The legacy of the late Dylan Tombides
WHUFC.com
Four years ago, a light went out at West Ham United, but the legacy of the
late Dylan Tombides continues to shine brightly, not only in east London but
across the world. Dylan passed away on 18 April 2014, aged just 20,
following a long, arduous and courageous battle with the cancer which
ultimately took his life. Following the death of the popular striker, who
graduated from the Academy of Football before making his first-team debut
against Wigan Athletic in September 2012, his family set up the DT38
Foundation, a charity founded to fight testicular cancer in both the UK and
Dylan's native Australia. Dylan's mother and DT Foundation founder Tracy
Tombides said: "Finding the words to express how myself, Jim, Taylor and our
family and friends feel on a day like today is almost impossible. Words
like proud and inspired by his talent and achievements get mixed with
devastated and robbed. "Dylan was the life and soul of our house , he was a
wonderful young man with a special talent which was never fully expressed
because his life was taken so early by such a cruel disease. We are so
grateful for the hundreds of messages of support we have received from
people across the world on the fourth anniversary of his passing, Dylan's,
personality, talent, brave and inspiring story clearly touches so many
people. "His memory and legacy live on and we will continue to work harder
and harder to spread awareness of testicular cancer, the need for self
checking and the importance of insisting on an ultra-sound if problems
arise. "Finally thank you to all of our wonderful partners, supporters,
donators, volunteers and followers, we couldn't continue to raise awareness
so successfully at DT38 Foundation without you or your funding."
Since its foundation, DT38 has attracted the backing of a host of big names
in the football world, including Australia captain Mile Jedinak, the manager
who gave Dylan his debut, Sam Allardyce, Dylan's former Academy Director
Tony Carr and his West Ham teammates Mark Noble, James Collins, Jack
Collison, James Tomkins, Sebastian Lletget, Freddie Sears, Jordan Spence,
George Moncur, Dan Potts, Rob Hall and Elliot Lee. DT38's drive to raise
self-awareness, promote education and provide opportunities began at the
Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace in February 2015 and will
continue later this month at the fourth annual DT38 Awareness Day, which
will coincide with the visit of Manchester City to London Stadium on Sunday
29 April. Dylan's family and DT38 Foundation Ambassadors and supporters will
be at the game to talk about the charity's work and raise funds and
awareness for the fight against male cancers. On Sunday 10 June, Dylan's
brother Taylor and Dave Sullivan, the son of Joint-Chairman David Sullivan,
will be among the pugilists taking part in the first DT38 White Collar
Boxing event at the legendary York Hall in Bethnal Green, in association
with the world-famous Peacock Gym. Taking control of the DT38 fundraising
auction and presenting the trophies will be former WBC world
light-heavyweight champion John Conteh, while the event will be hosted by
BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster Johnny Barran.
Tickets are priced at £60 for ringside seating, £50 for balcony seating and
£40 for stalls seating, with all profits going to the DT38 Foundation. To
buy your tickets now, click here.
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Carroll: Hammers must keep working hard to stay up
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll says West Ham United must continue to put their best foot
forward to ensure the Club is playing Premier League football next season.
Carroll scored in the 90th minute with a superb finish from the edge of the
penalty area to secure the Irons a valuable point against Stoke City, after
Peter Crouch had put the away side ahead. The striker's fine strike means
the Irons have collected five points in their last three games, moving the
team to 14th in the table, seven points clear of the drop zone with five
matches left to play for David Moyes's side. But Carroll has urged the side
not to accept safety as a given, saying he and his teammates have to keep
playing well to guarantee top flight football for next campaign. "I think
we're still in it until the end of the season," Carroll said, when asked if
the Club's Premier League status had been confirmed: "There are so many
teams that can get sucked in. We've just got to work hard, take each game as
it comes, and see what happens."
Carroll's finish was his third of the season, and came after Aaron Cresswell
played a cross to the forward – the fifth time the defender has assisted the
No9 during their time together at West Ham. "It was a good cross," Carroll
continued: "He's put it in early enough. I think everyone expected it to go
right in the box, but it didn't and I just hesitated my run, and got on the
end of it. "It was great. I was itching to get on a little bit earlier, and
I got on, got a half-chance, and put it away. "The manager spoke before the
game and we knew we had to get a result. We knew we had to get something and
we came away with a point. We're disappointed not to come away with three
but, three goals disallowed – two offside and one for handball – it was
difficult to take. Coming away with one point is good enough."
Carroll's showing was the first for the Hammers since playing against
Tottenham at the beginning of January, and the attacker is thrilled to be
back in action again.
England manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance at London Stadium for
Monday's match, but Carroll insists his primary focus is currently on
playing as much as possible for the Irons. He added: "The last 11 weeks have
been tough, really tough, and frustrating. I've been in the gym most of the
time and I don't want to be there. It's been tough but I've got through it
and I'm back on the pitch now, and I feel good. "[An England return] would
be nice but at the minute I'm just concentrating on staying fit and getting
goals and getting in the squad here. Hopefully something will happen but, if
not, it is what it is."
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Declan Rice's first class character sets him apart – former Hammer Upson
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has hailed Declan Rice's
character as he observes his former charge's rapid rise to prominence this
season. Upson worked as Rice's mentor in the Academy of Football last season
and has not been surprised at the 19-year-old's ability to adapt as he has
established himself in the first team throughout the 2017/18 campaign. Rice
has appeared in 21 of the Hammers' 33 Premier League games to date this
season, alongside making his senior Republic of Ireland debut, and Upson
believes his development curve will only continue to shoot upwards. "Terry
[Westley, Academy Manager] asked me to be Declan's mentor last season and we
worked together quite closely for a year," the 21-cap former England
international said. "His progress has been rapid and one of the main reasons
for that has been his attitude and character. That is what sets him apart.
"Some people would say his progress has been unexpected from where he was
two years ago but his application and attitude have been first class. He
will listen, he wants to do well, he is eager for the next challenge – and
he's tough."
When it comes to passing on his expertise, Upson is only too happy to play
his part in assisting the next generation of defenders and he explained what
his role with the Academy entailed. He said: "Mentoring a young player
involves a lot of talking, advice and analysis. Sometimes young players in
the Under-23s hit a time when the only development they need is in
performance-related goals. "They wouldn't be in the Under-23s at a Premier
League club if they didn't understand the game and weren't good technically.
The next step is to question performance goals, things like: 'When the ball
is wide, do I mark space or get close to an opponent?' Or: 'When that ball
comes over, do I challenge for the ball when I know the opponent is going to
win it or just shunt him before he jumps to knock him off balance?' "That
sort of stuff, those little psychological points, can make a big difference
in the development of young players. "Declan is an amazing learner and that
is why he has done so well. His attitude and character set him apart and he
is a great example of a young player who has gone from where he was at a
year ago, to being regularly involved in the first team."
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IN RETROSPECT, THE CRUCIAL THING ON MONDAY EVENING WAS NOT TO LOSE!
By S J Chandos 18 Apr 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Like most of you, I am frustrated that we failed to secure a crucial win
over Stoke City. To have done so would have put us 10 points ahead of Stoke
and 9 points ahead of Southampton. As it is, we are now 7 points ahead of
both clubs, with 4/5 matches to play. Whereas, if Stoke City had secured a
travesty of a victory, the gap would have been reduced to a far less
comfortable 4 points and given them great momentum going in to their next
fixture at home to Burnley. So, in retrospect, it could be the case that the
crucial thing was that we did not lose on Monday evening. Tough as some of
our remaining fixtures are, I still reckon that we will accumulate the
necessary points to preserve our PL status. I am also comforted by the
thought that it is very unlikely (based on prior/current form) that either
Stoke City or Southampton will secure the three victories out of their final
four games that they probably need to stand any chance of surviving at our
expense.
I am greatly encouraged by the timely return to fitness of Lanzini and
Carroll, plus the apparent determination of Hernandez to stick to his
striking task, regardless of the fact that he cannot be happy that he is not
starting games. Other notable sources of encouragement are the brilliant
form of Rice and Ogbonna, the strong leadership of Noble and the continuing
effectiveness of Arnautovic in his central striking role. On the down side,
Hart remains prone to silly errors, but we still need to get behind him as I
have a suspicion that he will probably remain our first choice custodian for
the remainder of this season. Personally, I am also spurred on by the
knowledge that the players have previously responded well, under Moyes, when
faced with some very tough fixtures against the top sides. For instance, we
beat Chelsea (home} and then went on to grind out creditable draws against
Arsenal (home), Spurs (away) and Chelsea (away). Those results hopefully
bode well for the forthcoming challenges against Arsenal (away), Man City
(home) and Man Utd (home). The objective must surely be to maximise the
points return in those three matches, so there is less riding on the final
two matches vs Leicester City (away) and Everton (home). That final home
match against Everton might be our ultimate assurance policy, but lets hope
(as events turn out) that we do not actually need it!
As for the match itself on Monday, I thought that we dominated for the
majority of the game and should have won easily. The fact that we had three
goals disallowed (rightfully as it turns out) speaks volumes. I know that
Moyes has a tough job, but I must say that I anticipated that he would have
started with Arnautovic-Hernandez up front in this fixture. Hernandez caused
Stoke all sorts of problems when he came on and one can only speculate on
the impact he could have had if he had started the match. In the end a vital
point was rescued by a very unlikely hero, the hitherto incapacitated, Andy
Carroll. And what a class strike it was! You know something, on occasions
like that, Carroll shows flashes of inspiration/technique that we often
think beyond him. Yet, he is obviously capable of it and one wonders exactly
what he could really do if could only stay fit for a prolonged period of
time. Hopefully, Carroll will now stay fit and play a key role coming on, to
positively impact on matches in the latter stages.
Thanks to Carroll's late equaliser, we stay in a reasonably strong position
in our hunt for survival. You would certainly not trade positions with
either Stoke City or Southampton, would you? It would be wonderful to secure
a great win at the Emirates, but it is more probable that we will set up to
clinch another key draw on the road to our PL safety. Indeed, it is all
likely to be a bit nerve wracking, but lets hope the issue is settled (to
our ultimate satisfaction) come that final home fixture vs Everton. Because
Mr Allardyce, and his Toffee Men, are unlikely to do us any favours if they
can help it!
SJ. Chandos.
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WEST HAM HAVE 'WIN/WIN' SITUATION AS STRIKER EYES END OF SEASON
SURGEFeatured Image
Date: 18th April 2018 at 8:54pm
Written by: Josh Challies
ReadWestHam
West Ham have plenty of work to do this summer and a complete rejuvenation
of their attacking line could occur, with both Javier Hernandez and Andy
Carroll having uncertain futures ahead of them at the London Stadium. Mexico
forward Hernandez is said to be unhappy with the Hammers, whilst 29-year-old
Carroll is rapidly approaching the final 12 months of his deal and doesn't
currently look likely to earn fresh terms after another spell away from
action due to injury.
However, he made his return to the side in Monday's 1-1 draw with fellow
strugglers Stoke City, coming off the bench to score a last-gasp equaliser
and extending the Hammers' advantage over the relegation zone to seven
points. Claret & Hugh state that an upturn in form for the veteran striker
could turn out to be a win/win situation for the Hammers, who would see
those performances strengthen their position in the battle for the drop and
it could also lead for suitors for Carroll's signature. If a new contract
with Carroll is to be agreed, it would more than likely occur midway through
next season if the striker impresses.
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FIVE GOALKEEPERS WEST HAM SHOULD LOOK AT THIS SUMMER
GEORGE ROGAN @georgerogan97
ReadWestHam
West Ham have struggled to find a solid enough first-choice goalkeeper over
the past two seasons. Darren Randolph, Adrian and Joe Hart have all had the
number one spot but none of them have been able to hold it down. Hart was
brought in on loan from Manchester City this season and was expected to
cement his place in the side and go on to start for England at the 2018
World Cup. However, he has made a number of mistakes, including on Monday
night against Stoke City. A tame effort from Xherdan Shaqiri was spilled by
the Englishman and led to Peter Crouch scoring when Hart tried to recover
the ball with his feet. Being at the bottom end of the table once again,
West Ham are unlikely to sign Hart permanently. They also seem intent on not
having Adrian as the permanent first-choice so it looks like they will go
into the transfer market once more.
We have looked at five goalkeepers they could sign.
ANGUS GUNN
Angus Gunn would be a clever signing for West Ham to make. Gunn is owned by
Manchester City and has spent this season on loan at Norwich City. He has
made many impressive performances for the Canaries this season, earning him
an England call up in November 2017. The 22-year-old looks certain to have a
bright future and has even be tipped to one day become City's first-choice
goalkeeper, so bringing him in permanently would be fabulous business. Gunn
may grow impatient at not being given a chance in Manchester and that plays
into West Ham's hands. They can offer him first team football in the Premier
League now, something City won't do with Ederson looking like a comfortable
choice to have in between the sticks for years to come. The youngster has
time on his side and if the transfer was to be successful, he could be the
backbone of the Hammers for a long time.
BEN FOSTER
The West Brom number one would be a good choice for the Hammers. His current
side look like getting relegated to the Championship, having left it too
late to find form that will keep them up. On Sunday, Foster put in an
excellent display against Manchester United at the weekend as they claimed a
shock 1-0 victory.
Foster has been largely reliable throughout his time at West Brom, winning
the Player of the Season award last season. He is likely to be sought after
in the summer and West Ham should be one of the clubs on his radar. He would
come relatively cheap due to him only having a year left on his contract and
the fact he is getting on. That too is where the problem lies. Foster is now
35, so he may not be around for long, leaving West Ham facing the same
problem in a year or two.
RUI PATRICIO
If West Ham are looking abroad then the first place to start would be in
Portugal. Patricio has been a consistently strong performer for his club
Sporting. The Portuguese international made his debut at the age of 18, and
has gone on to play more than 400 times for his club. He handles pressure
well, as shown by the many saves he made to preserve a clean sheet in the
Euro 2016 final, helping his country defeat France 1-0. The fee wouldn't be
too much for the 30-year-old, and his wages would be much smaller than those
of Hart. The lure of the Premier League could be enough to tempt Patricio to
want to move across, and West Ham would be the perfect place for him to
establish himself in England.
NICK POPE
Nick Pope has been somewhat of a revelation this season. He was signed as a
backup to Tom Heaton and even started the season that way. Heaton got
injured against Crystal Palace back in September and Pope was the man to
replace him. Since then he has put in brilliant performance after brilliant
performance to help Burnley defy the odds and sit seventh. The 25-year-old
was called up to the England squad in March and has kept Heaton out of the
Burnley side since his return from injury. The only thing that may stop a
deal going through is the European football Burnley are likely to have next
season. Nevertheless, Burnley are a club with limited resources, and West
Ham can offer the sort of deal they couldn't say no to, so a bid for the
Cambridgeshire born player would be a good decision.
TIMO HORN
Timo Horn could be the dark horse in terms of West Ham's search for a
goalkeeper this summer. Horn, 24, has been Cologne's number one for six
seasons now and has been their most impressive player this season. With over
150 league appearances at the age of 24 and two player of the season awards,
the German has been the one shining light for Cologne this season as they
are currently last in the Bundesliga. He won a silver medal at the Rio
Olympics with Germany and is known to have turned Liverpool down as a
teenager because he wanted to continue his development in Germany. Horn has
a relegation release clause believed to be around £5.4 million and that
would prove to be a steal should he keep up his standards in the Premier
League.
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DOMINGOS QUINA ON AC MILAN'S RADAR
TANAKA MVERE
ReadWestHam
West Ham's academy starlet Domingos Quina could leave the club this summer
with Italian side AC Milan planning a move for him. Quina's contract expires
in summer 2019 and HITC report that Milan are the favourites to get his
signature. The Italian side appear to have rejuvenated their season under
Genaro Gattuso, with the side now in the Serie A's top six. The Portugal U19
star, who is yet to make his Premier League debut, has been displaying his
abilities in his academy perfomances and a move for Quina could spark his
professional career. Academy director Terry Westley once claimed that
Domingos is one of the most gifted young talents in Europe. Quina scored a
40-yard wondergoal against Leicester and after the game, Westley told the
club website: He is that good. He has got star quality.
The Mirror says that Quina has also attracted other Premier League outfits
and West Ham would be willing to listen to offers. West Ham are keen to
rebuild their squad this summer and may have to consider cashing in some of
their gifted young talents. Ajax are also reportedly showing interest in the
Quina and a move to the Dutch side could also be tempting for the academy
star.
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First picture of aspiring lawyer and West Ham fan, 18, knifed to death on
way home from match
West Ham fans are calling for a minute's applause for murdered student Sami
Sidhom, 18, who was nicknamed 'Mr Swot' by his friends due to his devotion
to his studies
The Mirror
ByDanya Bazaraa
News Reporter
Charlotte Neal
18:34, 18 APR 2018
NEWS
This is the face of murdered aspiring lawyer Sami Sidhom whose future was
ripped away from him in a brutal attack while he made his way home from a
West Ham patch. The 18-year-old was stabbed to death outside his house in
Forest Gate, London, at around 10.50pm on Monday. Fans are calling for a
round of applause for him in the 18th minute of the clash with Manchester
City on Sunday. His death is the latest in a string of fatal stabbings and
shootings in the capital - the number of murder probes launched this year
alone nears 60, more than New York. Witnesses said they saw the "smiley" and
"humble" teenager attacked by up to four men who sped off in a silver car.
The horrendous attack was just metres from the home he shared with his
grandmother and father.
Just an hour before, the West Ham season ticket holder had been at the 1-1
draw against Stoke at the London Stadium.
West Ham News
@whufc_news
18 year-old West Ham fan & University student Sami Sidhom was stabbed to
death yards from his front door by four men after returning home from the
game against Stoke on Monday. Let's give him a minute's applause in the 18th
minute for the City game next week #RIP #WestHamFamily
12:58 PM - Apr 18, 2018
492
240 people are talking about this
West Ham Transfer News said on Twitter said: "I'm saddened to hear about the
stabbing and death of my friend, Sami Sidhom, 18. "He was a passionate West
Ham fan and season ticket holder in the Sir Trevor Brooking stand, block
217, and on his way home from the match against Stoke he was stabbed and
pronounced dead. "I'm calling for the support and unity of all West Ham fans
and the club to get a minute's applause in the 18th minute in our next home
game against Man City, in memory of Sami. "May he rest in peace."
West Ham Transfers
@westhamtransfer
Terrible news. Spread the news.
7:04 PM - Apr 17, 2018
985
726 people are talking about this
In response, Stuart said: "So sorry to hear that, no one should go to a
football match and never come home. Thoughts are with you and his family
ynwa." The teenager, born in the UK and of Egyptian heritage, had been
studying for a history and law degree at Queen Mary University. Releasing
his picture, Met Police said on Wednesday that although formal
identification is yet to take place, officers are confident the victim is
Sami, from Newham. A post mortem gave the cause of death as multiple stab
wounds. No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector John Marriott, who is leading the investigation, said:
"We are at the early stages of the investigation and my team retain an open
mind as to the motive for Sami's murder. "We are keen to hear from anyone
who may have been in the area last night and may have seen or heard
anything. "It doesn't matter how big or small you think your information may
be; it could be the piece of the puzzle that helps bring the person that
killed a young man last night to justice." Tributes to the "completely
innocent" teen have been laid at the murder scene. Neighbour Tariq Bhugeloo,
who came to lay flowers at the scene, said: "He was a smiley, skinny, humble
guy. Never involved in any trouble. "Sami was always outside polishing his
car - a new black Audi A4. His grandfather passed away recently, so with the
inheritance he bought this car. "I saw him on Saturday and joked with him
that he'd missed a spot. He was a completely innocent guy. "I didn't hear
the scream because I'm at the back of the house, but my brother did." A
childhood friend of the student, believed to have been studying at Queen
Mary University of London, said he was "a good guy".
