Daily WHUFC News - 5th March 2015

West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea

A first-half Eden Hazard header saw Chelsea claim the spoils at the Boleyn
Ground on Wednesday evening, though West Ham United gave every bit as good
as they got against the Barclays Premier League leaders. In a game neither
lacking in chances nor incident, Belgian Hazard stooped to nod home Ramires'
cross midway through the opening period. That it proved to be the game's
only goal owed plenty to two exceptional goalkeepers. Diafra Sakho had
several an opportunity to square matters after the break, as the hosts tried
everything to claw back Jose Mourinho's title favourites. At the other end,
Ramires was denied both by the woodwork and Adrian, as Chelsea succeeded in
preserving a five point lead over Manchester City at the Barclays Premier
League summit. A crunching Aaron Cresswell challenge on Diego Costa set the
tone after 45 seconds. West Ham looked sharp. But there was an early
reshuffle to contend with when Winston Reid pulled up inside ten minutes.
James Collins got the call.

All the while, Chelsea were fizzing it around the Hammers' 18-yard box.
Oscar squared for Costa and the Spaniard stabbed it over the top. At the
other end, Enner Valencia was hauled to the floor by John Terry. The Chelsea
skipper earned a caution for his troubles and Valencia slammed the free-kick
into the travelling fans behind the goal. West Ham now looked the more
likely. Stewart Downing picked up the pieces from his own corner and fed
Nolan. The skipper cushioned it into the path of Kouyate, who drew a smart
stop from Courtois at his near post. With 20 gone, Kouyate again
threatened in the opposition box. This time he sprayed it in the direction
of Sakho, who tried and failed to divert it goalwards.

But Chelsea hit the front against the run of play, with the simplest of
goals. Cesc Fabregas rolled it out wide to Ramires, who duly plonked it
straight onto the forehead of Hazard and, with the freedom of the Hammers'
six-yard box, he could hardly miss. West Ham arms went up for a flag that
never came. It looked close. Costa might have doubled the visitors' lead as
he bore down on goal. But he dwelt on it. Cue Carl Jenkinson, who made up
several yards to plant a boot on it and deny the Spaniard a strike on
Adrian's goal.

The Arsenal loanee was instrumental at the other end too. His inviting
centre picked out Sakho, but his downward header from seven yards was
straight at Courtois, who parried. West Ham began the second period with
intensity and intent. It so nearly brought an equaliser. Kouyate's snapshot
fell at the feet of Sakho and his drive cannoned into the stanchion behind
the goal. Then Downing's centre caused havoc, as it bobbled around the
Chelsea box. Sakho swiped at it and Courtois needed every inch of his
massive frame to palm it away and out of Kevin Nolan's reach. Seconds later
and there were Chelsea heads in hands. Ramires broke away down the right,
cut inside Collins and aimed the far post. And the far post he hit, but
thankfully for the Hammers, it rolled straight back in to the grateful arms
of Adrian.

Ramires was denied again after 58 minutes, but this by time by Adrian.
Hazard's deft centre was met with full force by the Brazilian and West Ham's
custodian had to be at his very best to keep it out with his feet. By now
a compelling see-saw affair, West Ham burst straight back up the other end.
Downing's run was direct and Sakho kept up with him. The Senegal man would
then collect on the left edge of the box, before watching Courtois plunge to
his left to keep out his latest effort.

Still the hosts pressed and they came closer still. Valencia's angled drive
was too hot to hold and though Sakho looked favourite to score the rebound,
a combination of defender and 'keeper blocked it behind. As the clock
ticked down, Sakho headed Downing's inviting centre wastefully over the top,
while late substitute Nene saw his goalbound effort charged down. Willian
almost settled it deep into six minutes of added time, but Cresswell was
there on to line to prevent further damage.

