Payet - Win has boosted our confidence
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet says Wednesday's EFL Cup third-round victory over Accrington Stanley will be 'great' for the Hammers' confidence.
The France star settled the tie with a stunning last-minute free-kick – his fifth for West Ham United this year – setting up a fourth-round tie with Chelsea here at London Stadium next month.
Having gone within inches of opening his 2016/17 account with another stunning set piece at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Payet was pleased to score an important, morale-boosting goal in midweek.
"I am working hard on all aspects of my game," he told whufc.com. "On Saturday, I hit the post with the free-kick and yesterday, it went in.
"The goal helped us a lot and makes us feel a lot better because it meant we avoided extra-time and another 30 minutes of football. It will be great for our confidence.
The No27 found time to praise League Two Accrington for their approach to the tie, explaining how manager Slaven Bilic changed his gameplan at half-time, introducing himself and Manuel Lanzini in a bid to break down a stubborn defence.
"It was a bit of a tricky match on Wednesday," the Hammer of the Year reflected. "They played well, were well-organised and they kept their shape.
"We are in a period during which we need some more confidence and we couldn't break them down. As the match went on we opened up the game more and more and that allowed us to play better and become more of a threat.
"Slaven asked Manu and I to get on the ball, to use it well and to get the game going. We weren't putting them under enough pressure in the first-half because we were a bit slow and needed to move the ball more quickly and to keep the ball better. During the first 45 minutes, we were going long with the ball too often, so Slaven looked to the two of us to help change that."
The last-minute victory against Accrington will have helped us mentally and will have boosted our confidence and I hope that we will see that on the pitch on Sunday
Payet now hopes the Hammers will build on Wednesday's win when they take to the pitch for their Premier League clash with Southampton.
The Saints visit London Stadium on a run of three straight wins in UEFA Europa League, Premier League and EFL Cup, but the Frenchman is confident West Ham can halt their march on Sunday.
"Sunday's game against Southampton is of course one that we can win and we will be doing all that we can to do so and to take the victory at home," he stated.
"We know that we are in need of points, but we are at home and I think that the last-minute victory against Accrington will have helped us mentally and will have boosted our confidence and I hope that we will see that on the pitch on Sunday."
*If you are not coming to London Stadium, you can watch Sunday's game live on Sky Sports 1 HD, with kick-off at 4pm.
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Slaven Speaks - Southampton
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic faced the media ahead of the Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday and stressed the importance of getting two more wins before the international break. The Hammers boss also provided updates on the fitness of Andy Carroll and Arthur Masuaku and compared Dimitri Payet to David Beckham....
What would winning this weekend against Southampton mean to you following the recent defeats
SB: "It would mean a lot because we need it. I said after the West Brom game that we had three massive games until the international break starting in the cup and then two big league games. "It is a good opportunity for us because we are playing at home and we can get out of the situation we are in. "It would mean a lot to us to get the three points and it would boost the confidence and bring back the belief. "Although it is very early on in the season it is still very important because we need the points."
You said after the West Brom game that you wanted to see a reaction from the players. Have you seen that in training this week?
SB: "I have seen that and we have also had a game so we had to prepare the players for the Cup game against Accrington. "To be fair the players have always worked hard in training and we always train aggressive and intense. But the fact is we have to do it in games and we need to do it for ninety minutes."
You won against Accrington Stanley and although the performance was not what you were looking for, you still managed a victory. Has that does something to raise the confidence levels?
SB: "I totally agree with that. The performance was not something we expected or were looking for, but it is a win and we are through. You can train good and have lots of meetings, but nothing can bring you back on track like getting a win. "I said we had three big games and we have won one and kept a clean sheet. That is very important after conceding eight goals in two games. We have ticked the box in one game and now have another massive game on Sunday. "We are playing at home again against a team who are playing well at the moment. They did not start points wise the best but they got a win in Europe last week which gave them confidence and played well last weekend. It will be very hard of course."
Dimitri Payet scored another free-kick to win the game. He scores with a highest percentage of free-kicks than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. How highly do you rate him?
SB: "I rate him highly. When it comes to free-kicks I heard what Jamie Redknapp said and that he reminds him of David Beckham. "There are a few ways of taking a free-kick. Julian Dicks used to smash them. They were great ones but they were different. "You then have players who bend it like Beckham and he reminds me of that. The old fashioned way but hard as well. He is doing that in a great way and it is a very important part of his game. "He did it last season for us and for France. He is a great player and got the goal for us a great time on Wednesday night."
What would you say to West Ham fans attending London Stadium on Sunday?
SB: "I want the fans to be behind us on Sunday and we need their support more than ever. They will play a big part in this game. "We need them every time but we need them now to help us get out of this situation. "Since I have been here they have always been fantastic with their support and getting behind the team and I have no doubts they will be very positive once again."
Can you give us an update on Andy Carroll and when he could be back in action and the latest surrounding Arthur Masuaku's fitness?
SB: "Andy is doing very well. He is out injured and I saw stories on the day that we played Accrington that he had a setback, but that is not true and it is totally false. "We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell to fully train with the squad after the international break. That is good news. "Of course we had some bad news with Arthur's injury. He damaged his knee at the end of the Accrington game and he damaged his ligaments. "We will know more in a week's time and when he will be back but it will be at least six weeks, if not more. "It is disappointing because some players can play in different positions and you can fill the holes, but when both left backs have done the ligaments in their knee, it is not good news. "But I never look for excuses and we have a good team. I expect from us to do it on Sunday."
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Burt - You will not find a more honest manager
WHUFC.com
Daily Telegraph Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt has forged a close relationship with Slaven Bilic over recent years and is confident the West Ham manager will turn the Club's season around.
Following recent defeats against Watford and West Brom, Bilic enjoyed good news this week with the birth of his baby daughter and Burt feels he will have even more reason to celebrate following the game against Southampton on Sunday....
I think there is a general sense of frustration that it has been a difficult start to the season but also an acceptance that there have been a number of factors that have contributed to the bad start.
The injuries in particular has been a big factor but knowing Slaven like I do, he doesn't like to make excuses and doesn't enjoy being asked to make any excuses. You will not find a more honest manager in the Premier League.
He was very honest and gave his opinion following the defeat against West Brom last week and that is just the way he operates.
We had a similar situation at the start of the season when he was asked to castigate Diego Costa following the Chelsea defeat but he didn't even do that and that is a great quality he has got.
These next two games against Southampton and Middlesbrough are absolutely key in helping to get the season back on track.
The problem nowadays is there is so much focus on the Premier League. You have two types of clubs – one who are doing fantastic and the other who is facing a crisis.
At the moment with the situation that West Ham are in and the issues surrounding the Stadium, there is obviously a lot more focus on West Ham and people are labelling them as the crisis club but things can change.
You look at Crystal Palace and Watford and the situation changes.
Going into the international break, if the Club can manage to get two wins then the whole situation will change completely.
He told us during the press conference that he has still been thinking non-stop about football this week, even though he has just had a little girl.
It is 24/7 and a manager like Slaven coming back into the Premier League is interesting because he always wanted to manage in England and genuinely wanted the opportunity to manage West Ham.
He knows they over-achieved last season and the Club have backed him in the transfer market.
With the move into the new Stadium, people have been asking if they can push even higher, but when you look at what everyone has done during the summer, you find that all the big clubs are not going to allow another Leicester to happen.
Maybe West Ham could have done a Leicester this season if the situation would have been different, but it will be very difficult for anyone to move ahead of the big clubs.
Suddenly the other 13 clubs are in a scrap to stay out of the bottom half so West Ham have to push forward as much as possible.
Slaven will be hurting a little bit about the start to the season and he will not be enjoying it at all, but you will not find a manager who will work harder to try and turn it around.
I think West Ham will win on Sunday. Southampton are picking up and I saw them play at the start of the season. They keep the ball very well.
Charlie Austin has changed the goal threat they were lacking and the victory in the Europa League is a big win for them. They are looking more potent up front now.
They are a dangerous team and like to keep the ball, which could prove to be frustrating for West Ham if the game goes deep into the game and they are drawing or losing.
But there is enough quality in the team that they can come away with a win. They are getting all their creative players back and Payet and Lanzini will make a big difference. I am sure you will see a reaction.
Although the win over Accrington came very late, a victory like that can make a big difference and it is important that Payet scored again.
I can't see there being a lot of goals on Sunday, but I think West Ham will come away with a narrow win.
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Feedback Forum update
WHUFC.com
Having reviewed the feedback submitted by today's deadline from supporters, the Club have taken the decision to postpone the proposed Feedback Forum scheduled for Monday 26 September. It will now be held during the upcoming international break on Wednesday 5 October 2016 at 6pm.
This decision has been taken in response to a significant number of supporters wanting to attend expressing their desire for a more formal group set up to discuss issues with more members of the Board in attendance.
So with the help of an independent selection committee, the Club has decided to appoint key advisors representing key sections of the supporter-base, whose role it will be to act as representatives of supporters and meet with the Board on a regular basis.
This group of advisors will include supporters from each section of the General Admission areas of the Stadium, in addition to Corporate Members, Bondholders, Accessibility supporters, young supporters, fan bloggers and key groups including LGBT Hammers and other such affiliate groups.
With a strong task team, including Board members, having thoroughly reviewed the feedback, the Forum is expected to focus on some key themes from different perspectives.
The Board are very grateful for the detailed feedback received, many points of which have already been acted upon, and are pleased that supporters are overwhelmingly supportive of the Club's aim to ensure the Forum achieves tangible outcomes for the benefit of the Club and supporters.
This is a genuine opportunity to listen to supporters' views from a true cross-section of the fanbase and work together to improve the Stadium and matchday experience.
The Club actively invite fans to come forward themselves, or to nominate individuals they think can adequately represent their area, expressing their interest in becoming a key advisor. To do so, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk.
The Feedback Forum meeting will act as a good test for the soon-to-be-elected new West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board. It is proposed that the SAB will follow a similar format, meeting more regularly with a pool of different representatives focusing on key areas of expertise.
Should they be selected as key advisors, supporters will be invited formally to attend no later than Friday 30 September at 5pm, with the Feedback Forum to take place on Wednesday 5 October 2016 at 6pm.
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U18s aim for consistency
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s take on Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend
The Hammers thrashed Fulham 5-1 last weekend
Assistant manager Mark Phillips says they will look to match their performance of last weekend this Saturday
Mark Phillips is targeting consistency from West Ham United's U18s after recording their biggest win of the season last weekend.
The Hammers host Brighton and Hove Albion at Little Heath this Saturday (11am kick-off) and assistant manager Phillips wants his players to build on their thumping win at Fulham.
They go into the match in second place in the U18 Premier League South table with their opponents from the South Coast currently lying in ninth position.
"Myself and Steve (Potts) know the Brighton manager (Paul Holder) really well. He'll set them up to make it difficult for us," said Phillips.
"It's going to be a tough match but I hope we can perform as well as we did last weekend."
The Hammers were in supreme form last weekend against the Cottagers and sailed to a 4-0 lead in just 36 minutes.
Dan Kemp slotted home a penalty after Jahmal Hector-Ingram was fouled in the area. The Hammers No9 added a goal of his own ten minutes later, reacting quickest to a Joe Powell effort to nod the ball home.
Five minutes later, Anthony Scully latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics which found the winger in acres of space on the left hand side. Scully planted the ball into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Hector-Ingram added his second with a neat finish just before half time and completed his hat-trick on the hour mark with a precise strike into the bottom corner.
Fulham's Cameron Thompson added a late consolation for the hosts but the Hammers eased to victory at Motspur Park, with Hector-Ingram catching the eye in particular.
"Last week was just brilliant. It was one of those games where everything we had been working on at the training ground came to fruition." Phillips continued.
"Our second goal was excellent – every player touched the ball in the build-up and we want to see more of that.
"There's a feeling now that we need some consistency. We need to perform like we did against Fulham every week.
"Jahmal's confidence will be sky high on Saturday after getting the hat-trick and hopefully he'll score again."
Parking and admission is free for all supporters for the match against Brighton. Kick-off is at 11am at Little Heath Training Ground.
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West Ham United v Southampton
SUN, 25 SEPT 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:00
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have lost three consecutive league games under manager Slaven Bilic for the first time.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham are without a recognised left-back after Arthur Masuaku joined Aaron Cresswell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Central defender Winston Reid will return, but Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho remain out.
Southampton boss Claude Puel is expected to hand a start to Charlie Austin, who has scored four goals in his last three matches. Fellow striker Jay Rodriguez is out with a groin problem.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "The form guide says Southampton to win, with three victories in a row suggesting they're on the right track after an initially sluggish start under Claude Puel. "Charlie Austin has scored in all those wins, and he'll relish the chance to net again against the club that publicly questioned his fitness last year after deciding against signing him. "West Ham's problem lies at the other end of the field, and ;the problem is big' says Slaven Bilic. We might then reasonably expect a cautious approach from his side, with defensive discipline paramount. "Talking of which, here's a quirky fact: referee Jonathan Moss has sent someone off in each of the last six Hammers games he has officiated!"
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Injury-wise we look much better than at the beginning of the season. We have a good team and I expect us to be really good in every way on Sunday afternoon. "I want the fans to be behind us, and they will be. "We need them all the time, but especially now to help get out of this situation. I have no doubt they will be very positive."
Southampton manager Claude Puel: "We can see the good work on the training sessions and in every game, we are strong in defence and also with good possibilities on the counter-attack, playing good football, even with different players out on the pitch. "All of the squad can take confidence from this, to show that it is possible to play these many games every three days, which is what we challenged the squad to do at the start (of the season).
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Southampton have the lowest shot conversion rate in the Premier League, just 6.45%. Shane Long is probably most to blame for that, but Charlie Austin is a finisher and, as he showed last weekend against Swansea, if he is picked and gets a chance, he will take it.
West Ham have been struggling at the back but they have been working hard to improve defensively, and it will come.
