Daily WHUFC News - 5th January 2016

FT- Dev Squad 2-0 Brighton & HA
WHUFC.com

FT: There's the full time whistle, the Hammers deserve their first win of
2016! Reaction to follow shortly.

90+2: Djair Parfitt-Williams has ben superb today and his trickery wins his
side another free-kick. Clever play from the winger, a real candidate for
Man of the Match.

90: Into the final exchanges now and the Hammers are value for their lead.
It looks like a first win of 2016, and their unbeaten run extends to seven
matches! COYI!

87: Phenomenal save by Spiegel! He clearly wants to keep that clean sheet!
Dessie Hutchinson fires forcefully and it looks as though he can't miss yet
the giant Swiss makes himself big and saves superbly.

85: Late substitutes for West Ham, replacing Reece Oxford is Manny Onariase
and of comes Alex Song to be replaced by George Dobson.

82: An excellent save by Maenpaa denies the Hammers a third goal, Lee did
everything right but the goalkeeper came out of nowhere to keep his side in
the contest.

80: Not long to go now, surely the Hammers will hold on and secure their
first win of 2016!

78: GOAL! The Hammers have scored, again a header from an Alex Song
free-kick. This time Reece Oxford rises highest to head it home. 2-0!

77: Reece Brown has been lively all night, he looks good on the ball and has
a great range of passing. The Hammers win yet another free-kick in a
dangerous position...

74: Following a lovely combination of passes, Chambers bursts forward and
carries it 50 yards onto the edge of the Brighton box, he passes it to Lee
who shoots from distance which doesn't threaten Maenpaa.

71: Good counter-attacking move starts with Song who feeds Hendrie who
bursts down the left and tries his luck from the edge of the box. His effort
is smoothered by the defender.

69: Free-kick for the Hammers in a dangerous position unfortunately comes to
nothing as the cross hits the wall. Brighton venture forward in search of
the equaliser but it too comes to nothing.

65: Jaanai Gordon comes on in place of Joe Powell in a like-for-like swap.

61: Spiegel again makes another fine save, this time from a looping
cross-come-shot which looked like it was creeping under the bar. Good work
from the bigman!

58: Alex Song fires in another free-kick, it's got plenty of pace and
Oxford's effort flies over the bar.

56: Just like the first half, it took the Hammers a little while to settle
into the game, however now they are really asserting their dominance, trying
to control possession.

54: Having said that, Powell does superbly well to burst down the
right-flank and forces Niki Maenpaa into a fantastic save.

51: The game yet to spark into life as yet. Both teams are just trying to
work eachother out.

49: Oxford plays a searching ball forward for Hendrie to run onto yet he is
flagged for offside, it must've been tight!

46: We're back underway here at Rush Green, Lee and Cullen with the
re-start, no changes as yet.

There's the half-time whistle and the Hammers take a deserved 1-0 lead into
the break.

45: GOAL!! Djair Parfitt-Williams heads into the far corner following a
well-worked free-kick between Cullen and Song. 1-0!

45: Cynical foul on Knoyle...which the Hammers use to their advantage!

43: More typically combative running from Cullen which creates an opening
however Brown is closed down by two Seagull defenders. Down the other end,
Oxford makes a superb sliding block.

40: Five minutes left to play of the half, plenty of hard work and effort
but little by way of clear cut chances.

36: What a ball that is by Josh Cullen, defence-splittingly brilliant. The
purr from the crowd said it all, Payet-like. Unfortunately the chance came
to nothing.

33: The Hammers are still in search of the opening goal and they look the
more likely however Brighton are staying solid and proving hard to break
down.

29: Superb cross from Parfitt-Williams outwide on the right flank. Powell
attacks it well but in nestles narrowly wide.

27: After their early spell of dominace the Hammers fought their way into
the game. Again, Lee goes close at the near post before Parfitt-Williams'
effort is charged down.

24: How did that not go in? Reece Brown does superbly by baring down on the
defence which parts like the sea. He feeds Alex Song, unusually far forward,
yet somehow he blazes over.

22: Again Hendrie does well, this time getting to the byline and feeding Lee
who wriggles past his man yet Brighton manage clear it at the last.

19: Leo Chambers executes an inch-perfect sliding tackle to deny Daniel
Akindayini. From the corner, a goalmouth scramble ensues which is eventually
cleared.

16: Jack Harper attempts an audacious outside of the boot ball over the
defence yet Oxford is equal to it. Moments later Hendrie does superbly to
keep possession, under pressure he headed it out of a tight corner with
three men chasing.

13: Tom Dallison goes close with another header from a corner yet it falls
harmlessly wide. Brighton will be pleased with the start they've made
nonetheless.

10: Josh Cullen whips in a wonderful delivery which Dylan Barnett does well
to deal with, Brighton again look to break yet they are halted as Song is
penalised for a foul, he cannot believe the decision!

7: Down the other end, Reece Oxford takes a fierce shot right where it
hurts, he plays on but that took the wind out of him. Frantic start.

6: Knoyle fizzes in a superb cross toward Elliot Lee who gets infront of his
man and heads goalward yet Niki Maenpaa saves well.

3: Early pressure from the hosts as Raphael Spiegel is forced into a
fantastic save to deny a header from a corner. That was an excellent save!
The resulting corner is cleared.

1: Reece Oxford leads his team out with Alex Song limbering up at the back.
The Hammers are in their traditional claret and blue while the visitors
Brighton are in luminous yellow, they get us under way kicking right to
left.

18.50: Tonight we are joined by very special guests from our Dutch partners
VVV Venlo, manager Maurice Steijn is in the stands tonight as part of a week
long tour.

18.45: It's a chilly night here at Rush Green, however that hasn't deterred
the fans. As ever, a healthy audience has packed into Rush Green for the
first U21 game of 2016! Here's hoping the young Hammers can maintain there
superb form, they're currently six games unbeaten, having won five of those
matches.