West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid (Collins 8), Cresswell,
Noble, Kouyate (Nene 87), Nolan (c), Downing, Valencia, Sakho
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Song, Jarvis

Booked: Kouyate, Collins, Nolan

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Ramires, Zouma,
Fabregas, Oscar (Willian 74), Hazard (Remy 90+5), Costa (Drogba 90+3)

Subs: Cech, Luis, Cuadrado, Loftus-Cheek

Goal: Hazard 22

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Henry loaned to Rovers
WHUFC.com
Doneil Henry has been loaned to Blackburn Rovers

Doneil Henry is hoping to make his mark after joining Blackburn Rovers on
loan. The West Ham United defender has linked up with the Championship club
until 6 April 2015 and is in line to make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday
on Wednesday evening. A further glance down Rovers' fixture list shows an FA
Cup quarter-final at Liverpool on Sunday and a midweek Lancashire derby with
Bolton Wanderers next Wednesday evening. The Canada international, who
joined the Hammers on a permanent basis in January, is naturally excited
about the prospect of playing first-team football in front of large crowds –
just as he did in his 70-plus appearances for MLS side Toronto FC.
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing some first-team football," said
the 22-year-old, who has featured twice for the Development Squad. "I think
it's very important for me that I stay sharp and get back in the routine of
playing regularly. Hopefully I can play a lot for Blackburn and do well for
them. "I'm looking forward to my debut, which I hope to make at Sheffield
Wednesday. Playing in front of big crowds is where I get a lot of enjoyment
out of playing football. I just hope I can help the team. "I know [my old
Toronto FC manager] Ryan Nelsen played at Blackburn, but that's pretty much
what I know about them. I talked to the manager [Gary Bowyer] and some of
the staff there and they were all very welcoming. I'm excited to be on board
and hopefully can help them achieve what they want to achieve."

After Wednesday's league game at Hillsborough, Henry could be handed the
challenge of shackling Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli
when Bowyer's side make the short trip to Anfield in the FA Cup last-eight.
There, he hopes to prove to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce that he can handle
Barclays Premier League football. "I'm very excited about the possibility of
playing against Liverpool this weekend in the FA Cup. Hopefully I can come
up against some top players and impress the manager back here at West
Ham.""As much as I want to play [at West Ham], I'm sure the manager will put
me in when he thinks I'm ready. I'm on a steep learning curve here in
Europe, I just want to keep on improving and take it from there. "So far so
good, I like living in London. The football has been great, it's a new
experience and I'm always open to new challenges, like this one at
Blackburn."

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West Ham 0 Chelsea 1
4 March 2015
Last updated at 21:55
By Andy Cryer
BBC Sport

Chelsea stayed five points clear at the top of the Premier League as a
hard-fought win at West Ham kept them on course for a first title in five
years. Eden Hazard headed the visitors ahead from Ramires's right-wing
cross. Ramires shot against the post for the visitors after the break before
having a header brilliantly saved by Adrian. West Ham troubled Chelsea
throughout but wayward finishing ensured the visitors survived a nervy
second half to hold on to another crucial victory. Manchester City's win at
home to Leicester means there is no change at the top of the Premier League
and, with a game in hand, the title is Chelsea's to lose. They were made to
fight all the way for the three points, especially in a frenetic second half
that saw the Hammers squander a host of opportunities. Chelsea's League Cup
final win over Tottenham on Sunday was their first trophy since Jose
Mourinho's return as manager in 2013, and they will hope there are more to
come this campaign. With only one defeat in their last 11 Premier League
games, they looked on track again as, after dominating possession for 20
minutes, Hazard beat the offside trap to head in Ramires's pinpoint cross.

Mourinho's men have not had everything their own way in recent months,
including an FA Cup exit to Bradford and a league draw with Burnley, but
only a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson stopped Diego Costa
from doubling the lead soon after. Chelsea's minor slips are nothing
compared to West Ham's league slump, having won only once in 10 league games
before kick-off, falling from fourth to ninth. Manager Sam Allardyce will
point to the fact his side went into the match eight points better off than
they were last season but they are in danger of their European hopes
disappearing. They had no shortage of chances at an atmospheric Upton Park
though and, with better finishing from Sakho and Enner Valencia, they could
easily have been level as they raised the tempo to rattle a below-par
Chelsea.

In the second half, Ramires was denied by the post and Adrian, while Sakho
was kept out by the impressive Thibaut Courtois as the Hammers put their
visitors under heavy pressure. Chelsea's big celebrations at the final
whistle showed how hard they were made to work.

