Daily WHUFC News - 26th October 2014

Hammers topple champions City
WHUFC.com
Morgan Amalfitano and the irrepressible Diafra Sakho fire the Hammers to
victory over champions Man City
25.10.2014

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-1 Manchester City

West Ham United's stunning start to the Barclays Premier League season
continued as they toppled reigning champions Manchester City in a pulsating
encounter at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Morgan Amalfitano set the
Hammers on their way with the simplest of finishes after 21 minutes, before
Diafra Sakho made it an astonishing six league goals in as many starts with
another supreme header. David Silva's exquisite individual effort made for a
grandstand finish, but the Hammers were to hold on to record a third
successive win and move within a point of second-placed City. Sam Allardyce
stayed loyal to the XI that produced three goals and points at Turf Moor
last weekend, though there was a place for the fit-again Cheikho Kouyate on
the bench. Manchester City, meanwhile, made two changes to the side held by
CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, with Aleksandar Kolarov making way for Gael Clichy
and Jesus Navas in for James Milner.

And it was the visitors who had the first real sight of goal, as David
Silva's sixth-minute free-kick just brushed the top of the Adrian's net. At
the other end, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were at their high-energy
best, when the former chased a lost cause down the left and promptly backed
Vincent Kompany into a corner. As the ball looped up, Sakho and Elaquim
Mangala went head to head, with Joe Hart then having to be on his toes to
tip it over the bar. West Ham's new strike duo combined again in the 19th
minute, this time courtesy of a well-flighted James Collins free-kick. Sakho
flicked it on and Valencia darted around the back, only for Hart to come out
bravely to block and get a hefty blow for his troubles.

And so to the goal, brilliant in its design and simple in its execution.
Alex Song's clever ball bypassed the full-back and gave Valencia the time
and space to run at Mangala. The Ecuadorian skipped past the centre-half and
though his cut back was miss hit, it wrong footed Kompany, before Pablo
Zabaleta collided with Hart and gifted Amalfitano the freedom of the
six-yard box to tap into an almost empty net.
But City were still posing questions of their own and Navas' near-post
corner was matched by the run of Edin Dzeko, whose effort flew just over the
top.

Big Sam's side, for their part, twice threatened to double the lead. Sakho's
cross was only headed up in the air and Stewart Downing nodded over the top
from eight yards, before Valencia's cute free-kick played in goalscorer
Amalfitano, whose ball across the face just flashed beyond a sliding Sakho.
But West Ham still had Adrian to thank for preserving the Hammers' lead at
the break, as Sergio Aguero diverted Navas' centre goalward in first-half
stoppage time, only for the Spanish stopper to somehow keep it out.

Into the second half and Downing again went close. Valencia's free-kick
ricocheted in the path of Song, whose rabona was chested, by Aaron
Cresswell, into Downing's path and he duly blasted it just wide of the far
post. Moments later, Noble picked out Sakho's run with a fine crossfield
ball and the No15's angled volley might have been aimed at Valencia, or
equally at the far corner. It missed both. Aguero then came to the fore,
with two gilt-edged chances in a matter of minutes. First-up, Silva's ball
set him away, forcing Adrian to save with his feet and then Collins to dive
in to smother the rebound. Then, Aguero saw his close-range effort cannon
back off the underside of the crossbar and Yaya Toure, on the follow up, was
foiled by Adrian once more. But one-way traffic it was not. Valencia robbed
Zabaleta and but for Mangala's last-ditch interception, Sakho would surely
have been celebrating again. He very nearly was, collecting from second-half
substitute Kouyate and fizzing a curler inches over the top from the edge of
the box.

City were then denied by the woodwork once more, as Toure's 18-yard drive
clattered into the angle of post and bar. It looked to be a pivotal moment,
as West Ham were soon two goals to the good. Just as he did last weekend,
Cresswell provided the ammunition for Sakho, whose header just snuck beyond
the goalline, despite Hart's despairing efforts. Breathing space? Not a bit
of it, Silva made sure of that. Cutting in off the right flank and jinking
his way past Claret and Blue shirts, the silky Spaniard buried a low strike
into the far corner to halve the City deficit. Stevan Jovetic turned smartly
on the box and saw his piledriver palmed aside, before Kolarov smashed one
into side netting from miles out. But there would be no late drama as West
Ham held firm to record a fourth win in five.

