Daily WHUFC News - 19th October 2014

Big Sam's perfect birthday present
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce celebrated his 60th birthday with three points at Burnley on Saturday
18.10.2014

Sam Allardyce hailed the quality of his triumvirate of frontmen, after West Ham United's striking trio each bagged a goal in Saturday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League win at Burnley on Saturday. With the game still goalless at the break, brilliant headers from summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia saw the Hammers two goals to the good within just ten second-half minutes. Though George Boyd's scrappy goal prompted a brief Burnley revival, substitute Carlton Cole joined the party too, nodding home a decisive third with 20 minutes still to play. Victory lifts Big Sam's men up to fourth and, on the eve of his 60th birthday, the West Ham boss had plenty to celebrate.
"What about those two headers! They were absolutely fantastic. These two lads, [Sakho and Valencia] have come in and hit ground the running and they're certainly making a name for themselves. "We then felt that with Enner, having been away to South America and having played twice, he's got a goal, brilliant. Let's bring Coley on and lo and behold for me today, the front three scored three goals today. In the end it looks like a comfortable win but it was never that comfortable. "This was a massive, massive win. These are the teams you've got to get your points against. We did it against QPR, we've done it against Burnley and that makes our life a lot easier to go and attack Manchester City next week."

While all's well that ends well, Big Sam admitted that he had plenty to change at the interval, after the hosts had launched an early onslaught on the West Ham goal. Though the Hammers were to survive, the West Ham manager still felt there was a great deal more to come from his side. "I was disappointed that, even though we didn't play that well in the first half, we hadn't converted any of the three or four chances that we had. Again, at the other end, we had a little bit of fortune when they hit the woodwork, so it went in swings and roundabouts."

"My reaction was that I had to change something at half-time," he confirmed. "Two things, to give the players a kick up the backside and secondly, change the shape of the team. It's all well and good saying it's all about keeping the ball, but it's what you do with that's the most important thing. And what we were doing in the first half was not sufficient to hurt Burnley. "I asked them to get in wide areas and to do it quicker. Then they come up with two unbelievable crosses, one from Aaron Cresswell, for a great Sakho header and then an unbelievable cross again from Carl Jenkinson and a brilliant header from Valencia."

With an assist apiece, Big Sam reserved special praise for his two full-backs, delighted to see them making their mark at both ends of the pitch. He continued: "They're young, they're enthusiastic and they've got lots of energy. They've got quality on the ball and not only do they get up there, they get back. That's the key element. You've got to have the capacity to get all the way back into your position as quickly as you can and both these lads can do that. Their outstanding quality has put us on the road to victory."

All things considered, Big Sam is understandably thrilled with how things are going at present and believes the Hammers have now laid the foundations for a positive campaign. I hope that we can continue the way we're going at the moment. That's our phase one finished and we've got 13 points. Last season we only got eight, the season before we got 14 and we know what happened that season, we ended up with a very good one. So we've given ourselves a platform to hopefully have a very good season. "The lads are making me feel good, they're making my job easy at the minute, so long may it continue."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nobes thrilled with landmark win
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was delighted to mark his 200th Barclays Premier League appearance with victory at Burnley
18.10.2014

Mark Noble marked his 200th Barclays Premier League appearance in the best possible manner at Burnley on Saturday - with three points.
Noble returned from a calf injury to captain the Londoners at Turf Moor, and he played the 90 minutes as West Ham earned a second straight victory. Goals from Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia in the first ten minutes of the second half put the Hammers in command, and although George Boyd's close range finish got Burnley back in the contest, Carlton Cole sealed the success and Noble felt his team were worthy winners. He said: "I didn't even know it was my 200th Premier League appearance to be honest! But it's nice to reach it - it's a good marker when they're 38-game seasons. "It's nice to get to 200 with a win too. It was important that we weathered their storm and stayed at 0-0 [at that stage], then come out for the second half and show our quality. "We did that and deservedly got the win."

