Dev Squad set for Toffees test
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad play Everton away tomorrow evening, kick off is 7pm
14.01.2015
The West Ham United Development Squad travel to Merseyside on Thursday 15
January looking for their second win in a fortnight when they play Everton.
The Hammers got 2015 off to a winning start when they beat Leicester City
1-0 through striker Djair Parfitt-Williams' first goal for the U21s. The win
came at a crucial time for the Dev Squad as they sit at the foot of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table.
In a busy fixture schedule, the Dev Squad then lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur
four days later Friday 9 January. In a tight game, the Hammers conceded from
two carbon copy deflected free kicks from Grant Ward while Ravel Morrison
netted an equaliser in the first half.
The Hammers were lifted by the return to action from Elliot Lee after a
lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Lee played his first 45 minutes
in three months and Academy Director Terry Westley hinted he would get more
game time against the Toffees. "It was good to see Lee back on the pitch, we
knew at the start it would only be 45 minutes, but he played well and didn't
have any problems with the injury. He had a great go and he'll ready to go
again against Everton."
The 20-year-old striker is the Dev Squad's top goalscorer this season with
five goals to his name in nine starts. As for opponents Everton, they
currently sit in sixth with four wins and four loses apiece from their eight
league games. With 12 points they are only four ahead of the Hammers,
however with two games in hand over most rivals, they would go top should
they win both games. Last time out, Everton lost 1-0 to Leicester City on 12
January 2015 as Chris Wood's late strike sealed the win for the Foxes.
The Development Squad face Everton tomorrow at Southport FC, kick off is
7pm. You can follow live updates on whufc.com and our twitter
@whufc_official.
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Enner eyes epic cup run
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia enjoyed Tuesday evening's FA Cup drama and now wants a whole
lot more of it
14.01.2015
Though the marathon third round tie against Everton was Enner Valencia's
very first taste of the FA Cup, the Ecuadorian likes what he sees and is now
setting his sights on a successful cup run, all the way to the final, if he
has his way. When the 25-year-old opened the scoring with his maiden home
goal for West Ham United on Tuesday evening, little did he envisage the
pulsating, topsy-turvy contest that was to follow.
Prior to Adrian's penalty heroics, the Hammers had been just seven minutes
from exiting the competition and, at 2-1 down, Valencia conceded that he had
feared the worst. "It was very, very emotional," he told West Ham TV. "At
one point the game was going away from us and we really didn't deserve to
lose on Tuesday. Then at the end, winning with Adrian on penalties. He's
having a great season!
"I think we had a great game, all my teammates put in a great effort. We
deserved to win during the 90 minutes but football is like that. It was a
very exciting game and at the end we got the win." While Valencia's 51st
minute strike broke the deadlock, he might have opened the scoring much
earlier. The No31 was foiled by a fine Joel Robles save after just ten
minutes and Valencia was determined to make up for that missed opportunity.
He continued: "I had a great chance to score in the first half and
unfortunately I couldn't finish. I've been training very hard and practicing
my finishing in training and thankfully I had that second chance later on
and I knew I couldn't miss. I had to score that one. That's my first home
goal and I'm very happy."
Ecuador's World Cup hero was every bit as delighted for his colleague
Adrian, who tucked away the decisive 20th spot-kick as if it were the most
normal thing in the world. Not that the 'keeper is unaccustomed to being in
the opposition penalty box, having repeatedly piled forward in the dying
minutes of the Hammers' 1-1 New Year's Day draw against West Bromwich
Albion.
"After the game against West Brom he [Adrian] told me, 'mate, I almost
scored, I was almost there!' He's a great guy and we're good friends. He's
going through a great season and I'm happy for him."
Reflecting on some 210 minutes against the Toffees, Valencia felt his side
had faced the sternest of tests, but having come through it, just, he hopes
the Hammers can kick on in the competition. He may not know a great deal
about fourth round opponents Bristol City, but he knows more than enough
about English football to expect a rough ride at Ashton Gate.
"We got drawn against a Everton who are a tough side and it was very
difficult, both games. But hopefully we can continue on this path why not
make it all the way to the final. "To be honest, I don't know much about
them [Bristol City]. I watch a lot of English football and I think at every
level here it's very competitive. We have to take this next game very
seriously and hopefully we'll be able to go through."
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WHAT WEST HAM CAN LEARN FROM BAYERN MUNICH
By HamburgHammer 14 Jan 2015 at 14:33
West Ham till I Die
Let me make one thing very clear right from the start: I hate Bayern Munich
and most of their fans with every fibre of my being. I hate their dominance
in German football and the way they are signing key players from most other
clubs in Germany, not necessarily to improve their own team (as usually they
end up warming a place on the Bayern bench occupied by other superstars
already) but rather to weaken those teams that could seriously start
challenging Bayern for domestic titles.I hate the way they attract plastic
fans a la Chelsea, people who claim to be fans, but have never seen Bayern
Munich play at home or have any kind of attachment to Bavaria or Munich for
that matter.
But there is one thing I seriously admire them for: And that is the way they
are catering for their most loyal fans and their families by making sure
there are affordable tickets on offer. And when I say affordable I mean
extremly cheap, compared to Premier League and especially West Ham ticket
prices. The following examples are no typos by the way. I'll start with the
most expensive season tickets for us normal folk for the current season (no
corporate boxes including free food, drink and halftime entertainment). It's
580 pounds for an adult and 290 pounds for children up to and including the
age of 13. Again, that's the most expensive seats. At the other end of the
scale you have the season tickets in the safe standing areas: Tighten your
seatbelts! 108 pounds for both adults and children.
That's the season ticket covering 19 Bundesliga home games. That's just 5.68
pounds a game! Not quite kids for a quid, but remember, this is for a season
ticket, so most people can afford not only to still go and watch the
football, they can also afford to take their wife and kids if they are so
inclined. Of course there are medium priced tickets available that give you
a better view while still being reasonably cheap.
The thing is: Bayern could charge a lot more for their tickets and the
Allianz Arena would still be packed to the rafters. Former Bayern president
Uli Hoeness (currently let out of prison on parole after being jailed for
tax evasion, he still has to return to prison at night) has a very clear
stance on ticket pricing.
Quote: "We could charge more. Let's say we charged £300 (for the cheapest
season ticket). We'd get £2m more in income but what's £2m to us? In a
transfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes. But the
difference between £108 and £300 is huge for the fan.
We do not think the fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be
for everybody. That's the biggest difference between us and England."
I know that Bayern's finances are far removed from our current position
whatwith the debt and Bayern having played in the Champions League for
dozens of seasons. But I think the principal approach alluded to in the
above quote also applies to a certain degree to English clubs, West Ham
included. The big money in football is no longer made from the ticket sales.
It's mainly coming from massive TV deals, from sponsorship, merchandise
sales and catering. The counter argument seems to be that our club could be
losing out on transfer targets if we charge significantly less for tickets
than other clubs. Which doesn't really explain why West Ham tickets at this
point in time are among the most expensive in Britain.
I still think it is overall a good concept and could eventually even improve
West Ham's financial status. First of all affordable tickets would allow
more of the normal football fans back into the stadium, them and their kids
(it's always good to get 'em hooked early). At that point the club loses a
bit of money due to the cheaper tickets.
But the money making machinery starts once those fans (including kids) are
through the turnstiles, food, drinks, a programme, a Sakho shirt for the
dad, a scarf for the wife, Adrian style goalkeeping gloves for the junior
and the West Ham till goas ka-ching! I have no doubt that people spend more
money on these things when actually attending games instead of watching the
game at home or in a pub.
Filling the ground to the rafters and generating subsequent income from
catering and merchandise will become more difficult, yet more important once
we are in the OS. The TV money is likely to become even a bigger part of a
club's income, so West Ham should seriously reconsider their ticket pricing
policy. They don't necessarily have to do a Bayern there – but it should be
possible to make West Ham ticket prices average again compared to other
teams in the Premier League. West Ham tickets among the most expensive in
the country ? It doesn't fit our heritage and needs to change.
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Tottenham in for Arsenal transfer target Winston Reid as a summer free agent
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By John Cross
Gunners won't meet West Ham's valuation to buy the defender this month but
Spurs are understood to be ready to pay £60k a week and £1m signing-on fee
The Mirror
Tottenham have made a stunning offer to beat bitter rivals Arsenal to
Winston Reid. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is hopeful of tying up a summer
deal for West Ham defender Reid when he becomes a free agent. Reid, 26,
wants £60,000-a-week and a £1million signing-on fee and it is understood the
White Hart Lane club are ready to pay that to get their man. West Ham
believe Reid has already secretly agreed a deal with a club to move in the
summer, when the New Zealand centre-half knows he can get a more lucrative
contract as a free transfer. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen on signing
Reid this month to try to solve his defensive injury problems - but now
could miss out.
The Gunners are understood to have enquired about Reid as they were hoping
to do a bargain £3m deal. But West Ham are quoting £7m for a January sale
and Arsenal will not meet that valuation - and now could miss out in the
summer as well. Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to listen to offers for their
club captain Younes Kaboul in January. Turkish club Besiktas have had an
offer for the French defender turned down but Spurs are still ready to sell
at the right price.