Prediction: 2-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have only failed to score in one of their 14 home Premier League meetings with Southampton: a 1-0 defeat in December 2002.
The team scoring first has gone on to lose this fixture at West Ham in each of the last three seasons, with the Hammers coming from behind twice.
West Ham United
West Ham have conceded four goals in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2008, when they conceded four goals in three straight games (0-4 v Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham).
The Hammers have conceded at least two goals in 12 of their last 15 league matches, letting in 33 goals overall.
They have lost five of their last six league matches.
West Ham have scored in each of their last 13 home league games, netting at least twice on nine occasions.
Michail Antonio has scored 10 headed Premier League goals in 2016 - twice as many as any other player.
Southampton
Southampton kept their first Premier League clean sheet in 17 matches, dating back to February, against Swansea last weekend.
The Saints have scored just four goals in their five league games this season and are yet to score more than once in a match.
They have conceded three penalties so far this season.
Charlie Austin has scored four times in his last three games in all competitions after a run of nine games without a goal.
Claude Puel is only the seventh French manager to win a Premier League game. The others are Alain Perrin, Arsene Wenger, Gerard Houllier, Jacques Santini, Jean Tigana and Remi Garde.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 26%
Probability of home win: 47% Probability of away win: 27%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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We need a win, says Slaven
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Although the season is just five games old, Slaven Bilic believes this weekend's clash with Southampton is a 'must win' affair.
West Ham's slow start to the Premier League campaign - which has resulted in just one win, that coming against Bournemouth - has left the Hammers in the bottom three.
However Bilic believes that his side are ready to give a better account of themselves this weekend when they face a Saints side which has also managed just one win from their opening five games.
"We need it," said Bilic when asked about the importance of three points during his pre-match press conference. "I said after the West Brom game that we had three massive games until the international break, starting in the cup, and then two big league games.
"It is a good opportunity for us because we are playing at home against a good team and we can get out of the situation we are in. It would mean a lot to get three points; it would boost the confidence and bring back the belief at a very important stage of the season.
"Although it is still very early, we need the points."
Bilic stated earlier in the week that the team faced three big games ahead of the forthcoming international break - against Accrington Stanley, Southampton this weekend and then Middlesbrough at home next weekend.
And despite having to wait until the 96th minute of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash for a winnning goal, Bilic believes his squad are back on the right track.
"We had three big games; we have won one and kept a clean sheet," he said. "That is very important after conceding eight goals in [the previous] two games. We have ticked the box in one game and now have another massive game on Sunday.
"We are playing at home again against a team who are playing well at the moment. They did not start points wise the best but they got a win in Europe last week which gave them confidence and played well last weekend.
"It will be very hard, of course."
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Masuaku out for six weeks
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Arthur Masuaku could be out of action until the beginning of November, Slaven Bilic has revealed.
The full-back, who joined the club as cover for the stricken Aaron Cresswell last month was injured towards the end of the Wednesday night's 1-0 EFL Cup win over Accrington Stanley at the Olympic Stadium.
And Bilic, addressing the media this morning ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Southampton confirmed that the former Olympiacos man will be out for some time.
"We had some bad news with Arthur's injury," he said. "He damaged his knee at the end of the Accrington game and he damaged his ligaments. We will know more in a week's time when he will be back but it will be at least six weeks, if not more.
"It is disappointing because some players can play in different positions and you can fill the holes, but when both left backs have done the same ligaments it is not good news.
"As they say, when it rains it pours. But I never look for excuses and we have a good team. I expect from us to do it on Sunday."
Bilic also denied reports suggesting that Andy Carroll's recovery has suffered a setback - whilst adding that he expects to see Aaron Cresswell back in training soon too.
"Andy is doing very well," added Bilic. "He is out injured and I saw stories on the day that we played Accrington that he had a setback, but that is not true and it is totally false.
"We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell to fully train with the squad after the
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Arthur Masuaku sidelined for at least six weeks with knee injury
By Claire Corkery
Last Updated: 23/09/16 12:02pm
SSN
West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku will be out for a minimum of six weeks after suffering a knee injury in this week's EFL Cup match against Accrington Stanley. The 22-year-old left the pitch on a stretcher with three minutes to go during Thursday's 1-0 victory, although it was still unknown at the time about the severity of the injury. During a press conference on Friday, Hammers' boss Slaven Bilic revealed the injury means Masuaku is to be sidelined for well over a month. "Arthur Masuaku has damaged his ligaments and we will know better in one week when he will be back. But it will be at least six weeks," he said. West Ham have been blighted by injuries this year and Masuaku's injury has come at a particularly bad time for Bilic as fellow left-back Aaron Cresswell is still unable to play. "Some players can play in different positions, and you can fill gaps, but when you have two left-backs who have done the same ligaments it's not good news," he added.
However, the Croatian manager is optimistic that the number of injured players will not affect the team's performance going forward, taking the opportunity to quash recent rumours that striker Andy Carroll's recovery would take longer than previously expected. "I saw reports that Andy Carroll had a setback but that is totally false. We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell back after the break," Bilic explained. "Winston Reid is back in training and Alvaro Arbeloa has joined the team. The injuries are not ideal but we will still have a good team."
West Ham have had a difficult start to the season, losing four out of five of their Premier League games so far. The club have found it a struggle to find their form since moving away from Upton Park, having suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat to Watford the last time they played a Premier League match at the London Stadium. But Bilic is expecting his side's recent misfortunes will be reversed when they host Southampton this weekend. "I am expecting us to be really good on Sunday. We had a similar position when we played Southampton last season."
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West Ham v Southampton preview: Charlie Austin in line for rare start
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 23/09/16 12:19pm
SSN
Charlie Austin is pushing for a starting role when Southampton travel to West Ham on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD. The striker has netted four goals in his last three games to help Saints recover from a slow start to the season. Claude Puel's side picked up their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, sandwiched between victories in the Europa League and EFL Cup.
West Ham also enjoyed success in the EFL Cup, with Dimitri Payet's last-gasp free-kick earning them a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley. Having lost their last three Premier League games, and conceding 11 goals in the process, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic hopes the win can be a turning point. "I've seen those kind of things happen in football," he said after the win over Accrington. "We can't lose the confidence, we have to be happy and come out in a positive way."
Team news
West Ham will be without a recognised left-back against Southampton after Arthur Masuaku joined Aaron Cresswell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Bilic can welcome back centre-half Winston Reid, however, after he shook off the knock which has kept him out for a fortnight. Andy Carroll is progressing well after a knee injury and will be back after the international break. Fellow forwards Andre Ayew (thigh) and Diafra Sakho (back) are still out.
Southampton team news to follow
Opta stats
The team scoring first has gone on to lose this exact fixture in each of the last three seasons, with West Ham coming from behind twice (L1). The Saints have won just one of their last five league visits to West Ham (D1 L3), with both teams scoring in each match. The Hammers have only failed to score in one of their 14 home Premier League meetings with Southampton (0-1 in December 2002).
West Ham have conceded four goals in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2008, when they conceded four goals in three straight games. Indeed, the Hammers have lost three consecutive Premier League games for the first time under Bilic - they've not lost four in a row since April 2014. Saints have scored just four goals in their five Premier League games this season and never more than once in a match.
Paul Merson's prediction
If West Ham don't win this game, they are in for a long season at the London Stadium. Accrington looked pretty comfortable on Wednesday in the EFL Cup until Dimitri Payet's late free-kick bailed West Ham out. Southampton were unlucky against Arsenal and since then they have done very well, winning three on the bounce. They have turned the corner. It's good to see Charlie Austin back among the goals, too, and you just want Shane Long to be as ruthless as Austin. He gets into great positions, but doesn't have the killer instinct to finish. He will still do his hard work and I think West Ham need to watch him, because he'll be too quick for their defenders on the break.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
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West Ham injury news: Arthur Masuaku ruled out for 'at least six weeks' with knee ligament damage, reveals Slaven Bilic
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku will be sidelined for "at least six weeks" after damaging the ligaments in his left knee. Masuaku was stretchered off during the latter stages of the Hammers' EFL Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday with a knee injury, which left the east Londoners with 10 men as Bilic had already used all three substitutions at the London Stadium. After undergoing a scan on the issue, Bilic has today confirmed that the 22-year-old, who arrived from Olympiacos in the summer, will be out of action until late October after suffering knee ligament damage. Speaking ahead of West Ham's Premier League game at home to Southampton this weekend, Bilic said: "Arthur Masuaku has damaged his ligaments and we will know better in one week when he will be back. But it will be at least six weeks."
The news will be a blow for the West Ham manager after full-back Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for four months in July with a similar injury. The 26-year-old suffered the problem during the Hammers' 3-0 friendly pre-season win over German side Karlsruher SC in Austria following a crunch tackle, but is on track to return to first-team training next week. Meanwhile, Winston Reid has returned to training following the injury he sustained last week while Andre Ayew, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll continue to work on their fitness.
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham players must fight to turn season around and I hope history repeats itself against Southampton
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
A week ago in this column I wrote that I expected a "big-time reaction" from the team at West Brom after the home defeat by Watford. It didn't happen — anyway not until the game was out of our reach. So what now? Do I say "enough is enough" and make substantial changes — do I have other options? I see the players almost every day of the week, for hours on end. I assess the morale, both of the group and the individual, and what I have seen this week, in the aftermath of that 4-2 defeat by West Brom, is a very positive squad of players that are hurting and want desperately to right the wrongs of the last couple of games. It is not like they don't care, although they know the credit they have built will not last for ever. It would be different if I had seen the heads drop and the shoulders sag but, honestly, I don't see that with this group of players. They care, they hurt and they want to do it. West Ham left it late against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday as Dimitri Payet's injury-time free kick earned Slaven Bilic's men a 1-0 EFL Cup win at London Stadium. That gives you belief that we can turn this around as quickly as it has gone wrong. Maybe the players did become a little complacent. We are always telling them not to be but sometimes you don't wake up to that reality until you are in trouble. This is the Premier League. Nothing is easy here and to do well, you have to be a little bit afraid, in a positive way, that things might go wrong. The good thing is that it is early. We can get out of this as quickly as it has happened but we have to accept responsibility — all of us. We have to force this change, not anyone else. If we look back to last season, we had a spell when, because of injuries, we struggled to win. We dug in and fought our way to draws, rather than defeats. We have to do the same now. The truth is very simple. This is the Premier League and there are no free meals. They don't exist. I am happy and proud to have become a father for the fourth time, on Tuesday night at around 7.45pm — kick-off time. Everything went well and mother and baby daughter are doing fine. My family is very important to me and my 19-year-old son is coming over next week to begin studying here in London. Of course it takes time for players from other countries to settle in. It has happened to the biggest stars, even players like Dennis Bergkamp, who struggled after joining Arsenal. It is easier, though, when the club are doing well. It is expected often that a player just puts on the new jersey with new team-mates in a new country — and clicks straight way. That happens sometimes but not always. I am looking forward to the challenge of Southampton on Sunday. They lost three of their best players during the summer in Victor Wanyama, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle — three top players. Over the last few years that has been the trend for them but they always buy well. They have pace and skill up front with Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond and if you add Charlie Austin to that, we have to expect a tough game. Last season we played them on December 28. We had gone eight games without a win but we beat them 2-1 at home on that day and things began to get better. I hope something similar happens on Sunday.
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Manuel Lanzini is key for West Ham's Dimitri Payet to shine, says Angelo Ogbonna
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna believes the key to Dimitri Payet shining on the pitch for the Hammers is the form of Manuel Lanzini. Slaven Bilic was forced to bring on both Payet and Lanzini at half time during the club's EFL Cup third-round tie at home to Accrington Stanley on Wednesday after West Ham failed to breach the visitors' defence in the first period.
The changes had an instant impact - with Lanzini and Payet combining a number of times to threaten a goal for the home side before the Frenchman eventually got the breakthrough through his last-gasp free kick that sent West Ham into the next round of the Cup with a 1-0 win. Ogbonna believes that Lanzini - who recently returned to action following a knee injury - is the key to Payet performing well for the east Londoners as the defender conceded a change in attitude from the West Ham team may have contributed to the club's poor start to the season.
"Dimitri is different level. But the key is Lanzini. He can keep the ball. Dimitri needs someone like Lanzini because he doesn't like to throw away the ball," Ogbonna said. "He runs with the ball, he fights. He looks small but he's not. He's so tough. Both of them, they keep a good balance for us and they play very well together."
When asked about West Ham's record this term of just one win from five league matches, Ogbonna added: "Last season everyone wanted to show something because we had a new manager, new players. Everyone wanted to prove something. "Maybe this year we were a little bit relaxed – and it is more competitive this season. Maybe when we are too confident you think it is going to be too easy. "Sometimes we didn't play like us. We played so sloppy, two or three mistakes. After this I hope there are no more mistakes. Maybe everything is going to be all right now."
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West Ham fans' fury after hipster Hackney Wick bar announces match day clampdown
CHLOE CHAPLAIN
Evening Standard
A row has erupted after a hipster bar banned West Ham fans in club colours from entering after matches. Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick, near the club's new home in the Olympic Park, announced new rules after rowdy fans apparently jumped into the canal outside the bar. Hammers fans on match days have descended on the area, filled with hipster bars and arts venues, after the club moved from Upton Park three miles away this season. But new rules handed to supporters said that those in team colours would be banned from entering the bar after games.
The notice added that chanting in the brewery was also forbidden. The "family friendly" bar describes itself as a "one-of-a-kind up-cycled venue" where you can enjoy home-brewed beer and night-time canoe trips along the canal. In a notice handed to fans, its managers said: "West Ham FC has recently become a neighbour, so we would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new clientele and outline the rules.
Emily Pulham @makingthemarrow
Quietly drinking & wearing football scarf & got handed this. Aaaaaand that's the last time I go to the @CrateBrewery
7:24 PM - 21 Sep 2016
"Wearing of West Ham football merchandise is only permitted on the premises before the match. "We reserve the right to suspend entry to the venue to groups of supporters leaving the stadium after the match. "Please treat our staff and your fellow patrons in a courteous manner; chanting etc is not permitted."
