Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
It's a quick return to action for West Ham United as David Moyes' side face
Tottenham Hotspur away.
Read on for all you need to know about this upcoming fixture against Spurs!
Where and when?
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United will meet at Wembley Stadium on
Thursday 4 January 2018.
The contest is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm.
How to follow:
Thursday's match will be shown live on Sky Sports on the Main Event and
Premier League channels, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Radio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live.
Team news:
With the game against Tottenham coming less than 48 hours after his side
played West Brom, David Moyes may be tempted to rotate the players in his
West Ham United side.
Captain Mark Noble made a successful return from injury from the bench
against the Baggies and is therefore likely to be in consideration for the
Spurs contest.
A check on Aaron Cresswell will be needed after the defender picked up a
knock versus West Brom, while Jose Fonte, Sam Byram and Edimilson Fernandes
are still out.
What they say:
"It's going to be a very difficult game, as we know what Spurs are capable
of doing and we know their qualities, so we need to stay strong. We also
have very good players in our own squad, and we are going there off the back
of a big win."
Andre Ayew
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Daniel Cook
Fourth Official: Roger East
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How to get there:
By Train
Wembley Stadium is services by three train & tube stations:
Wembley Park Station makes use of the Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines.
Wembley Stadium Station is used by Chiltern Railways.
Wembley Central Station is used by Bakerloo, London Overground, London
Midland and Southern lines.
Supporters should be aware that alcohol sales at Wembley Stadium will stop
ten minutes into the first half of the game.
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Rice: Everyone's buzzing to get the win
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says West Ham United need to use the momentum gained from
Tuesday's last-gasp victory over West Bromwich Albion to help propel them up
the Premier League table. Three points against the Baggies moved the Hammers
out of the relegation zone and within striking distance of 11th placed
Huddersfield Town. Now, with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur following on
Thursday, 18-year-old Rice wants the Hammers to continue to look upwards as
they head into 2018. "Everyone was buzzing to get the 2-1 win on Tuesday,"
Rice said. "The place just erupted and I'm just so happy for the fans and so
happy for us. Let's keep moving up the table now. "At half time we knew we
had to come out in the second half and give the fans something to cheer. It
was a massive sigh of relief getting the second goal, but we've got
Tottenham on Thursday now so we have to stay focused. "Spurs are in a good
bit of form as well, but when we went there last time we were 2-0 down and
came back to win 3-2. We'll look back at that game again, get all the
confidence we can and go there for three points. It's hard obviously with
just one day of rest, but we're Premier League footballers so we have to
deal with that."
Rice again showed his versatility on Tuesday, playing a 14 minute cameo at
left-back after Aaron Cresswell picked up an injury and the Academy product
was thrilled to play his part. "I'll play wherever the manager wants me to
play," he added. "I went on a run and with the momentum of the crowd, once I
nicked the ball off Robson-Kanu I thought 'there's no point turning back, I
might as well get on my bike and show a bit of pace!' "We nearly scored from
it, but I was happy with myself when I came on and it's nice to get another
appearance – as a kid I never thought I would have made about 15 appearances
for West Ham [at this age]. Right back, left back, centre back, midfield,
I'm not bothered. I just want to play football."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com
West Ham fans have already had plenty of excitement over the festive period,
with Andy Carroll's late winner against West Brom the 14th goal scored
across their last three games. And, based on recent encounters, that
entertainment is likely to continue against Tottenham on Thursday night.
These sides, of course, have played each other twice already this season in
league and cup, with the away team winning five-goal thrillers on both
occasions. Given that the Hammers' last three visits to White Hart Lane
also finished 3-2, 4-1 and 2-2, another cracker looks likely at Wembley.
Particularly considering Spurs have scored 12 goals in their last three
games under the arch, while West Ham have scored at least two in each of
their last four league matches. With goals seemingly guaranteed, it makes
sense to back a bit of late drama as well. After all, West Ham's last seven
trips to Tottenham have seen them score six and concede five during the
final 15 minutes of matches, including a late turnaround in the League Cup
and that wonder goal by Ravel Morrison. And, this time around, it might just
be another midfield playmaker who provides a moment of magic. Manuel Lanzini
has scored three goals in five appearances against Tottenham, most memorably
the winner at the London Stadium towards the end of last season. The
Argentine has impressed under David Moyes so far, having provided five
assists and gone close with a number of attempts. Now back from suspension
and bound to be in the thick of the action, he's good value to find the net
against Spurs once again.
Recommended bets
Over 3.5 goals – 7/5
Goal scored between 75-90 mins – 17/20
Manuel Lanzini to score – 4/1
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Moyes: We must show same determination vs Spurs
WHUFC.com
David Moyes wants his West Ham United side to approach Thursday's contest
with Tottenham Hotspur with the same drive he saw from his team in the win
over West Brom. Two goals from Andy Carroll meant the Hammers claimed all
three points against the Baggies on Tuesday to get 2018 off to a winning
start, and puts the Irons in good stead ahead of a match with Spurs 48 hours
later. The Scotsman was delighted with the fightback his players completed
versus West Brom and is now calling for a similar attitude at Wembley
Stadium on Thursday. "Spurs have got a really good team," Moyes admitted.
"It will be hard work for us but we will go there with the same spirit, same
attitude and same determination we've had in all our games. You never know."
With three games in just six days it remains to be seen how Moyes will
alternate his side, with the manager confirming Reece Oxford – recently
returned from his loan with Borussia Monchengladbach – has sprained his
ankle and may not be available for the Tottenham match. When asked for an
update on his team Moyes said: "I'm hoping Cresswell's injury doesn't keep
him out because we're pretty short in both full-back areas. Until we have
got both Sam Byram and Jose Fonte back we're a bit short defensively. "Reece
Oxford kicked the ground in training and has sprained his ankle. He probably
might not be fit for Thursday, that's my first thought. "The biggest thing
is I don't have many changes and I don't have lots of players. I've got some
forward players I could change around but I don't have many players in other
positions. I'm not carrying any more players."
The Hammers claimed a famous 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham the last
time the two sides met, in the Carabao Cup match at Wembley in October, and
head into this game on the back of a big win over West Brom. Moyes will be
hoping for another victory to push his Hammers further away from the
relegation zone but knows how tight the Premier League can be. He continued:
"You can see how the Premier League is going to go between now and the end
of the season. Games are going to be won and lost on really small margins.
"I think you can see there's a lot of tension at the bottom of the league
this season, because two defeats and you slide back in. Two wins and you
could be talking about trying to get into mid table."
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Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
THU 04 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: Wembley Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is expected to return to the starting line-up
in place of Fernando Llorente. Manager Mauricio Pochettino awaits news on
the fitness of Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose, while Toby Alderweireld remains
out until February.
West Ham boss David Moyes has a lengthy injury list to contend with and
could be without left-back Aaron Cresswell. Andre Ayew has been troubled by
a hamstring injury and Michail Antonio is again expected to miss out.
RADIO 5 LIVE COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alistair Bruce-Ball: "It's a second Premier League game in three days for
both clubs, but at least this time both of them have had the same amount of
rest, or lack of it! "David Moyes admitted after the dramatic late victory
against West Brom on Tuesday that that was the game they really had to win
this week so I imagine they'll come to Wembley with a bit more freedom
particularly having already won there in the League Cup in October. "That
was a remarkable turnaround that night because they were 2-0 down at
half-time having been played off the park. "Tottenham need to win to stay in
touch with the top four and they'll have a chance to strike at their
Champions League rivals at the end of the month when they start a run of
three consecutive games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal."
Twitter: @alibruceball
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on the win over Swansea: "The
conditions were difficult and for the players, horrible. We tried to play
our football and the effort was fantastic. "We played well and deserved the
victory overall. I'm pleased because the victory and three points was so
important for us. "Now we need to recover quickly and be ready to play
against West Ham (on Thursday night)."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The Hammers have won only once in 15 Premier League games at Tottenham (D5,
L9).
Spurs have not won both league meetings with West Ham in a season since
2012-13.
Mauricio Pochettino has never lost to David Moyes in a Premier League match
(W1, D3). There have only been three goals in their four meetings.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have lost just once in 29 home league matches.
They have won 19 points out of a possible 21 from their last seven league
games at Wembley.
Tottenham have lost three of their last five London derbies in the league,
as many as they had in their previous 21.
Harry Kane has scored just three goals in his last nine London derbies,
after a run of 17 goals in 16 derby games. However, he has scored seven in
his last six games against West Ham.
West Ham United
West Ham have won 12 points from 10 league games under David Moyes, having
won nine from their first 11 games this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers' last defeat at Wembley was a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 1980
Charity Shield .
They have never lost a competitive London derby at Wembley, winning all
three - a 2-0 win over Fulham in the 1975 FA Cup final; a 1-0 win against
Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup final; and the 3-2 win over Spurs in the League
Cup this season.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 2-0 Probability of draw: 17%
Probability of home win: 74% Probability of away win: 9%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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NOBLE WON IT !!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 3 JANUARY 2018 AT 10:27PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
Ten seconds away from a slow and painful descend into The Championship,
where we could have joined once great Clubs like Leeds, Nottingham Forest
and Sheffield Wednesday in spending years in the lower reaches of English
Football. If we had lost or even drew, morale and belief in the manager
would have ebbed away, and it would have been goodnight Vienna. But for once
it was a case of fortune's siding and not hiding. There was palpable relief
all around The London Stadium, when the much-maligned Andy Carroll, smashed
in a low cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area. Cue mass
celebrations and rightly so!
Before the game Alan Pardew, made much of the fact that Albion had to play
two days in forty-eight hours, while West Ham had a week off. "Tough Alan!
You have not had to put up with crooked referees"! West Brom started the
game well, were well organized and frustrated The Hammers. Salomon Rondon
almost punished West Ham when he spun away from Ogbonna, Reid hesitated, and
the ball landed on the roof of the net. A lucky escape! As the game
approached the half hour mark the deadlock was broken. James Mclean, whose
last goal was against us some 16 months ago, cut in from the left and past
Winston Reid as though he wasn't even there, hit a shot in hope more than
anything, took a wicked deflection off Obiang's heel and it was 1-0 to the
Albion. When The Hammers did threaten, they found goalkeeper Ben Foster more
than equal, as Manuel Lanzini found out just before half time.
It was the same old problem! The midfield! No pace, creativity or movement!
Created virtually nothing for the strikers, and no protection for the
defense. WBA cutting through our defense at will, dragging them all over the
place. Obiang and Kouyate were bloody terrible, if I didn't know better I
would have thought they were part of a corrupt betting syndicate. We have
got to bring in a defensive midfielder as quick as possible no if's or
but's. The last goal showed exactly what we need, the ball was carried
forward with pace, the opposition retreated, space opened, and Albion were
punished. It was clear that something had to be done but I couldn't see
anyone who could come in and change things in the middle of the park.
The savior was someone most unlikely in my eyes and a few others. I'm still
not a fan of Mark Noble it would be deeply hypocritical to say so. I still
don't think he is good enough. I don't do sentimental choices "He is West
Ham "or "One of us. Yes, it was against a poor West Brom side! But Mark
Noble was absolutely immense. He brought a calmness and reassurance to the
team, two qualities you can't buy. The team grew in confidence as soon as he
appeared on the pitch. He set up chances, switched play, cajoled the team
on. Mark James Noble won it! No doubt about that. The equalizer came when
Aaron Cresswell swung over a perfect cross for Andy Carroll to attack. Up
against Johnny Evans, there was only going to be one winner. The giant
Geordie towered above Evans, to power a header into the back of the net.
Then came that goal which resulted in a 2-1 win for The Hammers. In years to
come we may well look back at the goal, and acknowledge that the goal saved
our season, but also made sure that we still have a bright future, which we
do have. Things are far from perfect, but a lot of others are in a far worse
state than we are.
You have Everton who are owned by Mr. Moshini who The Club owe 180M to.
Brighton owe their owner 214M, Swansea have been taken over by American's
who have not got a pot to piss in. Their Chairman Huw Jenkins, who used to
own The Club desperately wants out. "I bet he does! He knows The Swans are
Pompey No 2 in waiting". What about Southampton? Who have sold 160M worth of
talent to Liverpool but have taken out loans to buy players. With Sky and BT
showing each other's games, do you think The Premier League will get the
same amount of dough for the next TV deal? Of course not! Who is going to
pay for the unsustainable wages? The golden age of football is coming to an
end. West Ham? Better days and a bright future lay ahead. Granted it will
take time, so what! As long as we get there!
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)
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Albion make Livermore statement
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Bromwich Albion have released a statement regarding the incident
involving Jake Livermore that occurred during last night's match at he
Olympic Stadium.
Contrary to reports from other witnesses, the Midlands-based club claim that
the 28-year-midfielder reacted after a spectator made a reference to his
deceased child. "Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was
subjected to general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off," read
the statement. "However, he acknowledges that he moved to confront one
spectator who chose to make a comment about the death of his infant son.
"The club would like to think that all right-minded football supporters
could understand this reaction which did not result in any physical
exchanges before Jake was led away to our dressing room. "Jake is an
outstanding young individual who has the total support of everyone at the
club and he has made it clear he considers this statement to be an end to an
unhappy incident."
West Ham have since studied video footage of the incident and have reported
their findings to the FA. Albion were very appreciative of the swift
response by the officials of West Ham in dealing with this matter and are
more than happy to leave any further action they deem appropriate in their
hands," added West Brom's statement. "The club has responded to an FA
request to offer our observations of the incident and will not be making any
further comment." Albion, who were beaten 2-1 last night are now firmly
entrenched in the relegation zone and four points adrift of safety as a
result.
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FA ask for Livermore explanation
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
The FA have asked West Bromwich Albion midfielder to explain why he jumped
into the crowd to confront spectators during last night's Premier League
match against West Ham. Livermore, 28, was captured on camera leaping over
advertising boards in order to confront a fan, or fans, that he believed had
made derogatory statements.
However according to supporters situated in that particular area of the
ground, the former Tottenham player misheard or misinterpreted a comment
relating to his previous employers. Livermore, who lost his baby son three
years ago believed that the fan in question was referring to the tragic loss
- and reacted accordingly. However that wasn't the case according to an
East Stand season ticket holder, who told KUMB: "The incident happened right
next to me. "Someone shouted something about drugs and Livermore being 'a
y*d' - he must have though the guy said something about his kid. It never
happened though, and the next thing Livermore was in the crowd."
Livermore escaped an FA ban despite testing positive for cocaine shortly
after the loss of his child in 2014. He also suffered successive bouts of
depression at the time.
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Andy Carroll should, if fit, be in England World Cup squad, says Danny Mills
Last Updated: 03/01/18 1:56pm
SSN
Gareth Southgate must consider taking Andy Carroll to the World Cup if the
West Ham striker can stay injury-free, according to former England
international Danny Mills. Carroll scored both of West Ham's goals as David
Moyes' side came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1 at the London Stadium,
lifting the Hammers out of the relegation zone. The 6ft 3in frontman, who
had not scored since April 1 prior to Tuesday night, won the last of his
nine England caps to date under former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson in
2012. But Mills believes Carroll's aerial prowess could be an invaluable
option for England at Russia 2018. "I certainly think he would be a Plan B
or a Plan C, whichever way you want to look at it," Mills told Premier
League Daily on Sky Sports News. "I mean aerially he is fantastic. He is
still, without a doubt, one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier
League. "If he's fit he's got to be worth taking to the World Cup. "I think
there is certainly room for him in the 23 - I think it's his fitness [that
is the only issue]. "You need to take players who are on form, or fit, or
offer something different. Certainly, he offers something different and if
you need to nick a goal, if you need a set piece or need to put a ball into
the box aerially, there aren't too many better headers of the ball in Europe
than Andy Carroll."
West Ham's upturn in form has seen them win three of their last six matches,
and Mills is confident the 16th-placed Hammers will still be playing Premier
League football next season. "I don't think West Ham have any issues about
survival now," Mills said. "I think the bottom of the table is so congested.
With a win and a draw you can almost leap up six places - that's how tight
it is. I think West Ham have enough quality to get themselves out of it."
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West Ham identify fan following Jake Livermore incident
Last Updated: 03/01/18 5:35pm
SSN
West Ham have identified the supporter who was confronted by West Brom
midfielder Jake Livermore during Tuesday's Premier League match. The England
international was involved in an angry confrontation with a West Ham fan
after being substituted in the 64th minute of the 2-1 defeat and was then
escorted down the tunnel. The fan is alleged to have shouted to Livermore,
and an investigation is under way to establish whether he directed abuse
about Livermore's baby son, who died in 2014.
West Ham, who ejected the fan, have said they are looking into the
allegations and will work with West Brom if any further action is required.
West Brom have since sent their observations of the incident to the Football
Association. Livermore was also targeted with taunts about his use of
cocaine during the match last night at the London Stadium. The player tested
positive for the drug in the months after his son's death. The Metropolitan
Police have said they are continuing their own enquiries, despite receiving
no formal complaint, and are speaking to both clubs. In a statement, West
Brom said: "West Bromwich Albion would like to clarify an incident involving
our player Jake Livermore in last night's Premier League game at West Ham.
"Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was subjected to
general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off. However, he
acknowledges that he moved to confront one spectator who chose to make a
comment about the death of his infant son. "The club would like to think
that all right-minded football supporters could understand this reaction
which did not result in any physical exchanges before Jake was led away to
our dressing room. "Jake is an outstanding young individual who has the
total support of everyone at the club and he has made it clear he considers
this statement to be an end to an unhappy incident. "Albion were very
appreciative of the swift response by the officials of West Ham in dealing
with this matter and are more than happy to leave any further action they
deem appropriate in their hands. "The club has responded to an FA request to
offer our observations of the incident and will not be making any further
comment."
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Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United preview: Harry Kane to return to
starting XI
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:49pm
SSN
Harry Kane is set to return to the starting line-up when Tottenham take on
London rivals West Ham in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Thursday. Kane
started on the bench in the 2-0 win over Swansea on Tuesday following
illness but still proved influential in his 22 minutes on the pitch, teeing
up Dele Alli for a late goal that sealed victory in south Wales. "I think it
was a good training session for him to prepare for the next game," Spurs
boss Mauricio Pochettino said of the striker after the victory. "We hope he
will be well in the next 24 hours and he can be ready to play against West
Ham."
Andy Carroll scored twice on his first start since November in a 2-1 win
over West Brom that lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone. And
despite the swift turnaround, he insists he is ready to spearhead the
Hammers' attack once again at Wembley. "It's been very frustrating, I've
been sitting on the bench and it's been tough," he said. "I don't want to be
an impact player coming off the bench. "When I was called upon for this game
I felt like I needed to show what I was about and try to push my way back
into the team from the start. For the lads who've been playing every game,
every two days, it's been tough for them, but I'm feeling good."
While Kane is expected to start from the off, Danny Rose is likely to be
missing again as Tottenham play their second game in 48 hours. Rose will be
assessed after damaging the knee which forced him to miss the start of the
season. Victor Wanyama could make his first start since August following a
knee problem.
West Ham have a host of injury worries for the trip to Wembley, with
defender Aaron Cresswell their latest concern. Cresswell had to go off
against West Brom with a back problem on Tuesday, while Michail Antonio
remains a doubt with a groin injury, Andre Ayew has been struggling with a
tight hamstring and Reece Oxford sprained an ankle in training. Diafra
Sakho, James Collins, Jose Fonte and Sam Byram are also among the absentees.
Opta stats
Tottenham won the reverse fixture 3-2 at the London Stadium, but haven't won
both league meetings with West Ham in a season since the 2012-13 campaign.