The friend, who has not been named, said: "I spoke to him yesterday. We were
talking about West Ham. He was a good guy, it's his 19th birthday in a few
months. "He has never been involved in any crime. He has a nice car, but
that was from his granddad. I just can't believe it." Others described
witnessing the attack. One resident, who did not want to be named, said he
saw a man knife the teenager in the back and then jump into a silver car,
which sped off. "I heard a commotion outside my house and then saw one man
with a knife stab the guy in the back," he said. "There was another man
there too and they jumped into a silver car and drove away. "The guy who had
been stabbed was screaming 'help me, help me'." Another neighbour who lives
opposite the scene said he tried to help the teenager, but he was losing too
much blood. "I heard a car race down the street and stop. Then I heard a
scream, and the car sped off. "It looks like he was stabbed in the back.
"The air ambulance doctors were working on him in the street but I'm pretty
sure he was dead before the official time of death." Mayor of London Sadiq
Khan said: "My heart goes out to the friends and family of the teenager who
lost his life in Forest Gate last night. "I am in close contact with the
police and I am reassured that they are doing everything they can to bring
those responsible to justice and keep Londoners safe."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 19
Wednesday, April 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th April 2018
Carroll content to deny Stoke victory with late leveller
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll felt denying Stoke City three points was as important as
earning West Ham United one after his volley secured a 1-1 Premier League
draw with the Potters at London Stadium. The Hammers had controlled long
periods of Monday night's game, only to fall behind with eleven minutes
remaining when Peter Crouch prodded home from close-range after Joe Hart had
saved Xherdan Shaqiri's initial effort. David Moyes, whose side had already
seen two 'goals' correctly disallowed by referee Michael Oliver, threw on
Carroll and the centre forward marked his return from three months out with
a foot injury with a superb left-foot volley in the final minute. There was
still time for West Ham to have the ball in the net for a fourth time, only
for Oliver to whistle Carroll for handball before Chicharito's drive had
beaten Jack Butland. A point apiece leaves West Ham 14th on 35 points and
Stoke 18th on 28, with five each left to play. "I thought we played well
throughout," said Carroll. "Obviously Crouchy came on and scored, which is
what he does best, and it was disappointing for us because we'd had a few
chances and a couple of goals disallowed. "We took [two] points off them,
though, and it's a point for us, so it's a good result in the end."
Carroll's superb left-foot strike belied the fact he has not played a
Premier League match since appearing in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur
at Wembley on 4 January. "I don't know if it looked sharp, because I didn't
feel sharp! The ball came in and I like them on my left foot, so I just span
and hit it and it went in. "I've trained for five days in with the lads,
having worked with the physio beforehand, so not too much."
And what of the 'goal' disallowed after Carroll had controlled the ball and
set up Chicharito in the second minute of added time? "I tried to bring the
ball down and it hits my hand a little bit. If it's a shove in the back,
it's a penalty, but we played on and he didn't give it and, in the end, it's
a point, so we'll take it." Next up for West Ham is a trip to Arsenal on
Sunday. With five games to go, one more victory might well be enough to
secure safety, and Carroll would love to achieve it at the Emirates. "We've
still got five games left and we've got to win them as no-one is safe. It's
tough at the minute and we've just got to keep working."
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Moyes: All three subs made a big difference in Stoke draw
WHUFC.com
David Moyes was pleased with the impact made by his West Ham United
substitutes as Andy Carroll climbed off the bench to secure a 1-1 Premier
League draw with Stoke City. The Hammers dominated the Potters for long
periods at London Stadium, only to fall behind to Peter Crouch's close-range
strike with eleven minutes to play. Moyes threw on Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini – both of whom were available again after injury – and the former
snatched a point when he volleyed home Aaron Cresswell's cross in the final
minute of normal time. "I thought we should have won. We certainly didn't
deserve to lose it and, if we had, the football gods would certainly have
been against us because we bossed the majority of the game. In the main, we
played really well. We played good parts of the game tonight because I
thought, if anyone was going to go in front, it was going to be us. "We
played well from the back. We played the ball and did some good things and
we just didn't have that bit of something different up front. Marko and
Arthur, who have given us a lot of goals and quality, just didn't produce
that. "I actually thought all the subs who came on made a big difference –
Chicharito, Andy and Lanzini all came on and helped it. We've not had those
options very often this season so I'm glad to get them back."
When asked why he did not bring on any of the attacking trio before
introducing Chicharito with 14 minutes to go – three minutes before Crouch's
opener – the manager said he wanted to keep faith in his starting XI, who
had dominated much of the second half. "We didn't need to make any subs
because the team were playing well. We were dominant and in their half most
of the time and were obviously trying to find a way through, so my feeling
was that the goal would come.
"Stoke have been losing quite a few goals late on in games and I thought we
could score late on and I didn't think we needed it. "The minute we went a
goal down, we had to find another way of doing it and we gradually got the
strikers on and we got the goal back."
West Ham created 18 goal attempts and had the ball in the net four times in
total, only for three of them to be correctly ruled out by referee Michael
Oliver – two for offside and one in added time for a handball offence by
Carroll. "I have seen a couple of them and I think they looked like they
were the right decisions, so well done to the referee," Moyes observed. "The
one that goes up to Andy I've not seen whether he handles it or not, but the
referee did his job and did it well."
After extending their unbeaten run to three matches, West Ham sit seven
points clear of Southampton and Stoke and eleven above bottom side West
Bromwich Albion. All five of the Hammers' remaining fixtures are against
teams in the top nine, but Moyes believes his team have the quality to
collect enough points to stay up over the final month of the season. "It
leaves us in a good position, far better than it was when I took over. We
went 1-0 down and could have come away with nothing tonight, so the points
we've picked up in recent games will all help us. "We've had good results
against some of the top teams, so let's see if we can do it again. It'll not
be easy, but I think our performances are getting better and normally good
performances lead to good results. "We've just had a win and two draws and,
at this time of the season, that's not too bad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: Andy Carroll's goal was a really important one for us
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble admitted to mixed feelings following Monday night's 1-1 draw with
Stoke City, after a dominant performance did not get the full reward it
merited.
The Hammers needed a last minute volley from Andy Carroll to rescue a point
in the end – a result which kept the Potters seven points behind their hosts
– but the skipper felt it should have been more. After having three goals
ruled out during a dramatic second period, Noble's frustration was clear but
given the circumstances of Carroll's late goal, the No16 was grateful for
the big striker's intervention. He explained: "We shouldn't be in there
really happy, and we're not. It's a little bit deflating because for large,
large spells we dominated the game. "When we get the first goal here we're
dangerous, but we knew what Stoke would be like. They're a hard, fighting
team. I know they've lost a few games recently but they haven't been really
outplayed. "They work hard for each other, but tonight I thought the boys
played really well and just couldn't get the goal that we needed, and when
we did – with three of them – they were disallowed! "A point puts us seven
points clear of the relegation zone and it's three games unbeaten, but we're
still a little dejected because I thought we did enough to win."
Carroll's goal, after 13 games out with an ankle injury, was his third
important one of 2018 following a brace against West Brom in January and
Noble said his contribution was priceless. He added: "In all honesty, just
his presence on the pitch – even when I saw him coming on gave me a bit of a
boost. "You put that ball in the box and there's every chance he's going to
shove his head, or anything, there. "I've just kissed him on the forehead in
the dressing room because it's a very important goal for us.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Coventry: U23s extra motivated for London Stadium Arsenal derby
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U23s will have extra motivation to beat London rivals
Arsenal at London Stadium on Friday in Premier League 2, according to
midfielder Conor Coventry. The Hammers were overcome 1-0 by Derby County on
Monday in their penultimate Division 1 game of the campaign, and will be
looking to bounce back to end the season on a high at the Club's home this
week.
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Defeat at the Rams' Training Centre put a dent in Terry Westley's team's
strong end to the season after consecutive away wins at Liverpool,
Manchester City and Everton, but 18-year-old Coventry believes his side will
rally to finish off the term with a victory. The Gunners were also 3-0
winners when the sides met back in November, something which will also
provide extra motivation for Friday's hosts, says the youngster. "We all
look forward to the games at the main stadium and Arsenal are a team who are
top of the league and still trying to win the division, so I think it will
be a really good match," he explained. "Of course it's a London derby as
well, so our aim is to win and not let them get the league title. "All the
boys will be extra motivated after losing on Monday, to end the season on a
high and a big positive after such a good first season at this level. We
also lost to Arsenal earlier this season, so there's a sense of revenge in
the game too and we'll be doing all we can to win. "Obviously the fans
always play a part in all our games no matter where they are, but when they
turn out for the games at London Stadium it is really special for us and
hopefully we can repay the ones that are there with a win."
Coventry – who scored his so far only U23 goal for the Hammers against
Fulham at London Stadium last term – has made 17 appearances for the Premier
League 2 side this term and has established himself as a key member of the
Republic of Ireland's U19 squad. The controlling central midfielder is
proud of the way he has acquitted himself at the higher level having played
the majority of his football last season for the U18s. "I'm definitely
pleased with the way I've established myself in this team. The target at the
start of the season was to play as many games as I could in the U23s but it
was more of a target for the end of the campaign.
"I wouldn't say I necessarily expected to be where I am now at this stage,
having played so much at the beginning of the year and playing at the level
I am, so obviously I'm really pleased with that. "It has been a great
learning curve for me. For example, in the Derby game they played in a very
physical way and were very direct but you have to be able to deal with that
if you are to have a career in the game. "The team they started with was
pretty experienced with some older players. The way they played suited their
team, they weren't the same as more of an Arsenal or a Tottenham who we've
played this season, or like the style we try and play, so it was a good
experience for us."
Coventry admitted it was a disappointing way for West Ham to suffer their
eighth league defeat, but is sure the side will bounce back at London
Stadium.
"The goal was a long kick and we didn't deal with it, but at times we
dominated the game and we definitely deserved to get something out of it,"
continued Coventry. "We've played two high intensity games in the last week
or two to beat Man City and Everton, but that's the way the game is; you
have to be able to deal with that and do that. We're a young side but you
have to learn to get used to that intensity. "It was maybe just a bit of an
off day that we tried to turn around in the second half, and we nearly did,
but we just about couldn't in the end. Hopefully we can do that against
Arsenal on Friday, now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cresswell: Carroll is one of the best at what he does
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll has been described as 'one of the best at what he does' by
teammate Aaron Cresswell, after the striker scored a superb equaliser in
Monday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City. Carroll – making his return from injury –
came off the bench to net a terrific goal in the 90th minute from the edge
of the box, volleying home and earning the Hammers a share of the spoils
against the Potters. The goal was provided to Carroll by Cresswell, the
fifth time the defender has given an assist for the striker during their
time together at West Ham, and the 28-year-old is thrilled to see his
teammate back in action. "We've had a few fair injuries over the course of
the season," Cresswell said: "Andy's come back today and showed us what he's
all about. I'm delighted for Andy. Of course, no one wants to be injured,
and he had a frustrating time with injuries, but he's come back and in five
minutes he's scored a goal. "Everyone know what he's about and when he's
fully fit he's one of the best at what he does. Tonight, him and Chicharito
coming on changed the game for us."
Stoke took the lead at London Stadium through substitute Peter Crouch, who
poked home in the second period, before fellow substitute Carroll levelled
the tie for the Hammers. The introduction of the striker, as well as
Chicharito – who scored last week in the draw at Chelsea – and the returning
Manuel Lanzini was critical in David Moyes's side collecting a point.
Cresswell, who registered his seventh league assist of the season in the
fixture, admits the Hammers had targeted a win from this fixture, with the
Irons seeing three goals ruled out by the match officials for offside and
handball respectively. But, with the Irons a goal behind heading into the
final ten minutes, the No3 reckons a point is a good return. Cresswell
continued: "I think, throughout the whole 90 minutes, we maybe deserved the
three points. There's two or three offside goals, on another day maybe one
or two of them would have been given. "But, it wasn't to be, and to be fair
to them, they are fighting for their lives as well as we are. They get the
late goal. You look up at the clock and there's ten minutes to go, so it's a
good point in the end. "Before the game, three points would have been
massive for us. But certainly, not losing, is a good result. I thought we
showed great ability towards the end, with a disappointing goal and then, to
come from behind and get a point at the end, it felt like a win for us."
With Arsenal up next for West Ham in the Premier League, Cresswell believes
one more win will be enough for the Irons to secure their top-flight status
for next season, and is targeting those three points at the Emirates Stadium
on Sunday. "I think there's five games to go and we're seven points clear
now, but it's still not over until it's over," Cresswell continued. "One
more win should see it through. "We've got four or five games left,
starting with Arsenal on Sunday, and it's another tough game away. But
there's no reason why we can't go there and get a result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Andy Carroll cool over World Cup hopes with England
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/04/18 12:48pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is not getting stressed about making the World Cup this summer,
but Peter Crouch believes the West Ham striker is a good option for England.
Carroll came off the bench on Monday night for his first game since January
4 to volley in and salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke. It kept David
Moyes' side seven points above the 19th-placed Potters in the race to avoid
the drop and Carroll was delighted to boost the Hammers and his ongoing
recovery from an ankle injury. The 29-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It's
been tough and very frustrating. I've got through it and now I'm back on the
pitch and I feel good."
Asked if he's fit enough to face Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, he
added: "I don't know. I feel good but it's up to the manager." England boss
Gareth Southgate was at the London Stadium on Monday and will have been
impressed with Carroll's sweet strike in the final minute. Could he make the
plane heading to Russia for this summer's World Cup? Carroll said: "It would
be nice but I'm just concentrating on getting fit, scoring goals and getting
in the squad. "Hopefully something will come out of it but if not then it is
what it is."
One player also on the scoresheet at West Ham was Stoke and former England
striker Crouch. SSN reporter Kaveh Solhekol jokingly suggested to Crouch he
could link up with Carroll in Southgate's team. Crouch said: "I haven't
played for England for years and I'm not thinking about! I'm sure it's
different with Andy though.
"He is a different option. Why wouldn't you take him? We have a lot of
options upfront but he's proved tonight when called upon he can do the
business - but he has to stay fit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS
By Tony Hanna 17 Apr 2018 at 03:21
WTID
The drip feed of points continues. Five points from our last three matches
in an unbeaten run isn't too bad for a team fighting relegation but that
masks the problems we had in trying to break down the worst defence in the
league last night. An excellent win against Southampton and a gritty display
at Chelsea was followed by a dominant but laboured performance against
Stoke. Had we taken three points last night I think we would all be feeling
a sense of relief that we were just about safe from the drop. We don't do
easy though, never have, and now this relegation fight is more like death by
a thousand cuts. However, there are still a lot of scenarios to play out in
this relegation battle. Have a look at Brighton's run home and you will see
just how things could change over the next few weeks. Burnley away and all
the top four still to play makes our run in look a little more palatable.
So, what of the performance last night? I thought we played fairly well,
controlled most of the game but of course we so nearly could have lost it.
Joe Hart's blunder with eleven minutes to play was his fourth of the season
that has led to a goal being conceded. He is also fourth in the "goalkeeping
error leading to a goal league" – two behind Petr Cech, but Hart has played
nearly half the games that the keepers above him have in this unfortunate
statistical table. It has again given Moyes a problem as to whether to keep
Hart in goal for the remainder of the season. It seems like Groundhog day
again as this seasons revolving door of Adrian or Hart mirrors last season's
similar scenario with Adrian and Randolph. Personally, I think Hart will
play this weekend but the game after is against Manchester City and he won't
be eligible to play in that one anyway.
On a brighter note Declan Rice again put in a fine performance. Despite Reid
and Collins being injured at present, I doubt either would be selected ahead
of the youngster if all three were available. Noble had a good game but the
rest of the team, whilst doing just enough to control most of the possession
(around 60%), rarely stamped themselves on the game. I had a little moan
last week about how we wasted our last minute corner kick at Chelsea.
Judging from our first corner kick last night it is still an area that needs
work. Playing another short corner the return pass caught us offside and I
don't know how many times I have used the analogy of Groundhog Day in my
articles recently! In some ways I can't wait for this season to end. If
Moyes is to remain he will at least be able to put his stamp on the team
during the transfer window. West Ham over the past two seasons have at times
been a difficult watch and with the players we have that should not be the
case. Injuries have taken their toll and have not made the job an easy one
for either Bilic or Moyes, but this side is screaming out for a Carvalho
type player.
Referee Michael Oliver had a couple of tough decisions to make in the
Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus last week but got
them both right. Last night we had three goals disallowed and the officials
were again correct in my opinion. There wasn't much in the offside call for
the first but Arnie was a fraction off. For the second he is definitely
interfering, again in an offside position, and Andy Carroll's handball was
plain to see before Hernandez rifled home from inside the box. It would be
nice to get a little rub of the green but we can't complain too much when
the refs get it right. Where I do think the officials erred last night
though was with the amount of added time at the end of the game. Stoke
committed a plethora of niggling fouls in the second half and the amount of
time taken up in restarting play from these indiscretions alone would have
amounted to the four minutes that were added. As for Ramadan's substitution
I am actually wondering if he is still making his way off right now? That
alone seemed to take four minutes!
David Moyes started with the team that grafted a point at Chelsea and I am
sure some critics would be questioning whether that was too negative an
approach? Arnautovic looked quite isolated at times and many promising
movements between him and Mario more often failed to produce anything that
might resemble cohesion. For the final minutes a front line of Carroll,
Arnie and Chico played ahead of Lanzini but I doubt we will ever see those
four start in a West Ham team. If Moyes had taken a more attacking approach
from the start and we lost the game, how would have Hammers fans reacted? At
the end of the day we snatched a point with a 90th minute equaliser from
Andy Carroll. We probably deserved more based on both teams overall
performance but as I stated early, we never do easy, and this relegation
fight looks like going all the way to the wire.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll felt denying Stoke City three points was as important as
earning West Ham United one after his volley secured a 1-1 Premier League
draw with the Potters at London Stadium. The Hammers had controlled long
periods of Monday night's game, only to fall behind with eleven minutes
remaining when Peter Crouch prodded home from close-range after Joe Hart had
saved Xherdan Shaqiri's initial effort. David Moyes, whose side had already
seen two 'goals' correctly disallowed by referee Michael Oliver, threw on
Carroll and the centre forward marked his return from three months out with
a foot injury with a superb left-foot volley in the final minute. There was
still time for West Ham to have the ball in the net for a fourth time, only
for Oliver to whistle Carroll for handball before Chicharito's drive had
beaten Jack Butland. A point apiece leaves West Ham 14th on 35 points and
Stoke 18th on 28, with five each left to play. "I thought we played well
throughout," said Carroll. "Obviously Crouchy came on and scored, which is
what he does best, and it was disappointing for us because we'd had a few
chances and a couple of goals disallowed. "We took [two] points off them,
though, and it's a point for us, so it's a good result in the end."
Carroll's superb left-foot strike belied the fact he has not played a
Premier League match since appearing in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur
at Wembley on 4 January. "I don't know if it looked sharp, because I didn't
feel sharp! The ball came in and I like them on my left foot, so I just span
and hit it and it went in. "I've trained for five days in with the lads,
having worked with the physio beforehand, so not too much."
And what of the 'goal' disallowed after Carroll had controlled the ball and
set up Chicharito in the second minute of added time? "I tried to bring the
ball down and it hits my hand a little bit. If it's a shove in the back,
it's a penalty, but we played on and he didn't give it and, in the end, it's
a point, so we'll take it." Next up for West Ham is a trip to Arsenal on
Sunday. With five games to go, one more victory might well be enough to
secure safety, and Carroll would love to achieve it at the Emirates. "We've
still got five games left and we've got to win them as no-one is safe. It's
tough at the minute and we've just got to keep working."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: All three subs made a big difference in Stoke draw
WHUFC.com
David Moyes was pleased with the impact made by his West Ham United
substitutes as Andy Carroll climbed off the bench to secure a 1-1 Premier
League draw with Stoke City. The Hammers dominated the Potters for long
periods at London Stadium, only to fall behind to Peter Crouch's close-range
strike with eleven minutes to play. Moyes threw on Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini – both of whom were available again after injury – and the former
snatched a point when he volleyed home Aaron Cresswell's cross in the final
minute of normal time. "I thought we should have won. We certainly didn't
deserve to lose it and, if we had, the football gods would certainly have
been against us because we bossed the majority of the game. In the main, we
played really well. We played good parts of the game tonight because I
thought, if anyone was going to go in front, it was going to be us. "We
played well from the back. We played the ball and did some good things and
we just didn't have that bit of something different up front. Marko and
Arthur, who have given us a lot of goals and quality, just didn't produce
that. "I actually thought all the subs who came on made a big difference –
Chicharito, Andy and Lanzini all came on and helped it. We've not had those
options very often this season so I'm glad to get them back."