The notice, which was highlighted by West Ham fan site Knees Up Mother Brown, was reportedly given to people wearing club scarves and shirts. It also specified that drunk fans and away fans would not be admitted at all. Hammers' fan magazine writer Emily Pulham shared the notice on her Twitter, saying: "It's frustrating that after spending money and abiding by their rules, I was singled out and told that I wasn't allowed in after the match via a pre-printed piece of paper. "I felt unwelcome and so will simply go elsewhere." But the brewery's bar manager, who did not provide his name, said the notice was not about "banning" fans and was just "policy" the bar was trying out. He said: "We have been a bar for four years and we are used to dealing with a certain type of clientele.
Glenn C @GlennColeman1
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery try growing a beard Emily and wear a 'vote Jeremy' badge or scarf and you'll be fine. What a joke. ⚒
5:57 AM - 22 Sep 2016
"We are under a lot of pressure from licenses and the police to make sure we have the right security and we are trying to feel out how we are going to work it. "We had a bit of trouble at the last game with people standing on tables and jumping into the canal so we don't want that to happen again."
Kerry Freeman @allkerryberry
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery @markroffey that is utterly ridiculous
1:34 PM - 22 Sep 2016
The post has divided Twitter users, with some arguing that it is the bar is right to establish expectations and others accussing it of being unwelcoming. One person wrote: "That's Hackney Wick for you. Are beards compulsory?" And another said: "Exactly what they wanted by the looks of it. It's not really a warning, it's a 'you're not welcome'."
Rob Ross @gooner145
@makingthemarrow @Stillberto @CrateBrewery excuse them for trying to run a respectful premises and not be over run by yobbish behaviour
Tim Stillman @Stillberto
@gooner145 of yobbish behaviour because she's wearing a football scarf.
9:13 AM - 22 Sep 2016
But one Twitter user argued: "Excuse them for trying to run a respectful premises and not be overrun by yobbish behaviour."
Roy Hastings @Royster1998
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery I really can't see the offence here. I see their concern, generally speaking
11:53 PM - 21 Sep 2016
Another added: "I resent having to drink out of plastic glasses because of a football team nobody wanted in the area." Following the club's first game of the Premier League, regulars at the brewery spoke of the "surprising" sight of football fans descending on the area's trendy canal-side venues. Life-long Hammers supporter Geoff Durrant, 60, and his son Matt, 30, said they had been turned away from one fashionable bar because they were wearing West Ham shirts, but ended up eating lunch somewhere else nearby. Matt said: "It feels a bit odd. There are a lot of lost looking people around here, looking like they've just left the pie and mash shop for the first time. "It's a shame it's lost its cockney atmosphere, but I'm happy. The ground is now closer to where I live." His father added: "Fish and chips used to cost £4.50 before a match. Now it's £8. "But things have got to move on. I think if a top-flight club like West Ham wants to stay there it needs to move with the times." Slaven Bilic's team moved from the Boleyn Ground in Upton Park to the "London Stadium" at the end of last season, with the club paying £2.5m a year to rent the 60,000-seater ground. The move has sparked problems with policing amid reports of clashes between fans inside the ground in the first home games of the season.
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Forget Pogba we've got Fernandes, Brazilian sounding star offers Hammers fans hope
HITC
Damien Lucas
While Paul Pogba's struggles at Manchester United continue, an unknown player bearing a striking rssemblance has offered West Ham United fans new hope. Hammers supporters have not had much to cheer about so far this season but their lowest profile summer capture has offered light at the end of the tunnel. A terrible start to the season, infighting amongst fans, resentment towards owners and concerns over safety have soured West Ham's season so far. Slaven Bilic's side have lost four of their opening five Premier League matches and scraped past Bournemouth in their solitary victory. The Hammers were also embarrassingly dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu for the second season running. Matters haven't been helped by back-to-back 4-2 defeats in the Premier League against Watford and West Bromwich Albion. The mini-crisis has been mirrored up at Old Trafford where Jose Mourinho's side went into this week's League Cup third round tie against Northampton off the back of three straight defeats. While Wayne Rooney has been doing his best to take the heat off £89 million teammate Paul Pogba ineffectual return to the Red Devils, the Frenchman's role within a team has been debated. But it is Edimilson Fernandes - the Brazilian sounding Swiss youngster who bears some striking similarities to Pogba - that could be set to make all the difference for West Ham after a hugely impressive debut. Like Manchester United, the Hammers got back to winnings ways in the League Cup, toiling against but eventually beating League Two side Accrington Stanley 1-0 thanks to a 96th minute Dimitri Payet free-kick.
And Fernandes, a £5 million capture from Swiss side Sion, starred on his debut with a debut showing off his rangy, skillful box-to-box style. The tall and imposing 20-year-old has a Brazilian sounding name and the skills to match but is actually Swiss and the cousin of former Manchester City player Gelson Fernandes. Before the game against Stanley, all West Ham fans had to go on was YouTube video showcasing his skills. But they got to see just why he is so highly rated, albeit against inferior opposition as he marauded around the London Stadium putting tackles in, making bursting runs, playing a range of passes and showing lots of energy, strength and pace. Some of the youngster's passes went awry but his overall performance has given fans real hope in what has been a gloomy start to life at their new home. It has also put pressure on Slaven Bilic to play him ahead of the more established stars such as Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble who have been woefully out of form so far this season. Hammers fans will hope it is the start of a meteoric rise.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 24
Friday, September 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd September 2016
Ogbonna - Thank you Dimi!
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna had nothing but praise for Dimitri Payet and was one of the
first to thank him for helping West Ham get their season back on track with
a victory over Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup. Payet stole the headlines
once again with another superb set-piece five minutes into injury time to
ensure the Hammers booked their place in the last 16 of the competition and
a showdown clash with Chelsea. Following recent defeats against Watford and
West Brom, Ogbonna knew the importance of seeing his side get back on the
winning trail and hopes this will be the confidence boost ahead of the next
Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday.
Ogbonna said: "Thank you for Dimi! "Every time when Dimi comes into the game
he can change things. It is not just about him, but Lanzini as well. He can
keep the ball. "Both of them are really important for us and they showed the
different level they can bring to the team. "It was a really tough game and
it was not easy but we needed this win for the team and the manager. "I am
excited because we have not had an easy period so this victory is very
important for us."
Ogbonna reveals it has been a settling in process for all the players
performing at London Stadium and hopes the latest victory will kickstart
their season and help them move up the table in the Premier League. Ogbonna
added: "This is our home and it has not been easy playing in the new Stadium
with all the expectations. "Maybe that pressure was not good for us, but we
had to change things and hopefully this is the beginning. This is a new
experience and now we know what is important for us and the fans."
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Bilic - We still need to improve
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic pleased to be through to EFL Cup fourth round
Dimitri Payet's last-gasp strike saw off League Two Accrington Stanley
Manager says West Ham United need wins and clean sheets to boost confidence
Slaven Bilic says West Ham United still need to make improvements after
edging out Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup third round. It took a
96th-minute trademark free-kick from Dimitri Payet to see off the League Two
club at London Stadium – and the Frenchman's presence on the pitch was an
illustration of how badly Bilic wanted his side to end their run of four
straight defeats in all competitions. The manager had named a strong
starting XI, including debutants Alvaro Arbeloa and Edmilison Fernandes,
before calling Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio from the bench. His
reward was a 1-0 win, a welcome clean sheet and a home tie with Chelsea in
the fourth round. "It wasn't a great performance, but we are through," he
told West Ham. "We wanted to give a chance to the players who had not played
much football. In the first half, we controlled the game and had a couple of
chances, but wasted a couple of opportunities to go one-against-one with the
goalkeeper. "In the second half, we put three players on because we wanted
to win this game and it was a different half as we created far more chances,
but when you play better all of a sudden their goalkeeper made three or four
world-class saves. "Then, to make things worse we were reduced to ten men
when Arthur Masuaku was injured because we had made three changes. When he
went off we were still dominant and continued to create the chances and we
got the great free-kick from Dimi. "The most important thing is that we won
the game and only by winning games, especially with clean sheets, will we
get the confidence back that is obviously missing at the moment. It is
logical after the last couple of weeks and it's only with wins that we'll
get it back."
While his team made hard work of John Coleman's side, who also had chances
of their own to win on the night, Bilic was indebted to the brilliance of
Payet from dead-ball situations.
When the Hammer of the Year was brought down by Rommy Boco late on, the No27
stepped up to beat the previously unbeatable Elliot Parish with a
superbly-struck effort from 25 yards – to the delight of the majority of the
39,877-strong crowd. "Dimi has done a few of them for us and for France,"
said Bilic. "Everyone knows when we have a free-kick in that position that
he can do it. It's a great moment from a great player."
So, what of the fourth-round draw and a home game with Chelsea? "Chelsea at
home is a great game," the manager reflected. "Let's say that it's a very
good thing for us is that we're playing at home and that it's a one-off tie.
"I'm expecting us to make improvements in the meantime. We have to earn a
couple of good results and then the confidence will come back to us.
"We were looking to build our confidence with a better display, but the most
important thing is to win, and to do it in the dying seconds does give us a
boost."
Bilic closed by saying that Masuaku's left leg injury 'does not look like a
worrying one' and praising debutants Arbeloa and Fernandes. "Arbeloa didn't
play for a long time but he played the full 90 minutes and he is going to
bring us experience and quality," he concluded. "Of all the players on the
pitch, I am most pleased with Fernandes. He is also a good player. He is
young but has the quality and confidence to play forward. He came out with a
big plus."
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Arbeloa - I will enjoy playing in this Stadium
WHUFC.com
Alvaro Arbeloa has performed at some big venues during his distinguished
career including the Bernabeu, and is now excited to be playing every week
at London Stadium. Arbeloa, 33, arrives with a wealth of experience having
won the World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Real Madrid and
was pleased to have finally made his debut for the east London Club. The
former Liverpool defender produced an impressive display and showed his
versatility when he switched to left back late in the game after Arthur
Masuaku was forced to leave the pitch through injury. Dimitri Payet showed
his quality once again when he scored the matchwinner in injury time with
another superb free-kick. And Arbeloa is now hoping the victory will set
the team up nicely as they look to get back on the winning trail in the
Premier League against Southampton on Sunday and cannot wait to play in
front of the home fans once again.
Arbeloa said: "I am really happy to have made my debut and I am also very
happy with the result because we needed to win this game. I am now looking
forward to the next game. "It was brilliant to see Dimi score the free-kick
right at the end and I thought we played much better in the second half and
controlled the game. I thought we deserved to win. "I don't like to compare
players but I have some really good team-mates with amazing quality. Lanzini
is an amazing player and I think we have a really good squad. We also have
good young players with a lot of quality. "I thought the atmosphere was
amazing, as it was when I came to my first game against Watford. I think I
am going to enjoy playing in this stadium. "We need to get back to winning
ways in the league and that is the most important thing. "We have two games
at home and with the fans behind us we need to win and restore our
confidence."
The Hammers reward for reaching the last 16 of the EFL Cup is a big London
derby against Chelsea at the end of October. For Arbeloa in particular, this
brings back a lot of memories as he played in a number of big cup games
against the west London Club during his spell at Liverpool. The talented
full-back has no doubts his team-mates will be relishing the chance to play
in a big London derby and hopes they can celebrate a famous victory in front
of their own fans at London Stadium. Arbeloa added: "I think it is a really
good game for us and our supporters. You always want to play against one of
the best clubs and Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs. "I have had some
really good games playing against them so it will be good for all the
players. "I have some friends at Chelsea and I am sure we will see a really
good game."
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Fantastic support inspires Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have thanked the Claret and Blue Army for their unrivalled
support after the Hammers attracted the biggest crowd of this season's EFL
Cup to Wednesday's third round win over Accrington Stanley.
An impressive 39,877 supporters were at London Stadium to see Dimitri
Payet's dramatic injury-time free-kick see off the challenge of the Hammers'
League Two opponents – beating the 39,276 who watched Chelsea defeat Bristol
Rovers in the second round.
That figure – West Ham's highest home League Cup attendance in 45 years – is
set to be smashed when the Hammers host the Blues in the fourth round in
front of an expected sell-out crowd in October, and Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold have paid tribute to the Club's loyal support.
"Wednesday night was what West Ham United and football are all about," said
the Joint-Chairmen. "We had a big crowd in for a traditional cup tie between
a big Premier League club and brave lower-division opposition which went
right down to the wire.
"Both sets of fans made for a real cup-tie atmosphere, with the loudest
cheer of the night coming when Dimitri Payet netted his fantastic free-kick
to put us through.
"Now, we want to take the momentum of our win onto Sunday, with two sets of
fans determined to both entertain and be entertained, when we host
Southampton in the Premier League in front of another full house at our new
home, when we all sincerely hope to be celebrating another win and a welcome
three points."
West Ham have broken their attendance record three times since moving into
London Stadium in July – against NK Domzale, Juventus and AFC Bournemouth –
with nearly 320,000 supporters attending the opening six matches.
The Hammers' man of the moment Michail Antonio, whose arrival helped spark
West Ham's late victory over Accrington, has been impressed by the
atmosphere created inside the Club's iconic new home.
"It is a fantastic Stadium and one where we feel the support of the fans
from everywhere," he said. "When I came on last night the reception from the
supporters was incredible, and I can honestly say that kind of thing pushes
you to put in a performance.
"The support inspires us to play better, and we hope we can repay it with a
few more victories over the coming weeks and months.
"I have said a number of times since I joined that the West Ham fans are
special and create an incredible atmosphere, and they deserve all the
success we can give them."
West Ham return to action at London Stadium on Sunday 25 September at 4pm,
when will they host Southampton in front of another sell-out 57,000 crowd.
Fans attending Sunday's fixture should take note of the important travel
information regarding Greater Anglia rail services into Stratford.
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Important travel information
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supporters who use the Greater Anglia rail service to travel
to and from home matches at London Stadium should take note of the following
important travel information.