All three West Ham goals came from headers and Noble said it was the inevitable result of two elements coming together in perfect harmony - the delivery and finish. He continued: "The pace on the balls was incredible. To get that much power with the accuracy was fantastic, and we didn't have those goals last season. We had it when Andy Carroll was fit and he's coming back, so with those boys up front and Andy coming back things are looking up. "I'm buzzing for Coley too. He's come on and scored, and had one cleared off the line as well. When you can bring someone like that on it means we're looking a good side at the minute"

The victory pushes the Hammers up into the top four - for 24 hours at least - and Noble says the future looks bright with West Ham in this kind of form. He added: "It sounds good, obviously but there are a lot of games to go! To have 13 points from eight games is good but we need to keep working hard. "We've got good players coming back into the squad too. We've got Manchester City next week and that's going to be a good test for us. "We're buzzing - we go into every game thinking we can score goals."

For Noble personally, he was pleased to be back on the pitch and he explained he will feel better for the run out. He said: "The first 20 minutes was a bit of a lung burner, but I edged my way into the game today and got stronger and stronger as the game went on. As you could probably tell I was really enjoying it at the end!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s lose unbeaten record
WHUFC.com
A missed penalty cost West Ham United U18s dear as they lost their unbeaten record at Fulham
18.10.2014

It was a tale of two penalties as West Ham United's unbeaten start to the Barclays U18 Premier League South Group season came to an end at Fulham. The Hammers missed a spot-kick before the Cottagers roared into a three-goal lead at Motspur Park, with a second penalty converted by Alex Pike (pictured) providing a late consoltation. Elijah Adebayo, Josh Walker and Stephen Humphrys got the goals for the hosts, who ended West Ham's eight-match unbeaten run to start the 2014/15 campaign. After a high tempo start , it was the visitors who were presented with a great chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty when Ryheem Sheckleford fouled Decarrey Sheriff. However, goalkeeper Magnus Norman kept out the subsequent 12-yard effort from Jerry Amoo. That miss proved costly as Fulham went up the other end to score moments later. Following a corner the ball fell to feet of Adebayo who lashed home. It could have been two going into the break after Luca De La Torre beat two men in the area before firing in a decent strike that goalkeeper Sam Howes did well to save at his near post. The end-to-end nature of the game continued after the restart and so the next goal was always going to prove crucial, and it was the Whites who got it as Walker showed great composure to cut past his marker and beat Howes. Walker then went from scorer to provider for Fulham's third as a twisting run culminated in him finding his strike partner Humphrys, who slotted home for 3-0. West Ham secured a consolation goal in the closing stages after another foul on Sheriff. This time Pike provided the finish from the spot.

The Hammers will hope to return to winning ways when they welcome Aston Villa to Little Heath on Saturday 25 October, with kick-off at 12noon.

U18s: Howes, Pike, Akinola, Onariase, Neufville, Carter, Sylvestre, Diangana, Amoo, Sheriff, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Bainey, Boness, Borg, Powell, Adebayo

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 19 October
WHUFC.com
Geoff Hurst scored a double hat-trick to sink the Mackems on this day in 1968
19.10.2014

Classic match
West Ham United 8-0 Sunderland
First Division
19 October 1968
Geoff Hurst ran riot against The Black Cats, netting an incredible double hat-trick as the Hammers recorded a huge win on this day 46 years ago. Hurst stole the show with six goals of his own but Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore also managed to get their names on the scoresheet. The 8-0 victory remains the Hammers' record league win, alongside another 8-0 triumph over Rotherham United ten years previously. The striker's haul helped to take him to an impressive 31 goals by the end of the season as he helped fire West Ham to an eighth place finish whilst Sunderland were well below them finishing 17th.