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West Ham: Blackburn Rovers secure Doneil Henry loan
BBC.co.uk

Blackburn have signed defender Doneil Henry on a month-long loan deal from
West Ham United. The 21-year-old Canada international joined the Hammers
from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol but has not yet made an appearance in
English football. Henry was part of the Blackburn squad that travelled to
face Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night. He is also eligible to play in
the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool on Sunday.

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In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer

Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!

Big Sam eyes Hammers improvement
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce knows his team will need to produce a
markedly better performance against Chelsea if they are to bounce back from
Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/4-March/Big-Sam-eyes-Hammers-i
mprovement

The Big Interview - Nene
Nene is hoping to build on an impressive debut when West Ham United take on
Chelsea on Wednesday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/3-March/The-Big-Interview-Nene

Winston Reid looks set to snub Tottenham and Arsenal and sign new deal at
West Ham
Winston Reid is ready to sign a new contract with West Ham after all,
following his latest round of talks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2976680/Winston-Reid-looks
-set-snub-Tottenham-Arsenal-sign-new-deal-West-Ham.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel
=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Sam Allardyce tells his West Ham players: There's no point trying to wind up
Diego Costa... it only makes him better
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be counter-productive if
his defenders attempt to provoke or intimidate Chelsea striker Diego Costa
on Wednesday night.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2978348/Sam-Allardyce-tell
s-West-Ham-players-s-no-point-trying-wind-Diego-Costa-makes-better.html?ITO=
1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

West Ham and Liverpool unsure over summer Alex Song move after midfielder's
downturn in form
The Cameroonian was expected to be in demand at the end of the season but
recent displays have given his suitors food for thought
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-liverpool-unsu
re-over-5266784

West Ham's Sam Allardyce blames Chelsea transfer talk for Enner Valencia
going off the boil
£12m Ecuador striker set to face the Blues to Wednesday got off to a flying
start after summer move but has scored just twice since the end of October
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-hams-sam-allardyce-blames-5
266226

West Ham striker Carlton Cole charged by the FA over abusive tweet to
Tottenham fan
The Hammers forward was responding to a message from a Spurs fan following
the sides' 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane last weekend
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-striker-carlton-cole-52
66667

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Eden Hazard on target as Blues maintain momentum with dogged win
21:45, 4 March 2015 By Dave Kidd
Jose Mourinho's side were not at their best at Upton Park but went home with
maximum points thanks to the Belgian's header
The Mirror

The anti-Chelsea campaigners must have had the evening off. Jose Mourinho's
conspiracy theories had to go on the back-burner as a controversial Eden
Hazard winner earned the Premier League leaders a victory they had to
sustain a battering to achieve. Had West Ham's Diafra Sakho not failed to
convert EIGHT glaring chances, they could have blown the bloody doors off
the title race. After an old-school East End night, when a crackling
atmosphere fuelled a vibrant performance from Sam Allardyce's side, Mourinho
knew his team had overcome a serious obstacle. The odds are not always
stacked against his club – a Wembley victory over a knackered Tottenham team
was another example. But Hazard's first-half winner looked narrowly offside
and so Chelsea head down the final straight five points clear with a game in
hand. Jose Mourinho had given his team precisely 20 minutes to celebrate
Sunday's Capital One Cup Final victory before they began preparations for a
trip to their old chums across the city. The Chelsea boss restored Thibaut
Courtois and Oscar to the starting line-up but kept Kurt Zouma in the
midfield enforcer's role as Nemanja Matic completed his two-match ban.

Diego Costa squandered one early chance, blazing over a cross from Oscar.
But the Hammers enjoyed a spell of intense pressure – Wembley hero John
Terry booked for hauling down Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate having a shot
blocked by Thibaut Courtois at point-blank range and then supplying a cross
which Diafro Sakho somehow failed to put a boot on from eight yards. So it
was almost inevitable that Chelsea should break and score midway through the
half. Cesc Fabregas swept out a pass to Ramires, who centred from the right
for Hazard to nod home after the home defence – with Winston Reid lost to an
early injury - had nodded off. Costa ought to have made it two when Oscar
and Hazard combined to send him clean through – but the Spain striker was
denied by an outstanding last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson before he
could pull the trigger.