As a result of Crossrail, track renewal, overhead line renewal, and major
project work, lines will blocked between Liverpool Street and
Witham/Billericay all day on Sunday 25 September – the day the Hammers host
Southampton.
There will be no Abellio Greater Anglia train service between London
Liverpool Street and Witham/Billericay. Buses will replace trains between
Witham/Billericay and Newbury Park, from where fans can take the London
Underground Central line to Stratford.
On Saturday 1 October, when West Ham play host to Middlesbrough, the same
works mean lines will be blocked between Liverpool Street and
Witham/Billericay after 12noon. A revised service will operate before
12noon, after which buses will replace trains between Witham/Billericay and
Newbury Park.
On Saturday 22 October, when Sunderland are the visitors to London Stadium,
lines will blocked between Liverpool Street and Witham/Billericay all day.
Again, buses will replace trains between Witham/Billericay and Newbury Park.
Please visit abelliogreateranglia.co.uk and tfl.gov.uk for full details and
timetables.
Fans should also be aware that there will be no step-free access to or from
the DLR and Jubilee line at West Ham station on Sunday 25 September.
Customers who require a lift service are advised to use Canning Town station
instead, for the DLR or Jubilee line towards Stratford station.
If travelling from the local West Ham area, you can use local bus route 276
from stop P outside the station to Stratford High Street DLR station, then
take the DLR to Stratford.
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REECE BURKE HAS HERNIA OP – OUT FOR 3-4 WEEKS
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 6:59PM
The WestHamwAY.co.uk
West Ham young star Reece Burke had a hernia operation on Tuesday that will
rule him out of action with Wigan Athletic for the next month.
Burke aggravated the problem in last week's defeat against Norwich City.
Latic's boss Gary Caldwell stated "Reece had an operation on Tuesday on his
hernia. He should be out for three or four weeks. "I think the type of lad
he is, hopefully he'll be back by the earlier date rather than the later
one."
The injuries to Burke and Alex Gilbey are the latest in a long line of
problems to affect Wigan Athletic in the full-back positions this term.
Another West Ham loanee, Kyle Knoyle suffered a badly-broken elbow without
kicking a ball for the club following his loan arrival from Hammers in the
summer. Donervon Daniels is also out long-term after undergoing surgery to
correct a persistent knee problem.
Burke joined the Latics on a season long loan last month after signing a new
4 year contract with the Irons.
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East End pub bans West Ham fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd September 2016
By: Staff Writer
A brewery situated within spitting distance of the Olympic Stadium has told
West Ham supporters they are no longer welcome. The Crate Brewery, which is
situated at Hackney Wick - just a few hundred yards from West Ham's home
ground - distributed letters ahead of last night's EFL Cup fixture with
Accrington Stanley informing fans not to return after the match if they are
wearing "West Ham football merchandise".
Writer Emily Pulham, who is a regular contributor to monthly magazine
Blowing Bubbles was one of those to receive the letter. Disgusted by the
venue's discriminatory approach, she took to twitter to express her
annoyance. "It's frustrating that after spending money and abiding by their
rules, I was singled out and told that I wasn't allowed in after the match
via a pre-printed piece of paper," she wrote. "I felt unwelcome and so will
simply go elsewhere. I was quite surprised by it! "They told a paying
customer her custom wasn't welcome after the match. It's not a great
customer experience, I'm afraid! It's fine for them to do that, but it's not
very welcoming and just not for me. "But is a shame to be told that when
you're a well behaved patron."
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West Ham's Andre Ayew recovering from thigh injury at Marseille
By SSN HQ
Last Updated: 22/09/16 4:03pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed their injured forward Andre Ayew has been receiving
specialist treatment at former club Marseille. Ayew, who joined West Ham
from Swansea for a club record fee of £20.5m last month, was withdrawn 35
minutes into his Hammers' debut against Chelsea after pulling up with a
thigh problem while attempting to track back. West Ham say it's too early
to put a time frame on his return to first team action, but he won't need an
operation and a ball will soon be introduced to his rehabilitation sessions.
The decision to let Ayew travel to France for treatment was made so that he
could be closer to home while Marseille, where he has been spending 25 per
cent of his time, also have equipment to benefit his recovery. The Hammers
have struggled in Ayew's absence and currently sit third bottom of the
Premier League after four defeats in their opening five games. The have
conceded 11 goals in their last three league games and needed a 96th-minute
winner from Dimitri Payet to scrape past Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup
third round on Wednesday evening.
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Dimitri Payet's impressive free-kick success rate for West Ham
By Gerard Brand
Last Updated: 22/09/16 8:20pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet scored yet another free-kick for West Ham on Wednesday night,
but how does his set-piece rate compare to others? Payet's 96th-minute
strike saved West Ham from embarrassment in the EFL Cup third round against
Accrington Stanley, one of five free-kicks the Frenchman has netted since
arriving in England last summer. "Not currently the world's biggest fans of
Dimitri Payet," Stanley now state in their Twitter bio, but many are. The
secret to his success? Not practising. He told West Ham TV back in April:
"Since [January] I have not been practising as I have been happy with the
way I am hitting the ball. "So I am carrying on with that technique and now
I just take a few before each game when I am warming up."
Payet's approach seems to be working, and his set-piece technique is unique.
Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo's straight-on stance, the 29-year-old lines up at a
45-degree angle to the ball, opting for a cleaner strike than the Real
Madrid forward's 'knuckleball' connection, also used by the likes of Didier
Drogba and Gareth Bale.
While David Beckham stooped down low to get optimum curl on the ball, Payet
remains open-bodied, an approach that can fool opposition goalkeepers. His
free-kick in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Upton Park in April was
arguably his most impressive, shaping to go for the top-left corner and
instead arrowing the ball into the top right, fooling the wall and
goalkeeper. "When you score one, then two, then three, the crowd expect
that you score every time," Payet said after scoring a free-kick for France
against Cameroon in May, one of two set-piece strikes for Les Bleus.
Free-kick success rate for club since start of 2015/16 (minimum 10
attempted)
Player Direct free-kicks Goals Success rate
Willian 29 6 20.7%
Dimitri Payet 30 5 16.7%
Philippe Coutinho 13 2 15.4%
Ross Barkley 15 2 13.3%
Gylfi Sigurdsson 17 2 11.8%
Ronaldo, who received criticism at Euro 2016 for his poor free-kick success
rate, can vouch for that. But how does Payet compare to him, Lionel Messi
and Co?
Payet's five goals in all competitions since the start of the 2015/16 season
is topped only by Chelsea midfielder Willian, who has hit six at a success
rate of 20.7 per cent, compared with Payet's 16.7 per cent. Philippe
Coutinho, Ross Barkley and Gylfi Sigurdsson have also had success with the
dead ball, each scoring two goals but with a lower success rate. Lionel
Messi has taken more than double the amount of free-kicks as Payet since the
start of last season in all competitions (64 to 30), but has scored only two
more at a success rate of 10.9 per cent.
How Payet compares to Ronaldo and Messi (club games since start of 2015/16)
Player Direct free-kicks Goals Success rate
Dimitri Payet 30 5 16.7%
Lionel Messi 64 7 10.9%
Cristiano Ronaldo 45 4 8.9%
Ronaldo has also misfired in comparison to Payet, scoring four from 45
attempts (8.9 per cent).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham fan lays into Simone Zaza for display against Accrington: "My
mum's better than him"
17:38, 22 SEP 2016 UPDATED 17:38, 22 SEP 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
The Hammers turned in a disappointing team display in general during the EFL
Cup clash but Zaza was arguably the worst player on the pitch for the home
side
The Mirror
West Ham's supporters were furious with Simone Zaza following the on-loan
Juventus forward's dismal performance against Accrington Stanley on
Wednesday night. The Hammers turned in a disappointing team display in
general during the EFL Cup clash but Zaza was arguably the worst player on
the pitch for the home side. After the match, one young supporter told West
Ham Fan TV : "Zaza's crap, I reckon my mum's better than him." Another fan
said: "I don't know what anyone at the top of our club sees in Zaza. I
cannot understand what his purpose is at West Ham. "We wanted a striker
that's going to score us 20 goals a season. It's not Zaza." Zaza played the
entire 90 minutes of the match up front for Slaven Bilic's side but it was
another player, who has a far more favourable reputation among the Hammers
faithful, that netted the winning goal of the match. France international
Dimitri Payet came on at half-time of the encounter and bagged a free-kick
in the sixth minute of injury time to send West Ham into the last 16, where
they will face Chelsea.
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West Ham want police and extra security for EFL Cup 4th round tie after
drawing fierce rivals Chelsea
17:02, 22 SEP 2016 UPDATED 17:06, 22 SEP 2016
BY MIKE WALTERS
Police have not been inside the ground at previous games because of an issue
with radio frequency, but club bosses will insist that changes for the
fourth round tie
The Mirror
West Ham will hold urgent talks with their landlords to beef up security
ahead of their powderkeg League Cup fourth round showdown with Chelsea next
month.
The Hammers have suffered crowd control disruption since they moved into the
former Olympic Stadium, with flimsy segregation and no police in the ground
because of limited radio frequency. But for the EFL Cup fourth round tie
against Chelsea, which will be the most exacting test of the club's crowd
control since their summer move from Upton Park, West Ham will insist on a
conspicuous police presence inside the venue. Stadium operators LS185 have
brought in former Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Chris Allison as an
adviser to help smooth out the problems. And West Ham are confident their
security arrangements will be adequate for the highest-profile game at the
converted London Stadium. They have three home fixtures before Chelsea to
identify any hitches, starting with Sunday's game with Southampton, and a
Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We will work with West Ham and the
Safety Advisory Group to put in place the appropriate policing operation."
Although Chelsea are entitled to 5,700 tickets – 10% of the stadium capacity
– their allocation could be downsized on police advice. The Hammers banned
20 fans after crowd disturbances at the home defeat by Watford earlier this
month.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hails Dimitri Payet's 'great moment'
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 21/09/16 11:33pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised Dimitri Payet after his injury-time
free-kick saw off Accrington Stanley 1-0 in the EFL Cup. The Hammers,
reeling from four straight defeats in all competitions and amid a backdrop
of discontent at their new stadium, were down to 10 men and heading for
extra time against the Sky Bet League Two side. But Payet, on as a half-time
substitute, sent them through with a trademark strike in the sixth minute of
stoppage time. "The main thing was to go through," said Hammers boss Bilic.
"We expected an easier win, with the greatest respect, and not to have to do
it in the last minute. "We wanted to progress and that's why we brought
Dimitri, and Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio on. "We went down to 10 men
but we wanted to score before extra time and then, a great moment from a
great player. We didn't play good but I thought we deserved to win. "It was
not exactly what we wanted tonight - but it's a win."
It has not been a happy start to life at the London Stadium for the Hammers,
but the club have taken steps to avoid the crowd trouble which marred the
recent Watford game by relocating disgruntled fans and improving the
stewarding. However, the promised beefed up segregation between home and
away support appeared to amount to a slightly wider claret curtain draped
over the seats. There will be bigger tests of those improvements than the
presence of 600 Accrington supporters - not least after West Ham were drawn
at home to capital rivals Chelsea in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, West Ham's problems on the pitch remain as Stanley created the
better chances in the first half, with Darren Randolph saving from Seamus
Conneely and Jordan Clark firing narrowly wide. After the break Sean
McConville unleashed a fierce curling effort which Republic of Ireland
goalkeeper Randolph had to tip wide at full stretch. Stanley keeper Elliot
Parish denied Simone Zaza a first Hammers goal with a point-blank save, and
having used all three subs the labouring hosts found themselves a man down
when left-back Arthur Masuaku was stretchered off. But with extra time
looming Payet won West Ham a free-kick 25 yards out and curled it home with
virtually the last kick of the game to break Stanley hearts. Their manager
John Coleman said: "We don't want to be congratulated for being plucky
losers, we came to win the game. "We knew West Ham were a bit fragile at the
moment. People will say they haven't played well tonight, but that would be
disrespectful to us. "The players worked their socks off and I have to give
them credit. But giving a foul away in that position with Payet on the pitch
is tantamount to suicide."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Chelsea in EFL Cup raises further security questions over London
Stadium
Sam Wallace, chief football writer
22 SEPTEMBER 2016 • 8:59PM
The Telegraph
The policing of West Ham United's potentially explosive EFL Cup tie against
Chelsea next month is still in doubt, with no prospect of the new police
radio system being installed in time for the game which the Metropolitan
police force says it needs for officers to work within the stadium.
The club are facing an early test of their security measures after the
Football League drew them against Chelsea for the fourth round tie, to be
played on Oct 25 or Oct 26 at the London Stadium, following recent incidents
that have seen violence erupt within the newly adapted former Olympic
stadium.
The installation of the police radio system, which the Metropolitan police
say that they need in order to have emergency services within the ground, is
the responsibility of the stadium operators London Stadium 185. The system
was ordered in March via the Met with the subcontractors Airwave but is
still yet to be installed.
There was violence among West Ham fans during the recent Premier League game
against Watford that drew attention to the absence of police officers within
the stadium.
With the Chelsea game likely to be assessed as a higher risk "Category B" or
"Category C" game then the Met will come under pressure to make sure that
they have officers stationed within the ground.
There could be up to 10 per cent of the stadium's 60,000 capacity given over
to Chelsea supporters under the Football League's new rules for the
allocation of cup tickets. The visit of Arsenal on Dec 3 in the Premier
League was to be the stadium's first Category C, big London derby followed
by Chelsea in March and then Tottenham Hotspur, arguably West Ham's biggest
top-flight London rivals, in May.
The fighting in the stands during the game against Watford on Sept 10 drew
attention to the absence of the police radio system which the Met said was a
prerequisite of them stationing officers within the ground. As things stand
the command centre is at the Queen Elizabeth Park headquarters and police
only deploy in the stadium in emergencies.