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West Ham chief David Gold: FA Cup MUST be a priority for us this season
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Joint-chairman challenges manager Allardyce to keep fielding his best
players in the competition - like he did in thrilling third round win over
Everton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has been told to continue sending out strong sides in the FA
Cup. The request has come from the Upton Park hierarchy, who see the
competition as a high priority. Mirror Sport understands Big Sam was
informed before the original third round tie against Everton two weeks ago
that the club want to do as much as possible to give fans a trip to Wembley.
The dramatic shoot-out win over the Toffees in the replay sealed a fourth
round tie against League One Bristol City. But it was only the second time
in six seasons that the Hammers have cleared the first hurdle in the world's
oldest Cup competition. Speaking before Tuesday's classic, joint-chairman
David Gold told fans site Claret and Hugh: "I was [at the FA Cup Final] in
1964, 1975 and 1980 and we need to be there again. I fancy us and I want to
go back with West Ham while I'm still young enough to enjoy the
experience!".
There was disappointment at the club that they were beaten early in the
Capital One Cup by Sheffield United, as it was felt that the squad is good
enough to have gone much further. Last season, as they battled relegation, a
shadow Hammers side were slaughtered 5-0 in the third round of the FA Cup at
Championship Nottingham Forest, heaping pressure on Allardyce. The feeling
around Upton Park is much different this season, highlighted by the
goalscoring keeper Adrian has revealed he had never previously taken a
penalty before the spot-kick which sealed the victory over Everton. Adrian
hurriedly removed his gloves before shooting past Joel Robles - the Everton
keeper who had just missed his own kick in the epic 9-8 shoot-out success,
which earned the Hammers a fourth-round trip to League One high flyers
Bristol City.
The Spanish stopper, who celebrated his winner with a flamboyant knee-slide,
said: "I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "In that
moment, I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought
'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball. "I took
my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the referee might blow
his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"
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Ravel Morrison to sign Lazio deal in next 48 hours ahead of summer move
Jan 14, 2015 18:37 By John Cross
West Ham want the midfielder out and he is set to try his luck in Italy
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison will sign a pre-contract with Lazio in the next 48 hours. The
West Ham midfielder, 21, is a free agent in the summer and will join the
Italian club on a two year contract. Morrison has gained a reputation as one
of England's most naturally gifted players but off-the-field problems have
blown his career off course. But Lazio are ready to take a chance on the
former Manchester United trainee and the hope is that going to Italy and
getting a change of scenery will get him focused. The Rome outfit are
currently flying high in Serie A, and Ravel will become their second-ever
Englishman after Paul Gascoigne.
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Heated Hammers: West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost
FIGHT against Everton
Jan 14, 2015 16:31 By Aaron Flanagan
The pair were involved in a heated exchange, in which Tomkins shoved his
team-mate in the face after reacting unhappily to Noble's criticisms
The Mirror
West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost ended up scrapping
during the Hammers' win in Tuesday night's FA Cup third round replay. The
duo were involved in a heated exchange and had to be separated by team
captain Kevin Nolan as they squared up to each other on the Upton Park
pitch. With West Ham trailing 2-1 in extra-time to Everton, who previously
had Aiden McGeady dismissed for a second bookable offence, Noble appeared to
question Tomkins' defensive mindset as the Toffees launched a
counter-attack. And the centre-back was not happy with the criticism,
shoving Noble in the face, before Nolan played peace-maker.
However, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was quick to play down the
altercation after the match, branding the incident as just "handbags".
He said: "It was handbags. Obviously one opinion was disagreed with by the
other one. "I've no idea what it was about but there will be no hangovers
after we have won." West Ham recovered to draw 2-2 with a Carlton Cole
equaliser, before goalkeeper Adrian bagged the winning penalty in a 9-8
shoot-out win. The incident brought back memories of the infamous scrap
between Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer in 2005, where the two Newcastle
midfielders were sent off for brawling on the pitch. Dyer recently opened up
about the incident, saying that a personal insult aimed at Bowyer's lack of
ability pushed his team-mate over the edge.
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Sullivan: "Most exciting game in my 22 years"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has declared last night's epic Third Round FA Cup replay at
Upton Park as "the most exciting match I've seen in my 5 years at West Ham
United and my 22 years in football." In a game that was almost beyond
unbelievable, the co chairman and chief shareholder said that the match
showed how a competition which some think has been devalued over recent
years retains its importance.
But he remains concerned over the team's inability to close down a game that
looked there for the taking after we had gone one up and Everton having
Aiden McGeady sent off. Speaking exclusively to Claretandhugh, the
co-chairman said: In the cold light of day it was the fourth game in a row
we scored first and only drawn after 90 minutes. "So my brain says we have
to improve on that. My heart says it was the most exciting match I've seen
in my 5 years at WHU and my 22 years in football. "It was a real roller
coaster and showed how much both clubs and both sets of supporters cared
about the FA Cup, to West Ham United its an enormously important
competition. "Bristol City are undefeated in 11 or 12 games now, all wins
except 2 draws, so we can't take the next round too lightly."
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Irons confirm new Adrian talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Heroic Hammers goalkeeper Adrian will hold talks with the Hammers about a
new long term deal at the end of the season. AdrianjenksThe FA Cup
replay-winning Irons stopper's iconic status went to a new level as he
contemptuously threw away his gloves before pumping the winning spot kick
past fellow Spaniard Joel Robles. The psyching-out process was magnificent
given that the Everton stopper had just missed his spot kick to set the
shoot-out up for the Irons. Adrian is in magnificent form and has already
drawn the inquiry from Spanish team Vincent Del Bosque as to why nobody is
talking about the former Real Betis keeper. And this morning the club
revealed that they will be holding talks about a contract extension at the
end of the campaign. ClaretandHugh was told by a top club insider: "Hes got
three years left on his contract, but we'll be holding discussion with him
at the end of the season."
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Young Lions captain signs first pro deal at West Ham
The FA.com
By Gary Stonehouse
Staff Writer
14 Jan 2015
England U17s captain Reece Oxford committed his future to West Ham United on
Tuesday when he penned a new deal at the club.
The defender signed a new long-term contract out on the pitch at the Boleyn
Ground at half time as the Hammers defeated Everton on penalties in The FA
Cup. The 16-year-old has already sat on the first team bench after being
called into the squad for the League Cup clash with Sheffield United in
August. And despite his tender years, he has become a regular for the club's
U21 side, and his form has seen him rewarded with his first professional
contract. 'It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now'
The club's academy manager Terry Westley was delighted to have secured the
youngster's signature, saying: "This makes a statement to other clubs out
there that we're not going to let our best players leave and go elsewhere to
ply their trade. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles. You
finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold medalist
in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West Ham
United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."
And speaking of the club's new stadium, Oxford is already thinking about
rewarding the loyal following he has received with some performances of the
highest calibre once there. "Hopefully I can get my first-team debut there
[at the new Stadium]," said Oxford.
"It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into
the first team. The fans are committed to me, they really wanted me to sign.
They love their players here."
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West Ham plan to offload Ravel Morrison hit by Lazio's Bosman plan
Lazio want wayward midfielder to sign pre-contract agreement for end of
season – depending on outcome of court case – rather than take him off West
Ham's hands now
Much travelled: Lazio could give Ravel Morrison a chance to resurrect his
career Photo: PA
By Matt Law7:57PM GMT 14 Jan 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Lazio want Ravel Morrison to sign a pre-contract agreement to join the
Italian club at the end of the season. Morrison's West Ham United contract
expires in the summer and the Hammers want to get him off the wage bill
immediately. The Professional Footballers' Association were called into to
settle a pay dispute between West Ham and Morrison over his £15,000-a-week
wages after he was repeatedly fined.
West Ham have looked into terminating the 21-year-old's contract this month
if no club is willing to sign him and take on his salary.
Lazio's interest does not solve West Ham's problem, as the Serie A side are
proposing signing Morrison on a Bosman transfer at the end of his current
deal. Morrison is due to stand trial at Manchester Crown Court on January 26
on charges of assaulting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor,
39, in the early hours of July 24, having been cleared of threatening to
throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed. The
midfielder could not move abroad until his remaining charges are dealt with,
but Lazio are willing to agree a summer deal on the proviso that he is
cleared. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Morrison
as the most talented young player he had ever worked with. At West Ham,
Morrison has showed flashes of brilliance – culminating in a superb goal
against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last season. He has made four
appearances for England Under-21s, scoring two goals, and netted a superb
backheel volley in training that became and internet sensation. But
disciplinary issues have dogged Morrison through his early career and he is
not wanted by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Morrison spent the second half
of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship and had a
spell at Cardiff City this term.
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Proof that West Ham are now a corporate 'monster'
Date: 14th January 2015 at 8:41 pm
Written by: Richard Maher | ForeverWestHam.com
When the home side emerged from the tunnel wearing purple, Everton and
attending fans may well have needed to double-check they were in the right
place when they visited Upton Park on Tuesday night. Yes, West Ham United
were wearing purple at home.
The news was delivered to the fans via an online message which claims the
Hammers will be wearing it for the entire FA Cup campaign. This is quickly
followed by a desperate link to 'BUY YOUR THIRD KIT NOW'.