West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Collins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Song, Amalfitano (Kouyate 66), Downing, Valencia (Cole 76), Sakho (Nolan 89)

Subs: Jaaskelainen, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Poyet

Goals: Amalfitano 21, Sakho 75
Booked: Amalfitano, Song

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany (c), Mangala, Clichy (Kolarov 78),
Fernando (Milner 78) , Toure, Navas, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko (Jovetic 59)
Subs: Caballero, Demichelis, Sagna, Kolarov, Milner, Fernandinho

Goals: Silva 77
Booked: Kompany

Referee: Martin Atkinson

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'We terrorised their defence'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United following their 2-1 win over champions
Manchester City
25.10.2014

Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United's best performance of the season so far
- a 2-1 home win over Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City. The
Hammers were full-value for their win, scoring through Morgan Amalfitano's
first-half finish and Diafra Sakho's second-half header - his seventh goal
in seven starts for the Club - before holding out before and after David
Silva's consolation strike.
The manager, whose team stay fourth after a fifth win in nine league games,
praised his players for their performances all over the pitch.
"There was not doubt that was the best of our three home wins," said Big
Sam. "The performance was the best of the lot as well, because the quality
of the opposition we played makes it the best performance we did this
season. "I think the difficulties we had to cope with in the closing stages
meant this was a magnificent effort by the players. Watching the TV before
the game, they put up the top scorers in Europe and Aguero and Dzeko were
both up there, and neither of those two have scored. That's the big
contribution from a defensive point of view. "Attacking-wise, it was about
maximising our chances and we certainly maximised our possession for the
amount of chances we created against a Manchester City side who are the
current champions. If you look at the possession stats and can't believe
that Man City lost, if you look at the chances we created against the
chances City did you can see why we caused them lots of problems and ended
up winning the game. "We terrorised their defence whenever we got the
chance."

West Ham's goals both came from crosses, albeit different types. The first,
on 21 minutes, saw Alex Song and Enner Valencia combine at lightning speed
before the Ecuadorian crossed low for Amalfitano to convert. A breathless
game appeared to be settled when Aaron Cresswell sent over yet another
inch-perfect cross for Sakho to nod powerfully past Joe Hart with 15 minutes
to go. However, Silva set up a grandstand finish by curling high into the
net seconds later. Either side of the Spaniard's goal, City also hit the
woodwork through Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, while Adrian produced a host
of important saves. "People are calling it old-fashioned for some reason,
but crossing the ball and heading it in the net is never going to be
old-fashioned. If you play to your strengths, and these lads are showing
that is one of their strengths, then you will score goals. "These lads are
not as big as Andy Carroll but they're as good in the air as Andy in the
box, so if the quality of the ball continues to be there, they are going to
get more and more chances and more and more goals.
"Two crosses created two goals. Morgan was brilliant coming in off his line
inside the far post. We didn't play with two strikers because I thought that
was too risky against their quality, so we played with a 4-2-3-1 and for me
it was the right decision because we got the right result - and one not many
people expected."

At the back, Adrian and his defenders ran themselves into the ground to
prevent City from stealing a point late on. While West Ham rode their luck,
Big Sam said they deserved their success. "They were there when they were
needed and made a big contribution to us winning. We wanted a clean sheet
but I can't complain about what Silva did, because I said to the players
that if we lose a goal, let it be a brilliant one. That little man pulled
out a bit of genius there, so we have to accept that quality. "That genius
hasn't hurt us, though, and we have got the three points."

So, with 16 points from nine games, what is the challenge now for Big Sam?
"The hard thing is sustaining it. You have spells as a team and those that
are the best are usually the ones who can sustain it the best and stand the
pressures it brings. We are going to find out if we can do that now, because
we have certainly made an impact. "The lads are going to have to cope with
more scrutiny from the opposition in terms of stopping the effect of our
front two, in particular. They will try to protect themselves better against
the problems I don't think anybody expected us to cause. "We have to keep
our feet on the ground and ask ourselves 'Can we get better than we already
are?' - that's our ultimate challenge. For me, the ultimate challenge is not
to see any complacency slip in and them thinking 'We've done it all'.
"We will not do anything unless we continue to work as hard as we've done
for the whole of this season."

