Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has praised Stewart Downing's contribution to West Ham
United's promising start to the season
21.09.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce hailed Stewart Downing's early-season
form after the attacking midfielder was instrumental in Saturday's 3-1 win
against his former side Liverpool. Downing was again deployed at the tip of
Big Sam's attacking diamond formation and he rewarded his manager by playing
a key role in two of the Hammers' three goals. His free-kick from the right
led to Winston Reid's opener and then he neatly fed Morgan Amalfitano in the
dying minutes to complete the hosts' scoring. "Stewart's been outstanding
this season," Allardyce said. "Playing him in the middle has really worked.
His talent is clear for everyone to see. The ball for Amalfitano's goal was
superb. He gets more touches in the centre, I'm sure he's enjoying it."
While the manager insisted that everyone should savour the victory he was
careful to add a note of caution that another stern test awaits on Saturday
when West Ham travel to Manchester United. After two consecutive attacking
displays that have delivered five goals and four points, he does not want
his side to get ahead of themselves. "Monday is another day, we could enjoy
the result on Saturday but we need to make sure on Monday we get ready for
Old Trafford, because that is a massive game. "We can't dwell on the victory
for too long. We can definitely enjoy it, but on Monday we'll get our feet
back on the ground, and see what we can do at Old Trafford."
The Hammers started last Saturday's game emphatically as they raced to a two
goal lead as Reid and Diafra Sakho scored inside the first seven minutes.
Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling lashed in a shot from the edge of the box
to make it 2-1 at half-time, yet the first home win of the season was
secured as Downing released Amalfitano to slot home. "We couldn't have
asked for a better start. We played a high pressing game today which is why
we dominated Liverpool in the first half," Big Sam added. "To score two
goals in that early period really stunned the Liverpool players. We really
played outstandingly well, and we deserved everything we've got today."
Sakho was also one of the standout performers as he scored an audacious lob
from a tight angle. There were some questions post-match about whether the
summer signing from Metz had meant to shoot, but Big Sam explained he was in
no doubt it was a deliberate shot: "Sakho definitely meant to score. He was
ballistic when the Hull goal was given as an own goal. When the Dubious
Goals Panel changed their minds you couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
"He loves scoring goals. For me he's gone under the radar because we signed
Enner Valencia. But he scored 20 goals for Metz last year."
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Lee targets run of goals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Elliot Lee hopes his opening goal of the season is
the first of many
21.09.2014
West Ham United striker Elliot Lee scored his first goal of the season to
help the Development Squad clinch a 1-1 draw away to Fulham at Motspur Park
on Friday night. Fulham opened the scoring in the 52nd minute through a
cushioned header by striker Marcello Trotta before Lee equalised two minutes
later, steering Lewis Page's cross past Marek Rodak. The Dev Squad's
performance was a significant improvement from last Friday's 4-0 defeat by
Liverpool. Despite plenty of industry and hard work there were few chances
for either side. Speaking after the game, Lee said: "Friday was definitely a
better performance than last week. It hasn't been a great start to the
season. The boys are working hard in training and we know the results will
come soon. "We've earned an away draw on Friday so it's a good point, we
could have come away with more in the end. I think we can look at it in a
positive way as one point gained. It was a tough game out there and I think
we worked hard for the point."
Lee was clearly delighted to open his account for the season: "I hadn't
scored this season until today despite having a great pre-season. I knew
there would be a dip along the way, so hopefully this will be the start of a
run of goals for me." The striker hopes the Dev Squad can build on Friday's
positive performance as they are still looking for the first league win
after five matches. "It hasn't been a great start to the season. Bar the
Liverpool game, every other match could have gone our way. On Friday there
were signs of improvements and things going our way, eventually we'll go on
a roll and start winning."
The Development Squad's next game is against Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground
on Monday 29 September, kick-off 7pm.
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I WAS STARTING TO WONDER WHAT THE ATTRACTION OF WEST HAM WAS...