If Costa was having a shocker in front of goal, then so too was Sakho. When
Jenkinson motored down the right and centred, the unmarked Senegalese could
only aim a weak header at Courtois. It all began to get a bit naughty when
James Collins clattered Zouma with a challenge out of the Alan Hutton manual
and Costa gave Aaron Cresswell an arm in the face, off the ball. Sakho
drilled one narrowly wide on the turn, then had a close-range effort clawed
away brilliantly by Courtois as the bubble-blowers turned up the amp. Hazard
teed up Ramires twice and the Brazilian could not have come closer to
doubling Chelsea's lead – first he shot against the inside of the post after
the Belgian had led a breakaway, then he saw a downward header saved
instinctively by Adrian's feet.

Courtois, though, was the busier keeper and he denied Sakho with another
plunging effort. And Sakho was left kicking in the goalpost in frustration
when an intervention from Cahill denied him a goal after Courtois had
spilled a Kouyate shot. By the time he had skied a header from Stewart
Downing's cross, Sakho realised this simply wasn't his night.

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Sakho ranked 7th in Europe!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

CIES Football Observatory has published their rankings of the best
performing players among new signings per area of the game in Europe.
West Ham's Diafra Sakho has been ranked 7th in Europe for his shooting
ability ahead of 12th place Alexis Sánchez as the only other Premier League
striker to be included in the list. The full list can be found here
http://www.football-observatory.com/IMG/pdf/wp101_eng.pdf The Football
Observatory is a research group within the International Centre for Sports
Studies (CIES), a private foundation affiliated to the University of
Neuchâtel, in Switzerland. CIES Football Observatory publishes annual
reports on clubs and players at European level. It has regularly been
mandated to undertake original research by FIFA and UEFA.

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Soccer AM wants Hammers fans
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

FansSky Sports Soccer AM is looking for eight West Ham fans to occupy the
Luther Blissett stand on Saturday 14th March Every Saturday a group of fans
of the week take to the now world famous stand in the Soccer AM studios and
raise the roof! The fans play a key role on the show as they provide the
atmosphere in the studio as well as a bit of banter and if you think you and
a group of mates are up to the task then why not apply to come on the show.
All you have to do is copy the questionnaire below into an email and send it
back to us with your name, the team you support and why you would like to
come on at socceram@bskyb.com and put 'Fans of the week' in the subject
field.

The questionnaire can be found here
http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/soccer-am/news/4090811/fans-appeal
Back in December 2012 I was lucky to have the same experience in the Luther
Blissett stand and can recommend it to any group of Hammers fans interested.

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Report: "Reid signs six year deal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Reports are circulating tonight that Winston Reid has agreed a new six year
deal with the Irons. They remain unconfirmed but are in line with what has
been reported in the national media and on ClaretandHugh over the last 24
hours. Goal-com's Graham Bailey tweeted: "Winston Reid has signed a new
six-year contract with West Ham, Goal understands." ClaretandHugh sources
were extremely confident yesterday that a deal would be done and we were
told: "There have been intensive talks over several days and we are very
hopeful. We hope to know more in 72 hours, The unconfirmed news broke this
evening as the Hammers went into action against Chelsea and sadly coincided
with Reid hobbling off after five minutes to be replaced by James Collins.
The Hammers went into the break 1-0 down to a 22nd minute Eden Hazard goal.

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Hammers battle hard but still on the slide
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Irons 0 Chelsea 1

Let's get rid of the bottom line first…it's another defeat, one win in 10
League games and the team sliding further down the Premier League into tenth
spot. Once again we played some great football, dropped bombs all over
Chelski but couldn't explode a defence which has conceded just 22 goals in
26 games. We were undone in the 22nd minute by a simple Eden Hazard goal
which saw the most dangerous player on the Blues side run un-tracked to head
home a Ramires cross. Poor defending.