When asked why he did not bring on any of the attacking trio before
introducing Chicharito with 14 minutes to go – three minutes before Crouch's
opener – the manager said he wanted to keep faith in his starting XI, who
had dominated much of the second half. "We didn't need to make any subs
because the team were playing well. We were dominant and in their half most
of the time and were obviously trying to find a way through, so my feeling
was that the goal would come.
"Stoke have been losing quite a few goals late on in games and I thought we
could score late on and I didn't think we needed it. "The minute we went a
goal down, we had to find another way of doing it and we gradually got the
strikers on and we got the goal back."
West Ham created 18 goal attempts and had the ball in the net four times in
total, only for three of them to be correctly ruled out by referee Michael
Oliver – two for offside and one in added time for a handball offence by
Carroll. "I have seen a couple of them and I think they looked like they
were the right decisions, so well done to the referee," Moyes observed. "The
one that goes up to Andy I've not seen whether he handles it or not, but the
referee did his job and did it well."
After extending their unbeaten run to three matches, West Ham sit seven
points clear of Southampton and Stoke and eleven above bottom side West
Bromwich Albion. All five of the Hammers' remaining fixtures are against
teams in the top nine, but Moyes believes his team have the quality to
collect enough points to stay up over the final month of the season. "It
leaves us in a good position, far better than it was when I took over. We
went 1-0 down and could have come away with nothing tonight, so the points
we've picked up in recent games will all help us. "We've had good results
against some of the top teams, so let's see if we can do it again. It'll not
be easy, but I think our performances are getting better and normally good
performances lead to good results. "We've just had a win and two draws and,
at this time of the season, that's not too bad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: Andy Carroll's goal was a really important one for us
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble admitted to mixed feelings following Monday night's 1-1 draw with
Stoke City, after a dominant performance did not get the full reward it
merited.
The Hammers needed a last minute volley from Andy Carroll to rescue a point
in the end – a result which kept the Potters seven points behind their hosts
– but the skipper felt it should have been more. After having three goals
ruled out during a dramatic second period, Noble's frustration was clear but
given the circumstances of Carroll's late goal, the No16 was grateful for
the big striker's intervention. He explained: "We shouldn't be in there
really happy, and we're not. It's a little bit deflating because for large,
large spells we dominated the game. "When we get the first goal here we're
dangerous, but we knew what Stoke would be like. They're a hard, fighting
team. I know they've lost a few games recently but they haven't been really
outplayed. "They work hard for each other, but tonight I thought the boys
played really well and just couldn't get the goal that we needed, and when
we did – with three of them – they were disallowed! "A point puts us seven
points clear of the relegation zone and it's three games unbeaten, but we're
still a little dejected because I thought we did enough to win."
Carroll's goal, after 13 games out with an ankle injury, was his third
important one of 2018 following a brace against West Brom in January and
Noble said his contribution was priceless. He added: "In all honesty, just
his presence on the pitch – even when I saw him coming on gave me a bit of a
boost. "You put that ball in the box and there's every chance he's going to
shove his head, or anything, there. "I've just kissed him on the forehead in
the dressing room because it's a very important goal for us.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Coventry: U23s extra motivated for London Stadium Arsenal derby
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U23s will have extra motivation to beat London rivals
Arsenal at London Stadium on Friday in Premier League 2, according to
midfielder Conor Coventry. The Hammers were overcome 1-0 by Derby County on
Monday in their penultimate Division 1 game of the campaign, and will be
looking to bounce back to end the season on a high at the Club's home this
week.
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Defeat at the Rams' Training Centre put a dent in Terry Westley's team's
strong end to the season after consecutive away wins at Liverpool,
Manchester City and Everton, but 18-year-old Coventry believes his side will
rally to finish off the term with a victory. The Gunners were also 3-0
winners when the sides met back in November, something which will also
provide extra motivation for Friday's hosts, says the youngster. "We all
look forward to the games at the main stadium and Arsenal are a team who are
top of the league and still trying to win the division, so I think it will
be a really good match," he explained. "Of course it's a London derby as
well, so our aim is to win and not let them get the league title. "All the
boys will be extra motivated after losing on Monday, to end the season on a
high and a big positive after such a good first season at this level. We
also lost to Arsenal earlier this season, so there's a sense of revenge in
the game too and we'll be doing all we can to win. "Obviously the fans
always play a part in all our games no matter where they are, but when they
turn out for the games at London Stadium it is really special for us and
hopefully we can repay the ones that are there with a win."
Coventry – who scored his so far only U23 goal for the Hammers against
Fulham at London Stadium last term – has made 17 appearances for the Premier
League 2 side this term and has established himself as a key member of the
Republic of Ireland's U19 squad. The controlling central midfielder is
proud of the way he has acquitted himself at the higher level having played
the majority of his football last season for the U18s. "I'm definitely
pleased with the way I've established myself in this team. The target at the
start of the season was to play as many games as I could in the U23s but it
was more of a target for the end of the campaign.
"I wouldn't say I necessarily expected to be where I am now at this stage,
having played so much at the beginning of the year and playing at the level
I am, so obviously I'm really pleased with that. "It has been a great
learning curve for me. For example, in the Derby game they played in a very
physical way and were very direct but you have to be able to deal with that
if you are to have a career in the game. "The team they started with was
pretty experienced with some older players. The way they played suited their
team, they weren't the same as more of an Arsenal or a Tottenham who we've
played this season, or like the style we try and play, so it was a good
experience for us."
Coventry admitted it was a disappointing way for West Ham to suffer their
eighth league defeat, but is sure the side will bounce back at London
Stadium.
"The goal was a long kick and we didn't deal with it, but at times we
dominated the game and we definitely deserved to get something out of it,"
continued Coventry. "We've played two high intensity games in the last week
or two to beat Man City and Everton, but that's the way the game is; you
have to be able to deal with that and do that. We're a young side but you
have to learn to get used to that intensity. "It was maybe just a bit of an
off day that we tried to turn around in the second half, and we nearly did,
but we just about couldn't in the end. Hopefully we can do that against
Arsenal on Friday, now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cresswell: Carroll is one of the best at what he does
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll has been described as 'one of the best at what he does' by
teammate Aaron Cresswell, after the striker scored a superb equaliser in
Monday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City. Carroll – making his return from injury –
came off the bench to net a terrific goal in the 90th minute from the edge
of the box, volleying home and earning the Hammers a share of the spoils
against the Potters. The goal was provided to Carroll by Cresswell, the
fifth time the defender has given an assist for the striker during their
time together at West Ham, and the 28-year-old is thrilled to see his
teammate back in action. "We've had a few fair injuries over the course of
the season," Cresswell said: "Andy's come back today and showed us what he's
all about. I'm delighted for Andy. Of course, no one wants to be injured,
and he had a frustrating time with injuries, but he's come back and in five
minutes he's scored a goal. "Everyone know what he's about and when he's
fully fit he's one of the best at what he does. Tonight, him and Chicharito
coming on changed the game for us."
Stoke took the lead at London Stadium through substitute Peter Crouch, who
poked home in the second period, before fellow substitute Carroll levelled
the tie for the Hammers. The introduction of the striker, as well as
Chicharito – who scored last week in the draw at Chelsea – and the returning
Manuel Lanzini was critical in David Moyes's side collecting a point.
Cresswell, who registered his seventh league assist of the season in the
fixture, admits the Hammers had targeted a win from this fixture, with the
Irons seeing three goals ruled out by the match officials for offside and
handball respectively. But, with the Irons a goal behind heading into the
final ten minutes, the No3 reckons a point is a good return. Cresswell
continued: "I think, throughout the whole 90 minutes, we maybe deserved the
three points. There's two or three offside goals, on another day maybe one
or two of them would have been given. "But, it wasn't to be, and to be fair
to them, they are fighting for their lives as well as we are. They get the
late goal. You look up at the clock and there's ten minutes to go, so it's a
good point in the end. "Before the game, three points would have been
massive for us. But certainly, not losing, is a good result. I thought we
showed great ability towards the end, with a disappointing goal and then, to
come from behind and get a point at the end, it felt like a win for us."
With Arsenal up next for West Ham in the Premier League, Cresswell believes
one more win will be enough for the Irons to secure their top-flight status
for next season, and is targeting those three points at the Emirates Stadium
on Sunday. "I think there's five games to go and we're seven points clear
now, but it's still not over until it's over," Cresswell continued. "One
more win should see it through. "We've got four or five games left,
starting with Arsenal on Sunday, and it's another tough game away. But
there's no reason why we can't go there and get a result."
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll cool over World Cup hopes with England
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/04/18 12:48pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is not getting stressed about making the World Cup this summer,
but Peter Crouch believes the West Ham striker is a good option for England.
Carroll came off the bench on Monday night for his first game since January
4 to volley in and salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke. It kept David
Moyes' side seven points above the 19th-placed Potters in the race to avoid
the drop and Carroll was delighted to boost the Hammers and his ongoing
recovery from an ankle injury. The 29-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It's
been tough and very frustrating. I've got through it and now I'm back on the
pitch and I feel good."
Asked if he's fit enough to face Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, he
added: "I don't know. I feel good but it's up to the manager." England boss
Gareth Southgate was at the London Stadium on Monday and will have been
impressed with Carroll's sweet strike in the final minute. Could he make the
plane heading to Russia for this summer's World Cup? Carroll said: "It would
be nice but I'm just concentrating on getting fit, scoring goals and getting
in the squad. "Hopefully something will come out of it but if not then it is
what it is."
One player also on the scoresheet at West Ham was Stoke and former England
striker Crouch. SSN reporter Kaveh Solhekol jokingly suggested to Crouch he
could link up with Carroll in Southgate's team. Crouch said: "I haven't
played for England for years and I'm not thinking about! I'm sure it's
different with Andy though.
"He is a different option. Why wouldn't you take him? We have a lot of
options upfront but he's proved tonight when called upon he can do the
business - but he has to stay fit."
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DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS
By Tony Hanna 17 Apr 2018 at 03:21
WTID
The drip feed of points continues. Five points from our last three matches
in an unbeaten run isn't too bad for a team fighting relegation but that
masks the problems we had in trying to break down the worst defence in the
league last night. An excellent win against Southampton and a gritty display
at Chelsea was followed by a dominant but laboured performance against
Stoke. Had we taken three points last night I think we would all be feeling
a sense of relief that we were just about safe from the drop. We don't do
easy though, never have, and now this relegation fight is more like death by
a thousand cuts. However, there are still a lot of scenarios to play out in
this relegation battle. Have a look at Brighton's run home and you will see
just how things could change over the next few weeks. Burnley away and all
the top four still to play makes our run in look a little more palatable.
So, what of the performance last night? I thought we played fairly well,
controlled most of the game but of course we so nearly could have lost it.
Joe Hart's blunder with eleven minutes to play was his fourth of the season
that has led to a goal being conceded. He is also fourth in the "goalkeeping
error leading to a goal league" – two behind Petr Cech, but Hart has played
nearly half the games that the keepers above him have in this unfortunate
statistical table. It has again given Moyes a problem as to whether to keep
Hart in goal for the remainder of the season. It seems like Groundhog day
again as this seasons revolving door of Adrian or Hart mirrors last season's
similar scenario with Adrian and Randolph. Personally, I think Hart will
play this weekend but the game after is against Manchester City and he won't
be eligible to play in that one anyway.
On a brighter note Declan Rice again put in a fine performance. Despite Reid
and Collins being injured at present, I doubt either would be selected ahead
of the youngster if all three were available. Noble had a good game but the
rest of the team, whilst doing just enough to control most of the possession
(around 60%), rarely stamped themselves on the game. I had a little moan
last week about how we wasted our last minute corner kick at Chelsea.
Judging from our first corner kick last night it is still an area that needs
work. Playing another short corner the return pass caught us offside and I
don't know how many times I have used the analogy of Groundhog Day in my
articles recently! In some ways I can't wait for this season to end. If
Moyes is to remain he will at least be able to put his stamp on the team
during the transfer window. West Ham over the past two seasons have at times
been a difficult watch and with the players we have that should not be the
case. Injuries have taken their toll and have not made the job an easy one
for either Bilic or Moyes, but this side is screaming out for a Carvalho
type player.
Referee Michael Oliver had a couple of tough decisions to make in the
Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus last week but got
them both right. Last night we had three goals disallowed and the officials
were again correct in my opinion. There wasn't much in the offside call for
the first but Arnie was a fraction off. For the second he is definitely
interfering, again in an offside position, and Andy Carroll's handball was
plain to see before Hernandez rifled home from inside the box. It would be
nice to get a little rub of the green but we can't complain too much when
the refs get it right. Where I do think the officials erred last night
though was with the amount of added time at the end of the game. Stoke
committed a plethora of niggling fouls in the second half and the amount of
time taken up in restarting play from these indiscretions alone would have
amounted to the four minutes that were added. As for Ramadan's substitution
I am actually wondering if he is still making his way off right now? That
alone seemed to take four minutes!
David Moyes started with the team that grafted a point at Chelsea and I am
sure some critics would be questioning whether that was too negative an
approach? Arnautovic looked quite isolated at times and many promising
movements between him and Mario more often failed to produce anything that
might resemble cohesion. For the final minutes a front line of Carroll,
Arnie and Chico played ahead of Lanzini but I doubt we will ever see those
four start in a West Ham team. If Moyes had taken a more attacking approach
from the start and we lost the game, how would have Hammers fans reacted? At
the end of the day we snatched a point with a 90th minute equaliser from
Andy Carroll. We probably deserved more based on both teams overall
performance but as I stated early, we never do easy, and this relegation
fight looks like going all the way to the wire.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th April 2018
Returning Carroll's volley earns point against Stoke City
WHUFC.com
A late finish from the returning Andy Carroll earned West Ham United a share of the spoils in Monday night's 1-1 draw against Stoke City. The striker - making his comeback from an injury layoff - latched on to an Aaron Cresswell cross to excellently volley into the bottom corner, after fellow substitute Peter Crouch put the Potters in front from close range. West Ham would put the ball into the back of the net a further three times in the match, but would see those efforts ruled out for offside and handball in a close contest at London Stadium. An early effort on goal from Arthur Masuaku was well saved by Jack Butland, before Arnautovic had a chance to test the goalkeeper. Joe Hart also had to show off his reflexes, getting down early to deny Bauer after Shaqiri played in the Stoke right-back, while the England shot-stopper also did well to keep out a driven shot from Mame Biram Diouf. The in-form Arnautovic combined well with Joao Mario throughout the first period, and looked the Hammers greatest threat, seeing an effort go just wide before Butland stopped the Austrian from finding the net. Ten minutes after the restart, it looked like Arnautovic had his goal. Aaron Cresswell drove into the midfield space and whipped across a fantastic ball, which the No7 coolly headed into the bottom corner. However, the forward was marginally offside. Just moments later, Diouf missed a big opportunity. Bauer drove down the right-flank and played in a low ball, which the Stoke striker could only send over the bar from a few yards out.
The effort from the Potters, and a substitution, seemed to push the Irons onto the offensive, as Cresswell again looked to supply a ball into the box. The crossed attempt was hacked clear, before Mark Noble had a curling shot blocked. Just after the hour, the Hammers had the ball in the back of the net again. This time, Edimilson Fernandes drove a lot shot from outside the penalty area, which Butland could not save, but once again the linesman's flag muted West Ham celebrations, with it ruled that Arnautovic had influenced play from the offside position. Cresswell then saw a low free-kick tipped away by Butland, before Fernandes made way for the introduction of Chicharito with 15 minutes remaining. The away side would take the lead on 78 minutes. Xherdan Shaqiri took a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which substitute Crouch tucked in from close range on the rebound. David Moyes would respond with the introduction of Manuel Lanzini on 80 minutes and Andy Carroll four minutes later, and it was the latter that would equalise in the closinng moments of the game. An excellent ball from Cresswell found the striker on the edge of the box, and Carroll superbly volleyed home into the bottom corner, levelling the match as the game ticked into extra time. There was still time for more drama as Chicharito seemed to have won the game in the dying embers of the contest, only for the Hammers to be denied for the third time by the officials, with Michael Oliver ruling that Carroll had handled the ball in the build-up.
West Ham United: Hart, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble (c), Masuaku (Lanzini 80'), Fernandes (Chicharito 75'), Joao Mario (Carroll 84'), Arnautovic
Subs: Adrian, Evra, Cullen, Lanzini, Carroll, Hugill, Chicharito
Goals: Carroll 90',
Stoke City: Butland, Martins Indi, Shawcross (c), Zouma, Bauer (Crouch 70'), Ndiaye, Allen, Pieters, Shaqiri, Sobhi (Cameron 62'), Diouf (Ireland 87')
Subs: Grant, Cameron, Campbell, Sorenson, Ireland, Fletcher, Crouch
Referee: Michael Oliver
Goals: Crouch 78',
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Hammers beaten by Derby in penultimate fixture
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U23s could not continue their good end-of-season form as they went down 1-0 at an experienced Derby County side on Monday afternoon in Premier League 2. Jayden Bogle's early second half strike was enough to separate the two sides at the hosts' Training Centre and condemn Terry Westley's Hammers to a first defeat in over a month. Following wins on the road at Manchester City and Everton coming into the clash, the Hammers were in a confident mood however they started slowly against Darren Wassall's team, which contained the likes of George Thorne, Richard Keogh and Jamie Hanson. Derby were first to put the pressure on and tested Nathan Trott ten minutes in when experienced defender Keogh volleyed straight at the stopper from a corner. Nine minutes later, the visitors had their first attempt on goal, and it was a good one. Marcus Browne, fresh off the back of his four goal haul at Everton last week, cut in from the right-hand-side but was denied by Rams stopper Jonathan Mitchell. Keogh - playing as a defensive midfielder - was soon at it again, with Trott in hand to save a second time from a low 20-yard drive.
On 26 minutes, the referee on another day may have pointed to the penalty spot when Vashon Neufville received a clever Nathan Holland backheel pass and went down in the box, but the Hammers' appeals were waved away. Before the break, the hosts had their chances to go in in front, but both Jamie Hanson and Ethan Wassall spurned opportunities to score. But after the restart, there was the goal that Derby looked close to scoring as Bogle made it 1-0. A long ball over the top was misjudged by substitute Ajibola Alese and County's Alex Babos was able to turn and lay-off for the full-back who charged into the box before finishing easily past Trott.
West Ham sprung into life having gone behind, and with just over 20 minutes remaining went close to equalising. Holland, drifting in off the left-hand-side as he does so well, crossed to the back post but the rising Browne could only glance wide. Moments later, the skipper had an even more promising opening, but slashed wide a low drive from inside the box after he was released by Conor Coventry. Despite the visitors' late pressure, it was Derby who nearly added the next goal in injury time when Luke Thomas shifted the ball onto his left before curling towards the top corner, only for Trott to pluck out a tremendous save in the dying moments. It was, though, the hosts who were left celebrating three points at the full-time whistle, as West Ham contemplate Friday's London Stadium fixture against title-chasing Arsenal.
Derby County: Mitchell, Bogle, Buchannan, Keogh (Babos 46), Wassall, Bateman, Thorne, Hanson, Cresswell, Thomas, Eyoma.
Subs not used: Bird, Barnes, Walker, Sibley.
West Ham United: Trott, Johnson, Pask (Alese 9), Akinola, Neufville, Lewis (Afolayan 67), Coventry, Haksabanovic (Scully 80), Quina, Holland, Browne.
Subs not used: Anang, Powell.