West Ham have only won one of their last 15 away league visits to Tottenham
(D5 L9), winning 3-0 in October 2013 under Sam Allardyce. However, the
Hammers beat Spurs 3-2 at Wembley in the EFL Cup this season, overturning a
0-2 half-time deficit to do so.
The last seven meetings between these sides in all competitions with Spurs
as the home side have produced 29 goals, at an average of 4.1 per game.
Spurs have lost three of their last five Premier League London derbies, as
many as they had lost in their previous 21 in the competition.
West Ham have played three competitive London derbies at Wembley Stadium,
winning them all - beating Fulham 2-0 in the 1975 FA Cup final, Arsenal 1-0
in the 1980 FA Cup final, and Spurs 3-2 in the EFL Cup this season.
Spurs have lost just once in their last 29 home Premier League games (W23 D5
L1), with that defeat coming in their first PL home match at Wembley versus
Chelsea in August. Indeed, they've won six and lost none of the nine since
that game.
West Ham have won four points from their last two Premier League away games,
more than they won in the previous nine combined (3).
After a run that saw him score 17 goals in 16 Premier League London derbies,
Harry Kane has scored just three in his last nine, failing to score on seven
occasions. However, the England hitman has scored seven in his last six
against West Ham in the league, including three braces in that time.
Merson's prediction
I know they both have games to play before this but I don't care if West Ham
win 27-0 on Tuesday, they are not beating Tottenham. Spurs are a really good
team and when they get all their players out they score goals and make lots
of chances. The only worry at the moment for me is Hugo Lloris, who is
making some mistakes. It's not like him and I think he is a good goalkeeper
but he has made some sloppy mistakes. I don't know if he is getting bored
because he is a top goalkeeper. But with Tottenham getting players back like
Davinson Sanchez and then Toby Alderweireld they won't concede too many
goals.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
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Marko Arnautovic vows to silence the 'haters' and prove he was worth £27m
West Ham paid Stoke for the forward
Matt Law, football news correspondent
3 JANUARY 2018 • 10:30PM
Marko Arnautovic is determined to prove his "haters" wrong and stay out of
trouble after showing why West Ham United made him their £27 million record
signing.
Following a slow start to his West Ham career, which included a red card in
just his second appearance for the club, Arnautovic has come to life under
David Moyes. He had scored five goals in six games before the visit of West
Bromwich Albion to the London Stadium and set up Andy Carroll's late winner
against Alan Pardew's men on Tuesday night. The victory lifted West Ham out
of the Premier League relegation zone ahead of Thursday night's trip to
London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. "I am 28 and still not where I want to be,"
said Arnautovic. "I am trying hard to get there and I won't stop. I want to
show people – especially the haters – what I am capable of and bring this
club up with everything I have got."
Arnautovic believes he was unfairly singled out for criticism at times
during the start of the season, thanks in large part to the fee West Ham
paid to Stoke City for him. "I had a slow start at West Ham, that's right,"
said Auranutovic. "I came here and expectations were high because the fans
were not quite happy with it. But as football players we have to deal with
the pressure. "We played Manchester United away first game and they're
playing for the title. Then I got a red card. Then I came back and we were
playing against Tottenham. It was hard. Then we played Swansea and I was ill
"I was hot happy with myself, either. Everyone thinks that footballers go on
the pitch and they have so much money that they think about themselves. But
I am not like that. Money is not everything. "Of course, you try to achieve
some things to provide for you and your family, and your club can pay you
whatever they pay you. But, for me, it's important to be healthy, stay on
the pitch and give everything to make performances. This is priority number
one for me. "I hear people saying 'he came for £27m and he's done nothing
for us'. Well, people come to me and tell me, or I read some things but I am
not the type of guy who goes to check every column on Facebook or Instagram.
"Of course, if you score or assist and win the game you are the best player
in the world, but if you lose you are the worst player on the planet. The
fans pay to come to the stadium to see your performance and I want to show
the club that they didn't pay so much for me for nothing."
While Arnautovic wants to please the West Ham fans, he clearly has little
time for the opinions of pundits, former players and journalists. "People
who say I am up and down don't know anything about football," he said.
"People expect me to score and assist every time I play. But sometimes I
score and I go home and think I didn't play very well. But because I scored
they say 'wow he was amazing!' but I wasn't. "These people don't know what
tactics the coach has given you, what you have to do in the game, tracking
your runner, tracking defenders, going inside and trying to help the team.
"Sometimes you win 2-0 and don't score or make an assist, but you know you
played well because you did everything for the team. But the newspapers,
media and television only see when you score and say you're the best. "They
judge me on scoring and making assists, but it can't be in every game. Of
course, I want to score and help the team with my assists and everything but
sometimes it doesn't work. But I am still working hard for the team. "If you
have done this after 90 minutes, you can be proud. When I score and miss
five chances and lose 20 balls, then I can't be happy with my performance."
Arnautovic arrived in England in 2013 with a bad boy reputation, having
grown up around gang culture in Vienna and experienced problems at former
clubs Inter Milan and Werder Bremen. But he insists his wild days are behind
him and wants to stay away from controversy. "I would change many things
from when I was young, but I am also grateful and happy that I am here. I am
not finished," said Arnautovic. "Things outside football have stopped me and
I didn't concentrate or focus back then. "It was not easy for me. My parents
made it easy for me, but I always chose to be the other way. I wasn't a
gangster or anything, but out on the estate playing football in the streets,
not on the grass but on the asphalt. "When I was with my friends of course
there were fights. But I was always telling them – 'think about this. Don't
rob someone and go to jail when you are young, for nothing'. "I told them
'if you rob someone you might have money but you'll need to do it again
every three days. Whereas if you work you will have steady money every
month'. "I always wanted to be the centre of the group the man in the group,
deciding everything. I was this kind of guy in our group with my best
friend. We looked everyone in the eye. "Most of the time we played football,
let's not exaggerate. We played in the cage. We played on the streets, on
the grass. "If I had continued to be that person I was then I wouldn't be
here now. I was scared a career in football would never happen if I carried
on. I knew I had to go away and see some different things and calm down.
"The life of a footballer is not long, so I knew that I had to give
everything. Now, I train and go home and be with my family. "I now have two
daughters and one day they will read everything about their dad. I want them
only to read good things about me. No scandals or anything. "I want my kids
to be proud of their dad. They deserve a good life because they are my
everything. I've seen everything in my life and if I can't teach them,
nobody can teach them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 4
Wednesday, January 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd January 2018
Carroll double sees off Baggies
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll's first two goals of the season saw West Ham United come from
behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in dramatic fashion. A 30th minute
deflected strike by James McClean gave West Brom and former Hammers manager
Alan Pardew the lead at half-time, but Carroll's well-placed header levelled
the match around the hour mark. Both sides had opportunities to add to their
respective goal tallies. Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic came close for
the Irons while Salomon Rondson wasn't far off a chipped effort. But the
scoreline remained 1-1 until the dying moments of the game when Carroll
swept home his second from a narrow angle. The first real chance of the game
fell to the away side as Rondon got between the West Ham defenders and
attempted a lob, which just sailed over Adrian's crossbar. An excellent
opportunity fell to Lanzini midway through the first period when a contested
aerial ball fell kindly for the Argentinian. The No10's half-volleyed effort
was well-struck, but straight at Ben Foster, who palmed away. Carroll, back
in the starting XI, saw a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area
narrowly go over while McClean tested Adrian with a swerving strike. The
Baggies took the lead on half an hour as McClean got the better of Adrian,
as his effort from around 20 yards took a massive deflection off of Angelo
Ogbonna and found the net. Lanzini came very close to levelling the match
seven minutes before half-time when he brought down a Cheikhou Kouyate cross
with a sensational touch, but his curling shot was expertly saved by Foster,
as the Baggies entered half-time 1-0 up.
Captain Mark Noble was brought on at half-time as David Moyes look to
introduce some urgency to his side's performance, and there was almost a
leveller a minute into the second period. Marko Arnautovic found Carroll in
the box but the No9's shot was over the woodwork. On 59 minutes Carroll had
his goa!. The striker rose perfectly between the West Brom centre-backs to
head home a pinpoint Aaron Cresswell cross, giving the 28-year-old his first
finish since April.
Less than ten minutes later Arnautovic came close to yet another goal, with
the Austrian linking well with Lanzini and getting into a promising
position. His subtle dink was kept out by Foster's feet. There were hearts
in mouths at London Stadium as it looked like West Brom substitute Oliver
Burke was going to race through into a one-on-one situation, but some
excellent running by Ogbonna saw the Italian make a vital block, keeping the
score level. And, with the final moments ticking away and the chances of a
victory seemingly gone, Lanzini made a final burst forward and played the
ball to Arnautovic. The No7's ball found Carroll, who calmly converted his
second and the winning effort.
West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Rice 76'),
Masuaku (Chicharito 73'); Obiang (Noble 46'), Kouyate; Lanzini, Arnautovic,
Carroll
Subs not used: Hart, Quina, Haksabanovic, Ayew
Goals: Carroll 59' 90+4'
West Brom: Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Livermore (Robson-Kanu
64'), Yacob (Barry 83'), Krychowiak, McClean; Rodriguez (Burke 71'), Rondon
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Brunt, Field
Goals: McClean 30'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We kept at it and got the reward
WHUFC.com
David Moyes claimed West Ham United got their reward for keeping at it in a
2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion at London Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Hammers had Andy Carroll to thank after the big forward – restored to
the starting XI for the clash – grabbed his second of the game four minutes
into injury time to give the hosts all three points. And after frustrating
results against Newcastle United and Bournemouth in recent games in the
Premier League, the boss believed it was just for his side to finally pick
up maximum points. He said: "It was a vital three points for us. The win is
so important and it could have gone either way on the night. "We've been
unlucky against Newcastle and then we felt we should have won the game
against Bournemouth, so we've won the game tonight and that was maybe just
for us. "We have kept at it tonight and we've got a better reward for it.
For long periods, we needed to do more – especially at the back – but in the
end we got that reward."
It looked as though it was not going to be the east Londoners' night in
their first fixture of 2018 when the Baggies took the lead through James
McClean's deflected strike. And having gone into the break 1-0 down before
Carroll lifted the roof off London Stadium, Moyes admitted his side were not
good enough in the first period. "First half, I didn't think we played
well," he explained. "I think the system we played didn't work at all where
before it has been good for us. "We got 15 yards further up the pitch in the
second half but we weren't at the races in the first half. "Mark [Noble]
came on and gave us a bit more experience in the second half. We were a bit
worried because he's only just come back from a hamstring injury and you can
see the amount of injuries teams are picking up. "But we stepped it up and
although we still needed to do more at the back, it was great to get the
win."
Having been selected to play from the start for the first time since the
back end of November against Leicester City, the Big Man repaid the
manager's faith with his first two goals of the season and Moyes was
delighted with the 28-year-old. "I think the first goal, there are not many
centre-halves who could deal with Andy's leap and jump and the ball in was
terrific. You have to give Andy great credit for the finish on the second
one. "The reason he's not been playing has been because the boys who have
been playing there have been doing well. "Michy Antonio has been, Marko
[Arnautovic] has been scoring goals and it's been the other end we've had to
do better. "Tonight we have got the result and we have got to move on and
look ahead to our next games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll: The fans deserved it and the lads did too
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll said his two-goal show against West Bromwich Albion was the
reward for West Ham United fans and players alike. The centre forward was
the hero as the Hammers roared back from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 victory
with virtually the last kick of the game. And Carroll said his ability to
keep going for the whole 90 minutes, plus added time, on his first Premier
League start since 24 November, was the result of putting in the hard yards
at Rush Green. "It was good. It was nice to get a start and get some goals
and the three points," the No9 told West Ham TV. "It was a fantastic night
and I think the fans deserved it and the lads did too. "It's tough when
you're only training and not getting the match-time that you want. You've
got to keep training and keep match-fit. "It's tough just training and
coming on for ten or 15 minutes, it's really tough, but you've got to keep
working hard and doing the extras in training to keep yourself fit for
nights like this when you're called upon."
Carroll was also full of praise for his teammates, including Mark Noble, who
came off the bench to produce a fine second-half performance, and Aaron
Cresswell, whose left-wing cross provided the assist for his thumping headed
equaliser. "It's massive to come from behind and win. We've got a great
group of lads in the dressing room and they love coming in every day and
enjoying it. That's the group that we've got. "The game changed after
half-time. Nobes came on and he kept the ball for us and distributed it
well. He had a good game. "It was an all right ball in from Cress, but I
made it look better! I told him just to put it in and I'd get it. He's put a
great ball in and I've managed to get above the defender and any touch on it
and would go in the back of the net. It was a great ball."
The Hammers will enjoy a recovery session at Rush Green on Wednesday before
resting up ahead of Thursday night's trip to Wembley Stadium to face
Tottenham Hotspur. A second victory in the space of 48 hours will see West
Ham rise to eleventh in the table, and Carroll says a similarly hard-working
display at the Home of Football can turn that hope into reality. "We've been
working hard. It's been tough for the lads who've been playing every game,
but we just dug in. "We went 1-0 down and it was difficult to take off the
deflection, so we knew we had to come out in the second half and prove to
ourselves that we were better than that. We grinded and got the ball in the
box and had a couple of chances and thankfully we took them. "All the lads
want to go into the game against Spurs on the back of a win. We've got a bit
of recovery time now. The games come thick and fast so we'll recover and go
again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I've always said Carroll is better with his right foot! - Noble
WHUFC.com
Captain Mark Noble has joked that he's always known Andy Carroll is a better
finisher with his right foot, after the striker scored the winning goal with
his supposedly weaker side against West Brom. The Baggies – managed by
former Hammers boss Alan Pardew – had taken the lead in the first match of
2018 at London Stadium after James McClean's deflected strike found the back
of the net, but two second half efforts from Carroll gave the Irons the
victory. The first was a trademark Carroll header, with the forward rising
between the West Brom defenders to nod home his first goal of the season on
the hour mark, while his second came in the last minute of the game, as the
28-year-old swept home from a narrow angle with his right boot. And Noble
believes the stoppage time winner proves his belief that Carroll is, in
fact, better with his right foot than his left. "I've always said his
[Carroll's] right foot is better than his left foot!" A beaming Noble
laughed after the match. "I think he's proved it there with that finish!"
The skipper continued: "I truly believed that if we got a goal then it would
be tough for West Brom to hold out. West Brom haven't won in a long time,
although to be honest, when Marko Arnautovic flashed our last counter-attack
across the goal I thought the game was over." Carroll joined Noble for the
post-match interview and admitted he was relieved to find the net, after a
late run into the box saw him in the right place to win the match. Carroll
admitted: "It was tight at the end but if I didn't get in the box I would
have got some stick so I had to keep up with play! "It's been a while. I
haven't started the last couple of games so it's good to get on the pitch
again and get the goals. I'm relieved." The striker added: "It was a tough
game. We are disappointed with the goal we gave away and then obviously we
had to keep battling on, to keep pushing them, which we did. "We came out
second half and got the goals. It's nice to get the points at home. The fans
deserve that and we gave them a good game."
Noble was full of praise for his teammate and friend, hailing Carroll's work
ethic and determination up front for the Irons. The midfielder said: "I sit
next to him every day in the changing room and I know that scoring goals
means a lot to him, as it does to every striker. He's dug in and deserved
that today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
West Ham boss David Moyes said he had sympathy for West Brom counterpart
Alan Pardew over the scheduling of matches after the Hammers came from
behind to snatch a dramatic victory over the Baggies. Playing for the second
time in three days, Albion went ahead through James McClean's deflected
strike, but Andy Carroll scored twice, including a 94th-minute winner, to
take West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone. The Baggies had
asked the Premier League to postpone Tuesday's match, which came only two
days after they played Arsenal. West Ham had been inactive since 26
December. "If I was Alan Pardew I would be completely disappointed with the
way the Premier League has set it up for them," said Moyes. "You would not
have thought they were the team that played two days ago."
West Brom have not won any of their eight games since Pardew was appointed
at the end of November, and he felt his team were physically and mentally
tired at London Stadium. "We had players hanging at the end. They had more
energy than us and it showed," said Pardew, who had a three-year spell in
charge of the Hammers between 2003 and 2006. "Our effort with only a two-day
turnaround was amazing. I thought we were tired in mind, which is what you
would expect."
Baggies midfielder Jake Livermore was involved in a heated exchange with
some home fans when he was substituted in the second half - and West Ham
said they would look into the incident. Defeat stretches West Brom's
winless run to 21 games in all competitions - their last victory a 3-1
defeat of League Two Accrington in the second round of the Carabao Cup on 22
August. Prior to that, the Baggies had started the season with back-to-back
league victories - and they looked on course for a rare success here when
McClean's effort deflected off Angelo Ogbonna and looped over Adrian to put
West Brom ahead.
Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster helped his side maintain their lead as he
saved well from Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic, but he could not do
anything about Carroll's powerful headed equaliser, the striker converting
Aaron Cresswell's fine left-wing cross. The visitors had chances of their
own to retake the lead as substitute Oliver Burke twice wasted
opportunities. And, with the clock ticking down, Burke gave the ball away
with a poor cross, from which West Ham countered. Lanzini played it to
Arnautovic and his low cross found Carroll, who converted from a tight angle
to give the Hammers the three points and take them above Stoke and
Southampton into 16th.
Man of the match - Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Andy Carroll has played nine times for England, with his last international
appearance coming in 2012
West Brom are now winless in 20 Premier League games. Only three clubs have
had a longer winless run in the competition (Derby 32, Sunderland 26 and
Norwich 21).
Carroll now has eight goals in his past eight Premier League starts in the
month of January.
Only Joey Barton (five) has assisted more Premier League goals for Carroll
than Cresswell (four).
McClean has scored three goals against West Ham in the Premier League (seven
appearances). He has not scored more than one against any other side in the
competition.
McClean's opener for West Brom was his first Premier League goal in 472 days
- that goal also came against the Hammers.
Arnautovic has now been directly involved in six goals in his past six
league games (five goals, one assist). He had been involved in none in his
previous 11 before this run.
'We got the reward for keeping at it' - what they said
West Ham manager David Moyes said: "It was so important as it could have
gone either way. The first half was not good, but the second half was much
more like it. We got the reward for keeping at it. "Our hopes are not to be
in the relegation positions, but we are in there. I am told it is the first
time the club has come from behind since we moved to the stadium." On
Carroll, Moyes added: "I don't think any centre-half would be able to deal
with his jump and header. "The second goal was good play on the break and
the ball was played across goal and Andy scores from a tight angle. If he
hadn't scored, I would have said he still played well."
Tired minds cost Baggies a point - Pardew
West Brom boss Alan Pardew said: "It was heartbreaking for the players. It
is such a disappointment to concede a goal like that. "We were better in the
first half, but we conceded too much possession in the second half and the
[two-day] turnaround has done for us. "We were unfortunate to lose Matty
Phillips in the warm-up [with a hamstring injury]. I tried to freshen things
up, but it was difficult and they had more energy than us."
What's next?
This was the first of three games in six days for West Ham. The Hammers play
at Wembley against Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday, 4 January
(20:00 GMT) before another away match, at League One side Shrewsbury Town,
in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. That tie will be broadcast live on BBC
One with the programme starting at 13:40 GMT and kick-off at 14:00 GMT.
After two games in three days for West Brom, Pardew's side do not play again
until Saturday, with an away tie at League Two Exeter City in the third
round of the FA Cup (15:00 GMT).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jake Livermore: West Ham to investigate West Brom midfielder's altercation
with fans
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will look into the events that led to West Brom midfielder Jake
Livermore's confrontation with home fans at London Stadium on Tuesday.
Livermore was substituted in the second-half of his side's 2-1 defeat. The
England international then got involved in a heated exchange with some West
Ham supporters and needed escorting down the tunnel. West Brom manager Alan
Pardew said he did not know what prompted Livermore to react as he did.
