Daily WHUFC News - 24th August 2014

Zarate enjoys dream debut
WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate scored on his debut as the Hammers took the derby spoils at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014

Mauro Zarate enjoyed a dream West Ham United debut as he helped his new team record their first win of the Barclays Premier League season on Saturday.
His stunning 20-yard volley gave the Hammers a first half lead at Crystal Palace on Saturday - and it was an advantage they never relinquished in an accomplished away display. Stewart Downing doubled the advantage shortly after Zarate's opener, and although ex-Hammer Marouane Chamakh pulled one back four minutes after the restart, Carlton Cole made sure of the points with West Ham's third. It sealed an ideal return to English football for the Argentine forward six years after a loan at Birmingham City, and he wore the broadest of smiles at the final whistle "It was a fantastic match for the team," he beamed. "I'm very happy because we took the three points away from home, so it's an important result. "I played behind Carlton and I like that position. It gives me the opportunity to shoot and give passes to my teammates. We played very well and it's a good win. "We had many chances in the first half, Ricardo had one and I had three maybe. On a couple of those I didn't get a great shot away, but I did for the other! "I think it was the second chance I had and it wasn't an easy one as the ball dropped, but I took it well and it went in the corner, so I'm very happy. "We practice volleys in training for that kind of situation and we have to show that in the match."

Zarate is thrilled to be plying his trade back in the Premier League after finishing as top scorer in Argentina last season and the 27-year-old forward is determined to make the most of the opportunity given to him by the Hammers. He added: "It's nice to be back in the Premier League. I like it too much to have not come back and I want to take the chance now. "It's fantastic to win and play very well, and we have to take that into the next match now. "If we play like that again we'll have a great chance of winning against Southampton next week."

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Style and substance delight Sam
WHUFC.com
Entertainment and outstanding goals were top of the agenda in Saturday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014

Sam Allardyce was rightly delighted with the substance and the style of Saturday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League win at Crystal Palace. West Ham United played some outstanding football at Selhurst Park and ran out thoroughly deserved victors over the Eagles. Mauro Zarate netted a belter of a maiden West Ham goal to get things started on 34 minutes, volleying the dropping ball in from outside the penalty area after Mark Noble's shot had been blocked high into the air. Three minutes later, it was two as Stewart Downing collected Cheikhou Kouyate's pass, cut in from the right flank and bent an inch-perfect shot into Julian Speroni's far corner. James Tomkins hit the bar with header shortly after half-time before former Hammer Marouane Chamakh arrowed in for Palace three minutes into the second period. The home side then had their best period of the match, but their comeback was nipped in the bud when Tomkins' free-kick dropped to Carlton Cole, who smashed past Speroni on 62 minutes. Diafra Sakho was handed a debut late on as the Hammers played out time and collected their first points of the 2014/15 season. Big Sam told West Ham TV he could not have been happier with the way his side played following their last-gasp home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur the previous weekend. "The disappointment of having 20 attempts at goal and not scoring was totally forgotten as the quality of our three goals was outstanding," said the manager. "It made for the perfect performance for us because we got even better control of the game than we did against Tottenham. "We completely controlled the game for virtually the whole 90 minutes except for when we let a sloppy goal in just after half-time. "They had a ten-minute spell playing on their home ground, but the rest of the game belonged to us and I think the way the lads tactically controlled the game was brilliant."

While the opening goal would just not come against Spurs, it was Zarate who settled nerves with his unstoppable strike, capping a period of sustained West Ham pressure and possession. "It was fantastic to see a debutant in Mauro come in and show what he could do with a very good goal to get us underway. I was just getting a little worried at that time because we hadn't scored, despite the level of pressure we were putting on Palace. We weren't converting our chances. "To come up with that quality of strike from outside the box was brilliant. Then, on top of that, Stewart's finish was equally good, cutting in from the right and passing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. That's what we've been asking him to do."