If the Chelsea tie is a Category B or Category C match then the likelihood
is that the Met will have to find a way of positioning officers within the
stadium whether they have the radio system in place or not.
West Ham lease the stadium from E20, the owners, who use London Stadium 185
(LS185) to run it on a day-to-day basis. E20 have brought in the former Met
assistant commissioner Chris Allison to help LS185 with security. LS185 have
raised their number of matchday stewards from 750 to 950 and are bringing in
more experienced individuals who have worked in football before. There are
three West Ham home matches before the Chelsea EFL Cup tie, starting with
Sunday's home game against Southampton.
Since violence erupted during the Watford game, West Ham have banned 20
supporters and relocated a further 200. The problem centred upon season
ticket holders with a different expectation of their match-day experience,
sitting together which prompted arguments over persistent standing.
For the third round EFL Cup tie against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday, the
club also widened the segregation line between home and away supporters.
West Ham hope that the measures they have taken will alleviate the issues
they have faced in the past. The club's stadium certificate is issued to
LS185 and not the club which means that all security measures are not in
West Ham's hands.
The Metropolitan Police did not comment on Thursday night on whether the
radio system would be installed before the Chelsea tie or whether they
would be able to operate in the stadium without it.
The police, along with Newham Council and stadium owners E20, make up the
Safety Advisory Group who will decide whether the game is classed as a
Category B or C fixture.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna had nothing but praise for Dimitri Payet and was one of the
first to thank him for helping West Ham get their season back on track with
a victory over Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup. Payet stole the headlines
once again with another superb set-piece five minutes into injury time to
ensure the Hammers booked their place in the last 16 of the competition and
a showdown clash with Chelsea. Following recent defeats against Watford and
West Brom, Ogbonna knew the importance of seeing his side get back on the
winning trail and hopes this will be the confidence boost ahead of the next
Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday.
Ogbonna said: "Thank you for Dimi! "Every time when Dimi comes into the game
he can change things. It is not just about him, but Lanzini as well. He can
keep the ball. "Both of them are really important for us and they showed the
different level they can bring to the team. "It was a really tough game and
it was not easy but we needed this win for the team and the manager. "I am
excited because we have not had an easy period so this victory is very
important for us."
Ogbonna reveals it has been a settling in process for all the players
performing at London Stadium and hopes the latest victory will kickstart
their season and help them move up the table in the Premier League. Ogbonna
added: "This is our home and it has not been easy playing in the new Stadium
with all the expectations. "Maybe that pressure was not good for us, but we
had to change things and hopefully this is the beginning. This is a new
experience and now we know what is important for us and the fans."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - We still need to improve
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic pleased to be through to EFL Cup fourth round
Dimitri Payet's last-gasp strike saw off League Two Accrington Stanley
Manager says West Ham United need wins and clean sheets to boost confidence
Slaven Bilic says West Ham United still need to make improvements after
edging out Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup third round. It took a
96th-minute trademark free-kick from Dimitri Payet to see off the League Two
club at London Stadium – and the Frenchman's presence on the pitch was an
illustration of how badly Bilic wanted his side to end their run of four
straight defeats in all competitions. The manager had named a strong
starting XI, including debutants Alvaro Arbeloa and Edmilison Fernandes,
before calling Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio from the bench. His
reward was a 1-0 win, a welcome clean sheet and a home tie with Chelsea in
the fourth round. "It wasn't a great performance, but we are through," he
told West Ham. "We wanted to give a chance to the players who had not played
much football. In the first half, we controlled the game and had a couple of
chances, but wasted a couple of opportunities to go one-against-one with the
goalkeeper. "In the second half, we put three players on because we wanted
to win this game and it was a different half as we created far more chances,
but when you play better all of a sudden their goalkeeper made three or four
world-class saves. "Then, to make things worse we were reduced to ten men
when Arthur Masuaku was injured because we had made three changes. When he
went off we were still dominant and continued to create the chances and we
got the great free-kick from Dimi. "The most important thing is that we won
the game and only by winning games, especially with clean sheets, will we
get the confidence back that is obviously missing at the moment. It is
logical after the last couple of weeks and it's only with wins that we'll
get it back."
While his team made hard work of John Coleman's side, who also had chances
of their own to win on the night, Bilic was indebted to the brilliance of
Payet from dead-ball situations.
When the Hammer of the Year was brought down by Rommy Boco late on, the No27
stepped up to beat the previously unbeatable Elliot Parish with a
superbly-struck effort from 25 yards – to the delight of the majority of the
39,877-strong crowd. "Dimi has done a few of them for us and for France,"
said Bilic. "Everyone knows when we have a free-kick in that position that
he can do it. It's a great moment from a great player."
So, what of the fourth-round draw and a home game with Chelsea? "Chelsea at
home is a great game," the manager reflected. "Let's say that it's a very
good thing for us is that we're playing at home and that it's a one-off tie.
"I'm expecting us to make improvements in the meantime. We have to earn a
couple of good results and then the confidence will come back to us.
"We were looking to build our confidence with a better display, but the most
important thing is to win, and to do it in the dying seconds does give us a
boost."
Bilic closed by saying that Masuaku's left leg injury 'does not look like a
worrying one' and praising debutants Arbeloa and Fernandes. "Arbeloa didn't
play for a long time but he played the full 90 minutes and he is going to
bring us experience and quality," he concluded. "Of all the players on the
pitch, I am most pleased with Fernandes. He is also a good player. He is
young but has the quality and confidence to play forward. He came out with a
big plus."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arbeloa - I will enjoy playing in this Stadium
WHUFC.com
Alvaro Arbeloa has performed at some big venues during his distinguished
career including the Bernabeu, and is now excited to be playing every week
at London Stadium. Arbeloa, 33, arrives with a wealth of experience having
won the World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Real Madrid and
was pleased to have finally made his debut for the east London Club. The
former Liverpool defender produced an impressive display and showed his
versatility when he switched to left back late in the game after Arthur
Masuaku was forced to leave the pitch through injury. Dimitri Payet showed
his quality once again when he scored the matchwinner in injury time with
another superb free-kick. And Arbeloa is now hoping the victory will set
the team up nicely as they look to get back on the winning trail in the
Premier League against Southampton on Sunday and cannot wait to play in
front of the home fans once again.
Arbeloa said: "I am really happy to have made my debut and I am also very
happy with the result because we needed to win this game. I am now looking
forward to the next game. "It was brilliant to see Dimi score the free-kick
right at the end and I thought we played much better in the second half and
controlled the game. I thought we deserved to win. "I don't like to compare
players but I have some really good team-mates with amazing quality. Lanzini
is an amazing player and I think we have a really good squad. We also have
good young players with a lot of quality. "I thought the atmosphere was
amazing, as it was when I came to my first game against Watford. I think I
am going to enjoy playing in this stadium. "We need to get back to winning
ways in the league and that is the most important thing. "We have two games
at home and with the fans behind us we need to win and restore our
confidence."
The Hammers reward for reaching the last 16 of the EFL Cup is a big London
derby against Chelsea at the end of October. For Arbeloa in particular, this
brings back a lot of memories as he played in a number of big cup games
against the west London Club during his spell at Liverpool. The talented
full-back has no doubts his team-mates will be relishing the chance to play
in a big London derby and hopes they can celebrate a famous victory in front
of their own fans at London Stadium. Arbeloa added: "I think it is a really
good game for us and our supporters. You always want to play against one of
the best clubs and Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs. "I have had some
really good games playing against them so it will be good for all the
players. "I have some friends at Chelsea and I am sure we will see a really
good game."
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Fantastic support inspires Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have thanked the Claret and Blue Army for their unrivalled
support after the Hammers attracted the biggest crowd of this season's EFL
Cup to Wednesday's third round win over Accrington Stanley.
An impressive 39,877 supporters were at London Stadium to see Dimitri
Payet's dramatic injury-time free-kick see off the challenge of the Hammers'
League Two opponents – beating the 39,276 who watched Chelsea defeat Bristol
Rovers in the second round.
That figure – West Ham's highest home League Cup attendance in 45 years – is
set to be smashed when the Hammers host the Blues in the fourth round in
front of an expected sell-out crowd in October, and Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold have paid tribute to the Club's loyal support.
"Wednesday night was what West Ham United and football are all about," said
the Joint-Chairmen. "We had a big crowd in for a traditional cup tie between
a big Premier League club and brave lower-division opposition which went
right down to the wire.
"Both sets of fans made for a real cup-tie atmosphere, with the loudest
cheer of the night coming when Dimitri Payet netted his fantastic free-kick
to put us through.
"Now, we want to take the momentum of our win onto Sunday, with two sets of
fans determined to both entertain and be entertained, when we host
Southampton in the Premier League in front of another full house at our new
home, when we all sincerely hope to be celebrating another win and a welcome
three points."
West Ham have broken their attendance record three times since moving into
London Stadium in July – against NK Domzale, Juventus and AFC Bournemouth –
with nearly 320,000 supporters attending the opening six matches.
The Hammers' man of the moment Michail Antonio, whose arrival helped spark
West Ham's late victory over Accrington, has been impressed by the
atmosphere created inside the Club's iconic new home.
"It is a fantastic Stadium and one where we feel the support of the fans
from everywhere," he said. "When I came on last night the reception from the
supporters was incredible, and I can honestly say that kind of thing pushes
you to put in a performance.
"The support inspires us to play better, and we hope we can repay it with a
few more victories over the coming weeks and months.
"I have said a number of times since I joined that the West Ham fans are
special and create an incredible atmosphere, and they deserve all the
success we can give them."
West Ham return to action at London Stadium on Sunday 25 September at 4pm,
when will they host Southampton in front of another sell-out 57,000 crowd.
Fans attending Sunday's fixture should take note of the important travel
information regarding Greater Anglia rail services into Stratford.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important travel information
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supporters who use the Greater Anglia rail service to travel
to and from home matches at London Stadium should take note of the following
important travel information.
As a result of Crossrail, track renewal, overhead line renewal, and major
project work, lines will blocked between Liverpool Street and
Witham/Billericay all day on Sunday 25 September – the day the Hammers host
Southampton.
There will be no Abellio Greater Anglia train service between London
Liverpool Street and Witham/Billericay. Buses will replace trains between
Witham/Billericay and Newbury Park, from where fans can take the London
Underground Central line to Stratford.
On Saturday 1 October, when West Ham play host to Middlesbrough, the same
works mean lines will be blocked between Liverpool Street and
Witham/Billericay after 12noon. A revised service will operate before
12noon, after which buses will replace trains between Witham/Billericay and
Newbury Park.
On Saturday 22 October, when Sunderland are the visitors to London Stadium,
lines will blocked between Liverpool Street and Witham/Billericay all day.
Again, buses will replace trains between Witham/Billericay and Newbury Park.
Please visit abelliogreateranglia.co.uk and tfl.gov.uk for full details and
timetables.
Fans should also be aware that there will be no step-free access to or from
the DLR and Jubilee line at West Ham station on Sunday 25 September.
Customers who require a lift service are advised to use Canning Town station
instead, for the DLR or Jubilee line towards Stratford station.
If travelling from the local West Ham area, you can use local bus route 276
from stop P outside the station to Stratford High Street DLR station, then
take the DLR to Stratford.
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REECE BURKE HAS HERNIA OP – OUT FOR 3-4 WEEKS
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 6:59PM
The WestHamwAY.co.uk
West Ham young star Reece Burke had a hernia operation on Tuesday that will
rule him out of action with Wigan Athletic for the next month.
Burke aggravated the problem in last week's defeat against Norwich City.
Latic's boss Gary Caldwell stated "Reece had an operation on Tuesday on his
hernia. He should be out for three or four weeks. "I think the type of lad
he is, hopefully he'll be back by the earlier date rather than the later
one."
The injuries to Burke and Alex Gilbey are the latest in a long line of
problems to affect Wigan Athletic in the full-back positions this term.
Another West Ham loanee, Kyle Knoyle suffered a badly-broken elbow without
kicking a ball for the club following his loan arrival from Hammers in the
summer. Donervon Daniels is also out long-term after undergoing surgery to
correct a persistent knee problem.
Burke joined the Latics on a season long loan last month after signing a new
4 year contract with the Irons.
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East End pub bans West Ham fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd September 2016
By: Staff Writer
A brewery situated within spitting distance of the Olympic Stadium has told
West Ham supporters they are no longer welcome. The Crate Brewery, which is
situated at Hackney Wick - just a few hundred yards from West Ham's home
ground - distributed letters ahead of last night's EFL Cup fixture with
Accrington Stanley informing fans not to return after the match if they are
wearing "West Ham football merchandise".
Writer Emily Pulham, who is a regular contributor to monthly magazine
Blowing Bubbles was one of those to receive the letter. Disgusted by the
venue's discriminatory approach, she took to twitter to express her
annoyance. "It's frustrating that after spending money and abiding by their
rules, I was singled out and told that I wasn't allowed in after the match
via a pre-printed piece of paper," she wrote. "I felt unwelcome and so will
simply go elsewhere. I was quite surprised by it! "They told a paying
customer her custom wasn't welcome after the match. It's not a great
customer experience, I'm afraid! It's fine for them to do that, but it's not
very welcoming and just not for me. "But is a shame to be told that when
you're a well behaved patron."
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West Ham's Andre Ayew recovering from thigh injury at Marseille
By SSN HQ
Last Updated: 22/09/16 4:03pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed their injured forward Andre Ayew has been receiving
specialist treatment at former club Marseille. Ayew, who joined West Ham
from Swansea for a club record fee of £20.5m last month, was withdrawn 35
minutes into his Hammers' debut against Chelsea after pulling up with a
thigh problem while attempting to track back. West Ham say it's too early
to put a time frame on his return to first team action, but he won't need an
operation and a ball will soon be introduced to his rehabilitation sessions.