Complete record - 19 October
1929 Manchester City 4-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1935 Plymouth Argyle 4-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1946 West Ham United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Division Two)
1957 West Ham United 1-1 Doncaster Rovers (Division Two)
1963 West Ham United 4-2 Everton (Division One)
1968 West Ham United 8-0 Sunderland (Division One)
1974 West Ham United 1-0 Ipswich Town (Division One)
1985 West Ham United 4-1 Aston Villa (Division One)
1991 Oldham Athletic 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1996 West Ham United 1-0 Leicester City (Premier League)
2002 Sunderland 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2004 West Ham United 2-0 Stoke City (Championship)
2008 Hull City 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2013 West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City (Premier League)
Played 14, Won 7, Drawn 3, Lost 4, Scored 31, Conceded 20

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley 1 West Ham 3
18 October 2014
Last updated at 17:47
By Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport

Diafra Sakho scored his sixth goal in as many starts as West Ham secured a comfortable victory over winless Burnley at Turf Moor.Senegal forward Sakho, who joined the Hammers from Metz in August, opened the scoring with a header just after break. Enner Valencia, Sakho's strike partner, added a second soon after when he powerfully headed home. George Boyd pulled a goal back for Burnley but West Ham substitute Carlton Cole nodded in to seal the points. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce was urged by the club's hierarchy to play more attractive football this season. And Allardyce, who turns 60 on Sunday, has started to deliver on that directive, with his side brushing Burnley aside with a clinical second-half display. In Sakho and Ecuador striker Valencia, a £12m summer signing from Mexican club Pachuca, Allardyce has a forward line that can cause opposition teams problems. Burnley, meanwhile, have struggled to find the net this season, with just three goals from their opening seven league matches before this meeting. The Clarets were boosted by the return of striker Danny Ings, who played his first game since a goalless draw with Crystal Palace on 13 September. Ings, Burnley's top scorer last season with 21 goals as they clinched promotion to the top flight, showed his predatory instincts in the eighth minute. The England Under-21 international tapped home from close range after Adrian parried Lukas Jutkiewicz's shot, only for an assistant referee to flag for offside.

Match facts
Diafra Sakho is only the second West Ham player to score in five consecutive Premier League games after Carlton Cole.
Burnley are still looking for their first Premier League win since May 2010.
Mark Noble made his 200th Premier League appearance for West Ham at Turf Moor.
West Ham clinch consecutive league wins for the first time since March.

Moments earlier, Boyd had gone close when he showed great technique to flick the ball over Mark Noble, but his left-footed effort struck the crossbar. West Ham struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, though Stewart Downing - who Allardyce recently claimed was the Premier League's best midfielder on current form - shaved the outside of a post with a shot from a tight angle. Allardyce's side were much improved in the second period and exploited wide areas to seize the initiative with two goals in the space of five minutes. Sakho put the Hammers ahead in the 49th minute when he got on the end of Aaron Cresswell's cross from the left and directed a close-range header past Tom Heaton. And the visitors added a second when Carl Jenkinson's delivery from the right picked out Valencia, who powerfully headed home from just inside the area. Burnley pulled a goal back from a corner on the hour mark when Adrian spilt Michael Kightly's high delivery and Boyd reacted quickest to fire high into the net. But West Ham made the points safe when Downing's corner was headed back across goal by Sakho and substitute Cole nodded in from a yard out.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "We were dominant first half and created enough chances to go ahead. We went in at half-time feeling good. "We didn't get going in the second half and that feeling changes afterwards. Goals change games and we saw that. "The margins are tight and if keep working away and tidy a few things up around the edges we'll get that first win."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It's my birthday tomorrow and I asked the lads to get me a result because I am going out with my friends here in the north west this evening. "Our quality, especially with the first two goals, was the difference. They were two outstanding crosses, and two outstanding headers. "Diafra Sakho is a determined lad, and he has six in all games now. We look like we have goals in the team."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers rise in all-time league table
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have risen one place in the all-time league table as a result of today's 3-1 win at Burnley. Sam Allardyce's side went into today's game at Turf Moor having accrued a total of 2,478 points in the top flight of English football - that's the Premier League plus the old Division One - two points behind Wolves, who are currently playing in the Championship. However today's win at Turf Moor - which arrived courtesy of second half goals from Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole - lifts West Ham one point above Wolves into 16th place, just 29 points behind Derby County in 15th spot. Whilst that target should be easily attainable this season, you can discount the chances of West Ham rising any higher any time soon ... for above Derby are Sheffield Wednesday with a total of 2,781 points - exactly 300 points more than West Ham!