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Westley: We didn't have an edge at Derby
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley said his West Ham United U23 side did not have the same edge which won them away games at Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton on Monday as they were beaten 1-0 by Derby County. The Hammers came into the fixture in Premier League 2 off the back of two wins but, according to the Academy Director, started slowly and allowed the Rams into the match early on. Jayden Bogle scored the game's only goal early in the second half, though the visitors did have their chances to equalise, namely through Marcus Browne who scored four goals against Everton last week. But it was not to be for the Hammers who were facing an experienced Derby team containing the likes of Richard Keogh, George Thorne and Jamie Hanson. "Today was a hard game," admitted Westley. "They needed to win to keep their survival hopes going, which they have pretty much done now, and you could see how much it meant by the nature of their team; Thorne, Keogh, Hanson. "On the other hand, we had four U18s starting, so physically it always going to be a big task. I think that played a part for sure. It was very windy too, and the conditions weren't easy. "We also lost Josh Pask in the first ten minutes, and Aji [Alese] stepped in after playing 90 minutes for the U18s at the weekend.
"We did some very good things, but those good things have to start from minute one and we didn't quite have the same edge as we did at Liverpool, at City and Everton and if you don't, you get beat. "We did grow into the game though, and probably had enough opportunities to get something from it. I'd look back and think it was a good draw if we nicked something. "But we didn't start fast enough, and you only have to be a fraction off, and you'll be undone and that's what happened."
Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis – both of whom were regulars for the U18s last season but have firmly established themselves in the PL2 side this campaign – started in midfield against the Rams' experienced lineup. And Westley explained those challenges are exactly what his young players need in order to prepare for future experiences in senior football. "That's the level our young players have to play, if you want to go out on loan and play against the Keoghs of this world; you need to go out and adapt to that," he continued. "Martin Samuelsen [on loan at Burton Albion] is now on 40 total Football League appearances in total, Moses [Makasi, on loan at Plymouth Argyle] has gone and adapted; that's the challenge of the young three midfield players now against their senior ones but it took us a little too long to get a foothold in the game today. "Now we have Arsenal at London Stadium on Friday; again, it will be very intense, because like we came here where they had to win to stay up, we play Arsenal who need to win to try and win the league."
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Show us the evidence
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
The extent to which authorities went in order to paint West Ham supporters in the worst possible light - presumably in order to cover up their failings in relation to the Burnley pitch invasions - have been fully exposed. According to the minutes of a Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SSAG) meeting last month, a remarkable 152 seperate incidents were claimed to have taken place inside the stadium on the day of the match, which the visitors won 3-0 - prompting angry scenes around the Directors' Box. The Group, which consisted of members from Newham Council, the LLDC, E20, LS185 the Met and West Ham itself was told that "migration from the fans area had the hallmarks of a planned pitch incursion" - despite there being no evidence whatsoever of a coordinated plan of attack by supporters.
Indeed, it has been pointed out since on numerous occasions that a planned attack would have been practically impossible due to the inherent lack of available wifi inside the stadium. Meanwhile it was also claimed there was "mass migration of fans from the East Stand" and that stewards were "pushed to the ground, punched, shoved and had coins thrown at them". Additionally, it was suggested that "a potential unknown may have had a concealed weapon". Yet once again, there appears to be no supporting evidence for any of these claims - as is still the case with co-chairman David Sullivan, who similarly reported being hit by a coin before being escorted to safety during the fracas that unfurled in front of him and fellow chairman David Gold. The unsubstantiated allegation that supporters had pre-planned the attack on the Directors' Box was mentioned several times during the SSAG meeting according to the minutes, lending weight to suggestions that the authorities colluded in order to paint West Ham supporters in the poorest light possible. Yet later in the meeting it was revealed that LS185 had reduced the security team in size by 68 for the match, something they blamed on "current intelligence that the Burnley game was cetegorised as low risk" - despite a police risk assesment having noted that " if West Ham lost the game there could be potential of discord".
Additionally a LS185 Safety Officer's report stated that an audit of stewards was being carried out following "concerns about the quality of staff", whilst police officers on duty inside the ground on the day reported that "they overheard conversations regarding the quality of the stewards and their ability to deal with issues".
Meanwhile West Ham were advised to work with the Met's 'Protest Liaison Team' in order to "discuss and review the motivation of fans".
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West Ham demand £12million for loan star
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have told Aston Villa it will cost them £12million to sign Robert Snodgrass on a permanent basis. The 30-year-old former Hull City winger featured just 15 times for the Hammers following a £10million January 2017 move from Humberside, before securing a season-long loan at Villa for whom he has been something of a revelation this season. The Birmingham-based side, who are currently on the verge of confirming a place in the Championship play-offs and who still retain an outside chance of winning automatic promotion are said to be keen to sign Snodgrass on full-time basis. However the chances of that almost certainly depend on the Villains securing promotion, whether automatically or via the play-offs else the Scottish international is almost certainly going to prove too expensive.
Although David Moyes suggested during the last transfer window that he would be interested in seeing what Snodgrass has to offer, the chances of the winger returning to West Ham are slim, at best, as a result of comments made by co-chairman David Sullivan. The player was sent on loan following a very public bust-up with the club's co-owner, who told a reporter that his two sons - Jack and Dave - begged him not to sign Snodgrass from Hull last year.
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Hammers eye French forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs taking a close look at Nice forward Alassane Plea, say reports. The 25-year-old, who began his career with Lyon has scored 19 goals in 41 appearances for the OGC this season and, as such, has seen his list of admirers grow rapidly - with the Hammers just one party said to be keeping tabs on his situation. And his form of late has been especially strong, having scored eight goals in his last five outings - including a four-ghoal haul in a 5-2 win at Guingamp last month. Yet to represent the full national side, Plea - who is contracted to Nice until 2021 and is said to have a €50million release clause - has represented France at all levels from Under 18 to Under 21 - a total of 26 appearances between 2010 and 2014. Leicester and Bournemouth are said to have already made enquiries into signing Plea, who would cost in the region of €25million to prise from Nice's hands. La Liga side Atletico Madrid have also expressed an interest, as have the Bundersliga's Borussia Monchengladbach.
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Marko Arnautovic compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by David Moyes
Last Updated: 15/04/18 11:39pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes says he had doubts about Marko Arnautovic's attitude but now believes he is like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Moyes has transformed the previously inconsistent winger into his side's talisman by playing him as an out-and-out striker, and the 28-year-old has scored nine goals since December to guide the Hammers to the verge of Premier League safety. West Ham are six points clear of the relegation zone and face Stoke on Monday night, live on Sky, in a game that could see Arnautovic push his former club closer to the Championship. Moyes admits he had serious doubts about Arnautovic's attitude when he took over from Slaven Bilic in November, but he now sees similarities between the Austrian and former Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic. "I was concerned, because I'd seen him play for Stoke sometimes and I didn't think he did all the running back defensively," said Moyes. "I was saying 'I'm coming to a team in the bottom three and if I'm not going to get all the players running, we're going to be in difficulty'. "That's why we had to find something which meant that maybe he wasn't quite as exposed to having to double up, help the full-back out. "We had to find a way of getting Marko into a different system. And we played around with it, it wasn't rocket science. "We didn't go out there with it really planned. He was the one that showed us, and going to centre-forward freed him up a little bit. I got him to run and close things down, and show that he really had that capability. "He's someone who needs the confidence, but I think he also needs the understanding of how you get to the levels you've got to. "Don't go back to walking around, don't go back to looking as if you're not interested. We need you fully interested.
West Ham United manager David Moyes is aiming for two more Premier League wins to avoid relegation and is calling on his players to go unbeaten until the end of the season. He is a little bit of a Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) inasmuch as the players look to him. He's got a leadership role which he needs to develop as well, for the club and for the team. "He's getting to an age now where he's going to influence players, and he's going to have to influence players around him, so he needs to be doing it by his leadership and performance. His performances have done it in many ways."
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West Ham icon Trevor Brooking on the club's latest rollercoaster ride
Last Updated: 16/04/18 7:30am
SSN
West Ham legend Trevor Brooking is hoping that the club can get a win against Stoke on Monday Night Football to end the threat of relegation and put a difficult season behind them. David Moyes' team are six points clear of the drop zone and victory against Stoke at the London Stadium would surely be enough to secure West Ham's Premier League status. Speaking at a Prostate Cancer UK golf day, the 69-year-old Brooking gave his verdict on the situation and discusses the stresses and strains that come with following West Ham. "I think a win on Monday would almost be enough," he said. "I think 37 points would be enough.
"Stoke have done quite well over recent games. They were quite unlucky to lose at Arsenal and then Spurs at home so we have to make sure we play well. But I think three points will mean the last month of the season will be more relaxed than it was the previous one. "It wouldn't be the same if we didn't have the rollercoaster of being a West Ham fan. You don't know what's around the corner. That's part of the attraction to a certain extent. "If you are challenging for trophies every year a lot of fans say it will be nice to find out but I don't think we will ever quite find that out. More than anything when the good times come it will be fantastic to look back on it. "Then sometimes, like in recent weeks you have some challenging issues that the club gets the wrong attention for. But during those moments the genuine fans seem to pull together in order to be want to be seen to be lifting the club. "That's what happened in the Southampton game and now for the remaining matches of the season, we just need to get the confirmation of the Premier League status and then look at what can be done in the summer to try and make sure we don't have another rollercoaster. "From a playing point of view, West Ham like to put us through the ringer most seasons. It would be nice halfway through the season to be looking top half rather than the bottom half."
Brooking, whose family have been touched by prostate cancer, is backing the charity's Football March for Men which takes place on Sunday July 22, with the London Stadium one of four starting points for an event that ends at Wembley. "Football has been very strong regarding prostate cancer with the Soccer Saturday panel and managers always wearing the 'Man of Men' pin badge," he added. "I always wear mine and it's great to see more and more people now knowing what it means as the charity becomes more well known. Football is our national sport and having all those managers wearing them can hopefully encourage that one reluctant person to take that extra step. "If, fingers crossed, West Ham get a win in the next week or two in order to make sure of their Premier League status at London Stadium for a third season, then I think the celebration of stretching your legs to Wembley seems like a good idea. "More than anything you are given the opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise some funds. Om the back of hopefully staying up I think there may well be a few West Ham fans that decide to take part."
Many are unaware that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. For the first time, the number of men dying from prostate cancer every year has overtaken the number of women dying from breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. One man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes, but fans are fighting back to make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.
To sign up for the March for Men or find out more information go to: www.prostatecanceruk.org/footballmarch
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West Ham 1 Stoke City 1: Andy Carroll goal rescues Hammers in Premier League relegation battle at London Stadium
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ at London Stadium
ES Sport
Andy Carroll spared West Ham's blushes as his added-time goal rescued a point for the Hammers against Stoke City at the London Stadium on Monday night.
In a nervy game between two clubs fighting against the drop, it was Stoke who opened the scoring in the 79th minute when Xherdan Shaqiri's powerful, long-range effort was parried out by Joe Hart, which allowed substitute Peter Crouch to fire in from close range. West Ham had seemed in control before the strike - with the hosts having two goals ruled out for offside - and they managed to fight their way back into the game with Carroll's sweet volley in the 90th minute.
The Hammers had another goal then disallowed, but they held on to secure a 1-1 comeback draw that moves them into 14th place - seven points above the drop zone - while Stoke remain stuck in 19th place.
After going to Stamford Bridge and securing a 1-1 draw against champions Chelsea last weekend, Moyes and his West Ham side had their eyes firmly fixed on the visit of Stoke because of the importance of the game in terms of the fight against relegation. Stoke were in desperate need of all three points, with the Potters coming into the game languishing in 19th place, while the Hammers sat in 15th place - six points above the drop zone. With Huddersfield and Crystal Palace both winning at the weekend, West Ham knew that victory on Monday would move them one step closer to survival.
And, indeed, it seemed the game plan for both sides was to get an early goal - with Jack Butland being forced to save from Arthur Masuaku in just the third minute and Joe Hart having to deal with Joe Allen's long-range effort. Marko Arnautovic, playing against his former side and being booed by the travelling Stoke fans every time he touched the ball, was West Ham's brightest spark in an otherwise dull first-half. The Austrian first drove a low shot wide of the far post just after the half-hour mark before his close-range effort, set up by Pablo Zabaleta, was kept out of the visiting goal - by Butland's face.
Neither manager made a change at the break, with Stoke threatening just minutes into the second period when Shaqiri latched onto a cut-back but, instead of going for goal, tried to play one of his teammates in. Unfortunately for the Stoke forward, no one was there to fire the ball in from close range, which allowed West Ham to clear the danger. As the game progressed, and the score-line stood at 0-0, the sense of anxiety in the home end was clear to sense - with some supporters near the press box shouting at their team to either go for goal or clear the ball. And the urgency from the home fans seemed to rub off on the players, with Aaron Cresswell's long-ball into the area being delicately headed past Butland by Arnautovic - only for the offside flag to deny the forward the opener. Stoke reacted straight away when a through-ball found Moritz Bauer, whose cut-back was then latched onto by Mame Biram Diouf although he fired over the bar despite being just in front of the goal. West Ham upped their tempo and saw another goal chalked off, this time, because an offside Arnautovic was deemed to have interfered with play as Edimilson Fernandes' low shot flew into the goal. The hosts were in the ascendancy and, sensing his side could secure all three points with added firepower up front, Javier Hernandez - who scored the equaliser against Chelsea last weekend - was sent on. But instead of West Ham scoring, it was Stoke who did so - after an error from Hart. The goalkeeper failed to claim Shaqiri's long-range effort, which allowed Crouch to fire the ball in from a few yards out. Moyes reacted by sending on Manuel Lanzini and Carroll - who, playing in his first game since January, made the difference when he stroked home Aaron Cresswell's cross to rescue a point for West Ham.
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West Ham news: Stoke back up Michael Oliver after referee caught in controversy AGAIN
WEST HAM had two goals ruled out against Stoke on Monday night - and the visitors age referee Michael Oliver their full backing over the decisions.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 21:52, Mon, Apr 16, 2018 | UPDATED: 21:52, Mon, Apr 16, 2018
Express.co.uk
West Ham and Stoke battled out a relegation six-pointer at the London Stadium. But the Hammers were controversially denied a goal midway through the second half. Marko Arnautovic had already had a header ruled out for offside when Edimilson Fernandes rifled into the net on 67 minuets. But referee Oliver blew up after deeming Arnautovic - who was in an offside position - to have interfered with the goalkeeper's view, even though he didn't touch the ball. Fernandes was fuming with the referee's decision and West Ham fans voiced their displeasure in the stands. But Stoke were in agreement with the referee over the offside call.
Stoke City FC
@stokecity
66' OFFSIDE! Michael Oliver makes the call, before his assistant referee puts up his flag. Arnautovic is offside as the ball goes in, interfering with play, good decision (0-0) #SCFC
9:24 PM - Apr 16, 2018
Their official Twitter account posted: "66' OFFSIDE! Michael Oliver makes the call, before his assistant referee puts up his flag. Arnautovic is offside as the ball goes in, interfering with play, good decision (0-0)" Oliver's decision appeared to be the correct one but it did put him under the spotlight for the second time in a week.
Last Wednesday the 42-year-old was the centre of much controversy after awarding Real Madrid a soft penalty in their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Juventus.
The penalty - converted by Cristiano Ronaldo in stoppage time - saw Real sneak into the Champions League semi-finals 4-3 on aggregate. Juventus were irate and Oliver and his wife, who is also a referee, were subsequently sent threats. But UEFA stood by their referee. Oliver was back in action on Saturday as the fourth official in Huddersfield's late 1-0 win over Watford. And he oversaw a 1-1 draw in east London on Monday night as West Ham hit back through Andy Carroll after Peter Crouch had opened the scoring.
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WEST HAM COULD ALLOW HUGILL TO LEAVE ON LOAN
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
According to a report from Football London, West Ham may be willing to offload Jordan Hugill if they remain in the Premier League next season. The striker was recruited in the January transfer window late on as the Hammers aimed to bolster the attacking options at David Moyes' disposal for the rest of the season. Hugill has been little more than a last resort option in the first-team for Moyes, however, and his future at West Ham seems unlikely. It's claimed by Football London that Hugill was signed by the club's board as a contingency plan ahead of next season, solely in case they succumbed to relegation down to the Championship. With West Ham edging closer to securing their Premier League status ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, though, it seems Hugill's services will not be required beyond the summer transfer window. An initial loan deal is likely for Hugill, who has not enjoyed success with West Ham since his move from Preston.
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PREMIER LEAGUE GIANTS 'PLOT £20M BIDS' TO SNATCH WEST HAM ACE
Date: 16th April 2018 at 7:33pm
Written by: Josh Challies
Forever WestHam
West Ham face a stern fight in the summer market to keep their key players at the club, amidst rising interest from their Premier League rivals. Reports last week revealed that both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are keen on the services of Arthur Masuaku this summer, with The Sun now adding that both sides are plotting a £20m bid for the full-back. A potential departure for the France defender comes amidst wholesale changes that could occur within West Ham's ranks, with the report also discussing Moyes' interest in the likes of Alassane Plea and Shinji Kagawa. However, losing Masuaku, who has returned from suspension in fine form, would be a significant blow to West Ham- particularly as Moyes is already facing a wealth of work to rebuild the side's defensive ranks this summer. A new goalkeeper and centre-back are already on the agenda, whilst full-backs have also been linked with a move to the London Stadium to increase the club's depth.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A late finish from the returning Andy Carroll earned West Ham United a share of the spoils in Monday night's 1-1 draw against Stoke City. The striker - making his comeback from an injury layoff - latched on to an Aaron Cresswell cross to excellently volley into the bottom corner, after fellow substitute Peter Crouch put the Potters in front from close range. West Ham would put the ball into the back of the net a further three times in the match, but would see those efforts ruled out for offside and handball in a close contest at London Stadium. An early effort on goal from Arthur Masuaku was well saved by Jack Butland, before Arnautovic had a chance to test the goalkeeper. Joe Hart also had to show off his reflexes, getting down early to deny Bauer after Shaqiri played in the Stoke right-back, while the England shot-stopper also did well to keep out a driven shot from Mame Biram Diouf. The in-form Arnautovic combined well with Joao Mario throughout the first period, and looked the Hammers greatest threat, seeing an effort go just wide before Butland stopped the Austrian from finding the net. Ten minutes after the restart, it looked like Arnautovic had his goal. Aaron Cresswell drove into the midfield space and whipped across a fantastic ball, which the No7 coolly headed into the bottom corner. However, the forward was marginally offside. Just moments later, Diouf missed a big opportunity. Bauer drove down the right-flank and played in a low ball, which the Stoke striker could only send over the bar from a few yards out.
The effort from the Potters, and a substitution, seemed to push the Irons onto the offensive, as Cresswell again looked to supply a ball into the box. The crossed attempt was hacked clear, before Mark Noble had a curling shot blocked. Just after the hour, the Hammers had the ball in the back of the net again. This time, Edimilson Fernandes drove a lot shot from outside the penalty area, which Butland could not save, but once again the linesman's flag muted West Ham celebrations, with it ruled that Arnautovic had influenced play from the offside position. Cresswell then saw a low free-kick tipped away by Butland, before Fernandes made way for the introduction of Chicharito with 15 minutes remaining. The away side would take the lead on 78 minutes. Xherdan Shaqiri took a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which substitute Crouch tucked in from close range on the rebound. David Moyes would respond with the introduction of Manuel Lanzini on 80 minutes and Andy Carroll four minutes later, and it was the latter that would equalise in the closinng moments of the game. An excellent ball from Cresswell found the striker on the edge of the box, and Carroll superbly volleyed home into the bottom corner, levelling the match as the game ticked into extra time. There was still time for more drama as Chicharito seemed to have won the game in the dying embers of the contest, only for the Hammers to be denied for the third time by the officials, with Michael Oliver ruling that Carroll had handled the ball in the build-up.
