Daily WHUFC News - 24th September 2016

Payet - Win has boosted our confidence
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet says Wednesday's EFL Cup third-round victory over Accrington Stanley will be 'great' for the Hammers' confidence.

The France star settled the tie with a stunning last-minute free-kick – his fifth for West Ham United this year – setting up a fourth-round tie with Chelsea here at London Stadium next month.

Having gone within inches of opening his 2016/17 account with another stunning set piece at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Payet was pleased to score an important, morale-boosting goal in midweek.

"I am working hard on all aspects of my game," he told whufc.com. "On Saturday, I hit the post with the free-kick and yesterday, it went in.

"The goal helped us a lot and makes us feel a lot better because it meant we avoided extra-time and another 30 minutes of football. It will be great for our confidence.

The No27 found time to praise League Two Accrington for their approach to the tie, explaining how manager Slaven Bilic changed his gameplan at half-time, introducing himself and Manuel Lanzini in a bid to break down a stubborn defence.

"It was a bit of a tricky match on Wednesday," the Hammer of the Year reflected. "They played well, were well-organised and they kept their shape.

"We are in a period during which we need some more confidence and we couldn't break them down. As the match went on we opened up the game more and more and that allowed us to play better and become more of a threat.

"Slaven asked Manu and I to get on the ball, to use it well and to get the game going. We weren't putting them under enough pressure in the first-half because we were a bit slow and needed to move the ball more quickly and to keep the ball better. During the first 45 minutes, we were going long with the ball too often, so Slaven looked to the two of us to help change that."

The last-minute victory against Accrington will have helped us mentally and will have boosted our confidence and I hope that we will see that on the pitch on Sunday

Payet now hopes the Hammers will build on Wednesday's win when they take to the pitch for their Premier League clash with Southampton.

The Saints visit London Stadium on a run of three straight wins in UEFA Europa League, Premier League and EFL Cup, but the Frenchman is confident West Ham can halt their march on Sunday.

"Sunday's game against Southampton is of course one that we can win and we will be doing all that we can to do so and to take the victory at home," he stated.

"We know that we are in need of points, but we are at home and I think that the last-minute victory against Accrington will have helped us mentally and will have boosted our confidence and I hope that we will see that on the pitch on Sunday."

*If you are not coming to London Stadium, you can watch Sunday's game live on Sky Sports 1 HD, with kick-off at 4pm.

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Slaven Speaks - Southampton
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic faced the media ahead of the Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday and stressed the importance of getting two more wins before the international break. The Hammers boss also provided updates on the fitness of Andy Carroll and Arthur Masuaku and compared Dimitri Payet to David Beckham....

What would winning this weekend against Southampton mean to you following the recent defeats

SB: "It would mean a lot because we need it. I said after the West Brom game that we had three massive games until the international break starting in the cup and then two big league games. "It is a good opportunity for us because we are playing at home and we can get out of the situation we are in. "It would mean a lot to us to get the three points and it would boost the confidence and bring back the belief. "Although it is very early on in the season it is still very important because we need the points."

You said after the West Brom game that you wanted to see a reaction from the players. Have you seen that in training this week?

SB: "I have seen that and we have also had a game so we had to prepare the players for the Cup game against Accrington. "To be fair the players have always worked hard in training and we always train aggressive and intense. But the fact is we have to do it in games and we need to do it for ninety minutes."

You won against Accrington Stanley and although the performance was not what you were looking for, you still managed a victory. Has that does something to raise the confidence levels?

SB: "I totally agree with that. The performance was not something we expected or were looking for, but it is a win and we are through. You can train good and have lots of meetings, but nothing can bring you back on track like getting a win. "I said we had three big games and we have won one and kept a clean sheet. That is very important after conceding eight goals in two games. We have ticked the box in one game and now have another massive game on Sunday. "We are playing at home again against a team who are playing well at the moment. They did not start points wise the best but they got a win in Europe last week which gave them confidence and played well last weekend. It will be very hard of course."

Dimitri Payet scored another free-kick to win the game. He scores with a highest percentage of free-kicks than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. How highly do you rate him?