Even when the home side did emerge after half-time with renewed energy and got themselves on the scoresheet, Big Sam was proud of his players' ability to regroup and put the game to bed through Cole's emphatic volley. "It was a beautiful start, then we all thought Tomkins was going to score his header at the far post, because he doesn't normally miss from there, but it wasn't a goal. "Then, they scored and had a ten-minute spell of pressure before we got control of the game again and I'm delighted that we have scored our first goal of the season off a set play. Carlton worked it and finished it beautifully. "It was the performance and result we were all looking for. Fantastic!"

With a remit to produce more attacking and entertaining football, the manager was delighted with the flair, creativity and innovation in his side's play in south east London. It was easy on the eye when West Ham had the ball, and fantastic to see the relentless work-rate and pressing when they didn't. The manager - as well as everyone else connected with the Club, no doubt - would love to see that combination on a regular basis. "We're introducing new players and I think Aaron Cresswell and Cheikh have shown their capabilities in the two games we've played and we can only hope they get even better, because it's all so new to them. "Zarate made his debut and scored and looked very good in tight areas with his ability, Sakho came on and held it up and had a couple of good lay-offs, had a couple of shots at goal and a header which might have gone in, which was encouraging. "We've got a lot of injured players to come back, so hopefully this is the start of something good and I hope the lads get ready for Sheffield United on Tuesday night and then Southampton. "It gives me optimism and if they continue to finish like they did on Saturday then that's only going to give me more optimism because we're going to be a very, very good side and be in a very good position in the league. "That must have given everyone at the game - the Joint-Chairmen, the fans, us as staff and the players - a huge amount of confidence in the positive way and the quality with which we played."

West Ham return to action at home to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday evening, when Adult tickets are just £10 when bought in advance. Following that, the Hammers welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground next Saturday 30 August at 3pm ahead of a 16-day international break.

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Haycock laments missed opportunity
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock thought the Development Squad were worthy of all three points against Southampton
23.08.2014

Development Squad coach Nick Haycock was left wondering what might have been after West Ham United U21s fell to a 2-1 home defeat by Southampton in the Barclays U21 Premier League on Friday evening. The Saints surged into a two-goal lead at the Boleyn Ground, with the excellent Omar Rowe finishing tidily past Raphael Spiegel early on, before Ryan Seager blasted high into the Hammers net from a corner with ten first-half minutes still to play. The Hammers, however, were transformed after the interval and substitute Adrian Wojcik Kosela had rattled the woodwork and fired over from eight yards before finally halving the deficit in added time. It was scant reward for a dominant second-half display and having lost by the odd goal in three against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday as well, coach Haycock was understandably aggrieved. "I'm disappointed with the result and that's now two games and two narrow defeats," he told West Ham TV. "Though I didn't think we were fully at it first half, I thought we were unlucky not to take the lead and we've had two cleared off the line. On another day they go in. "We regrouped at half-time and we asked for more intensity, more individual responsibility, better care of the football and said the chances would come. We were proved right. "When Adrian came on and hit the bar midway through the second half - that might have been the turning point. We needed to get that first goal early and then it would have given us a bit more of a chance, even though we still had the opportunities to get back in the game late on. "We've had eleven shots to their one in the second half and the boys know we should have got something out of the game. We thought we should have come away with three points. You can see lots of good things there it just needs more of the second-half performance and a little bit of luck going our way."

While the Hammers have little to show for their two outings thus far, Haycock has every confidence in his young men and is looking forward to the tough tests that lie in wait. He continued: "Of course you want to win football matches and teach them how to win, but the learning experiences they gain playing in this league is invaluable. "It's Manchester City next, then Liverpool and then Manchester United. What more could you ask for and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's challenging me as a coach, it's challenging the staff in all departments to produce players who can shine at that level and ultimately knock on the gaffer's door. "We're more than capable of competing in this league. We earned the right to be in it last year and we're delighted to be in that league. Wherever we finish, as long as we're competitive in every game and providing the right challenge for our players, then that's what we're all about."

