Daily WHUFC News - 21st September 2014

Hammers roar to Reds victory
WHUFC.com
Goals from Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho and Morgan Amalfitano fire the Hammers
to victory over Liverpool
20.09.2014

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-1 Liverpool

An inspired West Ham United bagged a first home win of the new Barclays
Premier League campaign courtesy of a lightning start against a
shell-shocked Liverpool on Saturday evening. Winston Reid opened the scoring
from point-blank range to notch his first goal in just over a year, before
the home side assumed complete control with a fabulous Diafra Sakho lob.
Raheem Sterling smashed the visitors back into contention on 26 minutes and
though chances came and went at both ends, second-half substitute and home
debutant Morgan Amalfitano steered home a decisive third in the dying
minutes. Last time out, Sam Allardyce's men probably departed the KC Stadium
aggrieved with just one point, rather than three. But on this evidence,
Monday's pulsating stalemate imbued the Hammers with the self-belief to
attack Liverpool with all they had in the opening minutes.

West Ham raced into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes here and thoroughly
deserved it too. The Hammers were bright in possession and incisive in the
final third. The perfect start came courtesy of the hosts' two centre-halves
and with just 80 seconds on the clock. As he has done so regularly in his
West Ham career, James Tomkins climbed highest at far post, nodded Stewart
Downing's centre back across the face and there was Reid to head home.

Five minutes later it was two. West Ham won it back in Liverpool territory,
allowing Mark Noble the time to gallop away and pick his pass. The Hammers
skipper played in Sakho on the right-hand side and the Senegal man did the
rest with aplomb. Taking one look at Simon Mignolet, Sakho sent a delicious
dink soaring over the stopper's head and into the far corner. That is now
three goals in three starts for the former Metz man who is making quite the
impression.

The surprise onslaught, however, did not end there, as Aaron Cresswell
looked to get in on the act. The full-back drilled one toward the far post,
forcing Mignolet into an excellent fingertip stop down low to his left.
Liverpool, meanwhile, began to ease themselves into proceedings and got a
firm foothold in the 26th minute. Balotelli plucked a cross out of the sky
and then, on the turn, smashed a shot into the chest of Cresswell. Sterling
pounced on the loose ball and arrowed it low and hard into the far corner.
But West Ham were not cowed by the setback and created several an
opportunity to restore a two-goal cushion. Enner Valencia's back heal so
nearly came for Cheikhou Kouyate, while Mignolet was again at full-stretch
to tip the Ecuadorian's free-kick behind. Even before the half was out,
Valencia was foiled once more. This time Downing spotted his run and though
Valencia took the shot on early, Mignolet was equal to it, palming it back
into the six-yard box.

Brendan Rodgers' team started the second half considerably better than they
had the first and were nearly rewarded when Sterling screwed his 18-yard
effort just wide of Adrian's left-hand upright. Balotelli then turned
sharply on half-way, before spinning a lovely ball into the path of Fabio
Borini. The No29 hared away, but at an acute angle, fired rather tamely into
the arms of Adrian at the near post. At his athletic best, Kouyate was
doing his utmost to propel the Hammers forward, but still Liverpool came.
Balotelli ominously swung a right boot from the edge of the box, only to see
his curling strike fly straight at Adrian. Then Borini went even closer.
With Adrian likely beaten, the Italian's strike thankfully beat the angle of
post and bar too. Seconds later and Borini had another go. This time it
struck Reid en route to goal, forcing Adrian to parry in the first instance,
before smothering the loose ball.

At the other end, Sakho took advantage of some haphazard Liverpool defending
but could not repeat his first-half heroics, lifting the ball over
Mignolet's crossbar. And so the pendulum continued to swing, with Balotelli
jinking inside Tomkins and providing more work for Adrian, who shovelled his
strike aside.
West Ham might have settled it, but Kouyate was just about hustled out of it
as he looked set to connect with Valencia's low cut-back. As the clock
ticked down, Adrian had to react smartly to stop Reid from heading through
his own net. But West Ham sealed a deserved three points in the 88th minute,
when Downing, on the break, played in Amalfitano, who showed all the
composure in the world to slot home with the outside of his right boot and
spark jubilant Boleyn Ground scenes.

West Ham United: Adrian, Demel (Jenkinson 62), Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell,
Noble (c), Kouyate, Song (Amalfitano 69), Downing, Sakho, Valencia (Collins
76)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Collins, Vaz Te, Zarate, Cole

Goals: Reid 2, Sakho 7, Amalfitano 88

Booked: Reid, Adrian, Kouyate, Jenkinson

Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo (Sakho 22), Moreno, Lovren, Skrtel, Gerrard
(c), Lucas (Lallana 46), Henderson, Borini (Lambert 75), Sterling, Balotelli
Subs: Jones, Enrique, Toure, Markovic

Goal: Sterling 26

Booked: Balotelli

Referee: Craig Pawson

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Song - 'It's a great start'
WHUFC.com
Alex Song was thrilled to defeat Liverpool 3-1 on his West Ham United home
debut
21.09.2014

Alex Song could not have asked for more from his West Ham United home debut,
after the Cameroon midfielder helped his new Club record a memorable 3-1 win
over Liverpool on Saturday. Song was a key figure in the Hammers' midfield
as Sam Allardyce's men produced an opening period of domination over their
illustrious opponents, before digging in after the break to protect their
advantage. It all added up to a first home victory of the campaign and Song
believes there is yet more to come from this team. "It was fantastic for my
home debut," he beamed. "I think the team showed very good character out
there on Saturday. "It was a very good game for the fans too, they were
behind us and it was important to win this game against a big team at home.
"Everyone gave their best - we're all very happy and now we have to look
forward to the next game against Manchester United. "You can see that we've
had some good players come in. We need to work together and when we've had a
couple of games and get to know each other well I think you'll see a very
good side. "It's a pleasure for me to be in this team. We have to keep
pushing the way we played against Liverpool, because we showed what we can
achieve this season."

The Hammers created several chances as they established a 2-0 lead in the
opening period and also had to show their defensive qualities, so Song was
thrilled with the all-round performance. He added: "They pulled the goal
back to make it 2-1, but we were strong, showed good character and then
killed the game.
"It shows we work hard on defending every single day, but also that we could
still go forward. We need to keep on working because we don't want to just
beat Liverpool, we want to keep pushing on. "I'm feeling very good and I'm
very happy to be here. The fans and my teammates have been great. "I played
60 minutes on Saturday and that was good for me. I need a couple of games to
get up to 100 percent and then I'll be able to help the team like I did on
Saturday."