SB: "I rate him highly. When it comes to free-kicks I heard what Jamie Redknapp said and that he reminds him of David Beckham. "There are a few ways of taking a free-kick. Julian Dicks used to smash them. They were great ones but they were different. "You then have players who bend it like Beckham and he reminds me of that. The old fashioned way but hard as well. He is doing that in a great way and it is a very important part of his game. "He did it last season for us and for France. He is a great player and got the goal for us a great time on Wednesday night."

What would you say to West Ham fans attending London Stadium on Sunday?

SB: "I want the fans to be behind us on Sunday and we need their support more than ever. They will play a big part in this game. "We need them every time but we need them now to help us get out of this situation. "Since I have been here they have always been fantastic with their support and getting behind the team and I have no doubts they will be very positive once again."

Can you give us an update on Andy Carroll and when he could be back in action and the latest surrounding Arthur Masuaku's fitness?

SB: "Andy is doing very well. He is out injured and I saw stories on the day that we played Accrington that he had a setback, but that is not true and it is totally false. "We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell to fully train with the squad after the international break. That is good news. "Of course we had some bad news with Arthur's injury. He damaged his knee at the end of the Accrington game and he damaged his ligaments. "We will know more in a week's time and when he will be back but it will be at least six weeks, if not more. "It is disappointing because some players can play in different positions and you can fill the holes, but when both left backs have done the ligaments in their knee, it is not good news. "But I never look for excuses and we have a good team. I expect from us to do it on Sunday."

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Burt - You will not find a more honest manager
WHUFC.com


Daily Telegraph Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt has forged a close relationship with Slaven Bilic over recent years and is confident the West Ham manager will turn the Club's season around.

Following recent defeats against Watford and West Brom, Bilic enjoyed good news this week with the birth of his baby daughter and Burt feels he will have even more reason to celebrate following the game against Southampton on Sunday....



I think there is a general sense of frustration that it has been a difficult start to the season but also an acceptance that there have been a number of factors that have contributed to the bad start.

The injuries in particular has been a big factor but knowing Slaven like I do, he doesn't like to make excuses and doesn't enjoy being asked to make any excuses. You will not find a more honest manager in the Premier League.

He was very honest and gave his opinion following the defeat against West Brom last week and that is just the way he operates.

We had a similar situation at the start of the season when he was asked to castigate Diego Costa following the Chelsea defeat but he didn't even do that and that is a great quality he has got.

These next two games against Southampton and Middlesbrough are absolutely key in helping to get the season back on track.

The problem nowadays is there is so much focus on the Premier League. You have two types of clubs – one who are doing fantastic and the other who is facing a crisis.

At the moment with the situation that West Ham are in and the issues surrounding the Stadium, there is obviously a lot more focus on West Ham and people are labelling them as the crisis club but things can change.

You look at Crystal Palace and Watford and the situation changes.

Going into the international break, if the Club can manage to get two wins then the whole situation will change completely.

He told us during the press conference that he has still been thinking non-stop about football this week, even though he has just had a little girl.

It is 24/7 and a manager like Slaven coming back into the Premier League is interesting because he always wanted to manage in England and genuinely wanted the opportunity to manage West Ham.

He knows they over-achieved last season and the Club have backed him in the transfer market.

With the move into the new Stadium, people have been asking if they can push even higher, but when you look at what everyone has done during the summer, you find that all the big clubs are not going to allow another Leicester to happen.

Maybe West Ham could have done a Leicester this season if the situation would have been different, but it will be very difficult for anyone to move ahead of the big clubs.

Suddenly the other 13 clubs are in a scrap to stay out of the bottom half so West Ham have to push forward as much as possible.

Slaven will be hurting a little bit about the start to the season and he will not be enjoying it at all, but you will not find a manager who will work harder to try and turn it around.

I think West Ham will win on Sunday. Southampton are picking up and I saw them play at the start of the season. They keep the ball very well.

Charlie Austin has changed the goal threat they were lacking and the victory in the Europa League is a big win for them. They are looking more potent up front now.

They are a dangerous team and like to keep the ball, which could prove to be frustrating for West Ham if the game goes deep into the game and they are drawing or losing.

But there is enough quality in the team that they can come away with a win. They are getting all their creative players back and Payet and Lanzini will make a big difference. I am sure you will see a reaction.

Although the win over Accrington came very late, a victory like that can make a big difference and it is important that Payet scored again.