18.30: As you'll no doubt have noted, Alex Song is in the starting XI
tonight. Another slightly less familiar name is Reece Brown who is currently
on trial at West Ham.

Hello and welcome to tonight's encounter between West Ham United's
Development Squad and Brighton & Hove Albion, the team news is in...

U21: Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Song, Chambers, Oxford (c), Browne, Cullen,
Parfitt-Williams, Lee. R. Brown, Powell (Gordon 65)

Subs: Onariase, Howes (GK), Pike, Dobson

Brighton U21: Maenpaa, Hunt, Barnett, Collar, Barclay, Dallison, Monakana,
Hutchinson, Akindayini, Harper, Tilley

Subs: Harris, Vose (GK), Molumby, Deen, Marguire-Drew

Referee: Lee Venamore

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round-up
WHUFC.com

Martin Samuelsen netted his first professional goal, a late winner for
Peterborough United, in some style by beating several Sheffield United
players before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
The highly rated Norwegian winger came on in the 78th minute with Posh 2-1
up. However Jack Baldwin's inadvertent own goal just six minutes from time
looked to have levelled the proceedings before Samuelsen made his mark
seconds later. The win keeps Posh in the play-off positions with 40 points
from 25 games.

Lewis Page made his Football League debut after joining League Two outfit
Cambridge United. The exciting left-back went straight into the starting XI,
unfortunately the U's slipped to a 4-1 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon.

Reece Burke's Bradford City slipped to a 3-0 defeat away at Gillingham. The
hosts got off to a fantastic start as goals from Bradley Dack and Rory
Donnelly inside 11 minutes put the Gills firmly in command.

Doug Loft completed the victory with just minutes to go, the three points
takes them to second in League One, while the Bantams are twelfth.

Clarke Bogard's Tilbury FC got 2016 off to a fantastic start by recording a
4-0 win over Great Wakering Rovers.

Tilbury are now unbeaten in 17 league games since September and have
suffered just one defeat in 22 matches. Neil Richmond netted a hat-trick and
Emiel Aiken scored to take Tilbury to fifth in the Ryman Football League –
Division North.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
First and Last - Reece Oxford
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as
well as some firsts. Today, Reece Oxford goes under the spotlight…

FIRSTS

What was the first CD you bought?
"The first CD I bought was probably Drake – 'Sooner than Later'. He has had
so many songs that I don't actually remember the time I bought it but it
must have been a few years ago."

Tell us about the first goal you scored for West Ham United?
"It was for the Under-13s. I was playing as a striker back then and I scored
a scrappy goal against Charlton. I got moved about a bit that year and
played up front for half the season."

Who would be the first teammate you would call up for a quiz?
"If we are talking about intelligence I would have to say Joey O'Brien as he
knows his stuff."

Who would be the first person you would vote off the X Factor and why?
"Cheikhou Kouyate. He is not a good singer but he might actually get through
because he is very funny."

LASTS

What was the last concert you went to?
"I went to see Stormzy, who is a rap artist."

Who is the last teammate you would want to be stuck in a lift with?
"I would have to say Elliot Lee. He would just moan and moan and would drive
me crazy."

Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?
"I would not take any fashion advice from Angelo Ogbonna. I am more
tight-fitted and he is more baggy-fitted!"

What is the last book you read?
"Rio Ferdinand's autobiography. I really enjoyed it because it was about his
life in football and all his ups and downs. He used to be a striker and then
moved to centre-half so I can relate to him a lot and of course we both come
through the Academy at West Ham so I would love to follow in his footsteps."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - I knew all about this one!
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio made it two goals in two games with his header against
Liverpool – and this time he was delighted to be able to say he meant it!
Having opened his Hammers account with a strange goal against Southampton,
when Victor Wanyama's attempted clearance looped in off him, he powered a
header home in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Reds. He had to wait some time
for his West Ham career to get going, but is certainly grabbing his
opportunity now. He said: "In the last game the goal I got was kind of a
fluke, but against Liverpool I knew everything about it. "It's part of my
game and it doesn't matter where I start I'm always going to be in the box
because I'm hungry for goals. Hopefully I can keep getting them. "From last
season I've always tried to get to the far stick because I've got a decent
leap and am quite strong. "As the ball's come in I've held off Clyne and
scored with a diving header."

The victory sealed West Ham's first double over Liverpool in 52 years, but
Antonio said observers should no longer be surprised at their toppling of
the big boys this term. He added: "It's not a surprise that we're producing
these kind of performances. We've shown it right from the start of the
season when we beat all the top boys. "We've had a bit of a dip with the
injuries, but players are coming back, the squad is getting strong again and
now we can keep pushing on. "What we're concentrating on is the next game,
that's Wolves in the FA Cup and we want another win.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven selects Founders comp winners
WHUFC.com

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has handpicked his competition winners to
join him on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Club's new home.


As the Hammers prepare to move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the
summer, we asked supporters to choose who they would bring with them as
Founders of the new Stadium.

And with unbelievable money-can't-buy Hammers prizes up for grabs, fans were
quick to submit their entries via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Following a lengthy selection process, eight-year-old Ross Miller of
Brentwood topped the bill, with his Dad and Godfather his two Founders of
choice. Ross and his family will now be treated to their very own tour of
the new Stadium alongside manager Bilic himself.

Elsewhere, Evan Jones' imaginative entry secured him Directors' Box tickets
for a game at the new Stadium, while blogger Sean Whetstone scooped third
prize and, with it, three 2016/17 replica shirts.

Season Ticket Holders who have renewed for the historic first season at the
new Stadium are reminded that they have a final opportunity to invite
friends and family to join them as Founders.