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Big Sam revels in Reds rout
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce said West Ham United fully deserved their 3-1 Barclays Premier
League win over Liverpool
20.09.2014

Sam Allardyce hailed his West Ham United heroes following the Hammers'
fantastic 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Liverpool. Big Sam's men
thoroughly deserved their win over last year's runners-up, roaring into a
two-goal lead within eight minutes before riding out a potential Reds
comeback and clinching the success late on. The Boleyn Ground was rocking
when Winston Reid bundled in James Tomkins' header after just 75 seconds and
Diafra Sakho doubled the lead with an audacious chip. Raheem Sterling
reduced the arrears before half-time before Liverpool improved after the
break, but West Ham held firm with a determined and organised defensive
display. Substitute Morgan Amalfitano then capped a memorable game by
latching onto the excellent Stewart Downing's through ball and finishing
confidently past Simon Mignolet to clinch the points. "That was an
outstanding performance because we outplayed Liverpool, particularly in the
first 45 minutes," said the manager. "This wasn't Liverpool on an off-day -
this was West Ham on a brilliant day which made Liverpool look ordinary,
particularly in the first half. "The first ten minutes were unbelievable.
The first half it should have been more because we created so many
opportunities in their box, so I was a little worried when Sterling scored.
This is Liverpool, so they'd had one shot on target but they had scored one
goal. That's what you're competing against and that's what they've spent
£100m on - that quality gets them back in the game when they really didn't
deserve to.
"From there on, we coped tactically brilliantly. We saw the game out very
well defensively when they were throwing everything at us. So, to get the
third goal at that time was welcome. Cheikh was hobbling around [with a
groin strain] and couldn't move and Morgan had come on and Stewart Downing -
who is having a fantastic spell at the moment - put through another ball
that opened up Liverpool's defence. Then, we produced another fantastic
finish, which is what we've been looking for since we got back in the
Premier League. "Hopefully there are many more goals like that to come from
these players."

When asked why his team had played so well in four of their opening five
league matches this season, Big Sam said his players were showing a real
hunger and desire to improve in every game. "For so many different reasons,
that was fantastic," enthused the manager. "The encouragement of our new
players being settled in with their families, particularly the lads from
abroad, and the desire they have to prove themselves at this level of
football. "The other lads who have come in, who have already played in the
Premier League like Morgan who scored, and Songy coming in and playing his
first full game since last season and lasting brilliantly. Aaron is finding
his feet in the Premier League after coming up from the Championship. "That
is having a positive effect on the lads who have already been with us for a
while because they have seen us go to another level and it's dragging them
up to that level as well. The performance proved that from start to finish.
The rest of the players have seen what has come in and it's lifted them.
"Hopefully we can keep this really good run of form going and, more
importantly, keep winning. That performance was just what we want at Upton
Park."

So, why are West Ham such a potent attacking force at present?

The manager puts it down to a combination of the new diamond formation,
playing a pressing game and the outstanding form of England international
Downing - who would no doubt have impressed watching Three Lions boss Roy
Hodgson. "It's people fitting into the diamond - we are playing with two
players up front who don't let the opposition out, first and foremost, and
Stewart moving into the hole. He did a fantastic job on Steven Gerrard and
when he got the ball, he created chances and got us going forward with good
possession. "Instead of coming from the back, it came from high up the pitch
in the midfield when we got Stewart the ball. That caused the Liverpool
defence massive problems."

So, has Saturday's win and climbing into the top half of the table changed
Big Sam's expectations for the season as a whole?

"No, not really. What is has done is proved that we should have had more
than four points before this game - we should have won at Hull and certainly
should have beaten Tottenham. "That's four really good performances out of
five, so we're getting the level of consistency that we want. It's a win at
home and hopefully we can push on from there. "On Monday, it all stops and
we prepare for Manchester United next Saturday, who have spent £150m. It's
not going to be an easy task, but we go with a lot of confidence. We go as
the underdogs, so we can go an enjoy it and if we get something, we'll be
heroes again."

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Reid delighted with home success
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid was happy to play his part in West Ham United's 3-1 victory
over Liverpool on Saturday
20.09.2014

Winston Reid got off the mark for the season as West Ham United opened their
home points account with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday evening.
The Hammers have been guilty of not turning chances into goals at the Boleyn
Ground in their previous two matches, but righted that wrong in style
against the Reds. Reid's second minute headed opener was quickly added to by
Diafra Sakho's delightful chip. Although Raheem Sterling pulled one back for
the visitors before half-time, Morgan Amalfitano wrapped it up late on to
leave Reid delighted. "It was an excellent victory," he said. "Liverpool are
a good team who will cause you problems, but I thought we limited them
today. "It was good to score so early, the ball came in and I just managed
to get my head on it. All in all, the boys really worked hard today. "The
ones who came on too - Morgan scored which let us relax for the last couple
of minutes - and it was a very good performance."

Sakho's goal was his third in as many starts in a West Ham shirt and Reid
has been impressed with how the new boys have settled. He continued: "Apart
from the Southampton game, we've played pretty well. The new signings are
starting to settle in. "I know myself going to a new country and a new club
can take time, but they're showing good promise."

The Hammers were free-flowing throughout, but also had to defend solidly
when Liverpool came at them in the second period and Reid was happy with
both elements of their play. He added: "In some situations this year we
could have defended better, but on Saturday the defensive unit and the team
as a whole was very good. "We limited their chances - they were always going
to get them, but we did limit them. "We're going to take it game-by-game -
every one is different and Liverpool being who they are, it's nice to get a
home victory against them."

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U18s come back to down Saints
WHUFc.com
The Academy came from 2-0 down to defeat Southampton on Saturday
20.09.2014

West Ham United Under-18s came from behind to beat Southampton U18 3-2 at
Little Heath on Saturday afternoon. After a positive opening to the game,
the Hammers found themselves 2-0 down as Kyle Clinton and Ollie Cook headed
in from Armani Little crosses. Goals from Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Jordan
Brown drew the game level before the break, with substitute Kieran Bailey
volleying in the winning goal with just five minutes remaining. U18 boss
Steve Potts has witnessed his Academy side begin their Barclays Under 18
Premier League campaign without losing a game, having won an opening day
fixture away at West Bromwich Albion, before three consecutive draws against
Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Potts made two changes to the
team that earned a 2-2 draw against fellow Londoners Chelsea just a week
before. U16s pair Joe Linley and Jahmal Hector-Ingram were named in the
starting eleven in place of Kyle Knoyle, who featured for Nick Haycock's
Development Squad at Fulham on Friday evening, and Joe Powell. With the
visitors looking for their first league victory of the season and the
Hammers aiming to extend their unbeaten run, the game exploded to life with
both teams attempting to gain control of possession to start an attack. The
first real effort on goal came for the Hammers through Hector-Ingram down
the right, however after speeding away from his marker, his shot from a wide
angle ended up flying high over the crossbar.