By Iain Dale 21 Sep 2014 at 17:00
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Hammers Claudia
I am German, but the opposite of Hamburg Hammer: I was working in Hamburg
and this English guy turned up. My West Ham relationship started with
another kind of relationship. One of our early dates in 2005 was in an Irish
bar in Hamburg where he romantically took me because West Ham were playing
Ipswich in some sort of playoff. Apparently West Ham went on to get
promoted.
Went with BF to Vienna for weekend break in May 2006 and sat once again in
an Irish bar to watch the FA cup final – BF stormed out at the end without
realising he had a tab and we were chased down the road by an irate barman.
I was starting to wonder what the attraction of West Ham was?
A few years went by and I eventually moved to the UK for good in late 2009.
That was a great season, every Saturday night watching boyfriend sulking
round the place. After relegation I foolishly suggested that perhaps life in
Championship where losing one game a month was better than winning one game
every 2 months? Didn't help his mood.
During Championship season I bought boyfriend tickets for Nottingham Forest
at Upton Park for his birthday. Arrived at Upton Park tube and the moment I
left the station I think that was the moment that I realised why people
support West Ham – a sea of claret and blue marching down Green Street
stirred my heart. Once we got to the ground it was confirmed – all thoughts
of following a 'winning' club like Chelsea (which I admit I toyed with – was
offered corporate hospitality at Stamford Bridge but never went as look on
BF face when I told him suggested that this was not going to be good for
future relationship) was forgotten. I was not to become the next 'plastic
fan', the West Ham atmosphere pulled me in and saved me.
Sat in the pub watching West Ham beat Hull on the last day of the season but
to no avail as Coventry lost to Southampton. I was away in Germany for first
leg v Cardiff but BF sent regular texts. 2nd leg we watched in a pub in
Wimbledon (where we live) and was a great result but surrounded by Chelsea
'plastics' so atmosphere not good.
If I needed any more West Ham heroin to secure the addiction then that came
when we watched the playoff final in the Wentworth in Mile End. That was one
of the best days of my life! After the game the juke box played Tom Jones,
Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and we danced the night away with some of the
most genuine people I have met.
I don't go regularly – no season ticket – but we went several times in that
first season up. I now know the words to bubbles and more importantly
understand what support is all about. As a German I like winning but
understand that with West Ham it is not the same as World Cup domination –
if only! BF says its character building. The feeling in my heart when
singing bubbles at Upton Park is something I cant explain to anyone.
Worst experience? Fulham, 1st Jan 2014. Got soaked walking from station and
watched the most hopeless, gutless performance I have ever seen from West
Ham.
So, as we enter the second season of my Academy membership I have high hopes
(even after watching us lose to totscum on day 1 along with BF's brother who
is spuds fan). I have learnt that it is not all about winning, it is all
about emotion, support, heartbreak, elation, frustration, loyalty,
fraternity and being part of something special.
Winning would be good though!
Hammers Claudia
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Diafra Sakho has been an instant hit at West Ham... who is the Hammers' new
hero?
Diafra Sakho scored in West Ham's 3-1 win over Liverpool at Upton Park
Hammers new signing has now scored three goals in four games
Senegal international arrived from Metz, although deal almost fell through
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 21 September 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 21 September 2014
West Ham new-boy Diafra Sakho has made an instant impact at Upton Park,
scoring three goals in four games, for the Hammers. Here Sportsmail takes a
look at Upton Park's current hero.
There wasn't a big song and dance about him signing was there?
No, he slipped under the radar somewhat. He arrived from Metz for just
£3.5million. If he carries on the way he'll prove one of the bargains of the
season.
What are his attributes?
Certainly his pace. The forward's rapidness caused Liverpool's defence major
problems on Saturday and West Ham's rivals can expect more of the same. His
versatility and directness will be key for the Hammers, with the Senegal
international able to play anywhere across the forward line.
Did he have any other summer suitors?