Supporters who, until now, have only invited one fellow Hammers fan, or
indeed none at all, to join them as Season Ticket Holders on Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park, can take advantage of an exclusive five-day Founders Amnesty
Window > amnesty.whufc.com

After Band 4 appointments have concluded, the Amnesty Window will open on
Wednesday 27 January and run until Sunday 31 January.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet back at Charlton
WHUFC.com

Diego Poyet has been recalled from his season-long loan at MK Dons today and
will now join Charlton Athletic. Poyet made 18 appearances for the
Championship side, but is now making a return to the Club where he started
his career. The 20-year-old midfielder became a fans favourite at the Valley
and was named Player of the Year before he made the move across London to
West Ham United in July 2014. Poyet started three games for the Hammers in
the Europa League at the start of the season but Slaven Bilic felt it would
be best for the talented midfielder to get some regular first-team football
under his belt. Poyet has now made a return to the capital and will join up
with the south London club on Monday. After scoring a wonder goal for
Peterborough at the weekend, talented youngster Martin Samuelsen will now
extend his Youth Loan with the League One Club until the end of the Season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex's Column: Transfer Targets, Lanzini Update, Noble's players.
January 3, 2016
Westhamway.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

So what a brilliant result that was!! We without doubt deserved the win and
I don't think there was a player who didn't play at least a 7 out of 10
game.

As I always say, and have done for at least three years, James Collins is a
brilliant defender. He has never got the credit he deserves because he
doesn't have pace and tricks which, unfortunately due to FIFA's influence, a
lot of the slaters think you have to have this ingredient to be any good at
football. I am glad that finally he is starting to get some recognition.
I did see however a tweet after he had slipped and Tomkins recovered to help
him out saying "That is why I don't rate Collins, brilliant for most of the
game yet prone to a mistake" Believe it or not it is possible for Messi and
Ronaldo to slip too. I thought all of the defence played very well and it
will be very hard to justify bringing Winston Reid into it yet when he
returns from injury.

I think Obiang is a much underrated performer too. Every time he comes on
he tidies the game up well and goes about his job quietly but effectively
and I personally think it is right on current form for Song to be behind the
starting three and Obiang as he hasn't shown any form as yet. I also felt
that Antonio had a great game and he didn't stop working. Although it was
probably a foul initially the goal that he scored summed this up perfectly
having won the ball in one corner he popped up at the other end to head the
goal from the same move. I am glad that we also now possess a long throw in
our team, whilst it hasn't been too effective yet, it is always a good
weapon to have for set pieces. Again, I don't think Moses should get his
spot back ahead of him yet.

It is amazing to think how much squad competition we have which helps with
the disappointing news that Lanzini is injured again. As always with
injuries there seems to be contrasting stories with Bilic and my source
saying it is minor and he will be back for the next premier league match and
David Gold and some papers saying over a month. He will have a scan on
Monday and then the truth shall be known then until then it is educated
guesses.

So I released the news very early about West Ham fan and Essex boy Sam Byram
being our first choice target which has now been picked up on by a number of
accounts and newspapers many days after releasing it. I find it a
compliment that this happens on such a regular basis but in turn it is quite
frustrating that it is often forgotten where these transfer stories
originate from, funnily I also help some of the newspapers write their
stories! Yet somehow the newspaper story is seen as the story to base other
accounts articles around rather than my own. Anyway enough of that rant it
has been happening for years!

The bottom line is with the transfers there may be zero movement this window
and we are preparing our deals for the summer now of which Byram and Tore
will be top targets along with a number of others. There is also a strong
chance of a loan deal from abroad. I have seen the transfer targets list
for the summer and many are from abroad following the successes of Payet and
Lanzini this year. We have a number of right back targets in case Byram
doesn't happen but one thing that is for sure and something I have
maintained for a while now, is that Jenkinson will not be returning next
year.

Having Payet back yesterday was brilliant and the reception that he got was
amazing. I cannot remember a reception like it, other than when Tevez made
his debut or when Paolo Di Canio came off the bench against Chelsea to score
the winner in his last season with us. It was certainly special and
deserving of the player. Some of the touches he produced yesterday were
magical and I cannot believe Match of the Day chose not to mention his
return or show any of these skills. I think I now however suffer from
"Payetophobia" though which is a fear of him getting injured again whenever
someone goes near him. Every time a tackle came in I was praying he would
get up from it! What a player he is though!

I have heard some further exciting names being lined up for Mark Noble's
testimonial. It all depends on their clubs releasing them for the match
however. Carlton Cole is expected to return alongside other heroes such as
Scott Parker, Marlon Harewood, Dean Ashton and Jack Collison.

The FA Cup against Wolves this weekend is an exciting fixture and is
expected to be a sell-out. I think it is fitting that we play Wolves, the
opponents that we played straight after Bobby Moore's death. I really think
we need to take the FA Cup seriously as we have the squad to do so.

Here is to another great week as a hammer. Remember to read the site for
all the latest transfer and injury news. Please also join in on the forum.
I will be handing over the reigns so to speak to two admins this week who
are very passionate West Ham fans and will create an interesting discussion.


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Diego Poyet has MK Dons loan cut short
BBc.co.uk