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Morgan hails united front
WHUFc.com
Morgan Amalfitano paid tribute to the Hammers' togetherness following
victory against Manchester City
25.10.2014

Goalscorer Morgan Amalfitano believes West Ham United's exceptional run of
form owes much to the players' willingness to work for one another, after
the Hammers downed champions Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground.
Amalfitano got the ball rolling with a 21st-minute opener, his second at the
Boleyn Ground, but was merely grateful that it paved the way for another
fine Barclays Premier League win.
Though the visitors came on strong in the final throes of the contest, the
Frenchman felt his side were good value for the victory, with the Hammers'
united front at the heart of their success. He told West Ham TV: "It's a
great win, against a massive team, but with all the respect that we had for
them, we've produced a big performance."It was difficult right up until the
end, but we're united as a team and so when it's like that, when you defend
as a unit, you can attack better too. That's what made the difference. "With
five added minutes, we knew that it was going to be very tough. We gave
nothing away, so we bring back the important victory that we now have."

As for his goal, Amalfitano was the beneficiary of Enner Valencia's industry
down the right and though ultimately it was a tap in, he will very happily
take it. He continued: "It led to three points for the team, that's the
satisfaction that it brings. "It was very important, a goal's a goal,
whether it's beautiful, simple or difficult, it's the points that count at
the end. So if it brings a win all the better and this afternoon it's a win
for the team! "It's good for the confidence as well. We all try to work for
the team and a little bit extra like that's all good."

Victory on Saturday makes it four wins in five for the Hammers, but
Amalfitano has no plans to rest on his laurels, adamant that his teammates
must always demand more of one another, not least for the fans. "We try to
bring a lot of joy to our fans, that's very important for the team as well
and we're really pleased for them. "We've got to continue to work like that
and we've always got to aim for more. Now, another tough game coming up and
it's up to us to stay together just as we were on Saturday."

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Song - 'The key is team spirit'
WHUFC.com
Alex Song says West Ham United's togetherness is pushing them upwards
25.10.2014

Alex Song produced a Man of the Match display to help West Ham United claim
the scalp of Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The on-loan Barcelona man made eleven ball recoveries, alongside three
tackles and an interception to push the Hammers to their second home victory
over UEFA Champions League opposition this season. Morgan Amalfitano's 21st
minute opener was added to by Diafra Sakho 15 minutes from time, and
although David Silva pulled one back, West Ham held on for a memorable
victory. Song was thrilled with the performance and result, but says there
is yet more to come from this team. "Everyone is happy because it was a
great game to play in," he said. "We have to enjoy moments like this - all
the boys gave everything and it's a fantastic result for us. "We have to
continue to improve game-by-game. All the boys together are happy, we enjoy
training together and that's why it's easier to play when you come to the
pitch. "I think the key to the win on Saturday was team spirit. We attack
together and we defend together and at the moment we're playing great
football. "We're taking the opportunities when they come along. It is a
great win for us and now it's important to look forward, rest and go to the
next game. "City is a great team, but we got the three points and everyone
here is happy!"

Song was heavily involved in the opening goal, threading a ball through for
Enner Valencia to cross to Amalfitano. It was a move of the highest quality
and Song says it is a pleasure to play as part of this team. "We enjoy
training together and playing together, and when we have the ball we're
looking for the solution to see the partnerships," he explained. "It was
great movement from Valencia before I played the ball, and that's the
football I love to play. When you have the ball, to play and give the ball
forward. "We had opportunities to score goals and we were also compact when
we had to be."

Sakho's header was his seventh West Ham goal in as many starts and Song has
been thoroughly impressed with his start to life in England.
He added: "Diafra has made an unbelievable start and I think there is even
more to come from this guy because he's hungry. "I'm very happy for him,
it's not easy to come to England from the French league but he has done very
well."

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West Ham 2 Man City 1
25 October 2014
Last updated at 15:25
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport

Manchester City's title ambitions suffered a setback as Diafra Sakho scored
for the sixth straight league game to help earn West Ham victory. City, five
points behind leaders Chelsea, fell behind when Morgan Amalfitano stabbed
home Enner Valencia's cut-back from three yards. Sergio Aguero and Yaya
Toure hit the bar for the visitors before Sakho headed in Aaron Cresswell's
cross. David Silva pulled one back with a curled shot into the far corner.
City poured forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, Stevan
Jovetic denied by a fine Adriano save. But Manuel Pellegrini's men were poor
overall, and West Ham full value for a third straight win that lifts them
one point behind last season's champions. For long periods, City played like
a side jaded after their long midweek Champions League trip to Russia, where
they were held to a draw by CSKA Moscow after blowing a 2-0 lead. They
lacked cutting edge in attack and organisation at the back as Enner Valencia
and Sakho used their pace to torment a defence that has kept just three
clean sheets in 13 league and cup games.
Keeper Joe Hart needed treatment after he was hurt in denying Valencia and
it was the Ecuador forward's ball that led to the opening goal moments
later.