West Ham United: Hart, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble (c), Masuaku (Lanzini 80'), Fernandes (Chicharito 75'), Joao Mario (Carroll 84'), Arnautovic
Subs: Adrian, Evra, Cullen, Lanzini, Carroll, Hugill, Chicharito
Goals: Carroll 90',
Stoke City: Butland, Martins Indi, Shawcross (c), Zouma, Bauer (Crouch 70'), Ndiaye, Allen, Pieters, Shaqiri, Sobhi (Cameron 62'), Diouf (Ireland 87')
Subs: Grant, Cameron, Campbell, Sorenson, Ireland, Fletcher, Crouch
Referee: Michael Oliver
Goals: Crouch 78',
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Hammers beaten by Derby in penultimate fixture
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U23s could not continue their good end-of-season form as they went down 1-0 at an experienced Derby County side on Monday afternoon in Premier League 2. Jayden Bogle's early second half strike was enough to separate the two sides at the hosts' Training Centre and condemn Terry Westley's Hammers to a first defeat in over a month. Following wins on the road at Manchester City and Everton coming into the clash, the Hammers were in a confident mood however they started slowly against Darren Wassall's team, which contained the likes of George Thorne, Richard Keogh and Jamie Hanson. Derby were first to put the pressure on and tested Nathan Trott ten minutes in when experienced defender Keogh volleyed straight at the stopper from a corner. Nine minutes later, the visitors had their first attempt on goal, and it was a good one. Marcus Browne, fresh off the back of his four goal haul at Everton last week, cut in from the right-hand-side but was denied by Rams stopper Jonathan Mitchell. Keogh - playing as a defensive midfielder - was soon at it again, with Trott in hand to save a second time from a low 20-yard drive.
On 26 minutes, the referee on another day may have pointed to the penalty spot when Vashon Neufville received a clever Nathan Holland backheel pass and went down in the box, but the Hammers' appeals were waved away. Before the break, the hosts had their chances to go in in front, but both Jamie Hanson and Ethan Wassall spurned opportunities to score. But after the restart, there was the goal that Derby looked close to scoring as Bogle made it 1-0. A long ball over the top was misjudged by substitute Ajibola Alese and County's Alex Babos was able to turn and lay-off for the full-back who charged into the box before finishing easily past Trott.
West Ham sprung into life having gone behind, and with just over 20 minutes remaining went close to equalising. Holland, drifting in off the left-hand-side as he does so well, crossed to the back post but the rising Browne could only glance wide. Moments later, the skipper had an even more promising opening, but slashed wide a low drive from inside the box after he was released by Conor Coventry. Despite the visitors' late pressure, it was Derby who nearly added the next goal in injury time when Luke Thomas shifted the ball onto his left before curling towards the top corner, only for Trott to pluck out a tremendous save in the dying moments. It was, though, the hosts who were left celebrating three points at the full-time whistle, as West Ham contemplate Friday's London Stadium fixture against title-chasing Arsenal.
Derby County: Mitchell, Bogle, Buchannan, Keogh (Babos 46), Wassall, Bateman, Thorne, Hanson, Cresswell, Thomas, Eyoma.
Subs not used: Bird, Barnes, Walker, Sibley.
West Ham United: Trott, Johnson, Pask (Alese 9), Akinola, Neufville, Lewis (Afolayan 67), Coventry, Haksabanovic (Scully 80), Quina, Holland, Browne.
Subs not used: Anang, Powell.
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Westley: We didn't have an edge at Derby
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley said his West Ham United U23 side did not have the same edge which won them away games at Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton on Monday as they were beaten 1-0 by Derby County. The Hammers came into the fixture in Premier League 2 off the back of two wins but, according to the Academy Director, started slowly and allowed the Rams into the match early on. Jayden Bogle scored the game's only goal early in the second half, though the visitors did have their chances to equalise, namely through Marcus Browne who scored four goals against Everton last week. But it was not to be for the Hammers who were facing an experienced Derby team containing the likes of Richard Keogh, George Thorne and Jamie Hanson. "Today was a hard game," admitted Westley. "They needed to win to keep their survival hopes going, which they have pretty much done now, and you could see how much it meant by the nature of their team; Thorne, Keogh, Hanson. "On the other hand, we had four U18s starting, so physically it always going to be a big task. I think that played a part for sure. It was very windy too, and the conditions weren't easy. "We also lost Josh Pask in the first ten minutes, and Aji [Alese] stepped in after playing 90 minutes for the U18s at the weekend.
"We did some very good things, but those good things have to start from minute one and we didn't quite have the same edge as we did at Liverpool, at City and Everton and if you don't, you get beat. "We did grow into the game though, and probably had enough opportunities to get something from it. I'd look back and think it was a good draw if we nicked something. "But we didn't start fast enough, and you only have to be a fraction off, and you'll be undone and that's what happened."
Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis – both of whom were regulars for the U18s last season but have firmly established themselves in the PL2 side this campaign – started in midfield against the Rams' experienced lineup. And Westley explained those challenges are exactly what his young players need in order to prepare for future experiences in senior football. "That's the level our young players have to play, if you want to go out on loan and play against the Keoghs of this world; you need to go out and adapt to that," he continued. "Martin Samuelsen [on loan at Burton Albion] is now on 40 total Football League appearances in total, Moses [Makasi, on loan at Plymouth Argyle] has gone and adapted; that's the challenge of the young three midfield players now against their senior ones but it took us a little too long to get a foothold in the game today. "Now we have Arsenal at London Stadium on Friday; again, it will be very intense, because like we came here where they had to win to stay up, we play Arsenal who need to win to try and win the league."
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Show us the evidence
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
The extent to which authorities went in order to paint West Ham supporters in the worst possible light - presumably in order to cover up their failings in relation to the Burnley pitch invasions - have been fully exposed. According to the minutes of a Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SSAG) meeting last month, a remarkable 152 seperate incidents were claimed to have taken place inside the stadium on the day of the match, which the visitors won 3-0 - prompting angry scenes around the Directors' Box. The Group, which consisted of members from Newham Council, the LLDC, E20, LS185 the Met and West Ham itself was told that "migration from the fans area had the hallmarks of a planned pitch incursion" - despite there being no evidence whatsoever of a coordinated plan of attack by supporters.
Indeed, it has been pointed out since on numerous occasions that a planned attack would have been practically impossible due to the inherent lack of available wifi inside the stadium. Meanwhile it was also claimed there was "mass migration of fans from the East Stand" and that stewards were "pushed to the ground, punched, shoved and had coins thrown at them". Additionally, it was suggested that "a potential unknown may have had a concealed weapon". Yet once again, there appears to be no supporting evidence for any of these claims - as is still the case with co-chairman David Sullivan, who similarly reported being hit by a coin before being escorted to safety during the fracas that unfurled in front of him and fellow chairman David Gold. The unsubstantiated allegation that supporters had pre-planned the attack on the Directors' Box was mentioned several times during the SSAG meeting according to the minutes, lending weight to suggestions that the authorities colluded in order to paint West Ham supporters in the poorest light possible. Yet later in the meeting it was revealed that LS185 had reduced the security team in size by 68 for the match, something they blamed on "current intelligence that the Burnley game was cetegorised as low risk" - despite a police risk assesment having noted that " if West Ham lost the game there could be potential of discord".
Additionally a LS185 Safety Officer's report stated that an audit of stewards was being carried out following "concerns about the quality of staff", whilst police officers on duty inside the ground on the day reported that "they overheard conversations regarding the quality of the stewards and their ability to deal with issues".
Meanwhile West Ham were advised to work with the Met's 'Protest Liaison Team' in order to "discuss and review the motivation of fans".
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West Ham demand £12million for loan star
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have told Aston Villa it will cost them £12million to sign Robert Snodgrass on a permanent basis. The 30-year-old former Hull City winger featured just 15 times for the Hammers following a £10million January 2017 move from Humberside, before securing a season-long loan at Villa for whom he has been something of a revelation this season. The Birmingham-based side, who are currently on the verge of confirming a place in the Championship play-offs and who still retain an outside chance of winning automatic promotion are said to be keen to sign Snodgrass on full-time basis. However the chances of that almost certainly depend on the Villains securing promotion, whether automatically or via the play-offs else the Scottish international is almost certainly going to prove too expensive.
Although David Moyes suggested during the last transfer window that he would be interested in seeing what Snodgrass has to offer, the chances of the winger returning to West Ham are slim, at best, as a result of comments made by co-chairman David Sullivan. The player was sent on loan following a very public bust-up with the club's co-owner, who told a reporter that his two sons - Jack and Dave - begged him not to sign Snodgrass from Hull last year.
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Hammers eye French forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th April 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs taking a close look at Nice forward Alassane Plea, say reports. The 25-year-old, who began his career with Lyon has scored 19 goals in 41 appearances for the OGC this season and, as such, has seen his list of admirers grow rapidly - with the Hammers just one party said to be keeping tabs on his situation. And his form of late has been especially strong, having scored eight goals in his last five outings - including a four-ghoal haul in a 5-2 win at Guingamp last month. Yet to represent the full national side, Plea - who is contracted to Nice until 2021 and is said to have a €50million release clause - has represented France at all levels from Under 18 to Under 21 - a total of 26 appearances between 2010 and 2014. Leicester and Bournemouth are said to have already made enquiries into signing Plea, who would cost in the region of €25million to prise from Nice's hands. La Liga side Atletico Madrid have also expressed an interest, as have the Bundersliga's Borussia Monchengladbach.
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Marko Arnautovic compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic by David Moyes
Last Updated: 15/04/18 11:39pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes says he had doubts about Marko Arnautovic's attitude but now believes he is like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Moyes has transformed the previously inconsistent winger into his side's talisman by playing him as an out-and-out striker, and the 28-year-old has scored nine goals since December to guide the Hammers to the verge of Premier League safety. West Ham are six points clear of the relegation zone and face Stoke on Monday night, live on Sky, in a game that could see Arnautovic push his former club closer to the Championship. Moyes admits he had serious doubts about Arnautovic's attitude when he took over from Slaven Bilic in November, but he now sees similarities between the Austrian and former Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic. "I was concerned, because I'd seen him play for Stoke sometimes and I didn't think he did all the running back defensively," said Moyes. "I was saying 'I'm coming to a team in the bottom three and if I'm not going to get all the players running, we're going to be in difficulty'. "That's why we had to find something which meant that maybe he wasn't quite as exposed to having to double up, help the full-back out. "We had to find a way of getting Marko into a different system. And we played around with it, it wasn't rocket science. "We didn't go out there with it really planned. He was the one that showed us, and going to centre-forward freed him up a little bit. I got him to run and close things down, and show that he really had that capability. "He's someone who needs the confidence, but I think he also needs the understanding of how you get to the levels you've got to. "Don't go back to walking around, don't go back to looking as if you're not interested. We need you fully interested.
West Ham United manager David Moyes is aiming for two more Premier League wins to avoid relegation and is calling on his players to go unbeaten until the end of the season. He is a little bit of a Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) inasmuch as the players look to him. He's got a leadership role which he needs to develop as well, for the club and for the team. "He's getting to an age now where he's going to influence players, and he's going to have to influence players around him, so he needs to be doing it by his leadership and performance. His performances have done it in many ways."
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West Ham icon Trevor Brooking on the club's latest rollercoaster ride
Last Updated: 16/04/18 7:30am
SSN
West Ham legend Trevor Brooking is hoping that the club can get a win against Stoke on Monday Night Football to end the threat of relegation and put a difficult season behind them. David Moyes' team are six points clear of the drop zone and victory against Stoke at the London Stadium would surely be enough to secure West Ham's Premier League status. Speaking at a Prostate Cancer UK golf day, the 69-year-old Brooking gave his verdict on the situation and discusses the stresses and strains that come with following West Ham. "I think a win on Monday would almost be enough," he said. "I think 37 points would be enough.
"Stoke have done quite well over recent games. They were quite unlucky to lose at Arsenal and then Spurs at home so we have to make sure we play well. But I think three points will mean the last month of the season will be more relaxed than it was the previous one. "It wouldn't be the same if we didn't have the rollercoaster of being a West Ham fan. You don't know what's around the corner. That's part of the attraction to a certain extent. "If you are challenging for trophies every year a lot of fans say it will be nice to find out but I don't think we will ever quite find that out. More than anything when the good times come it will be fantastic to look back on it. "Then sometimes, like in recent weeks you have some challenging issues that the club gets the wrong attention for. But during those moments the genuine fans seem to pull together in order to be want to be seen to be lifting the club. "That's what happened in the Southampton game and now for the remaining matches of the season, we just need to get the confirmation of the Premier League status and then look at what can be done in the summer to try and make sure we don't have another rollercoaster. "From a playing point of view, West Ham like to put us through the ringer most seasons. It would be nice halfway through the season to be looking top half rather than the bottom half."
Brooking, whose family have been touched by prostate cancer, is backing the charity's Football March for Men which takes place on Sunday July 22, with the London Stadium one of four starting points for an event that ends at Wembley. "Football has been very strong regarding prostate cancer with the Soccer Saturday panel and managers always wearing the 'Man of Men' pin badge," he added. "I always wear mine and it's great to see more and more people now knowing what it means as the charity becomes more well known. Football is our national sport and having all those managers wearing them can hopefully encourage that one reluctant person to take that extra step. "If, fingers crossed, West Ham get a win in the next week or two in order to make sure of their Premier League status at London Stadium for a third season, then I think the celebration of stretching your legs to Wembley seems like a good idea. "More than anything you are given the opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise some funds. Om the back of hopefully staying up I think there may well be a few West Ham fans that decide to take part."
Many are unaware that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. For the first time, the number of men dying from prostate cancer every year has overtaken the number of women dying from breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. One man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes, but fans are fighting back to make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.
To sign up for the March for Men or find out more information go to: www.prostatecanceruk.org/footballmarch
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West Ham 1 Stoke City 1: Andy Carroll goal rescues Hammers in Premier League relegation battle at London Stadium
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ at London Stadium
ES Sport
Andy Carroll spared West Ham's blushes as his added-time goal rescued a point for the Hammers against Stoke City at the London Stadium on Monday night.
In a nervy game between two clubs fighting against the drop, it was Stoke who opened the scoring in the 79th minute when Xherdan Shaqiri's powerful, long-range effort was parried out by Joe Hart, which allowed substitute Peter Crouch to fire in from close range. West Ham had seemed in control before the strike - with the hosts having two goals ruled out for offside - and they managed to fight their way back into the game with Carroll's sweet volley in the 90th minute.
The Hammers had another goal then disallowed, but they held on to secure a 1-1 comeback draw that moves them into 14th place - seven points above the drop zone - while Stoke remain stuck in 19th place.
After going to Stamford Bridge and securing a 1-1 draw against champions Chelsea last weekend, Moyes and his West Ham side had their eyes firmly fixed on the visit of Stoke because of the importance of the game in terms of the fight against relegation. Stoke were in desperate need of all three points, with the Potters coming into the game languishing in 19th place, while the Hammers sat in 15th place - six points above the drop zone. With Huddersfield and Crystal Palace both winning at the weekend, West Ham knew that victory on Monday would move them one step closer to survival.
And, indeed, it seemed the game plan for both sides was to get an early goal - with Jack Butland being forced to save from Arthur Masuaku in just the third minute and Joe Hart having to deal with Joe Allen's long-range effort. Marko Arnautovic, playing against his former side and being booed by the travelling Stoke fans every time he touched the ball, was West Ham's brightest spark in an otherwise dull first-half. The Austrian first drove a low shot wide of the far post just after the half-hour mark before his close-range effort, set up by Pablo Zabaleta, was kept out of the visiting goal - by Butland's face.
Neither manager made a change at the break, with Stoke threatening just minutes into the second period when Shaqiri latched onto a cut-back but, instead of going for goal, tried to play one of his teammates in. Unfortunately for the Stoke forward, no one was there to fire the ball in from close range, which allowed West Ham to clear the danger. As the game progressed, and the score-line stood at 0-0, the sense of anxiety in the home end was clear to sense - with some supporters near the press box shouting at their team to either go for goal or clear the ball. And the urgency from the home fans seemed to rub off on the players, with Aaron Cresswell's long-ball into the area being delicately headed past Butland by Arnautovic - only for the offside flag to deny the forward the opener. Stoke reacted straight away when a through-ball found Moritz Bauer, whose cut-back was then latched onto by Mame Biram Diouf although he fired over the bar despite being just in front of the goal. West Ham upped their tempo and saw another goal chalked off, this time, because an offside Arnautovic was deemed to have interfered with play as Edimilson Fernandes' low shot flew into the goal. The hosts were in the ascendancy and, sensing his side could secure all three points with added firepower up front, Javier Hernandez - who scored the equaliser against Chelsea last weekend - was sent on. But instead of West Ham scoring, it was Stoke who did so - after an error from Hart. The goalkeeper failed to claim Shaqiri's long-range effort, which allowed Crouch to fire the ball in from a few yards out. Moyes reacted by sending on Manuel Lanzini and Carroll - who, playing in his first game since January, made the difference when he stroked home Aaron Cresswell's cross to rescue a point for West Ham.
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West Ham news: Stoke back up Michael Oliver after referee caught in controversy AGAIN
WEST HAM had two goals ruled out against Stoke on Monday night - and the visitors age referee Michael Oliver their full backing over the decisions.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 21:52, Mon, Apr 16, 2018 | UPDATED: 21:52, Mon, Apr 16, 2018
Express.co.uk
West Ham and Stoke battled out a relegation six-pointer at the London Stadium. But the Hammers were controversially denied a goal midway through the second half. Marko Arnautovic had already had a header ruled out for offside when Edimilson Fernandes rifled into the net on 67 minuets. But referee Oliver blew up after deeming Arnautovic - who was in an offside position - to have interfered with the goalkeeper's view, even though he didn't touch the ball. Fernandes was fuming with the referee's decision and West Ham fans voiced their displeasure in the stands. But Stoke were in agreement with the referee over the offside call.
Stoke City FC
@stokecity
66' OFFSIDE! Michael Oliver makes the call, before his assistant referee puts up his flag. Arnautovic is offside as the ball goes in, interfering with play, good decision (0-0) #SCFC
9:24 PM - Apr 16, 2018
Their official Twitter account posted: "66' OFFSIDE! Michael Oliver makes the call, before his assistant referee puts up his flag. Arnautovic is offside as the ball goes in, interfering with play, good decision (0-0)" Oliver's decision appeared to be the correct one but it did put him under the spotlight for the second time in a week.
Last Wednesday the 42-year-old was the centre of much controversy after awarding Real Madrid a soft penalty in their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Juventus.
The penalty - converted by Cristiano Ronaldo in stoppage time - saw Real sneak into the Champions League semi-finals 4-3 on aggregate. Juventus were irate and Oliver and his wife, who is also a referee, were subsequently sent threats. But UEFA stood by their referee. Oliver was back in action on Saturday as the fourth official in Huddersfield's late 1-0 win over Watford. And he oversaw a 1-1 draw in east London on Monday night as West Ham hit back through Andy Carroll after Peter Crouch had opened the scoring.
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WEST HAM COULD ALLOW HUGILL TO LEAVE ON LOAN
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
According to a report from Football London, West Ham may be willing to offload Jordan Hugill if they remain in the Premier League next season. The striker was recruited in the January transfer window late on as the Hammers aimed to bolster the attacking options at David Moyes' disposal for the rest of the season. Hugill has been little more than a last resort option in the first-team for Moyes, however, and his future at West Ham seems unlikely. It's claimed by Football London that Hugill was signed by the club's board as a contingency plan ahead of next season, solely in case they succumbed to relegation down to the Championship. With West Ham edging closer to securing their Premier League status ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, though, it seems Hugill's services will not be required beyond the summer transfer window. An initial loan deal is likely for Hugill, who has not enjoyed success with West Ham since his move from Preston.
