were full of respect for us - but when they smelt that we weren't penetrating enough, and that our movement and passes were slow and backwards, they smelt the opportunity to go at us. "We learned a lesson, and I see no reason why we won't come back and play like we did before."
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YOU MESS WITH THE BULL, YOU GET THE HORNETS
By Zaman Siddiqui 1 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID
WAT 2 - WHU 0 Carroll
That was a stinging defeat against Watford. It is fair to say this result has taken us all by surprise. We are capable of winning against the champions (amongst others!), but have failed to win against any of the newly promoted sides. From these opening games, it is evident Watford will fair better than Norwich City and Bournemouth. The last win against us in the league came back in 1985 for the Hornets when David Bowie and Mick Jagger's "Dancing in the Street" was top of the charts. Going into this match, we were the second highest goalscorers in the league. Moreover, Flores' side have only scored one goal at Vicarage Road this season. The latter two factoids were the reason why I was confident it would be another away win. It is worth pointing out our last defeat came against Newcastle the previous season.
I hope Bilic truly understands why we West Ham fans don't like seeing Carroll in the starting XI, more so as a lone striker. We tend to prosper with a fast and accurate goalscorer such as Sakho or Valencia. They are the only ones who are capable of playing well week in week out, as they add a bit of urgency with their pace. Playing long balls is not the style of urgency our club should ever grace, as it is the wrong kind of urgency – it reeks of desperation. The best teams are the ones who are capable of building pressure overtime in the final third and persistently taking chances. That was what the Hornets did really well. The big man himself spoke with high praise of the gaffer and the new training plan that has been implemented. Andy has only made 37 appearances since his permanent move in July 2013, so it is important to make more serious changes rather than only appointing a coach to keep a close eye on Carroll's training before a match. The Geordie acknowledged that in his past regime training everyday wasn't "wasn't the best thing to do". I am proud Andy has more faith in Slaven than Big Sam, but at the same time worry that he may not at his top game. However, Carroll said he still prefers the old system ,and I personally agree with him.
Why on earth is Carroll being played for 90 minutes when he usually misses "a day during the week"? Carroll has always been an impact player. He is a player you sub on if you are missing some flair, have fatigued players or to add a new element to the game. There is nothing wrong with our most expensive signing sitting on the bench for the entirety of the first half. Edin Džeko was the second highest goalscorer when Mancini's City won the Premier League, despite eagerly waiting on the bench. There was no reason why Bilic needed to play Carroll yesterday, especially given that Carroll is not fit enough to feature for 90 minutes (as of yet). It goes without saying that the big man feels highly appreciated by the whole team. It is good to see Bilic experimenting, but we needed at least a win against the newly promoted sides. A victory wasn't needed, but you know what I mean!
Bilic talking to Carroll
There won't be too many teams who will fail to defeat at least one of Watford, Norwich and Bournemouth, but we are part of that infamous group. Playing against teams in the bottom half has been a growing concern for us this season. The only reason I can offer for this phenomenon is that we haven't wanted it enough. We managed to get more points against teams in the bottom 10 in that disastrous second half under Sam Allardyce last season than we have with Super Slav. Even if all matches were accounted for in those final 19 games, we would have been relegated under Big Sam. I can't help but blame the gaffer a bit. The Croat isn't fully to blame, but the way we have attacked against these teams has been lacking in quality. The mentality needs to be looked at more carefully if we are to stay in the top 8. There aren't enough dragons to slay for us to stay where we are if we can't win against sides with considerably lower quality. Moreover, I feel that Bilic at times gives more plaudits to opposing managers than teams. I am much the same, but from reading his weekly Evening Standard column, I feel he doesn't give enough credit to lower ranked teams. I mean he had the audacity to play with Carroll up front for the whole match! I feel he should have given Valencia a chance to play at Vicarage Road in the normal style the players are accustomed to. We should only experiment when we are in a strong winning position. Manchester City have done it so often in cup fixtures that it is almost became a basic algorithm for winning.
The moment I saw that scramble in the box with Ighalo's shot deflected off by Carroll was when I envisaged Watford are serious contenders in this match. Going back to why Carroll doesn't work as a lone striker is that he we need someone on our highly effective counter-attacks. Carroll uses his heading prowess defending corners and set-pieces which is why yesterday's system didn't work, and why Watford managed to treble the number of goals they scored in a single match after 10 games! The fact he made an absolute blunder epitomises why having a faster no. 9 works for us. That individual error was absolutely unforgivable.
Many would have included Moses in their Fantasy Football, but it was that other Nigerian who put on a performance. Odion Ighalo scored his second of the afternoon with yet another individual error this time from James Tomkins of all people! Enner Valencia is far more instinctive than Carroll and we definitely saw more from him than Andy seizing on a sloppy back pass from Cathcart to Gomes. His effort hit the post, but Carroll took an atrocious first touch and completely scuffed the chance. I nearly forgot to mention our Spanish starlet Adrián who was our side's MOTM. If it wasn't for him, we would have lost by at least 4-0. Just to put this defeat into further perspective, this is the first time Watford have scored more than once at home in a BPL game since April 2007 (4-2 vs Portsmouth).
There were many missed players today at Watford. Our conversion rate is the highest of all BPL teams. This has to be attributed to Sakho's form. I just hope he is ready for our next fixture against Everton. Likewise, Reid is one of our most important players in defence. Not only that, but he captures that feeling of camaraderie. He helps those in defence and in holding midfield. I remember watching 16 year old Reece Oxford congratulating the team for helping him against Arsenal on the inaugural day. He couldn't have done it on his own, he needed some leadership and guidance which the holding midfielders and Reid have in spades.
James Collins definitely deserved a red card for his disgraceful tackle on Ighalo who had the 32 year old in his pocket. Reid, as a CB, has very good communicational skills which is partly why he has flourished ever since joining us in the Championship. With Reid around, that communicational barrier would have prevented Collins from making such a rash challenge. Finally, I want to extend my good wishes to Quique Sánchez Flores who has managed his side superbly with a possibility for a top 10 finish already with a team that is hard to break down, very well organised, and has a good attacking duo in Deeney and Ighalo.
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West Ham want Manuel Lanzini to sign permanently after impressing on loan spell
22:30, 31 OCT 2015
BY DARREN WITCOOP
The Argentinian winger has scored two goals and made two assists and Hammers bosses are concerned he's caught the eye of their Premier League rivals
The Mirror
West Ham want to land loan star Manuel Lanzini on a permanent basis in January, reports the Sunday People. The Argentine winger's impressive start to life at Upton Park has seen Hammers bosses open talks with UAE side Al Jazira. West Ham fear Lanzini's form has caught the eye of their Premier League rivals. And Slaven Bilic wants the East London club to strike a deal now rather than risk being gazumped at the end of his season-long loan stint. Lanzini, 22, is rated in the £8million bracket by his Middle Eastern club. But West Ham hope to snap up him up for less by pushing through an early deal. There are no plans for West Ham to do any major business in the January window in a bid to kick on and finish in the top four but they will hope to bring in at least one big name next summer ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium. Meanwhile, James Collins is now unlikely to leave West Ham in January after impressing new boss Slaven Bilic with his performances this season. The Wales defender, 32, feared for his future following Angelo Ogbonna's arrival in the summer and having found himself behind Winston Reid and James Tomkins in the pecking order. But his form has led the Hammers to have a rethink and they are now set to keep hold of him until next summer at least.
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Huge Everton choice can change Irons season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
We could be heading for a high watermark of our season next weekend – a choice may have to be made and it could have an enormous effect on our season. It was unfortunate for him that skipper Mark Noble saved one of his poorest outings for a game that could easily precede the return of Alex Song. Reports from the Irons medics in the week suggest he returns to first team squad training tomorrow and the Everton game was firmly penned in as the one on which he returns. He's very unlikely to start but should he appear later on against the Toffees it could mean the start of a descent into the sticky stuff for Noble. For whilst we have all the creativity in the world up front in Payet and Lanzini when things are going wel,l little comes out of the back and those killer passes of which Song is capable look perhaps the final piece of a missing jigsaw. Next Saturday afternoon is going to be fascinating and possibly the start of something very big. It's important that Sakho returns to make the sort of runs which create space for the play makers. He's the key up front just as Song will be at the back if he comes right back to his best holding and creative best. I look on today as a blip. Even the best teams get beat when the small clubs lift their games against big boys! There's a store of good things ahead and the first of them is called Alex Song!
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CandH exclusive: Gold gives Sakho update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho is set to return to action for the game against Everton next weekend. Sakho was a big miss against Watford this afternoon but co chairman David Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – was keen to assure fans the striker was not suffering from a long term problem. He told us: "It's a minor problem he picked up on the training pitch and I'm certain he will be back for the match against Everton. "He's been playing brilliantly and it was a shame he had to miss but we are not a club to take chances on players fitness these days."
Gold was disappointed at the defeat but said: "It was again a case of individual mistakes rather than anything else although we accept that Watford were the better team on the day. "There are always going to be those down matches but it's important the manager and the team have the fans on their side in those circumstances. "I'm going home. I'll have a glass of wine, get over this quickly and move on to Everton next weekend expecting a good win."
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Slav's "we" word tells us all WE need to know
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
How good to hear Slaven Bilic referrring to "we" even though the situation he was addressing concerned last season. His reference to luck may not be right because there's no question we were playing some very good football at times which sadly was sussed out a little too easily later on. But it's the use of the word "we" that's important because it demonstrates he was carrying the Hammers in his heart even as Beskitas manager. And one source close to him – when I asked about that earlier this morning – said: "He's been a Hammer from the day he arrived at the club. When he speaks of the club it's always been we."
In an interview at more or less the same time with Sky Sports, Andy Carroll was explaining that the new manager's tactics changed from game to game. That explains why at times we have perhaps looked a bit disjointed but the players are quickly "getting" the new boss and that's great because with a more fluid and flexible approach, oppositions will find us a much tougher proposition than last year.
Slav doesn't strike me as a guy who is out to score points because he's a Hammers to his backbone – club and team first. Terrific to hear him using the word "we" – Love it! It tells us everything WE need to know about our manager.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United slipped to their first away defeat of the season following a 2-0 defeat away to Watford. Two goals from Odion Ighalo, one either side of half-time helped the Premier League new boys to their second consecutive win. While the Hammers initially started full of verve and confidence, it was the Hornets who set about dictating play. Nathan Ake and Ikechi Anya's pace combined with Ighalo and Troy Deeney's guile and strength proved too much to handle. The first moment of real note came ten minutes into the match as Almen Abdi's corner led to a goalmouth scramble. First Ake, then Deeney fired goalward but the Hammers had Andy Carroll to thank for a fantastic block. The Watford faithful screamed for a penalty yet replays showed the big number nine got his head to it. However, the Hammers were not without chances of their own. Victor Moses, reinstated to the side after missing the Chelsea game, looked dangerous down the right flank, shooting just wide of Heurelho Gomes' far post. Moments later it didn't take long before Dimitri Payet showed his eminent class. He picked the ball up with seemingly little on, a couple of flicks later; he shot goalward which tested Gomes' reflexes. Down the other end the Hammers had Adrian to thank as Ikechi Anya had the beating of Tomkins yet the Spaniard dashed off his line and cleared in the knick of time. With five to go before the break, the hosts made their dominance count in somewhat fortunate circumstances. Carroll dallied on the ball in his own box and was robbed by livewire Ake. He pulled a dangerous cross into the six yard box which was steered in via a combination of Ighalo and Aaron Cresswell.
During the interval, Slaven Bilic knew he had to make changes and utilised a strong looking bench by bringing on Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia in place of Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses. However any shift in momentum was soon dented as Ighalo doubled Watford's advantage following a quick break away. The Hornet's top goalscorer showed his typical composure by finishing well. As the second half progressed, the Hammers grew into game, desperate to try and avoid losing their first away game of the season. A huge lifeline went begging when Valencia anticipated Cathcart's short backpass, yet could only prod his effort onto the post. The onrushing Carroll couldn't capitalise on the rebound and Watford cleared their lines. Bilic's last role of the dice was to go hell for leather by bringing on Nikica Jelavic for Mark Noble and his added presence helped the Hammers look more dangerous without enjoying too many clear cut chances. As frustrations grew, James Collins was sent off after his tackle was deemed reckless, replays seemed to suggest the Welshmen had been hard done by but the Hammers' protestations fell on deaf ears. The hosts used their man advantage to see the game out and could have netted a third save for Carl Jenkinson's clearance off the line.
Watford: Gomes, Nyom, Britos, Deeney ©, Cathcart, Ake, Anya (Paredes 68), Abdi (Behrami 76), Watson, Ighalo (Guedioura 86), Capoue
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Ibarbo, Diamanti
Bookings: Nyom, Ake, Capoue
Goals: Ighalo 34, 48
West Ham United: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Carroll, Jenkinson, Noble © (Jelavic 75), Collins, Moses (Valencia 46), Payet, Lanzini (Zarate 46)
Subs: Randolph, O'Brien, Ogbonna, Antonio
Sent off: Collins 84
Referee: Keith Stroud
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on Saturday's disappointing defeat at Vicarage Road
We never saw Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Watford coming, which is the part of the problem, because the fans and perhaps some of the players went there expecting to win, with the way they have played in recent games and won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Having also beaten Chelsea last week, perhaps some travelled to Watford and thought they only had to turn up to win, and you can't do that in the Premier League.
Watford were up for it and they had just back come off a good away win at Stoke City the weekend before and they thoroughly deserved the win. Apart from the first five minutes, West Ham were just not at their best.
Losing Diafra Sakho to injury changed the dynamic of the team and West Ham had to play slightly differently. Although Andy Carroll wasn't bad up front, Sakho just works so hard, he gets down the channels and he brings Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet, in particular, more into the game.
Andy can't quite do that. He is a different sort of player who relies more on crosses coming into the box. Andy starting shortened the pitch and reduced the space for West Ham to play in and, unless you can get those crosses in, he is not quite so good at bringing other people into the game.
Mistakes have been costly in games before, particularly the home match with Bournemouth, and they were costly again on Saturday.
I don't quite know what Andy was doing for their first goal, and once Watford got in front I think their confidence grew and their tails were up. They appeared a little bit wary of West Ham initially, but once Watford got in front they looked comfortable and could have won by more, really.
Slaven Bilic looked like he was kicking every ball out on the touchline and he looked as frustrated as all the fans were, but he made a couple of selection decisions before the game which I don't feel were quite right.
Mauro Zarate played so well and scored a goal against Chelsea, so to be left out, he must have been very frustrated and he looked as if he was when he came on. He looked as if he was sulking at times and it didn't work out. I know Slaven rates Victor Moses very highly, but Mauro perhaps deserved to stay in the team.
I would have stuck with the defence that started against Chelsea, but Watford were really up for it and Odion Ighalo is a good little player, isn't he?
West Ham have a chance to bounce back against Everton next weekend and let's hope we have a similar game to the FA Cup third-round replay back in January, which was a fair old match!
Everton are a bit up and down and have been inconsistent this season, while West Ham won their last home game against Chelsea, which was important for West Ham to get back to winning ways at home.
Again, West Ham will be expected to win that game, which puts a different pressure on them, but they are capable of winning it. They won't have too many off-days, because they have a quality team.;
It's also Slaven going up against his other old English club, so he'll be wanting to get one over them and I think they can do it.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Tonks unhappy with Halloween horror show
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins admitted West Ham United's Halloween horror show resulted in a deserved defeat at Watford. The Hammers saw their unbeaten away record and seven-match unbeaten run ended by a Hornets side which took advantage of two terrifying mistakes. First, Andy Carroll was robbed by Nathan Ake, who crossed for Odion Ighalo to score seven minutes before half-time, before the Nigerian doubled his side's lead when a cross slipped through Tomkins' legs four minutes after the break. "It's obviously disappointing because of the manner in which we lost, that's the biggest thing," the No5 began. "I think everyone wasn't at the races like we normally are, so that's the most disappointing thing. "We went down to ten men and that gave us no hope, but it was always going to be hard to come back from 2-0 down, who are hard to beat at their place. "The manner of the goals, obviously AC could have done better and I could have cleared the second one. The striker has finished them well, but they could have been stopped and prevented, which was disappointing. "Everyone can probably hold their hands up and say they did not do as well as they could, so that's the massive disappointment."