Midfielder Diego Poyet has had his season-long loan with MK Dons cut short
by parent club West Ham United. The 20-year-old Uruguay Under-20
international had made 20 appearances for Karl Robinson's Championship side
since joining in August. But he only started two games in December and has
now returned to the Premier League Hammers. "It didn't really work with him
playing alongside Darren Potter," Robinson told the MK Dons website. "They
are both top players, everyone knows how important Darren is to us. "I love
developing young players and it's not fair on him as a young player, not
getting as many minutes as he would like."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'€10m' Tore bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Reports from Turkey suggest that Slaven Bilic's former club Besiktas have
rejected a €10m bid from West Ham for Gokham Tore. Tore, a player with whom
Slaven Bilic has previously said that he would love to bring to east London
was the subject of interest from the Hammers last summer, although the club
were unable to complete a deal. And Turkish outlet Kralspor claimed at the
weekend that West Ham had reignited their interest in the 23-year-old German
-born goalscorer, who moved to Besiktas from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan on a
permanent basis in 2014 after having spent the previous season on loan at
the Vodafone Arena. West Ham are reported to have sent a representative to
Turkey in order to speak with Besiktas president Fikret Orman, who is
understood to have told the hammers to return at the end of the season for
further talks. The Hammers are seeking a potential replacement for Mauro
Zarate, who has been linked with a move to La Liga side Malaga.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate linked with La Liga switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Mauro Zarate could be on his way out of West Ham for the second January in
succession, according to reports. The Argentine striker was shipped out to
Queens Park Rangers last January after falling out with Sam Allardyce and
according to reports emanating from Spain, could be on his way to La Liga
outfit Malaga during the current transfer window. Although he had enjoyed a
run in the first team of late, the 28-year-old forward is below the likes of
Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia in Slaven Bilic's pecking
order at West Ham. And sources in Spain claim that Zarate has already held
preliminary discussions with Malaga's sporting director Francesc Arnau with
view to joining the club on loan until the end of the current season.
Zarate's older brother Ariel, who retired as a pro in 2011 spent four years
with Los Boquerones between 1998 and 2002, and is believed to have
recommended the club to the Hammer striker.

* In other transfer window news, Diego Poyet - whose season-long loan at MK
Dons was cut short by the Championship club at the weekend - has been linked
with a return to Charlton, the club with whom he began his professional
career.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday musings: the worst Liverpool side ever?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th January 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

Not content with winning at Anfield for the first time since 1963 earlier in
the season, West Ham completed the double over Liverpool at the Boleyn on
Saturday with a thoroughly satisfying team performance. The 2-0 win -
courtesy of goals from Michail Antonio and Liverpool's record signing, Andy
Carroll - means that the Hammers have put five goals past the once-mighty
Merseysiders this season without reply and also ensured Slaven Bilic's team
completed the double over Liverpool from the first time in 51 years.
Although Jurgen Klopp's arrival hints at a promising future for the Reds,
the current squad is one of the weakest to have visited east London in the
last half century and West Ham's win was no fluke, nor surprise. Despite
seeing less of the ball the Irons were by far the better team on the day,
created more goalscoring opportunities and could have won by an even greater
margin.

All in all it was an overwhelmingly positive day for West Ham, who also
welcomed the creative genius of Dimitri Payet back into the side. The French
international wasted no time in showing the Boleyn faithful what they had
missed in recent weeks as a sublime exhibition of trickery left three
opponents looking foolish within seconds of his introduction as a second
half substitute.

But West Ham being West Ham, something had to go wrong - and the sight of
Manuel Lanzini limping off whilst clutching his thigh after just 39 minutes
- in only his second game since returning from injury - was an all-too
depressingly familiar sight in a season in which most of the club's key
players have suffered from a serious injury at some stage.

The Argentine midfielder joins key men Winston Reid and Diafra Sakho on the
sidelines - whilst Alex Song, Angelo Ogbonna, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll
and the aforementioned Payet have also experienced major injuries this
season.

Yet West Ham continue to confound their critics and ended the day sixth in
the Premier League - and remain unbeaten since losing at Tottenham back in
November, some eight matches previously. Seven of the team's 32 points
arrived over Christmas too - hopefully putting to bed the myth that West Ham
come down with the Christmas decorations!

Next weekend the FA Cup takes centre stage as West Ham welcome Wolverhampton
Wanderers to the Boleyn Ground for the final time before we up sticks and
move to Stratford this summer.

There have been some memorable meetings between the two teams over the
years, although few will come close to matching the Barclays Division 1
clash in March 1993 when the current Championship side were the first
visitors to an emotional Boleyn Ground awash with wreaths and flowers
following the untimely death of Bobby Moore.

* An abridged version of this article also appears in The Echo.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet returns to Charlton as Samuelsen stays Posh
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have allowed young midfielder Diego Poyet to return to former club
Charlton Athletic on a short-term loan. The 20-year-old was sent back to
West Ham at the weekend by MK Dons after his season-long loan was
terminated, but has rejoined his former club on a two-month loan deal.

KUMB understands that the Hammers were looking to sell the youngster back to
Charlton, although both clubs eventually agreed on a short-term loan - which
could be extended for the remainder of the season. Poyet will be joined at
Charlton by former Hammer Roger Johnson, who has re-signed for the Addicks
on a free transfer. The former Wolves defender - dubbed 'Relegation Rog' -
spent half a season on loan at the Boleyn Ground two years ago.

* In other transfer news, Martin Samuelsen - who scored a wonder goal at
Sheffield United on Saturday - has extended his stay at Peterborough until
the end of the season. The young Norwegian attacking midfielder has proved
to be a huge hit with the Posh since moving on loan back in November.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From Barcelona to Barking
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Alex Song - who was an unused substitute against Liverpool on Saturday - is
set to feature for West Ham United's under 21s when they face Brighton &
Hove Albion at Rush Green tonight. The 28-year-old midfielder is yet to
recapture the stunning form he produced during the first half of the 2014/15
season and has struggled to hold down a place in Slaven Bilic's side since
returning from a lengthy injury. And in order to ensure the former Cameroon
international gets valuable game time, he has been included in Terry
Westley's squad for tonight's Barclays U21 Premier League Division One clash
with the Seagulls. Both sides go into tonight's game desperately seeking
three points, with Brighton bottom of the 12-team table and West Ham faring
little better in eighth place with 17 points from their opening 13 games of
the campaign. West Ham will be hoping to repeat their success in the
corresponding fixture at the Amex Stadium back in November, which the
Hammers won 2-1 through goals from Josh Cullen and Martin Samuelsen - who
has since joined Peterborough on loan until the end of the season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANOTHER SWING IN AN UNPREDICTABLE SEASON AND A WEIGHT OFF OUR SHOULDERS
By Benjamin Cronin 4 Jan 2016 at 19:00
WTID

Over the past few weeks I put my neck on the line with the claim that our
recent prolonged run of games without a win was still acceptable. It may
well be that another draw against the Premier League's bottom side followed
my latest article, but even that disappointment can't spoil what has to be
seen as a successful festive period. Two impressive wins have put us back on
track and now sitting pretty in sixth position in the table, I'm pleased to
say that my optimism and faith in the squad was well founded.