"Obviously you don't want to see a player in the crowd," said the Baggies
boss. "There's no way he's going in the crowd - because I know him, he's a
great lad - unless he was provoked severely. That's all I know. "I haven't
had a chance to talk to Jake. I'll speak to Jake and we'll go from there."
West Ham manager David Moyes said he did not see the incident, but added: "I
didn't know about it, but I've been told something happened."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have three bids rejected as they look to bolster squad
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham have already had three bids turned down as they attempt to bolster
manager David Moyes' squad during the January transfer window. The Hammers
have had mixed results since Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on 7 November. They
beat Chelsea and drew with Arsenal, but have lost four times, including at
home to fellow strugglers Newcastle. One player set to leave this month is
striker Diafra Sakho. The 28-year-old was close to joining French club
Rennes in the summer and, while he is still highly regarded by some at West
Ham, it has been decided he will be allowed to leave if the club receive an
acceptable offer. The Hammers have dropped into the Premier League
relegation zone before Tuesday's game against second-bottom West Brom at the
London Stadium. Moyes has identified the areas he wishes to strengthen but,
as yet, the club have been unable to do deals in what has been described as
a "difficult market". Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, Newcastle midfielder
Jonjo Shelvey and Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter are the latest players
to be linked, with Moyes known to be keen to bring in more players with
Premier League experience.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 2-1 WEST BROM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 2 JANUARY 2018 AT 10:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham won today in their first Premier League match of 2018 to West
Bromwich, as the Baggies were unable to take advantage of continuing lapses
in defending on a rainy night in the London Stadium. But West Ham did have
to come back from an early deficit and needed some stoppage time theatrics
to bring a much needed win to the London Stadium supporters who braved the
cold weather.
Early on in the opening half, West Ham really created some opportunities.
The home club had the edge in possession and shots during the first half;
however, it was some poor defending by West Ham's central defenders that
really put their side in early trouble.
In the 30th minute James McClean took the ball the length of the pitch and
then struck his deflected shot looping over Adrian's reach, to give the
Baggies the early lead.
Both Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautouvic had chances, and Andy Carroll was
largely ineffective in the opening half. Adrian did have some well-played
saves, but the half ended 0-1.
During the break David Moyes brought on Mark Noble to replace Pedro Obiang
in midfield, perhaps hoping the captain could better organize a very
disjointed-looking side.
In the second half, finally West Ham were able to muster a goal. Aaron
Cresswell, after some misses, finally had a great cross to Andy Carroll who
headed it home. To everyone's relief, including Carroll, West Ham was now
even.
Over the next 30 minutes both teams had their chances. For West Brom, Ben
Foster played very well, probably denying Lanzini on two sure goals, just by
playing tough and showing smart positioning after Lanzini found open shots.
By the late minutes of the match, it just seemed that the fans and the
players were going to will the home club to all three points. And finally
late in stoppage time Arnautovic led a counter and crossed to Hernandez.
Arnie's cross was off target and went behind Chicharito but charging down
the right channel of the penalty box was Andy Carroll, whose short strike
went past Ben Foster and gave West Ham the 2-1 victory.
After five months of openly wondering whether Andy Carroll's role on this
club had passed, the tall Geordie certainly earned his wage today. History
has shown either injury or a red card tends to keep Carroll from stringing
together a good run of matches. Hopefully, he can continue to contribute as
West Ham have a brutal start to the first week of the new year.
The other enigma is Javier Hernandez. Whether his relationship with Moyes
is sour, or he's still recovering from his international injury, Chicharito
is too good a player to spend as much time on the bench as he has. Possibly
this quick turnaround against Spurs in two days will open up more playing
time for Hernandez and Ayew and allow those players to show their worth to
the team.
Hopefully West Ham can find better defensive structure before they face
Harry Kane in Wembley. It seems obvious that this relegation battle isn't
going to end anytime soon. West Ham is a club in need of any points it can
collect. But the late game winner today certainly was a great way to begin
a new year.
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Kouyate,
Obiang, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Carroll.
Subs: Hart, Noble (45'), Rice (76'), Haksabanovic, Quina, Ayew, Hernandez
(73')
West Brom: Foster, Gibbs, Yacob, Evans (c), Rondon, Phillips, McClean,
Rodriguez, Krychowiak, Dawson, Hegazi.
Subs: Myhill, Brunt, McAuley, Livermore, Robson-Kanu (64'), Field, Burke
(71') Barry (83')
Referee: Mike Jones
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are out of the bottom three thanks to a last-gasp winner from Andy
Carroll at the Olympic Stadium tonight. The big striker scored his first
goal of the season to cancel out James McClean's first half opener - before
doubling his tally for the season in the last of four added-on minutes at
the end of the regulation 90. On a nervous night in east London, West Ham
triumphed - eventually - despite producing a performance lacking in any
flair or real cohesion. However it was to prove enough to see off an Albion
side that only 24 hours previously had sought to have the match postponed
due to a congested fixture schedule. West Ham had the clearest chance of the
opening exchanges when Manuel Lanzini brought out the best in Ben Foster
with a snap shot from 13 yards. Yet it was the visitors who opened the
scoring on the half-hour mark - against the run of play - when James
McClean's speculative shot from distance looped up and over an unprepared
Adrian, having taken a major deflection via Pedro Obiang who was attempting
to make a last-ditch tackle. With no further goals in the opening half,
David Moyes introduced club captain Mark Noble to reinforce a below-par
central midfield. It paid immediate dividends for the Hammers, who were far
more competitive in the middle third after the break.
However West Ham's key man was to be Andy Carroll, rewarded with a starting
spot tonight which he fully justified. Having narrowly failed to convert
Marko Arnautovic's superb cross minutes earlier, he rose highest to nod home
Aaron Cresswell's delivery in order to draw United level a minute ahead of
the hour.
It appeared briefly as if the major talking points of the game thereafter
would be Jake Livermore's 'disagreement' with a section of home fans behind
the dugouts and Billy MckInlay's subsequent touchline bust-up with Alan
Pardew. But Carroll was to ensure that those incidents were to be denied
potential column inches when he struck in the final of four added-on minutes
to win West Ham three huge points in their battle to avoid relegation.
Arnautovic and Lanzini, architects of the best open play West Ham produced
throughout the game combined on the left, before the latter's low cross
evaded all inside the box except Carroll, who finished from an acute angle
to the delight of those hardy souls who had remained until the bitter end.
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Rice 76), Masuaku
(Hernandez 73), Obiang (Noble 46), Kouyate, Lanzini, Arnautovic, Carroll.
Subs not used: Hart, Quina, Haksabanovic, Ayew.
Goals: Carroll (59, 90+4).
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs, Livermore
(Robson-Kanu 64), Yacob (Barry 83), Krychowiak, McClean, Rodriguez (Burke
71), Rondon.
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Brunt, Field.
Goals: McClean (30).
Referee: Mike Jones.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2-1 West Brom: Andy Carroll double inspires Hammers
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:32am
SSN
Andy Carroll struck a stoppage-time winner as West Ham came from behind for
the first time this season to beat relegation rivals West Brom 2-1 at the
London Stadium. Carroll brought a nine-month goal drought to an end in
emphatic fashion, cancelling out James McClean's deflected opener (30) on 59
minutes before firing the winner deep into time added on. It was a bitter
pill for Alan Pardew to swallow on his return his former employers as the
Baggies' winless run in the Premier League stretches to an unenviable 20
games. The result lifts the Hammers up to 16th in the table, five points
clear of West Brom in 19th, who remain firmly in the relegation mire.
Player ratings
Home Team: Adrian (6), Zabaleta (6), Ogbonna (5), Reid (5), Cresswell (6),
Obiang (5), Kouyate (6), Masuaku (5), Lanzini (7), Arnautovic (7), Carroll
(8).
Subs: Rice (6), Noble (7), Chicharito (6).
Away Team: Foster (8), Dawson (6), Evans (6), Hegazi (6), Gibbs (6),
Livermore (6) Yacob (5), Krychowiak (5), McClean (7), Rodriguez (5), Rondon
(6).
Subs: Barry (5), Burke (5), Robson-Kanu (5).
Man of the Match: Andy Carroll.
With West Ham without a win in three, and West Brom winless in 19, there was
an understandable degree of caution from both sides for the opening quarter
of this bottom-of-the-table clash. Salomon Rondon's chipped effort nestled
on the roof of the net on 14 minutes and that drew a response from the
Hammers as Manuel Lanzini's rasping drive forced Ben Foster into action
seven minutes later. The Baggies had a helping hand against Arsenal as a
contentious penalty saw them snatch a point, and fortune was on their side
once more as McClean's strike, after some pitiful defending from Winston
Reid, deflected off Pedro Obiang and over the hapless Adrian.
West Brom pushed for a second but going behind galvanised the disjointed
Hammers as Lanzini's low 39th-minute effort drew another fine stop from
Foster, who bravely thwarted Kouyate from converting Carroll's knock-down
four minutes later. Adrian stopped a Jonny Evans toe-poke on the line before
the break from which West Ham returned revitalised, Carroll turning Marko
Arnautovic's whipped cross over within a minute of the restart. But Carroll
was not to be denied as he hauled the Hammers level with a towering header
from Aaron Cresswell's cross shortly before the hour - his first goal since
April 1. And, after Jake Livermore was involved in an altercation with West
Ham supporters following his 64th-minute substitution, Carroll capped his
return to form by firing Arnautovic's cross home from a narrow angle at the
death.
Opta stats
West Brom are now winless in 20 Premier League games - only three clubs have
ever had a longer winless run in the competition (Derby 32, Sunderland 26
and Norwich 21).
Andy Carroll now has eight goals in his last eight Premier League starts in
the month of January.
Only Joey Barton (5) has assisted more Premier League goals for Andy Carroll
than Aaron Cresswell (4).
James McClean has scored three goals against West Ham in the Premier League
(7 apps), he hasn't scored more than one against any other side in the
competition.
McClean's opener for West Brom was his first Premier League goal in 472 days
- that goal also came against the Hammers.
Marko Arnautovic has now been directly involved in six goals in his last six
league games (5 goals, 1 assist) - he had been involved in none in his
previous 11 before this run.
The managers
David Moyes: "You can see how important a win that was. They were top goals
from Andy. I don't know if there are many centre halves that could have
dealt with his leap for the first goal, and I must say the ball in is
terrific. You have to give him great credit for the finish for the second."
David Moyes said Andy Carroll's opener couldn't be defended against and
praised the forward's impact in West Ham's win over West Brom.
Alan Pardew: "That's a tough one to take, the two-day turnaround cost us in
the end. We just ran out of legs, we couldn't keep going. To concede in that
manner is heart-breaking for the players. It was difficult for us, they had
more energy than us and it showed."
Man of the Match - Andy Carroll
West Ham look to have escaped with a point after an abject display in front
of their own supporters but, having already equalised, Carroll provided the
perfect finishing touch. The Hammers frontman buried a trademark header to
end the longest goal drought of his career and, like London buses, his
second soon followed as he fired home from a tight angle to snatch the
victory.
The pundit
Matt Murray: "Wow, what a game. I thought with so much riding on it down the
bottom that West Brom away from home might play on the counter-attack and
make it an edgy affair, but right from the start both teams were going for
it. West Ham, through Andy Carroll, were calm and clinical at the end then
they deserved it."
What's next?
Tottenham vs West Ham
January 4, 2018, 7:30pm
West Ham make the trip to Wembley on Thursday to take on London rivals
Tottenham - live on Sky Sports Premier League - before travelling to
Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Sunday. In between those games, West Brom head
to Devon for their FA Cup third-round clash with Exeter City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes salutes Andy Carroll after striker rekindles goalscoring touch
Last Updated: 03/01/18 12:17am
SSN
David Moyes questioned whether any Premier League defenders could deal with
Andy Carroll's aerial threat after he fired West Ham to victory over West
Brom.
Carroll ended nine months without a goal in emphatic fashion with a
second-half double at the London Stadium, the second of which came deep into
stoppage time. His first, West Ham's equaliser, was a trademark towering
header which left Jonny Evans and Kieran Gibbs grounded, and Moyes was
jubilant after his striker's return to form. "They were top goals," he told
Sky Sports. "I don't know if there are many centre-halves that could have
dealt with his leap for the first goal, and I must say the ball in is
terrific. "And you have to give him great credit for the finish for the
second goal."
The Hammers moved five points clear of West Brom with the dramatic 2-1
victory, a result which stretched the Baggies' winless run in the Premier
League to 20 games. It ended a run of four games without a win in all
competitions for Moyes' men, and, despite conceding West Ham were not at
their best, the Scot demanded his side to push on. "You can see how
important it was, it would have been the same had West Brom scored, Alan
[Pardew] would have felt the same," he added. "It was vital three points for
us. "We've come close, we were unlucky against Newcastle a few weeks ago and
obviously felt we should have won the game at Bournemouth and we didn't, so
to do it today was maybe just. "We didn't play well, maybe the system we
played, which has been good for us, didn't work at all tonight. "But we made
the changes, got 15 yards further up the field and were the better team in
the second half, but we weren't at the races in the first half. For long
periods we didn't do well at the back, but in the end we got our rewards.
"We want to be out of the bottom three. Psychologically you don't want to be
in it at all, I was disappointed when we did slip back into it, but tonight
we got a result and we've got to try and move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jake Livermore escorted down tunnel after West Ham fan altercation
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:31am
SSN
Jake Livermore had an altercation with a set of supporters after he was
substituted in West Brom's defeat to West Ham. Jake Livermore was involved
in a bust-up with West Ham fans during West Brom's 2-1 defeat at the London
Stadium on Tuesday.
The England international, who had been substituted in the 64th-minute, had
to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident. Baggies boss Alan
Pardew admitted he saw Livermore in among the crowd but did not know what
had happened to prompt his actions. "The only thing I know is I see Jake in
the crowd, which disturbed me," he said. "Obviously you don't want to see a
player in the crowd. "There's no way he's going in the crowd - because I
know him, he's a great lad - unless he was provoked severely. That's all I
know. "I haven't had a chance to talk to Jake. I'll speak to Jake and we'll
go from there."
West Ham manager David Moyes claimed he did not see the incident, but added:
"I didn't know about it, but I've been told something happened."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Reece Burke sparks January transfer chase as six
Championship clubs battle to sign him
Sunderland are understood to have registered an interest, along with
Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Sheffield United
The Mirror
Reece Burke is returning to West Ham as Bolton face competition from a host
of Championship clubs to keep hold of the young defender. Burke, 21, has
impressed on loan at the Macron Stadium so far this season scoring one in 15
outings for Phil Parkinson's side. But his temporary deal came to an end
this week and he has gone back to the London Stadium, where he could yet win
over new Hammers boss David Moyes. Bolton are keen to bring back the
highly-rated youngster until the end of the season. However, a host of rival
Championship clubs are in the market to sign the 6ft 3in star. Sunderland
are understood to have registered an interest, along with Nottingham Forest,
Barnsley and Sheffield United. Promotion-chasing Derby County are also keen
on Burke, who burst on the scene under former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce in
2014 before making handful of appearances under Slaven Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes reveals bad news about West Ham United's Reece Oxford
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United's Reece Oxford is already injured, confirmed David Moyes.
David Moyes has revealed to West Ham United fan website Knees Up Mother
Brown that he doesn't expect linked-away Reece Oxford to play any part when
the Irons visit Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow night. The 19-year-old defender
only returned to West Ham on Sunday after his season-long loan at Borussia
Monchengladbach was cut short late last month. It remains to be seen what
kind of role Moyes envisages for the teenager who, according to Sky Sports,
was the subject of a £10 million bid by the German side yesterday. Moyes was
without centre-halves Jose Fonte and James Collins for Tuesday's dramatic
2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion and the Scottish boss has revealed that
Oxford has joined the walking wounded, though it's not yet clear how serious
his sprained ankle is. He said on KUMB: "Reece Oxford kicked the ground in
training. He kicked the ground and it's given him a sprained ankle so he
probably might not be fit for Thursday."
Moyes stopped short on offering a prognosis but if it's a lengthy one then
it might well see him stay in East London beyond the transfer window,
despite reported interest. Oxford might've made Moyes's matchday squad for
the trip across London to Wembley tomorrow, depending on Collins's issue,
but Declan Rice's presence means that the Hammers aren't totally short on
alternatives to Angelo Ogbonna or Winston Reid.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll's first two goals of the season saw West Ham United come from
behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in dramatic fashion. A 30th minute
deflected strike by James McClean gave West Brom and former Hammers manager
Alan Pardew the lead at half-time, but Carroll's well-placed header levelled
the match around the hour mark. Both sides had opportunities to add to their
respective goal tallies. Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic came close for
the Irons while Salomon Rondson wasn't far off a chipped effort. But the
scoreline remained 1-1 until the dying moments of the game when Carroll
swept home his second from a narrow angle. The first real chance of the game
fell to the away side as Rondon got between the West Ham defenders and
attempted a lob, which just sailed over Adrian's crossbar. An excellent
opportunity fell to Lanzini midway through the first period when a contested
aerial ball fell kindly for the Argentinian. The No10's half-volleyed effort
was well-struck, but straight at Ben Foster, who palmed away. Carroll, back
in the starting XI, saw a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area
narrowly go over while McClean tested Adrian with a swerving strike. The
Baggies took the lead on half an hour as McClean got the better of Adrian,
as his effort from around 20 yards took a massive deflection off of Angelo
Ogbonna and found the net. Lanzini came very close to levelling the match
seven minutes before half-time when he brought down a Cheikhou Kouyate cross
with a sensational touch, but his curling shot was expertly saved by Foster,
as the Baggies entered half-time 1-0 up.
Captain Mark Noble was brought on at half-time as David Moyes look to
introduce some urgency to his side's performance, and there was almost a
leveller a minute into the second period. Marko Arnautovic found Carroll in
the box but the No9's shot was over the woodwork. On 59 minutes Carroll had
his goa!. The striker rose perfectly between the West Brom centre-backs to
head home a pinpoint Aaron Cresswell cross, giving the 28-year-old his first
finish since April.
Less than ten minutes later Arnautovic came close to yet another goal, with
the Austrian linking well with Lanzini and getting into a promising
position. His subtle dink was kept out by Foster's feet. There were hearts
in mouths at London Stadium as it looked like West Brom substitute Oliver
Burke was going to race through into a one-on-one situation, but some
excellent running by Ogbonna saw the Italian make a vital block, keeping the
score level. And, with the final moments ticking away and the chances of a
victory seemingly gone, Lanzini made a final burst forward and played the
ball to Arnautovic. The No7's ball found Carroll, who calmly converted his
second and the winning effort.
West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Rice 76'),
Masuaku (Chicharito 73'); Obiang (Noble 46'), Kouyate; Lanzini, Arnautovic,
Carroll
Subs not used: Hart, Quina, Haksabanovic, Ayew
Goals: Carroll 59' 90+4'
West Brom: Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Livermore (Robson-Kanu
64'), Yacob (Barry 83'), Krychowiak, McClean; Rodriguez (Burke 71'), Rondon
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Brunt, Field
Goals: McClean 30'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We kept at it and got the reward
WHUFC.com
David Moyes claimed West Ham United got their reward for keeping at it in a
2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion at London Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Hammers had Andy Carroll to thank after the big forward – restored to
the starting XI for the clash – grabbed his second of the game four minutes
into injury time to give the hosts all three points. And after frustrating
results against Newcastle United and Bournemouth in recent games in the
Premier League, the boss believed it was just for his side to finally pick
up maximum points. He said: "It was a vital three points for us. The win is
so important and it could have gone either way on the night. "We've been
unlucky against Newcastle and then we felt we should have won the game
against Bournemouth, so we've won the game tonight and that was maybe just
for us. "We have kept at it tonight and we've got a better reward for it.
