Lanzini – I love playing Spurs!
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini's third goal in four matches against Tottenham Hotspur helped
West Ham United to a vital 1-0 victory on Friday
The Argentine's only goal ended Spurs impressive winning run in the Premier
League
It also secured West Ham United's Premier League safety and the midfielder
was delighted to bag such an important strike
There was derby delight for Manuel Lanzini on Friday as his goal earned West
Ham United a 1-0 victory against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at London
Stadium. It was the Argentine's third goal in four games against Spurs, and
the all-important strike not only ended Spurs' impressive Premier League
winning run and possibly their title challenge, but also ended any
relegation fears for the hosts. On the back of nine wins in the league,
there seemed to be no stopping Spurs, but with the confidence of last year's
home victory behind the hosts, along with the current form of four games
unbeaten in the top flight, Slaven Bilic's men had belief. And the deafening
scenes when Lanzini crashed home in the 65th minute were to be forever
remembered. The Jewell was delighted to score such an important goal - his
ninth in London derby clashes since arriving in the Premier League the
summer before last. He said: "It was amazing! It's very important for us, so
I'm so pleased to score such a goal like this. "I like playing against
Tottenham and scoring against them! I've scored three important goals
against them for me and for the team, so it was great to score tonight of
course. "More important for me is not the goal though, it's that the team
played very well. Tottenham are one of the best teams in the Premier League
and to win is very important for us and for us to keep going."
Thanks to the massive victory, the Hammers climbed into the top half of the
Premier League table on Friday night with their tally so far of 42 points.
And Lanzini spoke of the importance of his strike, also praising the fans
for driving the team forward against Mauricio Pochettino's men. "It was a
very good win. We played very good and these points are very important for
us, and it's important for us to keep going. "It's a great win for the
manager who is a great coach, and he talked with us a great deal before the
game. He is amazing. "The fans also were amazing and they are always like
this. They are singing all of the time and they were perfect tonight as they
always are."
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'You could really feel it on the pitch'
WHUFC.com
Sam Byram praises London Stadium atmosphere during Friday's 1-0 Premier
League win over Tottenam
Victory took West Ham United up to ninth in the table and made them
mathematically safe
Byram played his part in Manuel Lanzini's winner and put in a strong
defensive performance
Sam Byram is always smiling. Go on, take a look at every photograph of the
West Ham United full-back. Whether he is playing, training, walking or
having his lunch, he is ALWAYS smiling. And Byram's trademark grin was wider
than ever after the Hammers' 1-0 Premier League over Tottenham Hotspur on
Friday evening.
"I think this game means the most to the team and the fans as a whole, and
it was definitely the best atmosphere I've felt at the new ground," he told
whufc.com. "You could really feel it on the pitch, among the players and the
fans, especially when the final whistle went! "We've got a tight squad and a
squad full of quality, so when people are injured there are others to step
in. Everyone is working together – players, staff and fans – and you could
feel that in the stands and in the dressing room after the game. "We've got
Liverpool next, another one of the big clubs, and we showed against
Tottenham what we're all about. We've got two games left, we're in ninth,
which shows how tight it is and how quickly it can change. We're looking up
now, rather than down."
Byram was recalled to the starting XI in place of Edimilson Fernandes and
repaid Slaven Bilic's faith with arguably his best performance in a Claret
and Blue shirt.
Not only did the No22 keep Spurs winger Son Hueng-Min quiet, but he also
supported the attack regularly and played his part in Manuel Lanzini's
unforgettable second-half winner. "To be fair, the lads have done well to
keep two clean sheets and look solid, so I was happy to come back in and I
think I've shown I can play that position as well," said Byram, who made two
key passes and completed four clearances and 79.3% of his passes overall.
"We could have won by more. Jonny [Calleri] had a few chances and Ash
[Fletcher] had a good chance at the end, and I think we limited them to very
little, which showed how structured we were as a team. It wasn't just the
back five and the goalie, the whole team grafted and it was well-deserved.
"Against Everton and Stoke we created chances, maybe not as many as we did
against Spurs, but we created chances and got our reward."
One player who certainly grafted was lone striker Calleri, who gave Toby
Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen plenty to think about with his movement,
strength and hold-up play. On another night, the Argentinian would have
capped an influential display with a goal, but Byram was not complaining.
"Jonny put a good shift in," he confirmed. "He's strong, he gives his all
and I'm delighted he has done well. "In training, he's a very aggressive
player and you need that in your team. I am sure the goals will come and
hopefully he can get one next week."
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Stat's A Fact - Lanzini loves London derbies
WHUFC.com
Ain't nobody like Lanzini, as the song goes. And it couldn't be any closer
to the truth. Once again the Argentinian was on hand to score the decisive
goal in yet another London derby as West Ham United beat Tottenham Hotspur
1-0 at London Stadium on Friday evening.
After a goalless first half, where the visitors were limited to one shot on
target, the Hammers came out of the blocks quickly in the second half. The
deserved goal eventually came on the 65th minute as Manuel Lanzini latched
on to the end of Sam Byram's deflected cross to turn the ball past Hugo
Lloris.
Jonathan Calleri soon went close to doubling the Hammers lead and Ashley
Fletcher also had a chance late on – indeed Slaven Bilic's side could have
won by more. The Hammers had a total of 13 shots during the course of the
match, two more than Tottenham.
For Spurs, who before Friday night had scored 102 goals in all competitions,
they forced only a couple of saves out Adrian and struggled to break through
West Ham's impressive back three. The likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and
Christian Eriksen were fairly anonymous throughout.
Lanzini's eighth goal was his fourth against London opposition this season –
two of those coming against Spurs. His penalty in the return fixture at
White Hart Lane in November was followed up by Friday's close-range effort.
His record extends beyond 2016/17, however, and Friday's strike was his
ninth in all competitions against clubs from the Capital since joining West
Ham in 2015.
The Hammers' number ten now has three career goals from just four matches
against Spurs and has only a better scoring record against Crystal Palace in
the Premier League.
He was voted 'Man of the Match' by West Ham United supporters on Twitter and
was a central figure in the all of the home side's attacking opportunities.
Lanzini's four dribbles was the most by any West Ham player and bettered
only by England international, Dele Alli; he had the joint-most attempts on
goal with three, and made 33 passes at a success rate of 86 per cent.
Rather remarkably, Lanzini also made the most amount of tackles on the West
Ham side, highlighting Slaven Bilic's perfectly executed plan to limit the
available space for Spurs in the midfield.
Since January, he has scored five goals and made two assists and with two
games remaining in the season, there is no doubt he will want to add to it.
The Hammers' final match at London Stadium takes place on Sunday 14 May
against Liverpool, before they make the trip to Burnley's Turf Moor on the
final day. With the club's Premier League status now secured, Slaven Bilic
will demand that the season ends in a positive fashion and Lanzini will
undoubtedly play a central role in fulfilling that.
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Noble - I'm speechless
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble captains Hammers to first London Stadium victory over Tottenham
Hotspur
Skipper hails 'unreal' atmosphere generated by Hammers fans
No16 wants to end the season on a high by carrying this victory into meeting
with Liverpool next week
As early birthday presents go, this one will take some beating for Mark
Noble. The West Ham United skipper turns 30 on Monday, but had reason to get
the celebrations started a couple of days in advance after leading his team
to a magnificent derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night. Noble
was thrilled to get one over the Hammers' rivals, thanks to Manuel Lanzini's
second half goal, and he thought it was a fully merited result. "I'm
spechless really," he beamed. "The boys were fantastic - it was a great
performance from every one of us. We needed to be at 100 per cent and we
were. "It's great for the manager and for the fans. It was fantastic and I
can see them walking into the offices or wherever they work on Monday
morning with broad shoulders, their chins up high and a massive smile on
their face. "We deserved it, we played so well. We had a couple of chances
early doors and it was just a really good team performance. We know we can
play like that, but it's been a tough season and the boys have dug in
fantastically."
The Hammers have been waiting for a Premier League victory against one of
the division's title chasers, and Noble said it couldn't have come at a
better time than Friday. He added: "Getting that kind of result against
Tottenham makes it even more special. We should have beaten them at their
place. Two goals in two minutes at the end really hurt. "The atmosphere on
Friday was unreal, and we've beaten Spurs at home which puts us safe. I
don't like saying the word safe because it actually puts us in the top half
of the table. If we win next week we could finish one or two places below
where we finished last year. "At the end of the day, let's hope we can
finish strongly."
Lanzini's winner took his tally against Spurs to three from four games - and
nine in London derbies since joining the Club two summers ago - and Noble
was full of praise for the Argentine. He continued: "I love Manu. He's great
at scoring in derbies, isn't he? He's our little gem as they call him and
that's why we're in the team, to do the hard work and grind it out and let
Manu be our special little player. "The last two games I've played here,
especially, against Swansea and Tottenham, have really started to feel like
home. "I couldn't have asked for a better outcome than Friday, coming back
into the starting line-up for a game like that."
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Slav - We fully deserved it
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hails his West Ham United team after 1-0 win over Tottenham
Hotspur at London Stadium
Hammers up to ninth in Premier League table after extending unbeaten run to
five matches
Victory ensured West Ham's safety and also badly damaged Spurs' title hopes
It happened again for Slaven Bilic as his West Ham United side severely
dented Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League title challenge for the second
season in succession. The manager was brimming with pride after Manuel
Lanzini's second-half goal completed the greatest night in London Stadium's
short but eventful history. With a 54,000-strong Claret and Blue Army
roaring them on, the Hammers soaked up everything Spurs could throw at them,
and could arguably have won more comfortably had Hugo Lloris not saved
superbly from Jonathan Calleri and Ashley Fletcher. "We played against a
great team, a team in form, a team which had won nine out of nine and all
that, but we deserved it," said the manager, whose team are up to ninth in
the table. "We defended with numbers and we did exactly what we wanted them
to do, but it's the players who done it on the pitch. "Apart from that
situation in the first half, when they had three chances from one attack,
they didn't hurt us really and we defended great. "Also in the second half
we were taking the ball out to them and the goal helped us, of course. Then
after the goal they lost a bit of composure because one goal was not enough
for them, as they needed to score two. "They lost a bit of calmness that
they had and the goal helped us to gain confidence. After the goal, we had
many, many situations, not just Calleri's chance, but situations when we
were one-on-one against the defender, but unfortunately we didn't score.
"There was always a chance we were going to concede because they were
throwing bodies up front and putting strikers on, but we were magnificent
and we fully deserved it."
Bilic was asked if 'character' was the most important trait shown by his
players in beating a Tottenham team which arrived on a run of nine straight
wins. While the manager agreed the mental strength shown by the Hammers was
important, he also pointed to their ability to stick to a tactical plan and
create clear chances against a previously very solid Spurs defence. "First
of all, starting with the skipper Mark Noble, who was tremendous, then the
goalkeeper and back three and the line of four in front of them protecting
them and stopping the passes getting through to [Dele] Alli and [Christian]
Eriksen. Then we had Calleri up front who was, in the second half,
brilliant. "It was character, of course, determination and character, but
you can't win against a good team like them with only character. You need
quality as well and we had good patterns. "We beat them last year with the
same system, and in the game earlier this season at White Hart Lane,
although we lost it 3-2 when were leading 2-1 with two or three minutes to
go, it was also the system we used to stop them. "Tonight was not a night
for egos, and we showed collectively what West Ham United is all about."
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SUMMER TRANSFER GOALS
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 MAY 2017 AT 10:27PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steven McCarthy @StevenMcCarthy9
Transfers are a funny game, as I have seen over and over again the past year
or two Ex seems to get no end of crap for simply keeping us informed and up
to date! Now with this I am going to take my chance for complete hyperbole
and outline what I think we should do in the summer. First off is one that
saddens me to say but, I would look to sell Carroll for as much as possible.
With the caveat that it is only to an overseas team (and pray it is one with
deep pockets at that) because knowing the West Ham way if we didn't, he
would score against us every single time we play him. I appreciate that
Carroll is a real handful on his day and the athleticism he shows at times
is simply awesome, however I feel that on the big wages he is and with such
an awful injury record, he simply does not produce and appear enough to
warrant a place next season for me.
I also have a problem with the argument that there are no other players out
there like him, because a prime example of this would be Llorente at
Swansea. He has taken time to find his feet but he has scored goals this
season with the exact same attributes to his game. Should Swansea go down, I
think it would be great business for the club and hopefully turn out a bit
better than the current World Cup winner in the squad! If we got a decent
sum for Carroll I would say go for Bas Dost from Wolfsburg, another great
physical player in a Wolfsburg side . This would take care of having a big
physical presence up top, but why just settle for the one. If ex is correct
that Batshuayi is our top target then I think we should go all out to sign
him, although I think he would certainly require a 25 million + bid, I think
with a player of his age and promise, you only have to look at the figures
for a player like Lukaku being bandied about to say that it would be worth a
punt!
Would I take Defoe on a free?
On a free, yes. But I have reservations, I still remember crying when we got
relegated and then throwing a strop when he left (I was 11). Despite his
lack of goals recently, I think he has the technique and athleticism to be a
handful for at least a season or two and would get 10 goals a season easily.
With regards to a last striker, if we are looking for a loan as the owners
love! I would go for Iheanacho from City, I have heard that Guardiola rates
him highly however with Aguero and Jesus I see it being a struggle for him
to getin the side and a loan would suit both parties.
Forwards: Llorente, Batshuayi, Defoe, Bas Dost and Iheanacho
Midfield:
Midfield wise, I would sell Noble and bring in some of the youngsters with a
point to prove. I love Noble as he has been a great ambassador for the club
and presence in the side, however I am somewhat sure that he is simply not
good enough for a top half team. And although only showing recent glimpses,
I think Nordtveit has shown that he is worth giving another season. Against
Everton and Stoke, he was good in the air, physically strong, showed a good
range of passing and read the game particularly well! I like Ruben Loftus
Cheek and Chalobah of Chelsea as the players we could bring in somewhat
cheaply for that Central midfield position (and cover in defence if needed)
I think limited playing time this season is a worry for both these players
this season and if we think that Obiang and Kouyate are going to be the
central partnership next season, then having youngsters of pace, presence
and quality would be a real string to our bow.
Payet replacement:
This is a big one for us, as having that player who can just instantly turn
a game and create something from nothing is pretty much all at the feet of
Lanzini currently. I won't waste any more time talking about the snake, so
let's move onto who we could replace him with, and I think the main player
West Ham fans would like to see is probably Sigurdsson of Swansea. He is a
proven premier league player who regularly delivers on set pieces and
creates a chance with an inch perfect pass. Is he as explosive or dynamic as
Payet, I would say no, but would he work his socks off for the team and
consistently perform, for me it is a yes!