Down the other end of the pitch and the majority of Southampton's
opportunities involved their influential midfielder Little. Firstly, the 17
year old curled a free kick from the edge of the box into the side netting,
before perfectly finding the head of Clinton in the Hammers penalty area to
put the visitors ahead. Just eight minutes later and another Little free
kick was met with a leaping header in the penalty area. This time it was
Cook who lost his marker to head the Saints 2-0 up despite the best efforts
of Hammers left back Vashon Neufville on the goalline. West Ham raised their
performance and got a foothold back in the game just after the half-hour
mark. Hector-Ingram picked the ball up on the right wing, before using a
mixture of speed and skill to beat two defenders inside the box and sliding
a shot inside the near post. The goal gave the hosts confidence to push on
for an equaliser before the break, which they claimed with the final kick of
the first half. With the Southampton defence failing to clear the danger on
the edge of their penalty area, striker Brown fired an unstoppable low shot
into the bottom right hand corner of the net. West Ham came out for the
second half with positivity after correcting their own wrongdoing in the
opening 20 minutes. Linely, Brown and Djair Parfitt-Williams all tried their
luck with efforts at goal, which forced Saints keeper Harry Isted into
several smart saves. Potts made just one change during the match, which saw
Bailey introduced after 75 minutes in place of Hector-Ingram. With just five
minutes left on the clock, Southampton failed to fully clear the danger once
more, which was a mistake Bailey punished them for. He met a half clearance
with a volley from 22 yards that was deflected past Isted and into the back
of the net. The Hammers now sit third in the Barclays 18 Premier League
South, one point behind league leaders Arsenal and second place Chelsea,
with nine undefeated points from their opening five league fixtures.

West Ham U18s will again look to extend their unbeaten league record away at
Reading on Saturday 27 September at 11am.

West Ham United U18: Bogard, Linley, Onariase, Pask, Neufville, Browne,
Sylvestri, Diangana Parfitt-Williams, Brown, Hector-Ingram (Bailey).
Subs not used: Sheriff, Boness, Elsom, Rice.

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Our Girl is a Hammer!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans should tune into BBC1's new military drama Our Girl on
Sunday evening
21.09.2014

West Ham United supporters are in for a special treat if they tune into
BBC1's new military drama Our Girl on Sunday evening. The five-part series,
which returns following a successful feature-length pilot episode last year,
was created and written by lifelong Hammers supporter Tony Grounds. While
much of the series was filmed in South Africa - which stood in for
Afghanistan - a number of scenes were also shot in and around the Boleyn
Ground. There, Our Girl's central character Army medic Molly Dawes - played
by EastEnders actress Lacey Turner - is shown visiting her parents' flat on
Green Street, which is adorned with West Ham memorabilia. Scenes were also
shot inside the Boleyn Ground while, later in the series, Dawes wears a
vintage West Ham shirt during episode two and a soldier character reveals a
tattoo showing the Club's crest while waiting for a scan.

Our Girl shows Dawes working her way up from humble origins to earn the
respect of her family and peers through her courageous work as a medic. "I
wanted to write a story about the hope and the potential in every person,
particularly the disenfranchised young people who have got no voice, no hope
and no opportunities, but actually inside every person there is this
fantastic potential to do something brilliant," said Grounds. "I was already
inventing this character of Molly, so it wasn't like I wrote it for Lacey,
but she just happens to be the most incredible performer with fantastic
emotional intelligence and she is able to inhabit that part. She is
fantastic in it and you won't get a better performance this year, I don't
think. "Newham is an area I know well. I was born on Goodmayes Lane there
and I still love East Ham and was able to put a lot of my thoughts about the
area in there."

Episode one of Our Girl will be broadcast on BBC1 on Sunday 21 September at
9pm.

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West Ham 3 Liverpool 1
20 September 2014
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Liverpool suffered their third defeat in five Premier League games this
season as West Ham emerged victorious at Upton Park. Early goals from
Winston Reid and Diafra Sakho proved too much for the visitors, who pulled
one back through Raheem Sterling before the break. Liverpool pressed hard
after half-time.
However, Hammers keeper Adrian made a succession of saves and Morgan
Amalfitano wrapped up a first home win for West Ham in the 88th minute. Sam
Allardyce's men had lost both previous home games this season and taken just
four points from their last eight games against these opponents. But they
could not have started much better against Liverpool. Reid's first goal
since October 2013 was a close-range effort after James Tomkins had headed
Stewart Downing's free-kick into the six-yard box. West Ham's second was
more speculative as Sakho floated the ball over Simon Mignolet from the
right, the ball dropping into the corner before Enner Valencia could reach
it. A difficult start for the visitors also included a yellow card for Mario
Balotelli, who had a head-to-head confrontation with Hammers goalkeeper
Adrian, and the exit of the injured Javi Manquillo, who was replaced by
Mamadou Sakho. Liverpool were trying to shrug off the exertions of their
successful midweek return to the Champions League .Liverpool lost three of
their opening five games two seasons ago. Prior to that it was 1959, when
they were a Second Division club. The Anfield side had the majority of
possession (62%) but West Ham had more shots, 13 in total and seven on
target. Mario Balotelli has not scored a Premier League goal since his
effort at Wigan on 28 November, 2012. And they did have hope through their
remarkable scoring record away from Anfield. When Sterling lashed home the
rebound for his third goal of the campaign after Balotelli's shot had
initially been blocked, it was their 34th goals in the last 12 away games
and created a club record of scoring in 17 successive top-flight matches on
the road. Valencia forced Mignolet into a good save just after Dejan Lovren
had been patched up to play on following a heavy collision with his own
team-mate, Sakho. The introduction of Adam Lallana at half-time for Lucas -
and the consequent tactical switch - suggested Brendan Rodgers was unhappy
with his team's efforts.
On his first Liverpool start for almost two years, Fabio Borini made little
impact until a low shot at the start of the second half brought a low save
from Adrian.
The Italian curled a shot narrowly over as Liverpool continued to press
forward in search of an equaliser. Then Balotelli, who has now scored just
one goal in his last 19 Premier League appearances, was thwarted by Adrian.
Rickie Lambert was introduced for the last push forward. However, Liverpool
were vulnerable on the counter-attack and as time ticked down, Downing's
pass released Amalfitano, who applied the clinical finish. It was the first
time the visitors had lost successive league games since last December.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "That performance today just shows what
level and what capabilities we might be able to achieve this season. "To
score two goals in that early period really stunned the Liverpool players.
We really took them to task. We played outstandingly well and really didn't
let Liverpool play at all."