English Premier League : All Time Table (Top 20)

1. Liverpool Pld 3951 Pts 5325
2. Arsenal Pld 3952 Pts 5263
3. Everton Pld 4336 Pts 5144
4. Manchester United Pld 3595 Pts 5059
5. Aston Villa Pld 4002 Pts 4667
6. Chelsea Pld 3216 Pts 3958
7. Tottenham Hotspur Pld 3212 Pts 3921
8. Manchester City Pld 3438 Pts 3860
9. Newcastle United Pld 3320 Pts 3765
10. Sunderland Pld 3234 Pts 3412
11. West Bromwich Albion Pld 2963 Pts 2982
12. Blackburn Rovers Pld 2720 Pts 2947
13. Bolton Wanderers Pld 2802 Pts 2824
14. Sheffield Wednesday Pld 2582 Pts 2781
15. Derby County Pld 2468 Pts 2510
16. West Ham United Pld 2290 Pts 2481
17. Wolverhampton Wanderers Pld 2422Pts 2480
18. Leeds United Pld 2060 Pts 2455
19. Nottingham Forest Pld 2178 Pts 2404
20. Middlesbrough Pld 2400 Pts 2401

The current Premier League clubs outside of the all-time Top 20 are Stoke City (23rd, 2,125 points), Burnley (24th, 2,049 points), Leicester City (25th, 1,848 points), Southampton (26th, 1,746 points), Queens Park Rangers (35th, 1,035 points), Crystal Palace (42nd, 567 points), Swansea City (49th, 256 points) and Hull City (54th, 112 points).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid offered improved terms, says David Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Contract rebel Winston Reid has been offered improved terms on a new deal, according to co-chairman David Gold. Reid, who is out of contract next summer has thus far refused all previous offers by the club to extend his current arrangement. However Gold revealed this afternoon that the 26-year-old Kiwi has been offered new, improved terms. Speaking to a KUMB member after today's win at Burnley, Gold confirmed that: "We hope to keep him and have made him a very competitive offer." Fellow chairman David Sullivan also watched West Ham's 3-1 win over Burnley from the stands today. Reid moved to West Ham in a £4million switch from Danish club Midtjylland in 2010, following a successful World Cup campaign during which he scored for New Zealand. Having initially struggled to hold a first team place down, following the departure of Avram Grant he became a staple in Allardyce's defence and has gone on to make 111 appearances for West Ham.
In recent months he has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool - both of whom are currently below West Ham in the Premier League - and despite having been offered improved terms to extend his stay, has thus far refused to sign a new deal with West Ham. It is rumoured that Reid is seeking circa £80,000 per week; West Ham's latest offer is said to be worth around £60,000 per week.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley 1-3 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are fourth in the Premier League tonight after a second half blitz did for top flight newcomers Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon. Despite enjoying the best chances in the opening half it was a familiar story for Clarets fans come the final whistle, as they ended the game still searching for their first win in the Premier League since winning promotion from the Championship last May.As for West Ham, it was a case of deplete, punish and destroy as they soaked up Burnley's early pressure before dismantling the Clarets in the second half. However the Hammers were distinctly second best in the opening 45 minutes where Burnley's profligacy, as opposed to West Ham's technical prowess or efficiency was largely responsible for the home side failing to score in a half they largely controlled.
None went closer to opening the scoring than former Peterborough midfield George Boyd, who saw his 16-yard effort crash off the underside of the crossbar with just five minutes on the clock - an effort which set the standard for the rest of the half.