I know it was a gruelling eight games without taking maximum points from a
fixture but for the majority of those eight games, we deserved a lot more.
While the number of points we gained from that dismal run of results
couldn't be seen as a positive had it carried on much longer, I simply felt
that our depleted squad still tried to win games and for the most part,
probably should have. I never claimed I was happy with the way things were
going in terms of points gained, it was the squad's attitude and approach to
games that I took solace in. While the performances put in may not have
produced the desired results, it showed the quality to do so was there and
following our Boxing Day draw against Aston Villa, that quality appears to
have come good.

The two home fixtures against Southampton and Liverpool may have had the
same outcome but they were very different games. The pressure was building
before the Monday night fixture against The Saints and had we not battled
our way to three points, we could have been in for a real struggle going
into the new year. Having fallen behind, the squad showed the extent of
character that has been bubbling away for a few months now. Antonio chalked
up a deserved first league goal for the club in somewhat fortunate
circumstances and a classic Andy Carroll header sealed the victory. As much
as we all love watching us dominate games and ease to victory, there's
something quite satisfying about dragging a victory out of a game that, at
points, looked beyond us.

This Saturday's early afternoon game against Liverpool was a different
kettle of fish. They started brightly, looking to build on their previous
two wins against Leicester and Sunderland, but soon enough, we were in full
flow and dominating the game. Antonio notched his second in as many games
(his latest effort a lot more intentional than his first) and while our
defence limited their creative and usually dangerous frontline, we carved
out several decent chances to take an increased lead into the break. At 1-0,
my nerves are always jangling but within ten minutes of the restart, I was
breathing a sigh of relief. Andy Carroll met a pinpoint cross from Mark
Noble, with another trademark header, to put him on par with Antonio's
recent tally and (for the time being) my nerves at ease. Sitting more
comfortably at 2-0, we did well to contain the game, thanks to yet another
strong display from the back four and in particular, James Collins. Whilst
our defenders put in a decent shift, the all-round work of Antonio, Noble
and Kouyate made it a real team effort.

Just as I made a conscious effort to not let a few bad results have me
writing us off and being resigned to mid-table obscurity (which I'd still
have taken at the start of the season), it is important to do the same when
things are going well. We seem to have come out of our blip and still manage
to get some much needed points on the board, when some teams and dare I say
it, the West Ham of old, may have seen three or four or those draws turn
into losses. The teams in and around us have been dropping off and coming
back with each game that passes and although we aren't used to it, these
consistent performances are proving to be the key to our success. We might
be three points off fourth position, but we're a run of three or four bad
results off the bottom half of the table and we only need to look back
twelve months to see how quickly things can change.

I'm by no means comparing this season to last, as similar as it may seem.
We're a different team this year and I'd go as far to say, we're a different
club. Even if we don't manage to mirror our successful first half of the
season for the remainder of the campaign, we'll do it playing football and
trying to win games. It was a joy to see Payet back on the pitch and it
looked like he'd never been away. Still oozing class and confidence, I'm
sure he'll pick up where he left off and hopefully help the side build on
the level of quality we've already seen this season. The Lanzini injury put
a dampener on what was a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch and I, for one,
am waiting with baited breath in the hope that it isn't as serious as it
could be (it's already been reported that he is likely to miss four to six
weeks).

I'm glad to be back writing and more importantly, happy to reporting on what
was a great Christmas and New Year for The Hammers. I hope we're all braced
for the rumours that will flow forth in the weeks ahead but I'm more worried
about the football that is to come. A tricky home tie against Wolves in the
FA Cup and two very winnable away games against Bournemouth and Newcastle
could see my contained optimism spring open like a can of worms, but I guess
we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

COYI

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll must score a hatful to make England Euros squad
warns boss Bilic
22:30, 3 JAN 2016 UPDATED 23:17, 3 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
"He's got the quality but has to show it on a longer scale" says manager
after the injury-plagued striker nets his third goal of the season in win
over Liverpool
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has warned Andy Carroll that he will be nowhere near being in
the England picture for the European Championship in France this summer
until he scores more goals. The striker got the winner for the second time
in as many games as his West Ham side completed a season double over
Liverpool on Saturday. It is the first time in a year that Carroll, now
hoping he's over his many injury problems, has netted in successive matches.
But the club-record £15million hitman's 55th-minute header was only his
third goal in 13 appearances this season.
In a fascinating piece of public man-management, Bilic said afterwards: "To
talk about the Euros is wrong for him. "If England is a serious national
team and you're trying to win the Euros then you can't talk about the
national team when the player has scored three goals. "He's got all the
quality. To ask me does he have quality then, yes. But he has to show it on
a longer scale and now it's there.
"He's got a chance."

Bilic believes this summer's tournament in France will act as motivation for
the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker, who played in the last Euros in
Poland and Ukraine four years ago. He added: "It would push me definitely.
And I hope that he's going to do everything because when he's like this he's
hard to play against. "We created many chances against Liverpool and we
could have scored more. But it's a brilliant start to the new year."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"We'll turn Samuelsen into a £20m player"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry has welcomed the news
that West Ham have allowed Martin Samuelsen to stay with the Posh until the
end of the season by declaring: "We'll make him a £20 million player."

The Hammers have announced the flying midfielder will stay at London Road
and Fry immediately said: "He'll win us the League and if he stays another
year we;ll turn him into a man on and off the pitch and send a £20 million
player back to Upton Park!"