I wonder how many begrudging dads, who thought the reasonably priced tickets
for the replay would be a cheap night for him and his son, will be trekking
to the club shop after the final whistle.
Every Hammers fan has been crying out for a cup run to spice life up over
the past few years. I still sit there and revel in the 2006 campaign from
time-to-time – I'm not sure I'd be able to stomach looking back and watching
the DVDs of us playing in this monstrosity.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam Allardyce rolled out in it himself before the
match, looking like a washed up Barney the dinosaur, with a megaphone
calling all fans to rush to the 'megastore' after the game to get their
hands on the 'limited edition kit'.
This news comes just after I received a swanky brochure about the Olympic
Stadium. Needless to say it is plastered with the new badge, which looks
like something the club nicked from a local secondary school's graphic
design class.
Fans have consistently been told that prices for the new stadium would be
cheaper due to the extra capacity – that the move would result in football
being given back to the community. Now the line is that 'the Club can
confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground'.
Prices for the final season at the Boleyn are yet to be released but as the
Right Honourable Baroness Brady CBE has already informed us that: 'After
last year's price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to
once again freeze prices for junior supporters', it's fair to say we can
expect at least a 5% hike in prices for the other age categories.
Further taking advantage of loyal fans' wishes to be at the final season at
Upton Park, the club are asking season-ticket holders who want to renew to
lay down a £75 deposit by April, which is certain to be tough for those who
save up and pay for their ticket in the Summer, or for those who use the
finance scheme.
A trip to the 'Reservation Centre' in Westfield, Stratford is also on the
agenda for season-ticket holders who can thereby get a virtual view of their
seat at the new stadium. It all sounds good except for the fact that, just
before you leave, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable 25% of the
season-ticket price. It all seems to be playing on fans' fears that if they
don't cough up, they will lose their spot.
Featured in the new brochure was also a plug for the newly announced 'Boleyn
Bar'. Being named after the old ground and with a menu featuring the likes
of pie and mash with liquor, it gives the illusion of a nostalgia-trip for
long-time supporters. But you'll have to lay out a £500 joining fee plus
monthly payments of £140! And that excludes VAT! So much for the community.
To add insult to injury, the seats purchased in conjunction with the bar
membership are either side of the tunnel. Have we not learned from the
disastrous 'Club Wembley'? The second-half will consistently begin half
empty as those who can afford the bar, assumedly close relatives of Roy
Keane's infamous 'prawn sandwich brigade', make the most of their 'free
half-time drinks' (yes, despite the enormous membership fee, the club are
describing these drinks as 'free').
I've always been a fan of David Sullivan and David Gold, thinking they had
the club and its fans at heart. I'd still like to believe that but events
over the past few days looks like we are well and truly moving away from
being a community football club and are becoming a corporate monster.
The players change, the stadium is changing, the badge is changing and now
even the home colours are getting a makeover for games in what is the oldest
association football competition in the world. Is nothing sacred? It is hard
to cling on to what you are even supporting any more, apart from a mere name
which will undoubtedly also be open to sponsorship soon.
The nightmare vision of West Ham United PLC, or some derivation of it,
playing in a half-empty soulless bowl with a red and yellow kit (following a
'McDonalds' takeover) is really beginning to worry me. I've trusted Sullivan
and Gold to oversee the greatest overhaul in the club's history but it seems
that, in light of recent days, they are losing sight of what makes West Ham
special to so many people.
The owners know that West Ham's claret and blue army (no, not purple) are
fiercely loyal and look set to continue to buy into the club despite radical
changes, but there is real danger of a total identity loss in the not too
distant future.
And no Mr Sullivan, wedging a picture of Bobby Moore in every artist's
impression of the corporate future does not make it all OK.
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Akhisar loan West Ham Forward Ricardo Vaz Te
Posted by: Eren Sarigul January 14, 2015
www.turkish-football.com
Akhisar Belediyespor have completed the loan signing of Ricardo Vaz Te from
West Ham according to the Turkish newspaper Fanatik. Vaz Te recently handed
in a transfer request after failing to break into the Hammers first team.
Ricardo Vaz Te is expected to meet with Akhisar manager Roberto Carlos and
the rest of the squad in Antalya this week. The Portugal U23 international
has signed a deal keeping him at the Turkish Super League club until the end
of the season. Vaz Te has made just four Premier League appearances for West
Ham this season.
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Ravel Morrison set for West Ham exit as Lazio plan to sign midfielder on
pre-contract
Italian side Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison in the summer
Morrison has been told he can quit West Ham United by the club
21-year-old has not played for the Hammers since August 31
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 14 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 14 January 2015
Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison on a pre-contract for the summer. The
Italians have been offered the West Ham midfielder, as reported by
Sportsmail, but are aware they cannot buy him now owing to UEFA regulations.
Morrison has played for West Ham and Cardiff and would not be allowed to
sign for a club in another country during this window. West Ham have
considered cancelling his contract if no club comes forward with a
legitimate offer but wanted a percentage sell-on if he moved. Morrison is
due in court later this month which could further complicate discussions.
The 21-year-old has not played for West Ham since their 3-1 defeat at Upton
Park against Southampton back on August 31.
RAVEL MORRISON - A TIMELINE OF THE MIDFIELDER'S INDISCRETIONS
February 2011
Morrison receives a 12-month referral order after admitting to threatening a
mugging victim in order to stop them from giving evidence.
May 2011
The midfielder appears in court accused of attacking his girlfriend. The
charges were later dropped.
January 31, 2012
Morrison signs for West Ham from Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson tells
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce: '(Morrison is) a brilliant footballer. Brilliant
ability. Top-class ability. Needs to get away from Manchester and start a
new life.'
February 2012
West Ham starlet fined £7,000 by the Football Association and warned as to
his future conduct after making homophobic remarks on Twitter.
September 2012
While on loan at Birmingham City, problems with Morrison's attitude in
training leads Blues boss Lee Clark to contemplate terminating the deal.
Eventually he fought his way back into the side and was an influential
member of the team.
July 2014
Morrison arrested on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her
mother.
November 2014
The midfielder is cleared in court of threatening to throw acid in
ex-girlfriend's face.
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Daily WHUFC News - 14th January 2015
West Ham prevail in Toffees thriller
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are through to the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating
shootout triumph over Everton
13.01.2015
FA Cup third round replay
West Ham United 2-2 Everton (AET, 9-8 pens)
Adrian struck the decisive spot-kick as West Ham United booked their place
in the fourth round of the FA Cup after an enthralling replay at the Boleyn
Ground ended in a dramatic 9-8 penalty success over ten-man Everton.
After the contest had ended two apiece in 120 minutes, goalkeeper Joel
Robles smashed the 19th spot-kick against the woodwork, paving the way for
Adrian to fire home the winner in front of the Bobby Moore Stand.
Enner Valencia's 51st minute opener, coupled with Aiden McGeady's red card
had earlier set Sam Allardyce's men well on their way to a fourth round tie
at Bristol City. But Kevin Mirallas' splendid free-kick sent the tie into
extra time, before yet another Romelu Lukaku goal threatened to dump the
Hammers out of the competition.
Substitute Carlton Cole came to the rescue, stabbing home James Tomkins'
towering header after 113 minutes to see the Hammers then prevail from 12
yards.
The game's first golden chance had earlier fallen to Valencia, though it was
largely of the Ecuadorian's own making. Valencia robbed John Stones and then
strode purposefully into the box, jinking past Phil Jagielka en route, only
to be denied by an excellent Robles stop. Though Carroll nodded the rebound
against the upright, the linesman's flag did for West Ham.
At the other end, McGeady let fly from the edge of the box and would have at
least worked Adrian, but for the headed intervention of James Collins.
With 34 minutes gone, Valencia again stole possession and this time freed
Matt Jarvis down the right. Biding his time, the West Ham wide-man rolled a
ball across the box and invitingly into the path of Alex Song, whose firm
effort slammed into the body of Valencia and out of harm's way.
If the first half was a largely even affair, the first quarter-of-an-hour
after the break belonged to West Ham.
First came the goal after 51 minutes. Andy Carroll played in his partner
Valencia on the right-hand side of the box and the Ecuadorian's finish was
supreme. Holding off the challenge of Stones, he clinically slotted past
Robles and into the left corner.
It got better still as the already cautioned McGeady foolishly went to
ground. Having crudely stopped Jarvis in his tracks before the break,
McGeady received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, upending
Mark Noble on the slide.
As you might expect, West Ham went full throttle thereafter. Alex Song
played a delicious ball across the face, but it somehow evaded both Collins
and Jarvis at the far post. Then Aaron Cresswell had a go, but his low drive
from 20-odd yards flashed just past the upright too.
Cresswell was involved again moments later, but in the more familiar role of
provider from the wing. His centre was met by the towering Carroll at the
far post, whose header drifted narrowly over the top.
With little more than ten left to play, it took a phenomenal James Tomkins
block to deny Mirallas the equaliser. Once Lukaku had charged down Collins'
clearance, the imposing No10 squared for his fellow Belgian, who looked
certain to score, but for a sensational last-ditch lunge.