For long periods, we needed to do more – especially at the back – but in the
end we got that reward."
It looked as though it was not going to be the east Londoners' night in
their first fixture of 2018 when the Baggies took the lead through James
McClean's deflected strike. And having gone into the break 1-0 down before
Carroll lifted the roof off London Stadium, Moyes admitted his side were not
good enough in the first period. "First half, I didn't think we played
well," he explained. "I think the system we played didn't work at all where
before it has been good for us. "We got 15 yards further up the pitch in the
second half but we weren't at the races in the first half. "Mark [Noble]
came on and gave us a bit more experience in the second half. We were a bit
worried because he's only just come back from a hamstring injury and you can
see the amount of injuries teams are picking up. "But we stepped it up and
although we still needed to do more at the back, it was great to get the
win."
Having been selected to play from the start for the first time since the
back end of November against Leicester City, the Big Man repaid the
manager's faith with his first two goals of the season and Moyes was
delighted with the 28-year-old. "I think the first goal, there are not many
centre-halves who could deal with Andy's leap and jump and the ball in was
terrific. You have to give Andy great credit for the finish on the second
one. "The reason he's not been playing has been because the boys who have
been playing there have been doing well. "Michy Antonio has been, Marko
[Arnautovic] has been scoring goals and it's been the other end we've had to
do better. "Tonight we have got the result and we have got to move on and
look ahead to our next games."
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Carroll: The fans deserved it and the lads did too
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll said his two-goal show against West Bromwich Albion was the
reward for West Ham United fans and players alike. The centre forward was
the hero as the Hammers roared back from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 victory
with virtually the last kick of the game. And Carroll said his ability to
keep going for the whole 90 minutes, plus added time, on his first Premier
League start since 24 November, was the result of putting in the hard yards
at Rush Green. "It was good. It was nice to get a start and get some goals
and the three points," the No9 told West Ham TV. "It was a fantastic night
and I think the fans deserved it and the lads did too. "It's tough when
you're only training and not getting the match-time that you want. You've
got to keep training and keep match-fit. "It's tough just training and
coming on for ten or 15 minutes, it's really tough, but you've got to keep
working hard and doing the extras in training to keep yourself fit for
nights like this when you're called upon."
Carroll was also full of praise for his teammates, including Mark Noble, who
came off the bench to produce a fine second-half performance, and Aaron
Cresswell, whose left-wing cross provided the assist for his thumping headed
equaliser. "It's massive to come from behind and win. We've got a great
group of lads in the dressing room and they love coming in every day and
enjoying it. That's the group that we've got. "The game changed after
half-time. Nobes came on and he kept the ball for us and distributed it
well. He had a good game. "It was an all right ball in from Cress, but I
made it look better! I told him just to put it in and I'd get it. He's put a
great ball in and I've managed to get above the defender and any touch on it
and would go in the back of the net. It was a great ball."
The Hammers will enjoy a recovery session at Rush Green on Wednesday before
resting up ahead of Thursday night's trip to Wembley Stadium to face
Tottenham Hotspur. A second victory in the space of 48 hours will see West
Ham rise to eleventh in the table, and Carroll says a similarly hard-working
display at the Home of Football can turn that hope into reality. "We've been
working hard. It's been tough for the lads who've been playing every game,
but we just dug in. "We went 1-0 down and it was difficult to take off the
deflection, so we knew we had to come out in the second half and prove to
ourselves that we were better than that. We grinded and got the ball in the
box and had a couple of chances and thankfully we took them. "All the lads
want to go into the game against Spurs on the back of a win. We've got a bit
of recovery time now. The games come thick and fast so we'll recover and go
again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I've always said Carroll is better with his right foot! - Noble
WHUFC.com
Captain Mark Noble has joked that he's always known Andy Carroll is a better
finisher with his right foot, after the striker scored the winning goal with
his supposedly weaker side against West Brom. The Baggies – managed by
former Hammers boss Alan Pardew – had taken the lead in the first match of
2018 at London Stadium after James McClean's deflected strike found the back
of the net, but two second half efforts from Carroll gave the Irons the
victory. The first was a trademark Carroll header, with the forward rising
between the West Brom defenders to nod home his first goal of the season on
the hour mark, while his second came in the last minute of the game, as the
28-year-old swept home from a narrow angle with his right boot. And Noble
believes the stoppage time winner proves his belief that Carroll is, in
fact, better with his right foot than his left. "I've always said his
[Carroll's] right foot is better than his left foot!" A beaming Noble
laughed after the match. "I think he's proved it there with that finish!"
The skipper continued: "I truly believed that if we got a goal then it would
be tough for West Brom to hold out. West Brom haven't won in a long time,
although to be honest, when Marko Arnautovic flashed our last counter-attack
across the goal I thought the game was over." Carroll joined Noble for the
post-match interview and admitted he was relieved to find the net, after a
late run into the box saw him in the right place to win the match. Carroll
admitted: "It was tight at the end but if I didn't get in the box I would
have got some stick so I had to keep up with play! "It's been a while. I
haven't started the last couple of games so it's good to get on the pitch
again and get the goals. I'm relieved." The striker added: "It was a tough
game. We are disappointed with the goal we gave away and then obviously we
had to keep battling on, to keep pushing them, which we did. "We came out
second half and got the goals. It's nice to get the points at home. The fans
deserve that and we gave them a good game."
Noble was full of praise for his teammate and friend, hailing Carroll's work
ethic and determination up front for the Irons. The midfielder said: "I sit
next to him every day in the changing room and I know that scoring goals
means a lot to him, as it does to every striker. He's dug in and deserved
that today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
West Ham boss David Moyes said he had sympathy for West Brom counterpart
Alan Pardew over the scheduling of matches after the Hammers came from
behind to snatch a dramatic victory over the Baggies. Playing for the second
time in three days, Albion went ahead through James McClean's deflected
strike, but Andy Carroll scored twice, including a 94th-minute winner, to
take West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone. The Baggies had
asked the Premier League to postpone Tuesday's match, which came only two
days after they played Arsenal. West Ham had been inactive since 26
December. "If I was Alan Pardew I would be completely disappointed with the
way the Premier League has set it up for them," said Moyes. "You would not
have thought they were the team that played two days ago."
West Brom have not won any of their eight games since Pardew was appointed
at the end of November, and he felt his team were physically and mentally
tired at London Stadium. "We had players hanging at the end. They had more
energy than us and it showed," said Pardew, who had a three-year spell in
charge of the Hammers between 2003 and 2006. "Our effort with only a two-day
turnaround was amazing. I thought we were tired in mind, which is what you
would expect."
Baggies midfielder Jake Livermore was involved in a heated exchange with
some home fans when he was substituted in the second half - and West Ham
said they would look into the incident. Defeat stretches West Brom's
winless run to 21 games in all competitions - their last victory a 3-1
defeat of League Two Accrington in the second round of the Carabao Cup on 22
August. Prior to that, the Baggies had started the season with back-to-back
league victories - and they looked on course for a rare success here when
McClean's effort deflected off Angelo Ogbonna and looped over Adrian to put
West Brom ahead.
Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster helped his side maintain their lead as he
saved well from Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic, but he could not do
anything about Carroll's powerful headed equaliser, the striker converting
Aaron Cresswell's fine left-wing cross. The visitors had chances of their
own to retake the lead as substitute Oliver Burke twice wasted
opportunities. And, with the clock ticking down, Burke gave the ball away
with a poor cross, from which West Ham countered. Lanzini played it to
Arnautovic and his low cross found Carroll, who converted from a tight angle
to give the Hammers the three points and take them above Stoke and
Southampton into 16th.
Man of the match - Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Andy Carroll has played nine times for England, with his last international
appearance coming in 2012
West Brom are now winless in 20 Premier League games. Only three clubs have
had a longer winless run in the competition (Derby 32, Sunderland 26 and
Norwich 21).
Carroll now has eight goals in his past eight Premier League starts in the
month of January.
Only Joey Barton (five) has assisted more Premier League goals for Carroll
than Cresswell (four).
McClean has scored three goals against West Ham in the Premier League (seven
appearances). He has not scored more than one against any other side in the
competition.
McClean's opener for West Brom was his first Premier League goal in 472 days
- that goal also came against the Hammers.
Arnautovic has now been directly involved in six goals in his past six
league games (five goals, one assist). He had been involved in none in his
previous 11 before this run.
'We got the reward for keeping at it' - what they said
West Ham manager David Moyes said: "It was so important as it could have
gone either way. The first half was not good, but the second half was much
more like it. We got the reward for keeping at it. "Our hopes are not to be
in the relegation positions, but we are in there. I am told it is the first
time the club has come from behind since we moved to the stadium." On
Carroll, Moyes added: "I don't think any centre-half would be able to deal
with his jump and header. "The second goal was good play on the break and
the ball was played across goal and Andy scores from a tight angle. If he
hadn't scored, I would have said he still played well."
Tired minds cost Baggies a point - Pardew
West Brom boss Alan Pardew said: "It was heartbreaking for the players. It
is such a disappointment to concede a goal like that. "We were better in the
first half, but we conceded too much possession in the second half and the
[two-day] turnaround has done for us. "We were unfortunate to lose Matty
Phillips in the warm-up [with a hamstring injury]. I tried to freshen things
up, but it was difficult and they had more energy than us."
What's next?
This was the first of three games in six days for West Ham. The Hammers play
at Wembley against Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday, 4 January
(20:00 GMT) before another away match, at League One side Shrewsbury Town,
in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. That tie will be broadcast live on BBC
One with the programme starting at 13:40 GMT and kick-off at 14:00 GMT.
After two games in three days for West Brom, Pardew's side do not play again
until Saturday, with an away tie at League Two Exeter City in the third
round of the FA Cup (15:00 GMT).
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Jake Livermore: West Ham to investigate West Brom midfielder's altercation
with fans
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will look into the events that led to West Brom midfielder Jake
Livermore's confrontation with home fans at London Stadium on Tuesday.
Livermore was substituted in the second-half of his side's 2-1 defeat. The
England international then got involved in a heated exchange with some West
Ham supporters and needed escorting down the tunnel. West Brom manager Alan
Pardew said he did not know what prompted Livermore to react as he did.
"Obviously you don't want to see a player in the crowd," said the Baggies
boss. "There's no way he's going in the crowd - because I know him, he's a
great lad - unless he was provoked severely. That's all I know. "I haven't
had a chance to talk to Jake. I'll speak to Jake and we'll go from there."
West Ham manager David Moyes said he did not see the incident, but added: "I
didn't know about it, but I've been told something happened."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have three bids rejected as they look to bolster squad
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham have already had three bids turned down as they attempt to bolster
manager David Moyes' squad during the January transfer window. The Hammers
have had mixed results since Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on 7 November. They
beat Chelsea and drew with Arsenal, but have lost four times, including at
home to fellow strugglers Newcastle. One player set to leave this month is
striker Diafra Sakho. The 28-year-old was close to joining French club
Rennes in the summer and, while he is still highly regarded by some at West
Ham, it has been decided he will be allowed to leave if the club receive an
acceptable offer. The Hammers have dropped into the Premier League
relegation zone before Tuesday's game against second-bottom West Brom at the
London Stadium. Moyes has identified the areas he wishes to strengthen but,
as yet, the club have been unable to do deals in what has been described as
a "difficult market". Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, Newcastle midfielder
Jonjo Shelvey and Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter are the latest players
to be linked, with Moyes known to be keen to bring in more players with
Premier League experience.
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WEST HAM 2-1 WEST BROM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 2 JANUARY 2018 AT 10:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham won today in their first Premier League match of 2018 to West
Bromwich, as the Baggies were unable to take advantage of continuing lapses
in defending on a rainy night in the London Stadium. But West Ham did have
to come back from an early deficit and needed some stoppage time theatrics
to bring a much needed win to the London Stadium supporters who braved the
cold weather.
Early on in the opening half, West Ham really created some opportunities.
The home club had the edge in possession and shots during the first half;
however, it was some poor defending by West Ham's central defenders that
really put their side in early trouble.
In the 30th minute James McClean took the ball the length of the pitch and
then struck his deflected shot looping over Adrian's reach, to give the
Baggies the early lead.
Both Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautouvic had chances, and Andy Carroll was
largely ineffective in the opening half. Adrian did have some well-played
saves, but the half ended 0-1.
During the break David Moyes brought on Mark Noble to replace Pedro Obiang
in midfield, perhaps hoping the captain could better organize a very
disjointed-looking side.
In the second half, finally West Ham were able to muster a goal. Aaron
Cresswell, after some misses, finally had a great cross to Andy Carroll who
headed it home. To everyone's relief, including Carroll, West Ham was now
even.
Over the next 30 minutes both teams had their chances. For West Brom, Ben
Foster played very well, probably denying Lanzini on two sure goals, just by
playing tough and showing smart positioning after Lanzini found open shots.
By the late minutes of the match, it just seemed that the fans and the
players were going to will the home club to all three points. And finally
late in stoppage time Arnautovic led a counter and crossed to Hernandez.
Arnie's cross was off target and went behind Chicharito but charging down
the right channel of the penalty box was Andy Carroll, whose short strike
went past Ben Foster and gave West Ham the 2-1 victory.
After five months of openly wondering whether Andy Carroll's role on this
club had passed, the tall Geordie certainly earned his wage today. History
has shown either injury or a red card tends to keep Carroll from stringing
together a good run of matches. Hopefully, he can continue to contribute as
West Ham have a brutal start to the first week of the new year.
The other enigma is Javier Hernandez. Whether his relationship with Moyes
is sour, or he's still recovering from his international injury, Chicharito
is too good a player to spend as much time on the bench as he has. Possibly
this quick turnaround against Spurs in two days will open up more playing
time for Hernandez and Ayew and allow those players to show their worth to
the team.
Hopefully West Ham can find better defensive structure before they face
Harry Kane in Wembley. It seems obvious that this relegation battle isn't
going to end anytime soon. West Ham is a club in need of any points it can
collect. But the late game winner today certainly was a great way to begin
a new year.
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Kouyate,
Obiang, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Carroll.
Subs: Hart, Noble (45'), Rice (76'), Haksabanovic, Quina, Ayew, Hernandez
(73')
West Brom: Foster, Gibbs, Yacob, Evans (c), Rondon, Phillips, McClean,
Rodriguez, Krychowiak, Dawson, Hegazi.
Subs: Myhill, Brunt, McAuley, Livermore, Robson-Kanu (64'), Field, Burke
(71') Barry (83')
Referee: Mike Jones
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are out of the bottom three thanks to a last-gasp winner from Andy
Carroll at the Olympic Stadium tonight. The big striker scored his first
goal of the season to cancel out James McClean's first half opener - before
doubling his tally for the season in the last of four added-on minutes at
the end of the regulation 90. On a nervous night in east London, West Ham
triumphed - eventually - despite producing a performance lacking in any
flair or real cohesion. However it was to prove enough to see off an Albion
side that only 24 hours previously had sought to have the match postponed
due to a congested fixture schedule. West Ham had the clearest chance of the
opening exchanges when Manuel Lanzini brought out the best in Ben Foster
with a snap shot from 13 yards. Yet it was the visitors who opened the
scoring on the half-hour mark - against the run of play - when James
McClean's speculative shot from distance looped up and over an unprepared
Adrian, having taken a major deflection via Pedro Obiang who was attempting
to make a last-ditch tackle. With no further goals in the opening half,
David Moyes introduced club captain Mark Noble to reinforce a below-par
central midfield. It paid immediate dividends for the Hammers, who were far
more competitive in the middle third after the break.
However West Ham's key man was to be Andy Carroll, rewarded with a starting
spot tonight which he fully justified. Having narrowly failed to convert
Marko Arnautovic's superb cross minutes earlier, he rose highest to nod home
Aaron Cresswell's delivery in order to draw United level a minute ahead of
the hour.
It appeared briefly as if the major talking points of the game thereafter
would be Jake Livermore's 'disagreement' with a section of home fans behind
the dugouts and Billy MckInlay's subsequent touchline bust-up with Alan
Pardew. But Carroll was to ensure that those incidents were to be denied
potential column inches when he struck in the final of four added-on minutes
to win West Ham three huge points in their battle to avoid relegation.
Arnautovic and Lanzini, architects of the best open play West Ham produced
throughout the game combined on the left, before the latter's low cross
evaded all inside the box except Carroll, who finished from an acute angle
to the delight of those hardy souls who had remained until the bitter end.
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Rice 76), Masuaku
(Hernandez 73), Obiang (Noble 46), Kouyate, Lanzini, Arnautovic, Carroll.
Subs not used: Hart, Quina, Haksabanovic, Ayew.
Goals: Carroll (59, 90+4).
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs, Livermore
(Robson-Kanu 64), Yacob (Barry 83), Krychowiak, McClean, Rodriguez (Burke
71), Rondon.
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Brunt, Field.
Goals: McClean (30).
Referee: Mike Jones.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2-1 West Brom: Andy Carroll double inspires Hammers
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:32am
SSN
Andy Carroll struck a stoppage-time winner as West Ham came from behind for
the first time this season to beat relegation rivals West Brom 2-1 at the
London Stadium. Carroll brought a nine-month goal drought to an end in
emphatic fashion, cancelling out James McClean's deflected opener (30) on 59
minutes before firing the winner deep into time added on. It was a bitter
pill for Alan Pardew to swallow on his return his former employers as the
Baggies' winless run in the Premier League stretches to an unenviable 20
games. The result lifts the Hammers up to 16th in the table, five points
clear of West Brom in 19th, who remain firmly in the relegation mire.
Player ratings
Home Team: Adrian (6), Zabaleta (6), Ogbonna (5), Reid (5), Cresswell (6),
Obiang (5), Kouyate (6), Masuaku (5), Lanzini (7), Arnautovic (7), Carroll
(8).
Subs: Rice (6), Noble (7), Chicharito (6).
Away Team: Foster (8), Dawson (6), Evans (6), Hegazi (6), Gibbs (6),
Livermore (6) Yacob (5), Krychowiak (5), McClean (7), Rodriguez (5), Rondon
(6).
Subs: Barry (5), Burke (5), Robson-Kanu (5).
Man of the Match: Andy Carroll.
With West Ham without a win in three, and West Brom winless in 19, there was
an understandable degree of caution from both sides for the opening quarter
of this bottom-of-the-table clash. Salomon Rondon's chipped effort nestled
on the roof of the net on 14 minutes and that drew a response from the
Hammers as Manuel Lanzini's rasping drive forced Ben Foster into action
seven minutes later. The Baggies had a helping hand against Arsenal as a
contentious penalty saw them snatch a point, and fortune was on their side
once more as McClean's strike, after some pitiful defending from Winston
Reid, deflected off Pedro Obiang and over the hapless Adrian.
West Brom pushed for a second but going behind galvanised the disjointed
Hammers as Lanzini's low 39th-minute effort drew another fine stop from
Foster, who bravely thwarted Kouyate from converting Carroll's knock-down
four minutes later. Adrian stopped a Jonny Evans toe-poke on the line before
the break from which West Ham returned revitalised, Carroll turning Marko
Arnautovic's whipped cross over within a minute of the restart. But Carroll
was not to be denied as he hauled the Hammers level with a towering header
from Aaron Cresswell's cross shortly before the hour - his first goal since
April 1. And, after Jake Livermore was involved in an altercation with West
Ham supporters following his 64th-minute substitution, Carroll capped his
return to form by firing Arnautovic's cross home from a narrow angle at the
death.