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Ladies ready for big kick-off
WHUFC.com
Vicki King says West Ham United Ladies cannot wait to get their new league season started
23.08.2014

West Ham United Ladies have undergone many changes over the summer - manager, players, home stadium - but one constant remains. Right-back Vicki King joined the Hammers 16 years ago and now, at the age of 30, is looking forward to working under a player who was playing for the Club when she joined in 1998 - Julian Dicks. The Dicks era will start with the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division opener with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm at Honeycroft, the home of Uxbridge FC. "Pre-season has gone really well," said King. "We've got a few new additions to the squad and Julian's working us really hard, but it's paying off during the games. "I'm definitely enjoying playing for Julian. We needed a fresh set of eyes here and someone that was more objective and Julian is certainly objective. "We also needed a manager that was going to work us hard and help us play some good football and I feel we are starting to do that now. "The new players have integrated into the team very well. It's almost like they've been with us for years which is nice! Everyone gets along in the group and we are a strong team which is a positive on the pitch."

King has been in good personal form during pre-season, netting two goals in four games from long distance. "I've doubled my tally from last season already!" chuckled the former Chelmsford City defender. "I just hope I haven't used up all my goals in pre-season as we'll be needing them when it comes to the league."

With their first league fixture at Queens Park Rangers to be played on Sunday, the Ladies are preparing for a League Cup fixture away at Somerset-based Keynsham Town Ladies this weekend before Dicks' first home league game in charge against Tottenham Hotspur. "The team are ready for whatever is thrown at them this season. We've been working really hard and going forward, we look really positive. Perhaps we may need to straighten the defence out a little bit but we are working on it and it's coming together very well. "The more support we can get this season the better. We already get quite a lot of support from the West Ham fans on social media which is nice, but to get some more faces down to Aveley for the games would be brilliant. "Any game against Spurs means a lot to the girls and especially to me as a West Ham fan. We will be going out trying our hardest to get the three points, that's for sure!"

Overall, King believes that the squad should be aiming for a top-four finish in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division this season. "I don't think there is a limit to what the girls can achieve this season. I think we should definitely be looking at a top three or four finish this season, so that's what we will be going out to try and get."

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Crystal Palace 1 West Ham 3
23 August 2014
Last updated at 18:27
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Crystal Palace's turbulent start to the new season continued as they were beaten comfortably by West Ham United at Selhurst Park. Palace chairman Steve Parish's urgency to appoint a new manager after Tony Pulis left less than 48 hours before the start of the campaign will have increased after a second successive Premier League defeat. Mauro Zarate scored a spectacular debut goal and Stewart Downing added a second before half-time to put Sam Allardyce's side in control as the Eagles' caretaker manager Keith Millen watched his players struggle desperately. Marouane Chamakh offered some hope for Palace when he pulled a goal back after the restart but Carlton Cole quickly re-established West Ham's supremacy and they closed out a fully deserved win. Parish must now turn his attention to ending the turbulence that has overtaken the club since Pulis's departure and the ill-fated move for Malky Mackay. The move for Mackay was halted after he became embroiled in revelations about texts he shared with Iain Moody while manager at Cardiff City, which subsequently led to Moody's departure as Palace's sporting director.

Tim Sherwood, an early contender to be Eagles' boss, pulled out of the race after Palace moved away from the Mackay appointment and now Parish is left with a major dilemma. The Eagles chairman must decide whether to hand control to Millen with the transfer window not long off closure or move for an outsider, with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon the latest to be linked with the job after rumours that Pulis might make a dramatic return were dismissed. The search for a new manager overshadowed Palace's first home game of the season - but even the pre-match warm-up was not without its troubles as Joe Ledley suffered a groin injury and was replaced by Shaun O'Keefe. The Eagles' passionate support did their best to lift the mood and there were early moments of hope, notably when Chamakh almost got on the end of Martin Kelly's driven cross. The rot soon set in, however, and West Ham's control led to a splendid opener from Argentine debutant Zarate 11 minutes before the interval, meeting a dropping clearance from a corner with the outside of his right foot to beat Julian Speroni from 20 yards.