City's England international keeper was left badly exposed as Amalfitano
side-footed home in the 21st minute after Eliaquim Mangala had been outpaced
by Valencia following Song's defence-splitting pass. West Ham have won five
of their opening nine games in a Premier League season for the first time
since 1999-2000. With the visitors looking a shadow of the side that had
destroyed Tottenham a week earlier, Stewart Downing twice went close,
Valencia screwed a chance wide and James Collins narrowly failed to connect
with Amalfitano's ball across the six-yard area. In contrast, Aguero only
looked like adding to his nine Premier League goals once the match entered
its frantic closing stages. The Argentine was denied when Adrian
finger-tipped his 65th-minute effort on to the bar following Toure's surge.

It was then Toure's turn to hit the woodwork with a thunderous effort -
before Sakho doubled the hosts' lead. When the 24-year-old Senegalese
climbed to meet Cresswell's 75th-minute cross, Hart dropped to his left to
get a hand to the ball and turn it away from goal.
But the assistant referee correctly ruled the ball had crossed the line,
leaving the £3.5m summer signing from Boulogne to celebrate becoming the
first Hammers player to score in six straight Premier League games. City
pulled a goal back two minutes later when Silva weaved through the West Ham
defence before launching a shot into the far corner. Adrian denied Jovetic
in the dying moments but Sam Allardyce's men hung on for a deserved win.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce:
"We put Manchester City's back four to task and, in my opinion, they didn't
hold up. "The quality of our play in the final third is why we have won the
game. "When you have got quality players, quality players look forward to
the big games. "Alex Song led us as a team and the rest of the lads
responded."

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Sam sweating on Sakho injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce admits that leading goalscorer Diafra Sakho is an injury
concern ahead of next weekend's trip to Stoke City. The 24-year-old striker,
who prior to this season had never played top flight football scored his
seventh goal in as many starts today when he grabbed the second in West
Ham's 2-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City at the Boleyn. However
Allardyce admitted after the game that Sakho is a major worry ahead of next
week's trip to the Potteries after damaging a shoulder in the second half
today. "My big worry is that my leading goalscorer today came off with a
shoulder problem at the end," he said. "I sincerely hope that damage is not
severe and he can recover very quickly. "When you've got someone who scores
six in six you can ill-afford to lose them at any stage and if we're going
to lose him, that'll be a big blow. "Saying that, everybody who stepped up
to the plate today, with the injuries that we have, has gone out and got a
result, gone out and given a great performance so we're in a very good frame
of mind and we're in a good mood."

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Allardyce on... Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Big Sam was in top form tonight as he reflected on the performance of the
season so far following his side's defeat of the reigning league champions.
His full post match, press conference exclusively in full here...

Sam: You've beaten two of the clubs who finished in the top four last
season. Was this more satisfying than the Liverpool victory?

The Liverpool victory was fantastic from the point of view that I don't
think anybody expected Liverpool to be quite as ineffective as they've been
this season. They've not hit the heights they did last season so perhaps
this victory's a little better than that.

They've got two of the most dangerous goalscorers in Europe with Dzeko and
Aguero. Dzeko goes quietly about his job and has scored 45 goals in his time
at Manchester City whilst Aguero's scored 61. They're in the top ten in
Europe for scoring goals per minute, I just saw that on the telly before we
started.

That can bring some fears before the game but our defensive lads today
marshalled that [threat] particularly well and that gave us a base to go on
and get the victory.

We have goalscorers, we have players who believe they're going to score -
none more so that Sakho, who scored again. We had a terrific performance
today, that was the big thing for me. It wasn't a lucky victory, it was a
well-deserved victory.

We made some outstanding chances and we took Man City's back four to task
and, in my opinion, it didn't hold up. It didn't hold up because of the
quality of our play in their final third is why we won the game today.