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Allardyce on... Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 20th September 2014
By: Staff Witer No.2

An understandably happy Sam Allardyce shares his views in this evening's
post-match press conference...

You couldn't have had a better start, Sam?

Yes. Outstanding. Our high pressing game today in the first half and to
score two goals in that early period really stung the Liverpool players. We
carried that through to the end of the first half and took them to task. We
played outstandingly well and didn't let Liverpool play at all. The only
disappointment was that it was 2-1 at half-time and not more.

Having said that, we've won the game and deserved to win it. We had to give
a more solid defensive performance in the second half when Liverpool were
throwing caution to the wind. Then we managed to pop up with a third goal
just at the right time. An outstanding performance, particularly the first
half and one where we've deserved everything we've got.

Was tiredness setting in with the new players?

Yes - when you think that for Alex [Song] it was his first competitive start
today. He didn't play any games for Barcelona so he did tremendously well to
last as long as he did. I think the front two look like they've been here
for a long time; Sakho and Valencia, the energy that they've got both in and
out of possession. They terrorised Liverpool's back four today. Then you've
got Cheik Kouyate who loves football, loves life, loves being here every
day. He's looking like a promising player for us.

So we've got good players we've recruited this season and it's lifted
everyone. It shows what we might be capable of this season.

Where does that performance rank since you've been here? As good as the
Tottenham performance, maybe?

I think it's as good as the Tottenham performance, maybe better. I think the
closest we came to that first half was the second half against Chelsea in
year one where we went in at 1-0 down and won 3-1. This performance in many
ways was better for me.

It's early on in the new season and we've got a lot of new players. You talk
about how soon are they going to hit the ground running. It makes a
difference to how your season is going to go. Our players have hit the
ground running. Our players are performing very well indeed at this level at
the first time of asking.

We've had four out of five games that have been very good from our point of
view and one bad game against Southampton. It was very important to not only
to play well but to win. That's what it's all about at the end of the day.

With the new players you've brought in – especially the front two – do you
think this is the most exciting team you've ever managed?

I'm not so sure about the most exciting team I've ever managed. At West Ham
yes, but when you look at the players we had in year five at Bolton
Wanderers when we finished top six or top four every season. We nearly made
the Champions League on one occasion.

This team has the capability of going that far. When you think that Andy
Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis and Joey O'Brien weren't in today's squad
through injury that shows strength in depth in the squad. Hopefully we can
grow from here. Monday's another day. Enjoy the weekend lads but Monday get
ready for Old Trafford, a massive game that we've got to play up there.

Was it a shot or a cross, the second goal?

Cross/shot goal! He meant it. Try and convince him that he didn't.

He [Sakho] went ballistic when they said it was an own goal at Hull. That's
what scoring means to him. When we told him the dubious goals panel had
credited him with the goal you couldn't get the smile off his face. He's
been a bit under the radar with us buying Enner Valencia, who had a great
World Cup. Diaf came from Metz in the French second division, where he got
20 goals.

Those two are putting in great performances at the minute. The change of
system is working for us. It worked well at Hull and it's worked even better
today.

Thanks.

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West Ham Utd 3-1 Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 20th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce's new-look West Ham put last season's Premier League
runners-up to the sword with a stylish swagger at the Boleyn this afternoon.
A shellshocked Liverpool, bereft of last season's strike force of Sturridge
(injured) and Suarez (sold) failed to recover from conceding two goals
within the opening seven minutes of the contest. Although the travelling
fans were given brief hope when the deficit was cut later in the half, West
Ham secured all three points with a third goal in the closing stages to
secure a first win against the Reds since February 2011. The opening weeks
of the new Premier League campaign have seen West Ham adopt a more
forward-thinking approach. That each of the last three league matches had
produced four goals - a statistic extended today - was testament to that.

Tactically, it proved United's undoing against a well-drilled Southampton in
West Ham's last outing at the Boleyn but today was the antithesis of that
Saints defeat, with Liverpool unable to cope at times in the opening half as
the Hammers ran amok. With Stewart Downing working tirelessly to afford
Steven Gerrard neither time nor space to spray his customary 60-yard
pinpoint passes into dangerous areas, the midfield triumvirate of Noble,
Song and Kouyate created an impassable wall behind him.

However it was the central defensive pairing of Tomkins and Reid who
combined to convert Downing's free kick from the right with just 69 seconds
on the clock to give United a dream start. Tomkins stooped bravely to send
the former England man's deep cross back into the centre, where an unmarked
Reid found the net from no more than a yard.

Having barely recovered from that blow, the visitors found themselves two
down just five minutes later. Noble's enterprising run and pass found Diafra
Sakho wide on the right; whether it was deliberate or not only he will know,
but the former Metz forward looked up before floating his cross/shot over
the head of a bamboozled Simon Mignolet into the far corner of the net.

Having barely managed a shot in the opening 25 minutes, Liverpool could
count themselves somewhat fortuitous to claw their way back into the game
when Sterling - a rare bright spark on a miserable day for the Merseysiders
- found the corner of Adrian's net with stunning accuracy after the ball
fell kindly for him just inside the box.

And although both sides enjoyed good spells of possession - West Ham mostly
before the break, Liverpool mainly after - it wasn't until the 88th minute
that this enticing contest was finally settled. Once again it was one of
West Ham's summer signings - the very last one - who provided the decisive
touch.

On as a second half replacement for the spent Alex Song, winger Morgan
Amalfitano, signed on transfer deadline day impudently toe-poked the ball
into the net having been set through on goal by a wonderful,
defence-splitting pass from Downing (who celebrated the goal like a player
with a point to prove).

The Frenchman's goal was West Ham's tenth of the season and the sixth scored
by a new signing (no assistance necessary re: percentages there). Sakho, who
has scored in each of the last three games leads the way whilst Enner
Valencia and Mauro Zarate, like Amalfitano, have one each.

It's a vast improvement that is apparent throughout the squad. Cheik Kouyate
and Alex Song are proving to be astute signings in the centre of the park
whilst Aaron Cresswell - who bar the odd stray pass, had a solid game today
- is also looking to be a good prospect.

And it's a sign of progress that many of Allardyce's critics are having
second thoughts regarding their stance on his continued employment - and why
wouldn't they, with most of their complaints apparently addressed. Long
ball? Not much evidence of that this year. Respect the point? Not so much.
Entertaining football? Very much so.

Long may it continue. Next up, a trip to Old Trafford where West Ham haven't
won since that glorious day in May 2007 when Carlos Tevez's goal secured a
1-0 win and ensured the club's continued participation in the Premiership...