I think I am in the minority with my next point, but unless a good offer
came in, I would keep a hold of Snodgrass. If ever we were looking for a
player to show off a bit of strength in depth then I think having Snodgrass
in rotation would display exactly that. He was on fire at Hull and I think
that he deserves a bit more time, you don't suddenly lose the ability to
score goals in this league, particularly when you were playing in that
injury riddled Hull side and I think a performing Snodgrass would be an
asset to any side outside the top 5 or 6.
Tore is off at the end of the season – thank god!
Feghouli is an interesting one, he works hard, but would I keep him? I think
that he works hard, but if we got a decent offer, then I would happily let
him go.
If it were my choice, Sigurdsson would be top due to the Premier League
experience, however I think there is another French League player available
with Lyons, Rachid Ghezzal being available at the end of the season on a
free transfer. He is a left footed right winger who loves to cut inside,
quick and surprisingly physical player with an eye for goal, I think
although he could take time to settle, he could potentially be the player
closest in quality to Payet available and realistically available to us. His
set pieces are strong, he delivers good balls and I think that he would be a
really great buy for us.
Midfielders: Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Sigurdsson, Ghezzal
Defence:
Where do I start on this one, we have been abysmal this year at the back and
I think that although Arthur Masouaku has shown real quality in the last few
games there are very few who can hold there heads high this year. People are
forgetting that we have Ogbonna to return, and although he and Reid would be
our ideal centre partnership I would say that our strength in depth is still
up for question. I love Ginge as much as any Hammers fan, however is he
really a player I see challenging for a starting position or being a quality
cover should anybody pick up a knock. No, to be brutally honest he is
lacking in too many departments like pace, passing and touch to be solid in
this league if we want to progress. Fonte….let's just hope he improves,
because having only just signed I cannot see anything realistically
happening this window! I think the glaring position for every fan is Right
Back, as an out and out right back I like Byram and see him as a solid
option, so why not buy in somebody like Mensah to be young competition. He
is an absolute beast – and has the potential to be everything Billic had
hoped Antonio would be. 6ft 4, quick, good in the air and built like a brick
outhouse, I think he could be a fan favourite anywhere! I am a fan, he is a
tough tackling and often no nonsense player, going forward, I am not too
sure about him as he hasn't got the game time with the excellent Valencia
infront of him. However the pace, leap and height he possesses will always
always make him a threat going forward from set pieces at the bare minimum.
Mourinho seem's to love berating the defenders in his squad and I think that
barring wage demands, a move for any of the once 'Great Hopes' of Smalling
and Jones (dreading that after his awful acting against us!) would be a
smart move in my eyes, given the versatility they possess across the back
line! Kevin Malcuit is the player I see us linked with frequently at the
moment, and whilst I really like his pace and attacking attributes, I feel
that he could be a player who really struggles to find his feet in this
league. Although he is pretty much 6ft tall, he is slight of frame and often
wanders too far forward from defensive positions, which at 25 could be
something that is too etched into his game to change. That being said, I
would take him if we were playing our 5 at the back system with him as a
wingback if it were for a sensible price.
Defenders: Fosu-Mensah, Smalling or Jones and Malcuit for a potential
attacking wing back.
Goalkeeper:
As for Goalkeeper, I was really gutted to hear that it seems Pickford looks
to be on his way to Everton! A young English goalie with great promise is
something I think all Hammers fans would love to see and if possible, I
would do all I could to hijack the deal (as we so often seem to be the
victim of!). However if we want an English keeper the only realistic option
I see is Tom Heaton from Burnley, and he is 31. The other name I see us
linked with, Joe Hart is 30. Both are great keepers, but I think Heaton
would demand a large fee and Hart would require huge wages so I would look
elsewhere. Personally, I would go for Begovic at Stoke, who would only just
turn 30 this year. I think that with Stoke looking to make Butland no.1 a
player of his quality would not be happy playing second fiddle yet again. As
for the current keepers we have, I would keep Adrian and let Randolph leave
if he was unhappy being second choice. I love Adrian and although he has a
mistake in him every so often, I feel his love of the club, fan interaction
and shot stopping ability on the pitch more than make up for that!
And who can forget that penalty….
Goalkeeper: Begovic and Adrian to be given an extended contract
However, I will end the column with my main goal for the summer:
Keeping a hold of Lanzini and Antonio – we all know the quality that Lanzini
possesses, but Antonio is one who I feel we simply must keep at the club.
He gives everything out on the pitch every time he plays, he is a threat
from set pieces, strong, great leap and always finding a bit of space in the
area. I think he is a great player and looks like he improves in his weakest
area – his touch, every game I see him in!
At the moment I am hoping we finish as high as possible and look to take the
steps as fans to make the London Stadium our home! COYI's!!!!
Many thanks
Steven
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WE HAVE TO MAKE THE STADIUM MOVE WORK
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 MAY 2017 AT 10:12PM
TheWestHamWayc.o.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
"You're not West Ham anymore" "You have sold your soul for this shithole
"are just two of the taunts, sung to us Hammers fans following The Club's
move from The Boleyn Ground to The London Stadium. I had mixed feelings
about our move from The Boleyn Ground to The London Stadium from the off. I
was of the opinion that The East Stand could be developed bringing our
capacity to 46,000, which I felt would have been just perfect for a Club our
size. I did not for one minute believe in the pie in the sky nonsense, that
moving would enable us to reach 'the next level'. Or players would be lining
up to play at the 'Iconic 'London Stadium. That was sheer piffle in my eyes.
Bar one or two, if you are willing to pay the selling club what they want,
and meet a player's wage demands, they sign for you. Whether you play at The
Boleyn Ground, The London Stadium or on Mars is totally irrelevant
However as much as I loved The Boleyn Ground ,from getting off at Upton Park
Station ,stopping for a couple in The Queen's.Then on to Ken's Café for an
all-day breakfast, arriving at the ground as the players were warming up. I
never tired of making the journey from Fareham. But let's not kid ourselves,
not every game was like the final game against Manchester United. At times
you could hear a pin drop, on other occasions the mood would turn ugly, with
fans turning on our own players with taunts of: "You're not fit to wear the
shirt". Neither was the ground a fortress, we have suffered some horrific
results and real pastings to be truthful. The after match experience of
getting to The Queen's ,then having to march all the way down to the flats,
go around a pole then come all the way back up to Upton Park Station used to
get on my nerves. When it became obvious that there would be no turning back
I accepted reality, although I had reservations about how far away the pitch
was from the stands. I was also prepared for teething problems, as Saints
fans warned me how they struggled to adapt when they moved from The Dell to
St Marys.
The big problem was expectations were raised with The Club saying three or
four top signings arriving, added to the fact that we had just come off an
incredible season. As a result fans had really high expectations. When
expectations were not met transfer wise, a section of the fans were very
disillusioned before a ball was kicked. Added to the fact that results on
the pitch were poor, The Stadium migration problem became a major issue.
Which the media was very quick to expose, as in their eyes West Ham had been
'gifted' a Stadium at the tax payer's expense. Problems there certainly were
and some remain. On existing stewarding, or not enough stewards which led to
chaos in the stands. Fights with away supporters or West Ham fans on West
Ham, ugly scenes that terrified small kids. Not on. Some got upset because
they got called 'customers' and Popcorn gets sold at the ground. Whatever
for ?In my Grandfather's time they sold Bovril, and used to stand so tightly
next to each other they were like sardines .In order not to lose their
standing place ,fans would piss on each other's legs !Times change !They
sell popcorn so what ?A lot of the fans from visiting clubs, would come up
to the ground looking to start trouble. No doubt having watched Green Street
too many times .Although far from perfect the match day experience at The
London Stadium has got better. The Stewards have got a lot better for
starters
Some fans have posted photo after photo or videos of each stage of The
Boleyn Ground being demolished. Almost like a deceased favourite
relative…sadly like the relative…The Boleyn is not going to rise from the
dead. BUT…our memories of the great place will stay with us forever.
Irrespective if we are pro move or against the move, are anti Gold and
Sullivan or pro Gold & Sullivan, we are all passionate and extremely loyal
West Ham fans. At this moment of its great history, West Ham United play at
The London Stadium. We have got to make the move work, or we could well end
up like Coventry. Make no mistake this is a MASSIVE transfer window, and The
Board have got to deliver! NO excuses! Sob stories about Financial Fair Play
don't wash anymore. No other club makes a issue about them. Rules have
become relaxed about them, and some legal experts reckon they are
unenforceable anyway. Get the right signings in, get off to a good start
next season and we will be living in the land of hope and dreams. This time
dreams made at The London Stadium home of West Ham United. And The Boleyn?
Never to be forgotten! That is where we our love affair with our great club
started after all
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI'S!!
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ANTHONY TAYLOR – WEST HAM VS SPURS
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 6 MAY 2017 AT 9:34AM
TheWestHaMWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
West Ham fans far and wide are waking up this morning knowing that because
of heroics last night, we've potentially damaged Spurs chances of winning
the Premier League. This season has been a disappointing one to say the
least but nights like last night remind us fans why we go through the pain
of supporting West Ham when we out smart and out play our London rivals, who
have been strong all season. Before the game, we weren't mathematically safe
from relegation and Bilic's job was broadcasted by the media saying he was
on thin ice. I think it's safe to say that the result last night could have
saved his position as manager for next season. With only two games remaining
of the season, we can breathe a sigh of relief after flirting with
relegation at times during the season and ending the season on a high at
home to Liverpool and away to Burnley on the last game of the season.
Anthony Taylor was the appointed referee for last night's London derby and
Taylor has officiated four West Ham games and six Tottenham games so far
this season. Surprisingly it was Taylor's first game officiating at the
London Stadium.
West Ham have been on the receiving end of some poor refereeing decisions
this season, especially against the big teams. In January, Sofiane Feghouli
was unfairly sent off by Mike Dean for a challenge on Manchester United's
Phil Jones, which was eventually overturned by the FA's Regulatory
Commission. Anthony Taylor needed to ensure he remained calm for a highly
anticipated and heated London derby.
Big derbies always come with big refereeing decisions and Taylor certainly
had a few to make in the first half. As expected, both teams were fully
committed with their tackles, some of the tackles were fair and some of them
not. The first big challenge of the first half came from the young Spurs
midfielder Eric Dier. Dier challenged and won the ball with a very strongly
sliding challenge against West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyaté. This set the
precedent for the remainder of the half.
Taylor is a very experienced referee and his positioning has always been a
strength of his and as crazy as it may sound, it's so important to take up
the right position to give yourself the best possible view of any incident.
Taylor was in a great position to see Victor Wanyama catching Manuel Lanzini
after the ball had gone. The first caution of the game went to Kyle Walker
after the Spurs right back caught Lanzini in a 50/50 challenge. In all
fairness to Walker, he managed to nick the ball first and caught Lanzini on
the follow through. Lanzini ended up coming off worse and I think it was
Walkers reaction when Lanzini went to ground that made the decision up for
Taylor to brand the yellow card.
Mark Noble is a player that lives and breathes for the big occasions and
this game was no different. Noble earned himself a yellow card after the
West Ham captain slid into a challenge incredibly late on Dier, wiped him
clean off his feet. This was no doubt a yellow card and Noble had to be
careful for the remainder of the game
The biggest talking point of the first half was Hugo Lloris challenge on
Manuel Lanzini. The ball was there to win, with Lloris rushing out off his
line to challenge for the ball whilst Lanzini just outside the penalty area.
In a split second, both Lloris and Lanzini were on the floor and Taylor had
a decision to make. When I first saw the challenge, I thought it was 100% a
foul by Lloris and the Spurs goalkeeper would have been walking down the
tunnel after being sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
However, after seeing the replays, which we get the luxury of, it is very
clear that Lloris makes the slightest of touches on the ball with his knee
and then his follow through caught Lanzini. Even though Lloris does make
contact it the ball, the challenge was reckless. I think he was very lucky
to make any contact with the ball. I do feel that the laws of the game are
slightly skewed when it comes to goalkeepers and especially when they make
challenges like this. It's hard to imagine that if this challenge was made
anywhere else on the field, would referees actually blow for a foul as it's
reckless? Goalkeepers are sometimes over protected by referees especially
for corners but I think the game has moved on where goalkeepers are making
last ditch challenges to save the opposition from scoring. However, I cannot
express how difficult this decision was to make, especially under immense
pressure in a game like this. Taylor could have very easily sent Hugo Lloris
off if Taylor wasn't in the position he was and didn't see the marginal
contact by the Spurs keeper. Taylor remained calm and didn't guess the
outcome, instead he consulted his assistant referee and as a team they got
the decision correct and awarded a goal kick after Kouyate skied his shot
over the bar.
I noticed throughout the half that Kyle Walker was going down very easily
under minimal pressure. Kouyate and Cresswell were both guilty of making
unnecessary contact with Walker, with the Spurs man hitting the deck at
every opportunity. Winston Reid was the final player cautioned in the first
half after the West Ham centre back was stepping up with the ball into
midfield and after a heavy touch, Reid lunged to win the ball back and
caught Victor Wanyama on the top of the boot. A challenge like this is 9/10
always going to be a cation as the player is lunging into a challenge
desperate to win the ball back.
Anthony Taylor had a relatively quiet second half compared to the first
half. There were a handful of cautions including Manuel Lanzini for
excessive celebration. Lanzini, who's only goal was enough to win the game,
was booked by Anthony Taylor for over celebrating. In my opinion, I didn't
see anything wrong with Lanzini's celebration at first. Lanzini crossed his
arms to signify the famous 'irons' symbol and ran into a corner where West
Ham fans were celebrating. However, there appeared to be an issue with West
Ham fans and the advertising boards in that corner, as West Ham fans in the
rows above the advertising boards started celebrating. West Ham fans in the
front couple of rows found themselves on the pitch. It's important to ensure
that excessive celebration doesn't cause supporters risk of injury and
because of this, I believe this is why Taylor cautioned Lanzini.
The fourth and final West Ham caution went to Sam Byram after the young West
Ham right back pulled back the advancing Son Heung-min's shirt. This type of
foul is always going to result in a yellow card so it was a straight forward
decision from Anthony Taylor. The final booking of the game went to Kieron
Trippier for intentionally tripping substitute Ashley Fletcher in the final
stages of additional time. The game was very nervy in the final stages and
five added minutes of additional time didn't help. I thought to myself that
this seemed a lot for a second half which no injuries, however when you take
into consideration the five substitutes, West Ham's goal celebration and the
West Ham fans holding onto the ball in the stands for a Spurs corner, it
made sense to me and was the correct time allocation.