While most West Ham fans would have expected at least a draw from a trip to the newly-promoted Hornets, Tomkins said the Hammers did not take their hosts lightly. With Troy Deeney leading the line and Ighalo running in behind and harassing Tomkins and James Collins – who was sent-off for a late tackle on the match-winner – all game long, the No5 praised Quique Sanchez Flores' hard-working Hornets.
Everyone can probably hold their hands up and say they did not do as well as they could, so that's the massive disappointment
James Tomkins "It's a hard place to come," he continued. "People say that we were going to one of the lesser teams, with no disrespect to Watford, but this is a hard place to come and give full credit to them because they did well and are a hard team to beat.
"They play with two up front, which can be quite a handful. Not many teams play two up front now, but they were physical and hard to deal with. "We thought maybe we could dominate in midfield with the numbers we had in there, but we didn't seem to do that, so that's another thing. It's hard to put your finger on why, but there were a number of things we didn't do well. "They pressed us in numbers and they have good spirit here, which are good things. We didn't get complacent. We expected a tough game here. "We went in at half-time 1-0 down but thought we could get back in the game, then went 2-0 down and couldn't do it, so it just wasn't to be."
Next up comes the visit of Everton, who Tomkins made his West Ham debut against as a teenager back in March 2008. The Essex-born defender says the Hammers will not lick their wounds, but will instead look to extend their recent good form at home when they host Roberto Martinez's Toffees. "We'll look to put this behind us as quickly as we can. We will reflect on the few positives we can take out of the game – AC got a full 90 minutes and obviously Enner Valencia played and different things like that – and look at what we can improve on. "Everton at home is a massive game for us and hopefully we have turned our home form around, so we look forward to that."
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Bilic - There are no excuses
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic had no excuses for his side's disappointing display against Watford but hopes it is a one-off and wants to see his team get straight back on the winning trail against Everton next weekend. Two goals from Odion Ighalo inflicted the first away defeat on the Hammers this season who failed to hit the standards that have seen them record memorable victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. The day was compounded when James Collins received a red card late in the game and Bilic says the performance was unacceptable. Bilic said: "I am very disappointed with the defeat. It is normal to be beaten but not in this way. "With the greatest respect to them we helped them with our approach and it was more down to attitude. If you start like this they are growing with confidence and you are on the back foot. "I said to the guys it is unacceptable but we have to make sure it is a one-off. We deserved to be beaten. "We can say their goals were down to our own mistakes but they should have scored before and they were simply better than us. They were more hungry and were ready for our mistakes. There are no excuses. "Andy made a mistake and you can't gamble in front of your goal. You cannot take that risk and he should have kicked the ball out to the stands. He opted to dribble and they scored from it.
"We made a couple of changes at half-time and to be fair I wanted to make more but it was too early in the game. Unfortunately we conceded a goal from an error early in the second half. "If we could have scored after that we would have a chance to get a point, but we didn't deserve it and that is why I am very disappointed."
Bilic wants to see an immediate response from his players when they face Everton next Saturday and hopes the players will quickly regain the form they have shown in the opening ten games of the season. Bilic added: "That is what we have to do. Nobody likes to be beaten but not like this. We gave them a hand and they took the opportunity. "We paid the price but let's be sure we can work as hard as them to win a Premier League game."
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Watford 2 West Ham 0
31 October 2015
Last updated at 17:08
By Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport
Watford secured their second win in a row with victory over West Ham as Odion Ighalo continued his goalscoring form. Ighalo turned home the opener after Nathan Ake robbed a dallying Andy Carroll in defence and crossed low. The Nigerian doubled Watford's lead just after the break, firing home from Ikechi Anya's cut-back for his seventh goal of the season. Enner Valencia intercepted Craig Cathcart's poor backpass but hit the post, before James Collins saw red. The centre-back was dismissed for a foul on Ighalo, who was then replaced by Adlene Guedioura. Watford's win, their second at home since promotion from the Championship last term, moves them up to ninth, while West Ham drop to fifth.
If Slaven Bilic had been wondering whether striker Carroll could cut it in defence he need wonder no longer - Watford's opener came from his mistake. The striker sliced a clearance under no pressure at all, but still had time to clear with Ake bearing down. Instead though, he tried to turn the Watford man, who stole the ball and crossed to Igahlo. Bilic will be wondering, too, why his team seem incapable of giving their best in matches they are expected to win. Watford had scored and won just once at home this season, but this Hammers performance was a world away from their victories at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton on Final Score: "I don't know what Andy Carroll was thinking? Just put your foot through it, get rid or put it out for a corner, anything. "It's a dreadful mistake. I think he's tried a Cruyff turn in his own box. Never do that."
Man of the match - Odion Ighalo
Ighalo has now been involved in Watford's last nine Premier League goals, scoring seven and setting up two. His partnership with Troy Deeney up front looks a real strong point for Quique Flores's Hornets, who followed up on their impressive victory at Stoke last weekend with another three points today. If there was an element of slight fortuity about Ighalo's first goal - the cross might have eluded him had Aaron Cresswell not got a touch - his second goal was all power and purpose. Smashed home past Adrian, it sucked the life out of the Hammers right after half-time and capped a deserved win for the home side.
Manager reaction: Watford manager Quique Flores, speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm really pleased, very happy with the result and the performance. "I think we enjoyed the game a lot. The players played with real confidence on the ball, with high pressure, it was an amazing performance. "It's been important to change the mentality when you come in from a lower division, to win gives you the respect of the other teams."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, speaking to BBC Sport: "What happens weeks before and all the statistics is interesting but it doesn't mean a thing once the referee blows his whistle. "From the start we were basically second best. They were better in every football department and totally deserved to beat us. "We didn't have energy. They were quicker, more hungry than us. Today it was just that."
The stats you need to know
Odion Ighalo is now the highest scorer in Watford's Premier League history, overtaking Heidar Helguson and Hameur Bouazza.
This is the first time Watford have scored more than once at home in a Premier League game since April 2007 (4-2 v Portsmouth).
West Ham have received the most red cards in the Premier League this season with four.
This was West Ham's first defeat at Vicarage Road since April 1985, having been unbeaten in 11 games at the ground since then.
The Hammers lost their first away game since the last day of last season (2-0 vs Newcastle).
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Watford 2-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror display of their own as they fell to their first league defeat on the road this season.
Two individual errors - one either side of the half time interval - condemned Slaven Bilic's side to defeat against a Watford side who won at a canter, without having to be at their best.
And the reversal means that West Ham have now picked up just one point from nine against last season's three promoted teams, in complete contrast to their form against the league's better sides.
Watford deservedly took the lead seven minutes ahead of the half time break, although it was an error by Andy Carroll that led to the goal.
Having collected the ball inside his own 18-yard box, the striker bizarrely attempted to perform a Cruyff turn on the byeline but lost possession - and the subsequent cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Aaron Cresswell.
Bilic, no doubt concerned at what he had seen in the opening half rang the changes during the break bringing on Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia for the disappointing Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini.
However they proved to be no more influential than those they replaced, as the home side doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart. This time James Tomkins was guilty of failing to deal with a cross and Ighalo snapped up the chance, finding the top corner with Adrian well beaten.
West Ham barely registered a chance of note during the entire 90 minutes but did manage to hit the woodwork via Enner Valencia midway through the second half. A dreadful back pass was intercepted by the Ecuador international who beat Hornets 'keeper Gomes, but not the woodwork.
Had Valencia converted that chance from nothing, West Ham could have entered the final 20 minutes with renewed vigour. Instead they were to play most of it with only ten men, when James Collins was dismissed in absurd fashion for a strong tackle that warranted a booking, at worst.
The Welsh defender's expulsion summed up West Ham's day and the game petered out with little drama thereafter.
And despite Bilic stressing on Thursday morning that West Ham did not consider a lack of motivation to be an issue following under-par performances against Bournemouth and Norwich previosly, many will see it differently after yet another disappointing performance against a team who were still playing Championship football only six months ago.
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Slaven Bilic: 'We were unacceptable'
Last Updated: 31/10/15 7:43pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says his side were beaten fair and square by Watford as they lost 2-0 at Vicarage Road due to two defensive errors. Slaven Bilic described West Ham's performance as "unacceptable" in their 2-0 defeat at Watford. The Hammers, who were third in the Premier League following last week's win over Chelsea, had beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City on the road this season. But their unbeaten away record was shattered by Watford, who scored goals either side of half-time through Odion Ighalo and dominated the contest throughout. Bilic said: "It was a collective bad day. I told the players it was unacceptable and to make sure it was a one-off. "You are going to lose games in this league but we weren't good today, apart from in the first 10 minutes. "We gave them the win. Watford were full of respect for us - but when they smelt that we weren't penetrating enough, and that our movement and passes were slow and backwards, they smelt the opportunity to go at us. "We learned a lesson, and I see no reason why we won't come back and play like we did before."
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YOU MESS WITH THE BULL, YOU GET THE HORNETS
By Zaman Siddiqui 1 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID
WAT 2 - WHU 0 Carroll
That was a stinging defeat against Watford. It is fair to say this result has taken us all by surprise. We are capable of winning against the champions (amongst others!), but have failed to win against any of the newly promoted sides. From these opening games, it is evident Watford will fair better than Norwich City and Bournemouth. The last win against us in the league came back in 1985 for the Hornets when David Bowie and Mick Jagger's "Dancing in the Street" was top of the charts. Going into this match, we were the second highest goalscorers in the league. Moreover, Flores' side have only scored one goal at Vicarage Road this season. The latter two factoids were the reason why I was confident it would be another away win. It is worth pointing out our last defeat came against Newcastle the previous season.
I hope Bilic truly understands why we West Ham fans don't like seeing Carroll in the starting XI, more so as a lone striker. We tend to prosper with a fast and accurate goalscorer such as Sakho or Valencia. They are the only ones who are capable of playing well week in week out, as they add a bit of urgency with their pace. Playing long balls is not the style of urgency our club should ever grace, as it is the wrong kind of urgency – it reeks of desperation. The best teams are the ones who are capable of building pressure overtime in the final third and persistently taking chances. That was what the Hornets did really well. The big man himself spoke with high praise of the gaffer and the new training plan that has been implemented. Andy has only made 37 appearances since his permanent move in July 2013, so it is important to make more serious changes rather than only appointing a coach to keep a close eye on Carroll's training before a match. The Geordie acknowledged that in his past regime training everyday wasn't "wasn't the best thing to do". I am proud Andy has more faith in Slaven than Big Sam, but at the same time worry that he may not at his top game. However, Carroll said he still prefers the old system ,and I personally agree with him.
Why on earth is Carroll being played for 90 minutes when he usually misses "a day during the week"? Carroll has always been an impact player. He is a player you sub on if you are missing some flair, have fatigued players or to add a new element to the game. There is nothing wrong with our most expensive signing sitting on the bench for the entirety of the first half. Edin Džeko was the second highest goalscorer when Mancini's City won the Premier League, despite eagerly waiting on the bench. There was no reason why Bilic needed to play Carroll yesterday, especially given that Carroll is not fit enough to feature for 90 minutes (as of yet). It goes without saying that the big man feels highly appreciated by the whole team. It is good to see Bilic experimenting, but we needed at least a win against the newly promoted sides. A victory wasn't needed, but you know what I mean!
Bilic talking to Carroll
There won't be too many teams who will fail to defeat at least one of Watford, Norwich and Bournemouth, but we are part of that infamous group. Playing against teams in the bottom half has been a growing concern for us this season. The only reason I can offer for this phenomenon is that we haven't wanted it enough. We managed to get more points against teams in the bottom 10 in that disastrous second half under Sam Allardyce last season than we have with Super Slav. Even if all matches were accounted for in those final 19 games, we would have been relegated under Big Sam. I can't help but blame the gaffer a bit. The Croat isn't fully to blame, but the way we have attacked against these teams has been lacking in quality. The mentality needs to be looked at more carefully if we are to stay in the top 8. There aren't enough dragons to slay for us to stay where we are if we can't win against sides with considerably lower quality. Moreover, I feel that Bilic at times gives more plaudits to opposing managers than teams. I am much the same, but from reading his weekly Evening Standard column, I feel he doesn't give enough credit to lower ranked teams. I mean he had the audacity to play with Carroll up front for the whole match! I feel he should have given Valencia a chance to play at Vicarage Road in the normal style the players are accustomed to. We should only experiment when we are in a strong winning position. Manchester City have done it so often in cup fixtures that it is almost became a basic algorithm for winning.
The moment I saw that scramble in the box with Ighalo's shot deflected off by Carroll was when I envisaged Watford are serious contenders in this match. Going back to why Carroll doesn't work as a lone striker is that he we need someone on our highly effective counter-attacks. Carroll uses his heading prowess defending corners and set-pieces which is why yesterday's system didn't work, and why Watford managed to treble the number of goals they scored in a single match after 10 games! The fact he made an absolute blunder epitomises why having a faster no. 9 works for us. That individual error was absolutely unforgivable.
Many would have included Moses in their Fantasy Football, but it was that other Nigerian who put on a performance. Odion Ighalo scored his second of the afternoon with yet another individual error this time from James Tomkins of all people! Enner Valencia is far more instinctive than Carroll and we definitely saw more from him than Andy seizing on a sloppy back pass from Cathcart to Gomes. His effort hit the post, but Carroll took an atrocious first touch and completely scuffed the chance. I nearly forgot to mention our Spanish starlet Adrián who was our side's MOTM. If it wasn't for him, we would have lost by at least 4-0. Just to put this defeat into further perspective, this is the first time Watford have scored more than once at home in a BPL game since April 2007 (4-2 vs Portsmouth).
There were many missed players today at Watford. Our conversion rate is the highest of all BPL teams. This has to be attributed to Sakho's form. I just hope he is ready for our next fixture against Everton. Likewise, Reid is one of our most important players in defence. Not only that, but he captures that feeling of camaraderie. He helps those in defence and in holding midfield. I remember watching 16 year old Reece Oxford congratulating the team for helping him against Arsenal on the inaugural day. He couldn't have done it on his own, he needed some leadership and guidance which the holding midfielders and Reid have in spades.
James Collins definitely deserved a red card for his disgraceful tackle on Ighalo who had the 32 year old in his pocket. Reid, as a CB, has very good communicational skills which is partly why he has flourished ever since joining us in the Championship. With Reid around, that communicational barrier would have prevented Collins from making such a rash challenge. Finally, I want to extend my good wishes to Quique Sánchez Flores who has managed his side superbly with a possibility for a top 10 finish already with a team that is hard to break down, very well organised, and has a good attacking duo in Deeney and Ighalo.
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West Ham want Manuel Lanzini to sign permanently after impressing on loan spell
22:30, 31 OCT 2015
BY DARREN WITCOOP
The Argentinian winger has scored two goals and made two assists and Hammers bosses are concerned he's caught the eye of their Premier League rivals
The Mirror
West Ham want to land loan star Manuel Lanzini on a permanent basis in January, reports the Sunday People. The Argentine winger's impressive start to life at Upton Park has seen Hammers bosses open talks with UAE side Al Jazira. West Ham fear Lanzini's form has caught the eye of their Premier League rivals. And Slaven Bilic wants the East London club to strike a deal now rather than risk being gazumped at the end of his season-long loan stint. Lanzini, 22, is rated in the £8million bracket by his Middle Eastern club. But West Ham hope to snap up him up for less by pushing through an early deal. There are no plans for West Ham to do any major business in the January window in a bid to kick on and finish in the top four but they will hope to bring in at least one big name next summer ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium. Meanwhile, James Collins is now unlikely to leave West Ham in January after impressing new boss Slaven Bilic with his performances this season. The Wales defender, 32, feared for his future following Angelo Ogbonna's arrival in the summer and having found himself behind Winston Reid and James Tomkins in the pecking order. But his form has led the Hammers to have a rethink and they are now set to keep hold of him until next summer at least.