Hazard continued to pose all sorts of problems but the Irons were deeply
grateful for a sensational Carl Jenkinson tackle on Diego Costa as the
striker broke into the box looking certain to score. The Hammers had lost
Reid – whom unconfirmed stories say has signed a six year deal – with a
muscle inury to be replaced by Collins after five minutes. Ramires fired
over and Valencia did the same from a free kick in the early exchanges
before the soft Hazard goal put the Hammers on the back foot. The Irons were
never outclassed and after Jenkinson's brilliant work at the back he broke
forward to cross for Sakho but keeper Courtois stretched out a hand to save.
The boys really pressed forward at the start of the second and Sakho again
went close when firing narrowly wide of the near post before producing a
wonder save from the Chelsea keeper which rebounded to Nolan who just
failed. The visitors' stopper made yet another fine stop from the Senegal
striker and Cahill was forced to make an amazing block from the top
goalscorer. It just wasn't Sak's night and he nodded over from Downing's
cross. Late sub Nene saw a thunderbolt blocked before Cresswell cleared off
the line from Willian. The Hammers played for their lives but their very
best just wasn't enough and it's on to Arsenal with the side still sliding.

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Sam: "I'm not talking about my future again"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce has laughed off more questions about his future after again
being questioned about his West Ham future. He was once again asked about
his situation at the club and declined the opportunity. Instead he smiled:
"No, the media have to have something to write about so they can write
about me. "All publicity is good publicity, so write as much as you want, we
can't explain the situation more than we have already explained it and I am
not going to explain it again!" Sam Allardyce remains the bookies favourite
to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post with odds as short
as 2/1.

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Mourinho on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th March 2015
By: Staff Writer

Jose Mourinho goes round the houses as he attempts to avoid unwittingly
mentioning 19th-century football. Read what the Chelsea boss had to say in
his post-match press conference...

Jose: Was that a bit nail-biting?

Sorry?

A bit nail-biting - a bit nervous?

I understand what you mean and I agree totally. It's not the best game to
play after the Final. The Final is more than a game because pressure and
emotions normally pay a price. To play West Ham after that is not the best
game, it's really difficult.

The quality of the game doesn't matter when the emotion and the tempo is so
high and the players are so fantastic in their commitment; when the referee
is so good letting the game flow and controlling the game. He showed four or
five yellow cards, enough to control the game but letting the game follow
the normal direction.

West Ham are the best team at playing the way they play. they are the best,
no doubt about it. To cope with it and to adapt to it defensively is really
difficult and the players gave everything to cope with it. We had chances to
kill the game and we were expecting that; we were expecting to have good
opportunities to attack the space and try to score more goals.

But, we didn't - and when you don't do that against West Ham you are in
permanent danger. They are very dangerous, so a great victory for us.

There's always big games in title races. Do you see this one as significant?

No, what I see is that in every title race you have different matches to
play. There are matches where you need your quality to win and you have
other matches where you need luck to win. You have other matches where you
need to adapt to your opponents and today was one of those.

You have to adapt for the direct football and John {Terry], Cahill and
Zouma... Courtois, amazing in everything; the midfield trying to keep the
ball and trying to reach attacking players to kill the game. In the end we
had some periods where we had to defend with everything. It's a game where
you can easily lose two points and I'm happy with the fact that we won.

They've just said on TV that the goal was offside and that it may have been
a penalty against Cahill for hand ball. And a second yellow for John Terry.

Somebody asked me about the goal as I was told that. In the game, it didn't
look like it for me because Eden starts the action outside the box and then
moves the ball. Fabregas passed to Ramires; I don't think Ramires is
offside? After that, Eden cam in from outside the box and I don't think he's
offside. But I haven't seen it on television; maybe Sam in his office saw it
but for me, no.

What I have to say is that this football must be the most difficult match
for a referee. In many matches the referees are always in comfort zones; the
ball is wide, the ball is moved in midfield. Slow football, the referee's
always in control. I think this match must be a nightmare for a referee.

Balls in the box, first ball, second ball, physicality; I think it's very
difficult for a referee. Without television, for me Andre and the assistants
had a good game.