In my opinion, I felt that Anthony Taylor's performance was good. Taylor was
merely a spectator in the second half but his first half was tough with some
big decisions which he handed well. There were times were he missed a push
or a clumsy challenge which rightly infuriated the West Ham fans but when
you take into consideration the decisions he did get right, he performed
well in a difficult fixture.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-0 TOTTENHAM – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 6 MAY 2017 AT 8:24AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham beat Tottenham 1-0 tonight in an early May Premier League match
which might represent the long-awaited "signature win" for the home club in
the new London Stadium. For West Ham, they defeated their top London rival
and possibly secured safety from relegation in one single night. For Spurs
it might be the end to their hopes of overtaking Chelsea for the Premier
League championship this year.
Mauricio Pochettino's side arrived in East London after winning nine
straight matches in the league. West Ham, devoid of attacking options with
Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho chronically injured and Michael Antonio out
for the season, we where merely hoping to keep the match respectable.
Early on, the Hammers played behind the ball but made the most of their
counter attacking opportunities. Six minutes into the match Manuel Lanzini
took an Andre Ayew cross and delivered it wide of goal.
The London Stadium crowd felt ill during a later exchange where Harry Kane
shot on goal which was deflected by Adrian. Dele Alli's rebound shot was
blocked by Jose Fonte, and a third immediate attempt was taken by Kane, only
to be saved by Adrian. Spurs were forced to settle for an unsuccessful
corner kick out of that exchange.
Despite the overwhelming possession advantage by the visiting club, West Ham
retired at the half with a 0-0 score and a raucous crowd of supporters
encouraging their club.
The fans were almost rewarded immediately after the break, as Ayew took
service from Sam Byram but sent the ball way high of the goal.
The West Ham supporters had to wait until the 65th minute of play before
they were rewarded for their enthusiasm, as Aaron Cresswell sent a cross
into traffic and it touched both Byram and Ayew before it fell to the feet
of Manual Lanzini at the six yard mark. He immediately sent the ball past
Hugo Lloris, and sent the stadium into a loud frenzy.
With chances on both sides, the Hammers were able to milk the final 35
minutes of play plus five additional minutes of time, and the celebration
was on in East London. (A few Chelsea supporters took notice as well.)
And just like that, West Ham temporarily slides into 9th place. After a
brutal season after the sky-high expectations of the pre-season, the loyal
fans at West Ham have hope and some enthusiasm going into a very important
summer transfer period.
Of note tonight, in addition to Lanzini's performance, his fellow Argentine,
Jonathan Calleri put in a hard-working shift. And what can be said about
Adrian? Three consecutive clean sheets. The beloved Spaniard certainly is
having his say about whether a new goalkeeper is needed in the summer. A
quick stop in the top half of the table is an unexpected turn of events.
With two matches remaining, hope for the future is the best thing West Ham
can sell at this point.
West Ham: Adrian, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Byram, Kouyate, Noble, Cresswell,
Lanzini (Fernandes 90), Ayew (Snodgrass 84), Calleri (Fletcher 89)
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Rice, Feghouli
Bookings: Noble, Reid, Lanzini, Byram
Goal: Lanzini 65
Spurs: Lloris, Walker (Trippier 80) , Alderweireld, Vertonghen (Dembele 67),
Davies, Dier, Wanyama (Janssen 73), Son, Eriksen, Alli, Kane.
Subs not used: Vorm, Wimmer, Sissoko, Nkoudou
Bookings: Walker, Trippier
Referee: Anthony Taylor
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate to have wrist surgery and miss final two games
of the season
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 06/05/17 4:19pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate will miss the rest of the season to
undergo surgery on an injured wrist. The 27-year-old has been playing with
the problem all season, across 36 appearances in all competitions and three
internationals with Senegal at the African Nations Cup. The decision to have
the operation has been taken after West Ham mathematically assured their
place in the Premier League next season with a 1-0 win over Tottenham on
Friday Night Football. Kouyate will miss the Hammers' penultimate match
against Liverpool at the London Stadium as well as their final day trip to
face Burnley at Turf Moor. Kouyate is contracted at West Ham until 2021
after signing a new long-term contract in March 2016. He joined the East
London side from Anderlecht for £7m in June 2014.
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Slaven Bilic reveals Chelsea's Nemanja Matic sent him a very cheeky text
before West Ham's 1-0 win over Spurs
The Blues midfielder has to get his wallet out now but he isn't going to
care one little bit
The Mirror
BYJAKE POLDEN
16:35, 6 MAY 2017UPDATED17:55, 6 MAY 2017
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic
sent him a cheeky text message ahead of their game with Tottenham. The match
was watched anxiously by Blues players and fans alike, given that Spurs are
the only team capable of preventing them from winning the title this season.
And much to the delight of Chelsea supporters, the Hammers did them a
massive favour, beating Spurs 1-0 to pretty much hand them the Premier
League. Manuel Lanzini and his teammates have to take all the credit for the
win, given that the Argentine found the back of the net and the squad played
out of their skins. But it appears Matic may be able to take some of the
credit for the win - although he will have to get his wallet out now as a
result. According to the Hammers boss, who spoke to Sport Klub, Matic text
him ahead of the game saying: "If you stop Tottenham, I'll take you out to
dinner." He added: "Matic is a wonderful guy, a great player. I will accept
that offer with pleasure." And it seems that's exactly what he did do.
Speaking after the defeat, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side
blew their chances to win the league this season. "To win a league or a
trophy is a key moment. Today was a key moment," said the Argentine. "It's
not about playing good or bad or running more or less but when you have to
win, you win. "If you want to be a champions you must win. How, I don't
know."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 7
Friday, May 5
Daily WHUFC News - 6th May 2017
Derby delight for Lanzini and Hammers
WHUFC.com
9:23pm, Friday 5 May - a moment in time which every Hammer inside London
Stadium on Friday will remember in the future and say "I was there".
For it was a moment - a brilliant moment - which summed up what West Ham
United is all about, and in turn sealed an unforgettable 1-0 victory over
title contenders Tottenham Hotspur. That title challenge though, along with
Spurs' impressive winning run in the Premier League, is now probably over,
and never will the home fans let Friday's visitors forget that.
But certainly never to be forgotten is Manuel Lanzini's winner, bagged half
an hour from time, the only goal in a ferocious fixture. The first half was
everything you'd expect from a hotly-contested London derby - feisty and
fiery. The Hammers, roared on by the deafening atmosphere inside London
Stadium, started on the front foot and nearly scored after just six minutes.
Manuel Lanzini was released by a superb Andre Ayew curled pass and, bearing
down on goal, the Argentine could only fire wide with his left foot. The
next 15 minutes saw West Ham look the more promising, though it was Spurs
who were to come closest to breaking the deadlock. Two of Tottenham's young
starlets - Harry Kane and Dele Alli - were denied as Mauricio Pochettino's
men looked to keep their title hopes alive.
First, Kane's long-range effort was fumbled by Adrian, and though Winston
Reid blocked the follow-up from Alli, Kane hit one at goal for a third time
in as many seconds and the Spaniard in goal cleverly flicked over with his
foot. The resulting corner also spelled trouble for the Hammers - Eric Dier
met the Christian Eriksen delivery with a fierce header, but Adrian was
again on hand to deny him. A ferocious fixture between two rivals - there
was always likely to be controversy, and that came on 27 minutes when West
Ham felt Spurs should have had a man sent off. Skipper Mark Noble, returning
to the side, chipped through for Lanzini who again raced clear, and out came
Hugo Lloris to stop the midfielder in his tracks - literally. The Frenchman
caught some of the ball, but with both feet in the air at the point of
contact and as last man, Slaven Bilic on the touchline was not happy.
As they did in the first, West Ham started the second half on the front
foot. Seven minutes in, a great chance presented itself when Sam Byram
darted down the right and cut back for Ayew, but the Ghanaian fired over
with the goal at his mercy. For the next ten minutes, it was all Spurs as
they dominated the ball and looked dangerous going forward. Adrian was again
tested just after the hour mark when he tipped Son Heung-Min's attempt round
the post. Then was the moment, the moment that sent London Stadium
absolutely wild. Cresswell's ball in from the left evaded everyone and it
looked as though the chance was gone. Byram, alive as ever, kept the ball in
play though and, cutting it back to Ayew, the ball fell on a plate for
Lanzini to smash in. Euphoria. He loves scoring in London derbies does The
Jewell, whose third goal in four matches against Tottenham was also his
ninth strike in an all-London Premier League clash. Time to wait. The
elusive final whistle did eventually come, but not before the Hammers nearly
extended their lead.
Substitute Ashley Fletcher went clear in injury time and nearly - so nearly
- grabbed a second. Little did it matter. Because soon after, Anthony Taylor
put the whistle to his lips and off went the roof at London Stadium. What
scenes, and what a night. And it all belonged to West Ham United.
West Ham United: Adrian, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Byram, Noble, Kouyate,
Cresswell, Lanzini (Fernandes 90+2), Ayew (Snodgrass 83), Calleri (Fletcher
89).
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Feghouli, Rice.
Bookings: Noble 16, Reid 38, Lanzini 66, Byram 71
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker (Trippier 80), Alderweireld, Vertonghen
(Dembele 67), Davies, Wanyama (Janssen 73), Dier, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Kane.
Subs not used: Vorm, N'Koudou, Sissoko, Wimmer.
Bookings: Walker 12, Tripper 90+4
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West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
By Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport
Tottenham's pursuit of Premier League leaders Chelsea was dealt a big blow
as Manuel Lanzini's fierce finish earned victory for London rivals West Ham.
Spurs could have narrowed the gap to a point with victory at London Stadium,
but were well below par as the Hammers helped Chelsea close on the title.
Hammers keeper Adrian made first-half saves from Harry Kane and Eric Dier
before Lanzini smashed in a loose ball. Chelsea need two wins from their
final four games to be crowned champions. Tottenham must hope the Blues slip
up in a favourable-looking run-in, which includes home games against three
sides in the bottom seven.
Antonio Conte's side will secure the title on Friday, 12 May if they beat
both Middlesbrough and West Brom. The Spurs players looked disconsolate as
they trudged off the pitch, their heads bowed, while their West Ham
counterparts - and the home fans - took great delight in harming their
neighbours' title ambitions. "It was already going to be hard before, so now
it is going to be even harder," said Dier. Follow all the reaction to West
Ham's win against Tottenham
Tottenham made the short trip to east London knowing they could heap
pressure on Chelsea before their game against Middlesbrough on Monday.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were going for a 10th straight Premier League
win, and headed into the game boosted by a 2-0 win against arch-rivals
Arsenal last weekend.
But they lacked invention against a well-drilled West Ham side, who won
against one of the top eight sides for the first time in 15 attempts this
season. Spurs had scored 71 goals in their previous 34 league games, a tally
bettered only by Chelsea, but only briefly tested Adrian with two quick-fire
efforts in the first half. Kane's long-range shot was diverted wide by the
Spaniard's left boot, before the home keeper showed quick reactions to block
Dier's near-post header from the resulting corner. Once the Hammers went
ahead through Lanzini, the confidence of the visitors appeared to sap. Spurs
trailed 2-1 against the Hammers after 89 minutes at White Hart Lane earlier
in the season, only to win 3-2. That never looked like happening at a
raucous London Stadium. Their attacks lacked conviction, only Christian
Eriksen going close with a 25-yard effort which flew past the right-hand
post, as West Ham saw out the final few minutes to seemingly ruin Spurs'
quest for a first title since 1961. "We are still fighting," said
Pochettino. "We must wait but it is now more difficult."
Bilic future secured by derby win?
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic's future has come under scrutiny during a
season in which they have rarely threatened to match last year's
seventh-placed finish.
But nights like these, when West Ham showed they can compete with the
Premier League's best, should go a long way to convincing owners David
Sullivan and David Gold that he is the right man to take the club forward.
Bilic, 48, enjoyed an excellent debut campaign after replacing Sam
Allardyce, but this season has had to carefully handle the acrimonious
departure of star player Dimitri Payet, and the long-awaited move to the
former Olympic Stadium. Crucially, he appears to retain the support of his
players and many Hammers fans. "He has my full backing, he is a great man,"
said skipper Mark Noble. Victory meant the Hammers passed the 40-point mark,
mathematically ensuring their Premier League survival, as they moved into
ninth - their joint-highest position of the campaign. Asked if the win helps
secure his future, Bilic said: "I don't care. When my team is playing like
this, I'm happy. "I think I'm doing a good job. I don't like to moan but we
have had many obstacles during this season which are quite rare in
football."
What's next?
Tottenham do not play again until Sunday, 14 May, when they host Manchester
United at 16:30 GMT - and by then the title might already have gone to
Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, it will be an emotional occasion as it is
Spurs' final home game at White Hart Lane.
West Ham also have a nine-day break, returning to action when Liverpool
visit London Stadium at 14:15.
Spurs don't love May...
Tottenham have lost their past three Premier League games in May and lost
just three of 34 matches between August 2016 and April 2017
West Ham have now won three of their past four home Premier League games
against Spurs, losing one
Lanzini has three Premier League goals against Spurs - only against Crystal
Palace (four) does he have more
West Ham have kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets for the
first time since December 2015
Andre Ayew has been involved in six goals in his past 11 Premier League
games (four goals, two assists)
This was Spurs' first Premier League defeat to a side who started that day
in the bottom of the half of the table since losing 5-1 to Newcastle United
in the final match of last season
Three of Spurs' past five away Premier League defeats have come when Anthony
Taylor has refereed (also Newcastle and Liverpool)
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West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Manuel Lanzini goal shatters Spurs' title hopes
By Gerard Brand
Last Updated: 05/05/17 10:08pm
SSN
West Ham left Tottenham's Premier League title hopes in tatters as Manuel
Lanzini's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium on
Friday Night Football. Lanzini's fired home from close range with 25 minutes
remaining following some pinball in the Spurs area as they failed to clear
Aaron Cresswell's cross.
The result means Chelsea can win the Premier League by winning their next
two games, at home to Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football and at West
Brom next Friday, before Spurs next play at home to Manchester United on
Nissan Super Sunday. West Ham had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for keeping
Spurs at bay throughout the game, producing superb saves from Harry Kane and
Heung-Min Son in both halves, as the hosts held on for a vital win over
their London rivals.
West Ham now have 42 points, and are mathematically safe from relegation.
After a gritty opening 20 minutes, the first big chance fell to Spurs and
Kane, who was denied twice by Adrian. First, his 20-yard effort was fumbled
by the Hammers stopper, before Dele Alli's rebound was blocked and Kane's
second effort was superbly turned over the bar by Adrian's foot. From the
resulting corner, Adrian then tipped away Eric Dier's header with a smart
save as Spurs came to life.