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabbidon lands City role
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ex-Hammer Danny Gabbidon has been named the new temporary manager of Cardiff
City following today's departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former Welsh
interntional, 35, has been placed in temporary charge of the Bluebirds
following the resignation of the 41-year-old Norwegian this afternoon
[Thursday].
Gabbidon spent six years at West Ham, much of it on the threatement table,
between 2005 and 2011. Named KUMB.com Player of the Year and Best Signing by
readers of Knees up Mother Brown in 2005/06, he went on to make 96
appearances in his spell at the club. He will take joint control of first
team affairs alongside Academy coach Scott Young, just a matter of weeks
after returning to Wales in a player/coach role.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defeat Liverpool 3-1 at Upton Park
Last Updated: 21/09/14 7:49am
SSN

West Ham United netted twice inside the opening seven minutes en route to a
3-1 victory over Liverpool at Upton Park. The hosts burst out of the blocks
and saw their early endeavour rewarded as Winston Reid bundled home inside
90 seconds and Diafra Sakho doubled their advantage soon after.

Best of the match

Man of the match: Diafra Sakho was full of running for 90 minutes, posed
plenty of problems and netted a great goal.
Goal of the match: Sakho floated a delicate chipped effort to perfection to
leave Simon Mignolet rooted to the spot.
Moment of the match: Fabio Borini drilled one good opportunity for Liverpool
over the top in the second half and they never looked life drawing level
after that.
Talking point: What are West Ham capable of this season if they can find
consistency? Have Liverpool got enough to lift themselves into the title
race?

Raheem Sterling was able to pull one back for Brendan Rodgers' visitors, who
have now lost three of their opening five fixtures, but a poor clearance
from Mamadou Sakho late on led to Morgan Amalfitano being teed up to seal
the win for Sam Allardyce's side. Liverpool are now six points behind
leaders Chelsea in the table, having played a game more, while the pressure
on Allardyce, in front of his own fans at least, has lessened with a first
home win of the season.
Liverpool needed a last-gasp penalty to beat Ludogorets on their UEFA
Champions League return in midweek, but face a test of their top four
credentials this season. The Reds, runners-up last term, were expected to
add to West Ham's misery and inflict a third home loss of the season after
Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton won last month.

Liverpool had Martin Skrtel restored following a three-match absence with a
knee injury, but a defensive reshuffle was required after 22 minutes, by
which time the visitors were already two down. The source of the first goal
was former Reds winger Stewart Downing, whose inswinging free-kick found
James Tomkins at the back post.

Impress

Tomkins' header back across the six-yard box was turned goalwards by Reid,
whose header went in off Dejan Lovren. Downing seemed determined to impress
and danced around Steven Gerrard before Mark Noble darted from left to right
and fed Diafra Sakho. The Senegal forward, a summer recruit from Metz, burst
into the area and had the audacity to lob the ball over Simon Mignolet into
the far corner for his third goal in three games. Aaron Cresswell then tried
his luck from 25 yards and Mignolet turned the ball round the post. The
closest Liverpool came to the Hammers goal in the opening 20 minutes was
when Mario Balotelli attempted to block an Adrian clearance and tangled with
the goalkeeper, who kicked out before facing off with the striker. Both men
were booked.

Brendan Rodgers was disappointed with his side's slow start, which saw them
fall 2-0 behind inside seven minutes and felt they never got going against
West
A frustrated Rodgers hauled off Javier Manquillo for Mamadou Sakho and
switched to a back three in an attempt to wrest some of the initiative from
Cheikhou Kouyate and Alex Song in midfield.

Liverpool struck back when Balotelli pulled down a Jordan Henderson cross
from the left and saw his shot blocked by Cresswell. The ball ricocheted to
Sterling, who drilled a low first-time volley into the far corner.

Bombardment

West Ham continued to press forward and Mignolet turned a Enner Valencia
free-kick round the post. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce praised his side's
performance during their win over Liverpool, believing it was a thoroughly
deserved victory. Lovren required lengthy treatment after colliding with his
team-mate Mamadou Sakho. He initially appeared groggy but returned following
a change of shirt, with a heavily bandaged head and after a consultation
with the tunnel doctor in compliance with Premier League concussion rules.
Mignolet saved from Valencia as the Hammers' bombardment continued. Adam
Lallana replaced Lucas at half-time and tried to tee up Sterling, who
dragged his shot wide. Liverpool exerted some more pressure, with Fabio
Borini and Balotelli each twice finding shooting space without really
testing Adrian. As the visitors pushed forwards, gaps in their defence
became evident. Diafra Sakho was unable to punish a Skrtel lapse as he
lifted the ball over, but a third West Ham goal came when they broke and
Downing threaded the ball through for substitute Amalfitano to score.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce delights in West Ham's win over Liverpool
Last Updated: 20/09/14 8:34pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce was delighted to see West Ham United 'surprise' Liverpool as
they put in an 'outstanding' display in a 3-1 win. An explosive start at
Upton Park allowed the hosts to take complete control, with Winston Reid and
Diafra Sakho netting inside the opening seven minutes. Liverpool never
really recovered, despite pulling one back through Raheem Sterling, and were
beaten again in the closing stages as Morgan Amalfitano put the result
beyond doubt. Allardyce believes his side were full value for a resounding
success, with new boys playing a leading role in a performance that saw West
Ham impress from back to front.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce praised his side's performance during their
win over Liverpool, believing it was a thoroughly deserved victory. He told
Sky Sports: "First half was absolutely outstanding. I think, from our point
of view, the way we got about our job in the first-half really took
Liverpool by surprise.
"We have been looking at the quality of our finishing and trying to improve
it and that was there for all to see, in fact I think we should have been
maybe three or four up by half-time today. That's how good we were. "We
always knew that Liverpool would come back but that first-half performance,
for me, was absolutely outstanding. "There are lots of new players here –
Alex Song, Enner Valencia, Sakho – these lads are bedding in nice and
quickly and producing really good performances. Cheick Kouyate and Aaron
Cresswell, of course, and the rest of the lads have been with us before.
"First half was absolutely outstanding. I think, from our point of view, the
way we got about our job in the first-half really took Liverpool by
surprise." "Even in the end when Morgan Amalfitano came on and clinched that
third goal, that was just at the right time because you know Liverpool are
pressing at that stage and one little slip and it might have been 2-2. But
we really finished Liverpool off brilliantly today."