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Huge Everton choice can change Irons season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
We could be heading for a high watermark of our season next weekend – a choice may have to be made and it could have an enormous effect on our season. It was unfortunate for him that skipper Mark Noble saved one of his poorest outings for a game that could easily precede the return of Alex Song. Reports from the Irons medics in the week suggest he returns to first team squad training tomorrow and the Everton game was firmly penned in as the one on which he returns. He's very unlikely to start but should he appear later on against the Toffees it could mean the start of a descent into the sticky stuff for Noble. For whilst we have all the creativity in the world up front in Payet and Lanzini when things are going wel,l little comes out of the back and those killer passes of which Song is capable look perhaps the final piece of a missing jigsaw. Next Saturday afternoon is going to be fascinating and possibly the start of something very big. It's important that Sakho returns to make the sort of runs which create space for the play makers. He's the key up front just as Song will be at the back if he comes right back to his best holding and creative best. I look on today as a blip. Even the best teams get beat when the small clubs lift their games against big boys! There's a store of good things ahead and the first of them is called Alex Song!
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CandH exclusive: Gold gives Sakho update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho is set to return to action for the game against Everton next weekend. Sakho was a big miss against Watford this afternoon but co chairman David Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – was keen to assure fans the striker was not suffering from a long term problem. He told us: "It's a minor problem he picked up on the training pitch and I'm certain he will be back for the match against Everton. "He's been playing brilliantly and it was a shame he had to miss but we are not a club to take chances on players fitness these days."
Gold was disappointed at the defeat but said: "It was again a case of individual mistakes rather than anything else although we accept that Watford were the better team on the day. "There are always going to be those down matches but it's important the manager and the team have the fans on their side in those circumstances. "I'm going home. I'll have a glass of wine, get over this quickly and move on to Everton next weekend expecting a good win."
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Slav's "we" word tells us all WE need to know
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
How good to hear Slaven Bilic referrring to "we" even though the situation he was addressing concerned last season. His reference to luck may not be right because there's no question we were playing some very good football at times which sadly was sussed out a little too easily later on. But it's the use of the word "we" that's important because it demonstrates he was carrying the Hammers in his heart even as Beskitas manager. And one source close to him – when I asked about that earlier this morning – said: "He's been a Hammer from the day he arrived at the club. When he speaks of the club it's always been we."
In an interview at more or less the same time with Sky Sports, Andy Carroll was explaining that the new manager's tactics changed from game to game. That explains why at times we have perhaps looked a bit disjointed but the players are quickly "getting" the new boss and that's great because with a more fluid and flexible approach, oppositions will find us a much tougher proposition than last year.
Slav doesn't strike me as a guy who is out to score points because he's a Hammers to his backbone – club and team first. Terrific to hear him using the word "we" – Love it! It tells us everything WE need to know about our manager.
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Saturday, October 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st October 2015
Preview - Watford
WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United travel to Watford on Saturday as they look to continue their seven-match unbeaten run.
The fine form enjoyed by Slaven Bilic's men has seen them rise up to third in the Barclays Premier League table – and if results go the Hammers' way on Saturday they could sit top by 5pm.
West Ham are also defending an unbeaten record on the road, which has seen them win four and draw one of their five away games to date.
Watford are back in the Premier League following their promotion last term and have enjoyed a decent start to life in the top flight again, with 13 points from their opening ten games.
Victory at Stoke City last weekend was their third from the last six matches, with Swansea City and Newcastle United also being stung by the Hornets.
The history
West Ham United enjoy an outstanding record against Watford, having won 40 of the previous 69 meetings.
The Hornets have only defeated West Ham on 17 occasions, with 12 draws being played out by the Clubs.
Of the last 22 league meetings, Watford have only won once, with West Ham taking the spoils 17 times.
The last trip to Vicarage Road was a successful one for the Hammers, as goals from Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole secured a 4-0 victory in the 2011/12 promotion season.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic has plenty of options in defence, with all four senior centre halves fit and available for selection after Winston Reid returned to training this week.
Victor Moses is also available again after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea last weekend, while Alex Song continues to close in on a comeback from his ankle injury.
Watford
Midfielder Juan Manuel Jurado could return for the Hornets after resuming training this week following a hamstring problem.
However, Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban are out with knee and groin injuries respectively.
Match facts
Saturday's referee is Keith Stroud. He will be assisted by Stephen Child and Derek Eaton, while the fourth official is Craig Pawson.
West Ham are currently enjoying their best start to a top flight season since 1975/76, when they won six and drew three of their opening ten league matches.
No West Ham United player has been involved in more goals in their first ten Premier League appearancess for the club than Dmitri Payet - five goals, three assists
West Ham United are unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Vicarage Road - 8 wins and 3 draws - last suffering a league defeat away to Watford in April 1985
West Ham United are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches - one short of their record of eight achieved in December 2000 and May 1995
West Ham United's last visit to Watford ended in a 4-0 Championship victory on 16 August 2011 - the Hammers' biggest league win at Vicarage Road
Watford pair Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti played alongside one another for West Ham United in the 2009/10 season
Among those to play for both clubs are Manuel Almunia, Jobi McAnuff, Carl Fletcher, Calum Davenport and David James
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this fixture have SOLD OUT.
Watford Junction station is around a 15 minute journey from London Euston, and is approximately 20 minutes walk to the ground. Watford High Street station, on the London Overground network, is closer to the stadium. Click here for train information.
Sunny intervals are predicted for kick-off tomorrow, with temperature reaching 14C (57F).
If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay up to date on our digital channels, which will be bringing you the action at it happens from Vicarage Road. Visit the whufc.com match centre for live audio commentary, in-running stats, pictures and more, while you can join the conversation on social using the hashtag #WATWHU.
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Tactically speaking - Watford
WHUFC.com
Watford have been exactly what any newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side would aspire to be – solid, hard-working and difficult to beat.
In ten Premier League matches since securing promotion as Championship runners-up – new manager Quique Sanchez Flores' first league matches in charge of the Hornets, to boot – Watford have conceded just ten goals and lost just three times.
With 13 points in the bank already, the club which boasts Elton John as honorary life president is already a third of the way down the yellow brick road to safety.
Watford's new rocket man is undoubtedly manager Flores, who has arrived in Hertfordshire with an outstanding pedigree, having won the UEFA Europa League with Atletico Madrid and the Portuguese title with Benfica.
The 50-year-old former Spain international and godson of Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano has instilled a calm confidence that should have been difficult to establish in a club which has a large and cosmopolitan squad of players, many of whom have been with the club for only a short period.
Tactically, Sanchez Flores has set his Watford side up to be compact and resolute, playing with a conservative 4-4-1-1 formation anchored by two deep-lying midfielders.
Up front, Troy Deeney has reverted from Championship goal machine to a more defensively-minded deep striker, who drops into midfield when Watford do not have possession. Deeney and strike partner Odion Ighalo work hard to stop their opponents playing out from the back and into midfield, either pressing their defenders or screening their own central midfielders to close down passing lanes.
Watford's secret weapon this term has been Nigeria striker Ighalo, who has scored five times in ten appearances in the league, using his pace and elusiveness to get in behind and finish.
In midfield, Watford possess pace in the wide areas in Swiss left winger Almen Abdi and Scotland flyer Ikechi Anya, who belts up and down the right flank with great speed and directness. When they are not running at their full-backs, both may also look to lift balls over the top for Ighalo to latch onto.
Ighalo's partnership with Deeney will often see him and his wingers racing onto flick-ons from the big centre forward, or being brought into play if Deeney could hold the ball up himself.
At the back, Watford do not knock the ball around quite as much as some of their more-established Premier League rivals, instead getting it forward quickly towards Deeney.
If they do clear long, it will most likely come from the left foot of Uruguayan Miguel Britos, who will most likely be partnered by former Blackpool man Craig Cathcart – part of the Tangerines squad for the 2012 Championship Play-Off final defeat by the Hammers.
In goal, Brazilian Heurelho Gomes loves to come for high balls and launch his team on the attack as quickly as possible. Gomes' long throws out from his own penalty area will be a regular sight at Vicarage Road, that's for sure.
Possible team: Gomes, Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Ake, Capoue, Watson, Abdi, Anya, Deeney, Ighalo
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Adrian confident ahead of Watford test
WHUFC.com
Adrian is backing West Ham United to continue their fine run of form when they travel to Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are seven games unbeaten and currently sit third in the Barclays Premier League table after toppling the champions Chelsea last week. Adrian says his team are there on merit and are determined to show that at Vicarage Road. He explained: "We had a great result against a big team last week - the champions of last season - and we have some good momentum. "We deserve the position we are in the table because we are playing well. We are feeling strong on the pitch and we need to keep going like this. "I think the West Ham fans deserved a win like we had against Chelsea, because we have shown great performances away from home, but at Upton Park we hadn't matched that. "So it was great to beat Chelsea like that, for the fans, for the Club and for us. It was really important in a London derby to stay at the top of the table."
West Ham's away form has been outstanding and Adrian says that bodes well for the trip to Watford, where he will come up against another Spaniard in the form of Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores. He added: "Away from home we have had great results, four victories and one draw so we want to continue on that line at Watford. We need to show the same performance and stay strong from the start, because there are a new team in the Premier League playing at home. "I don't know the manager personally, but I know him from when I was in La Liga. He is a good manager, who likes to play. They are a strong team, who are organised in defence and play well on the counter attack. "It will be a tough game for us also, but we are in a good moment and want to get the three points. "We want to get this victory, a third in the London derbies, so we need to show the same performance and we have a good chance to get another result away from home."
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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Last weekend's victory against Chelsea was incredible and it will linger in my mind for years to come. Not just the victory but the way the whole event panned out. It had everything. It had controversy and two close calls for Chelsea goals that could have gone either way.
And of course our much discussed centre forward Andy Carroll scored the winner. What we know about Andy that many people don't know is that he has been working hard to get back in the team. He got his chance and how much more Roy of the Rovers could it have been than him coming on and winning the game in the way he did with just ten minutes left. So when I say it had everything, it did, with the winning goal from our record signing to prove he is still a top, top striker.
Whilst I was thrilled to win at Palace, which is not an easy place to go as they were fourth at the time, for me, to win at home against the Premier League champions is just so satisfying. To endorse that I think the fact we had 30,000 fans staying on to applaud the team at the end of the game spoke volumes.
It was one of the best atmospheres we've had at home for a long time and I'd like to pay tribute to our supporters for the role they played in the win.
It's great to see such big smiles on the faces of Hammers fans again. Something we have to remember is that their football club was in serious trouble six or seven years ago.
We managed to stay up that first season but then got relegated and spent a year in the Championship and fans were beginning to think it was the same old West Ham.
Arguably they've been through hell and back but they've been rewarded for their diligence, determination, loyalty and their faith in their football team. At last we've put together a squad of players, it's taken two-three years to do, and it's culminated with Slaven coming to the club and it's all come together.
We now go to Watford on Saturday and although a lot of people are expecting us to win, I don't think we have to concern ourselves about motivation. I can promise you that Slaven will ensure that they are motived because the fans are right behind them, they are third in the table and they are outplaying some very good sides.
We've got players coming back like Alex Song, but with the squad we've got now there are no guaranteed starting places for anyone.
It's a cliché but there are no easy games in the Premier League. There are less difficult games and you'd rather be going to Watford than Man City. But the difference this season to previous years is we go there believing we can win the game. If you go back over the last six years when did fans last go to away games expecting to win? We would win two or three games a season and this year we've already won four.
We're going to Watford, we're third in the table and we've got players coming back. We're stronger today than we were five games ago. Our confidence is high and our optimism is high and that's everybody at the club from the players to the management team. It's great to see the camaraderie with Slaven hugging the players and his staff. It shows his passion that arguably has been lacking.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing the picture doing the rounds on social media this week of us all celebrating Andy Carroll's winner wildly in the Directors' Box.
I think the picture demonstrates the whole tension of the day. As Andy rose to score with a brilliant header time almost moved in slow motion. That was the winning goal and we knew it. Forgive me but I got a little carried away!
Let's hope there are more scenes like that over the coming weeks.
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Ludo's delight for old pal
WHUFC.com
One West Ham United legend has been watching Slaven Bilic's encouraging start as Hammers manager with considerable interest and pride.
Ludek Miklosko played alongside Bilic during the closing months of his Claret and Blue career in 1997, and forged a close friendship with the Croatian. That relationship has endured for nearly 20 years, and Miklosko has rightly been impressed by his old pal's start to life in the Boleyn Ground dugout. "It's unbelievable," said Miklosko, who played 373 times in goal for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997. "Slaven has done a fantastic job beating the teams at the top of the table – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and then Chelsea last weekend. Those were fantastic results. "I was a bit unlucky because I have only been at one match this season and it was the home match with Bournemouth, that we lost, which was not the best performance. "I had a meeting with Slaven after that game and he said he was confident that he had a good team and since then the team has not lost in the league. It's great. "I am keeping in touch with Slaven regularly, calling him and sending him text messages and he knows the team needs to keep their run going."
West Ham go to Watford on Saturday defending a seven-match Barclays Premier League unbeaten run and a near-perfect away record. Following the upcoming international break, Bilic will then head into his first managerial winter in English football – a period that Miklosko knows will test his old friend, his staff and his players. "The difficult time will come at Christmas time, then there are lots of games and the going can get tough with the weather and some injuries. "However, I know Slaven has great experience from his time managing his country, Croatia, and from managing clubs in Russia and Turkey. "He went through a lot with his national team and playing in European competitions and he knows all about football and how to rises to these challenges."
A host of individuals have stood out during West Ham's rise to third in the table, but Miklosko says that the Hammers have relied, and will continue to rely, upon teamwork if they are to maintain their place in the top four. "I never look to single out one player in a team, because it needs the whole team to play well for a team to go on a run like we have been on recently," Miklosko continued. "All the players deserve the praise for the job they have been doing."
So, can West Ham keep it going at Vicarage Road this weekend?
"This Saturday is a big chance to go there and get another win," the 53-year-old concluded. "Sometimes it is not as easy to go to a club like Watford than it is to go to the so-called 'bigger' clubs like Manchester City or Arsenal. "Expectations from the fans will grow with every good result, and that can make it more difficult to get the wins, but I know Slaven will not let the players relax and will continue to do a good job."
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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular column...
Hello everyone,
It has been an unbelievable start to the season and things got even better last weekend when we managed to beat the Premier League champions.
We have got players like Payet, Lanzini and Zarate who have come into the team and we have got so much flair on the pitch. These are exciting players to watch every week.
We have been playing well both home and away and are the second top goalscorers in the Premier League behind Manchester City. It has been a fantastic start.
It was great to see Andy Carroll score the winning goal last weekend and I think it brings a lot of competition into the squad which maybe we didn't have last season.
Having Andy back brings out the best in Sakho because he wants to keep his place in the side.
It takes a lot of pressure off Andy's shoulders getting back on the scoresheet and as Slaven Bilic has said, he has a new training regime so hopefully he will be here for the long-run.
What more can I say about the way Dimitri Payet has settled into the Club. He has been absolutely unbelievable to watch in the opening ten games.
I said to dad when we were interested in buying him that we are never getting him, but we managed to clinch his signature.
His flick against Chelsea last week when he almost set up Lanzini for a goal was amazing and then when he chipped the ball over Willian and fired it across the goal, it was a fantastic piece of skill.
That is just one feature of his game. He scores goals and as we all know, he creates goals.
He is among the top names in the Premier League for creating the most chances this season and I think he helps other players like Lanzini, Sakho and Zarate. They all flourish playing alongside him.
The younger players can only learn from someone like him and I think he lifts team morale.
I have been teaching dad the words to his new song and it was great to see all the fans singing it against Chelsea.
I thought it was a hostile atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday and that is something I like. I like the ground to be someone where opposing teams hate to come.
It fires our players up and makes their players feel a bit intimidated. The fans were fantastic and it makes their players feel smaller.
The England manager Roy Hodgson was also at the Chelsea game and I really hope that a few of our players can break into the squad.
You have seen it with Jamie Vardy of Leicester who has scored goals and got into the England set-up.
Maybe sometimes we get overlooked but Tomkins has been very good this season and has become first choice. There is nothing stopping our players getting into the squad.