Lucas Jutkiewicz, who remains without a goal for his new club thought he'd broken his duck on eight minutes but saw his effort (correctly) ruled out for offside as he'd strayed marginally beyond his marker. The Southampton-born marksman should have done better with a free header on the quarter-hour mark but failed to find the target. Jutkiewicz also went close on the half hour mark when he failed to provide an adequate connection on a deep cross; Hammers fan Michael Kightly, closing in behind him, was perhaps better placed to score.

At the other end, chances were few and far between in the first half although Stewart Downing was centimetres away from grabbing the game's first goal when he cut inside - a la Crystal Palace - only to see his shot crash against the far post. Diafra Sakho should have increased his record of having scored in every game he's started for West Ham long before he eventually did but the former Metz striker failed to connect with superb crosses from Carl Jenkinson (5th minute) and Aaron Cresswell (44). However he did manage to get on the end of an Enner Valencia centre that he could only nod wide from no more than three yards out, whilst unopposed.

Fortunately for the Hammers they were able to produce a far more accomplished performance in the second half. Just three minutes after the restart, Diafra Sakho continued his prolific run of goalscoring form when converting an Aaron Cresswell cross from close range.
Still shellshocked from conceding that one, Burnley found themselves two behind just three minutes later when Enner Valencia, who has been in unstoppable form for Ecuador in recent weeks sent a bullet header past Tom Heaton. Carl Jenkinson, in for the injured Guy Demel earned the assist for a fabulous cross.

Having only returned from international duty on Wednesday, Valencia was removed at the hour mark to be replaced by Carlton Cole. Within seconds the popular forward forced a goal-line clearance by the home side - who reacted by grabbing a perhaps deserved goal.
It was one that Adrian - not for the first time - will feel at least partly culpable for; a deep corner hung momentarily in the wind which led to the Spanish 'keeper mistiming his jump and dropping the ball at the feet of George Boyd who turned it into an empty net.

However any concerns of a late come back by the Clarets was finally dispelled when Cole scored his first goal since August with a header from three yards that followed another pinpoint Stewart Downing corner.

West Ham almost added a fourth with ten minutes of play remaining when a wonderful passing move resulted in Heaton producing a point-blank save from Cresswell. Though had that gone in, it would perhaps have been harsh on the home side who whilst lacking in technical ability and pace, certainly matched West Ham for effort and endeavour.

In the end, the main difference between the two teams was the standard of finishing. Despite creating 17 efforts on goal, Burnley found the target with just three of them - whilst West Ham were rather more clinical with their six shots (of 22 overall) on target.

The three points - West Ham's fourth win in eight league games - lifts the Irons into fourth place in the Premier League - their highest position at this stage of the season for more than 15 years. It also ensures manager Sam Allardyce will enjoy a very happy 60th birthday tomorrow...


Burnley 1-3 West Ham Utd: Match Facts

West Ham Utd: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Downing, Sakho, Noble (c), Jenkinson, Collins, Amalfitano, Song, Valencia.

Subs: Jaaskelainen, Nolan, Jarvis, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Cole, Burke.

Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Mee, Kightly, Arfield, Jones, Boyd, Ings, Jutkiewicz

Subs: Gilks, Long, Ward, Barnes, Chalobah, Wallace, Sordell.

Referee: Kevin Friend.

Assistants: L Betts, M Wilkes.

Fourth Official: Lee Mason.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce pleased with West Ham's 3-1 win at Burnley
Last Updated: 18/10/14 6:59pm
SSN

Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia headed goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second half and, although George Boyd pulled one back, substitute Carlton Cole sealed a 3-1 victory for the Hammers. The win helped the Londoners temporarily climb into fourth spot in the Premier League table which put a spring in the step of Allardyce, who will be staying in the north west to mark the special occasion.
Allardyce said: "I said to the players before the game, 'Come on lads I need a result, because it is my birthday, and if I can't get a result it's not going to be very pleasing for me, no matter that I'm with my old mates'."I think a change of system was the key element for us winning the game, which then brought better outstanding quality from us in wide areas."If we get into December and we're still getting results and maintaining a top-half position, then we can start thinking about maybe maintaining that for the rest of the season."
Sam Allardyce "Our two centre-forwards that we bought paid massive dividends with the quality of the headers off brilliant crosses, and that really in the end put Burnley to bed after they had a very lively first half. "Then Carlton comes on and scores a third when we've gifted them a goal to get back into it, which just summed up our performance today. It's our first back-to-back victories and it's fantastic that we're now on 13 points.''