But Mirallas would not be denied. Collins' foul on Lukaku earned the Toffees
a free-kick on the left-hand side of the box and despite the angle, Mirallas
whipped a stunning free-kick beyond Adrian's dive and into the top corner.
Stirred into action, West Ham threw everything at the ten-man visitors, with
Robles equal to the challenge. He firstly got down low to his near post to
smuggle a cute Noble free-kick away, before taking to the air to tip Nolan's
acrobatic effort behind.
Into 30 extra minutes and the Hammers showed first, with Robles having to
field Noble's drive with legs. The rebound careered into the onrushing
Carroll, who was adjudged to have used an arm and with that, the chance was
gone.
But Lukaku, as he so often does in this fixture, then took centre stage. He
somehow failed to make contact from point-blank range after Steven Naismith
and Seamus Coleman had combined down the right, but made no mistake second
time round. Mirallas skipped between Nolan and Carl Jenkinson to deliver
from the by-line, leaving Lukaku the simplest job in the world to bundle
home.
Back came West Ham in the 113th minute. Downing's left-wing corner was met
firmly by Tomkins at the far post, whose downward header fell perfectly for
the waiting Cole to level the scores.
As the clock ticked down, Carroll nodded wide of Robles' left-hand upright
and Lukaku slalomed his way into the box, before rifling an effort narrowly
past the far post. Still the drama continued. As Valencia bore down on goal,
he opted to square for Cole and despite the forward's best efforts, the
resulting six-yard box scramble saw the Toffees clear their lines.
So to spot-kicks and Everton were first to flinch as Adrian dove to his
right to spectacularly deny Steven Naismith. That super stop presented
Downing with the chance to win, but Robles guessed right, dived left and
saved rather comfortably.
The eight penalties that followed were all converted, leaving it down to the
two Spanish stoppers. Robles blinked and Adrian did nothing of the sort as
West Ham now prepare for a trip to Bristol City's Ashton Gate on Sunday 25
January.
West Ham United: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Jarvis (Amalfitano 69),
Carroll, Downing, Noble (c), Jenkinson, Collins (111), Song (Nolan 61),
Valencia
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Burke
Goal: Valencia 51, Cole 113
Booked: Nolan
Everton: Robles, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, Barry, Besic (Oviedo
67), Barkley (Mirallas 67), Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku
Subs: Griffiths, Kone, Garbutt, Alcaraz, McAleny
Goals: Mirallas 82, Lukaku 97
Booked: McGeady, Mirallas, Barry, Robles
Sent off: McGeady
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Academy duo sign up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United youngsters Reece Oxford and Joe Powell have signed long-term
deals
13.01.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that two of the Club's brightest
young talents have agreed new long-term deals with the Club.
Defender Reece Oxford and attacking player Joe Powell have both committed
their futures to the Hammers, after making great strides with the Academy
over their time in east London. The 16-year-olds have both agreed their
first professional contracts with the Hammers and put pen-to-paper during
half-time of Tuesday's FA Cup tie against Everton. Academy Manager and Head
of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley is delighted to have
secured their signatures. He said: "Now we have Reece and Joe long-term we
can put a plan in place for the next four seasons. "First and foremost I'm
delighted that they've both committed to the Club, but from a developer's
point of view it gives me time to work with them and try to put all those
ingredients in place to become first team players. "This makes a statement
to other clubs out there that we're not going to let our best players leave
and go elsewhere to ply their trade. There's been a lot of interest in both
Reece and Joe and that's why we needed to put things to them and make it a
long-term project. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles.
You finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold
medalist in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West
Ham United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."
Sentiments echoed by 16-year-old Oxford, who is soon to visit the Hammers'
new home alongside Powell. The highly-rated centre-half also revealed that
West Ham's loyal following had much to do with his decision. "Hopefully I
can get my first-team debut there [at the new Stadium]," he said. "It's
great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into the
first team. The fans committed to me, they really wanted me to sign. They
love their players here."
As for the attack-minded Powell, Tuesday evening proved to be a very special
one for him and his West Ham supporting family. He added: "I've always
wanted to play for West Ham since I was young. I love it. I'm very proud to
sign, with all the years of hard work that I've put in, so I'm glad to get
the contract. "It's overwhelming signing in front of so many people. All my
family are behind me, they all support West Ham, from generations. So
they're obviously going to be really proud of me and that's going to give me
more ambition as well."
Oxford, 16, has already sat on the first team bench after being called into
the squad for the Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield United in August. A
regular for the U21 side despite his tender years, the defender has also
worn the captain's armband for his country, winning nine caps for England at
U17 level and three for the U16s. He joined the Academy as an Under-13
player, progressing rapidly to now agree his first professional contract.
Powell, also 16, is an attacking player who has risen through the age groups
with the Academy to make his breakthrough with the Under-18 squad this term.
Hailing from a family of Hammers fans, the Canning Town native has been at
the Club since Under-9 level. His older brother Jack also came through the
Hammers' Academy and is now in the first team squad at Millwall.
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Adrian the penalty king!
WHUFC.com
The goalkeeper saved and scored from the spot to send West Ham United
through to the FA Cup fourth round
13.01.2015
Adrian could hardly contain his delight after firing West Ham United to a
dramatic penalty shootout win over Everton. The Hammers triumphed 9-8 from
the spot after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground, with the
goalkeeper saving one before slamming home the vital penalty to send his
side through. Earlier, Enner Valencia had fired the home side ahead before
Aiden McGeady was sent-off. Everton's ten men then turned the third-round
replay on its head as Kevin Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham
ahead in the first half of extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then
equalised with seven minutes to go with his first touch before Adrian took
centre-stage. "I feel really happy, not just for me but for all my
teammates, for the fans and for the Club because it is a good moment for us
and we keep going in the FA Cup!" Adrian beamed after saving from Gary
Naismith before beating opposite number Joel Robles from 12 yards.
"In that moment I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I
thought 'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball.
I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, but not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "I think
this is my best moment for West Ham. I feel really, really happy for keeping
us in the FA Cup. My teammates kept working in the game. It was a crazy game
for us, because they scored two goals with ten men and it was really hard
for us. We kept going and going and after that they shot their penalties so
well."
To add to the amazing drama, Adrian discarded his gloves hurriedly before
stepping up to belt the ball into the bottom corner, but why was he in such
a rush? "I took my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the
referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"
After scoring, the Spanish stopper rushed over to celebrate in front of his
adoring fans with a superb knee-slide. "I have celebrated my saves before
normally, but never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and
it's an amazing day for me, my teammates, the Club and the fans. "Since I
came to West Ham United, the fans have had a special relationship with me
and I feel so happy. It's the first time I've scored an important goal so I
celebrated with them and my teammates, of course."
After a run of five games without a win, Adrian believes the FA Cup victory
will give a massive confidence boost to the team going into Sunday's home
Barclays Premier League meeting with Hull City. "It's a big win because we
now have so much confidence. The team played well and worked so well. The
game was long but we needed to keep going and finally we got a nice win."
So, can we expect some late night tweets from @AdriSanMiguel to complete a
fantastic night? "I don't know about that. What time is it? It's eleven
o'clock so everybody is sleeping, so maybe tomorrow!"
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Cup drama leaves Sam breathless
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted an FA Cup penalty shootout win was not ideal
considering his recent ill health!
14.01.2015
Sam Allardyce admitted Tuesday's breathless FA Cup third-round replay win
over Everton was not the best remedy for the chest infection he has been
suffering with in recent days. The West Ham United manager was forced to
miss Saturday's trip to Swansea City with the ailment but was back in the
dugout for an amazing game that saw the Hammers triumph 9-8 on penalties
after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground. Enner Valencia had fired
the home side ahead on 52 minutes before Aiden McGeady was sent-off.
Everton's ten men then turned the third-round replay on its head as Kevin
Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham ahead in the first half of
extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then equalised with seven minutes to go
with his first touch before Adrian took centre-stage by saving one penalty
and scoring the all-important winner past opposite number Joel Robles. Amid
all the goals, both sides created numerous chances, leaving the manager
feeling as drained as ever by the time his goalkeeper had settled a dramatic
tie. "It wasn't the best remedy for my chest!" he smiled. "From my point of
view, I had to try to stay calm. I was a bit drained after suffering
something like that, so then to go through an emotional rollercoaster you
get a little bit more drained. "I still won't sleep that well tonight
because I'll be mulling the game over, but I'll be in tomorrow and see the
lads get them recovered as best we can for a big game with Hull on Sunday."
Big Sam hailed the entertainment value of both ties, hailing the performance
of goalkeeper Adrian, who saved Gary Naismith's penalty before keeping his
cool to fire West Ham through to a fourth-round tie at Bristol City on
Sunday 25 January. "I think this game will be remembered for quite a while.
They were two of the best FA Cup ties I have seen in a long time. I thought
the game at Everton were very competitive and it was two teams trying to win
it at the first time of asking, and this time around we were both trying to
win it in 90 minutes but went to extra-time. "They tried to win it and then
we came back and I was wondering if we would ever get over the bogey of
Everton when Stewart Downing missed his penalty to win 5-4. I thought 'No,
not again!' as Lukaku had scored again, this time in extra-time after we'd
kept him quiet in normal time. "Then we missed our penalty and there are
some times when you can't beat teams, but thankfully the hero of the game
was our goalkeeper because he saved one penalty that got us on the way to
winning it, then scored the one that won it!"