Zarate had shown a nasty streak when he left a foot in on the back of O'Keefe's ankle but this was the sort of quality Allardyce - and indeed new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham - would have had in mind from the man who had a loan spell at Birmingham City and arrived from Velez Sarsfield this summer.
Downing matched that three minutes later when he cut in from the right flank before a perfect placement from 20 yards with his left foot beat Speroni low to his right. James Tomkins headed against the underside of the bar for West Ham in the opening minutes of the second half, and Palace took advantage of the reprieve as Chamakh pulled a goal back with a clinical low finish from the edge of the area. It was fleeting hope for the hosts though, and West Ham soon restored their two-goal advantage when Cole was given too much time and space in the area and drilled a low effort into the corner. There was nothing else for West Ham to do other than ensure Palace could not mount any sort of recovery and they did so with ease against a side that looked in desperate need of fresh faces and the sort of inspiration a new manager may be able to provide.

Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen: "I won't be watching Match of the Day tonight. I'll recover hopefully and watch it on Sunday. "It doesn't get any easier. What's gone on this week has been tough for the lads. We never got going at all. "I'll be speaking to the chairman tomorrow to see what the developments are."

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce: "We got everything right. We could have scored more than we did. "We had a plan of attack to break Crystal Palace down with a patient approach. "We have spent long hours throughout summer trying to acquire the players we have. At the moment they are progressing very well and I hope we can get better."

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Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Two good performances + three points on the board = one promising start to the season for Big Sam's new-look West Ham. A good start against Tottenham in the season-opener last weekend was marred by conceding an injury time goal that left the Hammers pointless. Yet despite falling to that disappointing defeat against their nearest Premier League rivals, signs of a new approach - a more positive philosophy, as demanded by fans and owners alike - was clearly evident.

And so it was the case again today when Allardyce's side earned their first win of the campaign with a thoroughly professional performance - and dare one say, assiduously entertaining - against a Palace side made to look a shadow of the team that performed so ably against Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend.

Mauro Zarate - making his competitive debut as replacement for the absent Kevin Nolan - and Stewart Downing both hit the target with technically excellent strikes to give the Hammers a comfortable lead at the half time break.

Former Hammer Marouane Chamakh - who else? - halved United's advantage at the beginning of the second period, but Carlton Cole eased any fears of a Palace comeback with his first goal of the season to earn West Ham their first points of the season. It was the very least Sam Allardyce's side deserved for a fabulous performance full of commitment, drive and attacking football.

Having successfully survived a couple of early Palace attacks, the Hammers took control of the game for the remainder of the first half. Hence it was no surprise when Zarate scored his new club's first goal of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign with 34 minutes on the clock.

A technically superb effort, the Argentinian's decision to loiter on the edge of the penalty box at a corner proved to be a good one. Mark Noble's deflected shot looped up into the air and Zarate kept his eye on the ball before producing a dipping volley that beat the unsighted Julian Speroni into his bottom right corner.

The Hammers had barely finished celebrating Zarate's first goal in a West Ham shirt before they found themselves 2-0 ahead. Stewart Downing, who had kept his full back busy since the game began cut inside from the right flank before sending a curling effort inside the corner of the far post.

West Ham could easily have extended their lead further with their first attacking foray of the second half, however James Tomkins' header crashed back of the underside of the crossbar before bouncing to safety. That proved a costly miss for the centre half as within 90 seconds Chamakh produced a lovely finish from the edge of the box to give Palace a lifeline.

Fortunately for West Ham and their merry band of travelling fans, that was as good as it got for the Eagles (nee Glaziers). With 62 minutes played, the much-maligned Carlton Cole did what he does best, popping up in the penalty box to drive home a direct free kick that had been knocked down into his path by Ricardo Vaz Te. 3-1 and game all but over.

Adrian, who had very little to do overall made a great stop with the game deep in injury time to deny Glenn Murray a consolation goal with the ground already half-empty. It was Palace's fourth effort on target, whilst the Hammers managed double that from 17 attempts - just one less than the 18 shots at goal against Spurs last week.

That in itself signals a dramatic shift of emphasis in Allardyce's approach to the opening two matches of the new Premier League season, with the Hammers looking far more creative and forward-thinking than may have been the case in recent years.

However the addition of quality players such as Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Zarate and even young Diego Poyet has certainly afforded Allardyce the opportunity to play the more expansive game that has been so thoroughly welcomed by Hammers fans in the past week.