We have got Cresswell, Jenkinson and of course Andy Carroll. He is someone that England have not got at the moment.
He is a big centre-forward who can do something special when he comes on.
I honestly feel our story has only just begun. Dad and David Gold feel the same. There is nothing that can stop West Ham.
We have always been a sleeping giant and it is time to grab onto that. I can't believe how big the new stadium is and it will be unbelievable.
It will be the same when we bring big players there and show them the facilities. They will want to be a part of it. I hope the fans buy into it and there is nothing stopping West Ham from doing something big.
I wouldn't mind seeing Champions League football at the new Stadium. I have been to Andorra and loved it and would love the chance to go to Barcelona !!!
I hope we can extend our unbeaten seven match run against Watford on Saturday and continue this great start to the season.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Eggleton delighted with unbeaten run
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Jake Eggleton is relishing the young Hammers match with London rivals Fulham on Saturday 31 October. The U18s are aiming to extend their phenomenal unbeaten run to eight games, which included a run of seven straight wins before drawing 2-2 with Swansea City last time out. Speaking ahead of the London derby, Eggleton said: "There's a great atmosphere among the boys at the moment, everyone is really confident. "We were all very down not to have beaten Swansea last weekend. It was a game we felt we should have won, to have conceded in the last ten seconds was very disappointing. "The games before that, we were very happy with the results."
The youngster is hoping his side will set the record straight come Saturday lunchtime as the Cottagers secured a 3-1 win over their east London neighbours on the opening day of the season. While George Dobson scored on his Hammers' debut yet goals from Aron Davies, Joshua Walker and Ryheem Sheckleford got the Cottager's season off to a strong start. Reflecting on Saturday's opposition, the talented right-back continued: "We played Fulham in the first game of the season. They are very patient, good on the counter-attack and are a very quick team overall. "Having watched a few clips of them, they look a bit vulnerable on crosses so that's something we'll look at and try and exploit."
However, ten games on and the Hammers have turned the tables round. Currently fourth in the Barclays U18 Premier League south division, Eggleton is confident of his side's chances. "We're seven games unbeaten now and the coaches are demanding a lot from us. Clearly, with the results we've got recently, it's paying off. "Training is going really well at the moment; everyone is working really hard to maintain our unbeaten run. "All the boys are desperate to continue this unbeaten run and try and win as many games as possible."
West Ham United U18 host Fulham U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 31 October, kick off is 11am.
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Watford v West Ham
KO 15:00
30 October 2015
Last updated at 12:00
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Vicarage Road Date: Saturday, 31 October
TEAM NEWS
Watford midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado is in line for a return, having resumed training this week following a hamstring injury. Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban remain sidelined with knee and groin injuries respectively.
West Ham defender Winston Reid could return from the thigh injury that ruled him out of the win over Chelsea. Victor Moses is back, having been ineligible against the Blues, but Alex Song's ankle injury will keep him out.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alan Green: "If you look only at Watford's miserable home record and West Ham's superb away form then you'll quickly mark this down as a Hammers win. I would have done too before Watford's victory at Stoke. "There I saw three unexpected points claimed by the impressive team ethic. They have no stars. Instead, working unselfishly, they are clearly determined to try to survive amidst the Premier League's glamour. "Usually, West Ham are among the also-rans. But look at the table. Think of their superb away wins this season and their Chelsea victory last weekend. "I find both clubs refreshing. I hope to relish this game. No, I don't know who's going to win."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores: "For me, at this moment, Troy Deeney is really good. From the first moment in this league he played like a striker. "Now he is settled, he has put in good performances. His impact on the team is very important. The team-mates, they say, it's perfect for us because our strikers finally score."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on Andy Carroll: "His quality, as I said 20 times, was never an issue. When he is fit he is capable of everything. "We are good in the air without Carroll - we have Diafra Sakho and Nikica Jelavic who are good in the air. But with that he is maybe the best in England - definitely when he is fit. "If the good balls come in an area where he is, it is almost impossible to mark him."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
On the face of it, West Ham's away form makes them favourites at Vicarage Road but Watford do not look like a side that has just been promoted and they might surprise a few more people this weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Watford have only won one of the last 22 league meetings (D4, L17)
The last meeting at Vicarage Road ended 4-0 to the Hammers in a Championship match in August 2011.
Watford
Watford's tally of one home goal this season is the lowest in the Premier League.
Their victory over Stoke City last time out was their first in a Premier League game in the month of October (W1, D4, L6).
They have won one of their last four games (D1, L2).
Odion Igahalo has been involved in Watford's last seven Premier League goals, scoring five and setting up two.
West Ham
West Ham have the best away record in the Premier League this season (W4, D1).
Their tally of 12 away goals is also a league-high.
Twenty points from 10 games represents West Ham's best-ever Premier League start.
They are undefeated in their last seven matches (W5, D2), one short of their best-ever Premier League unbeaten run of eight games.
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Flores 'confident' ahead of West Ham clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores says that his team are looking forward to facing in-form West Ham at Vicarage Road this weekend.
The Hornets, one of the three clubs promoted from the Championship last season have taken 13 points from their opening ten games of the campaign - a tally that includes wins over established top flight clubs Swansea, Stoke and Newcastle plus draws against Everton, West Brom, Southampton and Bournemouth.
And despite having lost their last two home games to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Flores believes his team - which includes former Hammers Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti - have the ability to upset Slaven Bilic's high-flyers.
"We respect the opponents a lot, and in this case it's West Ham," he said. "We have to work very hard to get the result. We respect the coach Slaven Bilic and we respect the players too, but we are confident we can reach our objective.
"We are really comfortable playing at home, I like playing at Vicarage Road. Sometimes the results haven't been so good, but we need to remain confident. And I love to play with our fantastic fans close with us. After promotion it's important that we started well.
"We are happy with our first quarter [of the season]. We are happy and know we can improve. But there is respect from a lot of teams coming to Vicarage Road. It will be a tough game as they [West Ham] have done very well, but we will fight until the last moment."
One player key to Watford's success this season according to Flores is striker Troy Deeney, who opened his account for the season in last weekend's win at Stoke. "From the first moment in this league he played like a striker," said Flores. "Now he is settled, he has put in good performances. His impact on the team is very important.
"He is amazing, he is fast and he is passionate. He is ambitious and he has everything we need. He is a leader for the team in the dressing room and has a connection with the strands. Now he has scored we are confident he will score a lot."
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Bilic: I won't tell Hodgson how to do his job
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic believes that his contingent of home-grown players are close to being given the chance to represent England - but says that he won't be constantly on the phone to Roy Hodgson.
The Three Lions manager was present last weekend when Bilic's side beat reigning Premier League champions Chelsea 2-1 at the Boleyn, thanks to a winning goal that was made in England - a pinpoint cross from Aaron Cresswell, converted by Andy Carroll.
However Bilic, speaking to the press this morning ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford refused to be drawn on whether the likes of Cresswell, Carroll, Carl Jenkinson or James Tomkins should get the nod.
"I was the manager of my country for six years and I don't want to be telling the manager who he should or shouldn't pick," he said. "Especially as he's got ten wins out of ten [in qualifying]. They have the best record in Europe and are doing really well.
"But of course we have some players [who could be considered for selection]. I rate my players, they are doing really well and if they continue to play like this then of course they have every reason to hope they're going to be involved in the England team."
Despite refusing to push his players' individual claims, Bilic admitted that he was delighted with the form of striker Carroll in particular.
In addition to scoring the winning goal against Chelsea, the big forward provided assists for goals against Norwich and Crystal Palace - leading the manager to hail him as the best aerial striker in England currently.
"He's definitely the best when he's fit," insisted Bilic. "When the balls come in that area it's almost impossible to mark him. But his game is not just about that, he's also got a sense and feeling for the game - which makes him a great player.
"He should be more consistent. He should stay away from the injuries. It's the same old story. His quality was never in doubt, it was never an issue - the issue was either bad luck or Andy not looking after himself. But it's a fact that he hasn't been consistent.
"He's in a good way now but I would rather make him do that and then talk about England - rather than talk about it after three good games.
"But in the game against Norwich he came on and within 15 minutes we'd created three chances and scored a goal. Against Palace he got an assist again, then he came on against Chelsea and scored a goal. So he is an important player, but he must stay fit."
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Watford v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th October 2015
By: Preview Percy
According to a recent report Australians are "drunk, inarticulate and use a 23 letter alphabet". Preview Percy only has 3 more letters to learn before he can emigrate then....
Next up we venture into darkest Hertfordshire to Watford. Saturday 3pm kick off is the order of the day. Trains? Well if your journey involves use of the stopping services provided by London Overground between Euston and Watford Junction (the orange lines on the map) there are no trains on the bit between Wembley Central and Queen's Park. Similarly there are no Bakerloo Line trains north of Queen's Park on the day. The faster services provided by London Midland appear to be unaffected though and the more circuitous route to Watford (Met) on the Metropolitan Line is also unaffected, though the camel link between Harrow and Vicarage Road will be suspended due to a damaged hoof.
So Watford then. The stomping ground of Preview Alastair when they allow him out of his room here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered and he's not on a pilgrimage to his Geordie homeland. An odd place to be sure and an odd football club to match. For a start they seem to take the concept of "Manager Of The Month" literally.
In December 2013 they parted company with a certain Gianfranco Zola, who was replaced by Beppe Sannio who held the reins into the 2014/15 season. Well for a month or so of it anyway. There were rumblings of discontent from within which had nothing to do with Preview Alastair's Guinness and Curry diet regime and at the end of August, with the club in second place following a run of four wins out of five, Sannio resigned.
Sannio was replaced by former Brighton head coach Oscar Garcia. He lasted 27 days before resigning for health reasons, having been rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains after a match against Charlton.
So, where are we? Oh yes. 29 September. Enter Billy McKinlay, who had joined the club in a more junior coaching role all of three days earlier. Barely had McKinlay chosen the colour scheme for his new office than the owning Pozzo family decided that the past eleven days had not been the greatest of their lives and McKinlay was replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic who, much to everybody's surprise, lasted all the way to the end of the season.
At the end of the season a win over Brighton late in April coupled with other results falling their way spared them the travails of the playoffs and they were promoted. At which point you'd have thought that the managerial position would have been in no doubt. Er, no. Contract negotiations floundered and Jokanovic's contract expired with either side willing to compromise.
The Pozzo family decided to, er, cast a net and brought in flamenco dancer's nephew Quique Flores, whose name has a pleasing ring about it. At time of writing he's still in charge but, hey, it's quite early in the week so who knows what the case will be by the time the short chubby one and the bald one who run this site finally post these words of wisdom up on the web.
It's been a not too good/not too bad start to their latest sojourn in the top flight. They opened up with three draws and, overall, they have won three, drawn four and lost three of the ten played to date, leaving them in 13th place with 13 points. Hope they're not superstitious.
Last week they came away from Stoke with all three points courtesy of a 2-0 win. The opening goal came from skipper Troy Deeney, who, the work experience kid with the Harry Potter spectacles tells me, had up to that point spurned no fewer than 24 goalscoring opportunities over the course of the season. Last season he became the first Watford player to net over 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He seems to have sorted himself out after serving three months of a ten-month spell inside following a conviction for affray. If only he'd changed his name to, oh, say, Steven Gerrard he'd have gotten away with it.
Deeney's striking partner has been Odion Igalho. Igalho originally came in on loan from Watford's sister club Udinese at the start of last season, having previously spent most of his time there out on loan with the Pozzo's other plaything Granada. There's a joke in there somewhere using the Cinema names Odion and Granada but they don't pay me enough to work out the punchline. The loan period was terminated and the player joined on permanent terms last October. Handy when the club you're buying from is owned by the same people who own you isn't it?! Igalho netted 20 times in last season's promotion campaign. And has hit the target 5 times already this term, form that saw him called up by his native Nigeria for whom he has a brace in 5 appearances.
There has been a large turnover of players in recent years to the extent that their longest serving players (Mensah, Smith & Hoban) all joined the club only as far back as 2011. They brought in no fewer than 16 players over the course of the summer, 13 of whom came in on permanent deals. Of the permanent deals the most notable from our point of view was the arrival from Hamburg of Valon "Pep" Berahmi. The Swiss international came in for a rumoured £3m and will be remembered for an injury-punctuated spell at the Boleyn a few years back. He missed a fair while after an horrific knee ligament injury sustained in a home win over Man City in 2009. Subsequent injury absences were a bit dodgy though. Let me put it this way, he was immediately fit and available for selection the second the summer transfer window closed in 2010 and he was off as soon as the window re-opened the following January. Behrami missed a few games recently after a deserved straight red for a nasty tackle on whichever of the Ayew brothers it is who played for Swansea.
On the loan front they brought in the much-tattooed Alessandro Diamanti who was a useful little player for us a few seasons ago and who went on to have a decent run in the Italian national side after he left the Boleyn. Skilful and mildly bonkers he always put me in mind of a "Happy Shopper" DiCanio during his spell with us. Diamanti arrived on a season-long loan from Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
They also have the obligatory loan in from Chelsea in the form of Dutch defender whose be-dreadlocked appearance puts one in mind of a young Ruud Gullit. Ake came in, according to interviews he gave at the time, on the strength of Flores' history of giving young players a chance. So he must be a bit disappointed with the three appearances in the league he's been able to muster this far.
The biggest expenditure of the summer was the two lots of £6m laid out to rescue Etienne Capoue from Tottenham and on midfielder Jose Jurado, who arrived from Spartak Moscow.
Capoue, capped seven times by the French, had two years at Spurs but managed only 24 appearances in the league during that time. In contrast, since arrival at Vicarage Road he's featured in all ten games in the league thus far.
Meanwhile Jurado started life on the fringes of the Real Madrid first team squad before hopping across town to join Atletico. Spells at Mallorca (loan) and Schalke followed before a loan deal to Spartak was made permanent in 2013. His international career seems to have run aground about 6 years ago at Spanish U21 level. He's featured in 7 of their league matches this season but has been missing in the more recent outings with hamstring problems, though there's a chance of seeing him this weekend.
So that's them. What of us? Well the season continues to provide us with entertainment and fun, last week at the expense of a hapless Chelsea who, if they were a person rather than a club, would surely be on a psychiatrist's couch by now. A quick word about the ref. I'm first to criticise PGMOL and the system that protects the mediocre and rewards the corrupt. However, Mr Moss grew an unprecedented pair in the face of the usual bullying and intimidation and his performance gave me a gliimer of hope that there might be a spark of honesty amongst the whole rotten heap.
For some reason when I went out for my constitutional on Sunday morning – a brisk quarter of a mile ending in the snug of the Swan and Superinjunction – the local kids seemed a bit scared by my limping gait coupled with the silly grin that I'd been unable to get rid of since the final whistle. Even a concerned parent's comment of "don't worry dear – it's just an old man celebrating Halloween early in case he doesn't make it that far" didn't annoy me as much as it might have normally have done.
I do note that yet again the FA have decided to use us to finance the staff Christmas Party by charging us with failure to control our players. The amount they've had out of us must mean that there's a five day break in Mauritius on the cards for the pen-pushers behind the scenes at Wembley Stadium come yuletide this year.
On the injury front the usual listings show us down to two on the treatment table. Winston Reid is shown as possibly ready for this weekend whilst Alex Song is "still a long way off" which apparently means he may be ready to make some sort of squad appearance for the Everton match. Other than that, unlike Mourinho, Bilic will be playing with a full deck. Which gives some nice selection problems. For example, in defence with Reid available do we revert to what is nominally our first choice of Reid and Tomkins, bearing in mind how well Ginge has played in recent weeks. What about Ogbonna? Further forward does Moses get back in now he's not "league-tied" (I'll get that expression into common usage if it kills me) or do we reward Zarate for his not inconsiderable efforts?
I need to be a bit careful on the prediction front for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this being West Ham we're talking about, we're only ever a heartbeat away from something going pear-shaped. If I had a pound for every time I'd uttered the words "typical West Ham" over the years I'd probably have more money than Abrahamovic. With a slightly better taste in yachts obviously. We nearly messed up at Sunderland remember, only a few weeks after beating Man City on their own patch, so a tough time at Watford only days after handing Chelsea their blue-flag enhanced backsides on a plate wouldn't totally be out of character, would it?