Opta stats
West Brom are now winless in 20 Premier League games - only three clubs have
ever had a longer winless run in the competition (Derby 32, Sunderland 26
and Norwich 21).
Andy Carroll now has eight goals in his last eight Premier League starts in
the month of January.
Only Joey Barton (5) has assisted more Premier League goals for Andy Carroll
than Aaron Cresswell (4).
James McClean has scored three goals against West Ham in the Premier League
(7 apps), he hasn't scored more than one against any other side in the
competition.
McClean's opener for West Brom was his first Premier League goal in 472 days
- that goal also came against the Hammers.
Marko Arnautovic has now been directly involved in six goals in his last six
league games (5 goals, 1 assist) - he had been involved in none in his
previous 11 before this run.
The managers
David Moyes: "You can see how important a win that was. They were top goals
from Andy. I don't know if there are many centre halves that could have
dealt with his leap for the first goal, and I must say the ball in is
terrific. You have to give him great credit for the finish for the second."
David Moyes said Andy Carroll's opener couldn't be defended against and
praised the forward's impact in West Ham's win over West Brom.
Alan Pardew: "That's a tough one to take, the two-day turnaround cost us in
the end. We just ran out of legs, we couldn't keep going. To concede in that
manner is heart-breaking for the players. It was difficult for us, they had
more energy than us and it showed."
Man of the Match - Andy Carroll
West Ham look to have escaped with a point after an abject display in front
of their own supporters but, having already equalised, Carroll provided the
perfect finishing touch. The Hammers frontman buried a trademark header to
end the longest goal drought of his career and, like London buses, his
second soon followed as he fired home from a tight angle to snatch the
victory.
The pundit
Matt Murray: "Wow, what a game. I thought with so much riding on it down the
bottom that West Brom away from home might play on the counter-attack and
make it an edgy affair, but right from the start both teams were going for
it. West Ham, through Andy Carroll, were calm and clinical at the end then
they deserved it."
What's next?
Tottenham vs West Ham
January 4, 2018, 7:30pm
West Ham make the trip to Wembley on Thursday to take on London rivals
Tottenham - live on Sky Sports Premier League - before travelling to
Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Sunday. In between those games, West Brom head
to Devon for their FA Cup third-round clash with Exeter City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes salutes Andy Carroll after striker rekindles goalscoring touch
Last Updated: 03/01/18 12:17am
SSN
David Moyes questioned whether any Premier League defenders could deal with
Andy Carroll's aerial threat after he fired West Ham to victory over West
Brom.
Carroll ended nine months without a goal in emphatic fashion with a
second-half double at the London Stadium, the second of which came deep into
stoppage time. His first, West Ham's equaliser, was a trademark towering
header which left Jonny Evans and Kieran Gibbs grounded, and Moyes was
jubilant after his striker's return to form. "They were top goals," he told
Sky Sports. "I don't know if there are many centre-halves that could have
dealt with his leap for the first goal, and I must say the ball in is
terrific. "And you have to give him great credit for the finish for the
second goal."
The Hammers moved five points clear of West Brom with the dramatic 2-1
victory, a result which stretched the Baggies' winless run in the Premier
League to 20 games. It ended a run of four games without a win in all
competitions for Moyes' men, and, despite conceding West Ham were not at
their best, the Scot demanded his side to push on. "You can see how
important it was, it would have been the same had West Brom scored, Alan
[Pardew] would have felt the same," he added. "It was vital three points for
us. "We've come close, we were unlucky against Newcastle a few weeks ago and
obviously felt we should have won the game at Bournemouth and we didn't, so
to do it today was maybe just. "We didn't play well, maybe the system we
played, which has been good for us, didn't work at all tonight. "But we made
the changes, got 15 yards further up the field and were the better team in
the second half, but we weren't at the races in the first half. For long
periods we didn't do well at the back, but in the end we got our rewards.
"We want to be out of the bottom three. Psychologically you don't want to be
in it at all, I was disappointed when we did slip back into it, but tonight
we got a result and we've got to try and move on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jake Livermore escorted down tunnel after West Ham fan altercation
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:31am
SSN
Jake Livermore had an altercation with a set of supporters after he was
substituted in West Brom's defeat to West Ham. Jake Livermore was involved
in a bust-up with West Ham fans during West Brom's 2-1 defeat at the London
Stadium on Tuesday.
The England international, who had been substituted in the 64th-minute, had
to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident. Baggies boss Alan
Pardew admitted he saw Livermore in among the crowd but did not know what
had happened to prompt his actions. "The only thing I know is I see Jake in
the crowd, which disturbed me," he said. "Obviously you don't want to see a
player in the crowd. "There's no way he's going in the crowd - because I
know him, he's a great lad - unless he was provoked severely. That's all I
know. "I haven't had a chance to talk to Jake. I'll speak to Jake and we'll
go from there."
West Ham manager David Moyes claimed he did not see the incident, but added:
"I didn't know about it, but I've been told something happened."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Reece Burke sparks January transfer chase as six
Championship clubs battle to sign him
Sunderland are understood to have registered an interest, along with
Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Sheffield United
The Mirror
Reece Burke is returning to West Ham as Bolton face competition from a host
of Championship clubs to keep hold of the young defender. Burke, 21, has
impressed on loan at the Macron Stadium so far this season scoring one in 15
outings for Phil Parkinson's side. But his temporary deal came to an end
this week and he has gone back to the London Stadium, where he could yet win
over new Hammers boss David Moyes. Bolton are keen to bring back the
highly-rated youngster until the end of the season. However, a host of rival
Championship clubs are in the market to sign the 6ft 3in star. Sunderland
are understood to have registered an interest, along with Nottingham Forest,
Barnsley and Sheffield United. Promotion-chasing Derby County are also keen
on Burke, who burst on the scene under former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce in
2014 before making handful of appearances under Slaven Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes reveals bad news about West Ham United's Reece Oxford
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United's Reece Oxford is already injured, confirmed David Moyes.
David Moyes has revealed to West Ham United fan website Knees Up Mother
Brown that he doesn't expect linked-away Reece Oxford to play any part when
the Irons visit Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow night. The 19-year-old defender
only returned to West Ham on Sunday after his season-long loan at Borussia
Monchengladbach was cut short late last month. It remains to be seen what
kind of role Moyes envisages for the teenager who, according to Sky Sports,
was the subject of a £10 million bid by the German side yesterday. Moyes was
without centre-halves Jose Fonte and James Collins for Tuesday's dramatic
2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion and the Scottish boss has revealed that
Oxford has joined the walking wounded, though it's not yet clear how serious
his sprained ankle is. He said on KUMB: "Reece Oxford kicked the ground in
training. He kicked the ground and it's given him a sprained ankle so he
probably might not be fit for Thursday."
Moyes stopped short on offering a prognosis but if it's a lengthy one then
it might well see him stay in East London beyond the transfer window,
despite reported interest. Oxford might've made Moyes's matchday squad for
the trip across London to Wembley tomorrow, depending on Collins's issue,
but Declan Rice's presence means that the Hammers aren't totally short on
alternatives to Angelo Ogbonna or Winston Reid.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd January 2018
West Ham United v West Brom: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome former manager Alan Pardew and his West Brom team to
London Stadium on Tuesday.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of our first fixture of 2018.
Where and when?
West Ham's contest with West Brom will be played on Tuesday 2 January 2018
at London Stadium.
The fixture is scheduled for a 19:45 kick-off.
How to follow:
This fixture has not been selected for broadcast coverage in the UK. For
worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Audio coverage from BBC Radio London Sport can be found online here.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
Manager David Moyes confirmed in his press conference on Friday that captain
Mark Noble is nearing a return to action after a short spell out with
injury.
At the time of talking, however, Michail Antonio had not returned to the
training fields, with the manager unable to definitely say if the forward
would be available for Tuesday's match.
What they say:
"We need to defend much better and deal with the ball in the air much
better. We have to defend as a team. We now have a week to rest, to train
hard and recover our bodies and minds to be 100 per cent to face West Brom."
Adrian
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Jones
Assistant Referees: Simon Beck and Andy Garratt
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
How to get there:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach
London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and
Pudding Mill Lane.
By Train
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang: Everything can change with three points
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang is ready to kick-off a big week in West Ham United's season
when they take on West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. The Hammers face
the struggling Baggies in their first match of 2018, looking for a vital
three points as they aim to climb out of the division's bottom three. Last
time out they were pegged back in controversial circumstances as AFC
Bournemouth claimed a last-gasp leveller in Boxing Day's 3-3 draw and Obiang
says the team need to take the next step and claim all three points when
they face the Baggies. "It was frustrating because with the position we're
in, three points would have helped us very much but we have to make the best
of it and we have West Brom on Tuesday now," the No14 said. "It's the first
game of the New Year, and for us – and for them – it is a very important
one. We need points and it will probably be a different game from the one we
drew with them there earlier in the season. "Both teams have new managers
from then, and we both know that with three points everything can change.
It's happened with Everton and we are looking to do the same."
Obiang has been impressed with the David Moyes impact since the Scot took
over as manager in November, but says there is more to come from the team.
"The biggest change is with the mentality," he continued. "We have to keep
going and we're still working for that, he's come here to do good things
with us and we want to do it. "He's a strong personality and he's tried to
put that in us. He's trying to give us a plan to follow little by little.
Maybe we haven't done it perfectly so far, but we are close to getting to
the level he wants."
One player who has really kicked on over the last month is Marko Arnautovic,
scoring five goals in as many league games, and Obiang wants to take
inspiration as he looks to improve his own form. "Marko has done great
things," he said. "He found himself in a bad situation at the start of the
season and worked a lot to come back. He concentrated a lot on that because
he knew how important it was for the team and for the supporters. "After
that, he's changed us too. Now we need to arrive at his level and help him
to become even stronger than he is. "I can do better and I need to work
[hard to do that]. That's the only way I know, and little-by-little take
some results. You have to start from there, you have to think about what you
can do now and that's what I need."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: The players are taking it all on board
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says he has been impressed with the response of his players
since arriving at the Club a couple of months ago. The Hammers are looking
to climb out of the Premier League's bottom three with victory against West
Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, following a December which saw them take eight
points from six matches. That saw them arrest a slide which yielded only
three from the previous eight and Moyes believes there is more to come from
the team as they head into 2018. "I've got to say I'm really enjoying it
here," the manager said. "I've not enjoyed bits of the last couple of games
but I'm enjoying being at the club. "The players are good, I'm enjoying
working with them, the players are having it. We are laying into them
because we want the performances to be better, and behind the scenes we are
not letting them get away with anything. "We are trying to raise the
standards, we're trying to raise all the things to give us a chance of
getting away from the wrong end of the table."
One of the elements Moyes wants to see more from his side on Tuesday is a
return to the defensive solidity shown at the start of December. Since
keeping three clean sheets in a row against Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke, the
Hammers have conceded three against both Bournemouth and Newcastle and Moyes
knows they can't afford to do so again when they take on the Baggies. He
added: "I've thought we've always had the ability to score but we are still
liable to concede goals and that's party down to individual mistakes. "I
wouldn't put it down to the unit not being right, but individual mistakes,
that was the case at Bournemouth [and that's what we need to avoid]."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: West Brom
WHUFC.com
Even the award of a controversial penalty could not stop West Brom's winless
run in the Premier League stretching to 19 matches against Arsenal on New
Year's Eve. Ominously for the Baggies, no team has ever avoided relegation
having waited so long for a victory. And, with five extra rest days since
their last game thanks to their fixture away to Spurs being rearranged, West
Ham have good reason to feel confident of extending their visitors' barren
run to 20 games. But, after recent thrillers against both Newcastle and
Bournemouth, Hammers fans should expect to witness a slightly calmer affair
on Tuesday night. Many thought that, by replacing Tony Pulis with Alan
Pardew – a manager who, by his own admission, loves to attack – West Brom
would lose their last vestige of defensive solidity. But, to give their new
manager credit, he took just six games to match the three clean sheets that
Pulis achieved in 12. That increased resilience has mean that six of their
first seven matches under Pardew have produced three goals or less, as has
also been the case in six of West Ham's nine home games this season. The
problem for West Brom has been at the other end, where they have they have
amassed the second-fewest number of goals in the Premier League and failed
to score in five of their last eight away games. A bet on West Ham to keep a
third clean sheet in four home games, then, looks good value.
Predictably, we're sticking with Marko Arnautovic when it comes to
predicting who might find the net for the home side. The Austrian has been a
revelation of late with five goals in his last five league games that have
already helped to earn points against fellow strugglers in Stoke, Newcastle
and Bournemouth. Another in the Hammers' first game of 2018 could prove
vital in ensuring they are not leapfrogged by the Boing Boing Baggies
between now and the end of the season.
Recommended bets:
West Ham to win and under 3.5 goals – 11/8
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 11/10
Marko Arnautovic to score – 7/4
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito sets sights on glorious 2018
WHUFC.com
Chicharito has his sights set on a glorious 2018. The West Ham United
striker is set to lead the line for Mexico at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer, where he is aiming to lead El Tri to their
most-successful tournament ever. With 100 caps and a record 49 international
goals to his name, it would not be in the slightest bit surprising if the
29-year-old did just that. "It's going to be a great tournament," said
Chicharito, whose Hammers host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on
Tuesday evening. "We have an interesting draw and it's going to be hard,
because we have the world champions Germany, then we have Sweden and South
Korea. "You cannot say which of those teams is going to qualify for the next
stage. Germany is obviously the favourite, but all the other three will be
trying to get through. "We have a good preparation period over the next six
months, with a lot of games in the month before the World Cup which will be
crucial to help us be ready and be as fit as we can be to be at the top
level at the tournament. "We are not only aiming for the quarter-finals. We
don't want to set a limit on our ambitions. We want to aim as high as we can
because we know we have the potential. Every team in the World Cup has a
chance and we want to do our best ever, to get to the final and even win the
World Cup."
As a new calendar year dawns, Chicharito took time to reflect on 2017 – a
year in which he enjoyed great moments on and off the pitch. "Last year was
unbelievable for me, talking not only in football but outside of the pitch
in my personal life. It went pretty well and I've been very, very happy. The
last month or two has been more difficult, first because I was injured and
then because I've not been as involved as I wanted to be, obviously, but it
was a great year overall.
"I became the all-time record goalscorer for my national team, I broke 100
caps as well, played in the Confederations Cup and made a very good
impression around the world that Mexico is improving as a football team. "It
was not a bad year at all and hopefully 2018 will be even better!"
And Chicharito is hoping to kick-off 2018 by scoring a vital victory over
one of his former teammates at London Stadium. The Mexican spent four
seasons playing alongside West Brom defender Jonny Evans at Manchester
United between 2010-14, winning the Premier League in both 2011 and 2013. On
Tuesday evening, however, they will be in direct opposition as both teams
seek three priceless Premier League points. "We spent four years together in
Manchester United and Jonny is a great player and a great lad. That's why he
spent most of his career in Manchester United. "Together we won two Premier
League titles and almost won the Champions League in my first season there
in 2010/11, when we lost to Barcelona at Wembley. "Jonny is a great player
and he is trying to do his best with West Brom, who are in a similar
position to us in that they are trying to fight relegation. I think he's
going to do as well as he can, like myself, to help his team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
TUE 02 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.,uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham winger Michail Antonio has yet to resume training after a groin
problem, while Mark Noble is also a doubt because of a hamstring injury.
Reece Oxford is back from a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, but Sam
Byram, Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes are all still injured.
West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Midfielders Nacer Chadli and James Morrison are again ruled out by
respective hip and Achilles problems.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Chris Wise: "West Ham and West Brom both changed their manager in November
but start the new year in the bottom three. "If David Moyes can keep getting
a tune out of Marko Arnautovic then the Hammers have a crucial creative
spark. He's scored five goals in as many top-flight games but, given his
overall Premier League record, it's tough to see him maintaining that form
until May. "West Ham will need to add quality to their already inflated
squad in January but their need for match-winners isn't as great as
Albion's. "The Baggies will be glad to see the back of 2017 after seven
league wins all year, and it's now over four months since the last one
arrived. "It's game number eight for Pardew, so victory at one of his former
stomping grounds would be very welcome."
Twitter: @chriswisey
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "The most important thing for us is to focus
on how we can get ourselves away from the bottom. "I don't like harping back
to it but I think we might have been 13th if that decision had gone for us
[at Bournemouth] on Boxing Day. "It would have made us feel a lot better and
our league position look a lot better. "So all we can do is focus on
ourselves and keep our home form as good as we can as well. We need to win
our home games."
West Brom head coach Alan Pardew: "We've got to do something in the
[transfer] window. "When you look at teams with seven wins in a calendar
year it's telling you something. "As much as we've changed the intent and
tried to change the psychology, a change of character in the dressing room
might help everybody so I'll be pushing to hopefully get somebody in."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are improving under David Moyes but West Brom will pick up results
soon as Alan Pardew changes the way they play. Facing his old club, I fancy
Pardew to find a way to take a point.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home games against
West Brom, although six of those have ended in draws, including each of the
last four.
West Brom haven't kept a clean sheet in both league games against West Ham
in a season since 1976-77.
West Ham United
West Ham have scored eight times in their last three league games - as many
as in the previous 11 matches.
The Hammers have won just one of their last six Premier League games at the
London Stadium (D2, L3).
Eighteen points from 20 games represents their worst tally at this stage of
a top-flight season since 2013-14 (15 points).
Marko Arnautovic has five goals in his last five Premier League games, as
many as he managed in his previous 38 appearances.
Adrian has kept three clean sheets in six league appearances this season,
the same number of shut-outs that Joe Hart has recorded in 14 games.
Adrian's save percentage of 70.4% is also superior to Hart's 55.2%.
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies are winless in 19 top-flight games - only three clubs have
endured longer runs without a victory in the Premier League: Derby with 32,
Sunderland with 26 and Norwich with 21.
West Brom have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games (D7,
L11) and are winless in the last nine.
The Baggies have scored just seven goals in their last 12 league games on
the road, and never more than once in a match in this run.
They have netted just five Premier League away goals this season,
registering only 24 shots on target - both figures are the second lowest in
the top flight (behind Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively).
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You'll win nothing without kids
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United fielded the joint second oldest squad in the Premier League
for the opening half of the 2017/18 season. As revealed by the following
graphic from Experimental 3-6-1, only West Bromwich Albion fielded an older
team on average (29.3 years) in league matches for the opening half of the
current campaign.
Both clubs enter the New Year in the bottom three, with West Ham one place
above Albion in 19th spot. As you can see from West Ham's chart (average age
28.7), the most popular age of a first team player is 27 - although the
graph is rarely populated below this age with the ages 29 and 30 being the
next most highly represented. West Ham are joined in second place by
Premier League newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion, whose average age is raised
by the likes of Glenn Murray (34, 19 apps) and Bruno (37, 18 apps).
Newcastle - who beat the Hammers 3-2 recently - have the league's youngest
squad (click here to enlarge) The chart is based on the total number of
league minutes played by each team so far this season, with each grid line
representing players of that particular age. The major age milestones are
denoted by slightly thicker lines (as per the labels on the left). The
width of the coloured graph at each step corresponds to the percentage of
minutes accounted for by players of that age.
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Call it off, urge Albion
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's next Premier League clash is under threat after opponents West
Bromwich Albion asked for the game to be cancelled. The Baggies, who are
currently one place below the Hammers in the table are set to visit the
Olympic Stadium tonight but have called for the match to be postponed at the
eleventh hour, according to BBC Sport. West Brom drew with Arsenal on Sunday
and have officially complained about a fixture schedule that means they will
travel to east London having played 48 hours earlier - as will be the case
for West Ham and Tottenham on Thursday, should tonight's match proceed as
planned. "We all know there's pressure on TV companies for ratings and
everything else and games," said Albion boss Alan Pardew. "I understand
that. But the league's got to be stronger and say two days is not right."