But West Ham had chances of their own and went close when Lanzini was played
through by Mark Noble, only for Hugo Lloris to rush out and just about get
enough on the ball outside the box to avoid a foul and red card. With Lloris
grounded, Cheikhou Kouyate tried to lob the ball into the net, but could not
hit the target from the edge of the box. Christian Eriksen wasted a good
chance on the hour mark, poking straight at Adrian after a fine Tottenham
move involving Son and Kyle Walker, before Adrian tipped wide Son's effort
from 20 yards towards the bottom corner. But it was the hosts who took the
lead on 65 minutes through Lanzini, who lashed home low from five yards out
after Sam Byram and Andre Ayew had kept the ball alive in the box from a
Cresswell cross. Tottenham threatened to fall apart after falling behind, as
Toby Alderweireld's mistake in defence allowed Jonathan Calleri a clear
sight at goal, but his effort was saved brilliantly by Lloris. Eriksen shot
just wide from range late on, before Ashley Fletcher missed a late
one-on-one on the counter attack, but it ended 1-0 to West Ham, a Premier
League-high seventh win by that scoreline this season.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (8), Fonte (7), Reid (7), Collins (7), Byram (7), Kouyate
(7), Noble (7), Cresswell (7), Lanzini (8), Ayew (7), Calleri (7)
Subs: Snodgrass (NA), Fletcher (NA), Fernandes (NA)
Tottenham: Lloris (6), Walker (4), Alderweireld (5), Vertonghen (5), Davies
(5), Dier (6), Wanyama (6), Son (5), Eriksen (5), Alli (5), Kane (5)
Subs: Dembele (5), Janssen (5), Trippier (NA)
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West Ham fans receive medical attention after advertising hoarding collapses
during celebrations against Spurs
Lanzini's winner sparked wild scenes inside the London Stadium as the
Argentine celebrated in front of the stand
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
22:11, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:12, 5 MAY 2017
West Ham supporters required medical attention after an advertising hoarding
collapsed during wild celebrations against Tottenham. The Hammers picked up
an excellent victory in the London derby as Manuel Lanzini struck a dramatic
winner. It is arguably the Hammers' best performance since moving to the
London Stadium to all but end Spurs' title chances. Lanzini's winner sparked
wild scenes inside the London Stadium as the Argentine celebrated in front
of the stand. And as fans rushed to congratulate the playmaker, the
advertising hoarding collapsed. Hammers players Cheikhou Kouyate, Jose
Fonte and Jonathan Calleri assisted fans on the ground alongside the London
Stadium stewards. Medical staff were quick to the scene and attended to
those injured.
On the result, Mark Noble said: "You don't need a team talk for Spurs. You
know what it is about. "We all know beating Spurs is a huge result. We can
end the season on a high note." "We are behind the manager. We have all had
stuff to deal with and the players showed tonight we are all behind him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Tottenham PLAYER RATINGS as Manuel Lanzini stars in a strong
team effort from the Irons
The impish movement of the Italian wreaked havoc in a impressive showing
from Slaven Bilic's side
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:55, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:02, 5 MAY 2017
West Ham got the better of their fierce London rivals on Friday night.
Manuel Lanzini's blasted strike from close range was enough to all-but end
Tottenham's tilt at the title in a spirited affair. Lanzini was in the
right place at the right time after the ball bounced around the penalty area
following a cross from Aaron Cresswell to smash it home from six yards. The
victory puts the Hammers, at one stage this season fearing a relegation
fight, up to ninth in the Premier League while Spurs fall four points behind
Chelsea, who have a game in hand Darren Lewis rates the players'
performances at London Stadium.
WEST HAM
Adrian 8
Fine saves from Alli and Dier during a difficult first half.
Byram 6
Tough night with Davies and Son targeting down the Spurs left.
Fonte 7
Good understanding with his back line to keep Spurs out.
Collins 7
Brave, no-nonsense defending to defy the freescoring Spurs front line.
Reid 7
Unlucky to be booked for a first-half tackle on Wanyama.
Cresswell 7
Always alert enough to keep tabs on Kyle Walker. Good cross for the goal.
Noble 6
Rightly booked for a very naughty first-half challenge on Dier.
Kouyate 8
So much strength carrying the fight to Spurs from midfield.
Ayew 8
Lovely first-half ball to set up Lanzini early. Good work for the goal.
Lanzini 9
His impish movement caused Spurs all sorts of problems. Deserved his goal.
Calleri 6
Lightweight as usual. No real impact on the Spurs defence.
TOTTENHAM
Lloris 6
Good handling. Rightly not booked for tackle on Lanzini. No chance with the
goal.
Walker 6
Booked early and not one of his best displays in a Spurs shirt.
Alderweireld 6
Unusually AWOL as West Ham cashed in to score.
Vertonghen 6
Replaced soon after the goal. Not a great night.
Davies 6
Able to push forward to supplement attacks but not enough penetration.
Wanyama 8
Imperious in midfield as always. Nimble-footed but strong in the tackle.
Dier 7
Took quite a whack from Noble early on. Did well overall.
Son 6
Lots of creativity but unable to find a way through.
Eriksen 6
Always looking to thread the killer pass through. Unable to though.
Alli 6
Head never dropped despite West Ham's stubborn defiance.
Kane 6
Went close twice in succession. Always a threat. As you'd expect.
SUBS
Dembele for Vertonghen (67) 6
Janssen for Wanyama (73) 6
Man of the Match: Lanzini
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West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Lanzini strike stuns Spurs and takes Chelsea closer
to title - 5 things we learned
Chelsea are now just two wins from the title after Spurs suffered their
first defeat in 10 Premier League matches
The Mirror
BYADRIAN KAJUMBA
21:54, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:02, 5 MAY 2017
Tottenham's title dreams were left in tatters after they were stunned by
West Ham. Manuel Lanzini's second half goal left Spurs shell-shocked as they
blew the chance to pile the pressure on league leaders Chelsea. Lanzini's
second half strike was cheered from the London Stadium to Stamford Bridge.
And it left Antonio Conte's men needing just two more wins to be crowned
champions. Lanzini struck in the 65 minute when Spurs failed to clear Aaron
Cresswell's cross and Spurs were unable to find a response. Chelsea host
Middlesbrough on Monday before travelling to West Brom next Friday, where
they can wrap up the title. Here are five things we learned.
1. Title race almost over
A year ago this week Chelsea held Tottenham to the draw that gifted
Leicester the title. Twelve months on and Spurs suffered another hugely
damaging result that might have cost them the league once again. This
victory was a big result for West Ham, against one of their big rivals, but
an even bigger one for Chelsea. Antonio Conte's men, who face Middlesbrough
on Monday, now need just two more wins to be crowned champions after
receiving a massive helping hand from an unlikely source.
2. Walker fails to impress
All eyes were on the team-sheets for the answer to the 'will he, won't
he'decision over Kyle Walker. For so long Spurs' first-choice right-back, in
recent weeks Walker had lost his status as a guaranteed starter. He was back
in the side as boss Mauricio Pochettino continued to alternate between him
and Kieran Trippier. With Pochettino doubting Walker's ability to play twice
in a week that might be the way it now is, unless he leaves in the summer.
3. Popular set-up suits Hammers
Slaven Bilic has returned to the three at the back system he used earlier in
the season following Winston Reid's comeback from injury. And they look a
lot better for having Jose Fonte and James Collins alongside Reid protecting
their goal. The extra body gives them added security and their 'goals
against' column isn't ticking over quite so quickly. They have kept clean
sheets in each of their last three games since Bilic's back three returned.
4. Lennon has support of former club
Tottenham fans showed their support for former winger Aaron Lennon after it
emerged this week that had been detained under the Mental Health Act this
week due to concerns for his welfare. He was applauded and chants of 'one
Aaron Lennon' rang out in the seventh minute - seven being his old Spurs
squad number.
5. Plenty of effort but Calleri frustrates
The end of the season, and his loan spell, can't come quickly enough for
Jonathan Calleri, the man who seemingly can't do anything right. It hasn't
worked out for the Argentinian striker at West Ham. His poor Rabona attempt
against Stoke last time out when a simple finish would have sufficed will
ensure he is remembered here for all the wrong reasons. He didn't have too
much chance to make amends against Spurs with West Ham defending for most of
the game but when he did he often got it wrong. Like the well over hit cross
to nobody early in the second half followed by a poorly directed through
ball which, if he had got it right, would have sent Andre Ayew through on
goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham stunned as bitter rivals West Ham kill off their title challenge
at the London Stadium
West Ham 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0: Manuel Lanzini fired past Hugo Lloris from
close-range to end Tottenham's hopes of overhauling Chelsea in a huge upset
in east London
The Independent
Jack Pitt-Brooke London Stadium @jackpittbrooke
West Ham United are trying to create new memories for themselves at the
London Stadium and here they made one that will stay with them forever:
killing Tottenham's title challenge. West Ham overwhelmed Spurs with energy
here, deservedly winning 1-0. The defeated looks of the Spurs players at the
end said everything about their chances of finishing top now.
The gap between Spurs and Chelsea is still four points but if Chelsea beat
Middlesbrough on Monday, as they surely will, it will be back up to seven.
With just three games left. Spurs will almost need snookers.
Five days ago Spurs blew Arsenal away but here, for the first time in
months, they looked to have run out of steam. There was no energy in their
pressing, no zip in their passing and they were unusually error prone at the
back. This is the best defence in the country but they did not look that way
here. They were always open on the break, more open than they have been in
years, and West Ham could always get in behind. If they had a better striker
than Jonathan Calleri they would have won by more.
West Ham are not famously tight at the back but here they locked Spurs out
efficiently. Adrian made a sharp save from Harry Kane in the first half but
there was never even a sense of siege at the end.
Spurs knew that this was their chance to turn the heat up on Chelsea, to
reduce the gap to one point at least for 72 hours. But they did not start
like it. Pochettino stuck with the same team that started the Arsenal game
on Sunday but they did not look like a side coming off the back of one of
the greatest afternoons in their recent history.
In fact it was West Ham, one win in 11, who looked livelier than Spurs, with
their nine league wins on the bounce. Slaven Bilic's players performed for
him, which has not always been the case this season. They pressed and pushed
Spurs into mistakes, snapping into tackles and causing problems. Mark
Noble's late lung on Eric Dier was reckless but it did show that this
evening, in this derby, West Ham would be walked over.
Tottenham in contrast looked distracted and often let themselves too open at
the back. They played a back four but Kyle Walker, back in the team, and
Ben Davies pushed so far forward they left spaces either side of the centre
backs to exploit.
Andre Ayew freed Manuel Lanzini, who skewed his shot wide. Aaron Cresswell
crossed to Sam Byram, about to score before Victor Wanyama intervened.
Lanzini broke in behind, was cleaned out by Hugo Lloris, before Cheikhou
Kouyate chipped over the bar.
It was more pressure than Spurs have been under for months, at least in the
Premier League. They had some threat themselves, and Harry Kane forced
consecutive saves from Adrian. But it was not the first half anyone was
expecting.
West Ham sensed their opportunity and came out for the second half even
harder. Ayew should have done better from the edge of the box than just hit
the ball over the bar. Calleri got in a good position on the left then got
his cross wrong. He tried to play Ayew through, racing in on the break, but
got that pass wrong too.
If this West Ham team had a proper striker they would be better than they
are but until then it will always be hard work, even when the rest of them
are playing well.
When the goal West Ham deserved eventually came, it was a scrappy, not that
anyone here cared. Cresswell's cross was blocked, he tried again. Byram
scuffed another cross from the opposite side. Ayew's shot was blocked by
Jan Vertonghen. Only Lanzini could strike the ball cleanly and it flew past
Lloris and in.
Even at 1-0 down, fighting to keep their season alive, Spurs could not wake
up. Mousa Dembele and Vincent Janssen came on but Spurs were still poor at
the back. When Alderweireld gifted the ball to Calleri he should have been
punished. But the Argentine could not beat Lloris from close range.
Normally there would have been a Spurs surge at the end to get back into the
game. But when they tried to crank the energy up, there was nothing left in
the tank. They could not get anything going, and Christian Eriksen whistling
one wide from 25 yards was as good as it got.
It was a shame for such a heroic season to end this meekly but they simply
could not match West Ham on the night. It was Bilic's side who brought more
energy and ideas here this evening, as surprising as that might seem. Spurs'
race is run, for this season at least.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Slaven Bilic has moment to savour at the end of a
gruelling and stressful season
Manuel Lanzini's strike gave West Ham a memorable win over their London
rivals
Spurs needed a victory to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders
Chelsea
The win could also go a long way to keeping manager Bilic in a job next
season
By Matt Barlow for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 17:15 EDT, 5 May 2017 | UPDATED: 17:18 EDT, 5 May 2017
Slaven Bilic steamed along the edge of his large technical area with
shoulders hunched and hands shifting restlessly from his knees to his hips
and into the pockets of his suit trousers. Feeling the pain of dodgy hips
and knees, the West Ham manager looked like he could do with sit down but
realised he was stranded far from his seat. By the time he got there, he
would surely be needed on the touchline to instruct his players or tell
fourth official Bobby Madley what the referee Anthony Taylor was doing
wrong. Chances came and went. Fiery tackles flew around. Tottenham were the
better team but the home side looked dangerous at times. There was something
to shot about and there was noise in the stadium. When Manuel Lanzini
triggered the bubble machines, the air crackled with the energy of sporting
celebration like it did when Mo Farah took gold on Super Saturday in 2012.
This time, however, the glee was mixed with schadenfreude as it only really
does in football and the home crowd basked in the gloom of their guests. How
they laughed as they teased Christian Eriksen and refused to return the ball
as he waited to take a corner. No-one left early to beat the queues at the
tube station. Apart from the Tottenham fans. West Ham stayed to cheer as
Eriksen's late effort drifted wide of the goal and a chip intended for Dele
Alli dribbled out of play in stoppage time. By this time, they were on their
feet and the place rocked. 'Tottenham Hotspur it's happened again,' they
crowed, lit a flare at the final whistle and belted out their anthem. They
didn't want to go home after their first win of the season against a team
from the top eight and it was not hard to imagine Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
screaming and punching the air wherever he watched the game on TV.
For Bilic, here was a moment to savour and a remedy to soothe the troubles
of a gruelling and stressful season when one setback has followed another
and left his future at the club appearing bleak. Friday night's frying pan
to the manager's face came when Andy Carroll, within sight of a return form
his latest injury (groin) was not fit to feature, as he usually isn't.