The second reason for my reluctance to go all guns blazing is that over the past few matches, even when I've thought we were more than capable of getting a win, my natural caution has stopped me from actually predicting such and, when I've gone for the draw (for example at Palace) we've gone and won. So call me a superstitious old sod if you will (er we had something different in mind – ed) but I think that I'll stick the £2.50 That the Rest Home was going to be spending on a copy of the Chilcott Report on a 2-2 draw in the hope that we actually win 3-1 or something.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At Vicarage Road: Won 4-0 (August 2011). Goals from Tomkins, O'Brien, Cole (Carlton) and what turned out to be a farewell effort from Scott Parker before his career went down the drain at Spurs were enough to give us back-to-back away wins for the first time in aeons.
Danger Man: Troy Deeney –May be one of those players that, now his duck has been broken...
Referee: Keith Stroud We haven't had him for a while as he's not actually a member of the so-called "select" group. This is because he is a member of a pretty exclusive club, being one of only five referees ever to be demoted from the select group in the 14 years they've been going. More people have walked on the moon. Whilst his selection might be applauded if it's an example of opening up the closed shop, it's more likely that he's getting a game due to a combination of injury and absence on FIFA U17 duty….
Irritating Celebrity Supporter Of The Week: Well it's got to be Elton hasn't it. A performer whose diva-like excesses have increased as his talent has gone on the wane. Incredible to think that an artist who put out an album as good as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road could also have produced such dross as "I'm Still Standing" and "Sacrifice", a track which incredibly, given all the good stuff he did in the 70's, was his first no.1 hit single. And don't get me started on that nauseating Diana thing....
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Watford v West Ham preview: Hammers aim for another away win
Last Updated: 30/10/15 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham will be aiming to continue their impressive away form when they travel to Watford on Saturday. The Hammers have already won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to climb up to third in the Premier League. They beat defending champions Chelsea in their last outing at Upton Park and are the second-highest scorers in the league behind Manchester City.
Watford, on the other hand, have struggled for goals, managing just eight in 10 games, the joint-lowest in the league. Two of those came last weekend as the Hornets won 2-0 at Stoke to end a run of three matches without a victory. Captain Troy Deeney netted his first goal of the season at the Britannia while Odion Ighalo is the club's top scorer with five.
Team news
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores is hoping Jose Manuel Jurado may be fit in time to face the Hammers. The midfielder has been missing with a hamstring strain but has returned to training and could be involved against the Hammers.
Former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami will be pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the win over Stoke last week following a calf injury - while Joel Ekstrand (knee) and Tommie Hoban (groin) are still out.
The Hammers could welcome back defender Winston Reid for Saturday's clash with Watford. The New Zealand international missed the win over Chelsea with a thigh problem but could be involved for the Hammers when they travel to Vicarage Road.
Victor Moses is also back after being ineligible against his parent club but Alex Song (ankle) is still missing while Bilic has to decide whether to hand last weekend's match-winner Andy Carroll his first start since January.
Opta stats
Watford have won just one of their last 22 league meetings with West Ham, drawing four and losing 17.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Vicarage Road (W8 D3), last suffering a league defeat away to Watford in April 1985 (0-5).
Watford have lost their last two league games at Vicarage Road; they last lost three consecutive home league games in December 2013 (five home defeats in a row).
No West Ham player has been involved in more goals in their first ten Premier League appearances for the club than Dmitri Payet (eight - scored five, assisted three); level with Ian Wright and Diafra Sakho.
Watford have used a league-low two English players this season in the Premier League (Troy Deeney and Ben Watson).
Merson's prediction
Troy Deeney got on the scoresheet with a very good goal so they'll definitely pose a threat. But you can't overlook West Ham's phenomenal away record, they should come through this one with another victory.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Watford are Sky Bet's 7/5 favourites with West Ham up against odds of 19/10 despite their impressive form. Slaven Bilic's men are now 18/1 for a top-four finish and just 4/1 to be in the top six come the end of the season, while the Hornets went out to 11/2 for relegation following last weekend's win at Stoke. Ighalo is the 5/1 favourite in the first goalscorer betting, while Diafra Sakho head the market from the Hammers' side at 6/1.
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LIKE PRETTY BUBBLES, THEY KEEP GOING UP AND UP - WEST HAM BEAT CHELSEA BUT THE PAPERS REPORT THE 'SOAP OPERA' NOT THE FOOTBALL.
By Tony McNulty 30 Oct 2015 at 15:15
WTID
I have never been the sort of politician who blamed the nasty media for all of my party's political problems. I never moaned about the nature of coverage, it is all a part of our rich democracy. But football is different.
I guess it was really too much to ask. I was looking forward to reading the back pages over the weekend – to read about derring-do from West Ham, graceful football, Carroll's comeback goal, how beating Chelsea meant that West Ham had arrived and weren't just benefitting from the woes and malaise of others. I wanted to read banner headlines about West Ham's football, Bilic's tactical master-strokes, another performance from the whole team and not just the odd individual and a discussion about how good this West Ham team could really be this season.
Cartoon of West Ham towing away Chelsea
What I got to read was nothing of the sort. What I got to read was a real disappointment. The Sunday papers were the rough equivalent of Match of the Day – however good West Ham play, the key topic is always about some other more fashionable team, with West Ham's footballing prowess ignored or swiftly dismissed.
Here is just a sample of the headlines on the day after our magnificent victory over Chelsea:-
"Carroll adds to Mourinho's woes – more misery for Chelsea manager who is sent to stand as his 10-man team make a meek attempt to arrest their decline." Independent on Sunday
I suppose I should be grateful that buried at the end of Miguel Delaney's piece was recognition that this was a 'deserved West Ham win'. The rest of the article concentrated on Chelsea's woes. The implication was clearly that it was Chelsea disarray, ill-discipline and sometime anxiety and panic that caused the result, not West Ham's football.
"Carroll sinks 10-man Chelsea." Sunday Times
Carroll goal vs. CHE. at Upton Park 2015
Apparently, according to the text box above Jonathan Northcroft's story in the Sunday Times, it was 'goal-line technology' that denied Chelsea. Not West Ham's tactics, endurance or skills but a bloody machine. It didn't deny Chelsea – it wasn't a goal – full stop. This story followed a similar pattern to the Independent on Sunday. Blink and you would have missed it, but the second paragraph said that "Not that Chelsea's continued unravelling should detract from West Ham's continuing exploits. Like pretty bubbles, they keep going up and up."
He even tried to suggest that Chelsea's policy on loans was the cause of West Ham's first goal because Zarate only played because Victor Moses was ineligible as Chelsea is his home team. Aaaaggghh!
"Where now Jose? Mourinho humiliated in stand as jubilant West hams stun Chelsea." "Carroll joy as Jose loses plot. Chelsea boss sent off before super sub Andy sends West Ham third. " Mail on Sunday
It took Rob Draper in the Mail on Sunday some time to even mention West Ham in his report on the game. Buried in the piece, at the start of the ninth paragraph, he finally gets there – "For the record, West Ham were excellent even before the mini-meltdown from Chelsea…" Nice of you to say so Rob, very nice indeed.
"Mourinho meltdown" "Mourinho funks West Ham stress test" The Observer
Hurray – at last. The opening line of Paul Doyle's report on the match said "West Ham deserved to win." He continued "It is worth highlighting this fact lest it be obscured by the fallout to Chelsea's disciplinary meltdown." No shit Sherlock!? He went on to describe how West ham 'ran a serious stress test and Chelsea failed it' but the piece, just as most of the rest of the media coverage, focussed on Chelsea's demise and meltdown, rather than West Ham's prowess.
"Mourinho and Matic sent off as Chelsea's latest implosion turns screw on manager." Sunday Telegraph
Once again, this time courtesy of the Sunday Telegraph's Sam Wallace, we had to wait until the ninth paragraph of his piece to read that "It was easy to overlook West Ham's achievement in the midst of all this, with a first goal from Andy Carroll this season winning the game for them." If you knew that it was so easy to overlook our achievement then why did you and the rest of the Sunday sports journalists do just that? Give West Ham a little credit at least for our football.
I know I am starting to sound like a broken record – but it is rooted in exasperation and frustration. I have read the Guardian on each and every day it has been published for the best part of the last forty years or so. Maybe it would give the West Ham performance the merit it deserved – but no. The Monday headline read "West Ham twist the knife in wounded Chelsea as Mourinho cries foul once more." Just as all the others, the clear inference is that somehow a less than full strength Chelsea lost a game it should have won. It took the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg the tenth paragraph in a long piece before he recognised that "West Ham, a surprising presence in the top four, were the better side…"
Where's Jose?
Hopefully, as we go from strength to strength and keep on playing so good solid and entertaining football, the press will eventually afford us the coverage that we deserve, rather than this sort of 'sports journalism as soap opera' nonsense. Or at the very least, give us some solid stories based on the football and save the soap opera for broader editorial pieces. I know the plight of Mourinho and his team is an important concern for most football fans – but surely as a secondary consideration to the beautiful game, not as a substitute for it.
P.S For all his ups and downs, his whingeing and his digs at other managers, Mourinho has contributed significantly to British football. I don't like his style, his football or his gob, but he has left his mark. The one thing I don't understand and would condemn him entirely for is his appalling treatment, almost bullying it seems, of Dr. Eva Carneiro – it just doesn't make sense and leaves a very bad taste. And it's not because, apparently, she used to work for West Ham.
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West Ham were "lucky" to be fourth at Christmas last year, claims Hammers manager Slaven Bilic
22:30, 30 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
The new Hammers boss is chasing an unlikely Champions League dream as his side sit third in the Premier League
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham were "lucky" to be fourth at Christmas last year – but does not blame his predecessor for their poor second half of the season. The new Hammers boss is chasing an unlikely Champions League dream as his side sit third in the Premier League. But he claims he is not concerned by the fact they imploded under Sam Allardyce to finish 12th last term. Bilic (below) said: "We are not thinking about last year, the fact we were fourth at Christmas and all that. We're just approaching games totally individually. "If it was all about learning lessons then Sam would have changed it. Or whoever is in deep crisis now would change it. "Sam knows the business. So he would see it, smell it and say, 'OK let's change it'. "The reason is maybe very simple. I think in the first half of the season, in some games, we were a little bit lucky last year. "And then, in the second part, in some games, we were unlucky."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists smaller clubs must "dream" and challenge for Champions League spots
22:30, 29 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
The Hammers are third after their fantastic start to the season and Bilic believes the rest of the top-flight may as well give up if they can't challenge the big boys
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has led West Ham into fantasy land – and is adamant that the Premier League's smaller clubs have a duty to believe they can gatecrash the European elite. With co-chairman David Sullivan even claiming the Hammers could win the title, the bubble-blowers seem to have forgotten the words to their club anthem about dreams which 'fade and die'. West Ham are third after a miraculous start to the season, including victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who - along with Manchester United and Tottenham - are the only English clubs to play in the Champions League over the past decade. But there is a belief among ambitious mid-ranked clubs that this cartel can be smashed - especially with Premier League TV revenues making the likes of West Ham more attractive destinations for quality imports. Boss Bilic concedes it will not be easy for West Ham to sustain their early-season form but insists the rest of the top flight might as well give up if they cannot dare to dream. He said: "You have a lot of surprises in every league, Celta Vigo in Spain at the moment, in Italy, Germany and England. But if you are talking about wonders, then the real wonder is if you are doing it for the whole season. "It is very rare - but it is possible, of course. And we should all - all the clubs outside these top six as you call them - should hope or dream or even plan, in a positive way, about finishing in the top four because otherwise what is the point of playing? "In every country you have surprises in Cups - here you have three Championship clubs in last eight (of League Cup) but in a league it is very difficult, every year you have someone, you can call it a wonder or a surprise package or one club isolated because they are there for one part of the season but it can be done."
Sullivan is more bullish than his manager, claiming that winning the Premier League is not impossible - even before the state-subsidised move to the Olympic Stadium, which is likely to boost their long-term Champions League hopes. He said: "We're very, very optimistic. I'm not talking it down I want to talk it up, I believe it's achievable. "It's a big myth, I mean look at what's gone wrong with Chelsea - that looked an impossibility - so why shouldn't the opposite happen to us? "In football, we're here to dream. At the start of the season we were in four competitions and the aim was to win those four. "Now we're down to two - we've got the big double left - and it's very, very unlikely but not impossible. "If you'd asked about the Champions League at the start of the season I would have said it's impossible this year - but it's not. Forget dreaming in the future. "The unfortunate thing is that if you finish fourth you have to play a qualifying game - and no doubt we'd get a real toughie - like the fourth best team in Spain or Italy! "Realistically, I'd love fourth place and we'd take our chances. I know it's unlikely, but it really is possible. "One more win and we could be top of the table, looking down! "I'm not sure how clever that would be as it'd really put pressure on people but it's not bad to be two points off the lead."
With masterstroke signings like that of midfield playmaker Dimitri Payet and high-profile recruits like the currently-injured Alex Song, the Hammers are already leading the way for clubs outside the 'elite'. And despite West Ham having fallen away after a strong start under Sam Allardyce last season, Bilic does not foresee a dramatic collapse. He said: "It has been a good start. There will be ups and downs results-wise, but I don't see why we should drop dramatically. "We hope to continue like this, because we have good players, good team spirit, a good pattern. We're working hard, respecting the opponents and not fearing them."
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Leroy: Slaven's AC honesty absolutely top stuff
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 30, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has to be the brightest and perhaps cleverest manager in West Ham's history and he showed it again today when discussing Andy Carroll.
You only ever get the truth from this bloke so when asked if he had heard the stories about AC not looking after his body as he might have done he said: "Yes, and there's probably something in it – that's usually the case when these stories get around" (or words to that effect).
It's so refreshing and it gives him and the club a really good image because there so much secrecy, half truth and downright lies told in this game of ours.
He tells it as it is and that is exactly the right thing to do at the moment because there's such a feel good factor around the place people will take all of that and be proud of their manager.
Mind you, had we had lost a lot of games they'd probably be on his back and claiming that he needs to get some discipline in the place particularly when he said he's not going to be a personal policeman to AC or any other player. Slav knows exactly how to play things!
It was the same yesterday when he came out saying that he wanted to become West Ham's Sir Alex Ferguson in years to come – a great line and one which he clearly means. The board should be very very happy that Slaven Bilic agreed to become our manager.
I meet a lot of old pros in my work as a commentator and the Irons boss is getting a very good name for himself as we go from strength to strength and he has carried himself with such dignity.
Tomorrow it's Watford and I have no hesitation predicting a 2-1 away win because the Hornets are a team that likes to counter attack. The midfield doesn't get much beyond the halfway line and Deeney and Ighalo are the only goal threats.
I think we should be far too strong for them. With Winston Reid back to partner James Tomkins we should be able to look after those two and I reckon t will then be goood night Vienna for the Hornets.
We have to play our strongest team so that means no place for James Collins. That's hard on the bloke cos he's done well but that's the squad Ginge is in I'm afraid.
Watford 1 Irons 2
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Hammers react to AC Milan transfer link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Morning reports that West Ham are eyeing a cut price move for AC Milan playmaker Keisuke Honda have been ruled out by the club.
The report emerged in The Sun where it was reported the 77 times capped Japan international has attracted our attention and that a £5 million fee could be involved.
The 29 year old AC Milan player has managed fewer than 300 minutes of Serie A action this term in seven appearances – three of which have been as a substitute.
And this morning CandHh sources declared "no interest" and repeated their position of last night saying: "We are out of cash and up to our limits on FFP.
"Players will definitely have to leave for anything to happen on us bringing players in but as the manager has explained very adequately, we did our business in the summer and are not looking to add to the squad at this stage."
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Epic fail by Mark Lawenson
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
BBC pundit Mark Lawenson is at it again predicting his seventh loss of the season for the Hammers.
Lawro told the BBC Sport website : "Every time I think Watford are about to get sucked into the relegation fight, they come up with a big result like last week's win at Stoke, generally away from home. West Ham also had an impressive win – yes they were at home but they were up against Chelsea and had to show great resolve in a game I thought they would lose.