Speaking in the ClaretandHugh interview section of MooreThanJustAPodcast,
the former Birmingham City manager under the Davids declared: "Every Posh
player looks up to Martin. He's a training ground genius. "He will be
knocked about and learn to mature at our level. It's a better place to grow
up and learn your trade than in under 21 football where nobody ever
tackles."

Barry elaborates on Martin and discusses Jack Collison's future, how Jannai
Gordon was been given no chance to develop at Upton Park under the former
manager and what should happen next and his incredibly close relationship
with David Gold and David Sullivan only on the Moore ThanJustAPodcast which
will go out at around 9 pm on Tuesday January 5.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another Reece joins Hammers on trial
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Nineteen year old Reece Brown was the unnamed trialist tonight at Rush Green
for the Development match which was won 2-0 thanks to a Djair
Parfitt-Williams goal in the first half and a Reece Oxford goal from an
Alex Song free kick in the second half.

U21: Starting XI v Brighton : Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Song, Chambers,
Oxford, Parfitt-Williams, Cullen, Lee, (Reece Brown), Powell

The Birmingham City youngster who plays in midfield joined Brum at the age
of ten. After leaving school, he took up a scholarship with the club in July
2012. His goal against West Brom's youth team helped Birmingham reach the
last 16 of the FA Youth cup. On his first league start for Birmingham, on
18th January 2014, Brown was man of the match and he impressed a week later
in the FA CUP defeat to Swansea. Between those two matches, he signed his
first professional contract with Birmingham, a two-and-a-half-year deal to
run until 2016. That contract finishes this summer.He has made 11 first team
appearances in total for the Blues. He has been a member of the England U16
U17 U18 U20 squads since 2012 producing 19 appearances for his country.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer re-joins Addicks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer, Roger Johnson has rejoined the Addicks. Charlton officially
confirmed that experienced centre-back Roger Johnson has returned to the
club by putting pen to paper on an 18-month contract today. The 32-year-old
spent the latter part of last season in SE7, playing 14 games as Charlton
enjoyed a strong second half of the campaign. After leaving Charlton in the
summer, he signed a deal with FC Pune City in the Indian Super League, where
he worked under former England international David Platt. "I'm very pleased
to welcome Roger back to The Valley," said Interim Head Coach, Karel Fraeye
on Charlton's official website. "He's obviously a player who knows the club
and, importantly, knows the league. He did the job last season, he brings a
big voice on the pitch and he will bring us the experience we need." Roger
appeared for West Ham six times on loan from Wolves from January 2014 to May
2014.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rio to play at the Boleyn Ground one last time
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former son of West Ham, Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he has been asked to
play at Mark Noble's testimonial at Easter. Speaking on his official twitter
Rio said: "Just been asked to play in Mark Noble testimonial, to play at
Upton Park for the last time ever, such a special place,special fans #MN16"
Originally scouted by Frank Lampard senior, Rio progressed through the West
Ham youth team ranks, earning a professional contract and a place in the
first team squad in the process. On 5th May 1996, he made his senior team
debut, as he came on as a substitute for Tony Cottee in the Hammers' last
game of the season, a 1–1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday. During the
1997–98 season, Ferdinand won the Hammer of the Year award at the young age
of 19. In November 2000 he joined Leeds for £18m after playing 127 times for
the Hammers.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm midfielder deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have this morning confirmed that Diego Poyet is on his way back to
the Valley for the rest of the season. The former Charlton midfielder will
be with his former club until the end of the season when a permanent deal
could be under discussion. Poyet only joined the Hammers 18 months ago but
was ignored by the former manager and the arrival of such as Manu Lanzini,
Dimi Payet and Pedro Obiang have pushed him right out onto the sidelines.
Having recalled him from MK Dons where the plan was to allow a season-long
deal there has been a change of heart presumably brought on by the chance of
a permanent deal at the end of the season. A Hammers source told us: "He is
on his way back to Charlton and we'll see what develops over the rest of the
season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Hammers in BBC team of the week
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
Garth Crooks' BBC team of the week includes three hammers!
C and Ham

James Collins made 23 clearances against Liverpool; the most recorded by any
player in a single Premier League game this season. If you are in a battle
there are certain defenders you want in your team and James Collins is one
of them. He has already made my TOTW this season and seems to be playing
better than ever at the moment. Players like Christian Benteke were made for
people like James Collins. It's the Roberto Firminos and Philippe Coutinhos
that tend to pose a problem for the Welshman but not on this occasion. Like
Gandalf, one of the main protagonists in JR Tolkien's novels The Hobbit and
The Lord of the Rings, James Collins maintains the theme 'you shall not
pass'.

Mark Noble, The ball into Andy Carroll for his beautifully headed goal was
textbook. In fact if Liverpool had any sense they would have provided the
same type of service for Christian Benteke. Players might be fitter and the
nutrition better than in the past but you need none of that to put a cross
in the box for a centre forward to attack. All Mark Noble did was play to
his team-mate's strengths and it wreaked havoc. Noble also knows where the
danger is. His clearance off the line was cool and calm and frankly typical
of a lad who just gets on with it. Mark Noble epitomises everything this
East End club stands for. The Hammers have produced some wonderful servants
in the past and it looks like they've produced another worthy member of the
West Ham academy.