However the manager, at least, is preparing with view to the fixture
proceeding - and conceded that he would have to rest certain individuals who
featured at the weekend. "Of course I am. There's some players who won't be
able to cope with that," he said. "I'd be putting them at risk."
Although it seems inconceivable that the Premier League would consider
postponing the match at such a late stage, Albion's request does at least
highlight the crazy scheduling that was a consequence of the unusually late
decision to postpone West Ham's trip to Tottenham - originally planned for
New Year's Eve.
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A year to forget...
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st January 2018
By: Paul Walker
It's now over, the worst year I can recall in West Ham's history. I don't
know about you lot, but I couldn't wish 2017 further away!
Our most famous fan, Her Madge, once described a particularly unpleasant
royal year with something horrible in Latin. Now my Latin stretches to
'Paolo Di Canio' and pizza, and that's about it, but I suspect the Queen,
who had seen three royal marriages collapse in 1992, would understand me
lifting her expression to describe 2017 as 'West Ham's annus horribilis.'
Being the worst year in our history is only my view, I am sure some of you
can find some equally appalling times, but I have been there and witnessed
all the relegations and if my old man was still around, he would talk you
through 1932!
It's the whole club, the atmosphere, the public image. Everything seems to
be at odds, with the playing side of things just adding to the air of gloom.
Our performances on the pitch in 2017 were truly shocking, we won only 13 of
44 league and cup games and our Premier League record these past 12 months
is P39 W10 D 11 L18 F 46 A 69 Pts 41. That's the back end of a near
disastrous first season at the London Stadium, with the first half of the
current campaign.
Now that coming from the most expensively assembled squad in our history and
by far the highest paid (we have one of the top 20 wage bills in the world)
takes some believing and accepting.
It is barely a 39-game spell just good enough to avoid relegation; 40 points
is the usual line in the sand, but we all know you can go down with 42
points, don't we?
The year saw us sack Slaven Bilic, give David Moyes the reigns and, until
now at least, not see much difference. Moyes has been in charge now for 10
matches (including one cup tie), winning two, and we have gained nine
points.
Slav's last nine games produced three wins. And from his final eight league
matches we produced eight points. So with all the huffing and puffing, the
extra training, changes in tactics and formations and now a potential
rebuilding of the squad, we are going nowhere fast.
That's a bit harsh on Moyes, who took on a tough job with a squad void of
confidence or, it seemed, interest. Any manager needs time, but in our
current plight, Moyes will not get any before the darkness of pending
relegation closes in.
We need to win a minimum of six of our final games 18 games, and we have to
play all of the top seven in that time.
Moyes started OK. Sorted out the 'goals against' column and we could all see
people running about more. But the frozen look on his face during the
Newcastle debacle said it all. You could almost hear him thinking "I thought
I'd sorted a few things out" as he saw us return to a pub team defending.
You see, David, it's not like that at West Ham. Half our squad don't seem to
be able to concentrate or remember the jobs they have been given, the rest
weren't even listening in the first place. That reminds me of a funny story
I once heard about our former defender Tommy Taylor in the Ron Greenwood
days.
Tommy was asked what he thought of Ron's renowned coaching brilliance and
tactical details. Tommy, who had been pictured staring at the sky during one
training session, just said that he didn't really understand much of it
anyway. Times, you would think, have not changed much over the years.
Now my reasoning for the 'worst ever' tag is based not only on our
performances on the pitch, but also off it. I cannot recall a spell where so
many fans were dissatisfied with the club, our owners, the new ground, and
generally how we are being treated in this new supposedly glossy corporate
world.
I must say, though, there are plenty of our fans, mainly the newer variety,
who do like the newness and the comforts of our new home, being part of a
56,000 crowd and not having to stand in urine in the toilets. They like the
cheap tickets for kids, Westfield, the various travel outlets and so on.
Their views are valid, varied and not to be dismissed.
But, having said all that, I cannot recall so many action groups promising
revolution, so many people at odds with our owners, so much rancour. Some
fans groups and sites are at loggerheads with each other, some are plotting
action to give David Sullivan a good kicking, figuratively speaking if
course. They believe they have been lied too, at the very least mislead over
the move.
For their part, our much-maligned board are at odds with our landlords, are
involved in legal action over the terms of the contracts while we are
seemingly preparing for a full-on confrontation with the Mayor of London.
All of this has provided a backdrop of unrest as the team have floundered
too often on the pitch. I don't want to feel like this, I don't like seeing
my own friends and match day mates unhappy and angry about what should be
our day of enjoyment, a good laugh, a few beers and a good shout and
singsong. Where did all that go?
And sadly I cannot see things getting too much better. Sullivan is
approaching another transfer window knowing that the previous three since we
left the Boleyn have been far from satisfactory. Moyes reckons the squad
assembled is unbalanced in key areas, and somehow a lot of this has to be
put right in the next month. Some hopes there on current form!
Sullivan and the board have seen fit to shift a lot of the blame towards
Slav for the transfer window problems, as well as complaints about fitness.
Who is to blame for the transfer shambles, who knows. Let's just say
Sullivan has played a part.
Slav has stepped forward twice now to defend himself. Once in the Mail on
Sunday, where he defended his transfer dealings and questioned Sullivan's
knowledge, and the second being an appearance on Goals on Sunday when he
rubbished the stats about our players not running enough. On both occasions
he looked calm, cool and very sure of his ability.
He no doubt felt he had to put his side of things, because the implied
accusations were damaging his reputation and therefore his chances of
further employment.
Sullivan has just soldiered on, and I don't want to get into the nonsense of
his son's lavish London bachelor pad and all that boasting about money. It
wasn't the time for such graceless expressions of wealth . I'll leave it
there.
That last episode just underlines that we are always in the papers for the
all the wrong reasons. It's why, for me, this has been the worst year I can
remember, and I have been watching the Irons since 1958.
Oh for a few months of peace and quiet, an improving team and how about a
year when we won more than we lost, we scored more than we conceded and we
stopped being an embarrassing under-achieving team and club. Some hopes, I
hear you say.
Happy new Year everyone. COYI!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
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David Moyes says West Ham's Premier League status takes precedence over FA
Cup
Last Updated: 01/01/18 11:24pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes admits the Premier League must take preference
over the FA Cup, but says he still rates the competition extremely highly.
The Hammers are currently in the relegation zone of the Premier League and
Moyes insists the FA Cup must not "damage" the club's efforts to retain
their top-tier status this season. Starting with a home league match against
West Brom on Tuesday, the east London side travel to Wembley to face
Tottenham on Thursday, followed by a trip to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup next
Sunday. And Moyes explains why he has no choice but to prioritise the
relegation scrap, rather than focus on a possible run in the FA Cup. The
Scot said: "Do I want to win the FA Cup? One-hundred per cent. But I don't
think it can be so we damage our league season. "And if we got through? Then
our next two games are on a Tuesday against Crystal Palace, and against
Brighton on the Saturday after the fourth round. "If I could win the Cup I
would definitely try to win the Cup, but I couldn't do it if I thought it
would affect the Premier League."
Former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce angered Upton Park fans four years ago
when he selected an under-strength team, which lost 5-0 at Nottingham Forest
in an FA Cup third-round tie. Moyes added: "I remember that. But do you not
think, the position you are in now, the focus would only be on your Premier
League status? "Because, if you've not got Premier League status and then
you're talking about winning the Cup, you've still got to beat all the teams
to get there. "So it's a difficult one. It's not an easy one to say what
would be the way."
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West Ham v West Brom preview: Mark Noble and Michail Antonio doubtful
Last Updated: 02/01/18 6:32am
SSN
Mark Noble and Michail Antonio are doubtful for West Ham as they host West
Brom in the Premier League on Tuesday. Captain Noble is struggling with a
hamstring injury and winger Antonio has yet to resume training after a groin
problem and could miss out at the London Stadium. The Hammers currently sit
one place and two points above West Brom in the final two relegation spots,
and David Moyes is hoping their home form can aid West Ham's survival bid.
"I think the most important thing for us is to focus on how we can get
ourselves away from the bottom end," he said. "So all we can do is focus on
ourselves and keep our home form as good as we can as well. We need to win
our home games."
Jay Rodriguez also believes West Brom are gaining momentum in their quest to
save their season after he scored an 89th-minute penalty to earn a 1-1 draw
against Arsenal on Sunday. "It's all about momentum now and we're putting
our game to other teams which is something we are working hard at," he told
the club's official website. "Every lad is working to the maximum and we
just need that little bit of luck, maybe, to kick us off. It's been
difficult but I really hope the momentum has changed and things will be more
positive."
Team news
Elsewhere for West Ham, Reece Oxford is back from a loan spell at Borussia
Monchengladbach, but Sam Byram (hamstring), Jose Fonte and Edimilson
Fernandes (both ankle) are still out.
West Brom are expected to make changes with just 48 hours between games, and
Alan Pardew could recall James McClean, Oliver Burke, Grzegorz Krychowiak
and Allan Nyom. Salomon Rondon (hamstring) is still struggling while Nacer
Chadli (hip) and James Morrison (achilles) are out.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight home Premier League games against
West Brom, though six of those have ended in draws (W2) including each of
the last four.
West Brom haven't kept a clean sheet in both league games against West Ham
in a season since the 1976-77 top-flight campaign.
West Brom have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games (D7
L11) and are winless in the last nine.
The Baggies have scored just seven goals in their last 12 Premier League
games on the road and never more than once in a match in this run.
West Ham have won just one of their last six Premier League games at the
London Stadium (D2 L3).
Alan Pardew won his first two Premier League meetings with West Ham,
hammering them 4-0 with Charlton in February 2007 and 5-0 with Newcastle in
January 2011 - since then, he's won two of nine clashes with the Hammers (D3
L4).
West Ham have picked up 18 points from 20 Premier League games this season -
their worst tally at this stage of a top-flight season since 2013-14 (15
points), while they'd won 22 points after 20 games last season.
Marko Arnautovic has netted five goals in his last five Premier League
games, as many as he managed in his previous 38.
Merson's prediction
West Brom have been making chances but they just haven't got a goalscorer.
They are creating more under Alan Pardew but their problem at the end of the
season will be the lack of goals. West Ham will get back to winning ways
here.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V WEST BROM
By Dan Coker 2 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Firstly, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all West Ham Till I Die
readers a very Happy New Year!
Blast from the past
26th September 1959 – Craig Douglas was number one with 'Only Sixteen',
Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were in UK cinemas with Hammer Horror
production The Mummy and West Ham United outside-left Malcolm Musgrove
(pictured) bagged a brace in the Hammers' 4-1 victory over West Bromwich
Albion in front of 30,570 at the Boleyn Ground.
This took Musgrove to five goals from his first ten appearances of the
season. Outside-right Mike Grice and inside-forward Phil Woosnam scored the
Hammers' other goals as the Baggies were put to the sword in a game which
saw the Hammers move into the top six in their second season back in the top
flight.
Two-goal Musgrove would be the Hammers' top scorer for the season with an
impressive 20 goals from 48 appearances on the left wing. He would also be
voted Hammer of the Year. The Hammers would end the 1959/60 season in 14th
position in the First Division, while West Brom would finish fourth. Burnley
won the title and Wolves won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Noel Dwyer, John Bond, Ken Brown, Noel Cantwell, Andy
Malcolm, John Smith, Mike Grice, Phil Woosnam, Vic Keeble, John Dick,
Malcolm Musgrove.
Club Connections
West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have shared a decent number of
players over the years. These include:
Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, Peter McManus, David Burrows, Steve Walford, Gary
Strodder, Harry Kinsell.
Midfielders: Peter Butler, Alan Dickens, Franz Carr, Freddie Fenton, Morgan
Amalfitano, Nigel Quashie.
Strikers: Geoff Hurst, Tudor Martin, David Speedie, Jeroen Boere, Frank
Nouble, John Hartson, Chippy Simmons, Vince Haynes, Tommy Green, David
Cross.
Archie Macauley played for West Ham and managed West Brom, while Sam
Allardyce played for the Baggies and managed the Hammers. Bobby Gould played
for both clubs and also spent a period as manager at The Hawthorns.
This week's focus though is on another man who has managed both clubs. Alan
Pardew was born in Wimbledon on 18th July 1961 – a former glazier, Pardew
signed for Crystal Palace from non-league Yeovil in 1987 at the age of 25
and remained at the club for four years. He signed for Charlton in 1991 and
scored the winning goal against West Ham in August 1992. He had a brief loan
spell at Tottenham in the summer of 1995, featuring for them in the
InterToto Cup, before moving to Barnet.
Pardew moved into management with Reading, first as caretaker manager in
March 1998 before landing the job permanently a year later after the
departure of Tommy Burns. Having lost the 2001 Second Division Play-Off
Final, Pardew took Reading up automatically the following season and
followed that up with another play-off position finish in the First Division
in 2003.
Following the sacking of Glenn Roeder in August 2003, West Ham courted
Pardew's services but were given short shrift by Reading chairman John
Madejski who, when Pardew resigned his position, enforced a period of
gardening leave on his former employee. With Trevor Brooking steering the
ship capably in a caretaker role, the 42-year-old Pardew eventually became
West Ham's tenth permanent manager in October 2003. He drew his first game
at home 1-1 against Nottingham Forest, with Jermain Defoe's header
equalising Andy Reid's long-range effort. He had to wait until his eighth
game in all competitions for his first win, which arrived on 29th November
2003 against Wigan who were thrashed 4-0. An impressive comeback from 2-0
down to win 3-2 against Sunderland a month later kept the Hammers' promotion
push alive.
Pardew lost Defoe to Tottenham in January 2004 but ensured Bobby Zamora came
to the Boleyn as part of the deal. Zamora joined fellow Pardew signings
Hayden Mullins, Brian Deane and Marlon Harewood in east London, while three
new faces would arrive from Wimbledon in the shape of Nigel Reo-Coker, Adam
Nowland and Jobi McAnuff. Andy Melville arrived from Premier League Fuham,
with Ian Pearce moving to Craven Cottage. England goalkeeper David James
departed for Manchester City.
Pardew's men dumped Premier League Wolves out of the FA Cup at Molineux in
the fourth round courtesy of goals from Deane, Harewood and David Connolly
but would be defeated in a fifth round replay by Fulham. The Irons finished
fourth in the First Division, 12 points behind the automatic promotion
places, but would defeat Ipswich in the Play-Off Semi-Final second leg at a
raucous, rocking, revitalised Upton Park – Matthew Etherington and Christian
Dailly scoring the goals on a night few who were there will ever forget.
Pardew's interest in the psychology of the crowd played a part in building
the atmosphere before kick-off. After such a wonderful display against
Ipswich, the Play-Off Final was a damp squib, Crystal Palace defeating the
Hammers 1-0 in Cardiff.
The Hammers started 2004/05 in the newly-named Championship with England
international Teddy Sheringham added to their ranks but Michael Carrick was
to move to Tottenham. Jimmy Walker, Malky Mackay, Chris Powell, Luke
Chadwick, Shaun Newton, Carl Fletcher, Gavin Williams and Sergei Rebrov also
joined the club that season. Pardew also put his faith in youth, handing a
debut to a young Mark Noble and finishing the campaign with Academy products
Anton Ferdinand and Elliott Ward as his first-choice centre-back pairing.
The Hammers endured a difficult campaign, although along the way they won at
eventual title winners Sunderland through Harewood and Sheringham strikes
and also tore up Ipswich's unbeaten home record on New Year's Day, Harewood
again scoring alongside Etherington. Premier League Norwich were also
knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round before Sheffield United
defeated the Irons on penalties in the next round. West Ham sneaked into the
Play-Offs with a final-day win at Watford, ending the season in sixth place
just ahead of Pardew's former club Reading. A Zamora-inspired 2-0 win at
Ipswich in the second leg of the Play-Off Semi-Final ensured a 4-2 aggregate
triumph and the Hammers weren't to be denied a second time, securing
promotion in Cardiff with a 1-0 win over Preston with Zamora notching the
winner.
A ninth-placed Premier League season followed, Pardew's boys starting with a
3-1 comeback win at home against Blackburn before Aston Villa were downed by
a Harewood hat-trick. New signings Roy Carroll, the returning Shaka Hislop,
Danny Gabbidon, Paul Konchesky and Yossi Benayoun were settling in nicely,
Benayoun rounding off the aforementioned win over Villa with the fourth goal
in a 4-0 win. Pardew again showed his eye for a goalscorer by breaking the
club's transfer record to sign Dean Ashton in January 2006 and the Hammers
enjoyed a run to the FA Cup Final for the first time in 26 years, beating
Norwich, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester City and Middlesbrough along the way
before Liverpool agonisingly defeated the Hammers on penalties in Cardiff.
League wins at Highbury and against Tottenham to deny Spurs a place in the
Champions League (helped in some small part by a dodgy lasagne) made 2005/06
a season to remember. Pardew was mere minutes away from lifting the FA Cup
which had also eluded him as a Crystal Palace player in 1990.
The summer of 2006 saw quantity but a lack of quality arrive at the club
with Tyrone Mears, Jonathan Spector and John Paintsil all signed to contest
the right-back spot. Rob Green was an inspired signing in goal, George
McCartney and Carlton Cole would serve the club well and Lee Bowyer added
experience in midfield. The astonishing signings of Javier Mascherano and
Carlos Tevez, alongside a takeover of the club by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and
Eggert Magnusson, destabilised the club however. The Hammers went seven
games without a goal and 11 without a win in all competitions, being knocked
out of the UEFA Cup by Palermo and the League Cup by lowly Chesterfield. The
crowd showed their support for the manager by chanting 'Alan Pardew's Claret
and Blue Army' before a 2-1 win over Blackburn, while a late 1-0 win over
Arsenal in November 2006 saw Pards and Arsene Wenger have a much-publicised
spat on the touchline.
Pardew was sacked during the week after a 4-0 defeat at Sam Allardyce's
Bolton on 9th December 2006. He was replaced by former Hammer Alan
Curbishley. Pardew was appointed manager of former club Charlton on
Christmas Eve but, despite a 4-0 win over Curbishley's West Ham in February
2007, could not keep the Addicks in the top flight. He went on to manage
Southampton before making a Premier League return at Newcastle in December
2010, replacing former Hammer Chris Hughton. He decided to move to former
club Crystal Palace in January 2015.
Now 56, and having left Selhurst Park last season, Pardew is now manager of
West Bromwich Albion having replaced Tony Pulis at the end of November. His
first game in charge was a goalless draw with former club Crystal Palace at
The Hawthorns. He has been in charge for seven games and is yet to record a
win – as stated above, his first win as West Ham manager came in his eighth
match. Hammers supporters will be hoping it's not eighth time lucky again
for Pards! The Baggies have drawn four and lost three of Pardew's seven
games in charge, scoring three goals and conceding seven.
Referee
Tuesday's referee will be Chester-based Mike Jones, who will take on his
first Premier League Hammers appointment of the season – his most recent
league match involving West Ham was the 2-1 defeat at Hull in April. He also
refereed our 4-1 League Cup quarter-final defeat at Man Utd in November 2016
and our 2-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the 2015/16 season.
Jones is perhaps more infamous for a shocking display during our FA Cup
quarter-final defeat at Stoke in 2011, when he allowed both goals for the
home side to stand despite blatant infringements on Matthew Upson and Thomas
Hitzlsperger respectively. He also awarded the Potters a penalty for a
Matthew Etherington dive (which was saved by Rob Green) and astonishingly
gave Stoke a free-kick for a tangle which should have seen James Tomkins
awarded a penalty.