The Hammers have claimed a few scalps on the road this season but I would argue that was as good as any of their previous results. On the face of it, their away form makes them favourites at Vicarage Road but Watford do not look like a side that has just been promoted and they might surprise a few more people this weekend.
After beating the Blues, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic said he had not set up his team as if they were at home and I think the Hornets will do the same. Watford will not be easy to break down and will do what it takes to get a win. Lawro's prediction: 2-0″
As the graphic above from www.myfootballfacts.com shows Lawro is way out of touch, West Ham would be in 18th place with 5 points in a relegation scrap if all his woeful predictions had come true this season.
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Payet's amazing pics show squad joy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers man of the moment Dimtri Payet posted an picture on Instagram yesterday to show the amazing togetherness and bond of the squad as they trained to face Watford on Saturday. Payet said "So Hilarious, all the team laugh at the training with Enner Valencia, Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang, Mauro Zarate and Chek Kouyate." West Ham sit in third place in the Premier League table with 20 points and a goal difference of plus nine. An away win over Watford on Saturday could mean West Ham top the Premier League on 23 points after 11 games but we need to rely on Norwich beating Man City at the Etihad and Swansea getting a draw or better against Arsenal.
It has been a crazy Premier League this season so you never can predict what may happen.
Come on you Irons!
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WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United travel to Watford on Saturday as they look to continue their seven-match unbeaten run.
The fine form enjoyed by Slaven Bilic's men has seen them rise up to third in the Barclays Premier League table – and if results go the Hammers' way on Saturday they could sit top by 5pm.
West Ham are also defending an unbeaten record on the road, which has seen them win four and draw one of their five away games to date.
Watford are back in the Premier League following their promotion last term and have enjoyed a decent start to life in the top flight again, with 13 points from their opening ten games.
Victory at Stoke City last weekend was their third from the last six matches, with Swansea City and Newcastle United also being stung by the Hornets.
The history
West Ham United enjoy an outstanding record against Watford, having won 40 of the previous 69 meetings.
The Hornets have only defeated West Ham on 17 occasions, with 12 draws being played out by the Clubs.
Of the last 22 league meetings, Watford have only won once, with West Ham taking the spoils 17 times.
The last trip to Vicarage Road was a successful one for the Hammers, as goals from Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole secured a 4-0 victory in the 2011/12 promotion season.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic has plenty of options in defence, with all four senior centre halves fit and available for selection after Winston Reid returned to training this week.
Victor Moses is also available again after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea last weekend, while Alex Song continues to close in on a comeback from his ankle injury.
Watford
Midfielder Juan Manuel Jurado could return for the Hornets after resuming training this week following a hamstring problem.
However, Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban are out with knee and groin injuries respectively.
Match facts
Saturday's referee is Keith Stroud. He will be assisted by Stephen Child and Derek Eaton, while the fourth official is Craig Pawson.
West Ham are currently enjoying their best start to a top flight season since 1975/76, when they won six and drew three of their opening ten league matches.
No West Ham United player has been involved in more goals in their first ten Premier League appearancess for the club than Dmitri Payet - five goals, three assists
West Ham United are unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Vicarage Road - 8 wins and 3 draws - last suffering a league defeat away to Watford in April 1985
West Ham United are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches - one short of their record of eight achieved in December 2000 and May 1995
West Ham United's last visit to Watford ended in a 4-0 Championship victory on 16 August 2011 - the Hammers' biggest league win at Vicarage Road
Watford pair Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti played alongside one another for West Ham United in the 2009/10 season
Among those to play for both clubs are Manuel Almunia, Jobi McAnuff, Carl Fletcher, Calum Davenport and David James
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this fixture have SOLD OUT.
Watford Junction station is around a 15 minute journey from London Euston, and is approximately 20 minutes walk to the ground. Watford High Street station, on the London Overground network, is closer to the stadium. Click here for train information.
Sunny intervals are predicted for kick-off tomorrow, with temperature reaching 14C (57F).
If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay up to date on our digital channels, which will be bringing you the action at it happens from Vicarage Road. Visit the whufc.com match centre for live audio commentary, in-running stats, pictures and more, while you can join the conversation on social using the hashtag #WATWHU.
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Tactically speaking - Watford
WHUFC.com
Watford have been exactly what any newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side would aspire to be – solid, hard-working and difficult to beat.
In ten Premier League matches since securing promotion as Championship runners-up – new manager Quique Sanchez Flores' first league matches in charge of the Hornets, to boot – Watford have conceded just ten goals and lost just three times.
With 13 points in the bank already, the club which boasts Elton John as honorary life president is already a third of the way down the yellow brick road to safety.
Watford's new rocket man is undoubtedly manager Flores, who has arrived in Hertfordshire with an outstanding pedigree, having won the UEFA Europa League with Atletico Madrid and the Portuguese title with Benfica.
The 50-year-old former Spain international and godson of Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano has instilled a calm confidence that should have been difficult to establish in a club which has a large and cosmopolitan squad of players, many of whom have been with the club for only a short period.
Tactically, Sanchez Flores has set his Watford side up to be compact and resolute, playing with a conservative 4-4-1-1 formation anchored by two deep-lying midfielders.
Up front, Troy Deeney has reverted from Championship goal machine to a more defensively-minded deep striker, who drops into midfield when Watford do not have possession. Deeney and strike partner Odion Ighalo work hard to stop their opponents playing out from the back and into midfield, either pressing their defenders or screening their own central midfielders to close down passing lanes.
Watford's secret weapon this term has been Nigeria striker Ighalo, who has scored five times in ten appearances in the league, using his pace and elusiveness to get in behind and finish.
In midfield, Watford possess pace in the wide areas in Swiss left winger Almen Abdi and Scotland flyer Ikechi Anya, who belts up and down the right flank with great speed and directness. When they are not running at their full-backs, both may also look to lift balls over the top for Ighalo to latch onto.
Ighalo's partnership with Deeney will often see him and his wingers racing onto flick-ons from the big centre forward, or being brought into play if Deeney could hold the ball up himself.
At the back, Watford do not knock the ball around quite as much as some of their more-established Premier League rivals, instead getting it forward quickly towards Deeney.
If they do clear long, it will most likely come from the left foot of Uruguayan Miguel Britos, who will most likely be partnered by former Blackpool man Craig Cathcart – part of the Tangerines squad for the 2012 Championship Play-Off final defeat by the Hammers.
In goal, Brazilian Heurelho Gomes loves to come for high balls and launch his team on the attack as quickly as possible. Gomes' long throws out from his own penalty area will be a regular sight at Vicarage Road, that's for sure.
Possible team: Gomes, Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Ake, Capoue, Watson, Abdi, Anya, Deeney, Ighalo
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Adrian confident ahead of Watford test
WHUFC.com
Adrian is backing West Ham United to continue their fine run of form when they travel to Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are seven games unbeaten and currently sit third in the Barclays Premier League table after toppling the champions Chelsea last week. Adrian says his team are there on merit and are determined to show that at Vicarage Road. He explained: "We had a great result against a big team last week - the champions of last season - and we have some good momentum. "We deserve the position we are in the table because we are playing well. We are feeling strong on the pitch and we need to keep going like this. "I think the West Ham fans deserved a win like we had against Chelsea, because we have shown great performances away from home, but at Upton Park we hadn't matched that. "So it was great to beat Chelsea like that, for the fans, for the Club and for us. It was really important in a London derby to stay at the top of the table."
West Ham's away form has been outstanding and Adrian says that bodes well for the trip to Watford, where he will come up against another Spaniard in the form of Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores. He added: "Away from home we have had great results, four victories and one draw so we want to continue on that line at Watford. We need to show the same performance and stay strong from the start, because there are a new team in the Premier League playing at home. "I don't know the manager personally, but I know him from when I was in La Liga. He is a good manager, who likes to play. They are a strong team, who are organised in defence and play well on the counter attack. "It will be a tough game for us also, but we are in a good moment and want to get the three points. "We want to get this victory, a third in the London derbies, so we need to show the same performance and we have a good chance to get another result away from home."
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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Last weekend's victory against Chelsea was incredible and it will linger in my mind for years to come. Not just the victory but the way the whole event panned out. It had everything. It had controversy and two close calls for Chelsea goals that could have gone either way.
And of course our much discussed centre forward Andy Carroll scored the winner. What we know about Andy that many people don't know is that he has been working hard to get back in the team. He got his chance and how much more Roy of the Rovers could it have been than him coming on and winning the game in the way he did with just ten minutes left. So when I say it had everything, it did, with the winning goal from our record signing to prove he is still a top, top striker.
Whilst I was thrilled to win at Palace, which is not an easy place to go as they were fourth at the time, for me, to win at home against the Premier League champions is just so satisfying. To endorse that I think the fact we had 30,000 fans staying on to applaud the team at the end of the game spoke volumes.
It was one of the best atmospheres we've had at home for a long time and I'd like to pay tribute to our supporters for the role they played in the win.
It's great to see such big smiles on the faces of Hammers fans again. Something we have to remember is that their football club was in serious trouble six or seven years ago.
We managed to stay up that first season but then got relegated and spent a year in the Championship and fans were beginning to think it was the same old West Ham.
Arguably they've been through hell and back but they've been rewarded for their diligence, determination, loyalty and their faith in their football team. At last we've put together a squad of players, it's taken two-three years to do, and it's culminated with Slaven coming to the club and it's all come together.
We now go to Watford on Saturday and although a lot of people are expecting us to win, I don't think we have to concern ourselves about motivation. I can promise you that Slaven will ensure that they are motived because the fans are right behind them, they are third in the table and they are outplaying some very good sides.
We've got players coming back like Alex Song, but with the squad we've got now there are no guaranteed starting places for anyone.
It's a cliché but there are no easy games in the Premier League. There are less difficult games and you'd rather be going to Watford than Man City. But the difference this season to previous years is we go there believing we can win the game. If you go back over the last six years when did fans last go to away games expecting to win? We would win two or three games a season and this year we've already won four.
We're going to Watford, we're third in the table and we've got players coming back. We're stronger today than we were five games ago. Our confidence is high and our optimism is high and that's everybody at the club from the players to the management team. It's great to see the camaraderie with Slaven hugging the players and his staff. It shows his passion that arguably has been lacking.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing the picture doing the rounds on social media this week of us all celebrating Andy Carroll's winner wildly in the Directors' Box.
I think the picture demonstrates the whole tension of the day. As Andy rose to score with a brilliant header time almost moved in slow motion. That was the winning goal and we knew it. Forgive me but I got a little carried away!
Let's hope there are more scenes like that over the coming weeks.
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Ludo's delight for old pal
WHUFC.com
One West Ham United legend has been watching Slaven Bilic's encouraging start as Hammers manager with considerable interest and pride.
Ludek Miklosko played alongside Bilic during the closing months of his Claret and Blue career in 1997, and forged a close friendship with the Croatian. That relationship has endured for nearly 20 years, and Miklosko has rightly been impressed by his old pal's start to life in the Boleyn Ground dugout. "It's unbelievable," said Miklosko, who played 373 times in goal for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997. "Slaven has done a fantastic job beating the teams at the top of the table – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and then Chelsea last weekend. Those were fantastic results. "I was a bit unlucky because I have only been at one match this season and it was the home match with Bournemouth, that we lost, which was not the best performance. "I had a meeting with Slaven after that game and he said he was confident that he had a good team and since then the team has not lost in the league. It's great. "I am keeping in touch with Slaven regularly, calling him and sending him text messages and he knows the team needs to keep their run going."
West Ham go to Watford on Saturday defending a seven-match Barclays Premier League unbeaten run and a near-perfect away record. Following the upcoming international break, Bilic will then head into his first managerial winter in English football – a period that Miklosko knows will test his old friend, his staff and his players. "The difficult time will come at Christmas time, then there are lots of games and the going can get tough with the weather and some injuries. "However, I know Slaven has great experience from his time managing his country, Croatia, and from managing clubs in Russia and Turkey. "He went through a lot with his national team and playing in European competitions and he knows all about football and how to rises to these challenges."
A host of individuals have stood out during West Ham's rise to third in the table, but Miklosko says that the Hammers have relied, and will continue to rely, upon teamwork if they are to maintain their place in the top four. "I never look to single out one player in a team, because it needs the whole team to play well for a team to go on a run like we have been on recently," Miklosko continued. "All the players deserve the praise for the job they have been doing."
So, can West Ham keep it going at Vicarage Road this weekend?
"This Saturday is a big chance to go there and get another win," the 53-year-old concluded. "Sometimes it is not as easy to go to a club like Watford than it is to go to the so-called 'bigger' clubs like Manchester City or Arsenal. "Expectations from the fans will grow with every good result, and that can make it more difficult to get the wins, but I know Slaven will not let the players relax and will continue to do a good job."
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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular column...
Hello everyone,
It has been an unbelievable start to the season and things got even better last weekend when we managed to beat the Premier League champions.
We have got players like Payet, Lanzini and Zarate who have come into the team and we have got so much flair on the pitch. These are exciting players to watch every week.
We have been playing well both home and away and are the second top goalscorers in the Premier League behind Manchester City. It has been a fantastic start.
It was great to see Andy Carroll score the winning goal last weekend and I think it brings a lot of competition into the squad which maybe we didn't have last season.
Having Andy back brings out the best in Sakho because he wants to keep his place in the side.
It takes a lot of pressure off Andy's shoulders getting back on the scoresheet and as Slaven Bilic has said, he has a new training regime so hopefully he will be here for the long-run.
What more can I say about the way Dimitri Payet has settled into the Club. He has been absolutely unbelievable to watch in the opening ten games.
I said to dad when we were interested in buying him that we are never getting him, but we managed to clinch his signature.
His flick against Chelsea last week when he almost set up Lanzini for a goal was amazing and then when he chipped the ball over Willian and fired it across the goal, it was a fantastic piece of skill.
That is just one feature of his game. He scores goals and as we all know, he creates goals.
He is among the top names in the Premier League for creating the most chances this season and I think he helps other players like Lanzini, Sakho and Zarate. They all flourish playing alongside him.
The younger players can only learn from someone like him and I think he lifts team morale.
I have been teaching dad the words to his new song and it was great to see all the fans singing it against Chelsea.
I thought it was a hostile atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday and that is something I like. I like the ground to be someone where opposing teams hate to come.
It fires our players up and makes their players feel a bit intimidated. The fans were fantastic and it makes their players feel smaller.
The England manager Roy Hodgson was also at the Chelsea game and I really hope that a few of our players can break into the squad.
You have seen it with Jamie Vardy of Leicester who has scored goals and got into the England set-up.
Maybe sometimes we get overlooked but Tomkins has been very good this season and has become first choice. There is nothing stopping our players getting into the squad.
We have got Cresswell, Jenkinson and of course Andy Carroll. He is someone that England have not got at the moment.
He is a big centre-forward who can do something special when he comes on.
I honestly feel our story has only just begun. Dad and David Gold feel the same. There is nothing that can stop West Ham.
We have always been a sleeping giant and it is time to grab onto that. I can't believe how big the new stadium is and it will be unbelievable.
It will be the same when we bring big players there and show them the facilities. They will want to be a part of it. I hope the fans buy into it and there is nothing stopping West Ham from doing something big.
I wouldn't mind seeing Champions League football at the new Stadium. I have been to Andorra and loved it and would love the chance to go to Barcelona !!!
I hope we can extend our unbeaten seven match run against Watford on Saturday and continue this great start to the season.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Eggleton delighted with unbeaten run
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Jake Eggleton is relishing the young Hammers match with London rivals Fulham on Saturday 31 October. The U18s are aiming to extend their phenomenal unbeaten run to eight games, which included a run of seven straight wins before drawing 2-2 with Swansea City last time out. Speaking ahead of the London derby, Eggleton said: "There's a great atmosphere among the boys at the moment, everyone is really confident. "We were all very down not to have beaten Swansea last weekend. It was a game we felt we should have won, to have conceded in the last ten seconds was very disappointing. "The games before that, we were very happy with the results."