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PREMIER LEAGUE GIANTS 'PLOT £20M BIDS' TO SNATCH WEST HAM ACE
Date: 16th April 2018 at 7:33pm
Written by: Josh Challies
Forever WestHam
West Ham face a stern fight in the summer market to keep their key players at the club, amidst rising interest from their Premier League rivals. Reports last week revealed that both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are keen on the services of Arthur Masuaku this summer, with The Sun now adding that both sides are plotting a £20m bid for the full-back. A potential departure for the France defender comes amidst wholesale changes that could occur within West Ham's ranks, with the report also discussing Moyes' interest in the likes of Alassane Plea and Shinji Kagawa. However, losing Masuaku, who has returned from suspension in fine form, would be a significant blow to West Ham- particularly as Moyes is already facing a wealth of work to rebuild the side's defensive ranks this summer. A new goalkeeper and centre-back are already on the agenda, whilst full-backs have also been linked with a move to the London Stadium to increase the club's depth.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, April 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th April 2018
West Ham United Ladies win WPL Plate with Luton victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies secured their second trophy in two weeks – the FA WPL
Plate – with a 5-0 victory over Luton Town Ladies in the final. A great
goal from Amber Stobbs and a fantastic Kelly Wealthall finish put the
Hammers in front at the break, before Ellie Zoepfl made it 3-0 to the Irons
just four minutes after the restart. Rosie Kmita curled home a terrific
finish not long after the hour mark before Zoepfl killed the game in the
dying minutes, tucking home and securing the Plate for Karen Ray's side. The
first period displayed its first shot of the game on eight minutes as
captain Kmita fired an effort across goal, which was just wide of the far
post. Zoepfl next came close for the Irons, sending a header just wide,
before some stern Luton defending saw the last defender clear the ball off
the line three times in quick succession. The deadlock was broken on 25
minutes. Stobbs collected the ball inside Luton territory and turned,
driving into space. Her shot from 25 yards found the back of the goal via
the crossbar. Just four minutes later it was 2-0. An error from Luton's
defence allowed Wealthall to slip in and the 17-year-old, who scored twice
in the semi-final win over Hull City, was clinical in adding to the Hammers'
advantage. The defence impressed in the first half, keeping Luton largely
at bay, although the away side did see an effort kept out by Cara Connatser
while also looked dangerous on the counter.
Just a couple of minutes into the second period, the Hammers had their third
goal, as Ellie Zoepfl collected possession and calmly slotted under the
goalkeeper to increase the Irons' lead. The forward also saw an effort come
back off the base of the post, while Kmita's header was wide from two yards
out. Luton goalkeeper Kezia Hassall gave a fine account of herself, making
crucial stops to deny Kmita, Stobbs and Zoepfl, but eventually the Irons
found their fourth through the captain.
Hassall rushed out to meet a through-ball, challenging Wealthall. The ball
fell kindly to Kmita who calmly lobbed the defence from the edge of the
penalty area, adding the Hammers' fourth goal. Kmita's finish was West Ham's
50th goal in 2018 but there was still time for the 51st, as Zoepfl adding a
fifth – and her second of the game – late on, sending the WPL Plate back to
London with the Ladies.
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West Ham United v Stoke City: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Stoke City in the Premier League to London Stadium
for a match under the lights.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this weekend's contest.
Where and when?
The Hammers will welcome Stoke City to London Stadium on Monday 16 April
2018.
The contest is scheduled for a 8pm kick-off.
How to follow:
This match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. Coverage begins
at 7pm.
Channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
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.
Team news:
West Ham should be given the boost with three players returning to training
recently. The trio, Andy Carroll, James Collins and Manuel Lanzini, could
potentially be fit for the match this Monday, after manager David Moyes said
the three players were back on the training fields. Andy is back in
training," Moyes confirmed. "We got him back at the start of the week and we
will keep monitoring him. He's trained for a few days, so we'll see how he
is. He's obviously not played for eleven weeks, and I've got that in my mind
as well. "He's champing at the bit, but that's the same for the other
players we've had out like Manuel Lanzini and James Collins who have only
been out for four or five weeks."
Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid and Sam Byram remain unavailable for the Hammers
What they say:
"A win would be a big step. This game is massive. It's a big game for us,
for the Club, and for the fans. We will go all together on Monday and we
will try as hard as we can to get the three points." Marko Arnautovic
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt and Daniel Cook
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
How to get there:
There are four 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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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Stoke City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have returned to form at the perfect time, with their 1-1
draw at Chelsea last time out maintaining the momentum that was created by
an emphatic 3-0 win over Southampton at the London Stadium two weeks ago.
That four-point haul lifted the Hammers to 14th in the Premier League prior
to the weekend, six points clear of the relegation zone – and their climb up
the table should continue against Monday's opponents, Stoke City. Paul
Lambert's side find themselves second-bottom of the league after losing
their last four fixtures. They have failed to score in three of their last
five, and are without a win of any sort since January – a sequence that
currently extends to nine matches. The Potters' travelling record isn't
impressive, either. They have recorded just one away win this season –
against Watford in October – and have lost 12 of their 18 matches on the
road in all competitions. Marko Arnautovic has been integral in West Ham's
resurgence, having netted twice against Southampton and provided the assist
for Javier Hernandez's equaliser at Chelsea. Arnautovic has scored nine
times in his last 14 Premier League appearances and will once again be the
Hammers' most likely goalscorer. The 28-year-old relishes facing his former
club, as shown when he netted against Stoke in the reverse fixture back in
December.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win
Marko Arnautovic to score
West Ham to keep a clean sheet
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Kouyate: We need everyone – the players, the fans, everybody
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate is a man who has made a habit of rising to the big occasion
during his career – and he plans to do so again as West Ham United seek a
vital Premier League victory over Stoke City. The 6'4 midfielder won four
Belgian Pro League titles with Anderlecht before he turned 25, attracting
the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs and earning a move to east
London. While many Hammers supporters knew little of Kouyate's achievements
in Brussels, the Senegalese star quickly showed his quality with a series of
powerful displays, including an Individual Performance of the
Season-winning, goal-scoring showing against Manchester United in February
2015. The first game of the 2015/16 season saw Kouyate head in the opener in
a memorable 2-0 win at Arsenal; In August 2016, he scored the historic
first-ever goal at London Stadium in a 3-0 UEFA Europa League qualifying
round victory over Slovenian side NK Domzale; A year ago, he scored a vital
Premier League winner against Swansea City to help steer West Ham away from
the bottom three.
Fast forward to the present day and, after securing four points from six
from a convincing home win over Southampton and creditable draw at Chelsea
to rise to 14th in the table, West Ham face another important moment in the
Club's recent history on Monday evening. And the No8 knows victory over
Stoke will go a long way towards securing the Hammers' Premier League
status. "We need to go up again because nothing is finished," Kouyate told
the Official Programme. "We have another final on Monday night against
Stoke, because they need points and we also need points. "We need to win
this game and we need everybody to know this game is a final. If we win this
game, we are going up because we need to go up, not down. "All home games,
we need to win, because this is a very, very crucial point of the season and
we need everyone – the players, the fans, everybody. "The last home game was
unbelievable. In the first half, all the fans were behind us and it makes it
easier for all the players. When you play at home, you need the fans, and in
the game against Southampton they were unbelievable. "We need them again on
Monday night to win some more points."
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Johnson: Hammers full of confidence ahead of Derby clash
WHUFC.com
Ben Johnson says West Ham United's U23s will be full of confidence heading
into Monday's Premier League 2 away fixture at Derby County. The Hammers
head to the Rams' training ground sitting in fifth in the league table, only
five points behind leader Leicester City. And after two wins in successive
matches this month – at Manchester City and Everton – Terry Westley's
youngsters have set their sights on a potential top-three finish. Johnson,
the side's right-back, has been part of the defence which has kept clean
sheets in three of their last four matches, and is raring to go on Monday.
He said: "The two wins have filled the back four and Nathan [Trott] in goal
with confidence and we were ecstatic to keep another clean sheet. "We just
want to go onto the Derby match, keep going, keep this form up into our last
two fixtures. We are fifth at the moment and maybe now we can aim for the
top three if possible. "We really controlled the game at Everton last week
and we were comfortable under pressure. We were strong and resilient and we
played our game and kept our good form going. "Hopefully we will be able to
do the same at Derby and end the season strongly."
After captain Marcus Browne had fired in a terrific free-kick winner at
City's Football Academy, the forward put in an even more impressive display
on Merseyside, scoring four times in the 4-0 win at Southport FC. Johnson
was full of praise for his teammate, who has led the line since the loan
departure of skipper Moses Makasi to Plymouth Argyle. "Marcus was really
good on Monday [last week]," Johnson explained. "He got a yellow in the
first few minutes but after that he showed his experience and played
superbly well. "He has so much quality and we know we can rely on him when
he has the ball in the opposition's half. "It was a very good week, last
week, in general. In the first game, we dug deep and it was a very difficult
match. "We played our game more against Everton and we really showed our
quality in the final third and it was an extremely good performance and we
now want to keep that going."
The Hammers play Derby on Monday 16 April away from home before hosting
their final Premier League 2 game of the season at London Stadium against
Arsenal.
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West Ham United v Stoke City
MON 16 APR 2018
PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manager David Moyes could be boosted by the return from injury of
Andy Carroll, James Collins and Manuel Lanzini. However, Sam Byram, Pedro
Obiang and Winston Reid are all still on the sidelines.
Stoke will again be without forward Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is not yet
ready to return from a groin injury. Manager Paul Lambert has no further
injury concerns to contend with for the trip to the London Stadium.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "Q: Which current Premier League clubs can boast that they
have enjoyed ten consecutive seasons in the top flight?
"A: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs,
Everton ………. and Stoke.
"That decade might be about to come to an end with Stoke six points off
safety with only five games to play. There have been some positives in their
performances under Paul Lambert - but only one win. "The game is barely any
less crucial for West Ham who have five games remaining after Stoke - but
all of them against teams in the top nine. The Hammers will probably just
survive - but it's been a long and troubled campaign which will fill nobody
which much optimism for the immediate future."
Twitter: @Wilsonfooty
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "It was a great point at Chelsea. It's not
enough yet but the last two games have given us a lift. "The ideal situation
is to go unbeaten between now and the end of the season, there is no reason
why we can't do that."
Stoke manager Paul Lambert: "We have to come away (from West Ham) with
something without a doubt. The intent is to go and win and we will do
everything we can to get three points. "If we get a win it drags a few back
in and that's the most important thing. "You need a little bit of luck at
certain times but the performances have been incredibly high and the way we
have played I couldn't ask for any more from the team."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Things are pretty rosy for West Ham at the moment after their point at
Chelsea gave them a bit of breathing space above the bottom three. The
Potters need to start winning games but they just don't have enough
firepower in their side and they are not good enough defensively to buy
themselves time to nick a goal.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham ended an eight-game winless streak against Stoke by winning the
reverse fixture 3-0 in December.
The Hammers are aiming to complete their first league double over Stoke
since the Potters' first season in the Premier League in 2008-09.
The Potters are unbeaten in their last five league visits to face West Ham,
although four of those matches were draws.
West Ham United
West Ham have only won back-to-back Premier League games at the London
Stadium on one previous occasion back in December 2016.
Former Stoke player Marko Arnautovic has been involved in 13 Premier League
goals this season (nine goals, four assists), five more than any other West
Ham player.
Only Stoke (63) and Watford (60) have conceded more league goals this than
West Ham (58) this season.
They are one loss short of reaching 1,000 defeats in the top flight and
would become the 16th club to reach this landmark.
Stoke City
Stoke have scored just seven Premier League goals in 2018, fewer than any
other side.
The Potters have lost on their last seven Premier League visits to London,
conceding 26 goals while scoring just five in reply.
They could equal their longest top flight away unbeaten run against a single
opponent of six games set against Bolton Wanderers (1902-1937), Birmingham
City (1934-1938), West Ham (1965-1969), Sunderland (1969-1983) and Aston
Villa (2011-running).
They have already matched their club record of 18 defeats in a single
Premier League season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 15th April 2018
By: Preview Percy
The BBC website is currently carrying a story about an American teacher who
claims that he was a teacher for 17 years without ever having learned to
read or write. Preview Percy has 7 years to go to catch up then. Here's this
week's ramblings which may or may not feature Monday night's visit of Stoke
City...
Next we play host to Stoke City. Having had a break from tv games we now
face the second of four in a row that will appear live on the box, this one
kicking off at 8pm on Monday. No weekend engineering work to worry about
then only the usual trials and tribulations of the joys of rush hour travel.
And the prospect of having to climb over the walls here at the Avram Grant
Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered to get back in after Matron locks all
the gates after sundown.
When last we met up at their place they were managed by Mark Hughes and,
it's fair to say, the 3-0 win we got up there, if not the final nail in the
coffin, was definitely one of the later bits of carpentry that saw his
dismissal. After that Hughes tried to be a bit cute in his team selection,
resting players for the Chelsea match prior to them playing Newcastle. Which
might have been a plan but for the fact that they lost both games – 5-0 to
Chelsea and 1-0 to the Geordies. Going down 2-1 to Coventry in the 3rd round
of the Cup was enough to see Hughes depart, his arrival at Southampton and
subsequent form down there leaving him with every chance of ending the
season having helped to relegate two clubs, instead of the more traditional
one.
Paul Lambert replaced Hughes, with Quique Sanchez Florez and Martin O'Neill
both having allegedly turned down approaches from the club. They did win
Lambert's first game in charge 2-0 at home to Huddersfield, but in the
subsequent 9 games they have picked up 4 draws and 5 defeats, suggesting
that the win against Huddersfield may have been more indicative of the
Terriers' form than it was of the Potters.
Tellingly, those four draws came against Watford (0-0), Brighton, Leicester
(both 1-1) and Southampton (0-0). Southampton are well in trouble and,
whilst safe now, both Brighton and Watford were on the fringes of the drop
zone. Only Leicester were really clear and you'd still file them in the
folder marked "matches we might get something from". As the old joke goes,
if you are being chased by a wild animal you don't have to outrun the
animal. You only have to outrun one of your mates. Such zoological analogy
sees them in 19th place with 27 points from the 33 played so far. They are
six points adrift of Swansea who are currently in the final safe zone spot.
After us their run-in comprises Burnley (h), Liverpool (a), Palace (h) and
Swansea (a). If you have a few bob to spare I'd invest it in pharmaceuticals
if I were you. Prescriptions of blood pressure medications are about to
rocket in Staffordshire.
The work-experience kid of as yet to be determined gender wearing a hoodie
who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises informs
me that three players arrived in January. A reported £14m went on Senegalese
midfielder Badou Ndiaye, who arrived from Galatasaray on deadline day. It's
been a somewhat circuitous route from Senegal to Stoke. The player's first
European club was Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. It took a bit of time for the
player to adapt to the sub-Arctic conditions up there ("I had only seen snow
on tv before") but having done so he won the Norwegian equivalent of the
Championship/Division 2's player of the season as Bodo/Glimt (not many clubs
with a forward slash in their name) got promotion to the top flight. His
experience of cold desolation will no doubt come in quite handy in the
Potteries.
The fee paid to in no way dodgy Russian outfit (no nerve agents here please)
Rubin Kazan for right back Moritz Bauer was undisclosed. Or £5m as everyone
seems to know. Though Swiss-born he qualifies for Austria through his dad
and is therefore a team-mate of Arnie's at international level. Quite an
interesting chap by all accounts he speaks five languages, which is five
more than Harry Kane, and is a fully qualified pilot which is probably the
next thing on the list that Kane will be claiming after that "goal" he never
scored last weekend. He can also play the piano, though not quite as well as
Harry Kane who regularly appears as a featured soloist with the London
Symphony Orchestra according to his official biography. Bauer signed a four
and a half year deal when arriving from Russia but the Cessna may well be
warming up already in the event that they go down.
The loan signing was a Greek international with the reassuringly Greek name
of Kostas Stafylidis. He's primarily a left-back but he can apparently turn
himself to more advanced positions down the left hand side. Stafylidis has
come in on a deal to the end of the season from Augsburg, having spent much
of his career to date in the Bundesliga where his previous employer was
Bayer Leverkusen. This isn't the player's first spell on loan in England. He
made 38 appearances in the Championship for Fulham in 2015-15. The Cottagers
apparently had an option to buy at the end of the season but didn't exercise
that option. He has a tattoo on his leg depicting a footballer going into a
slide tackle. The tattoo was designed and installed by Harry Kane. Sadly we
won't see the player or his artwork this weekend as he is recovering from a
rib fracture.
Also missing will be Charlie Adam who is currently suspended as a result of
his straight red after a late challenge on Wayne Rooney a couple of weeks
back. The spud-faced granny-botherer is expected to say "ouch" as the pain
signals reach his brain some time during the early hours of next Tuesday.
There will be a number of absentees due to "internal disciplinary reasons".
Ex-Barca midfielder Ibrahim Affelay was told to stay away from the club for
the rest of the season foe unspecified reasons. He hasn't played for the
Potters since the turn of the new year and you'll get long odds on him ever
pulling on a Stoke shirt ever again.
Then there was striker Jese. On loan from PSG he was given compassionate
leave to tend for a poorly infant, which is fair enough. He was then due
back last week but failed to turn up and the club haven't heard from him
since. One hopes that his sprog is ok. On the basis that he is the player
will be looking at a hefty fine and probably a P45 on his return.
Then there is Berahino. Remember when Spurs wanted him? For £20m? Well he
has problems with timekeeping and has been banished to train with the
kids.It is said that there was a file on Lambert's desk that suggested that
the player had a "possible attitude problem". It didn't take Lambert much
time to delete the first of those three words.
In amongst those who do turn up for training, another international
team-mate of Arnie's, Kevin Wimmer, is struggling to make this one. He is
said to be "lacking match fitness" and has only a 50-50 chance of making the
squad. Having arrived from Spurs last summer and one can't help but feeling
that it would have been more apt for him to have stayed there, what with his
surname also being not quite "Winner". (I'm here all week you know).
Enough of them. What about the wild and wacky world of Association Football.
In the so-called Champions League we saw a Spanish ref in Manchester doing
his damnedest to hand the trophy over to Real Madrid. It was clear from a
very early stage in the match that the ref had no intention of letting Man
City side progress if he could help it. Amazingly, the presence of Glenn
Hoddle in the commentary box meant that the ref was only the second most
ignorant person in the ground that night when it came to the laws of the
game.
Talking of referees I see Mike Dean altered the outcome of another match at
the weekend. You'd think that an organisation such as PGMOL which has
supposedly got the protection of refereeing standards amongst its aims might
want to have a look at someone who continually and deliberately ignores the
laws of the game he is supposed to uphold. Of course you'd need someone more
honest than Dean in charge of things. Instead we have Mike Riley.
Elsewhere, Spurs have put in a bid for Harry Kane to take credit for Dixie
Dean's record 60 goals for Everton in 1927-28 on the grounds that "the
players' names nearly rhyme don't they?"(I might have put in some sort of
one liner about Dixie and Mike being related but since Dean is an insult to
everyone who has ever played the game honestly I wouldn't wish to sully the
good name of Everton's finest).
And as I write this West Brom have just beaten Moan Utd to give the league
to Moan City, whose owners have agreed to suspend the torturing of political
opponents. For a bit.
And what of us? That was a welcome point then. Yeah we rode our luck a bit
at times and Mr Head & Shoulders had to have the sort of game that we have
seen all too little of from him this season but, to counter that, we stuck
in there and Arnie's hard work to set up Chicharito merited a goal in
itself. Good finish too. Ogbonna and Rice were given a torrid time as one
might have expected from the embarrassment of riches that constitutes the
Chelsea squad. However, they stuck in there and did not look overwhelmed. It
must have been particularly pleasing for Rice who was shown the door by
Chelsea as a kid.
Talking of youth, it was interesting to hear the Chelsea announcer at half
time boasting of how the youth team (dunno what age group) had been unbeaten
for something like 3 years. Now given that each year there will be a group
of players who cease to qualify for that team for age reasons you'd expect
there to be more of them making the breakthrough to the first XI. I guess
that's what happen when you have a bottomless pit of cash to play with, you
can buy trophies at all levels.
There was one down side to Sunday's match – inevitably we suffered an injury
with Cresswell hobbling off after damaging his knee. The full list at the
time of writing:
1. Andy Carroll (foot) – There are suggestions that he might actually be
available to play some sort of part in this one, which would be a return
about a week earlier than previously thought. Rated 50-50.
2. Manuel Lanzini (knee) – Has missed the last two games after picking up a
knee injury on international duty. Rated 75% likely to be involved.
3. James Collins (hamstring) – Pretty sure he would have loved a runout
against this lot. Rated no better than 75% likely to be involved – like
Lanzini he will have a late fitness test.
4. Aaron Cresswell (knee) – Tried to play on with a knee injury at the
weekend. Gamely, but /possibly unwisely. However, the extra day off will
have helped and he is given a 75% chance of being involved.
5. Michail Antonio (hamstring) – In tears when he hobbled off early on
against Southampton. It transpires that this is the same injury that he got
last year which never healed. Will have an operation shortly Which will give
him a nice long pre-season in which to recover.