Michail Antonio,The tackle on Liverpool's Alberto Moreno deep in West Ham's
half should have been a free-kick but referee Robert Madley insisted play
continue. However, what Michail Antonio went onto achieve thereafter was
quite extraordinary. Having won the ball from Moreno in the first place,
Antonio immediately recovered from the tackle and then followed the move he
started in his own half in order to extend himself above Liverpool's defence
to head home a most sensational goal. This young man has slowly worked his
way through a number of clubs to get to Upton Park. If he keeps playing like
this he could be making far more appearances.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker linked with Malaga move
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham Striker, Mauro Zarate has been targeted by Spanish club Malaga
according to a Spanish radio station repeated in the Daily Mirror. Zarate
joined West Ham from Velez Sarsfield in 2014 on a free transfer after buying
himself out of his contract. He has scored five league goals during twenty
appearances and spent part of last season on loan at QPR. According to
Spanish radio station Cadena Ser de Malaga, Malaga want to bring him to La
Liga. The 28-year-old's older brother Ariel had a four-year stint at Malaga
between 1998 and 2002. It is thought that Zarate would be open to a move as
he is further down the striker pecking order with the return of Andy Carroll
and Enner Valencia from injury, but in order for that to happen he would
first have to reach an agreement with West Ham over rescinding his current
contract, which expires in 2017. The striker previously agreed to pay a
substantial amount towards a new gym which was being built in his home
country to help the development of the game to enable him to buy himself
out of his contract with Velez Sarsfield.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
London Stadium 185 to run OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

On 30th January 2015, E20 Stadium LLP awarded the service concession
contract for the former Olympic Stadium to french firm VINCI Stadiums. The
contract, which spans 25 years, includes:operation, upkeep and maintenance
of the stadium, coordination of part of the park around the stadium during
the various events.

The Stadium is owned by the E20 Stadium LLP, a joint venture between the
London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Legacy Investments (a
company wholly owned by Newham Council).

Vinci stadiums has in turn created a wholly owned subsidiary company called
London Stadium 185 limited to run this contract, in honour of the 185
British Olympic and Paralympic medal winners at the 2012 Olympic Games.
London Stadium 185 will be responsible for managing the 60,000-seat stadium
during events ensuring its commercial development through additional
programming generating additional revenue: corporate events, partnerships,
catering, coordinating activity in the venue throughout the year.

Linda Lennon CBE was appointed Chief Executive Officer of London Stadium 185
in August 2015, she was formally the CEO of Royal Park and the Parole Board.

ClaretandHugh understands it is London Stadium 185 Limited that are now
responsible for recruiting match day stewards at the new stadium on West Ham
rented days and senior employees of London Stadium 185 were present last
Saturday at the Boleyn ground for a recruitment drive to persuade more
current West Ham stewards to join them.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Japanese star
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News
C and H

With the January transfer window open, the West Ham transfer rumours have
started despite persistent statements from the manager and the board that
little to no business will be done this winter. Today it is the turn to
recycle the news that AC Milan's Japanese international Keisuke Honda has
been linked with the Irons after falling down the pecking order under boss
Sinisa Mihajlovic. Honda, who arrived at the San Siro on a free transfer in
2013, has started just four of Milan's 17 Serie A matches this season.The
29-year-old's lack of game time has attracted interest from West Ham, Spurs
and Everton claim the Daily Express today repeating claims Italian
publication Tuttosport. However the player is having none of it saying "I
will tell you one thing clearly: I won't leave Milan of my own accord," to
the Japanese publication Nikkan Sports. "I came to Milan with unshakeable
determination and unless they tell me they don't want me, I'm going nowhere.
I won't run away. "It's more difficult than I imagined it would be at Milan,
but of course I won't give up. "Of course I have to accept my disappointing
performances, but I have confidence of fighting back. I know it will be
difficult to win back my place but I haven't given up."
Bilic was asked specifically about Honda joining the Hammers in January back
in October and answered: "We will see in January, but they are just
rumours," Bilic said, when asked about interest in Honda. "We have done the
majority of the job in August and I'm happy with the team. It doesn't mean
that we're not, if possible, going to get one or two or offload one or two,
but nothing major in terms of numbers. But if something exceptional comes
our way then you never know. But we have done our job and we are OK."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sinclair to return to Boleyn Ground farewell
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer, Trevor Sinclair has been the latest player to confirm he has
accepted an invitation from Mark Noble to play in his testimonial. Speaking
via twitter Trevor said "Delighted to get the nod from Mark Noble for his
testimonial. Buzzing to be playing at Upton Park & the top fans 1 last time
#MN16" The 42 year old joined the Hammers for £2.7m in January 1998 making
177 appearances and scoring 37 goals before leaving in 2003 after West Ham
were relegated. The Hammers accepted a £3.3m bid for the player from
Manchester City. The long-serving club captain will be honoured with a match
between the current West Ham first team against a West Ham United All-Stars
squad, with all funds raised being donated to charity. The fixture, which
will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday 28th March 2016 at
2pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CASH AND CARROLL - IS HE HERE TO STAY ?
By HamburgHammer 4 Jan 2016 at 13:00
WTID

Once again it just feels sooo good to be a Hammer: Doing the double over
Liverpool, beating Klopp who chose an extended vacation over joining the
mighty Hammers (a decision he may come to regret eventually), the glorious
return of our favourite son in Dmitri Payet, a great team performance with
Noble, Collins and Antonio sticking out and what's even better, despite
losing Lanzini to yet another (hopefully short-term only) injury we have
more players returning to training like Moses, Reid and Sakho, so we should
soon be close to a nearly fully fit and healthy squad, And we may also have
loan players like Samuelson or Reece Burke returning to East London.

And of course we had Carroll chipping in again with a vital goal in form of
yet another one of his trademark headers after a Noble cross (!!!) that was
right on the money.
Talking of which this performance of Carroll got me thinking. Finally the
formerly ponytailed Geordie is doing what was expected of him ever since the
day he signed on the dotted line for us. The rest is history as they say, a
plethora of niggles, knocks and long-term injuries which made people
question the club for spending all that money on a player that was rarely
available to play, nevermind contributing with goals and assists.