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Nolan out with shoulder injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has been ruled out of this afternoon's trip to Crystal Palace with a shoulder injury. The 32-year-old midfielder, who earned West Ham's penalty in the opening game of the campaign against Tottenham at the Boleyn last weekend sustained the injury during training earlier in the week. However his absence was kept a secret until the team was announced for today's game shortly before 2pm this afternoon. Nolan's place in the team has been taken by debutant Mauro Zarate, who was an unused substitute against Tottenham. West Ham are yet to comment on the extent of the injury.

Update: West Ham tweeted the following shortly after this story was first published...

West Ham United FC ✔ @whufc_official
LIVE: Kevin Nolan is nursing a shoulder injury suffered in training on Thursday. He could be sidelined for a few weeks #CPLWHU

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Crystal Palace's woes continue as West Ham win 3-1 at Selhurst Park
By David Bowers. Last Updated: 23/08/14 6:43pm
SSN

Managerless Crystal Palace are still seeking their first win of the Premier League season after losing 3-1 at home to West Ham United. Thirty-four minutes into the game, summer signing Mauro Zarate fired the Hammers into the lead with a superbly struck volley that left Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance.

Best of the match

Man of the match: Stewart Downing was a constant threat down the right-hand side and his delivery was faultless throughout. His performance was capped off by a superbly accurate 20 yard drive to put West Ham 2-0 up. Honourable mentions to Cheickou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate.

Moment of the match: Carlton Cole's goal to make it 3-1 silenced a previously boisterous Selhurst Park, who were anticipating an equaliser. Cole's goal put the game beyond doubt.

Goal of the match: Mauro Zarate's volley came straight out of the top drawer, with a sweetly-struck drive leaving Julian Speroni with no chance.

Miss of the match: James Tomkins' header crashed off the bar, despite the centre-back standing just a couple of yards away from goal. It almost cost them, but the Hammers held on.

Talking point: The result shows just how quickly Palace's co-chairman Steve Parish needs to act in their quest to appoint a new manager. Selhurst Park was very flat after West Ham's third and their fans will need a boost in the coming days, but can they secure the right man?

Less than five minutes later, winger Stewart Downing cut in from the right wing and curled a sumptuous effort from 25 yards to double the Irons' lead.
Immediately after Tomkins' glorious chance, Palace pulled a goal back after striker Marouane Chamakh picked up the ball from 20 yards and drilled an effort into the bottom-right corner past a sprawling Adrian. Palace's tails were up and with an equaliser looking inevitable, West Ham went to the other end and put the game beyond doubt after Carlton Cole fired a low drive past a statuesque Speroni to make it 3-1. Palace's second straight defeat plunged the south London club into further distress, with the board still hunting a replacement for Tony Pulis. Hammers boss Allardyce only clung onto his job in the summer after promising the West Ham board more expansive, attacking football. Allardyce's attacking revolution failed to bear fruit on the season's opening day in a frustrating 1-0 Upton Park defeat to Tottenham, with the Hammers spurning a host of half-chances. Former Lazio poacher Zarate was able to cut West Ham's toothless finishing short at Selhurst Park however, capping a lively full debut with a smart first-half finish.

Former Middlesbrough wing Downing claimed just his second West Ham goal moments later, as Palace paid the price for backing off in midfield. Downing raced down the right, cut off his flank and nudged a side-footed effort past the blameless Speroni. James Tomkins headed against the crossbar to open the second half as West Ham sought to kill off the contest, but Palace immediately seized on the reprieve, with former Arsenal forward Chamakh firing in a low shot from 20 yards to half the deficit.

Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but just when the hosts scented level terms West Ham struck again with striker Cole, so profligate against Spurs, who pounced on a loose ball in the Palace box to lash past Speroni and kill the contest. Palace's Co-chairman Steve Parish was joined by former Palace striker Mark Bright in the directors' box, and no doubt the pair had plenty to discuss. Parish was all set to hand Malky Mackay the reins to replace Pulis, who walked out on the eve of the season after rows over transfer policy. Mackay fell out of the running after the FA launched an investigation into racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent during his time as Cardiff manager. Tim Sherwood pulled out of the running for the Palace job after initially being deemed second choice to Mackay, leaving Millen to take charge for the second week running.