6. Pedro Obiang – see you next season
7. Winston Reid – ditto.
8. Sam Byram – ditto.
And so to the thorny question of a prediction. If anyone from Winstone's the
turf accountants is reading this could you pop over a few betting slips.
Normally one sends the Avram Rest Home's resident Geordie Preview Alastair
out to run such errands. However, he's in the sick bay at the moment. I
asked the silly sod to pick up a Chinese takeaway on his way back from the
Swan & Superinjunction the other night. Unfortunately the daft fool had a
nasty trip as he arrived back, which was especially annoying as I had asked
for barbecue spare ribs, not broken ones. I know some of you will be
concerned so I should point out that everything was ok in the end. I was
able to telephone the takeaway and have a replacement meal delivered.
I think that the results since Burnley have boosted the confidence levels as
well as the points. On the other hand, Stoke will mention that they have
been playing better than their results suggest. Yeah well I'm in a good mood
– the sight of a drunken Geordie covered in chow mein is enough to make
anyone laugh – so I'm going to plump for a home win. Call it 2-1 Mr Winstone
and I'll send Matron over once she has finished Preview Alastair's bed bath.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Olympic: Drew 1-1 (Premier League November 2016)
A game that will live long in the memory of only the most anal of supporters
of either side. Antonio's header was credited to Whelan as an o.g. having
hit the back of the defender's nut on it's way in, though Harry Kane is
putting in a late bid for it. Bojan equalised after Adrian had one of his
"moments".
Referee: Michael Oliver
Spotted a two handed push that was right in front of him in the Real Madrid
v Juventus match the other night. Missed an even worse push that he was even
better placed to see in our home match against Spurs. Some praised him for
the Juve decision. For what it's worth it was correct. Just a shame that he
allowed Juve to get away with murder throughout the rest of the game.
Danger Man: Peter Crouch
Possibly not the most dangerous of players in their squad and is more likely
to be a visitor from the bench. However, this may be the last time we see
him and we always loved the "virgin" story (look it up if you don't know) so
he gets the accolade for old time's sake.
Percy's Poser:
Last week we asked you for the odd one out from a list of clubs including:
Partizan, Woking, Vitesse. Swansea, Huddersfield, Groeningen, Rostov, Forest
Green, Hull, Crystal Palace, PSV Eindhoven, Barnsley, Charlton Stoke,
Chelsea, Chippenham Town, Birmingham City and Stevenage.
Congratulations to Mrs Sharon Fine-Fare of Flamsted for being the first out
of the digital hat to point out that Chelsea were the odd ones out as, of
all those clubs, they were the only club not to have had a player on loan
from Chelsea this season. A stale bit of the short chubby one's birthday
cake is on its way to you.
For this week's preview we ask you: Stoke is famous for its ceramics injury,
the most famous exponent of which was possibly Josiah Wedgewood. However,
what major problem did Wedgewood have to overcome to get his business off
the ground?
A cracked tea mug from the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The
Bewildered's dishwasher goes to the first correct answer out of the digital
hat.
Good luck everyone!
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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West Ham v Stoke: Relegation rivals meet on Monday Night Football
Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm on Monday
Last Updated: 15/04/18 8:27pm
SSN
West Ham will be looking to take a big step towards Premier League survival
when they face relegation rivals Stoke on Monday Night Football. The Hammers
have taken four points from their last two games to move six points clear of
the relegation zone. Stoke, meanwhile, are four points from safety heading
into the weekend and will be aiming to avoid a fifth successive defeat.
While the situation might look bleak, Potters boss Paul Lambert saw some
positive signs in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham last weekend. "The atmosphere
here last weekend was incredible," he said. "I've been in the game a long
time and I've not seen that reaction to a team that's lost a game. "The
fans are with us which is the most important thing and if we can keep doing
what we're doing, we'll certainly win games.
"As I said before, you need a little bit of Lady Luck on your side but
performance-wise I'm really happy with the way the team's played."
West Ham face a tricky finish to the season as they face Arsenal, Manchester
City and Manchester United in their last five games. The Potters are
unbeaten in their last five league visits to face West Ham, though four of
these have ended level (W1). Stoke have scored fewer goals than any other
Premier League side in 2018 (7), failing to score in six of their 12 games.
Javier Hernandez's first 11 Premier League appearances at West Ham were all
starts, in which he scored four goals. Under David Moyes, he's started just
five of his 14 appearances in the competition, adding another four goals (2
as starter, 2 as a sub).
The Potters have lost their last seven Premier League visits to London,
conceding 26 goals while scoring just five in reply. Stoke have lost just
one of their last nine Premier League games against the Hammers (W3 D5),
though it was in the reverse fixture back in December (0-3).
Merson's predictions
It's a cup final for Stoke, a game they have to win to have a chance of
staying up. But I think they are going to lose and they are going to be in
major trouble. Marko Arnautovic has looked good recently and could cause
problems against his former side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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NEVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
By rapidhammer 15 Apr 2018 at 08:00
WTID
In football one thing is for sure: you never can take anything for granted.
The Champions League and Europa League ties last week again proved very well
that even the highest favoured teams, leading by a comfortable margin from
the first leg, may struggle or be eliminated against all odds. And as West
Ham fans we know only too well that never opposition should be taken
lightly, especially in cup games. And the game under the floodlights on
Monday at the London Stadium is a cup final.
Well, West Ham's engagement in the domestic cups didn't really set the world
alight this season, and the Hammers have no more cup ties to play at this
stage of the proceedings. And they haven't won a real cup final since 1980.
But now we virtually have a cup final – or at least a semifinal – on Monday
night! If the Irons manage to win the crucial game against second from
bottom Stoke City, their unwanted flirt with relegation will be more or less
over and our season is saved.
The other results this weekend could have gone a little better so far from
West Ham's perspective (if Crystal Palace and Huddersfield had dropped
points and Swansea had lost, there would still be a gap of 2 or 3 points
between these teams and West Ham before the Stoke game). But with third from
bottom Southampton losing 2-3 at home to Chelsea (squandering a two goal
lead) the gap of 6 points between the Hammers and the relegation zone is
still there before the game against Stoke. Alas, in case of winning on
Monday night West Ham will be 9 points away from the drop zone with only 5
games to play until the end of the season! And with playing at home against
a team that has managed only one win in 15 games since Christmas and has the
worst defensive record of the league, this win should be all but ensured.
But as we said before, in football never anything can be taken for granted,
and West Ham have already lost games with similar prospects and expected
outcomes this season (just think of losing to Newcastle, Swansea, and
Burnley – or drawing with Crystal Palace at home). And we also should be
aware that West Ham haven't managed any back to back Premier League home
wins since December 2016, and have not won twice in one season over Stoke
City since the Potters' first PL campaign in 2008/09.
But the last two games can make us quite optimistic with Marko Arnautovic
still in top form, benefiting from Arthur Masuaku's return from suspension
and thriving in his role as a central striker which David Moyes has handed
to the Austrian international. Arnie has completely lost his odeur of
instability and sloppiness, of wasting chances and disappearing for large
parts of games. Asked on my thoughts about him when he came to West Ham last
summer I praised him as Austria's recently most talented player, but I added
that I had been happy that I was made angry by him only some times a season
(when I watched him in the Austrian national team), and now I was going to
be disappointed or annoyed by him every weekend… He seemed to prove me right
right from the beginning of his West Ham career, but since David Moyes has
come in as the new gaffer and lined up the record signing as West Ham's
central striker, Arnie has supplied nine goals and five assists from 14
starts. Statistics say that since gameweek 16, only three players have fired
more shots on target: Harry Kane with 36, Mohamed Salah with 28, and Sergio
Aguero with 25. And since the Austrian's return from injury in gameweek 27,
no player can better Arnautovic's 12 shots on target. He has been directly
involved in 13 PL goals this season, with nine goals and four assists.
That playing him in the central and only striker role has proven so
successful doesn't make it easy for the manager to include Chicharito in the
starting eleven. „Little pea" is a born goal scorer with an impressive
record of scoring from inside the box and his inclusion in the starting
eleven is requested by a lot of fans and, I think, also expected by himself.
He has already got 8 goals this season though he has been played out of
position under Slaven Bilic, been injured and often only has come from the
bench. It will be very interesting to see if David Moyes will find a system
in which West Ham's two top scorers can work together in the last 6 games of
the season…
David Moyes's team selection against Chelsea last Sunday (the third game in
London I was able to fly over for and watch live this season by the way) has
been spot on, and bringing Hernandez in the second half has proved highly
successful. I was very sceptical about the appointment of Moyes back in
November, but, as was said in a previous post here, „he has brought
improvement to a number of players, steadied the ship, improved morale and
also given a few opportunities to youngsters which we have all been asking
for".
If he could do at West Haw what he achieved at Everton from 2002-2013 (8 top
seven finishes in his eleven seasons) that would be the „next step" that
West Ham realistically can make. Promising us more, even Champions League
football, was a highly unrealistic vision that has not gone well with the
problems West Ham's supporters faced with the loss of Upton Park, the
transition to the new stadium which has not emerged as a proper football
ground so far and the underachievement in the transfer market with a lack of
clever and sufficient investment. Karren Brady, Sullivan and Gold have
underachieved (to put it mildly) in the first two seasons in the London
Stadium. This summer, after having secured Premier League football, will be
crucial for the direction in which West Ham is heading.
Now let's hope for our first back to back wins at the new ground after
almost one and a half year!
A cup final ahead
As I've already said, Monday under the lights is a cup final for West Ham.
Though West Ham haven't won a real cup final since 1980, the Hammers have
won a final back in 2012 when they beat Blackpool in the play offs at
Wembley to secure their comeback to the Premier League. Monday's game is of
similiar significance, I would not only call it a "six pointer" but a nine
or ten pointer: a win will move the Irons 10 points away from the Potters
and 9 points away from the drop zone. One more win is all but important and
could make us virtually sure that the fear of relegation is over! And with
the confidence the win over Southampton and the draw at Stamford Bridge have
brought, the squad looks capable of seizing this opportunity to make a giant
step towards safety.
This massive game must be won. But you know, in football and especially with
West Ham nothing can be taken for granted.
Come on you Irons!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies secured their second trophy in two weeks – the FA WPL
Plate – with a 5-0 victory over Luton Town Ladies in the final. A great
goal from Amber Stobbs and a fantastic Kelly Wealthall finish put the
Hammers in front at the break, before Ellie Zoepfl made it 3-0 to the Irons
just four minutes after the restart. Rosie Kmita curled home a terrific
finish not long after the hour mark before Zoepfl killed the game in the
dying minutes, tucking home and securing the Plate for Karen Ray's side. The
first period displayed its first shot of the game on eight minutes as
captain Kmita fired an effort across goal, which was just wide of the far
post. Zoepfl next came close for the Irons, sending a header just wide,
before some stern Luton defending saw the last defender clear the ball off
the line three times in quick succession. The deadlock was broken on 25
minutes. Stobbs collected the ball inside Luton territory and turned,
driving into space. Her shot from 25 yards found the back of the goal via
the crossbar. Just four minutes later it was 2-0. An error from Luton's
defence allowed Wealthall to slip in and the 17-year-old, who scored twice
in the semi-final win over Hull City, was clinical in adding to the Hammers'
advantage. The defence impressed in the first half, keeping Luton largely
at bay, although the away side did see an effort kept out by Cara Connatser
while also looked dangerous on the counter.
Just a couple of minutes into the second period, the Hammers had their third
goal, as Ellie Zoepfl collected possession and calmly slotted under the
goalkeeper to increase the Irons' lead. The forward also saw an effort come
back off the base of the post, while Kmita's header was wide from two yards
out. Luton goalkeeper Kezia Hassall gave a fine account of herself, making
crucial stops to deny Kmita, Stobbs and Zoepfl, but eventually the Irons
found their fourth through the captain.
Hassall rushed out to meet a through-ball, challenging Wealthall. The ball
fell kindly to Kmita who calmly lobbed the defence from the edge of the
penalty area, adding the Hammers' fourth goal. Kmita's finish was West Ham's
50th goal in 2018 but there was still time for the 51st, as Zoepfl adding a
fifth – and her second of the game – late on, sending the WPL Plate back to
London with the Ladies.
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West Ham United v Stoke City: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Stoke City in the Premier League to London Stadium
for a match under the lights.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this weekend's contest.
Where and when?
The Hammers will welcome Stoke City to London Stadium on Monday 16 April
2018.
The contest is scheduled for a 8pm kick-off.
How to follow:
This match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. Coverage begins
at 7pm.
Channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
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.
Team news:
West Ham should be given the boost with three players returning to training
recently. The trio, Andy Carroll, James Collins and Manuel Lanzini, could
potentially be fit for the match this Monday, after manager David Moyes said
the three players were back on the training fields. Andy is back in
training," Moyes confirmed. "We got him back at the start of the week and we
will keep monitoring him. He's trained for a few days, so we'll see how he
is. He's obviously not played for eleven weeks, and I've got that in my mind
as well. "He's champing at the bit, but that's the same for the other
players we've had out like Manuel Lanzini and James Collins who have only
been out for four or five weeks."
Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid and Sam Byram remain unavailable for the Hammers
What they say:
"A win would be a big step. This game is massive. It's a big game for us,
for the Club, and for the fans. We will go all together on Monday and we
will try as hard as we can to get the three points." Marko Arnautovic
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt and Daniel Cook
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
How to get there:
There are four 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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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Stoke City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have returned to form at the perfect time, with their 1-1
draw at Chelsea last time out maintaining the momentum that was created by
an emphatic 3-0 win over Southampton at the London Stadium two weeks ago.
That four-point haul lifted the Hammers to 14th in the Premier League prior
to the weekend, six points clear of the relegation zone – and their climb up
the table should continue against Monday's opponents, Stoke City. Paul
Lambert's side find themselves second-bottom of the league after losing
their last four fixtures. They have failed to score in three of their last
five, and are without a win of any sort since January – a sequence that
currently extends to nine matches. The Potters' travelling record isn't
impressive, either. They have recorded just one away win this season –
against Watford in October – and have lost 12 of their 18 matches on the
road in all competitions. Marko Arnautovic has been integral in West Ham's
resurgence, having netted twice against Southampton and provided the assist
for Javier Hernandez's equaliser at Chelsea. Arnautovic has scored nine
times in his last 14 Premier League appearances and will once again be the
Hammers' most likely goalscorer. The 28-year-old relishes facing his former
club, as shown when he netted against Stoke in the reverse fixture back in
December.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win
Marko Arnautovic to score
West Ham to keep a clean sheet
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Kouyate: We need everyone – the players, the fans, everybody
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate is a man who has made a habit of rising to the big occasion
during his career – and he plans to do so again as West Ham United seek a
vital Premier League victory over Stoke City. The 6'4 midfielder won four
Belgian Pro League titles with Anderlecht before he turned 25, attracting
the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs and earning a move to east
London. While many Hammers supporters knew little of Kouyate's achievements
in Brussels, the Senegalese star quickly showed his quality with a series of
powerful displays, including an Individual Performance of the
Season-winning, goal-scoring showing against Manchester United in February
2015. The first game of the 2015/16 season saw Kouyate head in the opener in
a memorable 2-0 win at Arsenal; In August 2016, he scored the historic
first-ever goal at London Stadium in a 3-0 UEFA Europa League qualifying
round victory over Slovenian side NK Domzale; A year ago, he scored a vital
Premier League winner against Swansea City to help steer West Ham away from
the bottom three.
Fast forward to the present day and, after securing four points from six
from a convincing home win over Southampton and creditable draw at Chelsea
to rise to 14th in the table, West Ham face another important moment in the
Club's recent history on Monday evening. And the No8 knows victory over
Stoke will go a long way towards securing the Hammers' Premier League
status. "We need to go up again because nothing is finished," Kouyate told
the Official Programme. "We have another final on Monday night against
Stoke, because they need points and we also need points. "We need to win
this game and we need everybody to know this game is a final. If we win this
game, we are going up because we need to go up, not down. "All home games,
we need to win, because this is a very, very crucial point of the season and
we need everyone – the players, the fans, everybody. "The last home game was
unbelievable. In the first half, all the fans were behind us and it makes it
easier for all the players. When you play at home, you need the fans, and in
the game against Southampton they were unbelievable. "We need them again on
Monday night to win some more points."
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Johnson: Hammers full of confidence ahead of Derby clash
WHUFC.com
Ben Johnson says West Ham United's U23s will be full of confidence heading
into Monday's Premier League 2 away fixture at Derby County. The Hammers
head to the Rams' training ground sitting in fifth in the league table, only
five points behind leader Leicester City. And after two wins in successive
matches this month – at Manchester City and Everton – Terry Westley's
youngsters have set their sights on a potential top-three finish. Johnson,
the side's right-back, has been part of the defence which has kept clean
sheets in three of their last four matches, and is raring to go on Monday.
He said: "The two wins have filled the back four and Nathan [Trott] in goal
with confidence and we were ecstatic to keep another clean sheet. "We just
want to go onto the Derby match, keep going, keep this form up into our last
two fixtures. We are fifth at the moment and maybe now we can aim for the
top three if possible. "We really controlled the game at Everton last week
and we were comfortable under pressure. We were strong and resilient and we
played our game and kept our good form going. "Hopefully we will be able to
do the same at Derby and end the season strongly."
After captain Marcus Browne had fired in a terrific free-kick winner at
City's Football Academy, the forward put in an even more impressive display
on Merseyside, scoring four times in the 4-0 win at Southport FC. Johnson
was full of praise for his teammate, who has led the line since the loan
departure of skipper Moses Makasi to Plymouth Argyle. "Marcus was really
good on Monday [last week]," Johnson explained. "He got a yellow in the
first few minutes but after that he showed his experience and played
superbly well. "He has so much quality and we know we can rely on him when
he has the ball in the opposition's half. "It was a very good week, last
week, in general. In the first game, we dug deep and it was a very difficult
match. "We played our game more against Everton and we really showed our
quality in the final third and it was an extremely good performance and we
now want to keep that going."
The Hammers play Derby on Monday 16 April away from home before hosting
their final Premier League 2 game of the season at London Stadium against
Arsenal.
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West Ham United v Stoke City
MON 16 APR 2018
PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manager David Moyes could be boosted by the return from injury of
Andy Carroll, James Collins and Manuel Lanzini. However, Sam Byram, Pedro
Obiang and Winston Reid are all still on the sidelines.
Stoke will again be without forward Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is not yet
ready to return from a groin injury. Manager Paul Lambert has no further
injury concerns to contend with for the trip to the London Stadium.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "Q: Which current Premier League clubs can boast that they
have enjoyed ten consecutive seasons in the top flight?
"A: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs,
Everton ………. and Stoke.
"That decade might be about to come to an end with Stoke six points off
safety with only five games to play. There have been some positives in their
performances under Paul Lambert - but only one win. "The game is barely any
less crucial for West Ham who have five games remaining after Stoke - but
all of them against teams in the top nine. The Hammers will probably just
survive - but it's been a long and troubled campaign which will fill nobody
which much optimism for the immediate future."
Twitter: @Wilsonfooty
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "It was a great point at Chelsea. It's not
enough yet but the last two games have given us a lift. "The ideal situation
is to go unbeaten between now and the end of the season, there is no reason
why we can't do that."
Stoke manager Paul Lambert: "We have to come away (from West Ham) with
something without a doubt. The intent is to go and win and we will do
everything we can to get three points. "If we get a win it drags a few back
in and that's the most important thing. "You need a little bit of luck at
certain times but the performances have been incredibly high and the way we
have played I couldn't ask for any more from the team."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Things are pretty rosy for West Ham at the moment after their point at
Chelsea gave them a bit of breathing space above the bottom three. The
Potters need to start winning games but they just don't have enough
firepower in their side and they are not good enough defensively to buy
themselves time to nick a goal.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham ended an eight-game winless streak against Stoke by winning the
reverse fixture 3-0 in December.
The Hammers are aiming to complete their first league double over Stoke
since the Potters' first season in the Premier League in 2008-09.
The Potters are unbeaten in their last five league visits to face West Ham,
although four of those matches were draws.