Carroll has started just 15 of 36 league games. Michail Antonio, their best
player this season, was also missing, injured (hamstring). Last season's
best player, Dimitri Payet went in January (Marseille) and his replacement
Robert Snodgrass (Hull) is not able to get in the team. Recruitment has been
central to the general feeling of anti-climax which has plagued this first
season in Stratford. A dozen signings have been made since the end of last
season with a view to building on a seventh place finish. Only three were in
the team selected by Bilic last night but it mattered little. Three thousand
away fans had come to roar their side on in the title race and West Ham
responded, with fire in their bellies and a tactical plan to break quickly
into the spaces behind Tottenham's full-backs. When the fixtures first came
out last summer and this derby was to be found conveniently at the end of
the campaign and it seemed the authorities were thinking of the security
which was always likely to be an issue in an athletics stadium built without
segregation in mind. As it turned out, it was perfectly placed to wreck the
Tottenham party and as ever in football if you've nothing to celebrate
yourself them celebrate the demise of your nearest rival.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
9:23pm, Friday 5 May - a moment in time which every Hammer inside London
Stadium on Friday will remember in the future and say "I was there".
For it was a moment - a brilliant moment - which summed up what West Ham
United is all about, and in turn sealed an unforgettable 1-0 victory over
title contenders Tottenham Hotspur. That title challenge though, along with
Spurs' impressive winning run in the Premier League, is now probably over,
and never will the home fans let Friday's visitors forget that.
But certainly never to be forgotten is Manuel Lanzini's winner, bagged half
an hour from time, the only goal in a ferocious fixture. The first half was
everything you'd expect from a hotly-contested London derby - feisty and
fiery. The Hammers, roared on by the deafening atmosphere inside London
Stadium, started on the front foot and nearly scored after just six minutes.
Manuel Lanzini was released by a superb Andre Ayew curled pass and, bearing
down on goal, the Argentine could only fire wide with his left foot. The
next 15 minutes saw West Ham look the more promising, though it was Spurs
who were to come closest to breaking the deadlock. Two of Tottenham's young
starlets - Harry Kane and Dele Alli - were denied as Mauricio Pochettino's
men looked to keep their title hopes alive.
First, Kane's long-range effort was fumbled by Adrian, and though Winston
Reid blocked the follow-up from Alli, Kane hit one at goal for a third time
in as many seconds and the Spaniard in goal cleverly flicked over with his
foot. The resulting corner also spelled trouble for the Hammers - Eric Dier
met the Christian Eriksen delivery with a fierce header, but Adrian was
again on hand to deny him. A ferocious fixture between two rivals - there
was always likely to be controversy, and that came on 27 minutes when West
Ham felt Spurs should have had a man sent off. Skipper Mark Noble, returning
to the side, chipped through for Lanzini who again raced clear, and out came
Hugo Lloris to stop the midfielder in his tracks - literally. The Frenchman
caught some of the ball, but with both feet in the air at the point of
contact and as last man, Slaven Bilic on the touchline was not happy.
As they did in the first, West Ham started the second half on the front
foot. Seven minutes in, a great chance presented itself when Sam Byram
darted down the right and cut back for Ayew, but the Ghanaian fired over
with the goal at his mercy. For the next ten minutes, it was all Spurs as
they dominated the ball and looked dangerous going forward. Adrian was again
tested just after the hour mark when he tipped Son Heung-Min's attempt round
the post. Then was the moment, the moment that sent London Stadium
absolutely wild. Cresswell's ball in from the left evaded everyone and it
looked as though the chance was gone. Byram, alive as ever, kept the ball in
play though and, cutting it back to Ayew, the ball fell on a plate for
Lanzini to smash in. Euphoria. He loves scoring in London derbies does The
Jewell, whose third goal in four matches against Tottenham was also his
ninth strike in an all-London Premier League clash. Time to wait. The
elusive final whistle did eventually come, but not before the Hammers nearly
extended their lead.
Substitute Ashley Fletcher went clear in injury time and nearly - so nearly
- grabbed a second. Little did it matter. Because soon after, Anthony Taylor
put the whistle to his lips and off went the roof at London Stadium. What
scenes, and what a night. And it all belonged to West Ham United.
West Ham United: Adrian, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Byram, Noble, Kouyate,
Cresswell, Lanzini (Fernandes 90+2), Ayew (Snodgrass 83), Calleri (Fletcher
89).
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Feghouli, Rice.
Bookings: Noble 16, Reid 38, Lanzini 66, Byram 71
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker (Trippier 80), Alderweireld, Vertonghen
(Dembele 67), Davies, Wanyama (Janssen 73), Dier, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Kane.
Subs not used: Vorm, N'Koudou, Sissoko, Wimmer.
Bookings: Walker 12, Tripper 90+4
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
By Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport
Tottenham's pursuit of Premier League leaders Chelsea was dealt a big blow
as Manuel Lanzini's fierce finish earned victory for London rivals West Ham.
Spurs could have narrowed the gap to a point with victory at London Stadium,
but were well below par as the Hammers helped Chelsea close on the title.
Hammers keeper Adrian made first-half saves from Harry Kane and Eric Dier
before Lanzini smashed in a loose ball. Chelsea need two wins from their
final four games to be crowned champions. Tottenham must hope the Blues slip
up in a favourable-looking run-in, which includes home games against three
sides in the bottom seven.
Antonio Conte's side will secure the title on Friday, 12 May if they beat
both Middlesbrough and West Brom. The Spurs players looked disconsolate as
they trudged off the pitch, their heads bowed, while their West Ham
counterparts - and the home fans - took great delight in harming their
neighbours' title ambitions. "It was already going to be hard before, so now
it is going to be even harder," said Dier. Follow all the reaction to West
Ham's win against Tottenham
Tottenham made the short trip to east London knowing they could heap
pressure on Chelsea before their game against Middlesbrough on Monday.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were going for a 10th straight Premier League
win, and headed into the game boosted by a 2-0 win against arch-rivals
Arsenal last weekend.
But they lacked invention against a well-drilled West Ham side, who won
against one of the top eight sides for the first time in 15 attempts this
season. Spurs had scored 71 goals in their previous 34 league games, a tally
bettered only by Chelsea, but only briefly tested Adrian with two quick-fire
efforts in the first half. Kane's long-range shot was diverted wide by the
Spaniard's left boot, before the home keeper showed quick reactions to block
Dier's near-post header from the resulting corner. Once the Hammers went
ahead through Lanzini, the confidence of the visitors appeared to sap. Spurs
trailed 2-1 against the Hammers after 89 minutes at White Hart Lane earlier
in the season, only to win 3-2. That never looked like happening at a
raucous London Stadium. Their attacks lacked conviction, only Christian
Eriksen going close with a 25-yard effort which flew past the right-hand
post, as West Ham saw out the final few minutes to seemingly ruin Spurs'
quest for a first title since 1961. "We are still fighting," said
Pochettino. "We must wait but it is now more difficult."
Bilic future secured by derby win?
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic's future has come under scrutiny during a
season in which they have rarely threatened to match last year's
seventh-placed finish.
But nights like these, when West Ham showed they can compete with the
Premier League's best, should go a long way to convincing owners David
Sullivan and David Gold that he is the right man to take the club forward.
Bilic, 48, enjoyed an excellent debut campaign after replacing Sam
Allardyce, but this season has had to carefully handle the acrimonious
departure of star player Dimitri Payet, and the long-awaited move to the
former Olympic Stadium. Crucially, he appears to retain the support of his
players and many Hammers fans. "He has my full backing, he is a great man,"
said skipper Mark Noble. Victory meant the Hammers passed the 40-point mark,
mathematically ensuring their Premier League survival, as they moved into
ninth - their joint-highest position of the campaign. Asked if the win helps
secure his future, Bilic said: "I don't care. When my team is playing like
this, I'm happy. "I think I'm doing a good job. I don't like to moan but we
have had many obstacles during this season which are quite rare in
football."
What's next?
Tottenham do not play again until Sunday, 14 May, when they host Manchester
United at 16:30 GMT - and by then the title might already have gone to
Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, it will be an emotional occasion as it is
Spurs' final home game at White Hart Lane.
West Ham also have a nine-day break, returning to action when Liverpool
visit London Stadium at 14:15.
Spurs don't love May...
Tottenham have lost their past three Premier League games in May and lost
just three of 34 matches between August 2016 and April 2017
West Ham have now won three of their past four home Premier League games
against Spurs, losing one
Lanzini has three Premier League goals against Spurs - only against Crystal
Palace (four) does he have more
West Ham have kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets for the
first time since December 2015
Andre Ayew has been involved in six goals in his past 11 Premier League
games (four goals, two assists)
This was Spurs' first Premier League defeat to a side who started that day
in the bottom of the half of the table since losing 5-1 to Newcastle United
in the final match of last season
Three of Spurs' past five away Premier League defeats have come when Anthony
Taylor has refereed (also Newcastle and Liverpool)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Manuel Lanzini goal shatters Spurs' title hopes
By Gerard Brand
Last Updated: 05/05/17 10:08pm
SSN
West Ham left Tottenham's Premier League title hopes in tatters as Manuel
Lanzini's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium on
Friday Night Football. Lanzini's fired home from close range with 25 minutes
remaining following some pinball in the Spurs area as they failed to clear
Aaron Cresswell's cross.
The result means Chelsea can win the Premier League by winning their next
two games, at home to Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football and at West
Brom next Friday, before Spurs next play at home to Manchester United on
Nissan Super Sunday. West Ham had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for keeping
Spurs at bay throughout the game, producing superb saves from Harry Kane and
Heung-Min Son in both halves, as the hosts held on for a vital win over
their London rivals.
West Ham now have 42 points, and are mathematically safe from relegation.
After a gritty opening 20 minutes, the first big chance fell to Spurs and
Kane, who was denied twice by Adrian. First, his 20-yard effort was fumbled
by the Hammers stopper, before Dele Alli's rebound was blocked and Kane's
second effort was superbly turned over the bar by Adrian's foot. From the
resulting corner, Adrian then tipped away Eric Dier's header with a smart
save as Spurs came to life.
But West Ham had chances of their own and went close when Lanzini was played
through by Mark Noble, only for Hugo Lloris to rush out and just about get
enough on the ball outside the box to avoid a foul and red card. With Lloris
grounded, Cheikhou Kouyate tried to lob the ball into the net, but could not
hit the target from the edge of the box. Christian Eriksen wasted a good
chance on the hour mark, poking straight at Adrian after a fine Tottenham
move involving Son and Kyle Walker, before Adrian tipped wide Son's effort
from 20 yards towards the bottom corner. But it was the hosts who took the
lead on 65 minutes through Lanzini, who lashed home low from five yards out
after Sam Byram and Andre Ayew had kept the ball alive in the box from a
Cresswell cross. Tottenham threatened to fall apart after falling behind, as
Toby Alderweireld's mistake in defence allowed Jonathan Calleri a clear
sight at goal, but his effort was saved brilliantly by Lloris. Eriksen shot
just wide from range late on, before Ashley Fletcher missed a late
one-on-one on the counter attack, but it ended 1-0 to West Ham, a Premier
League-high seventh win by that scoreline this season.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (8), Fonte (7), Reid (7), Collins (7), Byram (7), Kouyate
(7), Noble (7), Cresswell (7), Lanzini (8), Ayew (7), Calleri (7)
Subs: Snodgrass (NA), Fletcher (NA), Fernandes (NA)
Tottenham: Lloris (6), Walker (4), Alderweireld (5), Vertonghen (5), Davies
(5), Dier (6), Wanyama (6), Son (5), Eriksen (5), Alli (5), Kane (5)
Subs: Dembele (5), Janssen (5), Trippier (NA)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans receive medical attention after advertising hoarding collapses
during celebrations against Spurs
Lanzini's winner sparked wild scenes inside the London Stadium as the
Argentine celebrated in front of the stand
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
22:11, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:12, 5 MAY 2017
West Ham supporters required medical attention after an advertising hoarding
collapsed during wild celebrations against Tottenham. The Hammers picked up
an excellent victory in the London derby as Manuel Lanzini struck a dramatic
winner. It is arguably the Hammers' best performance since moving to the
London Stadium to all but end Spurs' title chances. Lanzini's winner sparked
wild scenes inside the London Stadium as the Argentine celebrated in front
of the stand. And as fans rushed to congratulate the playmaker, the
advertising hoarding collapsed. Hammers players Cheikhou Kouyate, Jose
Fonte and Jonathan Calleri assisted fans on the ground alongside the London
Stadium stewards. Medical staff were quick to the scene and attended to
those injured.
On the result, Mark Noble said: "You don't need a team talk for Spurs. You
know what it is about. "We all know beating Spurs is a huge result. We can
end the season on a high note." "We are behind the manager. We have all had
stuff to deal with and the players showed tonight we are all behind him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Tottenham PLAYER RATINGS as Manuel Lanzini stars in a strong
team effort from the Irons
The impish movement of the Italian wreaked havoc in a impressive showing
from Slaven Bilic's side
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:55, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:02, 5 MAY 2017
West Ham got the better of their fierce London rivals on Friday night.
Manuel Lanzini's blasted strike from close range was enough to all-but end
Tottenham's tilt at the title in a spirited affair. Lanzini was in the
right place at the right time after the ball bounced around the penalty area
following a cross from Aaron Cresswell to smash it home from six yards. The
victory puts the Hammers, at one stage this season fearing a relegation
fight, up to ninth in the Premier League while Spurs fall four points behind
Chelsea, who have a game in hand Darren Lewis rates the players'
performances at London Stadium.
WEST HAM
Adrian 8
Fine saves from Alli and Dier during a difficult first half.
Byram 6
Tough night with Davies and Son targeting down the Spurs left.
Fonte 7
Good understanding with his back line to keep Spurs out.
Collins 7
Brave, no-nonsense defending to defy the freescoring Spurs front line.
Reid 7
Unlucky to be booked for a first-half tackle on Wanyama.
Cresswell 7
Always alert enough to keep tabs on Kyle Walker. Good cross for the goal.
Noble 6
Rightly booked for a very naughty first-half challenge on Dier.
Kouyate 8
So much strength carrying the fight to Spurs from midfield.
Ayew 8
Lovely first-half ball to set up Lanzini early. Good work for the goal.
Lanzini 9
His impish movement caused Spurs all sorts of problems. Deserved his goal.
Calleri 6
Lightweight as usual. No real impact on the Spurs defence.
TOTTENHAM
Lloris 6
Good handling. Rightly not booked for tackle on Lanzini. No chance with the
goal.
Walker 6
Booked early and not one of his best displays in a Spurs shirt.
Alderweireld 6
Unusually AWOL as West Ham cashed in to score.
Vertonghen 6
Replaced soon after the goal. Not a great night.
Davies 6
Able to push forward to supplement attacks but not enough penetration.
Wanyama 8
Imperious in midfield as always. Nimble-footed but strong in the tackle.