West Ham's opener came from a Stewart Downing free-kick nodded back across
the face of goal by James Tomkins, with Allardyce pleased to see his
tactical approach pay off. He added: "I think everybody is vulnerable to a
set-piece when the ball is a quality ball. When you have got good headers of
the ball, like James Tomkins, and the quality of Stewart Downing's ball
caught out Liverpool at the far post, that was a great start for us. "To
then go and score the second one, that was an outstanding piece of
individual ability from Diafra Sakho. I don't think anybody can take the
quality of that finish away from him. "We just continued on from there. I
was disappointed that Liverpool scored a goal in the first-half because I
think they only had one shot on target, and that was the goal. That's how
well we had done. "We knew somewhere along the line Liverpool would come
back at us, and they did, and it was a good defensive performance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's first home win has been on the cards, says skipper Noble
Last Updated: 20/09/14 9:51pm
SSN

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble believes their 3-1 home win over
Liverpool shows the kind of performance they have been threatening for some
time.
The midfielder said: "We were good on Monday night [2-2 at Hull City] and
probably should have deserved a little bit more than what we came away with.
"We should have beat Spurs here the first game of the season but we were
poor against Southampton so we're a little bit black and white at home. The
performance that we've had lately shows what we're capable of. "We need to
make this place a fortress and that's what it was tonight."

He was particularly pleased with his team's start to the game and the way
they held onto their early lead. "We started off like a house on fire," he
said, "we came out of the blocks so quick - couple of goals ahead and you
know when you are playing against a top, top, quality side, you know they're
going to threaten but I thought defensively, as a unit, today we were
brilliant. West Ham captain Mark Noble felt hard work was key to the Hammers
win over Liverpool. The first half was fantastic and obviously Liverpool are
going to come out, with the players they've got, and give it a right go and
they've done that but our back four today, and every one of us, were bang on
and we deserved the win."

Former Liverpool player Stewart Downing also enthused about West Ham's
approach, which saw Winston Reid tap in their first before Diafra Sakho
floated the second in over Reds' keeper Simon Mignolet. "Brilliant start,"
he said, "two good goals, brilliant finishes. It gave us a foothold in the
game and we could play off from there and I thought we worked hard
throughout and the result paid off. "I think Sakho probably did mean it.
He's an off-the-cuff type of player and he's got some great finishes. He's
settled in really well. He's a big threat and he worked ever so hard, him
and Enner [Valencia]. They're hard for teams to play against because they've
got pace and they're strong boys."

Raheem Sterling's 26th minute goal pegged the Hammers back to a single score
lead but Morgan Amalfitano wrapped up their first home win of the season
seven minutes from the end. And Downing paid tribute to the West Ham fans
for their vociferous support. He said: "We needed a result today. We've lost
home games, two or three already this season, so it was big for us to get
something. "At the start, the fans got behind us and played a massive part
and kept with us because it was difficult at times. Liverpool got a lot of
the ball and have quality players but I thought we defended ever so well and
held out."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 3 LIVERPOOL 1: WAKE ME UP, PLEASE.
By David Hautzig 21 Sep 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

In an odd way, I feel more at ease on match days against the so-called
Bigger Clubs. Instead of trying to envision a way we can take all three
points, only to have those points disappear in one painful way or another, I
sit down in front of the TV with absolutely no expectations whatsoever. I'm
thoroughly expecting a thrashing. Anything other than that is just taken as
an unexpected pleasure.

Even during the recent years that Liverpool fell out of the top four, I
always thought of them in that "big club" kind of way. Hearing their
supporters whine and moan about their "problems" did get a bit annoying.
Really? You are begging for mercy because you finished 7th? Try playing away
at Doncaster on a Tuesday night and then you can complain. Until that day,
do the world a favor. Shut up.

And what should we make of Liverpool's win on Tuesday in the Champions
League? I've always been inclined to think that supporters will use whatever
analysis suits their feelings at the time. "Victory will give them belief
and confidence" is about as appropriate as "having to play midweek will
leave them fatigued". The reality is that Liverpool have a lot of very good
players, even a few superb players, and a manager we would probably sell our
first born for. Did you hear him after they lost to Villa? He praised the
good things they did, pointed out where they could have done better, and
made it clear he has faith in every one of them. Good guy to work for in my
opinion. So despite letting the title slip from their grasps last season,
Liverpool overall are on the upswing again.

From the West Ham vantage point, we were all pretty pleased with how we
played against Hull. Eerily similar to how we felt after the Crystal Palace
game. Which turned into a train wreck the next week against Southampton.
But, and I was probably creating a reality here to match my desires, I
figured our positivity today was based on a better foundation than it was
against the Saints. More to the point, it was based on Valencia, Sakho, and
Song as opposed to Cole. We had more ammunition today.

Before the lineup was announced, @RockyWHU and I were discussing who would
sit it out if Song got the start. We narrowed it down to Noble and Zarate.
Rocky put his six pence on Zarate. I went for broke and the long odds by
picking Noble.

If I gambled I'd have to sell my kids into slavery to pay my debts.

Song got the start, Zarate got a seat. They do look pretty plush on TV, but
I doubt that's much consolation. I also hoped for Jenkinson to play instead
of Demel, but this is still a Sam team and changes will come slowly. And if
anybody questions the existence of life after death, look no further than
Fabio Borini.

I also made a tactical move. I decided to substitute the 50 inch Toshiba in
my bedroom for the 20 inch Insignia in the kitchen. I had watched the
Southampton game from the blanket chest in front of my bed, and it really
let me down. So the counter stool in the kitchen got the nod. The added
flexibility of having the counter in front of me, holding my laptop and
IPad, seemed useful. The actual stools are not that comfortable, but it
didn't matter because 75 seconds in I was out of it.

Downing's free kick went straight onto Tompkins forehead. But unlike recent
headers by our tall centre-half, this one had a place to go. Many places,
actually. West Ham players didn't watch the ball. They attacked it. Movement
was everywhere. And Reid moved right onto it for a pretty simple push into
the back of the net.

Euphoria. It's tempered, but it's there. I think Reid felt it as well, but
he let it get the better of him a few minutes later when he picked up a
yellow for a reckless challenge. When your key central defender gets booked
that early, agita has a tendency to creep in.

When the whole Diafra Sakho "saga" happened, the few followers I have on
Twitter know how furious I was. No, I'm not some secret follower of French
football. Their wines keep me busy enough. I read his stats, and did think
it was likely worth a punt regardless of whether or not Wickham came from
Sunderland. What got me so mad was that it looked like the club had acted
like complete jerks.