While West Ham can look towards Cole and Zarate forging a dangerous strike partnership, Palace know time is running out for transfer recruits with the window closing on September 1. Millen has admitted he will spearhead Palace's recruitment drive in the absence of both Pulis and now Moody. Co-chairman Parish must now act swiftly to secure a new managerial appointment however, with Palace already battling to set their season on track.

PAUL MERSON ON PALACE v WEST HAM

The Palace players look a bit lost if I'm being honest. There wasn't a lot of shape about the team. Over the last six months if you have gone to Palace you've had to work very hard, but when West Ham got on top they stayed there. Palace were begging for half-time because they were all over the place.

They need to get someone in very soon or sort something out. Before the game I would have said yes to Keith Millen, but when you watch that today then maybe no. It wasn't the Tony Pulis team. That's the problem, he's got to get them hard to beat again.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce proud of his side after 3-1 win over Crystal Palace
Last Updated: 23/08/14 7:47pm
SSN

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes his side executed their tactics to perfection during their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Goals from Mauro Zarate, Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole gifted the Hammers their first win of the season, following last week's heart-breaking defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. After their clinical display at Selhurst Park, Allardyce was full of praise for his players and says their performance has mended the wounds of their defeat to Spurs. "I think that tactically we were outstanding today. Within those tactics the players have to play well and they certainly did," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Last week we didn't have the cutting edge, but our finishing was of outstanding quality this week. If we had one of those quality finishes last week, then we'd probably have six points. "It's a fantastic performance as well as a fantastic result for us, and three very good goals have seen Crystal Palace off."

The Irons boss reserved special praise for forward Zarate, who broke the deadlock in the first-half with a sweetly-struck volley to leave Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance. "Zarate has the cutting edge, he's also got the clever brain in where to find the little spaces you need to find when Palace play with two banks of four," Allardyce said. "He dribbles into those areas and the finish was exquisite today. He's an accomplished player on the ball for us – he holds it up very well and brings other players into the game which surprised me. "We knew he was a goalscorer but a lot of his possession was very good today."

Having only won four times away from home last season, Allardyce was delighted to secure all three points against a managerless Palace and hopes that it will be a sign of things to come for his side. "Let's hope it's a record-breaking away adventure for us this year and of course make sure that when we get back home, we get some results," he said. "Today, everything was perfect. The performance, the way the lads played and how they applied themselves."

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NOLAN'S ENFORCED ABSENCE HERALDS THE NEW DAWN – FOR NOW!
By Iain Dale 23 Aug 2014 at 23:38
West Ham Till I Die

Guest Post from The Headmaster (originally posted on Claret & Blues )

So, it took a shoulder injury picked up in training this week to force Allardyce's hand but today, for the moment at least, we got to glimpse the shape of what might be to come in terms of a midfield devoid of Captain Kev and one commited to attacking and more progressive football.

In short, Zarate, playing instead of Nolan and in the hole, was magnificent. Right from the word go, he looked a handful as he skipped past the Palace midfield, played skilful one – twos with Cresswell or Downing, linked up with the workmanlike but effective Noble and looked to be incisive and creative. It was a breath of fresh air. Make no mistake about it though, this man of the match performance was only made possible because Allardyce could not select Nolan. Having seen what we have seen today, it begs the question 'when Nolan is fit, who exactly is going to have to make way for him?' because, let's not kid ourselves, he (Nolan) WILL be played. Allardyce will categorically not drop his talisman.

That is a question for another day. For now, to coin Thatcher's immortal phrase, 'just rejoice'. This was a splendid afternoon to be a Hammer.

The noise at Selhurst Park was its usual cauldron like atmosphere for around 5 minutes today. After this, the strains of the cockney support began to dominate, mirroring their teams' endeavours.

The back 4 were largely assured. O'Brien, much derided at times (mia culpa) was dependable and supported the attack effectively on several occasions as our esteem grew. Reid and Tomkins were largely untroubled at the back and Tomkins was unlucky to hit the bar from a second half corner after Vaz Te finally noticed that someone needed to do the Nolan-block on Speroni! Cresswell was excellent today, both in defence and as a rampaging wing back.