Adrian was not the only hero - Cole also grabbed a vital equaliser with
seven minutes of extra-time remaining with his very first touch.
"We went a bit like Everton did in the first game when we went up there. We
were going into the last few minutes and we put four front men on. We had
three at the back and three in midfield to supply the service and it nearly
won us the game before it went to penalties. We've won it on penalties and
it doesn't matter how we won it, especially in the FA Cup."
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West Ham 2 Everton 2
West Ham United win 9-8 on penalties
13 January 2015
Last updated at 23:16
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scored the winning penalty as his side beat
Everton in a thrilling FA Cup tie. Enner Valencia put the hosts ahead when
he collected Andy Carroll's pass and shot past Toffees keeper Joel Robles.
Everton had Aiden McGeady sent off for two bookable offences, but equalised
with Kevin Mirallas's fine free-kick. Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in
front after Mirallas's run, before Carlton Cole's close-range finish took
the game to penalties, where West Ham won 9-8.
The third-round replay had gone to a shootout after it had finished 2-2 at
the end of extra time in an amazing match. But the drama had not finished as
Everton's Steven Naismith had his penalty saved and Stewart Downing had a
chance to win it for the hosts, but Robles blocked his tame effort. However,
Robles then hit the crossbar with his powerful attempt before Adrian threw
off his goalkeeping gloves and calmly converted the 20th penalty to set up a
fourth-round tie at League One side Bristol City.
It looked like being a routine win for the Hammers when they were leading
1-0 and Everton were reduced to 10 men with McGeady needlessly sent off
after only 56 minutes. The midfielder had been booked in the first half for
a foul on Matt Jarvis before a rash sliding challenge on Mark Noble saw a
second caution. However, Roberto Martinez's side fought back and grabbed a
deserved equaliser through substitute Mirallas's powerful free-kick, which
curled around the wall and past Adrian. Robles made excellent saves to deny
Noble and substitute Kevin Nolan to take the game into extra time and Lukaku
put Everton ahead with a close-range finish after more excellent work from
Mirallas. It was a poignant moment for Lukaku as he raised both arms and
pointed to the sky, as a tribute to his friend Junior Malanda, the Belgium
Under-21 international and Wolfsburg midfielder who died in a car crash in
Germany on Sunday aged 20. There was then controversy as Everton thought
they should have had a penalty when Mirallas was fouled, but the referee
gave a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, despite the offence
appearing to take place in it. But there was still time for another twist as
substitute Cole, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, prodded in
James Tomkins's header to take it to penalties. Adrian proved to be the hero
as he saved one spot-kick and scored the decisive one.
West Ham's victory was their first win in the competition since February
2011 and they will now play League One side Bristol City on Sunday, 25
January in a match that will be broadcast live on the BBC.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, speaking to BT Sport: "It was an
unbelievable match, wasn't it? You can't say the FA Cup has died after that,
not with that entertainment value. "I thought today had absolutely
everything a cup tie should have - a little bit of controversy, some great
play, chances missed, some great goalkeeping and some very good goals."
West Ham's match-winner Adrian: "It was the most unbelievable game and for
the fans I feel really happy. "I was relaxed and quiet when I struck the
penalty and we got the victory and keep going in the FA Cup."
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "I thought we were the better side. We
created really, really good opportunities, and probably we should have taken
one or two before the one we scored. "But in terms of the performance and
the character and the phases of good football we showed, I couldn't be
prouder. "Sometimes in football you feel you are going to get what you
deserve but clearly today we were unfortunate in the penalty shootout where
it is a bit of a lottery."
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Adrian: West Ham keeper knew he would score FA Cup penalty
BBC.co.uk
Confident West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was so certain he would score his
decisive penalty against Everton that he decided he could do without his
gloves for the rest of the game. With the FA Cup third-round replay tied at
8-8 on spot-kicks, the Spanish keeper stepped up ahead of outfield player
James Tomkins, removed his gloves and sent the Hammers through. "I felt
quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought 'I'll take off my
gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball," he said. After taking
the lead through Enner Valencia and having a man advantage when Aiden
McGeady was sent off, West Ham were pegged back by Everton when Kevin
Mirallas struck a late free-kick.
Romelu Lukaku seemed to have sent the Toffees through with an extra-time
strike, but Carlton Cole scored two minutes after coming off the bench to
take the game to penalties at Upton Park. "I never took a penalty before -
only in training for a joke, but not serious," said Adrian. "Never in my
life had I struck one in an important game. "I took my gloves off so quickly
as I worried that the referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow
card for time-wasting! "I have celebrated my saves before normally, but
never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and it's an amazing
day."
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Big Sam's f-word blast leaves audience giggling
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce had the entire Boleyn Ground press room in fits of laughter
tonight after dropping the f-bomb at a journalist who made the ill-judged
decision to question the future of Ravel Morrison. In the final question of
his post-match press conference, West Ham's ebullient boss was asked if it
would be possible to provide an update on the situation regarding the
21-year-old. "Sam, just a question on Ravel Morrison," began the journalist,
before Allardyce intervened.
"No, absolutely not!" he laughed, much to the amusement of the media pack
who had gathered inside the Boleyn Ground press room to record his
post-match musings. "Are you having a f**king laugh, man!?" he added, as he
walked towards the exit with the room echoing with laughter. "After all
that? Now go home and write your story!" We'll have more from a relieved Big
Sam's post-match presser for you tomorrow.
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Winston Reid - I've made no decision on my future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has dismissed reports that he had reached a pre-contract
agreement with another club. Sam Allardyce hinted last week that Reid - who
is out of contract at West Ham at the end of the current season - may have
already done a deal with another club. However that was firmly refuted today
by the Kiwi defender, who says he is yet to decide his immediate future.
"Lots has been said about my future at West Ham over the past couple of
months," he told Fanbookz. "The most important thing to say is that I
haven't decided on anything I'm going to do in the future yet and that's the
end of it. "As a player I'll always give 100 per cent for the club and I've
always tried to do my best, and even though nothing has been agreed with the
club yet I'll still continue to play that way. "Issues going on in the
background are just a part of life and I'll try to not let that affect my
game. You can't do anything but get on with your day-to-day life and just do
the business on the pitch. "It's a busy period and the media will write all
sorts of stuff but the bottom line is I haven't decided anything yet and I'm
focused on getting West Ham as high up the league as possible."
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Adrian the hero for West Ham in penalty shootout win over Everton
By Oliver Yew. Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:38am
SSN
Goalkeeper Adrian was West Ham's hero after scoring the winning penalty in a
9-8 shootout win against 10-man Everton to book his side's place in the FA
Cup fourth round. Penalties were needed in the third-round replay at the
Boleyn Ground following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time. Enner Valencia
gave the Hammers the lead early in the second-half and things got worse for
the visitors when Aiden McGeady was sent off for two bookable offences.
Roberto Martinez threw on Kevin Mirallas and he was the difference, firing a
magical free-kick past Adrian with just eight minutes remaining to send the
game into extra time. Romelu Lukaku gave his side first blood after the
restart, firing home Mirallas' cross, but Martinez's side could not hold on
for a famous victory.
Allardyce brought on Carlton Cole as his side went in search of an equaliser
and the move worked as the substitute stabbed home James Tomkins' knock down
with his first touch to take the game to penalties. And Adrian was the hero
for the home side, saving Steven Naismith's spot kick before scoring the
winning penalty himself after Joel Robles missed for Everton. West Ham's
reward after a pulsating 120 minutes of football is a trip to Ashton Gate to
face in-form League One side Bristol City.Both managers were true to their
word in selecting strong sides with Allardyce re-calling Matt Jarvis and
Alex Song to the side that drew with Swansea, while Martinez stuck with the
same team that held champions Manchester City on Saturday. But part of
Everton's problems this season have been individual errors and despite their
bright opening 10 minutes they could have been behind after John Stones was
caught in possession by Valencia, but the forward's shot was well saved by
Joel. The rebound fell into the path of Andy Carroll but the striker's
header crashed against the post, however it would not have counted with the
England striker judged to be in an offside position.
Everton were now starting to dominate proceedings and looked the more likely
to open the scoring as McGeady saw his shot blocked, but Allardyce's men
remained a threat on the counter-attack through Valencia and Stewart
Downing. Just after the half hour mark, the Ecuador international released
Downing down the right, whose cross picked out the late arriving Song, but
his shot hit Valencia when it looked to be heading into the back of the net.
The second half started in much the same vein as the first with both sides
attacking with intent but it was West Ham who made the breakthrough after a
quick attack was rounded off by Valencia's first Upton Park goal. Things
were about to get worse for Everton as McGeady, who was booked for a
first-half challenge on Matt Jarvis, recklessly brought down Mark Noble and
referee Neil Swarbrick had no choice but to show the Republic of Ireland
international a second yellow card. Martinez responded by replacing Ross
Barkley and Muhamed Besic with Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo and the move paid
off with the fresh legs giving Everton a new lease of life.