Newcastle, with their strong knowledge of French football, were interested
in the Sakho, but Sam Allardyce beat his former club to the punch. The deal
nearly fell through, however, when the Hammers tried to change the structure
of the deal, forcing Metz to release this strongly worded statement: 'The
English club unilaterally decided to propose a loan deal with an option to
purchase instead of a permanent deal, which does not correspond to FC Metz's
expectations and contradicts all the terms that had been agreed last week
between the two clubs. 'FC Metz regret this clear lack of respect, which is
unacceptable, from West Ham towards FC Metz and also the player. As a
result, FC Metz reserve the right to approach the international sport court
and assert their rights and defender their interests. 'FC Metz had released
Diafra Sakho from his professional duties during matchday 1 of the Ligue 1
championship by giving him leave to take a medical in England to complete
the last stage of the deal.'
Three in four is a good return, what's his goal record like?
Not bad, he's scored 40 goals for Metz in his previous two seasons. They
were all out of the French top-flight, though.
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Sam Allardyce and reborn West Ham United teach Liverpool a lesson in
preparation and resilience
West Ham exposed Brendan Rodgers' lack of experience of Champions League's
additional demands with a dynamic start and by stifling Steven Gerrard
Stewart Downing's performance at the tip of West Ham's midfield diamond was
key to exploiting Liverpool's heavy legs and minds
The Telegraph
By Gerry Cox, Upton Park10:30PM BST 21 Sep 2014
The worst fears of many Liverpool fans were substantiated here as a reborn
West Ham United picked apart a team clearly missing the match-winning
capabilities of Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge – and hungover from the
elation and exertion of their Champions League return. Brendan Rodgers
worked wonders to push Liverpool ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester
United last season, but the Reds had no European football to disrupt their
domestic programme and also had one of world football's few genuine
gamechangers in Suárez. With the Uruguayan gone, and Sturridge sidelined by
injury, Liverpool do not have the same goal threat, so they can hardly
afford to gift the opposition a two-goal lead inside seven minutes, as they
did here. Their terrible start was down to a combination of Sam Allardyce's
smart tactics and post-Champions League fatigue, after Liverpool laboured to
beat Ludogorets at an emotion-filled Anfield last Tuesday. Seeing a
teamsheet containing eight of the players who had completed 90 minutes four
days earlier, Allardyce sent out a side to press and harry just high enough
up the pitch to seize on any Liverpool mistake and counter-attack at speed.
His plan worked to perfection as West Ham raced into a two-goal lead, and by
the time Rodgers reshaped his team, they had a mountain to climb.
It was no fluke. West Ham were worthy winners, and Allardyce knew what to
expect, based on his own experiences in Europe with Bolton Wanderers and
also the teachings of his friend Sir Alex Ferguson, who had to learn how to
cope with the rigours of a Champions League campaign. "When I spoke to Sir
Alex, who is the master and the first man to start rotation 20 years ago, he
said you need two teams, one for Europe and one for the Premier League,
particularly the game after," Allardyce said. "When we [Bolton] looked
around European football everyone flew back straight after the game and our
idea was not to fly back until the day after. In the home games it was about
making sure we had enough players in the squad and being brave enough to
change them. We wouldn't play the same player on a Thursday night as we did
on a Sunday. That was the research we did."
Rodgers refused to use it as an excuse, but outlined the difficulty of
preparing for West Ham last week. "You've got a lot less time working with
the team; if you play on the Saturday, you've got Sunday/Monday for
recovering, you've got the Tuesday game, and then the players who play are
recovering Wednesday/Thursday. "So you're doing your first tactical
preparation on the Friday, and then you're travelling straight down to the
game. But you can't complain about it, we're glad to be here, this is what
we have to get used to. We have no excuses today, we just weren't at our
level. We haven't been playing well enough, it's as simple as that. I can
stand and give you excuses about the number of players, and injured players,
but for us we just need to work together. When we win, lose, draw, there's
no blame. We just have to focus on our performance level."
Liverpool were particularly poor in the opening quarter before Rodgers
effected a reshuffle, changing from 4-4-2 to a three-man defence, but West
Ham were already 2-0 ahead. Winston Reid scored from close range following a
Stewart Downing free-kick, before Diafra Sakho chipped the ball past Simon
Mignolet.