In front of the defence, Kouyate was reminiscent of some of the Diame performances from yesteryear. He is gangly, awkward yet at times imperious and imposing, thrusting forward through the middle of the park with aplomb. Noble did what Noble does. It was unspectacular but it was effective enough and it allowed Zarate to do his thing. I mentioned Di Canio in the same breath as Zarate pre-season and I do so again. Not because in any way the two are comparable in stature as yet but because it is not since Di Canio that I have been so excited by a player to sign for us, judging by what I am seeing so far. This boy has the potential to be big for us, make no mistake about it. Downing's form looks to be excellent just now. He is playing with confidence and intent and has the beating of many a left back if the evidence of the first two games is anything to go by.

Up front? Vaz Te and Cole. They made up the numbers for me, allowing the Zarate, Kouyate and Downing show to flourish and, as far as that went, they did a job. Cole managed to get on the end of the type of goal Coal sometimes (rarely) gets on the end of and the faithful once again urged him to 'always be-lieve i-in….'. Whatever, my thoughts on him are too well documented for me to start all that over again! Sakho made a cameo, as did young Diego Poyet but no Enner Valencia this afternoon.

This was a good day to be a Hammer, especially for those of us that happen to live and work in South London! The jury is out on what it means for the future. Palace is a club in turmoil and the selection of the side was somewhat forced upon the manager so it will be interesting to see his take on our success in due course. But, a first win of the season is, well, it's awesome.

Note from Iain
I'm grateful to all at Claret & Blues for their cooperation on this. For newer readers I should explain that there used to be a bit of bad blood between their site and this, but I am glad that it is all behind us – and has been for some time. I'd like to hope that their main players will return here from time to time and resume commenting, as we've missed them! They run a great site too. The thing is, we all do different things and bring different things to the West Ham blogosphere. And long may it continue!

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Hammers strike while the iron is hot to take three points against Eagles
Aug 23, 2014 20:18 By Steve Stammers
The visitors got their season going with a fine win at Selhurst Park, but Palace fans will be concerned over back-to-back losses
The Mirror

Crystal Palace are a club who have lost their way. West Ham, in contrast, are heading in a new direction. The evidence was there for all to see at Selhurst Park. There was a cohesion about West Ham, while there was more than a hint of desperation about Palace's lifeless play. The outcome was inevitable. Sam Allardyce has been able to rebuild as he tries to win over the sceptics who think he is a disciple of one-­dimensional ­football. And Allardyce has bought well.
In the opposing dug-out was Keith Millen, who is fast becoming the character at Palace that Tony Book once was at Manchester City – new manager, new squad, new photo … and Millen, like Book, is always in shot. He is the go-to man for chairman Steve Parish in times of need. He has stood in for Ian Holloway and now Tony Pulis. You feel for him and the next week will clearly be vital for the shape of Palace's season. A new leader MUST come in – sooner rather than later after the walk-out by Pulis. Malky Mackay thought he had the job until dodgy texts came into the public domain. So, the search resumes and, with a week left in the transfer window, ­reinforcements are needed at managerial and playing levels. "We were lacklustre in the first half," said Millen. "Did what has happened affect the players? I don't know. They have looked fine in training, but you never know until match day."

Millen's problems started in the pre-match warm-up when Joe Ledley was injured. "That was a blow, " said the caretaker boss. " To be honest, I really don't know what will happen regarding the manager. All I can do is prepare us for the next two matches at Walsall and Newcastle. I don't think the result today will harm my chances of getting the job – not one result."

West Ham barely looked in trouble. And, once they added an edge to their neat approach work, it was game over. "Delighted," beamed Allardyce who was more than pleased with the contribution of Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegalese cost a bargain £7million from Anderlecht and Allardyce said: "He is the perfect modern midfield player – he is box-to box, high energy and he can tackle. He comes in every day with a smile on his face because he is living the dream." After 34 minutes, West Ham eventually took the lead. If there is one coach at West Ham who is currently earning his money, it is strikers coach Teddy Sheringham, judging by the quality of the first two goals. In the 34th minute, Mark Noble struck the ball goalwards and Fraizer Campbell appeared to have blocked the danger. But the ball went upwards and, from outside the penalty area, Mauro Zarate produced a stunning volley. Palace were unnerved and, three minutes later, they doubled their lead. Stewart Downing had been a constant menace, who frequently left Joel Ward in his wake. And Ward had no answer as Downing cut inside and unleashed a left-foot drive that had Julian Speroni beaten comprehensively.