The youngster is hoping his side will set the record straight come Saturday lunchtime as the Cottagers secured a 3-1 win over their east London neighbours on the opening day of the season. While George Dobson scored on his Hammers' debut yet goals from Aron Davies, Joshua Walker and Ryheem Sheckleford got the Cottager's season off to a strong start. Reflecting on Saturday's opposition, the talented right-back continued: "We played Fulham in the first game of the season. They are very patient, good on the counter-attack and are a very quick team overall. "Having watched a few clips of them, they look a bit vulnerable on crosses so that's something we'll look at and try and exploit."
However, ten games on and the Hammers have turned the tables round. Currently fourth in the Barclays U18 Premier League south division, Eggleton is confident of his side's chances. "We're seven games unbeaten now and the coaches are demanding a lot from us. Clearly, with the results we've got recently, it's paying off. "Training is going really well at the moment; everyone is working really hard to maintain our unbeaten run. "All the boys are desperate to continue this unbeaten run and try and win as many games as possible."
West Ham United U18 host Fulham U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 31 October, kick off is 11am.
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Watford v West Ham
KO 15:00
30 October 2015
Last updated at 12:00
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Vicarage Road Date: Saturday, 31 October
TEAM NEWS
Watford midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado is in line for a return, having resumed training this week following a hamstring injury. Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban remain sidelined with knee and groin injuries respectively.
West Ham defender Winston Reid could return from the thigh injury that ruled him out of the win over Chelsea. Victor Moses is back, having been ineligible against the Blues, but Alex Song's ankle injury will keep him out.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alan Green: "If you look only at Watford's miserable home record and West Ham's superb away form then you'll quickly mark this down as a Hammers win. I would have done too before Watford's victory at Stoke. "There I saw three unexpected points claimed by the impressive team ethic. They have no stars. Instead, working unselfishly, they are clearly determined to try to survive amidst the Premier League's glamour. "Usually, West Ham are among the also-rans. But look at the table. Think of their superb away wins this season and their Chelsea victory last weekend. "I find both clubs refreshing. I hope to relish this game. No, I don't know who's going to win."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores: "For me, at this moment, Troy Deeney is really good. From the first moment in this league he played like a striker. "Now he is settled, he has put in good performances. His impact on the team is very important. The team-mates, they say, it's perfect for us because our strikers finally score."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on Andy Carroll: "His quality, as I said 20 times, was never an issue. When he is fit he is capable of everything. "We are good in the air without Carroll - we have Diafra Sakho and Nikica Jelavic who are good in the air. But with that he is maybe the best in England - definitely when he is fit. "If the good balls come in an area where he is, it is almost impossible to mark him."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
On the face of it, West Ham's away form makes them favourites at Vicarage Road but Watford do not look like a side that has just been promoted and they might surprise a few more people this weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Watford have only won one of the last 22 league meetings (D4, L17)
The last meeting at Vicarage Road ended 4-0 to the Hammers in a Championship match in August 2011.
Watford
Watford's tally of one home goal this season is the lowest in the Premier League.
Their victory over Stoke City last time out was their first in a Premier League game in the month of October (W1, D4, L6).
They have won one of their last four games (D1, L2).
Odion Igahalo has been involved in Watford's last seven Premier League goals, scoring five and setting up two.
West Ham
West Ham have the best away record in the Premier League this season (W4, D1).
Their tally of 12 away goals is also a league-high.
Twenty points from 10 games represents West Ham's best-ever Premier League start.
They are undefeated in their last seven matches (W5, D2), one short of their best-ever Premier League unbeaten run of eight games.
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Flores 'confident' ahead of West Ham clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores says that his team are looking forward to facing in-form West Ham at Vicarage Road this weekend.
The Hornets, one of the three clubs promoted from the Championship last season have taken 13 points from their opening ten games of the campaign - a tally that includes wins over established top flight clubs Swansea, Stoke and Newcastle plus draws against Everton, West Brom, Southampton and Bournemouth.
And despite having lost their last two home games to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Flores believes his team - which includes former Hammers Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti - have the ability to upset Slaven Bilic's high-flyers.
"We respect the opponents a lot, and in this case it's West Ham," he said. "We have to work very hard to get the result. We respect the coach Slaven Bilic and we respect the players too, but we are confident we can reach our objective.
"We are really comfortable playing at home, I like playing at Vicarage Road. Sometimes the results haven't been so good, but we need to remain confident. And I love to play with our fantastic fans close with us. After promotion it's important that we started well.
"We are happy with our first quarter [of the season]. We are happy and know we can improve. But there is respect from a lot of teams coming to Vicarage Road. It will be a tough game as they [West Ham] have done very well, but we will fight until the last moment."
One player key to Watford's success this season according to Flores is striker Troy Deeney, who opened his account for the season in last weekend's win at Stoke. "From the first moment in this league he played like a striker," said Flores. "Now he is settled, he has put in good performances. His impact on the team is very important.
"He is amazing, he is fast and he is passionate. He is ambitious and he has everything we need. He is a leader for the team in the dressing room and has a connection with the strands. Now he has scored we are confident he will score a lot."
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Bilic: I won't tell Hodgson how to do his job
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic believes that his contingent of home-grown players are close to being given the chance to represent England - but says that he won't be constantly on the phone to Roy Hodgson.
The Three Lions manager was present last weekend when Bilic's side beat reigning Premier League champions Chelsea 2-1 at the Boleyn, thanks to a winning goal that was made in England - a pinpoint cross from Aaron Cresswell, converted by Andy Carroll.
However Bilic, speaking to the press this morning ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford refused to be drawn on whether the likes of Cresswell, Carroll, Carl Jenkinson or James Tomkins should get the nod.
"I was the manager of my country for six years and I don't want to be telling the manager who he should or shouldn't pick," he said. "Especially as he's got ten wins out of ten [in qualifying]. They have the best record in Europe and are doing really well.
"But of course we have some players [who could be considered for selection]. I rate my players, they are doing really well and if they continue to play like this then of course they have every reason to hope they're going to be involved in the England team."
Despite refusing to push his players' individual claims, Bilic admitted that he was delighted with the form of striker Carroll in particular.
In addition to scoring the winning goal against Chelsea, the big forward provided assists for goals against Norwich and Crystal Palace - leading the manager to hail him as the best aerial striker in England currently.
"He's definitely the best when he's fit," insisted Bilic. "When the balls come in that area it's almost impossible to mark him. But his game is not just about that, he's also got a sense and feeling for the game - which makes him a great player.
"He should be more consistent. He should stay away from the injuries. It's the same old story. His quality was never in doubt, it was never an issue - the issue was either bad luck or Andy not looking after himself. But it's a fact that he hasn't been consistent.
"He's in a good way now but I would rather make him do that and then talk about England - rather than talk about it after three good games.
"But in the game against Norwich he came on and within 15 minutes we'd created three chances and scored a goal. Against Palace he got an assist again, then he came on against Chelsea and scored a goal. So he is an important player, but he must stay fit."
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Watford v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th October 2015
By: Preview Percy
According to a recent report Australians are "drunk, inarticulate and use a 23 letter alphabet". Preview Percy only has 3 more letters to learn before he can emigrate then....
Next up we venture into darkest Hertfordshire to Watford. Saturday 3pm kick off is the order of the day. Trains? Well if your journey involves use of the stopping services provided by London Overground between Euston and Watford Junction (the orange lines on the map) there are no trains on the bit between Wembley Central and Queen's Park. Similarly there are no Bakerloo Line trains north of Queen's Park on the day. The faster services provided by London Midland appear to be unaffected though and the more circuitous route to Watford (Met) on the Metropolitan Line is also unaffected, though the camel link between Harrow and Vicarage Road will be suspended due to a damaged hoof.
So Watford then. The stomping ground of Preview Alastair when they allow him out of his room here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered and he's not on a pilgrimage to his Geordie homeland. An odd place to be sure and an odd football club to match. For a start they seem to take the concept of "Manager Of The Month" literally.
In December 2013 they parted company with a certain Gianfranco Zola, who was replaced by Beppe Sannio who held the reins into the 2014/15 season. Well for a month or so of it anyway. There were rumblings of discontent from within which had nothing to do with Preview Alastair's Guinness and Curry diet regime and at the end of August, with the club in second place following a run of four wins out of five, Sannio resigned.
Sannio was replaced by former Brighton head coach Oscar Garcia. He lasted 27 days before resigning for health reasons, having been rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains after a match against Charlton.
So, where are we? Oh yes. 29 September. Enter Billy McKinlay, who had joined the club in a more junior coaching role all of three days earlier. Barely had McKinlay chosen the colour scheme for his new office than the owning Pozzo family decided that the past eleven days had not been the greatest of their lives and McKinlay was replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic who, much to everybody's surprise, lasted all the way to the end of the season.
At the end of the season a win over Brighton late in April coupled with other results falling their way spared them the travails of the playoffs and they were promoted. At which point you'd have thought that the managerial position would have been in no doubt. Er, no. Contract negotiations floundered and Jokanovic's contract expired with either side willing to compromise.
The Pozzo family decided to, er, cast a net and brought in flamenco dancer's nephew Quique Flores, whose name has a pleasing ring about it. At time of writing he's still in charge but, hey, it's quite early in the week so who knows what the case will be by the time the short chubby one and the bald one who run this site finally post these words of wisdom up on the web.
It's been a not too good/not too bad start to their latest sojourn in the top flight. They opened up with three draws and, overall, they have won three, drawn four and lost three of the ten played to date, leaving them in 13th place with 13 points. Hope they're not superstitious.
Last week they came away from Stoke with all three points courtesy of a 2-0 win. The opening goal came from skipper Troy Deeney, who, the work experience kid with the Harry Potter spectacles tells me, had up to that point spurned no fewer than 24 goalscoring opportunities over the course of the season. Last season he became the first Watford player to net over 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He seems to have sorted himself out after serving three months of a ten-month spell inside following a conviction for affray. If only he'd changed his name to, oh, say, Steven Gerrard he'd have gotten away with it.
Deeney's striking partner has been Odion Igalho. Igalho originally came in on loan from Watford's sister club Udinese at the start of last season, having previously spent most of his time there out on loan with the Pozzo's other plaything Granada. There's a joke in there somewhere using the Cinema names Odion and Granada but they don't pay me enough to work out the punchline. The loan period was terminated and the player joined on permanent terms last October. Handy when the club you're buying from is owned by the same people who own you isn't it?! Igalho netted 20 times in last season's promotion campaign. And has hit the target 5 times already this term, form that saw him called up by his native Nigeria for whom he has a brace in 5 appearances.
There has been a large turnover of players in recent years to the extent that their longest serving players (Mensah, Smith & Hoban) all joined the club only as far back as 2011. They brought in no fewer than 16 players over the course of the summer, 13 of whom came in on permanent deals. Of the permanent deals the most notable from our point of view was the arrival from Hamburg of Valon "Pep" Berahmi. The Swiss international came in for a rumoured £3m and will be remembered for an injury-punctuated spell at the Boleyn a few years back. He missed a fair while after an horrific knee ligament injury sustained in a home win over Man City in 2009. Subsequent injury absences were a bit dodgy though. Let me put it this way, he was immediately fit and available for selection the second the summer transfer window closed in 2010 and he was off as soon as the window re-opened the following January. Behrami missed a few games recently after a deserved straight red for a nasty tackle on whichever of the Ayew brothers it is who played for Swansea.
On the loan front they brought in the much-tattooed Alessandro Diamanti who was a useful little player for us a few seasons ago and who went on to have a decent run in the Italian national side after he left the Boleyn. Skilful and mildly bonkers he always put me in mind of a "Happy Shopper" DiCanio during his spell with us. Diamanti arrived on a season-long loan from Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
They also have the obligatory loan in from Chelsea in the form of Dutch defender whose be-dreadlocked appearance puts one in mind of a young Ruud Gullit. Ake came in, according to interviews he gave at the time, on the strength of Flores' history of giving young players a chance. So he must be a bit disappointed with the three appearances in the league he's been able to muster this far.
The biggest expenditure of the summer was the two lots of £6m laid out to rescue Etienne Capoue from Tottenham and on midfielder Jose Jurado, who arrived from Spartak Moscow.
Capoue, capped seven times by the French, had two years at Spurs but managed only 24 appearances in the league during that time. In contrast, since arrival at Vicarage Road he's featured in all ten games in the league thus far.
Meanwhile Jurado started life on the fringes of the Real Madrid first team squad before hopping across town to join Atletico. Spells at Mallorca (loan) and Schalke followed before a loan deal to Spartak was made permanent in 2013. His international career seems to have run aground about 6 years ago at Spanish U21 level. He's featured in 7 of their league matches this season but has been missing in the more recent outings with hamstring problems, though there's a chance of seeing him this weekend.
So that's them. What of us? Well the season continues to provide us with entertainment and fun, last week at the expense of a hapless Chelsea who, if they were a person rather than a club, would surely be on a psychiatrist's couch by now. A quick word about the ref. I'm first to criticise PGMOL and the system that protects the mediocre and rewards the corrupt. However, Mr Moss grew an unprecedented pair in the face of the usual bullying and intimidation and his performance gave me a gliimer of hope that there might be a spark of honesty amongst the whole rotten heap.
For some reason when I went out for my constitutional on Sunday morning – a brisk quarter of a mile ending in the snug of the Swan and Superinjunction – the local kids seemed a bit scared by my limping gait coupled with the silly grin that I'd been unable to get rid of since the final whistle. Even a concerned parent's comment of "don't worry dear – it's just an old man celebrating Halloween early in case he doesn't make it that far" didn't annoy me as much as it might have normally have done.
I do note that yet again the FA have decided to use us to finance the staff Christmas Party by charging us with failure to control our players. The amount they've had out of us must mean that there's a five day break in Mauritius on the cards for the pen-pushers behind the scenes at Wembley Stadium come yuletide this year.
On the injury front the usual listings show us down to two on the treatment table. Winston Reid is shown as possibly ready for this weekend whilst Alex Song is "still a long way off" which apparently means he may be ready to make some sort of squad appearance for the Everton match. Other than that, unlike Mourinho, Bilic will be playing with a full deck. Which gives some nice selection problems. For example, in defence with Reid available do we revert to what is nominally our first choice of Reid and Tomkins, bearing in mind how well Ginge has played in recent weeks. What about Ogbonna? Further forward does Moses get back in now he's not "league-tied" (I'll get that expression into common usage if it kills me) or do we reward Zarate for his not inconsiderable efforts?
I need to be a bit careful on the prediction front for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this being West Ham we're talking about, we're only ever a heartbeat away from something going pear-shaped. If I had a pound for every time I'd uttered the words "typical West Ham" over the years I'd probably have more money than Abrahamovic. With a slightly better taste in yachts obviously. We nearly messed up at Sunderland remember, only a few weeks after beating Man City on their own patch, so a tough time at Watford only days after handing Chelsea their blue-flag enhanced backsides on a plate wouldn't totally be out of character, would it?
The second reason for my reluctance to go all guns blazing is that over the past few matches, even when I've thought we were more than capable of getting a win, my natural caution has stopped me from actually predicting such and, when I've gone for the draw (for example at Palace) we've gone and won. So call me a superstitious old sod if you will (er we had something different in mind – ed) but I think that I'll stick the £2.50 That the Rest Home was going to be spending on a copy of the Chilcott Report on a 2-2 draw in the hope that we actually win 3-1 or something.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At Vicarage Road: Won 4-0 (August 2011). Goals from Tomkins, O'Brien, Cole (Carlton) and what turned out to be a farewell effort from Scott Parker before his career went down the drain at Spurs were enough to give us back-to-back away wins for the first time in aeons.
Danger Man: Troy Deeney –May be one of those players that, now his duck has been broken...
Referee: Keith Stroud We haven't had him for a while as he's not actually a member of the so-called "select" group. This is because he is a member of a pretty exclusive club, being one of only five referees ever to be demoted from the select group in the 14 years they've been going. More people have walked on the moon. Whilst his selection might be applauded if it's an example of opening up the closed shop, it's more likely that he's getting a game due to a combination of injury and absence on FIFA U17 duty….