It had everything that performance, didn't it?

Yes, it had great determination, quality, desire, everything you want in
amounts. One or two moments where the game is on the edge but the Premier
League is so exciting because of the amount of activity in both penalty
areas today. It went from end to end and that's why I think it's such a
great product and such a great brand, this league. Gladly, we've come out on
top today and it's a massive victory and a massive statement from us as a
team and a football club. We should all be very proud of ourselves this
weekend.

A word about Alex Song, he was outstanding today?

He's been in the shadows a little bit because of Valencia and Sakho but this
lad has outstanding quality. He goes alongside Fernando Hierro and Jay Jay
Okocha in my teams before. He's prompt with his passing and his protection
to the back players is excellent.

Every man played his best today, that's the beauty. Every man went out their
and gave their all, played their very best and got the victory that I don't
think too many people were expecting today. So well done them, a fantastic
result and a fantastic run we're on at the minute. We'll all meet up again
next week and get started for Stoke away.

Were there any complaints about the challenge in the first half? Mark Noble
seemed to be on the edge of a two-footed one.

Yes, he was complaining bitterly about it. We all had a look at it, you can
make your own mind up. For me it's a very dangerous tackle and Martin
[Atkinson] was right in front of it but I'm not going to talk about
referee's decisions when we've played so well and won the game. None of his
decisions affected the result today which is very important. That can easily
be done.

It was a pretty difficult game to manage because of the commitment of both
sets of players but obviously at the end of it we've managed to come out on
top. Even when they produced the outstanding quality they've got with
[David] Silva we still won the game and that was the beauty of getting the
second goal when we did.

Going back to Song, is it days like this in such a high-profile,
high-intensity game that you get to see the best of him?

Absolutely. Quality players look forward to the big games whereas sometime
the less qualified players can get a little anxious and think oh, look who
I'm playing against today. But Songy led us as a team today and the rest of
the lads responded to that.

As for Valencia and Sakho, I don't think they really know what they've done
yet. I don't really think they know how good they've been. They've just come
here and want to play football, and I don't think they realise how big an
impact they've made. The rest of the team has been lifted by those two, but
also the players who have stayed with me for the last two or three years are
playing much better as well.

There were out there today who were new and did excellent jobs today and the
sixth was [Chiekhou] Kouyate who came on as a sub and who we're really
pleased to have back. The rest of the players who've been with us for a
while are playing their best football as well.

A few weeks ago you were very unhappy with a 2-1 scoreline against another
Manchester club. I imagine you'll be in a more celebratory mood tonight?

Yes, I am. I'm really delighted that it hasn't knocked us back in terms of
confidence that we may have lost by having that goal [at Old Trafford]
disallowed. We're not four wins our of five and three on the trot so our
response has been brilliant. For me, my big worry is that my leading
goalscorer today came off with a shoulder problem at the end so I sincerely
hope that damage is not sever and he can recover very quickly. When you've
got someone who scores six in six you can ill-afford to lose them at any
stage and if we're going to lose him that'll be a big blow.

Saying that, everybody who steps up to the plate today with the injuries
that we have has gone out and got a result and gone out and given a great
performance so we're in a very good frame of mind and we're in a good mood.
It's nice to be able to come in the training ground with everybody smiling
and looking forward to training. It's about grasping those moments and
making sure we make them last as long as we can.

Do you feel a certain amount of vindication? Because in the dark days you
said that when you new signings gel and acclimatise and when people came
back from injury that we'd see a different West Ham to what we saw last
season.

I don't dwell too much on the past to be honest with you. I think too many
people have been talking about the past, even on VT today they asked about
last season. It's well documented but I'm still here! I'm doing my job as
best I can like I've always done. I've done it for 20 years, 13 in the
Premier League.

Gary Neville did us a favour last week with the stats he put up as I didn't
realise they were as good as they were so I'm doing ok, you know! There were
some dark moments but you've got to get through it.

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West Ham Utd 2-1 Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham proved that their decent start to the 2014/15 campaign was no fluke
when they saw off reigning league champions Manchester City at the Boleyn
Ground this lunchtime.

Morgan Amalfitano's first half effort, combined with the red-hot Diafra
Sakho's seventh goal in as many starts since moving to England were enough
to cement fourth place in the Premier League for Sam Allardyce's in-form
side.