Dier 7
Took quite a whack from Noble early on. Did well overall.
Son 6
Lots of creativity but unable to find a way through.
Eriksen 6
Always looking to thread the killer pass through. Unable to though.
Alli 6
Head never dropped despite West Ham's stubborn defiance.
Kane 6
Went close twice in succession. Always a threat. As you'd expect.
SUBS
Dembele for Vertonghen (67) 6
Janssen for Wanyama (73) 6
Man of the Match: Lanzini
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Lanzini strike stuns Spurs and takes Chelsea closer
to title - 5 things we learned
Chelsea are now just two wins from the title after Spurs suffered their
first defeat in 10 Premier League matches
The Mirror
BYADRIAN KAJUMBA
21:54, 5 MAY 2017UPDATED22:02, 5 MAY 2017
Tottenham's title dreams were left in tatters after they were stunned by
West Ham. Manuel Lanzini's second half goal left Spurs shell-shocked as they
blew the chance to pile the pressure on league leaders Chelsea. Lanzini's
second half strike was cheered from the London Stadium to Stamford Bridge.
And it left Antonio Conte's men needing just two more wins to be crowned
champions. Lanzini struck in the 65 minute when Spurs failed to clear Aaron
Cresswell's cross and Spurs were unable to find a response. Chelsea host
Middlesbrough on Monday before travelling to West Brom next Friday, where
they can wrap up the title. Here are five things we learned.
1. Title race almost over
A year ago this week Chelsea held Tottenham to the draw that gifted
Leicester the title. Twelve months on and Spurs suffered another hugely
damaging result that might have cost them the league once again. This
victory was a big result for West Ham, against one of their big rivals, but
an even bigger one for Chelsea. Antonio Conte's men, who face Middlesbrough
on Monday, now need just two more wins to be crowned champions after
receiving a massive helping hand from an unlikely source.
2. Walker fails to impress
All eyes were on the team-sheets for the answer to the 'will he, won't
he'decision over Kyle Walker. For so long Spurs' first-choice right-back, in
recent weeks Walker had lost his status as a guaranteed starter. He was back
in the side as boss Mauricio Pochettino continued to alternate between him
and Kieran Trippier. With Pochettino doubting Walker's ability to play twice
in a week that might be the way it now is, unless he leaves in the summer.
3. Popular set-up suits Hammers
Slaven Bilic has returned to the three at the back system he used earlier in
the season following Winston Reid's comeback from injury. And they look a
lot better for having Jose Fonte and James Collins alongside Reid protecting
their goal. The extra body gives them added security and their 'goals
against' column isn't ticking over quite so quickly. They have kept clean
sheets in each of their last three games since Bilic's back three returned.
4. Lennon has support of former club
Tottenham fans showed their support for former winger Aaron Lennon after it
emerged this week that had been detained under the Mental Health Act this
week due to concerns for his welfare. He was applauded and chants of 'one
Aaron Lennon' rang out in the seventh minute - seven being his old Spurs
squad number.
5. Plenty of effort but Calleri frustrates
The end of the season, and his loan spell, can't come quickly enough for
Jonathan Calleri, the man who seemingly can't do anything right. It hasn't
worked out for the Argentinian striker at West Ham. His poor Rabona attempt
against Stoke last time out when a simple finish would have sufficed will
ensure he is remembered here for all the wrong reasons. He didn't have too
much chance to make amends against Spurs with West Ham defending for most of
the game but when he did he often got it wrong. Like the well over hit cross
to nobody early in the second half followed by a poorly directed through
ball which, if he had got it right, would have sent Andre Ayew through on
goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham stunned as bitter rivals West Ham kill off their title challenge
at the London Stadium
West Ham 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0: Manuel Lanzini fired past Hugo Lloris from
close-range to end Tottenham's hopes of overhauling Chelsea in a huge upset
in east London
The Independent
Jack Pitt-Brooke London Stadium @jackpittbrooke
West Ham United are trying to create new memories for themselves at the
London Stadium and here they made one that will stay with them forever:
killing Tottenham's title challenge. West Ham overwhelmed Spurs with energy
here, deservedly winning 1-0. The defeated looks of the Spurs players at the
end said everything about their chances of finishing top now.
The gap between Spurs and Chelsea is still four points but if Chelsea beat
Middlesbrough on Monday, as they surely will, it will be back up to seven.
With just three games left. Spurs will almost need snookers.
Five days ago Spurs blew Arsenal away but here, for the first time in
months, they looked to have run out of steam. There was no energy in their
pressing, no zip in their passing and they were unusually error prone at the
back. This is the best defence in the country but they did not look that way
here. They were always open on the break, more open than they have been in
years, and West Ham could always get in behind. If they had a better striker
than Jonathan Calleri they would have won by more.
West Ham are not famously tight at the back but here they locked Spurs out
efficiently. Adrian made a sharp save from Harry Kane in the first half but
there was never even a sense of siege at the end.
Spurs knew that this was their chance to turn the heat up on Chelsea, to
reduce the gap to one point at least for 72 hours. But they did not start
like it. Pochettino stuck with the same team that started the Arsenal game
on Sunday but they did not look like a side coming off the back of one of
the greatest afternoons in their recent history.
In fact it was West Ham, one win in 11, who looked livelier than Spurs, with
their nine league wins on the bounce. Slaven Bilic's players performed for
him, which has not always been the case this season. They pressed and pushed
Spurs into mistakes, snapping into tackles and causing problems. Mark
Noble's late lung on Eric Dier was reckless but it did show that this
evening, in this derby, West Ham would be walked over.
Tottenham in contrast looked distracted and often let themselves too open at
the back. They played a back four but Kyle Walker, back in the team, and
Ben Davies pushed so far forward they left spaces either side of the centre
backs to exploit.
Andre Ayew freed Manuel Lanzini, who skewed his shot wide. Aaron Cresswell
crossed to Sam Byram, about to score before Victor Wanyama intervened.
Lanzini broke in behind, was cleaned out by Hugo Lloris, before Cheikhou
Kouyate chipped over the bar.
It was more pressure than Spurs have been under for months, at least in the
Premier League. They had some threat themselves, and Harry Kane forced
consecutive saves from Adrian. But it was not the first half anyone was
expecting.
West Ham sensed their opportunity and came out for the second half even
harder. Ayew should have done better from the edge of the box than just hit
the ball over the bar. Calleri got in a good position on the left then got
his cross wrong. He tried to play Ayew through, racing in on the break, but
got that pass wrong too.
If this West Ham team had a proper striker they would be better than they
are but until then it will always be hard work, even when the rest of them
are playing well.
When the goal West Ham deserved eventually came, it was a scrappy, not that
anyone here cared. Cresswell's cross was blocked, he tried again. Byram
scuffed another cross from the opposite side. Ayew's shot was blocked by
Jan Vertonghen. Only Lanzini could strike the ball cleanly and it flew past
Lloris and in.
Even at 1-0 down, fighting to keep their season alive, Spurs could not wake
up. Mousa Dembele and Vincent Janssen came on but Spurs were still poor at
the back. When Alderweireld gifted the ball to Calleri he should have been
punished. But the Argentine could not beat Lloris from close range.
Normally there would have been a Spurs surge at the end to get back into the
game. But when they tried to crank the energy up, there was nothing left in
the tank. They could not get anything going, and Christian Eriksen whistling
one wide from 25 yards was as good as it got.
It was a shame for such a heroic season to end this meekly but they simply
could not match West Ham on the night. It was Bilic's side who brought more
energy and ideas here this evening, as surprising as that might seem. Spurs'
race is run, for this season at least.
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West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Slaven Bilic has moment to savour at the end of a
gruelling and stressful season
Manuel Lanzini's strike gave West Ham a memorable win over their London
rivals
Spurs needed a victory to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders
Chelsea
The win could also go a long way to keeping manager Bilic in a job next
season
By Matt Barlow for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 17:15 EDT, 5 May 2017 | UPDATED: 17:18 EDT, 5 May 2017
Slaven Bilic steamed along the edge of his large technical area with
shoulders hunched and hands shifting restlessly from his knees to his hips
and into the pockets of his suit trousers. Feeling the pain of dodgy hips
and knees, the West Ham manager looked like he could do with sit down but
realised he was stranded far from his seat. By the time he got there, he
would surely be needed on the touchline to instruct his players or tell
fourth official Bobby Madley what the referee Anthony Taylor was doing
wrong. Chances came and went. Fiery tackles flew around. Tottenham were the
better team but the home side looked dangerous at times. There was something
to shot about and there was noise in the stadium. When Manuel Lanzini
triggered the bubble machines, the air crackled with the energy of sporting
celebration like it did when Mo Farah took gold on Super Saturday in 2012.
This time, however, the glee was mixed with schadenfreude as it only really
does in football and the home crowd basked in the gloom of their guests. How
they laughed as they teased Christian Eriksen and refused to return the ball
as he waited to take a corner. No-one left early to beat the queues at the
tube station. Apart from the Tottenham fans. West Ham stayed to cheer as
Eriksen's late effort drifted wide of the goal and a chip intended for Dele
Alli dribbled out of play in stoppage time. By this time, they were on their
feet and the place rocked. 'Tottenham Hotspur it's happened again,' they
crowed, lit a flare at the final whistle and belted out their anthem. They
didn't want to go home after their first win of the season against a team
from the top eight and it was not hard to imagine Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
screaming and punching the air wherever he watched the game on TV.
For Bilic, here was a moment to savour and a remedy to soothe the troubles
of a gruelling and stressful season when one setback has followed another
and left his future at the club appearing bleak. Friday night's frying pan
to the manager's face came when Andy Carroll, within sight of a return form
his latest injury (groin) was not fit to feature, as he usually isn't.
Carroll has started just 15 of 36 league games. Michail Antonio, their best
player this season, was also missing, injured (hamstring). Last season's
best player, Dimitri Payet went in January (Marseille) and his replacement
Robert Snodgrass (Hull) is not able to get in the team. Recruitment has been
central to the general feeling of anti-climax which has plagued this first
season in Stratford. A dozen signings have been made since the end of last
season with a view to building on a seventh place finish. Only three were in
the team selected by Bilic last night but it mattered little. Three thousand
away fans had come to roar their side on in the title race and West Ham
responded, with fire in their bellies and a tactical plan to break quickly
into the spaces behind Tottenham's full-backs. When the fixtures first came
out last summer and this derby was to be found conveniently at the end of
the campaign and it seemed the authorities were thinking of the security
which was always likely to be an issue in an athletics stadium built without
segregation in mind. As it turned out, it was perfectly placed to wreck the
Tottenham party and as ever in football if you've nothing to celebrate
yourself them celebrate the demise of your nearest rival.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News II - 5th May 2017
Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic shares his thoughts ahead of tonight's Premier League derby with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium...
Hello everyone,
We are all looking forward to tonight's game with Tottenham Hotspur, which is for me a special fixture for West Ham United. It is a derby game and derby games are always special, plus it is our first meeting Spurs at London Stadium. Of course, it also a massive game for both clubs points-wise. We need a win to be sure of being safe in the Premier League, while they are fighting for the title and need to get three points to keep the pressure on Chelsea. I am confident we will have a fantastic atmosphere at London Stadium tonight. I know our fans will get behind us and support us and we hope to reward them with a victory that we can all enjoy. Also, I made my debut at Spurs and we won 1-0 back in 1996, so I have good memories of playing against them as a Hammer. It is more special for me when we play Spurs because it is the game, no matter where we are in the table. I remember speaking to my staff at Chadwell Heath last season before we played them at Upton Park and I felt the same – it is a bit special and I'm definitely sure the atmosphere is going to be special tonight.
Of course, I am excited about this game. It reminds me a bit of the Manchester United game last season at Upton Park. It's a Friday night game, under the lights, against Spurs and they need points, we need points, so it's a massive game. If you are confident, if you are a sportsman, these are the reasons why you want to be involved in this job. As a player, these are the games you can't wait for.
OK, in the Premier League, they are all like that, but this is an extra one. Spurs at home is massive.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
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Noble to draw on Spurs memories
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble set to make 17th appearance of his West Ham United career against Tottenham Hotspur
Captain first appeared against Spurs as an 18-year-old at White Hart Lane in November 2005
Noble says Hammers need to be 'solid' if they are to beat the title-chasers on Friday night
Mark Noble will draw on the memory of his first-ever appearance against Tottenham Hotspur when he lines up against the north Londoners tonight. The West Ham United captain was just 18 when he took his place in the midfield for a Premier League fixture with Spurs at White Hart Lane in November 2005. Despite facing the likes of Netherlands international Edgar Davids and former Hammer Michael Carrick, the young Noble held his own as Alan Pardew's side drew 1-1. Fast forward eleven-and-a-half years and Noble, now just three days short of his 30th birthday, will face another talented Tottenham team at London Stadium. "I was told this week that this will be the 17th time I have faced Spurs in the Premier League and, like so many of the 16 that have gone before, this is another massive game for both clubs," Noble observed. "I can remember the very first time I played against Tottenham at White Hart Lane back in November 2005, when I was just 18 – time flies so quick! We drew one-all and I was playing in a midfield against Edgar Davids and Michael Carrick. I actually scored that day but it was offside, but it is still an amazing memory! "Now we have tonight's game and Spurs want to win the title. They've been on Chelsea's tail the whole season and will want to put them under pressure. "They are a very good side without many weaknesses at all, but it's a derby, we're at home and we need to be at 100 per cent to be able to get a result. "We are going to need to be solid tonight because, although Chelsea are top, I think with the way they play and the way they are set up, for me Spurs are the best team in the league at the minute."
While Tottenham have title ambitions, West Ham and Noble need a win to ensure the Hammers are in the Premier League next season. "It's an important game for us as well, because we need points and we want to finish as high as we can in the Premier League table," the No16 confirmed. "Hopefully, we'll play as well as we can do and give Spurs a proper game, because that's what the fans expect and that's what we'll try and give them."
Finally, the skipper called on the Claret and Blue Army to roar their team on tonight, with a sell-out crowd expected to create a fantastic atmosphere on Spurs' first visit to London Stadium. "It's a London derby and it's an exciting game, but we need to channel our energies in a positive way," he said. "When you are behind us, it helps massively. We've got 54,000-odd of you here tonight and we need to hear every one of you, because Spurs are a top team and are second in the league for a reason. "We need have every little bit of help we can to get a result."
*Mark Noble was writing in Friday's 100-page Official Programme, which will be on sale in and around London Stadium tonight, priced £3.50. Alternatively, you can order a copy online here, or download the Digital issue for just £1.99 here.
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Three Key Battles - Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com
It doesn't come much better than facing your London rivals under the lights, and West Ham United will do exactly that when they face title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Friday. While the Hammers will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, Spurs are on the hunt for a tenth successive Premier League victory to stay in touch with Chelsea at the top of the table.