Lukaku closed down James Collins' clearance and with time to pick out a
cross he found Mirallas six yards out, but the Belgium international's shot
was miraculously blocked by Tomkins. However, he wasn't to be denied for
long and he produced a moment of magic from a free kick to beat Adrian from
25-yards out to level the scores with just eight minutes remaining. The home
side thought they should have had a penalty when Valencia's cross hit Stones
on the arm and they had a claim, however Swarbrick adjudged the offence to
have been just outside the penalty area. West Ham had chances to win the
game in the dying minutes of normal time but the visitors had Joel Robles to
thank for brilliant saves from Kevin Nolan and Collins as the game went to
extra time. Everton thought they had completed the turnaround when Lukaku,
who missed a glorious chance minutes earlier, stabbed home Mirallas' cross.
The visitors then had claims for a penalty turned down when Mirallas was
brought down on the edge of the penalty area. Allardyce threw on Cole for
Collins with 10 minutes as he took one last throw of the dice and it proved
a masterstroke as the 31-year-old was in the right place at the right time
to prod home Tomkins' knock-down with his first touch of the game. The two
sides could not be separated and the drama continued in the penalty shootout
as Mirallas and Noble scored each sides' first penalties.
Both sides then traded successful attempts until Downing, who stepped up
with the chance to win the game, had his kick saved by Robles to send the
shootout into sudden death. However, after another batch of successful
penalties from both sides Everton goalkeeper Robles went from hero to zero
as he saw his spot kick hit the underside of the bar and bounce out. Up
stepped Adrian to convert his penalty and send jubilant West Ham through to
the next round where they will face Bristol City.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists his side deserved their penalty shootout
victory over Everton
Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:58am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side got what they deserved after
beating Everton 9-8 on penalties in the FA Cup third round.
On a dramatic night at the Boleyn Ground, Enner Valencia gave his side the
lead before Kevin Mirallas equalised with just eight minutes of normal time
remaining. Romelu Lukaku thought he'd won it in extra time for the 10-men of
Everton before Carlton Cole equalised for the hosts, who went on to win the
shootout thanks to goalkeeper Adrian's winning penalty. It was
unbelievable," Allardyce said. "The highs and lows in one particular game.
It has been a long time since I experienced such highs and lows in one
match. Such excitement. It was end to end from the first whistle - nothing
like a Premier League game. "Both teams went out and played and tried to win
it. In the end we got what we deserved, there is no doubt about that.
"Unfortunately we missed too many chances, their goalkeeper made some
fantastic saves. We had 23, 24 attempts. We missed and fluffed a few and had
to rely on penalties in the end to win it."
West Ham had not beaten Everton in 15 attempts before tonight and Allardyce
thought he was going to be on the wrong end of another result against the
Merseyside club when Stewart Downing's spot kick was saved during the
shootout. But Adrian was the hero of the hour for West Ham, saving Steven
Naismith's penalty and stepping up to score the winning goal after Joel
Robles had missed for Everton. And Allardyce was full of praise for the
Spanish keeper after helping book West Ham's place in the fourth round
against Bristol City. "Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for us and
when Stewart Downing missed it I thought, 'here we go again'," he added.
"But Adrian saved one brilliantly and took the last one, he was calm. He was
determined and it was a victory we deserved over the two legs."
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WHUFC.com
The Hammers are through to the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating
shootout triumph over Everton
13.01.2015
FA Cup third round replay
West Ham United 2-2 Everton (AET, 9-8 pens)
Adrian struck the decisive spot-kick as West Ham United booked their place
in the fourth round of the FA Cup after an enthralling replay at the Boleyn
Ground ended in a dramatic 9-8 penalty success over ten-man Everton.
After the contest had ended two apiece in 120 minutes, goalkeeper Joel
Robles smashed the 19th spot-kick against the woodwork, paving the way for
Adrian to fire home the winner in front of the Bobby Moore Stand.
Enner Valencia's 51st minute opener, coupled with Aiden McGeady's red card
had earlier set Sam Allardyce's men well on their way to a fourth round tie
at Bristol City. But Kevin Mirallas' splendid free-kick sent the tie into
extra time, before yet another Romelu Lukaku goal threatened to dump the
Hammers out of the competition.
Substitute Carlton Cole came to the rescue, stabbing home James Tomkins'
towering header after 113 minutes to see the Hammers then prevail from 12
yards.
The game's first golden chance had earlier fallen to Valencia, though it was
largely of the Ecuadorian's own making. Valencia robbed John Stones and then
strode purposefully into the box, jinking past Phil Jagielka en route, only
to be denied by an excellent Robles stop. Though Carroll nodded the rebound
against the upright, the linesman's flag did for West Ham.
At the other end, McGeady let fly from the edge of the box and would have at
least worked Adrian, but for the headed intervention of James Collins.
With 34 minutes gone, Valencia again stole possession and this time freed
Matt Jarvis down the right. Biding his time, the West Ham wide-man rolled a
ball across the box and invitingly into the path of Alex Song, whose firm
effort slammed into the body of Valencia and out of harm's way.
If the first half was a largely even affair, the first quarter-of-an-hour
after the break belonged to West Ham.
First came the goal after 51 minutes. Andy Carroll played in his partner
Valencia on the right-hand side of the box and the Ecuadorian's finish was
supreme. Holding off the challenge of Stones, he clinically slotted past
Robles and into the left corner.
It got better still as the already cautioned McGeady foolishly went to
ground. Having crudely stopped Jarvis in his tracks before the break,
McGeady received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, upending
Mark Noble on the slide.
As you might expect, West Ham went full throttle thereafter. Alex Song
played a delicious ball across the face, but it somehow evaded both Collins
and Jarvis at the far post. Then Aaron Cresswell had a go, but his low drive
from 20-odd yards flashed just past the upright too.
Cresswell was involved again moments later, but in the more familiar role of
provider from the wing. His centre was met by the towering Carroll at the
far post, whose header drifted narrowly over the top.
With little more than ten left to play, it took a phenomenal James Tomkins
block to deny Mirallas the equaliser. Once Lukaku had charged down Collins'
clearance, the imposing No10 squared for his fellow Belgian, who looked
certain to score, but for a sensational last-ditch lunge.
But Mirallas would not be denied. Collins' foul on Lukaku earned the Toffees
a free-kick on the left-hand side of the box and despite the angle, Mirallas
whipped a stunning free-kick beyond Adrian's dive and into the top corner.
Stirred into action, West Ham threw everything at the ten-man visitors, with
Robles equal to the challenge. He firstly got down low to his near post to
smuggle a cute Noble free-kick away, before taking to the air to tip Nolan's
acrobatic effort behind.
Into 30 extra minutes and the Hammers showed first, with Robles having to
field Noble's drive with legs. The rebound careered into the onrushing
Carroll, who was adjudged to have used an arm and with that, the chance was
gone.
But Lukaku, as he so often does in this fixture, then took centre stage. He
somehow failed to make contact from point-blank range after Steven Naismith
and Seamus Coleman had combined down the right, but made no mistake second
time round. Mirallas skipped between Nolan and Carl Jenkinson to deliver
from the by-line, leaving Lukaku the simplest job in the world to bundle
home.
Back came West Ham in the 113th minute. Downing's left-wing corner was met
firmly by Tomkins at the far post, whose downward header fell perfectly for
the waiting Cole to level the scores.
As the clock ticked down, Carroll nodded wide of Robles' left-hand upright
and Lukaku slalomed his way into the box, before rifling an effort narrowly
past the far post. Still the drama continued. As Valencia bore down on goal,
he opted to square for Cole and despite the forward's best efforts, the
resulting six-yard box scramble saw the Toffees clear their lines.
So to spot-kicks and Everton were first to flinch as Adrian dove to his
right to spectacularly deny Steven Naismith. That super stop presented
Downing with the chance to win, but Robles guessed right, dived left and
saved rather comfortably.
The eight penalties that followed were all converted, leaving it down to the
two Spanish stoppers. Robles blinked and Adrian did nothing of the sort as
West Ham now prepare for a trip to Bristol City's Ashton Gate on Sunday 25
January.
West Ham United: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Jarvis (Amalfitano 69),
Carroll, Downing, Noble (c), Jenkinson, Collins (111), Song (Nolan 61),
Valencia
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Burke
Goal: Valencia 51, Cole 113
Booked: Nolan
Everton: Robles, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, Barry, Besic (Oviedo
67), Barkley (Mirallas 67), Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku
Subs: Griffiths, Kone, Garbutt, Alcaraz, McAleny
Goals: Mirallas 82, Lukaku 97
Booked: McGeady, Mirallas, Barry, Robles
Sent off: McGeady
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy duo sign up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United youngsters Reece Oxford and Joe Powell have signed long-term
deals
13.01.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that two of the Club's brightest
young talents have agreed new long-term deals with the Club.
Defender Reece Oxford and attacking player Joe Powell have both committed
their futures to the Hammers, after making great strides with the Academy
over their time in east London. The 16-year-olds have both agreed their
first professional contracts with the Hammers and put pen-to-paper during
half-time of Tuesday's FA Cup tie against Everton. Academy Manager and Head
of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley is delighted to have
secured their signatures. He said: "Now we have Reece and Joe long-term we
can put a plan in place for the next four seasons. "First and foremost I'm
delighted that they've both committed to the Club, but from a developer's
point of view it gives me time to work with them and try to put all those
ingredients in place to become first team players. "This makes a statement
to other clubs out there that we're not going to let our best players leave
and go elsewhere to ply their trade. There's been a lot of interest in both
Reece and Joe and that's why we needed to put things to them and make it a
long-term project. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles.
You finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold
medalist in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West
Ham United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."
Sentiments echoed by 16-year-old Oxford, who is soon to visit the Hammers'
new home alongside Powell. The highly-rated centre-half also revealed that
West Ham's loyal following had much to do with his decision. "Hopefully I
can get my first-team debut there [at the new Stadium]," he said. "It's
great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into the
first team. The fans committed to me, they really wanted me to sign. They
love their players here."
As for the attack-minded Powell, Tuesday evening proved to be a very special
one for him and his West Ham supporting family. He added: "I've always
wanted to play for West Ham since I was young. I love it. I'm very proud to
sign, with all the years of hard work that I've put in, so I'm glad to get
the contract. "It's overwhelming signing in front of so many people. All my
family are behind me, they all support West Ham, from generations. So
they're obviously going to be really proud of me and that's going to give me
more ambition as well."
Oxford, 16, has already sat on the first team bench after being called into
the squad for the Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield United in August. A
regular for the U21 side despite his tender years, the defender has also
worn the captain's armband for his country, winning nine caps for England at
U17 level and three for the U16s. He joined the Academy as an Under-13
player, progressing rapidly to now agree his first professional contract.
Powell, also 16, is an attacking player who has risen through the age groups
with the Academy to make his breakthrough with the Under-18 squad this term.
Hailing from a family of Hammers fans, the Canning Town native has been at
the Club since Under-9 level. His older brother Jack also came through the
Hammers' Academy and is now in the first team squad at Millwall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian the penalty king!
WHUFC.com
The goalkeeper saved and scored from the spot to send West Ham United
through to the FA Cup fourth round
13.01.2015
Adrian could hardly contain his delight after firing West Ham United to a
dramatic penalty shootout win over Everton. The Hammers triumphed 9-8 from
the spot after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground, with the
goalkeeper saving one before slamming home the vital penalty to send his
side through. Earlier, Enner Valencia had fired the home side ahead before
Aiden McGeady was sent-off. Everton's ten men then turned the third-round
replay on its head as Kevin Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham
ahead in the first half of extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then
equalised with seven minutes to go with his first touch before Adrian took
centre-stage. "I feel really happy, not just for me but for all my
teammates, for the fans and for the Club because it is a good moment for us
and we keep going in the FA Cup!" Adrian beamed after saving from Gary
Naismith before beating opposite number Joel Robles from 12 yards.
"In that moment I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I
thought 'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball.
I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, but not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "I think
this is my best moment for West Ham. I feel really, really happy for keeping
us in the FA Cup. My teammates kept working in the game. It was a crazy game
for us, because they scored two goals with ten men and it was really hard
for us. We kept going and going and after that they shot their penalties so
well."
To add to the amazing drama, Adrian discarded his gloves hurriedly before
stepping up to belt the ball into the bottom corner, but why was he in such
a rush? "I took my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the
referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"
After scoring, the Spanish stopper rushed over to celebrate in front of his
adoring fans with a superb knee-slide. "I have celebrated my saves before
normally, but never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and
it's an amazing day for me, my teammates, the Club and the fans. "Since I
came to West Ham United, the fans have had a special relationship with me
and I feel so happy. It's the first time I've scored an important goal so I
celebrated with them and my teammates, of course."
After a run of five games without a win, Adrian believes the FA Cup victory
will give a massive confidence boost to the team going into Sunday's home
Barclays Premier League meeting with Hull City. "It's a big win because we
now have so much confidence. The team played well and worked so well. The
game was long but we needed to keep going and finally we got a nice win."
So, can we expect some late night tweets from @AdriSanMiguel to complete a
fantastic night? "I don't know about that. What time is it? It's eleven
o'clock so everybody is sleeping, so maybe tomorrow!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cup drama leaves Sam breathless
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted an FA Cup penalty shootout win was not ideal
considering his recent ill health!
14.01.2015
Sam Allardyce admitted Tuesday's breathless FA Cup third-round replay win
over Everton was not the best remedy for the chest infection he has been
suffering with in recent days. The West Ham United manager was forced to
miss Saturday's trip to Swansea City with the ailment but was back in the
dugout for an amazing game that saw the Hammers triumph 9-8 on penalties
after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground. Enner Valencia had fired
the home side ahead on 52 minutes before Aiden McGeady was sent-off.
Everton's ten men then turned the third-round replay on its head as Kevin
Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham ahead in the first half of
extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then equalised with seven minutes to go
with his first touch before Adrian took centre-stage by saving one penalty
and scoring the all-important winner past opposite number Joel Robles. Amid
all the goals, both sides created numerous chances, leaving the manager
feeling as drained as ever by the time his goalkeeper had settled a dramatic
tie. "It wasn't the best remedy for my chest!" he smiled. "From my point of
view, I had to try to stay calm. I was a bit drained after suffering
something like that, so then to go through an emotional rollercoaster you
get a little bit more drained. "I still won't sleep that well tonight
because I'll be mulling the game over, but I'll be in tomorrow and see the
lads get them recovered as best we can for a big game with Hull on Sunday."
Big Sam hailed the entertainment value of both ties, hailing the performance
of goalkeeper Adrian, who saved Gary Naismith's penalty before keeping his
cool to fire West Ham through to a fourth-round tie at Bristol City on
Sunday 25 January. "I think this game will be remembered for quite a while.
They were two of the best FA Cup ties I have seen in a long time. I thought
the game at Everton were very competitive and it was two teams trying to win
it at the first time of asking, and this time around we were both trying to
win it in 90 minutes but went to extra-time. "They tried to win it and then
we came back and I was wondering if we would ever get over the bogey of
Everton when Stewart Downing missed his penalty to win 5-4. I thought 'No,
not again!' as Lukaku had scored again, this time in extra-time after we'd
kept him quiet in normal time. "Then we missed our penalty and there are
some times when you can't beat teams, but thankfully the hero of the game
was our goalkeeper because he saved one penalty that got us on the way to
winning it, then scored the one that won it!"
Adrian was not the only hero - Cole also grabbed a vital equaliser with
seven minutes of extra-time remaining with his very first touch.
"We went a bit like Everton did in the first game when we went up there. We
were going into the last few minutes and we put four front men on. We had
three at the back and three in midfield to supply the service and it nearly
won us the game before it went to penalties. We've won it on penalties and
it doesn't matter how we won it, especially in the FA Cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2 Everton 2
West Ham United win 9-8 on penalties
13 January 2015
Last updated at 23:16
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scored the winning penalty as his side beat
Everton in a thrilling FA Cup tie. Enner Valencia put the hosts ahead when
he collected Andy Carroll's pass and shot past Toffees keeper Joel Robles.
Everton had Aiden McGeady sent off for two bookable offences, but equalised
with Kevin Mirallas's fine free-kick. Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in
front after Mirallas's run, before Carlton Cole's close-range finish took
the game to penalties, where West Ham won 9-8.
The third-round replay had gone to a shootout after it had finished 2-2 at
the end of extra time in an amazing match. But the drama had not finished as
Everton's Steven Naismith had his penalty saved and Stewart Downing had a
chance to win it for the hosts, but Robles blocked his tame effort. However,
Robles then hit the crossbar with his powerful attempt before Adrian threw
off his goalkeeping gloves and calmly converted the 20th penalty to set up a
fourth-round tie at League One side Bristol City.
It looked like being a routine win for the Hammers when they were leading
1-0 and Everton were reduced to 10 men with McGeady needlessly sent off
after only 56 minutes. The midfielder had been booked in the first half for
a foul on Matt Jarvis before a rash sliding challenge on Mark Noble saw a
second caution. However, Roberto Martinez's side fought back and grabbed a
deserved equaliser through substitute Mirallas's powerful free-kick, which
curled around the wall and past Adrian. Robles made excellent saves to deny
Noble and substitute Kevin Nolan to take the game into extra time and Lukaku
put Everton ahead with a close-range finish after more excellent work from
Mirallas. It was a poignant moment for Lukaku as he raised both arms and
pointed to the sky, as a tribute to his friend Junior Malanda, the Belgium
Under-21 international and Wolfsburg midfielder who died in a car crash in
Germany on Sunday aged 20. There was then controversy as Everton thought
they should have had a penalty when Mirallas was fouled, but the referee
gave a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, despite the offence
appearing to take place in it. But there was still time for another twist as
substitute Cole, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, prodded in
James Tomkins's header to take it to penalties. Adrian proved to be the hero
as he saved one spot-kick and scored the decisive one.
West Ham's victory was their first win in the competition since February
2011 and they will now play League One side Bristol City on Sunday, 25
January in a match that will be broadcast live on the BBC.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, speaking to BT Sport: "It was an
unbelievable match, wasn't it? You can't say the FA Cup has died after that,
not with that entertainment value. "I thought today had absolutely
everything a cup tie should have - a little bit of controversy, some great
play, chances missed, some great goalkeeping and some very good goals."