West Ham United
West Ham have only won back-to-back Premier League games at the London
Stadium on one previous occasion back in December 2016.
Former Stoke player Marko Arnautovic has been involved in 13 Premier League
goals this season (nine goals, four assists), five more than any other West
Ham player.
Only Stoke (63) and Watford (60) have conceded more league goals this than
West Ham (58) this season.
They are one loss short of reaching 1,000 defeats in the top flight and
would become the 16th club to reach this landmark.
Stoke City
Stoke have scored just seven Premier League goals in 2018, fewer than any
other side.
The Potters have lost on their last seven Premier League visits to London,
conceding 26 goals while scoring just five in reply.
They could equal their longest top flight away unbeaten run against a single
opponent of six games set against Bolton Wanderers (1902-1937), Birmingham
City (1934-1938), West Ham (1965-1969), Sunderland (1969-1983) and Aston
Villa (2011-running).
They have already matched their club record of 18 defeats in a single
Premier League season.
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West Ham United v Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 15th April 2018
By: Preview Percy
The BBC website is currently carrying a story about an American teacher who
claims that he was a teacher for 17 years without ever having learned to
read or write. Preview Percy has 7 years to go to catch up then. Here's this
week's ramblings which may or may not feature Monday night's visit of Stoke
City...
Next we play host to Stoke City. Having had a break from tv games we now
face the second of four in a row that will appear live on the box, this one
kicking off at 8pm on Monday. No weekend engineering work to worry about
then only the usual trials and tribulations of the joys of rush hour travel.
And the prospect of having to climb over the walls here at the Avram Grant
Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered to get back in after Matron locks all
the gates after sundown.
When last we met up at their place they were managed by Mark Hughes and,
it's fair to say, the 3-0 win we got up there, if not the final nail in the
coffin, was definitely one of the later bits of carpentry that saw his
dismissal. After that Hughes tried to be a bit cute in his team selection,
resting players for the Chelsea match prior to them playing Newcastle. Which
might have been a plan but for the fact that they lost both games – 5-0 to
Chelsea and 1-0 to the Geordies. Going down 2-1 to Coventry in the 3rd round
of the Cup was enough to see Hughes depart, his arrival at Southampton and
subsequent form down there leaving him with every chance of ending the
season having helped to relegate two clubs, instead of the more traditional
one.
Paul Lambert replaced Hughes, with Quique Sanchez Florez and Martin O'Neill
both having allegedly turned down approaches from the club. They did win
Lambert's first game in charge 2-0 at home to Huddersfield, but in the
subsequent 9 games they have picked up 4 draws and 5 defeats, suggesting
that the win against Huddersfield may have been more indicative of the
Terriers' form than it was of the Potters.
Tellingly, those four draws came against Watford (0-0), Brighton, Leicester
(both 1-1) and Southampton (0-0). Southampton are well in trouble and,
whilst safe now, both Brighton and Watford were on the fringes of the drop
zone. Only Leicester were really clear and you'd still file them in the
folder marked "matches we might get something from". As the old joke goes,
if you are being chased by a wild animal you don't have to outrun the
animal. You only have to outrun one of your mates. Such zoological analogy
sees them in 19th place with 27 points from the 33 played so far. They are
six points adrift of Swansea who are currently in the final safe zone spot.
After us their run-in comprises Burnley (h), Liverpool (a), Palace (h) and
Swansea (a). If you have a few bob to spare I'd invest it in pharmaceuticals
if I were you. Prescriptions of blood pressure medications are about to
rocket in Staffordshire.
The work-experience kid of as yet to be determined gender wearing a hoodie
who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises informs
me that three players arrived in January. A reported £14m went on Senegalese
midfielder Badou Ndiaye, who arrived from Galatasaray on deadline day. It's
been a somewhat circuitous route from Senegal to Stoke. The player's first
European club was Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. It took a bit of time for the
player to adapt to the sub-Arctic conditions up there ("I had only seen snow
on tv before") but having done so he won the Norwegian equivalent of the
Championship/Division 2's player of the season as Bodo/Glimt (not many clubs
with a forward slash in their name) got promotion to the top flight. His
experience of cold desolation will no doubt come in quite handy in the
Potteries.
The fee paid to in no way dodgy Russian outfit (no nerve agents here please)
Rubin Kazan for right back Moritz Bauer was undisclosed. Or £5m as everyone
seems to know. Though Swiss-born he qualifies for Austria through his dad
and is therefore a team-mate of Arnie's at international level. Quite an
interesting chap by all accounts he speaks five languages, which is five
more than Harry Kane, and is a fully qualified pilot which is probably the
next thing on the list that Kane will be claiming after that "goal" he never
scored last weekend. He can also play the piano, though not quite as well as
Harry Kane who regularly appears as a featured soloist with the London
Symphony Orchestra according to his official biography. Bauer signed a four
and a half year deal when arriving from Russia but the Cessna may well be
warming up already in the event that they go down.
The loan signing was a Greek international with the reassuringly Greek name
of Kostas Stafylidis. He's primarily a left-back but he can apparently turn
himself to more advanced positions down the left hand side. Stafylidis has
come in on a deal to the end of the season from Augsburg, having spent much
of his career to date in the Bundesliga where his previous employer was
Bayer Leverkusen. This isn't the player's first spell on loan in England. He
made 38 appearances in the Championship for Fulham in 2015-15. The Cottagers
apparently had an option to buy at the end of the season but didn't exercise
that option. He has a tattoo on his leg depicting a footballer going into a
slide tackle. The tattoo was designed and installed by Harry Kane. Sadly we
won't see the player or his artwork this weekend as he is recovering from a
rib fracture.
Also missing will be Charlie Adam who is currently suspended as a result of
his straight red after a late challenge on Wayne Rooney a couple of weeks
back. The spud-faced granny-botherer is expected to say "ouch" as the pain
signals reach his brain some time during the early hours of next Tuesday.
There will be a number of absentees due to "internal disciplinary reasons".
Ex-Barca midfielder Ibrahim Affelay was told to stay away from the club for
the rest of the season foe unspecified reasons. He hasn't played for the
Potters since the turn of the new year and you'll get long odds on him ever
pulling on a Stoke shirt ever again.
Then there was striker Jese. On loan from PSG he was given compassionate
leave to tend for a poorly infant, which is fair enough. He was then due
back last week but failed to turn up and the club haven't heard from him
since. One hopes that his sprog is ok. On the basis that he is the player
will be looking at a hefty fine and probably a P45 on his return.
Then there is Berahino. Remember when Spurs wanted him? For £20m? Well he
has problems with timekeeping and has been banished to train with the
kids.It is said that there was a file on Lambert's desk that suggested that
the player had a "possible attitude problem". It didn't take Lambert much
time to delete the first of those three words.
In amongst those who do turn up for training, another international
team-mate of Arnie's, Kevin Wimmer, is struggling to make this one. He is
said to be "lacking match fitness" and has only a 50-50 chance of making the
squad. Having arrived from Spurs last summer and one can't help but feeling
that it would have been more apt for him to have stayed there, what with his
surname also being not quite "Winner". (I'm here all week you know).
Enough of them. What about the wild and wacky world of Association Football.
In the so-called Champions League we saw a Spanish ref in Manchester doing
his damnedest to hand the trophy over to Real Madrid. It was clear from a
very early stage in the match that the ref had no intention of letting Man
City side progress if he could help it. Amazingly, the presence of Glenn
Hoddle in the commentary box meant that the ref was only the second most
ignorant person in the ground that night when it came to the laws of the
game.
Talking of referees I see Mike Dean altered the outcome of another match at
the weekend. You'd think that an organisation such as PGMOL which has
supposedly got the protection of refereeing standards amongst its aims might
want to have a look at someone who continually and deliberately ignores the
laws of the game he is supposed to uphold. Of course you'd need someone more
honest than Dean in charge of things. Instead we have Mike Riley.
Elsewhere, Spurs have put in a bid for Harry Kane to take credit for Dixie
Dean's record 60 goals for Everton in 1927-28 on the grounds that "the
players' names nearly rhyme don't they?"(I might have put in some sort of
one liner about Dixie and Mike being related but since Dean is an insult to
everyone who has ever played the game honestly I wouldn't wish to sully the
good name of Everton's finest).
And as I write this West Brom have just beaten Moan Utd to give the league
to Moan City, whose owners have agreed to suspend the torturing of political
opponents. For a bit.
And what of us? That was a welcome point then. Yeah we rode our luck a bit
at times and Mr Head & Shoulders had to have the sort of game that we have
seen all too little of from him this season but, to counter that, we stuck
in there and Arnie's hard work to set up Chicharito merited a goal in
itself. Good finish too. Ogbonna and Rice were given a torrid time as one
might have expected from the embarrassment of riches that constitutes the
Chelsea squad. However, they stuck in there and did not look overwhelmed. It
must have been particularly pleasing for Rice who was shown the door by
Chelsea as a kid.
Talking of youth, it was interesting to hear the Chelsea announcer at half
time boasting of how the youth team (dunno what age group) had been unbeaten
for something like 3 years. Now given that each year there will be a group
of players who cease to qualify for that team for age reasons you'd expect
there to be more of them making the breakthrough to the first XI. I guess
that's what happen when you have a bottomless pit of cash to play with, you
can buy trophies at all levels.
There was one down side to Sunday's match – inevitably we suffered an injury
with Cresswell hobbling off after damaging his knee. The full list at the
time of writing:
1. Andy Carroll (foot) – There are suggestions that he might actually be
available to play some sort of part in this one, which would be a return
about a week earlier than previously thought. Rated 50-50.
2. Manuel Lanzini (knee) – Has missed the last two games after picking up a
knee injury on international duty. Rated 75% likely to be involved.
3. James Collins (hamstring) – Pretty sure he would have loved a runout
against this lot. Rated no better than 75% likely to be involved – like
Lanzini he will have a late fitness test.
4. Aaron Cresswell (knee) – Tried to play on with a knee injury at the
weekend. Gamely, but /possibly unwisely. However, the extra day off will
have helped and he is given a 75% chance of being involved.
5. Michail Antonio (hamstring) – In tears when he hobbled off early on
against Southampton. It transpires that this is the same injury that he got
last year which never healed. Will have an operation shortly Which will give
him a nice long pre-season in which to recover.
6. Pedro Obiang – see you next season
7. Winston Reid – ditto.
8. Sam Byram – ditto.
And so to the thorny question of a prediction. If anyone from Winstone's the
turf accountants is reading this could you pop over a few betting slips.
Normally one sends the Avram Rest Home's resident Geordie Preview Alastair
out to run such errands. However, he's in the sick bay at the moment. I
asked the silly sod to pick up a Chinese takeaway on his way back from the
Swan & Superinjunction the other night. Unfortunately the daft fool had a
nasty trip as he arrived back, which was especially annoying as I had asked
for barbecue spare ribs, not broken ones. I know some of you will be
concerned so I should point out that everything was ok in the end. I was
able to telephone the takeaway and have a replacement meal delivered.
I think that the results since Burnley have boosted the confidence levels as
well as the points. On the other hand, Stoke will mention that they have
been playing better than their results suggest. Yeah well I'm in a good mood
– the sight of a drunken Geordie covered in chow mein is enough to make
anyone laugh – so I'm going to plump for a home win. Call it 2-1 Mr Winstone
and I'll send Matron over once she has finished Preview Alastair's bed bath.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Olympic: Drew 1-1 (Premier League November 2016)
A game that will live long in the memory of only the most anal of supporters
of either side. Antonio's header was credited to Whelan as an o.g. having
hit the back of the defender's nut on it's way in, though Harry Kane is
putting in a late bid for it. Bojan equalised after Adrian had one of his
"moments".
Referee: Michael Oliver
Spotted a two handed push that was right in front of him in the Real Madrid
v Juventus match the other night. Missed an even worse push that he was even
better placed to see in our home match against Spurs. Some praised him for
the Juve decision. For what it's worth it was correct. Just a shame that he
allowed Juve to get away with murder throughout the rest of the game.
Danger Man: Peter Crouch
Possibly not the most dangerous of players in their squad and is more likely
to be a visitor from the bench. However, this may be the last time we see
him and we always loved the "virgin" story (look it up if you don't know) so
he gets the accolade for old time's sake.
Percy's Poser:
Last week we asked you for the odd one out from a list of clubs including:
Partizan, Woking, Vitesse. Swansea, Huddersfield, Groeningen, Rostov, Forest
Green, Hull, Crystal Palace, PSV Eindhoven, Barnsley, Charlton Stoke,
Chelsea, Chippenham Town, Birmingham City and Stevenage.
Congratulations to Mrs Sharon Fine-Fare of Flamsted for being the first out
of the digital hat to point out that Chelsea were the odd ones out as, of
all those clubs, they were the only club not to have had a player on loan
from Chelsea this season. A stale bit of the short chubby one's birthday
cake is on its way to you.
For this week's preview we ask you: Stoke is famous for its ceramics injury,
the most famous exponent of which was possibly Josiah Wedgewood. However,
what major problem did Wedgewood have to overcome to get his business off
the ground?
A cracked tea mug from the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The
Bewildered's dishwasher goes to the first correct answer out of the digital
hat.
Good luck everyone!
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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West Ham v Stoke: Relegation rivals meet on Monday Night Football
Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm on Monday
Last Updated: 15/04/18 8:27pm
SSN
West Ham will be looking to take a big step towards Premier League survival
when they face relegation rivals Stoke on Monday Night Football. The Hammers
have taken four points from their last two games to move six points clear of
the relegation zone. Stoke, meanwhile, are four points from safety heading
into the weekend and will be aiming to avoid a fifth successive defeat.
While the situation might look bleak, Potters boss Paul Lambert saw some
positive signs in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham last weekend. "The atmosphere
here last weekend was incredible," he said. "I've been in the game a long
time and I've not seen that reaction to a team that's lost a game. "The
fans are with us which is the most important thing and if we can keep doing
what we're doing, we'll certainly win games.
"As I said before, you need a little bit of Lady Luck on your side but
performance-wise I'm really happy with the way the team's played."
West Ham face a tricky finish to the season as they face Arsenal, Manchester
City and Manchester United in their last five games. The Potters are
unbeaten in their last five league visits to face West Ham, though four of
these have ended level (W1). Stoke have scored fewer goals than any other
Premier League side in 2018 (7), failing to score in six of their 12 games.
Javier Hernandez's first 11 Premier League appearances at West Ham were all
starts, in which he scored four goals. Under David Moyes, he's started just
five of his 14 appearances in the competition, adding another four goals (2
as starter, 2 as a sub).
The Potters have lost their last seven Premier League visits to London,
conceding 26 goals while scoring just five in reply. Stoke have lost just
one of their last nine Premier League games against the Hammers (W3 D5),
though it was in the reverse fixture back in December (0-3).
Merson's predictions
It's a cup final for Stoke, a game they have to win to have a chance of
staying up. But I think they are going to lose and they are going to be in
major trouble. Marko Arnautovic has looked good recently and could cause
problems against his former side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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NEVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
By rapidhammer 15 Apr 2018 at 08:00
WTID
In football one thing is for sure: you never can take anything for granted.
The Champions League and Europa League ties last week again proved very well
that even the highest favoured teams, leading by a comfortable margin from
the first leg, may struggle or be eliminated against all odds. And as West
Ham fans we know only too well that never opposition should be taken
lightly, especially in cup games. And the game under the floodlights on
Monday at the London Stadium is a cup final.
Well, West Ham's engagement in the domestic cups didn't really set the world
alight this season, and the Hammers have no more cup ties to play at this
stage of the proceedings. And they haven't won a real cup final since 1980.
But now we virtually have a cup final – or at least a semifinal – on Monday
night! If the Irons manage to win the crucial game against second from
bottom Stoke City, their unwanted flirt with relegation will be more or less
over and our season is saved.
The other results this weekend could have gone a little better so far from
West Ham's perspective (if Crystal Palace and Huddersfield had dropped
points and Swansea had lost, there would still be a gap of 2 or 3 points
between these teams and West Ham before the Stoke game). But with third from
bottom Southampton losing 2-3 at home to Chelsea (squandering a two goal
lead) the gap of 6 points between the Hammers and the relegation zone is
still there before the game against Stoke. Alas, in case of winning on
Monday night West Ham will be 9 points away from the drop zone with only 5
games to play until the end of the season! And with playing at home against
a team that has managed only one win in 15 games since Christmas and has the
worst defensive record of the league, this win should be all but ensured.
But as we said before, in football never anything can be taken for granted,
and West Ham have already lost games with similar prospects and expected
outcomes this season (just think of losing to Newcastle, Swansea, and
Burnley – or drawing with Crystal Palace at home). And we also should be
aware that West Ham haven't managed any back to back Premier League home
wins since December 2016, and have not won twice in one season over Stoke
City since the Potters' first PL campaign in 2008/09.
But the last two games can make us quite optimistic with Marko Arnautovic
still in top form, benefiting from Arthur Masuaku's return from suspension
and thriving in his role as a central striker which David Moyes has handed
to the Austrian international. Arnie has completely lost his odeur of
instability and sloppiness, of wasting chances and disappearing for large
parts of games. Asked on my thoughts about him when he came to West Ham last
summer I praised him as Austria's recently most talented player, but I added
that I had been happy that I was made angry by him only some times a season
(when I watched him in the Austrian national team), and now I was going to
be disappointed or annoyed by him every weekend… He seemed to prove me right
right from the beginning of his West Ham career, but since David Moyes has
come in as the new gaffer and lined up the record signing as West Ham's
central striker, Arnie has supplied nine goals and five assists from 14
starts. Statistics say that since gameweek 16, only three players have fired
more shots on target: Harry Kane with 36, Mohamed Salah with 28, and Sergio
Aguero with 25. And since the Austrian's return from injury in gameweek 27,
no player can better Arnautovic's 12 shots on target. He has been directly
involved in 13 PL goals this season, with nine goals and four assists.
That playing him in the central and only striker role has proven so
successful doesn't make it easy for the manager to include Chicharito in the
starting eleven. „Little pea" is a born goal scorer with an impressive
record of scoring from inside the box and his inclusion in the starting
eleven is requested by a lot of fans and, I think, also expected by himself.
He has already got 8 goals this season though he has been played out of
position under Slaven Bilic, been injured and often only has come from the
bench. It will be very interesting to see if David Moyes will find a system
in which West Ham's two top scorers can work together in the last 6 games of
the season…
David Moyes's team selection against Chelsea last Sunday (the third game in
London I was able to fly over for and watch live this season by the way) has
been spot on, and bringing Hernandez in the second half has proved highly
successful. I was very sceptical about the appointment of Moyes back in
November, but, as was said in a previous post here, „he has brought
improvement to a number of players, steadied the ship, improved morale and
also given a few opportunities to youngsters which we have all been asking
for".
If he could do at West Haw what he achieved at Everton from 2002-2013 (8 top
seven finishes in his eleven seasons) that would be the „next step" that
West Ham realistically can make. Promising us more, even Champions League
football, was a highly unrealistic vision that has not gone well with the
problems West Ham's supporters faced with the loss of Upton Park, the
transition to the new stadium which has not emerged as a proper football
ground so far and the underachievement in the transfer market with a lack of
clever and sufficient investment. Karren Brady, Sullivan and Gold have
underachieved (to put it mildly) in the first two seasons in the London
Stadium. This summer, after having secured Premier League football, will be
crucial for the direction in which West Ham is heading.
Now let's hope for our first back to back wins at the new ground after
almost one and a half year!
A cup final ahead
As I've already said, Monday under the lights is a cup final for West Ham.
Though West Ham haven't won a real cup final since 1980, the Hammers have
won a final back in 2012 when they beat Blackpool in the play offs at
Wembley to secure their comeback to the Premier League. Monday's game is of
similiar significance, I would not only call it a "six pointer" but a nine
or ten pointer: a win will move the Irons 10 points away from the Potters
and 9 points away from the drop zone. One more win is all but important and
could make us virtually sure that the fear of relegation is over! And with
the confidence the win over Southampton and the draw at Stamford Bridge have
brought, the squad looks capable of seizing this opportunity to make a giant
step towards safety.
This massive game must be won. But you know, in football and especially with
West Ham nothing can be taken for granted.
Come on you Irons!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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