And though Mauricio Pochettino's men are looking dangerous in almost every fixture they play in, the Hammers have been stern recently in defence, keeping three clean sheets in four matches.
Let's take a look at some individual battles on the London Stadium pitch which could have a bearing on the final result…
Adrian v Loris
In goal, Adrian has taken over the reins from Darren Randolph recently, impressing in both of his two displays, shutting out both Everton and Stoke City. At the other end on Friday night will be Frenchman and Tottenham skipper Hugo Lloris, well-regarded throughout the footballing world. It's the Spaniard, however, who comes out on top in terms of both his average claim success rate and his saves per game so far this season. A world-class save is as important as a goal in huge clashes such as this, so both keepers will have to be on their toes throughout the 90 minutes.
Cresswell v Davies
With Arthur Masuaku in a race to be fit for the London derby having picked up a knock at Stoke's bet365 Stadium, it could well mean a return for English full-back Aaron Cresswell. The left-sider, like Tottenham's Ben Davies, has not played as much football as he'd have liked this season, but when he has, his statistics have been good, making two goals – one recently for Andy Carroll at Hull. Davies has been kept out the team on occasions by Danny Rose, but due to the England man's injury, the Welsh former Swansea player has been a regular in 2017. He helped Wales to the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-finals in France during the summer, but can he keep Spurs' title challenge on track on Friday?
Reid v Alderweireld
Our final pair to look at are another set of defenders, one of the Hammers' key men in Winston Reid and Tottenham's former Atletico Madrid centre-back Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian's stock has grown and grown since following Pochettino from Southampton to Spurs, and he's been one of the best defenders in the league this season. That said, West Ham's Reid has more goals, assists and better aerials won, pass success and clearances per game stats. Some might be led into thinking that makes Reid an unsung hero, but he certainly earns his praise from Hammers fans!
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Tottenham play the Premier League's best football but West Ham can beat them, writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Friday night is a massive game for both clubs — West Ham versus Tottenham is always this way. I made my West Ham debut against Spurs at White Hart Lane in February 1996 and I was left in no doubt back then, by the fans, just how much importance they attach to this London derby. For me this season, Spurs have played the best football in the Premier League. I enjoy watching the way they play although I would like even more to replicate the score of that game back in '96, when we won 1-0 with a Dani goal. Attacking players such as Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen inevitably take the eye but just as important are their full-backs — the way they operate is crucial to the team's success this season.
It's very demanding the way they play and it's not like old fashioned full-backs, who are there as an option. The demands on their full-backs are high and that is why Mauricio Pochettino is rotating them. Okay, now Danny Rose is injured, but even before that players such as Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier were getting a decent number of games, which shows you how demanding are those positions. Every position is crucial but if we are talking about sheer intensity, it is Tottenham's full-backs who make the difference. Somebody said to me the other day they don't have pace, but I would question that. The full-backs are pacey, as are the central defenders, but I suppose we were talking about further up the pitch. From what I see they have one speedy offensive player in Heung-min Son but those other players — Kane, Ali, Eriksen, all have enough pace — and a great touch. The first yard of pace is in the head, to anticipate the next move.
Luka Modric is a good example. He's not lightning quick but you still can't get near him. He's sharp, has what I call 'rear view mirrors', his touch is unbelievable and he is always moving. The best example in recent years has been Andrea Pirlo. He had no pace but when he played for Juventus or Italy, opposition managers would say "get close to Pirlo". I know I did when Croatia played Italy in the 2012 Euros. He was still most times by himself, though, constantly moving, reading the situation. He didn't need the opponents to be 10 yards away from him when he received the ball. He needed a fraction of that space, all because of his ability. We are looking forward to this game. I don't know if we already have enough points but until you are mathematically safe you cannot relax for a moment.
Spurs are good but no team are unbeatable and we were just a few minutes away from defeating them at White Hart Lane before conceding two goals in the dying minutes. We have been doing well in denying the opposition chances in recent games and, for me, we created enough chances in the goalless draw at Stoke last weekend to have won the game. After recent games, though, I have been saying the same thing: yes, we are compact and defending well as a team, but in the final third of the match we haven't quite produced the quality needed.
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Tottenham have shown West Ham how to recruit on limited budget, says Slaven Bilic
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 05/05/17 12:18am
SSN
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham are looking at Tottenham's recruitment model as they head into the summer transfer window. The Hammers struggled in the transfer market last summer and have endured a disappointing season in the Premier League, with the club not yet mathematically safe from relegation with three games to go. Spurs, meanwhile, are second and pushing Chelsea for the title with a net spend of only £7m over the last two seasons. Ahead of the two sides meeting on Friday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1HD, Bilic said: "They are buying really good players and they built a really good team. "We can't look at Man City or Chelsea or Man United, or watch European football every week and say 'yeah we want him'. We have to do it with a limited budget. "Spurs have shown us - either because they were lucky or they had great scouts - that what they are doing is the way."
Tottenham will have a more difficult challenge next season when they move away from White Hart Lane, where they remain unbeaten this season, to Wembley. Mauricio Pochettino's side lost two of their three Champions League games at the national stadium this season, while they drew with Belgian side Gent in the Europa League last-32 and suffered defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
West Ham have suffered from unfamiliarity in their new home at the London Stadium this term and Bilic warned Spurs they could face the same problems. "I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised. It is going to be very hard for them to replicate that atmosphere at White Hart Lane, where everywhere you turn you are close to the stands," the Croatian said "At Wembley they have already felt it this season in the Champions League. Although the pitch may be the same, it is a totally different perception. And the perception is the key. "We needed a few games to get used to it. Of course victories would reduce the time, but after defeats it's hard to say it's not important. We needed a lot of time."
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West Ham ask fans for 'passion' not problems in Tottenham derby
KEN DYER
Eveing Standard
West Ham co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold on Friday asked every Hammers fan attending the derby with Tottenham to show "passion" but "act as an ambassador" for the club. Matches between the teams have been punctuated by crowd problems in recent seasons but West Ham have worked hard, in consultation with the London Stadium operators and the Metropolitan Police, to ensure there are no significant problems. Some matches early in the season at the London Stadium were affected by crowd trouble but that has changed in recent months, thanks to improved stewarding and segregation. There will, however, be a major police presence at the Category C match, the highest security level, and a police statement confirmed: "The Metropolitan Police Service has an appropriate, proportionate and robust policing plan in place for the match."
In a joint statement in the match programme, Sullivan and Gold said: "Let's take this opportunity, in front of the TV cameras and a captive audience of millions around the globe, to show the passion that makes our fans famous worldwide, and to illustrate the effect your support can have on the team throughout the game. "We urge you to remember that every supporter attending the match is acting as an ambassador for West Ham United and their behaviour should reflect the values and standards of this great club. "We, and everyone else at West Ham United, are very much looking forward to tonight's game and the Claret and Blue Army showing the world what being a fan is all about — supporting with pride, passion and respect."
Carroll has missed the past two matches with a groin problem but returned to training this week and boss Slaven Bilic looks certain to include the striker in his squad, providing there is no late reaction. Carroll could start but it is more likely he will be a substitute, with Jonathan Calleri filling the striker's role. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says he is content at the club, despite speculation he could leave at the end of the season. "I am happy here and I enjoy it in London and the West Ham fans who have always been good to me," he said.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic intending to recall Ashley Fletcher
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are set to take on Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium later this evening. Slaven Bilic has told Football.London that Ashley Fletcher could finally be handed another chance to start for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur later this evening.
West Ham's attacking options look short heading into the game, which means Fletcher could be recalled. The young forward actually played fairly regularly for the Hammers in the first half of the season, but seems to have slipped down the pecking order more recently.
Andy Carroll and Jonathan Calleri have both been used ahead of Fletcher in recent times. However, the 21-year-old may be given the nod to start against Spurs this evening. "I like him as a player, he is young with a bright future, works hard, very polite as well, good in training," Bilic said. "He played a lot more first part of the season because we had limited options. The second part, some of the players came back and it was always someone else available. West Ham United's Ashley Fletcher looks dejected after the match "But he is under consideration for tomorrow. We will see."
Fletcher's last start for West Ham in the Premier League came way back in December against Arsenal. In total, the youngster has played 13 top flight matches for the Hammers, but he is yet to hit the back of the net. If West Ham are able to end Tottenham's strong run of form this evening, and pick up a victory, they will move up to ninth in the Premier League standings.
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I would have hooked West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri for unnecessary rabona... an English player would be criticised for not using weaker foot
Jonathan Calleri attempted an audacious rabona rather than use his weak foot
Had he been English, people would have criticised him for a lack of technique
By Martin Allen for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 09:05, 5 May 2017 | UPDATED: 09:06, 5 May 2017
Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen returns with his latest column for Sportsmail. This month he discusses his old his most challenging opponent and that famous win against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
It made me mad to see West Ham centre-forward Jonathan Calleri try an unnecessary rabona when I was up at Stoke on Saturday as a commentator for talkSPORT. He was six yards out, with the goal at his mercy, and rather than smashing it with his left foot he tried to engineer the tricky shot with his right. It's not right that your striker can't hit a shot with his left foot. If he had been an Englishman it would've been because there's not enough technical skills training, but because he's Argentinian a bloke near me said it was a great piece of skill and he was unlucky. If it was me stood on the touchline as his manager, he would've been hooked immediately and driven straight to the airport for his trip home.
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BOBBY ZAMORA POSTS TWITTER MESSAGE AHEAD OF WEST HAM CLASH V TOTTENHAM
football insider
5th May, 2017, 8:54 AM
By Amir Mir
Former Premier League striker Bobby Zamora has stated that he only has love for West Ham ahead of their clash against Tottenham on Friday night. Slaven Bilic's side will welcome the title chases to the London Stadium, looking to dent their rivals' chances of catching Chelsea in the table. Spurs have won nine league matches on the bounce and go into this tricky fixture full of confidence.
By contrast, the Hammers have not won a game since the start of April when they beat relegation-threatened Swansea 1-0. Ahead of the Friday night game, the now retired Zamora sent this Twitter message to both of his former clubs. "Played for both West Hand Tottenham," Zamora wrote on his personal Twitter account. "Scored for both in this London derby. But love only one.⚒"
Bobby Zamora ✔ @RobertZamora25
Played for both @WestHamUtd and @SpursOfficial scored for both in this London derby. But love only one ⚒⚒⚒
8:09 AM - 5 May 2017
330 330 Retweets 457 457 likes
During his brief career at the Lane, Zamora only lasted one season at the club after making the switch from Brighton during the summer of 2003. He was more successful at West Ham where he found the back of the net on 38 occasions for the east London outfit. During his career, Zamora represented four different London clubs, including Spurs, West Ham, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers. Added to that, he earned two England caps during his playing days, making his debut in 2010 at the age of 29. He will be hoping the Hammers can pull off an upset and ensure they are safe for this season as one more point will help them to the 40 point mark.
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Slaven Bilic admits West Ham United are looking up to Tottenham Hotspur in more ways than one
Enfield Independent
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham are looking up to Tottenham - and not just in the Premier League table. Spurs visit the London Stadium on Friday night looking to maintain their title challenge against a Hammers side still not mathematically safe from relegation. And Tottenham's steady progress over the past few years, both on the pitch and off it, means Bilic is casting an envious eye towards West Ham's London rivals. "They are buying really good players and they built a really good team," said the Hammers boss. "It's a good question, because we can't look at Man City or Chelsea or Man United, or watch European football every week and say 'yeah we want him'.
"We have to do it with a limited budget and Spurs have shown us - either because they were lucky or they had great scouts - that what they are doing is the way."
Spurs also have a stadium move to look forward to, and will play home games at Wembley next season before their new home is ready in 2018. But West Ham have endured a torrid first campaign at the former Olympic Stadium, and Bilic has warned Spurs they could struggle too. "I don't know if they will have the same problems but I wouldn't be surprised," he added. "It is going to be very hard for them to replicate that atmosphere at White Hart Lane, where everywhere you turn you are close to the stands - and at Wembley they have already felt it this season in the Champions League. "Although the pitch may be the same, it is a totally different perception. And the perception is the key. "We needed a few games to get used to it. Of course victories would reduce the time, but after defeats it's hard to say it's not important. We needed a lot of time."
Bilic has faced further speculation over his future this week but knows a win over one of West Ham's arch enemies should ease some of the pressure. "This season is not the one we wanted or that we planned, I'm not hiding from that," he admitted. "Yet anyone linked with West Ham should know we've had many unbelievable obstacles this season. They are not excuses, they are one of the reasons why it hasn't been like last year.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic shares his thoughts ahead of tonight's Premier League derby with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium...
Hello everyone,
We are all looking forward to tonight's game with Tottenham Hotspur, which is for me a special fixture for West Ham United. It is a derby game and derby games are always special, plus it is our first meeting Spurs at London Stadium. Of course, it also a massive game for both clubs points-wise. We need a win to be sure of being safe in the Premier League, while they are fighting for the title and need to get three points to keep the pressure on Chelsea. I am confident we will have a fantastic atmosphere at London Stadium tonight. I know our fans will get behind us and support us and we hope to reward them with a victory that we can all enjoy. Also, I made my debut at Spurs and we won 1-0 back in 1996, so I have good memories of playing against them as a Hammer. It is more special for me when we play Spurs because it is the game, no matter where we are in the table. I remember speaking to my staff at Chadwell Heath last season before we played them at Upton Park and I felt the same – it is a bit special and I'm definitely sure the atmosphere is going to be special tonight.
Of course, I am excited about this game. It reminds me a bit of the Manchester United game last season at Upton Park. It's a Friday night game, under the lights, against Spurs and they need points, we need points, so it's a massive game. If you are confident, if you are a sportsman, these are the reasons why you want to be involved in this job. As a player, these are the games you can't wait for.