West Ham's match-winner Adrian: "It was the most unbelievable game and for
the fans I feel really happy. "I was relaxed and quiet when I struck the
penalty and we got the victory and keep going in the FA Cup."
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "I thought we were the better side. We
created really, really good opportunities, and probably we should have taken
one or two before the one we scored. "But in terms of the performance and
the character and the phases of good football we showed, I couldn't be
prouder. "Sometimes in football you feel you are going to get what you
deserve but clearly today we were unfortunate in the penalty shootout where
it is a bit of a lottery."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian: West Ham keeper knew he would score FA Cup penalty
BBC.co.uk
Confident West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was so certain he would score his
decisive penalty against Everton that he decided he could do without his
gloves for the rest of the game. With the FA Cup third-round replay tied at
8-8 on spot-kicks, the Spanish keeper stepped up ahead of outfield player
James Tomkins, removed his gloves and sent the Hammers through. "I felt
quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought 'I'll take off my
gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball," he said. After taking
the lead through Enner Valencia and having a man advantage when Aiden
McGeady was sent off, West Ham were pegged back by Everton when Kevin
Mirallas struck a late free-kick.
Romelu Lukaku seemed to have sent the Toffees through with an extra-time
strike, but Carlton Cole scored two minutes after coming off the bench to
take the game to penalties at Upton Park. "I never took a penalty before -
only in training for a joke, but not serious," said Adrian. "Never in my
life had I struck one in an important game. "I took my gloves off so quickly
as I worried that the referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow
card for time-wasting! "I have celebrated my saves before normally, but
never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and it's an amazing
day."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's f-word blast leaves audience giggling
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce had the entire Boleyn Ground press room in fits of laughter
tonight after dropping the f-bomb at a journalist who made the ill-judged
decision to question the future of Ravel Morrison. In the final question of
his post-match press conference, West Ham's ebullient boss was asked if it
would be possible to provide an update on the situation regarding the
21-year-old. "Sam, just a question on Ravel Morrison," began the journalist,
before Allardyce intervened.
"No, absolutely not!" he laughed, much to the amusement of the media pack
who had gathered inside the Boleyn Ground press room to record his
post-match musings. "Are you having a f**king laugh, man!?" he added, as he
walked towards the exit with the room echoing with laughter. "After all
that? Now go home and write your story!" We'll have more from a relieved Big
Sam's post-match presser for you tomorrow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid - I've made no decision on my future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has dismissed reports that he had reached a pre-contract
agreement with another club. Sam Allardyce hinted last week that Reid - who
is out of contract at West Ham at the end of the current season - may have
already done a deal with another club. However that was firmly refuted today
by the Kiwi defender, who says he is yet to decide his immediate future.
"Lots has been said about my future at West Ham over the past couple of
months," he told Fanbookz. "The most important thing to say is that I
haven't decided on anything I'm going to do in the future yet and that's the
end of it. "As a player I'll always give 100 per cent for the club and I've
always tried to do my best, and even though nothing has been agreed with the
club yet I'll still continue to play that way. "Issues going on in the
background are just a part of life and I'll try to not let that affect my
game. You can't do anything but get on with your day-to-day life and just do
the business on the pitch. "It's a busy period and the media will write all
sorts of stuff but the bottom line is I haven't decided anything yet and I'm
focused on getting West Ham as high up the league as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian the hero for West Ham in penalty shootout win over Everton
By Oliver Yew. Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:38am
SSN
Goalkeeper Adrian was West Ham's hero after scoring the winning penalty in a
9-8 shootout win against 10-man Everton to book his side's place in the FA
Cup fourth round. Penalties were needed in the third-round replay at the
Boleyn Ground following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time. Enner Valencia
gave the Hammers the lead early in the second-half and things got worse for
the visitors when Aiden McGeady was sent off for two bookable offences.
Roberto Martinez threw on Kevin Mirallas and he was the difference, firing a
magical free-kick past Adrian with just eight minutes remaining to send the
game into extra time. Romelu Lukaku gave his side first blood after the
restart, firing home Mirallas' cross, but Martinez's side could not hold on
for a famous victory.
Allardyce brought on Carlton Cole as his side went in search of an equaliser
and the move worked as the substitute stabbed home James Tomkins' knock down
with his first touch to take the game to penalties. And Adrian was the hero
for the home side, saving Steven Naismith's spot kick before scoring the
winning penalty himself after Joel Robles missed for Everton. West Ham's
reward after a pulsating 120 minutes of football is a trip to Ashton Gate to
face in-form League One side Bristol City.Both managers were true to their
word in selecting strong sides with Allardyce re-calling Matt Jarvis and
Alex Song to the side that drew with Swansea, while Martinez stuck with the
same team that held champions Manchester City on Saturday. But part of
Everton's problems this season have been individual errors and despite their
bright opening 10 minutes they could have been behind after John Stones was
caught in possession by Valencia, but the forward's shot was well saved by
Joel. The rebound fell into the path of Andy Carroll but the striker's
header crashed against the post, however it would not have counted with the
England striker judged to be in an offside position.
Everton were now starting to dominate proceedings and looked the more likely
to open the scoring as McGeady saw his shot blocked, but Allardyce's men
remained a threat on the counter-attack through Valencia and Stewart
Downing. Just after the half hour mark, the Ecuador international released
Downing down the right, whose cross picked out the late arriving Song, but
his shot hit Valencia when it looked to be heading into the back of the net.
The second half started in much the same vein as the first with both sides
attacking with intent but it was West Ham who made the breakthrough after a
quick attack was rounded off by Valencia's first Upton Park goal. Things
were about to get worse for Everton as McGeady, who was booked for a
first-half challenge on Matt Jarvis, recklessly brought down Mark Noble and
referee Neil Swarbrick had no choice but to show the Republic of Ireland
international a second yellow card. Martinez responded by replacing Ross
Barkley and Muhamed Besic with Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo and the move paid
off with the fresh legs giving Everton a new lease of life.
Lukaku closed down James Collins' clearance and with time to pick out a
cross he found Mirallas six yards out, but the Belgium international's shot
was miraculously blocked by Tomkins. However, he wasn't to be denied for
long and he produced a moment of magic from a free kick to beat Adrian from
25-yards out to level the scores with just eight minutes remaining. The home
side thought they should have had a penalty when Valencia's cross hit Stones
on the arm and they had a claim, however Swarbrick adjudged the offence to
have been just outside the penalty area. West Ham had chances to win the
game in the dying minutes of normal time but the visitors had Joel Robles to
thank for brilliant saves from Kevin Nolan and Collins as the game went to
extra time. Everton thought they had completed the turnaround when Lukaku,
who missed a glorious chance minutes earlier, stabbed home Mirallas' cross.
The visitors then had claims for a penalty turned down when Mirallas was
brought down on the edge of the penalty area. Allardyce threw on Cole for
Collins with 10 minutes as he took one last throw of the dice and it proved
a masterstroke as the 31-year-old was in the right place at the right time
to prod home Tomkins' knock-down with his first touch of the game. The two
sides could not be separated and the drama continued in the penalty shootout
as Mirallas and Noble scored each sides' first penalties.
Both sides then traded successful attempts until Downing, who stepped up
with the chance to win the game, had his kick saved by Robles to send the
shootout into sudden death. However, after another batch of successful
penalties from both sides Everton goalkeeper Robles went from hero to zero
as he saw his spot kick hit the underside of the bar and bounce out. Up
stepped Adrian to convert his penalty and send jubilant West Ham through to
the next round where they will face Bristol City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists his side deserved their penalty shootout
victory over Everton
Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:58am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side got what they deserved after
beating Everton 9-8 on penalties in the FA Cup third round.
On a dramatic night at the Boleyn Ground, Enner Valencia gave his side the
lead before Kevin Mirallas equalised with just eight minutes of normal time
remaining. Romelu Lukaku thought he'd won it in extra time for the 10-men of
Everton before Carlton Cole equalised for the hosts, who went on to win the
shootout thanks to goalkeeper Adrian's winning penalty. It was
unbelievable," Allardyce said. "The highs and lows in one particular game.
It has been a long time since I experienced such highs and lows in one
match. Such excitement. It was end to end from the first whistle - nothing
like a Premier League game. "Both teams went out and played and tried to win
it. In the end we got what we deserved, there is no doubt about that.
"Unfortunately we missed too many chances, their goalkeeper made some
fantastic saves. We had 23, 24 attempts. We missed and fluffed a few and had
to rely on penalties in the end to win it."
West Ham had not beaten Everton in 15 attempts before tonight and Allardyce
thought he was going to be on the wrong end of another result against the
Merseyside club when Stewart Downing's spot kick was saved during the
shootout. But Adrian was the hero of the hour for West Ham, saving Steven
Naismith's penalty and stepping up to score the winning goal after Joel
Robles had missed for Everton. And Allardyce was full of praise for the
Spanish keeper after helping book West Ham's place in the fourth round
against Bristol City. "Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for us and
when Stewart Downing missed it I thought, 'here we go again'," he added.
"But Adrian saved one brilliantly and took the last one, he was calm. He was
determined and it was a victory we deserved over the two legs."
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