Possible line-ups
West Ham United will be without Sam Byram, Jose Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes
and Michail Antonio, while Mark Noble is a doubt. Reece Oxford is back from
his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach. Adrian has kept three clean
sheets in six league appearances this season, the same number of shut-outs
that Joe Hart has recorded in 14 games.
West Bromwich Albion are without James Morrison, Nacer Chadli and Salomon
Rondon. Alan Pardew has stated he will be forced into changes with some of
his players not able to cope with another game so soon after the New Year's
Eve match against Arsenal. The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four trips
to West Ham and are bidding to keep a clean sheet in both league games
against the Hammers in a season for the first time since 1976/77. West Brom
are winless in 19 top-flight games – only three clubs have endured longer
runs without a victory in the Premier League: Derby with 32, Sunderland with
26 and Norwich with 21.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell,
Masuaku; Kouyate, Obiang, Lanzini; Arnautovic, Ayew.
Possible West Bromwich Albion XI: Foster; Hegazi, Dawson, Evans; McClean,
Brunt, Livermore, Yacob, Gibbs; Robson-Kanu, Rodriguez.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
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West Brom complain to the Premier League about West Ham fixture
West Bromwich Albion have complained to the Premier League
The Independent Sport
West Bromwich Albion have complained to the Premier League, urging them to
reschedule Tuesday's clash at West Ham United because of the vast difference
in recovery periods for the two teams. West Brom snatched a 1-1 home draw
against Arsenal on Sunday and while they are set for a second game in 48
hours, West Ham have not played since last week's 3-3 draw at Bournemouth
but are in action again on Thursday against Tottenham Hotspur. Reports said
West Brom chairman John Williams spoke to Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore about Tuesday's match with 18th-placed West Ham at the
London stadium.
"We all know there's pressure on TV companies for ratings and everything
else and games -- I understand that. But the league's got to be stronger and
say two days is not right," West Brom manager Alan Pardew said.
West Ham's televised fixture at Spurs was scheduled for New Year's eve but
moved because of safety concerns over the reduced capacity at underground
stations around Wembley Stadium which meant the arena would only accommodate
43,000 spectators. Asked if he was forced to make changes to his side
because of the frequency of games, Pardew said: "Of course I am. There's
some players who won't be able to cope with that. I'd be putting them at
risk."
West Brom are 19th in the table with 16 points from 21 games and are winless
in 19 games.
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Swansea reportedly keen on West Ham duo
BY LONDON FOOTBALL NEWS 02/01/2018
The Guardian say Swansea City are interested in signing Diafra Sakho from
West Ham but a deal to take Andre Ayew back to the Welsh club is seen as
unlikely.
It comes after reports linking both strikers with a possible move to the
Liberty Stadium – and West Ham with Swans duo Alfie Mawson and Ki
Sung-yueng.
There has been speculation that a swap deal could be agreed during this
month's transfer window. The Guardian say West Ham are keen to offload Ayew
and Swansea would be interested in taking him back but that his wages are a
barrier to a deal. Meanwhile, The Sun say Borussia Monchengladbach have
offered West Ham £20m for Reece Oxford. It comes after the 19-year-old
defender was recalled from his loan spell at the German club, who are
reportedly determined to sign him on a permanent basis. The Sun also ssay
Arsenal have received a boost in their apparent bid to sign Schalke's Leon
Goretzka after it emerged that reports he has agreed a move to Bayern Munich
proved to be wide of the mark. And The Sun have picked up on reports in
Arturo Vidal's native Chile claiming that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has
spoken to the Bayern Munich midfielder on the telephone about a possible
move to Stamford Bridge.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome former manager Alan Pardew and his West Brom team to
London Stadium on Tuesday.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of our first fixture of 2018.
Where and when?
West Ham's contest with West Brom will be played on Tuesday 2 January 2018
at London Stadium.
The fixture is scheduled for a 19:45 kick-off.
How to follow:
This fixture has not been selected for broadcast coverage in the UK. For
worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Audio coverage from BBC Radio London Sport can be found online here.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
Manager David Moyes confirmed in his press conference on Friday that captain
Mark Noble is nearing a return to action after a short spell out with
injury.
At the time of talking, however, Michail Antonio had not returned to the
training fields, with the manager unable to definitely say if the forward
would be available for Tuesday's match.
What they say:
"We need to defend much better and deal with the ball in the air much
better. We have to defend as a team. We now have a week to rest, to train
hard and recover our bodies and minds to be 100 per cent to face West Brom."
Adrian
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Jones
Assistant Referees: Simon Beck and Andy Garratt
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
How to get there:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach
London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and
Pudding Mill Lane.
By Train
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Obiang: Everything can change with three points
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang is ready to kick-off a big week in West Ham United's season
when they take on West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. The Hammers face
the struggling Baggies in their first match of 2018, looking for a vital
three points as they aim to climb out of the division's bottom three. Last
time out they were pegged back in controversial circumstances as AFC
Bournemouth claimed a last-gasp leveller in Boxing Day's 3-3 draw and Obiang
says the team need to take the next step and claim all three points when
they face the Baggies. "It was frustrating because with the position we're
in, three points would have helped us very much but we have to make the best
of it and we have West Brom on Tuesday now," the No14 said. "It's the first
game of the New Year, and for us – and for them – it is a very important
one. We need points and it will probably be a different game from the one we
drew with them there earlier in the season. "Both teams have new managers
from then, and we both know that with three points everything can change.
It's happened with Everton and we are looking to do the same."
Obiang has been impressed with the David Moyes impact since the Scot took
over as manager in November, but says there is more to come from the team.
"The biggest change is with the mentality," he continued. "We have to keep
going and we're still working for that, he's come here to do good things
with us and we want to do it. "He's a strong personality and he's tried to
put that in us. He's trying to give us a plan to follow little by little.
Maybe we haven't done it perfectly so far, but we are close to getting to
the level he wants."
One player who has really kicked on over the last month is Marko Arnautovic,
scoring five goals in as many league games, and Obiang wants to take
inspiration as he looks to improve his own form. "Marko has done great
things," he said. "He found himself in a bad situation at the start of the
season and worked a lot to come back. He concentrated a lot on that because
he knew how important it was for the team and for the supporters. "After
that, he's changed us too. Now we need to arrive at his level and help him
to become even stronger than he is. "I can do better and I need to work
[hard to do that]. That's the only way I know, and little-by-little take
some results. You have to start from there, you have to think about what you
can do now and that's what I need."
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Moyes: The players are taking it all on board
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says he has been impressed with the response of his players
since arriving at the Club a couple of months ago. The Hammers are looking
to climb out of the Premier League's bottom three with victory against West
Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, following a December which saw them take eight
points from six matches. That saw them arrest a slide which yielded only
three from the previous eight and Moyes believes there is more to come from
the team as they head into 2018. "I've got to say I'm really enjoying it
here," the manager said. "I've not enjoyed bits of the last couple of games
but I'm enjoying being at the club. "The players are good, I'm enjoying
working with them, the players are having it. We are laying into them
because we want the performances to be better, and behind the scenes we are
not letting them get away with anything. "We are trying to raise the
standards, we're trying to raise all the things to give us a chance of
getting away from the wrong end of the table."
One of the elements Moyes wants to see more from his side on Tuesday is a
return to the defensive solidity shown at the start of December. Since
keeping three clean sheets in a row against Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke, the
Hammers have conceded three against both Bournemouth and Newcastle and Moyes
knows they can't afford to do so again when they take on the Baggies. He
added: "I've thought we've always had the ability to score but we are still
liable to concede goals and that's party down to individual mistakes. "I
wouldn't put it down to the unit not being right, but individual mistakes,
that was the case at Bournemouth [and that's what we need to avoid]."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: West Brom
WHUFC.com
Even the award of a controversial penalty could not stop West Brom's winless
run in the Premier League stretching to 19 matches against Arsenal on New
Year's Eve. Ominously for the Baggies, no team has ever avoided relegation
having waited so long for a victory. And, with five extra rest days since
their last game thanks to their fixture away to Spurs being rearranged, West
Ham have good reason to feel confident of extending their visitors' barren
run to 20 games. But, after recent thrillers against both Newcastle and
Bournemouth, Hammers fans should expect to witness a slightly calmer affair
on Tuesday night. Many thought that, by replacing Tony Pulis with Alan
Pardew – a manager who, by his own admission, loves to attack – West Brom
would lose their last vestige of defensive solidity. But, to give their new
manager credit, he took just six games to match the three clean sheets that
Pulis achieved in 12. That increased resilience has mean that six of their
first seven matches under Pardew have produced three goals or less, as has
also been the case in six of West Ham's nine home games this season. The
problem for West Brom has been at the other end, where they have they have
amassed the second-fewest number of goals in the Premier League and failed
to score in five of their last eight away games. A bet on West Ham to keep a
third clean sheet in four home games, then, looks good value.
Predictably, we're sticking with Marko Arnautovic when it comes to
predicting who might find the net for the home side. The Austrian has been a
revelation of late with five goals in his last five league games that have
already helped to earn points against fellow strugglers in Stoke, Newcastle
and Bournemouth. Another in the Hammers' first game of 2018 could prove
vital in ensuring they are not leapfrogged by the Boing Boing Baggies
between now and the end of the season.
Recommended bets:
West Ham to win and under 3.5 goals – 11/8
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 11/10
Marko Arnautovic to score – 7/4
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Chicharito sets sights on glorious 2018
WHUFC.com
Chicharito has his sights set on a glorious 2018. The West Ham United
striker is set to lead the line for Mexico at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer, where he is aiming to lead El Tri to their
most-successful tournament ever. With 100 caps and a record 49 international
goals to his name, it would not be in the slightest bit surprising if the
29-year-old did just that. "It's going to be a great tournament," said
Chicharito, whose Hammers host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on
Tuesday evening. "We have an interesting draw and it's going to be hard,
because we have the world champions Germany, then we have Sweden and South
Korea. "You cannot say which of those teams is going to qualify for the next
stage. Germany is obviously the favourite, but all the other three will be
trying to get through. "We have a good preparation period over the next six
months, with a lot of games in the month before the World Cup which will be
crucial to help us be ready and be as fit as we can be to be at the top
level at the tournament. "We are not only aiming for the quarter-finals. We
don't want to set a limit on our ambitions. We want to aim as high as we can
because we know we have the potential. Every team in the World Cup has a
chance and we want to do our best ever, to get to the final and even win the
World Cup."
As a new calendar year dawns, Chicharito took time to reflect on 2017 – a
year in which he enjoyed great moments on and off the pitch. "Last year was
unbelievable for me, talking not only in football but outside of the pitch
in my personal life. It went pretty well and I've been very, very happy. The
last month or two has been more difficult, first because I was injured and
then because I've not been as involved as I wanted to be, obviously, but it
was a great year overall.
"I became the all-time record goalscorer for my national team, I broke 100
caps as well, played in the Confederations Cup and made a very good
impression around the world that Mexico is improving as a football team. "It
was not a bad year at all and hopefully 2018 will be even better!"
And Chicharito is hoping to kick-off 2018 by scoring a vital victory over
one of his former teammates at London Stadium. The Mexican spent four
seasons playing alongside West Brom defender Jonny Evans at Manchester
United between 2010-14, winning the Premier League in both 2011 and 2013. On
Tuesday evening, however, they will be in direct opposition as both teams
seek three priceless Premier League points. "We spent four years together in
Manchester United and Jonny is a great player and a great lad. That's why he
spent most of his career in Manchester United. "Together we won two Premier
League titles and almost won the Champions League in my first season there
in 2010/11, when we lost to Barcelona at Wembley. "Jonny is a great player
and he is trying to do his best with West Brom, who are in a similar
position to us in that they are trying to fight relegation. I think he's
going to do as well as he can, like myself, to help his team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
TUE 02 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.,uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham winger Michail Antonio has yet to resume training after a groin
problem, while Mark Noble is also a doubt because of a hamstring injury.
Reece Oxford is back from a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, but Sam
Byram, Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes are all still injured.
West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Midfielders Nacer Chadli and James Morrison are again ruled out by
respective hip and Achilles problems.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Chris Wise: "West Ham and West Brom both changed their manager in November
but start the new year in the bottom three. "If David Moyes can keep getting
a tune out of Marko Arnautovic then the Hammers have a crucial creative
spark. He's scored five goals in as many top-flight games but, given his
overall Premier League record, it's tough to see him maintaining that form
until May. "West Ham will need to add quality to their already inflated
squad in January but their need for match-winners isn't as great as
Albion's. "The Baggies will be glad to see the back of 2017 after seven
league wins all year, and it's now over four months since the last one
arrived. "It's game number eight for Pardew, so victory at one of his former
stomping grounds would be very welcome."
Twitter: @chriswisey
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "The most important thing for us is to focus
on how we can get ourselves away from the bottom. "I don't like harping back
to it but I think we might have been 13th if that decision had gone for us
[at Bournemouth] on Boxing Day. "It would have made us feel a lot better and
our league position look a lot better. "So all we can do is focus on
ourselves and keep our home form as good as we can as well. We need to win
our home games."
West Brom head coach Alan Pardew: "We've got to do something in the
[transfer] window. "When you look at teams with seven wins in a calendar
year it's telling you something. "As much as we've changed the intent and
tried to change the psychology, a change of character in the dressing room
might help everybody so I'll be pushing to hopefully get somebody in."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are improving under David Moyes but West Brom will pick up results
soon as Alan Pardew changes the way they play. Facing his old club, I fancy
Pardew to find a way to take a point.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home games against
West Brom, although six of those have ended in draws, including each of the
last four.
West Brom haven't kept a clean sheet in both league games against West Ham
in a season since 1976-77.
West Ham United
West Ham have scored eight times in their last three league games - as many
as in the previous 11 matches.
The Hammers have won just one of their last six Premier League games at the
London Stadium (D2, L3).
Eighteen points from 20 games represents their worst tally at this stage of
a top-flight season since 2013-14 (15 points).
Marko Arnautovic has five goals in his last five Premier League games, as
many as he managed in his previous 38 appearances.
Adrian has kept three clean sheets in six league appearances this season,
the same number of shut-outs that Joe Hart has recorded in 14 games.
Adrian's save percentage of 70.4% is also superior to Hart's 55.2%.
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies are winless in 19 top-flight games - only three clubs have
endured longer runs without a victory in the Premier League: Derby with 32,
Sunderland with 26 and Norwich with 21.
West Brom have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games (D7,
L11) and are winless in the last nine.
The Baggies have scored just seven goals in their last 12 league games on
the road, and never more than once in a match in this run.
They have netted just five Premier League away goals this season,
registering only 24 shots on target - both figures are the second lowest in
the top flight (behind Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You'll win nothing without kids
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United fielded the joint second oldest squad in the Premier League
for the opening half of the 2017/18 season. As revealed by the following
graphic from Experimental 3-6-1, only West Bromwich Albion fielded an older
team on average (29.3 years) in league matches for the opening half of the
current campaign.
Both clubs enter the New Year in the bottom three, with West Ham one place
above Albion in 19th spot. As you can see from West Ham's chart (average age
28.7), the most popular age of a first team player is 27 - although the
graph is rarely populated below this age with the ages 29 and 30 being the
next most highly represented. West Ham are joined in second place by
Premier League newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion, whose average age is raised
by the likes of Glenn Murray (34, 19 apps) and Bruno (37, 18 apps).
Newcastle - who beat the Hammers 3-2 recently - have the league's youngest
squad (click here to enlarge) The chart is based on the total number of
league minutes played by each team so far this season, with each grid line
representing players of that particular age. The major age milestones are
denoted by slightly thicker lines (as per the labels on the left). The
width of the coloured graph at each step corresponds to the percentage of
minutes accounted for by players of that age.
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Call it off, urge Albion
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's next Premier League clash is under threat after opponents West
Bromwich Albion asked for the game to be cancelled. The Baggies, who are
currently one place below the Hammers in the table are set to visit the
Olympic Stadium tonight but have called for the match to be postponed at the
eleventh hour, according to BBC Sport. West Brom drew with Arsenal on Sunday
and have officially complained about a fixture schedule that means they will
travel to east London having played 48 hours earlier - as will be the case
for West Ham and Tottenham on Thursday, should tonight's match proceed as
planned. "We all know there's pressure on TV companies for ratings and
everything else and games," said Albion boss Alan Pardew. "I understand
that. But the league's got to be stronger and say two days is not right."
However the manager, at least, is preparing with view to the fixture
proceeding - and conceded that he would have to rest certain individuals who
featured at the weekend. "Of course I am. There's some players who won't be
able to cope with that," he said. "I'd be putting them at risk."
Although it seems inconceivable that the Premier League would consider
postponing the match at such a late stage, Albion's request does at least
highlight the crazy scheduling that was a consequence of the unusually late
decision to postpone West Ham's trip to Tottenham - originally planned for
New Year's Eve.
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A year to forget...
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st January 2018
By: Paul Walker
It's now over, the worst year I can recall in West Ham's history. I don't
know about you lot, but I couldn't wish 2017 further away!
Our most famous fan, Her Madge, once described a particularly unpleasant
royal year with something horrible in Latin. Now my Latin stretches to
'Paolo Di Canio' and pizza, and that's about it, but I suspect the Queen,
who had seen three royal marriages collapse in 1992, would understand me
lifting her expression to describe 2017 as 'West Ham's annus horribilis.'
Being the worst year in our history is only my view, I am sure some of you
can find some equally appalling times, but I have been there and witnessed
all the relegations and if my old man was still around, he would talk you
through 1932!
It's the whole club, the atmosphere, the public image. Everything seems to
be at odds, with the playing side of things just adding to the air of gloom.
Our performances on the pitch in 2017 were truly shocking, we won only 13 of
44 league and cup games and our Premier League record these past 12 months
is P39 W10 D 11 L18 F 46 A 69 Pts 41. That's the back end of a near
disastrous first season at the London Stadium, with the first half of the
current campaign.
Now that coming from the most expensively assembled squad in our history and
by far the highest paid (we have one of the top 20 wage bills in the world)
takes some believing and accepting.
It is barely a 39-game spell just good enough to avoid relegation; 40 points
is the usual line in the sand, but we all know you can go down with 42
points, don't we?
The year saw us sack Slaven Bilic, give David Moyes the reigns and, until
now at least, not see much difference. Moyes has been in charge now for 10
matches (including one cup tie), winning two, and we have gained nine
points.
Slav's last nine games produced three wins. And from his final eight league
matches we produced eight points. So with all the huffing and puffing, the
extra training, changes in tactics and formations and now a potential
rebuilding of the squad, we are going nowhere fast.
That's a bit harsh on Moyes, who took on a tough job with a squad void of
confidence or, it seemed, interest. Any manager needs time, but in our
current plight, Moyes will not get any before the darkness of pending
relegation closes in.
We need to win a minimum of six of our final games 18 games, and we have to
play all of the top seven in that time.
Moyes started OK. Sorted out the 'goals against' column and we could all see
people running about more. But the frozen look on his face during the
Newcastle debacle said it all. You could almost hear him thinking "I thought
I'd sorted a few things out" as he saw us return to a pub team defending.
You see, David, it's not like that at West Ham. Half our squad don't seem to
be able to concentrate or remember the jobs they have been given, the rest
weren't even listening in the first place. That reminds me of a funny story
I once heard about our former defender Tommy Taylor in the Ron Greenwood
days.
Tommy was asked what he thought of Ron's renowned coaching brilliance and
tactical details. Tommy, who had been pictured staring at the sky during one
training session, just said that he didn't really understand much of it
anyway. Times, you would think, have not changed much over the years.