Carroll is still on a long-term contract, guaranteeing him top wages of
around 80K-90K a week. The transfer fee of 15 million should no longer come
into the equation, that is a sunk cost now and in this day and age is par
for the course really, 15 million in modern Premier League terms no longer
buys you the top quality players (although sometimes clubs get lucky with
their choices paying a lot less, Payet anyone ?). So let's forget about the
15 million the club spent to bring Carroll aboard.
Let's focus on the wages and what we get for that. Over his career Carroll
has never really been a prolific goalscorer which is weird considering his
abilities to knock down balls, direct powerful headers towards goal and make
himself a general nuisance in the opposition's box.
When he is available to play you'd rather have him wearing your own colours
than those of the opposition.
But the fact remains that over his career Carroll has scored only one goal
for every four appearances. He had one stellar season in 2010/11 where he
scored in every other game. Saying that though he missed a number of games
during that season as well.

So it's fair to say that Carroll has never played an injury-free season in
which he constantly delivered. He scored some vital goals for us for sure,
but he has never scored a lot and he also rarely played a lot of games
without going down with another knock or injury.
It's a good thing that Carroll has found his scoring boots (or rather
forehead) again. As this will raise his market value and increase the
chances of having a number of clubs lining up to sign him either in this
transfer window or in the summer. We could cash in while his value is high
in order to bring in a striker who may be less injury prone.
Carroll really seems to work best as a super sub, but very few teams in the
world can afford to have super subs earning 90K a week.

In my opinion as a supporter I don't have to concern myself with the
finances involved, I am merely a fan. I don't run the club, the financial
nitty gritty is down to Sullivan, Gold and Brady (although not necessarily
in that order). So from the persepctive of a fan I am just grateful for
having a player like Carroll in our squad.
With more crosses like the Noble one coming into the box from the likes of
Payet, Cresswell, Lanzini, Antonio or Kouyate I can see Carroll start
scoring regularly, be that as a substitute or a player starting games for
us.
On the other hand God knows when the next big injury will hit and sideline
him for 2 or 3 months again. It's a tricky one, but a nice problem to have.


I'm sure the club will take the right decision here. Should Bilic decide to
go out and sign one or two other strikers in January or next summer I have
complete trust in that decision. But the same applies should Bilic stipulate
that Carroll is and will remain the answer for us upfront even beyond this
season.
It is a massive relief though that for once the Carroll issue doesn't appear
to be an overriding one for our club. That in itself is a clear pointer
towards the significant progress West Ham have made in the last few months
as a team and as a club. Our team certainly is stronger with Carroll
available. But it's not destined for a relegation scrap should Carroll go
down with another injury. That is quite a sobering thought. COYI!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic claims West Ham's Carroll is approaching England recall but can't
guarantee fitness
SLAVEN BILIC knows any glimmer of Andy Carroll returning to his best will
prompt talk of England, but the West Ham manager insists the striker has a
lot more to do to press his case for a place at Euro 2016.
By IAN WINROW
PUBLISHED: 03:30, Mon, Jan 4, 2016 | UPDATED: 06:28, Mon, Jan 4, 2016
Express.co.uk

On Saturday, Carroll marked his sixth league start of the season by scoring
in back-to-back games for the first time since 2013. His 55th-minute header
capped a fine all-round display that exposed Liverpool's defensive
weaknesses and provided a reminder of how threatening the 26-year-old can
be. Roy Hodgson will have taken note, but Bilic is adamant it is way too
early for Carroll to start thinking about spending the summer in France -
although he hopes his forward will use the incentive of the Euros to
maintain his progress. Bilic said: "To talk about the Euros is wrong for
him. If England is a serious national team and you're trying to win the
Euros then you can't talk about the national team when the player has scored
two goals. "He's got all the quality, but he has to show it on a longer
scale. He's got a chance, that's why I'm asking. I hope he's going to do
everything because when he's like this he's hard to play against."

Carroll is still feeling his way back after a knee ligament injury kept him
out for seven months. And Bilic believes it is now up to the player to make
sure his lifestyle allows him to maintain his recovery. "He looks really
good to me, he didn't drop for one single minute. He was running, he was
doing everything and it's all about him now," said the manager. "Is he going
to maintain and progress and look after himself and train hard and rest, or
is he going to go the other way? He has a history in that and I'm not his
dad, I can't demand things from him, but I'm expecting that."

Michail Antonio's 10th-minute header put the Hammers on course for the win
and Carroll's form together with the return of Dimitri Payet from injury
meant the only downside for Bilic was a recurrence of Manuel Lanzini's thigh
injury. For Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp there was much more to worry
about, and with tomorrow's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Stoke and
Friday's FA Cup third-round trip to Exeter to come, the manager will demand
an instant improvement. Centre-back Dejan Lovren admits the Reds must show
more fight if they are to turn things around this week. The defender said:
"We are disappointed. It wasn't the best performance from us and we need to
be angry with ourselves. "We definitely need to change our mentality and we
need to keep a better run of games and to fight more. It was two easy goals
conceded."

Klopp will make his first signing since taking over when Marko Grujic
undergoes a medical today ahead of his £5.1m move from Red Star Belgrade.
The Serbian midfielder was targeted by the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan,
but Jurgen Klopp's personal intervention persuaded the 19-year-old to move
to Anfield. He will be loaned back to Red Star for the remainder of the
season.

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Adrian 6; Tomkins 7, Collins 9, Ogbonna 7, Cresswell 7;
Kouyate 7, Noble 7; Antonio 8 (Jenkinson 86), Valencia 7 (Payet 64, 7),
Lanzini 6 (Obiang 39, 6); Carroll 8. Booked: Lanzini. Goals: Antonio 10,
Carroll 55. NEXT UP: Wolves (h) FAC, Sat.

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 7; Clyne 6, Lovren 6, Sakho 5 (Allen 82),
Moreno 6 (Smith 61, 6); Lucas 7, Can 6; Ibe 6 , Coutinho 7, Firmino 6
(Lallana 61, 5); Benteke 5. Booked: Lucas. NEXT UP: Stoke (a) COC, tomorrow.

REFEREE: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com