And whilst they certainly rode their luck at times, only the meanest
observers would deny West Ham - winning their third successive Premier
League game - deserved a fifth win of the season and one which takes them to
16 points.

The last time West Ham scored in eight successive top-flight fixtures was
back in December 2009 under Gianfranco Zola's stewardship (a sequence that
extended to ten games). However unlike then, this current West Ham side
always looks to have goals in it - regardless of the opposition.

The pace and determination of Sakho and strike partner Enner Valencia has
tormented a string of defences already this season and today was no
different. Supported by the outrageously brilliant Alex Song, whose
individual performance today was as good as any witnessed at the BG in
recent seasons, they were a constant threat.

Although Adrian was called into action as early as the first minute when he
was forced to deny Sergio Aguero, West Ham - combining an attacking 442
diamond with a defensive 451 formation - were the better side in a busy
opening half.

A mis-kicked clearance on 13 minutes by Eliaquim Mangala saw Joe Hart
reaching to tip the ball over the bar, before the England 'keeper came off
worse in a 50/50 challenge with Enner Valencia six minutes later.

Having received lengthy treatment - yet little sympathy from the West Ham
fans he'd made an obscene gesture towards moments before - Hart may well
have been slightly groggy when West Ham opened the scoring two minutes after
play resumed.

Alex Song, resplendent in half mast shorts and black gloves slipped a
delicious through ball into the path of Valencia, whose centre evaded two
City defenders before finding an unmarked Amalfitano at the back post. The
French winger will probably never score an easier goal, yet few of such
importance.

The rejuvenated Stewart Downing should have doubled West Ham's lead just
ahead of the half-hour mark when he had the entire goal to aim after the
ball broke loose in the box, but could only send his header over the bar.

Then, in the final minute of the half, a clever free kick was turned across
goal by Amalfitano - but just out of the reach of Diafra Sakho and James
Collins, whose desperate attempts to make contact proved in vain.

Bar Aguero's first minute effort, City - who could have gone seven points
clear of West Ham had they won today - also created decent openings from the
likes of David Silva and Edin Dzeko but failed to breach a resolute Hammers
defence.

The second half initially followed a similar pattern, with Downing and Sakho
both going close ahead of the hour mark before Manuel Pellegrini decided to
ring the changes by introducing Stevan Jovetic.

The introduction of the Montenegro international had an instant effect and
within seconds, Aguero somehow managed to hit the bar when it was easier to
miss - before Adrian was forced into a fantastic point blank save from the
same player.

In order to quell the onslaught, Allardyce introduced Cheik Kouyate for a
tiring Amalfitano and this too proved beneficial. After Vicent Kompany has
escaped a second yellow card for one of several late challenges West Ham
produced their best move of the match which ended with Sakho firing narrowly
wide.

That oft-used term 'fine margins' certainly applied between the 74th and
76th minutes when City hit the woodwork for a second time as Yaya Toure's
speculative effort crashed off the woodwork.

90 seconds later, West Ham were two ahead and on the way to all three points
when that man Sakho was on target to convert Aaron Cresswell's cross,
despite Hart's best efforts to try and claw the ball back before it crossed
the line. West Ham wheeled away to celebrate and the goal verdict was
delivered seconds later courtesy of the new goal-line technology system now
in place.

City, who just nine months ago beat West Ham 9-0 over two legs in the
Capital One Cup semi final managed to grab a consolation goal through David
Silva just two minutes after Sakho had doubled United's advantage. The
Spanish international cut inside from the right, skipping over a couple of
half-hearted challenges before curling a well-placed shot into the far
corner.

That left the Irons with some 15 minutes to stave off wave after wave of
City attacks that crashed down on the good ship West Ham with alarming
regularity as the minutes ebbed away. James Collins was imperious in
thwarting the City Armada, throwing himself into last-ditch challenges with
reckless abandon.

Milner and Toure found themselves in good positions but could only find the
side netting, but Adrian - who answered his critics in the best possible way
with a superb performance - single-handedly saved two points for the Hammers
when he dived full length to divert a dipping Jovetic volley that was
heading for the top corner deep into injury time.

That was the end of the road for City and a delirious Boleyn crowd gave West
Ham the reception they fully deserved with a standing ovation at the final
whistle. Sam Allardyce joined in the revelry by taking a bow, which perhaps
represented redemption for the man who only seven months earlier had been
heavily criticised for cupping a hand to an ear when he was booed following
a 2-1 win against Hull.