Although Raheem Sterling made it 2-1 with a stunning strike for the Reds in
the 26th minute, West Ham withstood Liverpool's attempts at a comeback and
completed the rout when Downing played in substitute Morgan Amalfitano to
make it 3-1 in the closing stages. Downing was again superb in a more
central role, and combined his own attacking instincts with the key role of
keeping Steven Gerrard under lock and key.
"He was fantastic," Allardyce said. "Our tactic today was to close down
Gerrard, which was Stewart's job and not only did he do that but he was
creative as well. Moving him inside has meant his talent and ability has
come through and he gets more touches in there. Hopefully we can play him in
there more often. He was enjoying it."
Downing certainly got the better of his former captain. "My job was to keep
him quiet. If you give him time and space he can hurt you with his great
range of passing, so you've got to get tight to him and stop him playing.
That was the key today, but it was the whole team doing their jobs properly
that got us the win."
He is relishing his new role and West Ham's more expansive approach this
season. "I'm certainly enjoying it. The manager has given me more freedom to
play in the middle, so credit to him. I feel more involved in the game,
constantly on the ball. "The manager has bought well, brought in good
footballers who can handle the ball, which really helps. He's got some of us
in different roles, and we're playing well. Alex Song has been a good
signing and played really well today, and they have settled in quickly,
which is the biggest thing."
And so to the Suárez question. Like Tottenham Hotspur last summer, Liverpool
have tried to replace their top scorer and talisman with a raft of new
players, but Downing does not expect to see instant success at his former
club. "There is no hiding the fact that Luis and his 30 to 35 goals a season
is a massive thing for them to lose. At times he carried Liverpool, there's
no hiding from that. He got match-winning goals and he's a big loss.
Brendan's brought in a lot of people and it will take time for them to
settle. I am sure they will be all right. It is difficult to play in the
Champions League and then play again a few days later, but he has the squad
to mix it around so there should be no complaints. "A lot of those players
played on Tuesday and will be feeling the effects, so you have to take
advantage of that. We were fresher and that is why we pressed from the off.
It paid off because we got the early goals and it was uphill for them after
that."
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Joking Gold 'compliments' Reid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Joking David Gold has had a little fun at Winston Reid's expense. The
central defender set the Irons on their way with a close-in goal at Upton
Park against Liverpool. He finished off a fine free kick from Stewart
Downing and far post header into the area from James Tomkins. And Gold – in
a humorous aside – let his admiration show on Twitter after watching the
effort again. Gold had earlier tweeted that the display against Brendan
Rodgers' side was the best all round performance he had seen since himself
and David Sullivan had taken charge at the club. And he declared: "Just
watched the game again, Winston Read is absolutely deadly from 15 inches! Dg
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Hammers react to Defoe speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have this afternoon (Sun) revealed it's "highly unlikely" they will
move for Jermain Defoe in the January transfer window. His club Toronto FC
are aware that the former Hammers striker may have grown disillusioned to
life at the club following the sacking of Ryan Nelsen and will not stand in
his way.
And that has immediately started fresh speculation in the Sunday tabloids
that Sam Allardyce – a known admirer – is ready to move in. But a highly
placed source told ClaretandHugh within the last few minutes: "I'm not sure
how much more mileage they can squeeze out of this one. "We are more than
happy with what we have in Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate and
Andy Carroll. "We spent right up to our limits in the window and it's highly
unlikely we'll be looking in the direction of strikers."
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Kouyate facing scan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Cheikhou Kouyate will tomorrow have a scan on the injury that saw him play
out the Liverpool game in obvious pain. The brave midfielder refused to
depart the action and ensured that – despite being a 'passenger' – he
continued to cause nuisance value as the Hammers c0mpleted their fine win.
He pulled up – appearing to hold his groin in the 80th minute – and now
faces the scan which will reveal the extent of the problem. One source said:
"I think he may be facing an absence.I hope I'm wrong but we will know more
tomorrow. "It was a fantastic win but we picked up some injuries which is
why we can never get too carried away in this game."
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