His lob for the second goal was as much fun to watch as Valencia's strike
against Hull. The conversation on Twitter to determine whether he meant to
shoot or got lucky with a pass ended with a majority decision in favor of
the former. The announcer here on NBC certainly thought so, and on replay
his eyes seemed to be focused more on goal than on Valencia. If he
didn't…..he should lie his ass off and tell the world he knew exactly what
he was doing. That will just give future opponents more to think about.

2-0, to the cockney boys.

For the next few minutes, I stopped writing. I was dazed. Like some
unexpected endorphin rush had run it's course and now I was in crash mode.
But in all of the years I've lived and died with West Ham, 2-0 up has always
given me trouble. Obviously we didn't lose every game we led 2-0. It just
felt like that. So just like old habits die hard, so do old neurosis.

We were playing with energy, and more importantly belief in attack. Downing
was making runs in a way that looked like he actually thought something
might come of it. Cresswell won a corner with pure grit. I wanted to believe
this was not a one off so to speak. Could this be the new West Ham? Could
this be a new Sam Allardyce?

There was a little drama when Balotelli and Adrian got into it when Mad
Mario chased a ball a little too enthusiastically and crashed into our only
slightly less mad keeper. They both got booked, but if Adrian had kept his
cool it might have only been the Italian. I don't think I've ever seen a
keeper sent off with two yellows, so I wasn't that concerned. I was
concerned, however, that rookie ref Craig Pawson was way out of his depth.

Rodgers made an early substitution in the 22nd minute when Manquillo came
off for Mamadou Sakho. So to keep things straight, and completely partisan,
he will now be referred to for the rest of this article as Bad Sakho. As
opposed to our Good Sakho. Bad Sakho's introduction meant that Liverpool
would play 3-5-2.

I don't know if that even helped contribute to Raheem Sterling pulling one
back for Liverpool, but in any event he did. Balotelli took a shot that came
off Cresswell and fell right to Sterling. When you consider that kid cannot
buy a beer in my country for about two years, yet is already so dominant at
times, the future looks great for him. And terrifying for everybody else.

2-1.

Kouyate gave us a scare when we went down clutching his hamstring. It looked
like he signaled to come off, but after a few minutes on the sideline he
kept playing. And we kept coming forward. We kept moving the ball around,
trying to find space. Good Sakho tried a cheeky back heel, and Valencia took
a pass from Downing and drilled a low shot at Mignolet. Bad Sakho cleared.

Halftime came, and I made my family some lunch. Greek Lemon soup and a nice
loaf of bread. Despite the nerves, I ate.

Soon after the second half started, I got the feeling that Liverpool were
mad, and we were going to pay for it. How dare West Ham change their style!
And more so, how dare they do it well! Sterling was getting more time on the
ball and more space to do something with it. Balotelli had a curling effort
that wasn't that dangerous, but it reminded me that it could have been
dangerous. We weren't getting back like we had in the first half. Another
run by Sterling led to yet another corner.

West Ham got lucky, in my opinion, in the 61st minute when Song brought down
Adam Lallana right on the edge of the area. Maybe even inside. On another
day, Gerrard levels it up on a PK. But not today. To be fair to Song, other
than the outfit he probably wore to the ground it was his only mistake of
the game. He was superb, showing more composure from a West Ham midfielder
than I've seen in ages. Which was why when he came off for Amalfitano I
wasn't happy. He may have been gassed, but the way I saw it we were bringing
in a wild drummer to replace a conductor. And that came minutes after Carl
Jenkinson came on for Demel, only to be booked within seconds. Would we lose
the composure we needed to see this out?

Then Sam had to start making me even more twitchy. How many times have we
seen him make a defensive substitution before set piece only to see it blow
up in his gum chewing face? So Collins on for Valencia did not make me feel
warm and fuzzy. Balotelli came close on that corner, and Collins almost cut
Cresswell in half. With Song and Valencia out, where would the link up
between the midfield and attack come from? Say it with me, everyone.

HOOF!

Kouyate went down again in the 80th minute, again clutching his hamstring, I
was ready to give Allardyce over to a Somali warlord. With all three
substitutions used, the idea of finishing the game on ten men because he
didn't manage the game well enough was more than I could handle. No more
sitting. I'm pacing in circles the rest of this game. Self preservation was
coming into play. "I'd have taken a draw this morning" I tell God, so I will
accept one now.

Then a bad attempted clearance led to a goal. Except unlike normal, expected
circumstances it was Liverpool that made the mistake and West Ham that
scored. Bad Sakho gave the ball away to Downing, and Amalfitano streaked
down the left. A sublime pass from Stuart, and the mad drummer I was worried
about played an amazing toe poke solo.

3-1.

Most games that would be the end of any report. But in extra time, Good
Sakho chased down Balotelli near the corner flag in the Liverpool end. Not
only that, he won the ball. And he passed it. I have no idea to whom,
because frankly my dear I don't give a damn. We held the ball for over a
minute. I just wanted that extra bit of effort, that level of commitment, to
be recognized.

When Sam Allardyce took over, he took a clever little dig at Moron Grant
when he promised no team of his would blow a 2-0 lead. Someone on Twitter
posted that to date he has kept that promise. I'm not going to get too ahead
of myself here, because I have never experienced an extended feeling of joy
with West Ham. Fear is always lurking. But today was the kind of game and
the kind of performance that makes me wonder if the very idea of pushing on
is even possible.

I'm going to go mow my lawn now. And enjoy every minute of it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jermain Defoe transfer battle between West Ham and QPR set for January
Sep 20, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
Sam Allardyce is keen to grab the 31-year-old England striker, despite
boosting his attacking options by recruiting Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate
and Diafra Sakho
The Mirror

West Ham will fight QPR for the signing of Jermain Defoe in January. Defoe
is set to leave Major League Soccer club Toronto FC and return to England in
the mid-season window. And Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to grab the
31-year-old England striker, despite having boosted his attacking options by
recruiting Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho this summer. Defoe
is still unpopular with many West Ham fans for the transfer request he made
the day after the club were relegated in 2003 but Allardyce is a huge
admirer and knows he possesses the precious ability to score Premier League
goals. Rangers manager Harry Redknapp failed in a late bid to sign Defoe on
August deadline day and remains keen on a January deal – with Stoke's Peter
Crouch also on his radar. But Redknapp will face stiff competition from the
Hammers, who could be willing to match Defoe's £90,000-per-week wages. Defoe
is believed to have grown disillusioned with life at Toronto, especially
since the sacking of Ryan Nelsen as head coach last month.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle keeping tabs on former striker Andy Carroll's fitness ahead of
possible January bid
Sep 20, 2014 22:30 By Alan Oliver
The England target man has been sidelined with injury since West Ham's
pre-season tour and Alan Pardew is interested in bringing the striker back
to Tyneside
The Mirror