What is undoubtable is that few now appear to maintain support for the
once-deafening (and vicious) 'Allardyce Out' campaign that blighted the
summer months. Which can only be a good thing, as - to coin a phrase - we
are better together. Also, if any proof that pre-season results mean nothing
in terms of competitive matches, this year surely does just that!

After all who, when waking up to news that West Ham had lost successive
games against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney back in July would have gambled
on the Hammers beating last season's Premier League runners-up and champions
within the opening nine games of the season?

West Ham Utd 2-1 Manchester City: Match Facts

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

Subs: Jaaskelainen, Nolan, Kouyate, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Poyet, Cole.

Manchester City: Hart, Kompany (c), Zabaleta, Mangala, Clichy, Fernando,
Navas, Youre, Silva, Dzeko, Aguero.

Subs: Caballero, Demichelis, Sagna, Kolarov, Milner, Fernandinho, Jovetic.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hails Manchester City win
Last Updated: 25/10/14 5:47pm
SSN

The Irons, who had climbed into the top four, took a deserved lead through
Morgan Amalfitano before Diafra Sakho's sixth goal in as many league starts
made it 2-0. David Silva hit back immediately to set up a grandstand finale,
but the home side held on to the delight of the East End natives. They have
now beaten Liverpool, QPR and City in their last three home games which
pleased Allardyce. "There was no doubt that was the best of our three home
wins," Allardyce told the official West Ham website. "The performance was
the best of the lot as well, because the quality of the opposition we played
makes it the best performance we did this season." I think the difficulties
we had to cope with in the closing stages meant this was a magnificent
effort by the players. Watching the TV before the game, they put up the top
scorers in Europe and (Sergio) Aguero and (Edin) Dzeko were both up there,
and neither of those two have scored. That's the big contribution from a
defensive point of view. "Attacking-wise, it was about maximising our
chances and we certainly maximised our possession for the amount of chances
we created against a Manchester City side who are the current champions. "If
you look at the possession stats and can't believe that Man City lost, if
you look at the chances we created against the chances City did you can see
why we caused them lots of problems and ended up winning the game. "We
terrorised their defence whenever we got the chance. "We have to keep our
feet on the ground and ask ourselves 'Can we get better than we already
are?' - that's our ultimate challenge. For me, the ultimate challenge is not
to see any complacency slip in and them thinking 'We've done it all'. "We
will not do anything unless we continue to work as hard as we've done for
the whole of this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham earn battling 2-1 win over Manchester City at Upton Park
By Pete Hall - @PeteHall86. Last Updated: 25/10/14 6:40pm
SSN

West Ham put a severe dent in Manchester City's title aspirations after
earning a deserved 2-1 win at Upton Park. Morgan Amalfitano opened the
scoring after great work from Enner Valencia down the right flank, as the
Hammers dominated the first half. City came out with added impetus after the
break, and were twice denied by the woodwork in their quest to level
proceedings.

Best of the Match

Man of the Match: Alex Song. Controlled the game in the middle of the park.
Goal of the Match: David Silva. Fantastic individual goal.
Save of the Match: Adrian: Late acrobatic stop ensured victory.
Talking Points: How much damage does this result do to City? Can West Ham
keep this form up?

However, the in-form Diafra Sakho headed his sixth successive goal for the
Hammers - becoming the first player to record such a feat in the club's
history, to double his side's lead. David Silva immediately got City back in
the game with a sublime individual effort, and ensured a nervy final 10
minutes were in store for the home fans. However, Adrian and his defence
stood firm and Sam Allardyce's team continued their fantastic start to the
season. The result sees West Ham stay fourth, while City will be hoping for
a favour from bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday to ensure they don't
fall too far behind leaders Chelsea in their title defence. City had plenty
of early possession, but it was the visitors who looked more threatening
from the word go.
A West Ham free-kick almost led to the opening goal. James Collins lumped it
forward and Sakho flicked it onto Valencia, but Hart saved from close range.
The goalkeeper was clattered by Valencia and looked to be in trouble, but he
managed to shake it off and carry on.
Valencia was causing City all sorts of problems with his pace and power, and
the Ecuadorian was key to earning the Hammers the lead.
Latching onto a fantastic throughball from Alex Song, Valencia drove at
Clichy, got to the byline, and pulled the ball across goal, just evading the
outstretched leg of Pablo Zabaleta, and straight into the path of
Amalfitano, who couldn't miss from one yard out.