True, Palace staged a mini-revival after Marouane Chamakh scored with a shot at the near post of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. But inside 15 minutes, the balance of power was restored. A free-kick from James Tomkins was cleared only as far as Carlton Cole, who drove home unchallenged. On to the next instalment of the Palace soap opera. And they may consider a change to their anthem of Glad All Over as the players come on to the field. Unless matters improve soon, they might switch to another Dave Clark Five hit of the Sixties … Bits and Pieces.

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Hammers still in talks for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham tonight remain in talks with top Atletico Madrid's Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld. The Hammers have made it clear they are very keen to bring in a new central defensive player as their final signing of the season. A source told us soon after the 3-1 win over Palace: "The club is still talking to him and there are one or two other players they are keen on. However, Alderweireld remains an active situation. "It's important to say that at this stage he remains a long shot but if the club can get him a season-long long loan that would solve a problem as there's no cash left for a fee. "There's competition for him but we are hoping we can entice him on a loan. He's a top player and at this stage of our development that's what we are looking at"

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Zarate pours the pressure on Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Mauro Zarate scored on his debut and produced a performance which may have seen Kevin Nolan finally banished into the Irons shadows. The Argentine scored a brilliant goal and ensured that the pressure is well and truly on the skipper from here on in. He fired home a magnificent effort 34 minutes into the game to set the Irons on their way and when Stewart Downing added a second from 25 yards less than five minutes later the Irons were truly bubbling.
James Tomkins saw a header hit the bar five minutes into the second half before Marouane Chamakh reduced the arrears with a 20 yards drive. An equaliser looked well and truly on but Carlton Cole put things beyond doubt when firing a shot past a statuesque Speroni. Sam Allardyce's attacking approach was aided by the inclusion of Zarate who replaced an injured Nolan and he and Cole looked very lively indeed. Palace had their moments partiucularly when Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but the Hammers were worthy winners.

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£6m Leicester and West Ham target apologises for 'breach of contractual duties'
Here Is The City
Islam Slimani has done a Marcos Rojo and apologised for his behaviour at Sporting Lisbon. Will he follow him to the Premier League?

Algeria were one of the surprise packages at this summer's World Cup, with several of their players catching the eyes of admirers across the continent. One such player was striker Islam Slimani - who put in several decent displays in Brazil. The attacker is currently with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, who he joined from CR Belouizdad last summer. The 26-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for several Premier League clubs this summer. Leicester City were heavily linked with a £10 million move for the player - but Nigel Pearson appeared to rule them out of the running for his signature last month.

That being said the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace have also been linked with his signature - despite all interested teams apparently being thrown off by the £10 million price-tag, although recent reports suggest he could leave for just £6 million. And he has been at the centre of a storm at Sporting, similar in fact to the one that new Manchester United signing Marcos Rojo was embroiled in before his £16 million switch to Old Trafford. He has reportedly been trying to force a move, and has therefore been reprimanded by the club. He was banished from training and fined for his indiscretions.

However he has now apologised to fans through an official statement from the club. The statement reads: "The Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD announces that, in the disciplinary proceedings against the player Islam Slimani, for breach of contractual duties, the athlete acknowledged yesterday, Friday, not acted in a correct and professional manner, showing up sorry for their behavior, and, on this day, Saturday, formalized recognition of his guilt. Consequently, Sporting SAD has decided to reinstate the player in the work of the core team in next Monday, without prejudice to the continuation of disciplinary proceedings and the consequent imposition of disciplinary sanctions as may be. "

So it would appear that Slimani will not be joining Leicester City, Newcastle or West Ham this summer. Although, a word of warning to Sporting fans, Rojo left for United 24 hours after such an announcement.

Who's picking him up from the airport?

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