Valencia and Sakho were both summer signings, and the latter, who joined from French side Metz, has now scored in six successive games.
Allardyce said: "He is a bargain. This lad has been very exciting, and he's excited the rest of the players. "I think all our players that were here last season, having had some of the depressing times that they didn't expect, have all been lifted by the new players and their performances have increased as well as the news lads hitting the ground running. "We just hope it continues. It's too early to say what we're going to be or what we're going to do but things are looking very good. "If we get into December and we're still getting results and maintaining a top-half position, then we can start thinking about maybe maintaining that for the rest of the season.''

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham ease past Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor to climb into top four
Last Updated: 18/10/14 7:30pm
SSN

On the eve of his 60th birthday, West Ham handed Sam Allardyce the perfect present thanks to a 3-1 success at Burnley for their third win in four games. Two goals just after the break from their new look front two, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, were added to by substitute Carlton Cole - all with headers.

Best of the Match:

Man of the match: Stewart Downing - The winger is showing his best form for a long time and produced another superb performance at Turf Moor.
Goal of the match: Enner Valencia - Carl Jenkinson's beautiful cross was powerfully headed into the back of the net by Ecuador's World Cup star.
Moment of the match: Diafra Sakho became only the second West Ham player to score in five consecutive Premier League games, after Carlton Cole, with a fine header.
Effort of the match: George Boyd chested the ball down and arrowed his left-foot half-volley flush against the woodwork.
Sub of the match: Carlton Cole - Within minutes of coming on the striker headed in the Hammers third to hand them three points.
Stat of the match: West Ham are the first team to score three headed goals in a Premier League game since Norwich vs Newcastle in December 2011.

The hosts pulled a goal back through George Boyd with his first goal for the club to put the game back in the balance, but in the end the Hammers were good value for their win. Allardyce, once the manager of Burnley's bitter rivals Blackburn, is staying in the north-west to celebrate, and will do so in good spirits after the victory lifted them, at least temporarily, into the top four in the Premier League, while Sean Dyche's side are still searching for a first win back in the top flight.

Burnley came close in the fifth minute, Boyd controlling Kieran Trippier's deflected cross and firing a brilliant left-footed volley against the underside of the bar. Lukas Jutkiewicz did have the ball in the net three minutes later but the former Middlesbrough man was denied a first Burnley goal, correctly, by an offside flag. Danny Ings had created the opening with a jinking run into the box and shot that was fumbled by Adrian into Jutkiewicz's path. It was a frustrating 10 minutes for Jutkiewicz, who then headed Trippier's cross over the bar before being unable to capitalise after two West Ham defenders fell over in the area. The Hammers had not got going, and Allardyce was unimpressed with Sakho, who appeared more concerned by an impending challenge from Jason Shackell than Aaron's Cresswell's fine cross and headed well wide from close range. The classy presence of Boyd in midfield had caught the eye and more trickery from him on the half-hour mark created another opening for Burnley.

Michael Kightly looked poised for a free header from Boyd's cross at the far post but Jutkiewicz took the ball away from his team-mate, leaving Kightly with head in hands. There was a narrow escape for the hosts down the other end as Stewart Downing cut inside on the right of the area and curled a shot against the far post. Burnley manager Sean Dyche says his team created plenty of quality chances against West Ham but failed to convert them. Dyche would have been encouraged by his side's first-half display but frustrated they could not make the most of their superior chances. And they were made to pay four minutes into the second half when Cresswell curled over a superb cross and Sakho, this time with his eyes firmly on the target, headed in. Five minutes later it was 2-0, Carl Jenkinson the architect from the right this time and Valencia applying the finishing touch with a fine header from 10 yards. It was very nearly three as Cole - on for Valencia - got his head to a corner only to see it cleared off the line by Kightly, and from there Burnley went down the other end and pulled one back.