Now my reasoning for the 'worst ever' tag is based not only on our
performances on the pitch, but also off it. I cannot recall a spell where so
many fans were dissatisfied with the club, our owners, the new ground, and
generally how we are being treated in this new supposedly glossy corporate
world.
I must say, though, there are plenty of our fans, mainly the newer variety,
who do like the newness and the comforts of our new home, being part of a
56,000 crowd and not having to stand in urine in the toilets. They like the
cheap tickets for kids, Westfield, the various travel outlets and so on.
Their views are valid, varied and not to be dismissed.
But, having said all that, I cannot recall so many action groups promising
revolution, so many people at odds with our owners, so much rancour. Some
fans groups and sites are at loggerheads with each other, some are plotting
action to give David Sullivan a good kicking, figuratively speaking if
course. They believe they have been lied too, at the very least mislead over
the move.
For their part, our much-maligned board are at odds with our landlords, are
involved in legal action over the terms of the contracts while we are
seemingly preparing for a full-on confrontation with the Mayor of London.
All of this has provided a backdrop of unrest as the team have floundered
too often on the pitch. I don't want to feel like this, I don't like seeing
my own friends and match day mates unhappy and angry about what should be
our day of enjoyment, a good laugh, a few beers and a good shout and
singsong. Where did all that go?
And sadly I cannot see things getting too much better. Sullivan is
approaching another transfer window knowing that the previous three since we
left the Boleyn have been far from satisfactory. Moyes reckons the squad
assembled is unbalanced in key areas, and somehow a lot of this has to be
put right in the next month. Some hopes there on current form!
Sullivan and the board have seen fit to shift a lot of the blame towards
Slav for the transfer window problems, as well as complaints about fitness.
Who is to blame for the transfer shambles, who knows. Let's just say
Sullivan has played a part.
Slav has stepped forward twice now to defend himself. Once in the Mail on
Sunday, where he defended his transfer dealings and questioned Sullivan's
knowledge, and the second being an appearance on Goals on Sunday when he
rubbished the stats about our players not running enough. On both occasions
he looked calm, cool and very sure of his ability.
He no doubt felt he had to put his side of things, because the implied
accusations were damaging his reputation and therefore his chances of
further employment.
Sullivan has just soldiered on, and I don't want to get into the nonsense of
his son's lavish London bachelor pad and all that boasting about money. It
wasn't the time for such graceless expressions of wealth . I'll leave it
there.
That last episode just underlines that we are always in the papers for the
all the wrong reasons. It's why, for me, this has been the worst year I can
remember, and I have been watching the Irons since 1958.
Oh for a few months of peace and quiet, an improving team and how about a
year when we won more than we lost, we scored more than we conceded and we
stopped being an embarrassing under-achieving team and club. Some hopes, I
hear you say.
Happy new Year everyone. COYI!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
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David Moyes says West Ham's Premier League status takes precedence over FA
Cup
Last Updated: 01/01/18 11:24pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes admits the Premier League must take preference
over the FA Cup, but says he still rates the competition extremely highly.
The Hammers are currently in the relegation zone of the Premier League and
Moyes insists the FA Cup must not "damage" the club's efforts to retain
their top-tier status this season. Starting with a home league match against
West Brom on Tuesday, the east London side travel to Wembley to face
Tottenham on Thursday, followed by a trip to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup next
Sunday. And Moyes explains why he has no choice but to prioritise the
relegation scrap, rather than focus on a possible run in the FA Cup. The
Scot said: "Do I want to win the FA Cup? One-hundred per cent. But I don't
think it can be so we damage our league season. "And if we got through? Then
our next two games are on a Tuesday against Crystal Palace, and against
Brighton on the Saturday after the fourth round. "If I could win the Cup I
would definitely try to win the Cup, but I couldn't do it if I thought it
would affect the Premier League."
Former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce angered Upton Park fans four years ago
when he selected an under-strength team, which lost 5-0 at Nottingham Forest
in an FA Cup third-round tie. Moyes added: "I remember that. But do you not
think, the position you are in now, the focus would only be on your Premier
League status? "Because, if you've not got Premier League status and then
you're talking about winning the Cup, you've still got to beat all the teams
to get there. "So it's a difficult one. It's not an easy one to say what
would be the way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v West Brom preview: Mark Noble and Michail Antonio doubtful
Last Updated: 02/01/18 6:32am
SSN
Mark Noble and Michail Antonio are doubtful for West Ham as they host West
Brom in the Premier League on Tuesday. Captain Noble is struggling with a
hamstring injury and winger Antonio has yet to resume training after a groin
problem and could miss out at the London Stadium. The Hammers currently sit
one place and two points above West Brom in the final two relegation spots,
and David Moyes is hoping their home form can aid West Ham's survival bid.
"I think the most important thing for us is to focus on how we can get
ourselves away from the bottom end," he said. "So all we can do is focus on
ourselves and keep our home form as good as we can as well. We need to win
our home games."
Jay Rodriguez also believes West Brom are gaining momentum in their quest to
save their season after he scored an 89th-minute penalty to earn a 1-1 draw
against Arsenal on Sunday. "It's all about momentum now and we're putting
our game to other teams which is something we are working hard at," he told
the club's official website. "Every lad is working to the maximum and we
just need that little bit of luck, maybe, to kick us off. It's been
difficult but I really hope the momentum has changed and things will be more
positive."
Team news
Elsewhere for West Ham, Reece Oxford is back from a loan spell at Borussia
Monchengladbach, but Sam Byram (hamstring), Jose Fonte and Edimilson
Fernandes (both ankle) are still out.
West Brom are expected to make changes with just 48 hours between games, and
Alan Pardew could recall James McClean, Oliver Burke, Grzegorz Krychowiak
and Allan Nyom. Salomon Rondon (hamstring) is still struggling while Nacer
Chadli (hip) and James Morrison (achilles) are out.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight home Premier League games against
West Brom, though six of those have ended in draws (W2) including each of
the last four.
West Brom haven't kept a clean sheet in both league games against West Ham
in a season since the 1976-77 top-flight campaign.
West Brom have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games (D7
L11) and are winless in the last nine.
The Baggies have scored just seven goals in their last 12 Premier League
games on the road and never more than once in a match in this run.
West Ham have won just one of their last six Premier League games at the
London Stadium (D2 L3).
Alan Pardew won his first two Premier League meetings with West Ham,
hammering them 4-0 with Charlton in February 2007 and 5-0 with Newcastle in
January 2011 - since then, he's won two of nine clashes with the Hammers (D3
L4).
West Ham have picked up 18 points from 20 Premier League games this season -
their worst tally at this stage of a top-flight season since 2013-14 (15
points), while they'd won 22 points after 20 games last season.
Marko Arnautovic has netted five goals in his last five Premier League
games, as many as he managed in his previous 38.
Merson's prediction
West Brom have been making chances but they just haven't got a goalscorer.
They are creating more under Alan Pardew but their problem at the end of the
season will be the lack of goals. West Ham will get back to winning ways
here.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V WEST BROM
By Dan Coker 2 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Firstly, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all West Ham Till I Die
readers a very Happy New Year!
Blast from the past
26th September 1959 – Craig Douglas was number one with 'Only Sixteen',
Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were in UK cinemas with Hammer Horror
production The Mummy and West Ham United outside-left Malcolm Musgrove
(pictured) bagged a brace in the Hammers' 4-1 victory over West Bromwich
Albion in front of 30,570 at the Boleyn Ground.
This took Musgrove to five goals from his first ten appearances of the
season. Outside-right Mike Grice and inside-forward Phil Woosnam scored the
Hammers' other goals as the Baggies were put to the sword in a game which
saw the Hammers move into the top six in their second season back in the top
flight.
Two-goal Musgrove would be the Hammers' top scorer for the season with an
impressive 20 goals from 48 appearances on the left wing. He would also be
voted Hammer of the Year. The Hammers would end the 1959/60 season in 14th
position in the First Division, while West Brom would finish fourth. Burnley
won the title and Wolves won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Noel Dwyer, John Bond, Ken Brown, Noel Cantwell, Andy
Malcolm, John Smith, Mike Grice, Phil Woosnam, Vic Keeble, John Dick,
Malcolm Musgrove.
Club Connections
West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have shared a decent number of
players over the years. These include:
Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, Peter McManus, David Burrows, Steve Walford, Gary
Strodder, Harry Kinsell.
Midfielders: Peter Butler, Alan Dickens, Franz Carr, Freddie Fenton, Morgan
Amalfitano, Nigel Quashie.
Strikers: Geoff Hurst, Tudor Martin, David Speedie, Jeroen Boere, Frank
Nouble, John Hartson, Chippy Simmons, Vince Haynes, Tommy Green, David
Cross.
Archie Macauley played for West Ham and managed West Brom, while Sam
Allardyce played for the Baggies and managed the Hammers. Bobby Gould played
for both clubs and also spent a period as manager at The Hawthorns.
This week's focus though is on another man who has managed both clubs. Alan
Pardew was born in Wimbledon on 18th July 1961 – a former glazier, Pardew
signed for Crystal Palace from non-league Yeovil in 1987 at the age of 25
and remained at the club for four years. He signed for Charlton in 1991 and
scored the winning goal against West Ham in August 1992. He had a brief loan
spell at Tottenham in the summer of 1995, featuring for them in the
InterToto Cup, before moving to Barnet.
Pardew moved into management with Reading, first as caretaker manager in
March 1998 before landing the job permanently a year later after the
departure of Tommy Burns. Having lost the 2001 Second Division Play-Off
Final, Pardew took Reading up automatically the following season and
followed that up with another play-off position finish in the First Division
in 2003.
Following the sacking of Glenn Roeder in August 2003, West Ham courted
Pardew's services but were given short shrift by Reading chairman John
Madejski who, when Pardew resigned his position, enforced a period of
gardening leave on his former employee. With Trevor Brooking steering the
ship capably in a caretaker role, the 42-year-old Pardew eventually became
West Ham's tenth permanent manager in October 2003. He drew his first game
at home 1-1 against Nottingham Forest, with Jermain Defoe's header
equalising Andy Reid's long-range effort. He had to wait until his eighth
game in all competitions for his first win, which arrived on 29th November
2003 against Wigan who were thrashed 4-0. An impressive comeback from 2-0
down to win 3-2 against Sunderland a month later kept the Hammers' promotion
push alive.
Pardew lost Defoe to Tottenham in January 2004 but ensured Bobby Zamora came
to the Boleyn as part of the deal. Zamora joined fellow Pardew signings
Hayden Mullins, Brian Deane and Marlon Harewood in east London, while three
new faces would arrive from Wimbledon in the shape of Nigel Reo-Coker, Adam
Nowland and Jobi McAnuff. Andy Melville arrived from Premier League Fuham,
with Ian Pearce moving to Craven Cottage. England goalkeeper David James
departed for Manchester City.
Pardew's men dumped Premier League Wolves out of the FA Cup at Molineux in
the fourth round courtesy of goals from Deane, Harewood and David Connolly
but would be defeated in a fifth round replay by Fulham. The Irons finished
fourth in the First Division, 12 points behind the automatic promotion
places, but would defeat Ipswich in the Play-Off Semi-Final second leg at a
raucous, rocking, revitalised Upton Park – Matthew Etherington and Christian
Dailly scoring the goals on a night few who were there will ever forget.
Pardew's interest in the psychology of the crowd played a part in building
the atmosphere before kick-off. After such a wonderful display against
Ipswich, the Play-Off Final was a damp squib, Crystal Palace defeating the
Hammers 1-0 in Cardiff.
The Hammers started 2004/05 in the newly-named Championship with England
international Teddy Sheringham added to their ranks but Michael Carrick was
to move to Tottenham. Jimmy Walker, Malky Mackay, Chris Powell, Luke
Chadwick, Shaun Newton, Carl Fletcher, Gavin Williams and Sergei Rebrov also
joined the club that season. Pardew also put his faith in youth, handing a
debut to a young Mark Noble and finishing the campaign with Academy products
Anton Ferdinand and Elliott Ward as his first-choice centre-back pairing.
The Hammers endured a difficult campaign, although along the way they won at
eventual title winners Sunderland through Harewood and Sheringham strikes
and also tore up Ipswich's unbeaten home record on New Year's Day, Harewood
again scoring alongside Etherington. Premier League Norwich were also
knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round before Sheffield United
defeated the Irons on penalties in the next round. West Ham sneaked into the
Play-Offs with a final-day win at Watford, ending the season in sixth place
just ahead of Pardew's former club Reading. A Zamora-inspired 2-0 win at
Ipswich in the second leg of the Play-Off Semi-Final ensured a 4-2 aggregate
triumph and the Hammers weren't to be denied a second time, securing
promotion in Cardiff with a 1-0 win over Preston with Zamora notching the
winner.
A ninth-placed Premier League season followed, Pardew's boys starting with a
3-1 comeback win at home against Blackburn before Aston Villa were downed by
a Harewood hat-trick. New signings Roy Carroll, the returning Shaka Hislop,
Danny Gabbidon, Paul Konchesky and Yossi Benayoun were settling in nicely,
Benayoun rounding off the aforementioned win over Villa with the fourth goal
in a 4-0 win. Pardew again showed his eye for a goalscorer by breaking the
club's transfer record to sign Dean Ashton in January 2006 and the Hammers
enjoyed a run to the FA Cup Final for the first time in 26 years, beating
Norwich, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester City and Middlesbrough along the way
before Liverpool agonisingly defeated the Hammers on penalties in Cardiff.
League wins at Highbury and against Tottenham to deny Spurs a place in the
Champions League (helped in some small part by a dodgy lasagne) made 2005/06
a season to remember. Pardew was mere minutes away from lifting the FA Cup
which had also eluded him as a Crystal Palace player in 1990.
The summer of 2006 saw quantity but a lack of quality arrive at the club
with Tyrone Mears, Jonathan Spector and John Paintsil all signed to contest
the right-back spot. Rob Green was an inspired signing in goal, George
McCartney and Carlton Cole would serve the club well and Lee Bowyer added
experience in midfield. The astonishing signings of Javier Mascherano and
Carlos Tevez, alongside a takeover of the club by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and
Eggert Magnusson, destabilised the club however. The Hammers went seven
games without a goal and 11 without a win in all competitions, being knocked
out of the UEFA Cup by Palermo and the League Cup by lowly Chesterfield. The
crowd showed their support for the manager by chanting 'Alan Pardew's Claret
and Blue Army' before a 2-1 win over Blackburn, while a late 1-0 win over
Arsenal in November 2006 saw Pards and Arsene Wenger have a much-publicised
spat on the touchline.
Pardew was sacked during the week after a 4-0 defeat at Sam Allardyce's
Bolton on 9th December 2006. He was replaced by former Hammer Alan
Curbishley. Pardew was appointed manager of former club Charlton on
Christmas Eve but, despite a 4-0 win over Curbishley's West Ham in February
2007, could not keep the Addicks in the top flight. He went on to manage
Southampton before making a Premier League return at Newcastle in December
2010, replacing former Hammer Chris Hughton. He decided to move to former
club Crystal Palace in January 2015.
Now 56, and having left Selhurst Park last season, Pardew is now manager of
West Bromwich Albion having replaced Tony Pulis at the end of November. His
first game in charge was a goalless draw with former club Crystal Palace at
The Hawthorns. He has been in charge for seven games and is yet to record a
win – as stated above, his first win as West Ham manager came in his eighth
match. Hammers supporters will be hoping it's not eighth time lucky again
for Pards! The Baggies have drawn four and lost three of Pardew's seven
games in charge, scoring three goals and conceding seven.
Referee
Tuesday's referee will be Chester-based Mike Jones, who will take on his
first Premier League Hammers appointment of the season – his most recent
league match involving West Ham was the 2-1 defeat at Hull in April. He also
refereed our 4-1 League Cup quarter-final defeat at Man Utd in November 2016
and our 2-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the 2015/16 season.
Jones is perhaps more infamous for a shocking display during our FA Cup
quarter-final defeat at Stoke in 2011, when he allowed both goals for the
home side to stand despite blatant infringements on Matthew Upson and Thomas
Hitzlsperger respectively. He also awarded the Potters a penalty for a
Matthew Etherington dive (which was saved by Rob Green) and astonishingly
gave Stoke a free-kick for a tangle which should have seen James Tomkins
awarded a penalty.
Possible line-ups
West Ham United will be without Sam Byram, Jose Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes
and Michail Antonio, while Mark Noble is a doubt. Reece Oxford is back from
his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach. Adrian has kept three clean
sheets in six league appearances this season, the same number of shut-outs
that Joe Hart has recorded in 14 games.
West Bromwich Albion are without James Morrison, Nacer Chadli and Salomon
Rondon. Alan Pardew has stated he will be forced into changes with some of
his players not able to cope with another game so soon after the New Year's
Eve match against Arsenal. The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four trips
to West Ham and are bidding to keep a clean sheet in both league games
against the Hammers in a season for the first time since 1976/77. West Brom
are winless in 19 top-flight games – only three clubs have endured longer
runs without a victory in the Premier League: Derby with 32, Sunderland with
26 and Norwich with 21.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell,
Masuaku; Kouyate, Obiang, Lanzini; Arnautovic, Ayew.
Possible West Bromwich Albion XI: Foster; Hegazi, Dawson, Evans; McClean,
Brunt, Livermore, Yacob, Gibbs; Robson-Kanu, Rodriguez.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Brom complain to the Premier League about West Ham fixture
West Bromwich Albion have complained to the Premier League
The Independent Sport
West Bromwich Albion have complained to the Premier League, urging them to
reschedule Tuesday's clash at West Ham United because of the vast difference
in recovery periods for the two teams. West Brom snatched a 1-1 home draw
against Arsenal on Sunday and while they are set for a second game in 48
hours, West Ham have not played since last week's 3-3 draw at Bournemouth
but are in action again on Thursday against Tottenham Hotspur. Reports said
West Brom chairman John Williams spoke to Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore about Tuesday's match with 18th-placed West Ham at the
London stadium.
"We all know there's pressure on TV companies for ratings and everything
else and games -- I understand that. But the league's got to be stronger and
say two days is not right," West Brom manager Alan Pardew said.
West Ham's televised fixture at Spurs was scheduled for New Year's eve but
moved because of safety concerns over the reduced capacity at underground
stations around Wembley Stadium which meant the arena would only accommodate
43,000 spectators. Asked if he was forced to make changes to his side
because of the frequency of games, Pardew said: "Of course I am. There's
some players who won't be able to cope with that. I'd be putting them at
risk."
West Brom are 19th in the table with 16 points from 21 games and are winless
in 19 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea reportedly keen on West Ham duo
BY LONDON FOOTBALL NEWS 02/01/2018
The Guardian say Swansea City are interested in signing Diafra Sakho from
West Ham but a deal to take Andre Ayew back to the Welsh club is seen as
unlikely.
It comes after reports linking both strikers with a possible move to the
Liberty Stadium – and West Ham with Swans duo Alfie Mawson and Ki
Sung-yueng.
There has been speculation that a swap deal could be agreed during this
month's transfer window. The Guardian say West Ham are keen to offload Ayew
and Swansea would be interested in taking him back but that his wages are a
barrier to a deal. Meanwhile, The Sun say Borussia Monchengladbach have
offered West Ham £20m for Reece Oxford. It comes after the 19-year-old
defender was recalled from his loan spell at the German club, who are
reportedly determined to sign him on a permanent basis. The Sun also ssay
Arsenal have received a boost in their apparent bid to sign Schalke's Leon
Goretzka after it emerged that reports he has agreed a move to Bayern Munich
proved to be wide of the mark. And The Sun have picked up on reports in
Arturo Vidal's native Chile claiming that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has
spoken to the Bayern Munich midfielder on the telephone about a possible
move to Stamford Bridge.
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