Newcastle are keeping tabs on the fitness of their former striker Andy
Carroll, back in training after an ankle operation in America, the Sunday
People can reveal. Toon want to take Carroll back to Tyneside but
preliminary talks broke down in the summer when the big striker was injured
on a pre-season tour.
Now, with the injury-prone England man targeting a return to first-team
action for West Ham next month, Newcastle are set to re-open discussions.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce loaded up his club with strikers in the close
season – with Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho all pitching up
at Upton Park – and that could see Carroll head north in January, initially
on loan. Carroll, whose time in London has been plagued by lay-offs, gave an
upbeat bulletin on his fitness last night. "I have started running outside
which felt a lot better than being inside in the gym doing my rehab," he
said. "Being outside on the pitch makes me feel like I've taken a step
closer back to the stadium and playing football again. "Seeing the other
lads playing and training out there has given me the inspiration to get back
out on the pitch." Sunday People Sport revealed at the end of July that
Newcastle were interested in the player they sold to Liverpool for
£35million in January 2011. Toon boss Alan Pardew could take the heat off
himself with a move for the former Toon cult hero.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-1 Liverpool: Reds slump to back-to-back defeats against
impressive-looking Hammers
Sep 20, 2014 21:41 By Dave Kidd
Liverpool's defensive frailties took nothing away from an impressive West
Ham side, buoyed by Sam Allardyce's new signings
The Mirror

It may be too early to panic just yet – but Liverpool's post-Suarez era is
suffering a seriously stuttering start. As the Reds returned to domestic
action after their first Champions League match in five years, Brendan
Rodgers found the juggling routine too tricky to handle in the East End last
night. West Ham's lightning start – with goals from Winston Reid and Diafra
Sakho in the opening seven minutes – proved decisive, despite the tactical
flexibility of Rodgers, a thumping strike from Raheem Sterling and some
bull-in-a-china-shop commitment from Mario Balotelli. Morgan Amalfitano
secured West Ham's win late on as Sam Allardyce's men finally brought their
decent away form back home. The summer signings of Big Sam seem to be
settling quicker than those of Rodgers, tasked with the near-­impossible
task of replacing a ­world-class match-winner. Three defeats in their last
four League matches mean that Liverpool will go into next Saturday's
Merseyside derby in the bottom half of the table. And while these are early
days, it will be a big ask to engineer a title challenge from here. Fabio
Borini made his first league start for Liverpool in two years as Rodgers
shuffled his pack, but ­Liverpool were caught cold in the chilly East End
drizzle and were behind within 75 seconds.

Stewart Downing, up against the manager who jettisoned him from Anfield,
pinged over a free-kick from the right and West Ham's two centre-backs
combined, James Tomkins heading back across goal from the far post and Reid
nudging over the line. And Reid was involved again when the Hammers doubled
their lead, dispossessing Balotelli and feeding Mark Noble who spread it out
wide to Sakho. The Senegalese forward conjured up a visionary chip, which
originally looked like a cross to most people – including panic-stricken
keeper Simon Mignolet and even his own team-mate Enner Valencia, who would
have been penalised for offside had he succeeded in nicking the goal with a
header. GettyRaheem Sterling of Liverpool scores is team's first goal as
teammate Mario Balotelli of Liverpool jumps to avoid the shotWhat a strike:
Sterling scores but it is only a consolation prize for the 19-year-old But
Sakho had meant it all right and the ball sailed over the Liverpool
­keeper's head and into the far corner, for the third goal of his nascent
Hammers career. Mignolet had to be alert to tip a swerving 20-yarder from
Aaron Cresswell around the post.

And, with Liverpool all over the shop, there were two certainties – that
Balotelli would lose his rag and that Rodgers would tinker.

Balotelli has not always been one for chasing down lost causes, but the
Italian connected with Adrian as the keeper made a clearance and the pair
ended up tussling on the floor before ref Craig Pawson showed yellow cards.

Midway through the first half, Rodgers changed to a back three – sacrificing
Javier Manquillo and moving Sterling to right wing-back.

Yet, even from there, it was England's teenage sensation who brought
­Liverpool back into the match with a thumping finish into the bottom corner
after a Balotelli shot had been charged down by Cresswell.

GettyMorgan Amalfitano of West Ham scores his team's thrid goalIcing on the
cake: Amalfitano secures the points late on
Dejan Lovren then clashed heads with team-mate Mamadou Sakho and, after a
lengthy delay, with the Premier League's new three-minute rule for
concussion cases, the Croatian continued with a ­bandage around his
forehead.

It was end-to-end stuff as the 90 minutes approached – Diafra Sakho narrowly
over with another chip, ­Balotelli cutting inside and almost beating Adrian
at his near post.

But, as Liverpool poured bodies forward, Amalfitano sealed the points with
his third touch in the 88th minute by slotting home from a Downing pass,
after an error from Mamadou Sakho.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: Best performance since I've been at the club
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold's well known public support of Sam Allardyce looks to have been
justified over the last 180 minutes. And the the top performance against
Liverpool yesterday drew a reaction from the co-chairman this morning (Sun).
Gold has always held firm against the tide of fan unrest against Allardyce
but has stopped short of patting himself on the back Gold had told
ClaretandHugh – to much cynicism from readers- a few weeks ago that he
wanted the manager to adopt an 'attack attack attack' policy at Hull City
and beyond. And as the fans and neutrals were left in shock at the extent to
which the manager has responded Gold has taken to Twitter to give his view
on yesterday's game. He declared: "That was the best overall performance I
have seen since I've been at the club and it looks sustainable dg"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle/Carroll talk easy to understand
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Fresh speculation that Andy Carroll could become a Newcastle target in
January has arisen this morning …and it's easy to understand why! With Toon
boss Alan Pardew under increasing pressure despite an excellent comeback to
draw 2-2 against Hull, he needs to pull a master-stroke signing. And should
he remain in charge, a Tyneside return for Carroll would certainly fit the
bill, particularly with the fans if the player. Publicly,the Hammers will
insist that the striker remains very central to their plans but the arrival
of Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate has changed everything at
Upton Park. And were they to be offered around half the £15.5 million they
paid for Carroll that could concentrate minds within the boardroom. There is
still no return date being placed on Carroll although it is well known that
he believes he could be ready by October 25. However, should it be the end
of November that would give him a couple of months to prove his fitness and
possibly attract a bid. The two clubs were reported to have be holding
preliminary talks in the summer but these were put on hold when the player
sustained an ankle injury. Now there's more than a chance that Newcastle
will monitor the situation with a view to a possible return always assuming
that Pardew remains in the manager's position.

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