The decision to let Ayew travel to France for treatment was made so that he
could be closer to home while Marseille, where he has been spending 25 per
cent of his time, also have equipment to benefit his recovery. The Hammers
have struggled in Ayew's absence and currently sit third bottom of the
Premier League after four defeats in their opening five games. The have
conceded 11 goals in their last three league games and needed a 96th-minute
winner from Dimitri Payet to scrape past Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup
third round on Wednesday evening.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet's impressive free-kick success rate for West Ham
By Gerard Brand
Last Updated: 22/09/16 8:20pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet scored yet another free-kick for West Ham on Wednesday night,
but how does his set-piece rate compare to others? Payet's 96th-minute
strike saved West Ham from embarrassment in the EFL Cup third round against
Accrington Stanley, one of five free-kicks the Frenchman has netted since
arriving in England last summer. "Not currently the world's biggest fans of
Dimitri Payet," Stanley now state in their Twitter bio, but many are. The
secret to his success? Not practising. He told West Ham TV back in April:
"Since [January] I have not been practising as I have been happy with the
way I am hitting the ball. "So I am carrying on with that technique and now
I just take a few before each game when I am warming up."
Payet's approach seems to be working, and his set-piece technique is unique.
Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo's straight-on stance, the 29-year-old lines up at a
45-degree angle to the ball, opting for a cleaner strike than the Real
Madrid forward's 'knuckleball' connection, also used by the likes of Didier
Drogba and Gareth Bale.
While David Beckham stooped down low to get optimum curl on the ball, Payet
remains open-bodied, an approach that can fool opposition goalkeepers. His
free-kick in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Upton Park in April was
arguably his most impressive, shaping to go for the top-left corner and
instead arrowing the ball into the top right, fooling the wall and
goalkeeper. "When you score one, then two, then three, the crowd expect
that you score every time," Payet said after scoring a free-kick for France
against Cameroon in May, one of two set-piece strikes for Les Bleus.
Free-kick success rate for club since start of 2015/16 (minimum 10
attempted)
Player Direct free-kicks Goals Success rate
Willian 29 6 20.7%
Dimitri Payet 30 5 16.7%
Philippe Coutinho 13 2 15.4%
Ross Barkley 15 2 13.3%
Gylfi Sigurdsson 17 2 11.8%
Ronaldo, who received criticism at Euro 2016 for his poor free-kick success
rate, can vouch for that. But how does Payet compare to him, Lionel Messi
and Co?
Payet's five goals in all competitions since the start of the 2015/16 season
is topped only by Chelsea midfielder Willian, who has hit six at a success
rate of 20.7 per cent, compared with Payet's 16.7 per cent. Philippe
Coutinho, Ross Barkley and Gylfi Sigurdsson have also had success with the
dead ball, each scoring two goals but with a lower success rate. Lionel
Messi has taken more than double the amount of free-kicks as Payet since the
start of last season in all competitions (64 to 30), but has scored only two
more at a success rate of 10.9 per cent.
How Payet compares to Ronaldo and Messi (club games since start of 2015/16)
Player Direct free-kicks Goals Success rate
Dimitri Payet 30 5 16.7%
Lionel Messi 64 7 10.9%
Cristiano Ronaldo 45 4 8.9%
Ronaldo has also misfired in comparison to Payet, scoring four from 45
attempts (8.9 per cent).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham fan lays into Simone Zaza for display against Accrington: "My
mum's better than him"
17:38, 22 SEP 2016 UPDATED 17:38, 22 SEP 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
The Hammers turned in a disappointing team display in general during the EFL
Cup clash but Zaza was arguably the worst player on the pitch for the home
side
The Mirror
West Ham's supporters were furious with Simone Zaza following the on-loan
Juventus forward's dismal performance against Accrington Stanley on
Wednesday night. The Hammers turned in a disappointing team display in
general during the EFL Cup clash but Zaza was arguably the worst player on
the pitch for the home side. After the match, one young supporter told West
Ham Fan TV : "Zaza's crap, I reckon my mum's better than him." Another fan
said: "I don't know what anyone at the top of our club sees in Zaza. I
cannot understand what his purpose is at West Ham. "We wanted a striker
that's going to score us 20 goals a season. It's not Zaza." Zaza played the
entire 90 minutes of the match up front for Slaven Bilic's side but it was
another player, who has a far more favourable reputation among the Hammers
faithful, that netted the winning goal of the match. France international
Dimitri Payet came on at half-time of the encounter and bagged a free-kick
in the sixth minute of injury time to send West Ham into the last 16, where
they will face Chelsea.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want police and extra security for EFL Cup 4th round tie after
drawing fierce rivals Chelsea
17:02, 22 SEP 2016 UPDATED 17:06, 22 SEP 2016
BY MIKE WALTERS
Police have not been inside the ground at previous games because of an issue
with radio frequency, but club bosses will insist that changes for the
fourth round tie
The Mirror
West Ham will hold urgent talks with their landlords to beef up security
ahead of their powderkeg League Cup fourth round showdown with Chelsea next
month.
The Hammers have suffered crowd control disruption since they moved into the
former Olympic Stadium, with flimsy segregation and no police in the ground
because of limited radio frequency. But for the EFL Cup fourth round tie
against Chelsea, which will be the most exacting test of the club's crowd
control since their summer move from Upton Park, West Ham will insist on a
conspicuous police presence inside the venue. Stadium operators LS185 have
brought in former Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Chris Allison as an
adviser to help smooth out the problems. And West Ham are confident their
security arrangements will be adequate for the highest-profile game at the
converted London Stadium. They have three home fixtures before Chelsea to
identify any hitches, starting with Sunday's game with Southampton, and a
Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We will work with West Ham and the
Safety Advisory Group to put in place the appropriate policing operation."
Although Chelsea are entitled to 5,700 tickets – 10% of the stadium capacity
– their allocation could be downsized on police advice. The Hammers banned
20 fans after crowd disturbances at the home defeat by Watford earlier this
month.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hails Dimitri Payet's 'great moment'
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 21/09/16 11:33pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised Dimitri Payet after his injury-time
free-kick saw off Accrington Stanley 1-0 in the EFL Cup. The Hammers,
reeling from four straight defeats in all competitions and amid a backdrop
of discontent at their new stadium, were down to 10 men and heading for
extra time against the Sky Bet League Two side. But Payet, on as a half-time
substitute, sent them through with a trademark strike in the sixth minute of
stoppage time. "The main thing was to go through," said Hammers boss Bilic.
"We expected an easier win, with the greatest respect, and not to have to do
it in the last minute. "We wanted to progress and that's why we brought
Dimitri, and Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio on. "We went down to 10 men
but we wanted to score before extra time and then, a great moment from a
great player. We didn't play good but I thought we deserved to win. "It was
not exactly what we wanted tonight - but it's a win."
It has not been a happy start to life at the London Stadium for the Hammers,
but the club have taken steps to avoid the crowd trouble which marred the
recent Watford game by relocating disgruntled fans and improving the
stewarding. However, the promised beefed up segregation between home and
away support appeared to amount to a slightly wider claret curtain draped
over the seats. There will be bigger tests of those improvements than the
presence of 600 Accrington supporters - not least after West Ham were drawn
at home to capital rivals Chelsea in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, West Ham's problems on the pitch remain as Stanley created the
better chances in the first half, with Darren Randolph saving from Seamus
Conneely and Jordan Clark firing narrowly wide. After the break Sean
McConville unleashed a fierce curling effort which Republic of Ireland
goalkeeper Randolph had to tip wide at full stretch. Stanley keeper Elliot
Parish denied Simone Zaza a first Hammers goal with a point-blank save, and
having used all three subs the labouring hosts found themselves a man down
when left-back Arthur Masuaku was stretchered off. But with extra time
looming Payet won West Ham a free-kick 25 yards out and curled it home with
virtually the last kick of the game to break Stanley hearts. Their manager
John Coleman said: "We don't want to be congratulated for being plucky
losers, we came to win the game. "We knew West Ham were a bit fragile at the
moment. People will say they haven't played well tonight, but that would be
disrespectful to us. "The players worked their socks off and I have to give
them credit. But giving a foul away in that position with Payet on the pitch
is tantamount to suicide."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Chelsea in EFL Cup raises further security questions over London
Stadium
Sam Wallace, chief football writer
22 SEPTEMBER 2016 • 8:59PM
The Telegraph
The policing of West Ham United's potentially explosive EFL Cup tie against
Chelsea next month is still in doubt, with no prospect of the new police
radio system being installed in time for the game which the Metropolitan
police force says it needs for officers to work within the stadium.
The club are facing an early test of their security measures after the
Football League drew them against Chelsea for the fourth round tie, to be
played on Oct 25 or Oct 26 at the London Stadium, following recent incidents
that have seen violence erupt within the newly adapted former Olympic
stadium.
The installation of the police radio system, which the Metropolitan police
say that they need in order to have emergency services within the ground, is
the responsibility of the stadium operators London Stadium 185. The system
was ordered in March via the Met with the subcontractors Airwave but is
still yet to be installed.
There was violence among West Ham fans during the recent Premier League game
against Watford that drew attention to the absence of police officers within
the stadium.
With the Chelsea game likely to be assessed as a higher risk "Category B" or
"Category C" game then the Met will come under pressure to make sure that
they have officers stationed within the ground.
There could be up to 10 per cent of the stadium's 60,000 capacity given over
to Chelsea supporters under the Football League's new rules for the
allocation of cup tickets. The visit of Arsenal on Dec 3 in the Premier
League was to be the stadium's first Category C, big London derby followed
by Chelsea in March and then Tottenham Hotspur, arguably West Ham's biggest
top-flight London rivals, in May.
The fighting in the stands during the game against Watford on Sept 10 drew
attention to the absence of the police radio system which the Met said was a
prerequisite of them stationing officers within the ground. As things stand
the command centre is at the Queen Elizabeth Park headquarters and police
only deploy in the stadium in emergencies.
If the Chelsea tie is a Category B or Category C match then the likelihood
is that the Met will have to find a way of positioning officers within the
stadium whether they have the radio system in place or not.
West Ham lease the stadium from E20, the owners, who use London Stadium 185
(LS185) to run it on a day-to-day basis. E20 have brought in the former Met
assistant commissioner Chris Allison to help LS185 with security. LS185 have
raised their number of matchday stewards from 750 to 950 and are bringing in
more experienced individuals who have worked in football before. There are
three West Ham home matches before the Chelsea EFL Cup tie, starting with
Sunday's home game against Southampton.
Since violence erupted during the Watford game, West Ham have banned 20
supporters and relocated a further 200. The problem centred upon season
ticket holders with a different expectation of their match-day experience,
sitting together which prompted arguments over persistent standing.
For the third round EFL Cup tie against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday, the
club also widened the segregation line between home and away supporters.
West Ham hope that the measures they have taken will alleviate the issues
they have faced in the past. The club's stadium certificate is issued to
LS185 and not the club which means that all security measures are not in
West Ham's hands.
The Metropolitan Police did not comment on Thursday night on whether the
radio system would be installed before the Chelsea tie or whether they
would be able to operate in the stadium without it.
The police, along with Newham Council and stadium owners E20, make up the
Safety Advisory Group who will decide whether the game is classed as a
Category B or C fixture.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd September 2016
Payet steals the show once again
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet stole the headlines once again as he scored a dramatic late
winner to help West Ham record a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley to book
their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. With the tie heading for
extra-time. Payet was brought down on the edge of the box five minutes into
stoppage time. The French superstar picked himself up and curled a superb
free-kick into the corner of the net to send the Hammers through into the
last 16. It was Payet's first goal of the season but it came at the perfect
time as the victory ended a run of four consecutive defeats. This has been
some summer for Payet following his exploits at the Euro Finals for France
and he carried on his good form with another impressive display. The West
Ham fans turned out in their numbers once again to witness another piece of
magic from Payet and the 39,877 crowd was the highest League Cup attendance
since a fourth round replay against Liverpool back in October 1971.
Slaven Bilic will now be hoping the victory will set his team up nicely for
another home game against Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Following the recent defeats against Watford and West Brom you could sense
the nerves around London Stadium in the early stages and it was Accrington
Stanley who dominated the opening exchanges. The League Two side could have
opened the scoring after just three minutes when Accrington skipper Seamus
Conneely fired a low shot which produced a comfortable save from Darren
Randolph diving low to his right hand side. Despite their first ever
appearance in the third round of the League Cup, the away side showed they
were not just coming to make up the numbers and came close again when Sean
McConville raced away down the left hand side and crossed in for Jordan
Clark who slid the ball wide of the post. Accrington continued to create the
best openings and had another good chance on 23 minutes when Billy Kee laid
the back for John O'Sullivan who fired a shot from the edge of the box just
wide of the goal.
The Hammers finally created their first chance on 37 minutes when new
signing Edimilson Fernandes, who was making his debut, played a high ball
over the top of the Accrington defence. Jonathan Calleri reacted the
quickest and lobbed the ball over the bar. Bilic made a double change at the
break in an attempt to turn things around bringing on Manuel Lanzini and
Dimitri Payet. The move almost paid off straight away as Lanzini weaved his
magic inside the box and cut the ball back for Simone Zaza who directed a
shot straight at Accrington Stanley keeper Elliot Parish. The danger signs
were still there for the Hammers as Accrington came the closest to breaking
the deadlock on 55 minutes. O'Sullivan picked out Sean McConville who was
unmarked inside the area and he saw his curling shot produce a superb save
by Randolph diving away to his left hand side. The Hammers raced down the
other end as Payet broke free of the Accrington defence and did his best to
pick out Zaza and Calleri. The loose ball fell to Lanzini on the edge of the
box and he fired a powerful shot inches over the bar. The home side were
keen to finish the tie inside 90 minutes and had another great chance on 73
minutes when Payet picked out Zaza who saw his close-range shot kept out by
the legs of Parish. The Hammers were reduced to ten men after defender
Arthur Masuaku was carried down the tunnel on a stretcher following a
challenge late in the game and Bilic had already made his three
substitutions. Pedro Obiang could have won the game in stoppage time at the
end of 90 minutes after his dipping shot produced a superb save from Parish.