On the eve of his 60th birthday, West Ham handed Sam Allardyce the perfect present thanks to a 3-1 success at Burnley. Ings won a corner and then made a nuisance of himself as Adrian tried to collect the cross, allowing Boyd to slam the ball home. Adrian appealed for a free-kick but the blame appeared to lie squarely with him. It was the boost Burnley needed and they almost drew level immediately but Ings' header from Trippier's cross flew agonisingly wide of the far post.

However, West Ham did a good job of seizing back the momentum and quietening the crowd and, with 20 minutes to go, they restored their two-goal advantage. It was another cross that undid Burnley, Noble's corner picking out Sakho, who headed across the six-yard box for Cole to nod in. Downing almost added a fourth with a rasping shot that flew just wide, while Cresswell poked a shot straight at Heaton.
Burnley's afternoon was rather summed up three minutes from time when the excellent Trippier crossed for substitute Ashley Barnes to slam a shot against the bar.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley 1-3 West Ham: Diafra Sakho bags again as high-flying Hammers dream of Europe
Oct 18, 2014 21:42 By Derick Allsop
The Senegalese striker got his fifth in five games at Turf Moor to lift Sam Allardyce's men to fourth and hand the Hammers boss the perfect birthday present
The Mirror

Smooth claret is all well and good, but West Ham are now serving up stuff that packs an intoxicating punch. And that is just what manager Sam Allardyce ordered to ­celebrate his 60th birthday today. Two clubs who traditionally wear the claret and blue with style were eventually separated by the new-look power and purpose of Sam Allardyce's men. Much more of this, and the Hammers will be taking fine wine at Europe's top table. West Ham's strike duo Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia ­plundered the second-half goals that squashed Burnley's hopes of breaking their season's duck. Sakho, especially, tormented the Burnley defenders with his turn of pace and combative style. Six goals from six starts is a blistering opening to his West Ham career.

George Boyd gleaned a measure of personal reward for his display with a rare strike for Burnley, but substitute Carlton Cole completed their misery. Big Sam revealed: "I said to the players that I needed a result because it is my birthday. Our two centre-forwards we've bought scored excellent headers and Carlton's goal summed up our performance. They've got goals in them and all the players who were here last year have been lifted by the new players. We weren't good enough in the first half but we changed the system and that made the difference."We're only just starting the marathon, but if we're still there in December we'll maybe start thinking of staying there."

Burnley manager Sean Dyche watched his team squander early chances and admits they must stop the rot."We have to find a way of winning," he said. "We're learning the hard way that you have to take your chances. You can't afford to have a soft 15 minutes in the Premier League."We've got to believe in what we are doing and I do."

Burnley started well as Boyd controlled smartly and struck sweetly from the edge of the area only to see the ball come back off the bar.
Then Lukas Jutkiewicz headed over from Kieran Trippier's cross and keeper Adrian rushed out to deny Danny Ings as Dyche's side kept up the assault. And yet they were almost undone by West Ham's swift counter, Sakho heading wide from Aaron Cresswell's cross. Burnley were relieved again when Stewart Downing predictably cut in on his left foot and smacked the far post. The shift in the balance of the match was confirmed early in the second half. Another fine delivery from ­Cresswell found Sakho, and this time the Senegal star headed in.