The hosts were certainly buoyed by their goal, and they almost doubled their
lead just a few minutes later, but Stewart Downing headed over when he
really should have hit the target after arriving late in the box. Valencia
was in the thick of the action again as the home side continued to dominate.
The lively forward got on the end of an Aaron Cresswell cutback, but he
scuffed his shot just wide. City rarely threatened, but almost got an
undeserved equaliser late in the opening period, but Adrian was alert to use
his feet to clear from under Sergio Aguero's nose as the Argentinian striker
tried to control a low, fizzing cross. The second-half began as the first
ended - with the home side in the ascendancy. Downing wasted a glorious
chance to extend the lead early in the half, after being picked out by some
audacious skill from Song, but the former Liverpool midfielder dragged his
effort wide on the volley. Aguero almost levelled just before the hour mark
after being played in by David Silva, but City's talisman was denied by the
feet of Adrian, and a wonderful James Collins block on the rebound. Then the
Argentinian hitman had the best chance of the match, and a man of his
ability should really have equalised. After being picked out, in space,
three yards out, Aguero somehow contrived to hit the underside of the
crossbar, with the rebound falling to Yaya Toure, but Adrian was equal to
it, making an acrobatic block, even keeping hold of the ball.

City enjoyed a period of dominance following that chance, but they couldn't
find a way through a resolute Hammers rear guard. Toure was then guilty of
missing another great chance to get back on level terms, but his curling
effort from the edge of the box clipped the top of the crossbar. The hosts
made City pay for missing those opportunities just minutes later, with Sakho
once again getting on the scoresheet.
A wonderful left-wing cross from the impressive Cresswell picked out the
in-form Senegalese hitman, who headed towards the bottom corner, which Joe
Hart reached to try to keep out, but the goal decision system revealed it
had crossed the line. City got back into it almost immediately, however,
thanks to a wonderful individual goal from David Silva. The Spanish
midfielder jinked his way through several tackles, and curled a sublime
effort past Adrian to give the visitors hope. It ensured the final 10
minutes were nervy for the Upton Park faithful, but some last ditch
defending kept the champions at bay, and ensured the Hammers' impressive
start to the season continues.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAKHO INJURED
By Sean Whetstone 25 Oct 2014 at 21:50
West Ham Til I Die

Not to spoil the celebrations of beating the reigning Premier League
champions but it is now emerged that Sakho was injured on the shoulder
during a collision with Joe Hart.

In his post match conference reported by KUMB.com Allardyce said :"My big
worry is that my leading goalscorer today came off with a shoulder problem
at the end," he said. "I sincerely hope that damage is not severe and he can
recover very quickly. When you've got someone who scores six in six you can
ill-afford to lose them at any stage and if we're going to lose him, that'll
be a big blow.Saying that, everybody who stepped up to the plate today, with
the injuries that we have, has gone out and got a result, gone out and given
a great performance so we're in a very good frame of mind and we're in a
good mood."
Claret and Hugh are reporting he was taken to hospital directly after the
game.

David Gold has answered concerns by fans on twitter by saying "I'm worried,
we will know better after the scan on Monday. dg"
Diafra Sakho who signed from Metz for £3.5m has scored 7 goals from 7 starts
and 6 goals from 6 Premier League starts. Let's hope for good news after the
scan.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hero Diafra Sakho in hospital after collision with Man City keeper
Joe Hart
Oct 25, 2014 23:44 By Neil Rowlands
The Mirror

West Ham star Diafra Sakho was taken to hospital on Saturday night after
colliding with Manchester City keeper Joe Hart late on in the Hammers' 2-1
win, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People . Sakho, who scored the
Irons' second goal in the match , was helped off after clashing with Hart in
the 88th minute and taken to hospital to assess whether he had damaged a
shoulder or his collarbone. The strike was Sakho's sixth goal in as many
games. Speaking of Sakho and striker partner Enner Valencia - also new to
the irons this season - after a thrilling game that keeps West Ham fourth in
the table, boss Sam Allardyce said: "I don't think Valencia and Sakho really
know what they have done yet. They've just come here, they want to play
football and I don't think they realise what a big impact they have made."

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