But no guessing who stole the show with the late winner. Following his
superb set-pieces last season, it was that man Payet who once again became
the matchwinner after he was brought down on the edge of the box. The French
star picked himself up and curled an unstoppable shot past Parish into the
back of the net to send the Hammers into the fourth round of the
competition.
West Ham: Randolph, Arbeloa, Nordtveit, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Feghouli (Payet
46), Obiang, Fernandes, Tore (Lanzini 46), Calleri (Antonio 69), Zaza
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Oxford, Fletcher
Bookings:
Accrington Stanley: Parish, Vyner, Beckles, Pearson, Donacien, McConville,
Brown (Hughes 76), Conneely (Boco 84), O'Sullivan (Eagles 65), Clark, Kee
Subs not used: Chapman, Gornell, Jones, Lacey
Bookings: Boco
Referee: Stephen Martin
Attendance: 39,877
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea to visit in EFL Cup fourth round
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will host Chelsea in the EFL Cup fourth round following
their dramatic 1-0 third-round victory over Accrington Stanley.
Slaven Bilic's side will welcome the Blues to London Stadium next month in
the third League Cup meeting between the two London clubs. West Ham scored a
1-0 third-round win at the Boleyn Ground through Don Hutchison's goal in
1994, while the Blues edged a fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge by a
single goal in 2004.
This season's fourth round ties will be played on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday
26 October. A confirmed date, kick-off time and ticket information will
follow in due course.
The Hammers made it through to the last 16 thanks to Dimitri Payet's superb
free-kick in the sixth minute of added-time, which saw off the challenge of
the League Two side at London Stadium.
West Ham were cheered on to victory by a 39,877-strong crowd – the
second-largest home League Cup attendance in the Club's history, and biggest
since 40,878 watched a fourth-round replay with Liverpool at the Boleyn
Ground in October 1971.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone and welcome to this week's From the Treatment Room.
We will start with news of Winston Reid, who suffered a injury in training
on Friday, and unfortunately the Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion
came too early for him. Winston has been training this week individual and
will join team training after the cup game and be available for selection
against Southampton on Sunday.
As you will have seen by the video he posted on social media, Aaron
Cresswell is progressing well with his recovery from a knee injury. Aaron
has been working on the pitch with rehab fitness coach Eamon Swift and will
step up his work by training with the Under-23s in controlled sessions next
week.
If everything goes well and to plan, Aaron will re-join first-team training
during the international break.
Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are both progressing well and have been running
on the pitch. We will introduce the ball to their rehab work soon, but it is
too early to put an exact timeframe on their return to first-team action.
Finally, Andy Carroll is progressing well in his recovery from the knee
injury he suffered at Astra Giurgiu in August and will start training with
Eamon during the final stages of his rehab ahead of joining first-team
training.
Sometimes it is difficult with certain injuries to put an exact timeframe on
how long a player will be unavailable for, and in those cases we try not to
raise expectation by mentioning a date by which we expect a player to
return.
In this age of 24-hour news coverage, the internet and social media, there
is obviously a high demand for this kind of clarification but, on occasion,
it is not possible to satisfy this demand because the return dates are too
difficult to predict.
With all injuries, the initial diagnosis can tell us what the problem is
and, as a medical and sport science team, we have an idea of how long an
injury will make a player unavailable, but it is never an exact science.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1-0 Accrington Stanley
WED, 21 SEPT 2016EFL CUP - THIRD ROUND
Dimitri Payet scored a free-kick deep into injury time to earn West Ham a
dramatic win against League Two Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup. The tie
seemed to be heading for extra time before the France midfielder struck in
the 96th minute. Payet, who started on the bench, lashed the ball over the
wall to beat QPR keeper Elliot Parish. West Ham, who finished with 10 men
after Arthur Masuaku went off injured, will host Chelsea in the fourth
round. Slaven Bilic's side have lost four of their opening five games in the
Premier League and have suffered back-to-back 4-2 defeats. The West Ham
manager made seven changes to the side that lost at West Brom on Saturday,
handing debuts to Alvaro Arbeloa and Edimilson Fernandes. But the Hammers
struggled to create any meaningful chances against the visitors and there
were boos at half-time before Payet came on to inspire a vital victory.
Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman said: "People will throw bouquets at
us for our spirit today but we don't want to be seen as plucky. We came here
to win and we matched them for most of the game. Unfortunately we've gone to
sleep in the 96th minute and you give a player of Payet's quality a
free-kick on the edge of the box and it's tantamount to a penalty. "We
talked about putting a man on the line but that makes it difficult for the
goalkeeper. You've got to applaud the quality. But he earns more in a month
than our whole squad earns in a season. Because he can do that. And we
can't."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-0 ACCRINGTON STANLEY EFL CUP 3RD ROUND – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 10:41PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Dimitri Payet saved the Hammers blushes tonight as he scored a dramatic late
winner to help West Ham beat their League Two opponents Accrington Stanley
1-0 and book their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup with a home tie
against Antonio Conte's Chelsea.
With the tie heading for extra-time. Payet was brought down on the edge of
the box five minutes into stoppage time.
The French star stepped up from 25 yards out and curled a superb free-kick
into the corner of the net to send the Hammers through into the last 16. It
was the Frenchman's first goal of the season but it came at the perfect time
as the victory ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
After the recent 4-2 defeats against Watford and West Brom you could sense
the nerves around London Stadium in the early stages and it was Accrington
Stanley who dominated the opening part of the game.
The League Two side could have opened the scoring after just three minutes
when their captain, Seamus Conneely fired a low shot which produced a
comfortable save from Darren Randolph diving low to his right hand side.
The away side continued to press and came close again when Sean McConville
raced away down the left hand side and crossed in for Jordan Clark who slid
the ball just wide of the post. Another good chance fell to the visitors on
23 minutes when Billy Kee laid the ball back for John O'Sullivan who fired a
shot from the edge of the box just wide of the goal.
The Hammers finally created their first chance of the game on 37 minutes
when new signing Edimilson Fernandes, who was making his first team debut,
played a high ball over the top of the Accrington defence. Jonathan Calleri
reacted the quickest but lobbed the ball over the bar.
Bilic made a double change at the break in an attempt to turn things around
bringing on Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet for the ineffective duo of
Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore.
The move almost paid dividends as Lanzini weaved his magic inside the box
and cut the ball back for Simone Zaza who directed a shot straight at
Accrington keeper Elliot Parish.
Accrington Stanley came the closest to breaking the deadlock on 55 minutes.
O'Sullivan picked out Sean McConville who was unmarked inside the area and
he saw his curling shot produce a superb save by Randolph diving away to his
left hand side.
The Hammers raced down the other end as Payet broke free of the Accrington
defence and did his best to pick out Zaza and Calleri. The loose ball fell
to Lanzini on the edge of the box and he fired a powerful shot inches over
the bar.
The home side were keen to finish the tie inside 90 minutes and had another
great chance on 73 minutes when Payet picked out Zaza who saw his
close-range shot kept out by the legs of Parish.
The Hammers were reduced to ten men after defender Arthur Masuaku was
carried down the tunnel on a stretcher following a challenge late in the
game and Bilic had already made his three substitutions, leaving the
Croatian boss with another headache with both first team left-back's now on
the sidelines.
Pedro Obiang could have won the game in stoppage time at the end of 90
minutes after his dipping shot produced a superb save from Parish.
But it was left to that man again to steal the show with the late winner and
set up a London derby in the 4th round against Chelsea.
West Ham: Randolph, Arbeloa, Nordtveit, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Feghouli (Payet
46), Obiang, Fernandes, Tore (Lanzini 46), Calleri (Antonio 69), Zaza
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Oxford, Fletcher
Bookings:
Accrington Stanley: Parish, Vyner, Beckles, Pearson, Donacien, McConville,
Brown (Hughes 76), Conneely (Boco 84), O'Sullivan (Eagles 65), Clark, Kee
Subs not used: Chapman, Gornell, Jones, Lacey
Bookings: Boco
Referee: Stephen Martin
Attendance: 39,877
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston back for Soton test
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Club Doc Stijn Vandenbroucke has confirmed that Winston Reid will return for
this week's vital Premier League meeting with Southampton. West Ham enter
the game in the bottom three of the Premier League following consecutive 4-2
defeats to Watford and West Bromwich Albion. But Slaven Biilc's squad will
be boosted by the return of the Kiwi, who was absent from last weekend's
reversal at the Hawthorns after sustaining a knock 24 hours ahead of the
game. "Winston suffered a injury in training on Friday and unfortunately the
Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion came too early for him,"
Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"Winston has been training this week individually and will join team
training after the Cup game [against Accrington Stanley] and be available
for selection against Southampton on Sunday."
There was also good news regarding the progress of Aaron Cresswell, who is
close to a return - despite initial reports suggesting he would be out of
action until November. "Aaron is progressing well with his recovery from a
knee injury," confirmed Vandenbroucke. "He has been working on the pitch
with rehab fitness coach Eamon Swift and will step up his work by training
with the Under 23s in controlled sessions next week. If everything goes well
and to plan, Aaron will re-join first-team training during the international
break."
And whilst Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are still said to be some way away
from being in a position to feature, striker Andy Carroll is close to a
return. "Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are both progressing well but it is too
early to put an exact timeframe on their return to first-team action," added
Vandenbroucke. "Andy Carroll is progressing well and will start training
with Eamon during the final stages of his rehab ahead of joining first-team
training."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ayew returns to Marseille, temporarily
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Andre Ayew has returned to France in order to continue his rehabilitation -
at his former club Marseille. The £20.5million summer signing was injured
during his Premier League debut for the Hammers against Chelsea at Stamford
Bridge last month and subsequently ruled out until December with a serious
thigh injury.
West Ham agreed to allow Ayew to return to France temporarily for further
treatment, following his earlier diagnosis and a request to be treated in
familar surroundings. And the 26-year-old forward is said to have drawn a
large crowd this afternoon when attending Marseille's training centre.
According to L'Equipe, Ayew took "light exercises alongside a
physiotherapist" whilst suggesting that "the process recovery seemed well
underway". And the French outlet also suggested that, given their current
poor form which has left them 15th in Ligue 1 after five matches, "the
Marseille fans would do well to kidnap him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Accrington Stanley: Dimitri Payet scores late winner
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 21/09/16 10:44pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet's last-gasp free-kick earned struggling West Ham a 1-0 home
win over Accrington in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. The Hammers, reeling from
four straight defeats in all competitions and amid a backdrop of discontent
at their new stadium, were down to 10 men and heading for extra time against
the Sky Bet League Two side. Worse still, they were looking comfortably
second best against a team 61 places below them in the League. But Payet, on
as a half-time substitute, spared their blushes with a trademark free-kick
from 25 yards to send Slaven Bilic's side through. It has been an unhappy
start to life at the London Stadium for the Hammers, but the club have taken
steps to avoid the crowd trouble which marred the recent Watford game by
relocating fans and improving the stewarding. However, the promised
beefed-up segregation between home and away support appeared to amount to a
slightly wider claret curtain draped over the seats.
There will be bigger tests of those improvements than the presence of 600
Accrington supporters, among a total crowd of 39,877, but the so-called
'teething problems' at the ground apparently continued with some fans
missing kick-off due to problems with tickets. Those who were delayed did
not miss much, however.
Stanley's small but noisy band of fans almost had something to shout about
when captain Seamus Conneely drilled in a low shot which had Darren Randolph
scrambling across his goal to palm away.
And the visitors looked far more comfortable on the ball, and in their
surroundings, throughout the first half. Winger Jordan Clark could have
darkened the mood further when he met Sean McConville's low cross but only
managed to glance the ball wide. For West Ham, Sofiane Feghouli should have
put them ahead when he was played through but delayed his shot allowing
Janoi Donacien to make a well-timed challenge. Bilic had seen enough and
sent for some illustrious half-time reinforcements in the shape of Payet and
Manuel Lanzini. Yet it was McConville who came closest to breaking the
deadlock next with a fierce curling effort which Republic of Ireland
goalkeeper Randolph had to tip wide at full stretch.
Payet had at least injected some life into proceedings and one run and cross
down the left should have resulted in Simone Zaza's first goal for the
Hammers, had the Italy striker not stabbed his shot straight at Stanley
keeper Elliot Parish. Having brought on Michail Antonio as his third sub,
West Ham suddenly found themselves a man down when left-back Arthur Masuaku
had to leave the field on a stretcher with three minutes left. However, with
extra time looming, Payet was brought down 25 yards out, and with the sixth
minute of stoppage time up, the France star curled the free-kick home.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet stole the headlines once again as he scored a dramatic late
winner to help West Ham record a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley to book
their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. With the tie heading for
extra-time. Payet was brought down on the edge of the box five minutes into
stoppage time. The French superstar picked himself up and curled a superb
free-kick into the corner of the net to send the Hammers through into the
last 16. It was Payet's first goal of the season but it came at the perfect
time as the victory ended a run of four consecutive defeats. This has been
some summer for Payet following his exploits at the Euro Finals for France
and he carried on his good form with another impressive display. The West
Ham fans turned out in their numbers once again to witness another piece of
magic from Payet and the 39,877 crowd was the highest League Cup attendance
since a fourth round replay against Liverpool back in October 1971.
Slaven Bilic will now be hoping the victory will set his team up nicely for
another home game against Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Following the recent defeats against Watford and West Brom you could sense
the nerves around London Stadium in the early stages and it was Accrington
Stanley who dominated the opening exchanges. The League Two side could have
opened the scoring after just three minutes when Accrington skipper Seamus
Conneely fired a low shot which produced a comfortable save from Darren
Randolph diving low to his right hand side. Despite their first ever
appearance in the third round of the League Cup, the away side showed they
were not just coming to make up the numbers and came close again when Sean
McConville raced away down the left hand side and crossed in for Jordan
Clark who slid the ball wide of the post. Accrington continued to create the
best openings and had another good chance on 23 minutes when Billy Kee laid
the back for John O'Sullivan who fired a shot from the edge of the box just
wide of the goal.