Irritating Celebrity Supporter Of The Week: Well it's got to be Elton hasn't it. A performer whose diva-like excesses have increased as his talent has gone on the wane. Incredible to think that an artist who put out an album as good as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road could also have produced such dross as "I'm Still Standing" and "Sacrifice", a track which incredibly, given all the good stuff he did in the 70's, was his first no.1 hit single. And don't get me started on that nauseating Diana thing....
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Watford v West Ham preview: Hammers aim for another away win
Last Updated: 30/10/15 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham will be aiming to continue their impressive away form when they travel to Watford on Saturday. The Hammers have already won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to climb up to third in the Premier League. They beat defending champions Chelsea in their last outing at Upton Park and are the second-highest scorers in the league behind Manchester City.
Watford, on the other hand, have struggled for goals, managing just eight in 10 games, the joint-lowest in the league. Two of those came last weekend as the Hornets won 2-0 at Stoke to end a run of three matches without a victory. Captain Troy Deeney netted his first goal of the season at the Britannia while Odion Ighalo is the club's top scorer with five.
Team news
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores is hoping Jose Manuel Jurado may be fit in time to face the Hammers. The midfielder has been missing with a hamstring strain but has returned to training and could be involved against the Hammers.
Former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami will be pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the win over Stoke last week following a calf injury - while Joel Ekstrand (knee) and Tommie Hoban (groin) are still out.
The Hammers could welcome back defender Winston Reid for Saturday's clash with Watford. The New Zealand international missed the win over Chelsea with a thigh problem but could be involved for the Hammers when they travel to Vicarage Road.
Victor Moses is also back after being ineligible against his parent club but Alex Song (ankle) is still missing while Bilic has to decide whether to hand last weekend's match-winner Andy Carroll his first start since January.
Opta stats
Watford have won just one of their last 22 league meetings with West Ham, drawing four and losing 17.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Vicarage Road (W8 D3), last suffering a league defeat away to Watford in April 1985 (0-5).
Watford have lost their last two league games at Vicarage Road; they last lost three consecutive home league games in December 2013 (five home defeats in a row).
No West Ham player has been involved in more goals in their first ten Premier League appearances for the club than Dmitri Payet (eight - scored five, assisted three); level with Ian Wright and Diafra Sakho.
Watford have used a league-low two English players this season in the Premier League (Troy Deeney and Ben Watson).
Merson's prediction
Troy Deeney got on the scoresheet with a very good goal so they'll definitely pose a threat. But you can't overlook West Ham's phenomenal away record, they should come through this one with another victory.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Watford are Sky Bet's 7/5 favourites with West Ham up against odds of 19/10 despite their impressive form. Slaven Bilic's men are now 18/1 for a top-four finish and just 4/1 to be in the top six come the end of the season, while the Hornets went out to 11/2 for relegation following last weekend's win at Stoke. Ighalo is the 5/1 favourite in the first goalscorer betting, while Diafra Sakho head the market from the Hammers' side at 6/1.
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LIKE PRETTY BUBBLES, THEY KEEP GOING UP AND UP - WEST HAM BEAT CHELSEA BUT THE PAPERS REPORT THE 'SOAP OPERA' NOT THE FOOTBALL.
By Tony McNulty 30 Oct 2015 at 15:15
WTID
I have never been the sort of politician who blamed the nasty media for all of my party's political problems. I never moaned about the nature of coverage, it is all a part of our rich democracy. But football is different.
I guess it was really too much to ask. I was looking forward to reading the back pages over the weekend – to read about derring-do from West Ham, graceful football, Carroll's comeback goal, how beating Chelsea meant that West Ham had arrived and weren't just benefitting from the woes and malaise of others. I wanted to read banner headlines about West Ham's football, Bilic's tactical master-strokes, another performance from the whole team and not just the odd individual and a discussion about how good this West Ham team could really be this season.
Cartoon of West Ham towing away Chelsea
What I got to read was nothing of the sort. What I got to read was a real disappointment. The Sunday papers were the rough equivalent of Match of the Day – however good West Ham play, the key topic is always about some other more fashionable team, with West Ham's footballing prowess ignored or swiftly dismissed.
Here is just a sample of the headlines on the day after our magnificent victory over Chelsea:-
"Carroll adds to Mourinho's woes – more misery for Chelsea manager who is sent to stand as his 10-man team make a meek attempt to arrest their decline." Independent on Sunday
I suppose I should be grateful that buried at the end of Miguel Delaney's piece was recognition that this was a 'deserved West Ham win'. The rest of the article concentrated on Chelsea's woes. The implication was clearly that it was Chelsea disarray, ill-discipline and sometime anxiety and panic that caused the result, not West Ham's football.
"Carroll sinks 10-man Chelsea." Sunday Times
Carroll goal vs. CHE. at Upton Park 2015
Apparently, according to the text box above Jonathan Northcroft's story in the Sunday Times, it was 'goal-line technology' that denied Chelsea. Not West Ham's tactics, endurance or skills but a bloody machine. It didn't deny Chelsea – it wasn't a goal – full stop. This story followed a similar pattern to the Independent on Sunday. Blink and you would have missed it, but the second paragraph said that "Not that Chelsea's continued unravelling should detract from West Ham's continuing exploits. Like pretty bubbles, they keep going up and up."
He even tried to suggest that Chelsea's policy on loans was the cause of West Ham's first goal because Zarate only played because Victor Moses was ineligible as Chelsea is his home team. Aaaaggghh!
"Where now Jose? Mourinho humiliated in stand as jubilant West hams stun Chelsea." "Carroll joy as Jose loses plot. Chelsea boss sent off before super sub Andy sends West Ham third. " Mail on Sunday
It took Rob Draper in the Mail on Sunday some time to even mention West Ham in his report on the game. Buried in the piece, at the start of the ninth paragraph, he finally gets there – "For the record, West Ham were excellent even before the mini-meltdown from Chelsea…" Nice of you to say so Rob, very nice indeed.
"Mourinho meltdown" "Mourinho funks West Ham stress test" The Observer
Hurray – at last. The opening line of Paul Doyle's report on the match said "West Ham deserved to win." He continued "It is worth highlighting this fact lest it be obscured by the fallout to Chelsea's disciplinary meltdown." No shit Sherlock!? He went on to describe how West ham 'ran a serious stress test and Chelsea failed it' but the piece, just as most of the rest of the media coverage, focussed on Chelsea's demise and meltdown, rather than West Ham's prowess.
"Mourinho and Matic sent off as Chelsea's latest implosion turns screw on manager." Sunday Telegraph
Once again, this time courtesy of the Sunday Telegraph's Sam Wallace, we had to wait until the ninth paragraph of his piece to read that "It was easy to overlook West Ham's achievement in the midst of all this, with a first goal from Andy Carroll this season winning the game for them." If you knew that it was so easy to overlook our achievement then why did you and the rest of the Sunday sports journalists do just that? Give West Ham a little credit at least for our football.
I know I am starting to sound like a broken record – but it is rooted in exasperation and frustration. I have read the Guardian on each and every day it has been published for the best part of the last forty years or so. Maybe it would give the West Ham performance the merit it deserved – but no. The Monday headline read "West Ham twist the knife in wounded Chelsea as Mourinho cries foul once more." Just as all the others, the clear inference is that somehow a less than full strength Chelsea lost a game it should have won. It took the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg the tenth paragraph in a long piece before he recognised that "West Ham, a surprising presence in the top four, were the better side…"
Where's Jose?
Hopefully, as we go from strength to strength and keep on playing so good solid and entertaining football, the press will eventually afford us the coverage that we deserve, rather than this sort of 'sports journalism as soap opera' nonsense. Or at the very least, give us some solid stories based on the football and save the soap opera for broader editorial pieces. I know the plight of Mourinho and his team is an important concern for most football fans – but surely as a secondary consideration to the beautiful game, not as a substitute for it.
P.S For all his ups and downs, his whingeing and his digs at other managers, Mourinho has contributed significantly to British football. I don't like his style, his football or his gob, but he has left his mark. The one thing I don't understand and would condemn him entirely for is his appalling treatment, almost bullying it seems, of Dr. Eva Carneiro – it just doesn't make sense and leaves a very bad taste. And it's not because, apparently, she used to work for West Ham.
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West Ham were "lucky" to be fourth at Christmas last year, claims Hammers manager Slaven Bilic
22:30, 30 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
The new Hammers boss is chasing an unlikely Champions League dream as his side sit third in the Premier League
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham were "lucky" to be fourth at Christmas last year – but does not blame his predecessor for their poor second half of the season. The new Hammers boss is chasing an unlikely Champions League dream as his side sit third in the Premier League. But he claims he is not concerned by the fact they imploded under Sam Allardyce to finish 12th last term. Bilic (below) said: "We are not thinking about last year, the fact we were fourth at Christmas and all that. We're just approaching games totally individually. "If it was all about learning lessons then Sam would have changed it. Or whoever is in deep crisis now would change it. "Sam knows the business. So he would see it, smell it and say, 'OK let's change it'. "The reason is maybe very simple. I think in the first half of the season, in some games, we were a little bit lucky last year. "And then, in the second part, in some games, we were unlucky."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists smaller clubs must "dream" and challenge for Champions League spots
22:30, 29 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
The Hammers are third after their fantastic start to the season and Bilic believes the rest of the top-flight may as well give up if they can't challenge the big boys
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has led West Ham into fantasy land – and is adamant that the Premier League's smaller clubs have a duty to believe they can gatecrash the European elite. With co-chairman David Sullivan even claiming the Hammers could win the title, the bubble-blowers seem to have forgotten the words to their club anthem about dreams which 'fade and die'. West Ham are third after a miraculous start to the season, including victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who - along with Manchester United and Tottenham - are the only English clubs to play in the Champions League over the past decade. But there is a belief among ambitious mid-ranked clubs that this cartel can be smashed - especially with Premier League TV revenues making the likes of West Ham more attractive destinations for quality imports. Boss Bilic concedes it will not be easy for West Ham to sustain their early-season form but insists the rest of the top flight might as well give up if they cannot dare to dream. He said: "You have a lot of surprises in every league, Celta Vigo in Spain at the moment, in Italy, Germany and England. But if you are talking about wonders, then the real wonder is if you are doing it for the whole season. "It is very rare - but it is possible, of course. And we should all - all the clubs outside these top six as you call them - should hope or dream or even plan, in a positive way, about finishing in the top four because otherwise what is the point of playing? "In every country you have surprises in Cups - here you have three Championship clubs in last eight (of League Cup) but in a league it is very difficult, every year you have someone, you can call it a wonder or a surprise package or one club isolated because they are there for one part of the season but it can be done."
Sullivan is more bullish than his manager, claiming that winning the Premier League is not impossible - even before the state-subsidised move to the Olympic Stadium, which is likely to boost their long-term Champions League hopes. He said: "We're very, very optimistic. I'm not talking it down I want to talk it up, I believe it's achievable. "It's a big myth, I mean look at what's gone wrong with Chelsea - that looked an impossibility - so why shouldn't the opposite happen to us? "In football, we're here to dream. At the start of the season we were in four competitions and the aim was to win those four. "Now we're down to two - we've got the big double left - and it's very, very unlikely but not impossible. "If you'd asked about the Champions League at the start of the season I would have said it's impossible this year - but it's not. Forget dreaming in the future. "The unfortunate thing is that if you finish fourth you have to play a qualifying game - and no doubt we'd get a real toughie - like the fourth best team in Spain or Italy! "Realistically, I'd love fourth place and we'd take our chances. I know it's unlikely, but it really is possible. "One more win and we could be top of the table, looking down! "I'm not sure how clever that would be as it'd really put pressure on people but it's not bad to be two points off the lead."
With masterstroke signings like that of midfield playmaker Dimitri Payet and high-profile recruits like the currently-injured Alex Song, the Hammers are already leading the way for clubs outside the 'elite'. And despite West Ham having fallen away after a strong start under Sam Allardyce last season, Bilic does not foresee a dramatic collapse. He said: "It has been a good start. There will be ups and downs results-wise, but I don't see why we should drop dramatically. "We hope to continue like this, because we have good players, good team spirit, a good pattern. We're working hard, respecting the opponents and not fearing them."
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Leroy: Slaven's AC honesty absolutely top stuff
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 30, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has to be the brightest and perhaps cleverest manager in West Ham's history and he showed it again today when discussing Andy Carroll.
You only ever get the truth from this bloke so when asked if he had heard the stories about AC not looking after his body as he might have done he said: "Yes, and there's probably something in it – that's usually the case when these stories get around" (or words to that effect).
It's so refreshing and it gives him and the club a really good image because there so much secrecy, half truth and downright lies told in this game of ours.
He tells it as it is and that is exactly the right thing to do at the moment because there's such a feel good factor around the place people will take all of that and be proud of their manager.
Mind you, had we had lost a lot of games they'd probably be on his back and claiming that he needs to get some discipline in the place particularly when he said he's not going to be a personal policeman to AC or any other player. Slav knows exactly how to play things!
It was the same yesterday when he came out saying that he wanted to become West Ham's Sir Alex Ferguson in years to come – a great line and one which he clearly means. The board should be very very happy that Slaven Bilic agreed to become our manager.
I meet a lot of old pros in my work as a commentator and the Irons boss is getting a very good name for himself as we go from strength to strength and he has carried himself with such dignity.
Tomorrow it's Watford and I have no hesitation predicting a 2-1 away win because the Hornets are a team that likes to counter attack. The midfield doesn't get much beyond the halfway line and Deeney and Ighalo are the only goal threats.
I think we should be far too strong for them. With Winston Reid back to partner James Tomkins we should be able to look after those two and I reckon t will then be goood night Vienna for the Hornets.
We have to play our strongest team so that means no place for James Collins. That's hard on the bloke cos he's done well but that's the squad Ginge is in I'm afraid.
Watford 1 Irons 2
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Hammers react to AC Milan transfer link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Morning reports that West Ham are eyeing a cut price move for AC Milan playmaker Keisuke Honda have been ruled out by the club.
The report emerged in The Sun where it was reported the 77 times capped Japan international has attracted our attention and that a £5 million fee could be involved.
The 29 year old AC Milan player has managed fewer than 300 minutes of Serie A action this term in seven appearances – three of which have been as a substitute.
And this morning CandHh sources declared "no interest" and repeated their position of last night saying: "We are out of cash and up to our limits on FFP.
"Players will definitely have to leave for anything to happen on us bringing players in but as the manager has explained very adequately, we did our business in the summer and are not looking to add to the squad at this stage."
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Epic fail by Mark Lawenson
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
BBC pundit Mark Lawenson is at it again predicting his seventh loss of the season for the Hammers.
Lawro told the BBC Sport website : "Every time I think Watford are about to get sucked into the relegation fight, they come up with a big result like last week's win at Stoke, generally away from home. West Ham also had an impressive win – yes they were at home but they were up against Chelsea and had to show great resolve in a game I thought they would lose.
The Hammers have claimed a few scalps on the road this season but I would argue that was as good as any of their previous results. On the face of it, their away form makes them favourites at Vicarage Road but Watford do not look like a side that has just been promoted and they might surprise a few more people this weekend.
After beating the Blues, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic said he had not set up his team as if they were at home and I think the Hornets will do the same. Watford will not be easy to break down and will do what it takes to get a win. Lawro's prediction: 2-0″
As the graphic above from www.myfootballfacts.com shows Lawro is way out of touch, West Ham would be in 18th place with 5 points in a relegation scrap if all his woeful predictions had come true this season.
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Payet's amazing pics show squad joy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers man of the moment Dimtri Payet posted an picture on Instagram yesterday to show the amazing togetherness and bond of the squad as they trained to face Watford on Saturday. Payet said "So Hilarious, all the team laugh at the training with Enner Valencia, Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang, Mauro Zarate and Chek Kouyate." West Ham sit in third place in the Premier League table with 20 points and a goal difference of plus nine. An away win over Watford on Saturday could mean West Ham top the Premier League on 23 points after 11 games but we need to rely on Norwich beating Man City at the Etihad and Swansea getting a draw or better against Arsenal.
It has been a crazy Premier League this season so you never can predict what may happen.
Come on you Irons!
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