Part 2 to follow...

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Allardyce on... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Staff Writer

A disappointed Sam Allardyce is determined to take the positive aspects from
tonight's defeat against title-favourites Chelsea. Read his short-but-sweet,
post-match press conference in its entirety here...

Sam: Jose Mourinho said West Ham were the better team tonight. I think you'd
agree with that, wouldn't you?

Would he have said that if we'd have won?

Possibly not! But he was gracious in victory.

[laughs] I thought we gave a fantastic performace today. The disappointing
thing for the players is not to have bounced back with a result or even a
victory against Chelsea. Based on the disappointment we've had recently -
not just the fact that we lost to Palace, but the fact that we lost a win at
Tottenham in the last few seconds and then [against] Man United - we really
wanted something out of the game. We got a great performance and we've got
to take a lot of positives out of that.

We very rarely fail to score here. Creating so many chances again Chelsea,
which we did, is difficult to do because of how good they are - not only
offensively, but defensively too. We created an awful lot of chances but a
little bit of poor finishing and some great goalkeeping has kept at least a
draw from us.

I've looked at the goal and it's offside. I say it's offside because Kevin
Nolan was [ruled] offside at Old Trafford when he scored to make it 2-2;
there was half-an-inch of his nose offside and they said that was offside.
There was about six inches of his [Hazard's] body offside this time and they
said it was onside. So that's disappointing.

But, it was a good performance. I couldn't have asked for any more and I
don't think anyone could have asked for any more entertainment. This was a
terrific game of football and a fabulous effort from both sets of players.
Sadly, we were on the wrong side of the result. We'll pick ourselves up and
if we keep playing like that, we'll start winning again.

What's Winston Reid's problem?

Hamstring. It happened so early on in the game as well. Ginge came on and
did a really good job so that's fine, but we are running short of options.
We've had a brilliant game today but maybe with 20 minutes to go [you might
want an] Andy Carroll coming off the bench.

You think like that as a manager, alternatives. You look at your options on
the bench and at the moment we've got good players there. We've got options
in terms of attacking options, [although] not so many because Carlton Cole's
out as well. I can't criticise any of the players for the way we played
today, although it's rare that we don't score a goal here.

Thank you.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce upset with Eden Hazard strike in Chelsea win
Last Updated: 05/03/15 12:18am
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists Eden Hazard's first-half goal should not
have stood after Chelsea claimed victory at Upton Park.
The league leaders were severely tested in east London and needed an
inspired Thibaut Courtois, as well as Hazard's header, to maintain their
five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. However, Allardyce
contested the goal, claiming Chelsea were fortunate to take the lead.. "I've
looked at the goal and it was offside, " Allardyce told Sky Sports. Sam
Allardyce says West Ham played exceptionally well and deserved something out
of the game despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea. "Kevin Nolan was offside at Old
Trafford (in September) when we scored for 2-2. There was half an inch of
his nose offside and they said that was offside. "There was about six inches
of his (Hazard's) body offside this time and they said it's onside. That's
disappointing."

Allardyce also bemoaned his side's poor finishing as Diafro Sakho missed a
host of chances to earn his side a point. But despite fluffing their lines
in front of goal, Allardyce was full of praise for his players' efforts
against Jose Mourinho's men. "It was a terrific performance by the players,"
Allardyce added. "They played a team that's got so much quality and did
exceptionally well. They really deserved something out the
game."Unfortunately for us all that effort and desire and all that quality
we showed today by taking the game to Chelsea was thwarted by some poor
finishing and some great saves from the goalkeeper." West Ham now have 10
days until their next Premier League engagement – a trip to Arsenal – and
Allardyce insists the pressure is on for his side to get a positive result
after slipping down to 10th in the standings. "We need a result," the
Hammers boss said. "We should have beaten Manchester United, we should have
beat Tottenham, we could have got a point tonight and when we go to Arsenal
there's a huge amount of pressure on us. "People will look at the points
total and think we are not playing well. We're playing as well now as we've
done all season but what we're not doing is converting good performances
into victories. "We've got to keep these performances up and we will start
winning if we keep playing like that."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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