Before Burnley could clear their heads, West Ham repeated the dose from the right flank. Carl Jenkinson crossed and Valencia converted with a ­stunning header. The home side battled on and were rewarded when Boyd pulled a goal back after Adrian made a hash of gathering a corner from Michael Kightly. But West Ham restored their two-goal advantage as Sakho turned provider for Cole to score with a lunging header. Ashley Barnes hit the West Ham bar late on but Burnley knew the game was up.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold, Adrian & Cresswell react on Twitter to West Ham's win over Burnley
HITC.com

West Ham co-owner David Gold was joined by goalkeeper Adrian and defender Aaron Cresswell in praising his side after their 3-1 win at Burnley on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole sealed the three points for Sam Allardyce's side - three points that took them to fourth in the Premier League table. And Gold was keen to single out West Ham United stalwart Mark Noble after the victory, praising his 'passion' and 'determination.'

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Mark Noble. West Ham through and through. Passion,determination and inspirational and it shows. dg pic.twitter.com/4t9CB5GjEz

Meanwhile, defender Aaron Cresswell praised the Hammers' travelling support, who certainly made themselves heard at Turf Moor.

Aaron cresswell ✔ @Aaron_Cresswell
Great 3 points today.. Fans were class 👏 another big game next week.. #COYI

And shot stopper Adrian joined Cresswell in crediting the 3,000 West Ham fans that traveled north.

Adrián San Miguel ✔ @AdriSanMiguel
Well done boys👏Excellent 3 points away!Amazing support of 3.000 great West Ham fans!See you saturday in Upton Park💪

Things get harder for Allardyce's men, however, as defending champions Manchester City visit Upton Park next weekend. Hammers fans will hope their home support can get their side over the line, though, and their current form certainly puts them in with a chance against Manuel Pellegrini's outfit.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: It's great to win the West Ham Way
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham's fabulous second half performance against Burnley this afternoon is tonight being celebrated by David Sullivan as a victory for the "West Ham Way." The Irons looked a class apart again as they turned on the style against the newly promoted outfit who more than bossed the first half but Sullivan was thriulled with the way the Irons responded. In his only comment on the match he told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It really is great to see us playing the West Ham Way."And he added: "We passed the ball, attacked and scored goals. It really was a very pleasing performance after the first 30 minutes." With both Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho scoring and warhorse Carlton Cole grabbing the third and having another cleared off the line, the Hammers are now a serious force with Manchester City the visitors next weekend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shadow over Adrian
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

There's just one small shadow over the Hammers at the moment – Adrian! With everything going brilliantly this afternoon the lad allowed Burnley back into the game on the hour after we had taken a two goal lead. Despite appealing for a free kick he was clearly responsible for failing to collect a routine cross and allowed George Boyd to give his team some hope. We all love the stopper.He has a brilliant rapport with the fans but he hasn't been covering himself in glory this season with the Mario Balotelli 'ruck' and high leg which could have seen him get a second yellow. Phil Parkes told us in a recent interview that it would be wrong to drop him and that he really had to learn from his mistakes as he is a late starter in first team terms given his long wait for the job at Real Betis before then being plunged into the Premiership. Jussi Jaakalainen maybe watching and wondering at the moment! This isn't a crisis because the rest of the team are playing so well but it's a situation that we are sure the manager is keeping a very keen eye on.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: "Watch out City we're better than Spurs "
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

I watched the Irons/Burnley game from the Premier League studios this afternoon along with the Manchester City v Spurs game and I'll tell you this: The Irons are gonna give Manchester City a much better game next weekend than the north Londoners did today. We have more pace, movement and ability in our team than Spurs and can cause City some real problems. To be honest I didn't think they looked great despite the scoreline which could honestly have been 8-5. They are uncertain at the back if you get after them as I'm sure we will and in our current form a win is on at the Boleyn.

We were excellent at Burnley today and Enner Valencia's header was superb. That man Sakho just goes on and on and is an out and out goalscorer. I love him to bits. You will have read enough by now to know the first half was poor by our standards but in the second we were excellent and even when we let them back in with a poor goal – Adrian really should have done better than that – we went again and put it to bed. That really bodes well for the future. This is a young exciting squad and a joy to watch. Yes it's great to be entertained but the real sensation is of a deep warm winning in the West Ham Way that's so pleasing. We look a great team and have come a very long way. Watch out City we are coming to get yer!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com