The Hammers finally created their first chance on 37 minutes when new
signing Edimilson Fernandes, who was making his debut, played a high ball
over the top of the Accrington defence. Jonathan Calleri reacted the
quickest and lobbed the ball over the bar. Bilic made a double change at the
break in an attempt to turn things around bringing on Manuel Lanzini and
Dimitri Payet. The move almost paid off straight away as Lanzini weaved his
magic inside the box and cut the ball back for Simone Zaza who directed a
shot straight at Accrington Stanley keeper Elliot Parish. The danger signs
were still there for the Hammers as Accrington came the closest to breaking
the deadlock on 55 minutes. O'Sullivan picked out Sean McConville who was
unmarked inside the area and he saw his curling shot produce a superb save
by Randolph diving away to his left hand side. The Hammers raced down the
other end as Payet broke free of the Accrington defence and did his best to
pick out Zaza and Calleri. The loose ball fell to Lanzini on the edge of the
box and he fired a powerful shot inches over the bar. The home side were
keen to finish the tie inside 90 minutes and had another great chance on 73
minutes when Payet picked out Zaza who saw his close-range shot kept out by
the legs of Parish. The Hammers were reduced to ten men after defender
Arthur Masuaku was carried down the tunnel on a stretcher following a
challenge late in the game and Bilic had already made his three
substitutions. Pedro Obiang could have won the game in stoppage time at the
end of 90 minutes after his dipping shot produced a superb save from Parish.
But no guessing who stole the show with the late winner. Following his
superb set-pieces last season, it was that man Payet who once again became
the matchwinner after he was brought down on the edge of the box. The French
star picked himself up and curled an unstoppable shot past Parish into the
back of the net to send the Hammers into the fourth round of the
competition.
West Ham: Randolph, Arbeloa, Nordtveit, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Feghouli (Payet
46), Obiang, Fernandes, Tore (Lanzini 46), Calleri (Antonio 69), Zaza
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Oxford, Fletcher
Bookings:
Accrington Stanley: Parish, Vyner, Beckles, Pearson, Donacien, McConville,
Brown (Hughes 76), Conneely (Boco 84), O'Sullivan (Eagles 65), Clark, Kee
Subs not used: Chapman, Gornell, Jones, Lacey
Bookings: Boco
Referee: Stephen Martin
Attendance: 39,877
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Chelsea to visit in EFL Cup fourth round
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will host Chelsea in the EFL Cup fourth round following
their dramatic 1-0 third-round victory over Accrington Stanley.
Slaven Bilic's side will welcome the Blues to London Stadium next month in
the third League Cup meeting between the two London clubs. West Ham scored a
1-0 third-round win at the Boleyn Ground through Don Hutchison's goal in
1994, while the Blues edged a fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge by a
single goal in 2004.
This season's fourth round ties will be played on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday
26 October. A confirmed date, kick-off time and ticket information will
follow in due course.
The Hammers made it through to the last 16 thanks to Dimitri Payet's superb
free-kick in the sixth minute of added-time, which saw off the challenge of
the League Two side at London Stadium.
West Ham were cheered on to victory by a 39,877-strong crowd – the
second-largest home League Cup attendance in the Club's history, and biggest
since 40,878 watched a fourth-round replay with Liverpool at the Boleyn
Ground in October 1971.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone and welcome to this week's From the Treatment Room.
We will start with news of Winston Reid, who suffered a injury in training
on Friday, and unfortunately the Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion
came too early for him. Winston has been training this week individual and
will join team training after the cup game and be available for selection
against Southampton on Sunday.
As you will have seen by the video he posted on social media, Aaron
Cresswell is progressing well with his recovery from a knee injury. Aaron
has been working on the pitch with rehab fitness coach Eamon Swift and will
step up his work by training with the Under-23s in controlled sessions next
week.
If everything goes well and to plan, Aaron will re-join first-team training
during the international break.
Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are both progressing well and have been running
on the pitch. We will introduce the ball to their rehab work soon, but it is
too early to put an exact timeframe on their return to first-team action.
Finally, Andy Carroll is progressing well in his recovery from the knee
injury he suffered at Astra Giurgiu in August and will start training with
Eamon during the final stages of his rehab ahead of joining first-team
training.
Sometimes it is difficult with certain injuries to put an exact timeframe on
how long a player will be unavailable for, and in those cases we try not to
raise expectation by mentioning a date by which we expect a player to
return.
In this age of 24-hour news coverage, the internet and social media, there
is obviously a high demand for this kind of clarification but, on occasion,
it is not possible to satisfy this demand because the return dates are too
difficult to predict.
With all injuries, the initial diagnosis can tell us what the problem is
and, as a medical and sport science team, we have an idea of how long an
injury will make a player unavailable, but it is never an exact science.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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West Ham United 1-0 Accrington Stanley
WED, 21 SEPT 2016EFL CUP - THIRD ROUND
Dimitri Payet scored a free-kick deep into injury time to earn West Ham a
dramatic win against League Two Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup. The tie
seemed to be heading for extra time before the France midfielder struck in
the 96th minute. Payet, who started on the bench, lashed the ball over the
wall to beat QPR keeper Elliot Parish. West Ham, who finished with 10 men
after Arthur Masuaku went off injured, will host Chelsea in the fourth
round. Slaven Bilic's side have lost four of their opening five games in the
Premier League and have suffered back-to-back 4-2 defeats. The West Ham
manager made seven changes to the side that lost at West Brom on Saturday,
handing debuts to Alvaro Arbeloa and Edimilson Fernandes. But the Hammers
struggled to create any meaningful chances against the visitors and there
were boos at half-time before Payet came on to inspire a vital victory.
Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman said: "People will throw bouquets at
us for our spirit today but we don't want to be seen as plucky. We came here
to win and we matched them for most of the game. Unfortunately we've gone to
sleep in the 96th minute and you give a player of Payet's quality a
free-kick on the edge of the box and it's tantamount to a penalty. "We
talked about putting a man on the line but that makes it difficult for the
goalkeeper. You've got to applaud the quality. But he earns more in a month
than our whole squad earns in a season. Because he can do that. And we
can't."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-0 ACCRINGTON STANLEY EFL CUP 3RD ROUND – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 10:41PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Dimitri Payet saved the Hammers blushes tonight as he scored a dramatic late
winner to help West Ham beat their League Two opponents Accrington Stanley
1-0 and book their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup with a home tie
against Antonio Conte's Chelsea.
With the tie heading for extra-time. Payet was brought down on the edge of
the box five minutes into stoppage time.
The French star stepped up from 25 yards out and curled a superb free-kick
into the corner of the net to send the Hammers through into the last 16. It
was the Frenchman's first goal of the season but it came at the perfect time
as the victory ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
After the recent 4-2 defeats against Watford and West Brom you could sense
the nerves around London Stadium in the early stages and it was Accrington
Stanley who dominated the opening part of the game.
The League Two side could have opened the scoring after just three minutes
when their captain, Seamus Conneely fired a low shot which produced a
comfortable save from Darren Randolph diving low to his right hand side.
The away side continued to press and came close again when Sean McConville
raced away down the left hand side and crossed in for Jordan Clark who slid
the ball just wide of the post. Another good chance fell to the visitors on
23 minutes when Billy Kee laid the ball back for John O'Sullivan who fired a
shot from the edge of the box just wide of the goal.
The Hammers finally created their first chance of the game on 37 minutes
when new signing Edimilson Fernandes, who was making his first team debut,
played a high ball over the top of the Accrington defence. Jonathan Calleri
reacted the quickest but lobbed the ball over the bar.
Bilic made a double change at the break in an attempt to turn things around
bringing on Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet for the ineffective duo of
Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore.
The move almost paid dividends as Lanzini weaved his magic inside the box
and cut the ball back for Simone Zaza who directed a shot straight at
Accrington keeper Elliot Parish.
Accrington Stanley came the closest to breaking the deadlock on 55 minutes.
O'Sullivan picked out Sean McConville who was unmarked inside the area and
he saw his curling shot produce a superb save by Randolph diving away to his
left hand side.
The Hammers raced down the other end as Payet broke free of the Accrington
defence and did his best to pick out Zaza and Calleri. The loose ball fell
to Lanzini on the edge of the box and he fired a powerful shot inches over
the bar.
The home side were keen to finish the tie inside 90 minutes and had another
great chance on 73 minutes when Payet picked out Zaza who saw his
close-range shot kept out by the legs of Parish.
The Hammers were reduced to ten men after defender Arthur Masuaku was
carried down the tunnel on a stretcher following a challenge late in the
game and Bilic had already made his three substitutions, leaving the
Croatian boss with another headache with both first team left-back's now on
the sidelines.
Pedro Obiang could have won the game in stoppage time at the end of 90
minutes after his dipping shot produced a superb save from Parish.
But it was left to that man again to steal the show with the late winner and
set up a London derby in the 4th round against Chelsea.
West Ham: Randolph, Arbeloa, Nordtveit, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Feghouli (Payet
46), Obiang, Fernandes, Tore (Lanzini 46), Calleri (Antonio 69), Zaza
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Oxford, Fletcher
Bookings:
Accrington Stanley: Parish, Vyner, Beckles, Pearson, Donacien, McConville,
Brown (Hughes 76), Conneely (Boco 84), O'Sullivan (Eagles 65), Clark, Kee
Subs not used: Chapman, Gornell, Jones, Lacey
Bookings: Boco
Referee: Stephen Martin
Attendance: 39,877
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston back for Soton test
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Club Doc Stijn Vandenbroucke has confirmed that Winston Reid will return for
this week's vital Premier League meeting with Southampton. West Ham enter
the game in the bottom three of the Premier League following consecutive 4-2
defeats to Watford and West Bromwich Albion. But Slaven Biilc's squad will
be boosted by the return of the Kiwi, who was absent from last weekend's
reversal at the Hawthorns after sustaining a knock 24 hours ahead of the
game. "Winston suffered a injury in training on Friday and unfortunately the
Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion came too early for him,"
Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"Winston has been training this week individually and will join team
training after the Cup game [against Accrington Stanley] and be available
for selection against Southampton on Sunday."
There was also good news regarding the progress of Aaron Cresswell, who is
close to a return - despite initial reports suggesting he would be out of
action until November. "Aaron is progressing well with his recovery from a
knee injury," confirmed Vandenbroucke. "He has been working on the pitch
with rehab fitness coach Eamon Swift and will step up his work by training
with the Under 23s in controlled sessions next week. If everything goes well
and to plan, Aaron will re-join first-team training during the international
break."
And whilst Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are still said to be some way away
from being in a position to feature, striker Andy Carroll is close to a
return. "Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho are both progressing well but it is too
early to put an exact timeframe on their return to first-team action," added
Vandenbroucke. "Andy Carroll is progressing well and will start training
with Eamon during the final stages of his rehab ahead of joining first-team
training."
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Ayew returns to Marseille, temporarily
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Andre Ayew has returned to France in order to continue his rehabilitation -
at his former club Marseille. The £20.5million summer signing was injured
during his Premier League debut for the Hammers against Chelsea at Stamford
Bridge last month and subsequently ruled out until December with a serious
thigh injury.
West Ham agreed to allow Ayew to return to France temporarily for further
treatment, following his earlier diagnosis and a request to be treated in
familar surroundings. And the 26-year-old forward is said to have drawn a
large crowd this afternoon when attending Marseille's training centre.
According to L'Equipe, Ayew took "light exercises alongside a
physiotherapist" whilst suggesting that "the process recovery seemed well
underway". And the French outlet also suggested that, given their current
poor form which has left them 15th in Ligue 1 after five matches, "the
Marseille fans would do well to kidnap him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Accrington Stanley: Dimitri Payet scores late winner
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 21/09/16 10:44pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet's last-gasp free-kick earned struggling West Ham a 1-0 home
win over Accrington in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. The Hammers, reeling from
four straight defeats in all competitions and amid a backdrop of discontent
at their new stadium, were down to 10 men and heading for extra time against
the Sky Bet League Two side. Worse still, they were looking comfortably
second best against a team 61 places below them in the League. But Payet, on
as a half-time substitute, spared their blushes with a trademark free-kick
from 25 yards to send Slaven Bilic's side through. It has been an unhappy
start to life at the London Stadium for the Hammers, but the club have taken
steps to avoid the crowd trouble which marred the recent Watford game by
relocating fans and improving the stewarding. However, the promised
beefed-up segregation between home and away support appeared to amount to a
slightly wider claret curtain draped over the seats.
There will be bigger tests of those improvements than the presence of 600
Accrington supporters, among a total crowd of 39,877, but the so-called
'teething problems' at the ground apparently continued with some fans
missing kick-off due to problems with tickets. Those who were delayed did
not miss much, however.
Stanley's small but noisy band of fans almost had something to shout about
when captain Seamus Conneely drilled in a low shot which had Darren Randolph
scrambling across his goal to palm away.
And the visitors looked far more comfortable on the ball, and in their
surroundings, throughout the first half. Winger Jordan Clark could have
darkened the mood further when he met Sean McConville's low cross but only
managed to glance the ball wide. For West Ham, Sofiane Feghouli should have
put them ahead when he was played through but delayed his shot allowing
Janoi Donacien to make a well-timed challenge. Bilic had seen enough and
sent for some illustrious half-time reinforcements in the shape of Payet and
Manuel Lanzini. Yet it was McConville who came closest to breaking the
deadlock next with a fierce curling effort which Republic of Ireland
goalkeeper Randolph had to tip wide at full stretch.
Payet had at least injected some life into proceedings and one run and cross
down the left should have resulted in Simone Zaza's first goal for the
Hammers, had the Italy striker not stabbed his shot straight at Stanley
keeper Elliot Parish. Having brought on Michail Antonio as his third sub,
West Ham suddenly found themselves a man down when left-back Arthur Masuaku
had to leave the field on a stretcher with three minutes left. However, with
extra time looming, Payet was brought down 25 yards out, and with the sixth
minute of stoppage time up, the France star curled the free-kick home.
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