OK, in the Premier League, they are all like that, but this is an extra one. Spurs at home is massive.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
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Noble to draw on Spurs memories
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble set to make 17th appearance of his West Ham United career against Tottenham Hotspur
Captain first appeared against Spurs as an 18-year-old at White Hart Lane in November 2005
Noble says Hammers need to be 'solid' if they are to beat the title-chasers on Friday night
Mark Noble will draw on the memory of his first-ever appearance against Tottenham Hotspur when he lines up against the north Londoners tonight. The West Ham United captain was just 18 when he took his place in the midfield for a Premier League fixture with Spurs at White Hart Lane in November 2005. Despite facing the likes of Netherlands international Edgar Davids and former Hammer Michael Carrick, the young Noble held his own as Alan Pardew's side drew 1-1. Fast forward eleven-and-a-half years and Noble, now just three days short of his 30th birthday, will face another talented Tottenham team at London Stadium. "I was told this week that this will be the 17th time I have faced Spurs in the Premier League and, like so many of the 16 that have gone before, this is another massive game for both clubs," Noble observed. "I can remember the very first time I played against Tottenham at White Hart Lane back in November 2005, when I was just 18 – time flies so quick! We drew one-all and I was playing in a midfield against Edgar Davids and Michael Carrick. I actually scored that day but it was offside, but it is still an amazing memory! "Now we have tonight's game and Spurs want to win the title. They've been on Chelsea's tail the whole season and will want to put them under pressure. "They are a very good side without many weaknesses at all, but it's a derby, we're at home and we need to be at 100 per cent to be able to get a result. "We are going to need to be solid tonight because, although Chelsea are top, I think with the way they play and the way they are set up, for me Spurs are the best team in the league at the minute."
While Tottenham have title ambitions, West Ham and Noble need a win to ensure the Hammers are in the Premier League next season. "It's an important game for us as well, because we need points and we want to finish as high as we can in the Premier League table," the No16 confirmed. "Hopefully, we'll play as well as we can do and give Spurs a proper game, because that's what the fans expect and that's what we'll try and give them."
Finally, the skipper called on the Claret and Blue Army to roar their team on tonight, with a sell-out crowd expected to create a fantastic atmosphere on Spurs' first visit to London Stadium. "It's a London derby and it's an exciting game, but we need to channel our energies in a positive way," he said. "When you are behind us, it helps massively. We've got 54,000-odd of you here tonight and we need to hear every one of you, because Spurs are a top team and are second in the league for a reason. "We need have every little bit of help we can to get a result."
*Mark Noble was writing in Friday's 100-page Official Programme, which will be on sale in and around London Stadium tonight, priced £3.50. Alternatively, you can order a copy online here, or download the Digital issue for just £1.99 here.
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Three Key Battles - Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com
It doesn't come much better than facing your London rivals under the lights, and West Ham United will do exactly that when they face title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Friday. While the Hammers will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, Spurs are on the hunt for a tenth successive Premier League victory to stay in touch with Chelsea at the top of the table.
And though Mauricio Pochettino's men are looking dangerous in almost every fixture they play in, the Hammers have been stern recently in defence, keeping three clean sheets in four matches.
Let's take a look at some individual battles on the London Stadium pitch which could have a bearing on the final result…
Adrian v Loris
In goal, Adrian has taken over the reins from Darren Randolph recently, impressing in both of his two displays, shutting out both Everton and Stoke City. At the other end on Friday night will be Frenchman and Tottenham skipper Hugo Lloris, well-regarded throughout the footballing world. It's the Spaniard, however, who comes out on top in terms of both his average claim success rate and his saves per game so far this season. A world-class save is as important as a goal in huge clashes such as this, so both keepers will have to be on their toes throughout the 90 minutes.
Cresswell v Davies
With Arthur Masuaku in a race to be fit for the London derby having picked up a knock at Stoke's bet365 Stadium, it could well mean a return for English full-back Aaron Cresswell. The left-sider, like Tottenham's Ben Davies, has not played as much football as he'd have liked this season, but when he has, his statistics have been good, making two goals – one recently for Andy Carroll at Hull. Davies has been kept out the team on occasions by Danny Rose, but due to the England man's injury, the Welsh former Swansea player has been a regular in 2017. He helped Wales to the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-finals in France during the summer, but can he keep Spurs' title challenge on track on Friday?
Reid v Alderweireld
Our final pair to look at are another set of defenders, one of the Hammers' key men in Winston Reid and Tottenham's former Atletico Madrid centre-back Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian's stock has grown and grown since following Pochettino from Southampton to Spurs, and he's been one of the best defenders in the league this season. That said, West Ham's Reid has more goals, assists and better aerials won, pass success and clearances per game stats. Some might be led into thinking that makes Reid an unsung hero, but he certainly earns his praise from Hammers fans!
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Tottenham play the Premier League's best football but West Ham can beat them, writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Friday night is a massive game for both clubs — West Ham versus Tottenham is always this way. I made my West Ham debut against Spurs at White Hart Lane in February 1996 and I was left in no doubt back then, by the fans, just how much importance they attach to this London derby. For me this season, Spurs have played the best football in the Premier League. I enjoy watching the way they play although I would like even more to replicate the score of that game back in '96, when we won 1-0 with a Dani goal. Attacking players such as Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen inevitably take the eye but just as important are their full-backs — the way they operate is crucial to the team's success this season.
It's very demanding the way they play and it's not like old fashioned full-backs, who are there as an option. The demands on their full-backs are high and that is why Mauricio Pochettino is rotating them. Okay, now Danny Rose is injured, but even before that players such as Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier were getting a decent number of games, which shows you how demanding are those positions. Every position is crucial but if we are talking about sheer intensity, it is Tottenham's full-backs who make the difference. Somebody said to me the other day they don't have pace, but I would question that. The full-backs are pacey, as are the central defenders, but I suppose we were talking about further up the pitch. From what I see they have one speedy offensive player in Heung-min Son but those other players — Kane, Ali, Eriksen, all have enough pace — and a great touch. The first yard of pace is in the head, to anticipate the next move.
Luka Modric is a good example. He's not lightning quick but you still can't get near him. He's sharp, has what I call 'rear view mirrors', his touch is unbelievable and he is always moving. The best example in recent years has been Andrea Pirlo. He had no pace but when he played for Juventus or Italy, opposition managers would say "get close to Pirlo". I know I did when Croatia played Italy in the 2012 Euros. He was still most times by himself, though, constantly moving, reading the situation. He didn't need the opponents to be 10 yards away from him when he received the ball. He needed a fraction of that space, all because of his ability. We are looking forward to this game. I don't know if we already have enough points but until you are mathematically safe you cannot relax for a moment.
Spurs are good but no team are unbeatable and we were just a few minutes away from defeating them at White Hart Lane before conceding two goals in the dying minutes. We have been doing well in denying the opposition chances in recent games and, for me, we created enough chances in the goalless draw at Stoke last weekend to have won the game. After recent games, though, I have been saying the same thing: yes, we are compact and defending well as a team, but in the final third of the match we haven't quite produced the quality needed.
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Tottenham have shown West Ham how to recruit on limited budget, says Slaven Bilic
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 05/05/17 12:18am
SSN
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham are looking at Tottenham's recruitment model as they head into the summer transfer window. The Hammers struggled in the transfer market last summer and have endured a disappointing season in the Premier League, with the club not yet mathematically safe from relegation with three games to go. Spurs, meanwhile, are second and pushing Chelsea for the title with a net spend of only £7m over the last two seasons. Ahead of the two sides meeting on Friday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1HD, Bilic said: "They are buying really good players and they built a really good team. "We can't look at Man City or Chelsea or Man United, or watch European football every week and say 'yeah we want him'. We have to do it with a limited budget. "Spurs have shown us - either because they were lucky or they had great scouts - that what they are doing is the way."
Tottenham will have a more difficult challenge next season when they move away from White Hart Lane, where they remain unbeaten this season, to Wembley. Mauricio Pochettino's side lost two of their three Champions League games at the national stadium this season, while they drew with Belgian side Gent in the Europa League last-32 and suffered defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
West Ham have suffered from unfamiliarity in their new home at the London Stadium this term and Bilic warned Spurs they could face the same problems. "I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised. It is going to be very hard for them to replicate that atmosphere at White Hart Lane, where everywhere you turn you are close to the stands," the Croatian said "At Wembley they have already felt it this season in the Champions League. Although the pitch may be the same, it is a totally different perception. And the perception is the key. "We needed a few games to get used to it. Of course victories would reduce the time, but after defeats it's hard to say it's not important. We needed a lot of time."
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West Ham ask fans for 'passion' not problems in Tottenham derby
KEN DYER
Eveing Standard
West Ham co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold on Friday asked every Hammers fan attending the derby with Tottenham to show "passion" but "act as an ambassador" for the club. Matches between the teams have been punctuated by crowd problems in recent seasons but West Ham have worked hard, in consultation with the London Stadium operators and the Metropolitan Police, to ensure there are no significant problems. Some matches early in the season at the London Stadium were affected by crowd trouble but that has changed in recent months, thanks to improved stewarding and segregation. There will, however, be a major police presence at the Category C match, the highest security level, and a police statement confirmed: "The Metropolitan Police Service has an appropriate, proportionate and robust policing plan in place for the match."
In a joint statement in the match programme, Sullivan and Gold said: "Let's take this opportunity, in front of the TV cameras and a captive audience of millions around the globe, to show the passion that makes our fans famous worldwide, and to illustrate the effect your support can have on the team throughout the game. "We urge you to remember that every supporter attending the match is acting as an ambassador for West Ham United and their behaviour should reflect the values and standards of this great club. "We, and everyone else at West Ham United, are very much looking forward to tonight's game and the Claret and Blue Army showing the world what being a fan is all about — supporting with pride, passion and respect."
Carroll has missed the past two matches with a groin problem but returned to training this week and boss Slaven Bilic looks certain to include the striker in his squad, providing there is no late reaction. Carroll could start but it is more likely he will be a substitute, with Jonathan Calleri filling the striker's role. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says he is content at the club, despite speculation he could leave at the end of the season. "I am happy here and I enjoy it in London and the West Ham fans who have always been good to me," he said.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic intending to recall Ashley Fletcher
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are set to take on Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium later this evening. Slaven Bilic has told Football.London that Ashley Fletcher could finally be handed another chance to start for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur later this evening.
West Ham's attacking options look short heading into the game, which means Fletcher could be recalled. The young forward actually played fairly regularly for the Hammers in the first half of the season, but seems to have slipped down the pecking order more recently.
Andy Carroll and Jonathan Calleri have both been used ahead of Fletcher in recent times. However, the 21-year-old may be given the nod to start against Spurs this evening. "I like him as a player, he is young with a bright future, works hard, very polite as well, good in training," Bilic said. "He played a lot more first part of the season because we had limited options. The second part, some of the players came back and it was always someone else available. West Ham United's Ashley Fletcher looks dejected after the match "But he is under consideration for tomorrow. We will see."
Fletcher's last start for West Ham in the Premier League came way back in December against Arsenal. In total, the youngster has played 13 top flight matches for the Hammers, but he is yet to hit the back of the net. If West Ham are able to end Tottenham's strong run of form this evening, and pick up a victory, they will move up to ninth in the Premier League standings.
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I would have hooked West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri for unnecessary rabona... an English player would be criticised for not using weaker foot
Jonathan Calleri attempted an audacious rabona rather than use his weak foot
Had he been English, people would have criticised him for a lack of technique
By Martin Allen for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 09:05, 5 May 2017 | UPDATED: 09:06, 5 May 2017
Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen returns with his latest column for Sportsmail. This month he discusses his old his most challenging opponent and that famous win against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
It made me mad to see West Ham centre-forward Jonathan Calleri try an unnecessary rabona when I was up at Stoke on Saturday as a commentator for talkSPORT. He was six yards out, with the goal at his mercy, and rather than smashing it with his left foot he tried to engineer the tricky shot with his right. It's not right that your striker can't hit a shot with his left foot. If he had been an Englishman it would've been because there's not enough technical skills training, but because he's Argentinian a bloke near me said it was a great piece of skill and he was unlucky. If it was me stood on the touchline as his manager, he would've been hooked immediately and driven straight to the airport for his trip home.
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BOBBY ZAMORA POSTS TWITTER MESSAGE AHEAD OF WEST HAM CLASH V TOTTENHAM
football insider
5th May, 2017, 8:54 AM
By Amir Mir
Former Premier League striker Bobby Zamora has stated that he only has love for West Ham ahead of their clash against Tottenham on Friday night. Slaven Bilic's side will welcome the title chases to the London Stadium, looking to dent their rivals' chances of catching Chelsea in the table. Spurs have won nine league matches on the bounce and go into this tricky fixture full of confidence.
By contrast, the Hammers have not won a game since the start of April when they beat relegation-threatened Swansea 1-0. Ahead of the Friday night game, the now retired Zamora sent this Twitter message to both of his former clubs. "Played for both West Hand Tottenham," Zamora wrote on his personal Twitter account. "Scored for both in this London derby. But love only one.⚒"
Bobby Zamora ✔ @RobertZamora25
Played for both @WestHamUtd and @SpursOfficial scored for both in this London derby. But love only one ⚒⚒⚒
8:09 AM - 5 May 2017
330 330 Retweets 457 457 likes
During his brief career at the Lane, Zamora only lasted one season at the club after making the switch from Brighton during the summer of 2003. He was more successful at West Ham where he found the back of the net on 38 occasions for the east London outfit. During his career, Zamora represented four different London clubs, including Spurs, West Ham, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers. Added to that, he earned two England caps during his playing days, making his debut in 2010 at the age of 29. He will be hoping the Hammers can pull off an upset and ensure they are safe for this season as one more point will help them to the 40 point mark.
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Slaven Bilic admits West Ham United are looking up to Tottenham Hotspur in more ways than one
Enfield Independent
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham are looking up to Tottenham - and not just in the Premier League table. Spurs visit the London Stadium on Friday night looking to maintain their title challenge against a Hammers side still not mathematically safe from relegation. And Tottenham's steady progress over the past few years, both on the pitch and off it, means Bilic is casting an envious eye towards West Ham's London rivals. "They are buying really good players and they built a really good team," said the Hammers boss. "It's a good question, because we can't look at Man City or Chelsea or Man United, or watch European football every week and say 'yeah we want him'.
"We have to do it with a limited budget and Spurs have shown us - either because they were lucky or they had great scouts - that what they are doing is the way."
Spurs also have a stadium move to look forward to, and will play home games at Wembley next season before their new home is ready in 2018. But West Ham have endured a torrid first campaign at the former Olympic Stadium, and Bilic has warned Spurs they could struggle too. "I don't know if they will have the same problems but I wouldn't be surprised," he added. "It is going to be very hard for them to replicate that atmosphere at White Hart Lane, where everywhere you turn you are close to the stands - and at Wembley they have already felt it this season in the Champions League. "Although the pitch may be the same, it is a totally different perception. And the perception is the key. "We needed a few games to get used to it. Of course victories would reduce the time, but after defeats it's hard to say it's not important. We needed a lot of time."
Bilic has faced further speculation over his future this week but knows a win over one of West Ham's arch enemies should ease some of the pressure. "This season is not the one we wanted or that we planned, I'm not hiding from that," he admitted. "Yet anyone linked with West Ham should know we've had many unbelievable obstacles this season. They are not excuses, they are one of the reasons why it hasn't been like last year.
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