I can't see there being a lot of goals on Sunday, but I think West Ham will come away with a narrow win.

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Feedback Forum update
WHUFC.com

Having reviewed the feedback submitted by today's deadline from supporters, the Club have taken the decision to postpone the proposed Feedback Forum scheduled for Monday 26 September. It will now be held during the upcoming international break on Wednesday 5 October 2016 at 6pm.‎

This decision has been taken in response to a significant number of supporters wanting to attend expressing their desire for a more formal group set up to discuss issues with more members of the Board in attendance.

So with the help of an independent selection committee, the Club has decided to appoint key advisors representing key sections of the supporter-base, whose role it will be to act as representatives of supporters and meet with the Board on a regular basis.

This group of advisors will include supporters from each section of the General Admission areas of the Stadium, in addition to Corporate Members, Bondholders, Accessibility supporters, young supporters, fan bloggers and key groups including LGBT Hammers and other such affiliate groups.

With a strong task team, including Board members, having thoroughly reviewed the feedback, the Forum is expected to focus on some key themes from different perspectives.

The Board are very grateful for the detailed feedback received, many points of which have already been acted upon, and are pleased that supporters are overwhelmingly supportive of the Club's aim to ensure the Forum achieves tangible outcomes for the benefit of the Club and supporters.

This is a genuine opportunity to listen to supporters' views from a true cross-section of the fanbase and work together to improve the Stadium and matchday experience.

The Club actively invite fans to come forward themselves, or to nominate individuals they think can adequately represent their area, expressing their interest in becoming a key advisor. To do so, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk.

The Feedback Forum meeting will act as a good test for the soon-to-be-elected new West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board. It is proposed that the SAB will follow a similar format, meeting more regularly with a pool of different representatives focusing on key areas of expertise.

Should they be selected as key advisors, supporters will be invited formally to attend no later than Friday 30 September at 5pm, with the Feedback Forum to take place on Wednesday 5 October 2016 at 6pm.

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U18s aim for consistency
WHUFC.com

West Ham United U18s take on Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend
The Hammers thrashed Fulham 5-1 last weekend
Assistant manager Mark Phillips says they will look to match their performance of last weekend this Saturday

Mark Phillips is targeting consistency from West Ham United's U18s after recording their biggest win of the season last weekend.

The Hammers host Brighton and Hove Albion at Little Heath this Saturday (11am kick-off) and assistant manager Phillips wants his players to build on their thumping win at Fulham.

They go into the match in second place in the U18 Premier League South table with their opponents from the South Coast currently lying in ninth position.

"Myself and Steve (Potts) know the Brighton manager (Paul Holder) really well. He'll set them up to make it difficult for us," said Phillips.

"It's going to be a tough match but I hope we can perform as well as we did last weekend."

The Hammers were in supreme form last weekend against the Cottagers and sailed to a 4-0 lead in just 36 minutes.

Dan Kemp slotted home a penalty after Jahmal Hector-Ingram was fouled in the area. The Hammers No9 added a goal of his own ten minutes later, reacting quickest to a Joe Powell effort to nod the ball home.

Five minutes later, Anthony Scully latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics which found the winger in acres of space on the left hand side. Scully planted the ball into the far corner to make it 3-0.

Hector-Ingram added his second with a neat finish just before half time and completed his hat-trick on the hour mark with a precise strike into the bottom corner.

Fulham's Cameron Thompson added a late consolation for the hosts but the Hammers eased to victory at Motspur Park, with Hector-Ingram catching the eye in particular.

"Last week was just brilliant. It was one of those games where everything we had been working on at the training ground came to fruition." Phillips continued.

"Our second goal was excellent – every player touched the ball in the build-up and we want to see more of that.

"There's a feeling now that we need some consistency. We need to perform like we did against Fulham every week.

"Jahmal's confidence will be sky high on Saturday after getting the hat-trick and hopefully he'll score again."

Parking and admission is free for all supporters for the match against Brighton. Kick-off is at 11am at Little Heath Training Ground.

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West Ham United v Southampton
SUN, 25 SEPT 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:00
Venue: London Stadium

BBC.co.uk


West Ham have lost three consecutive league games under manager Slaven Bilic for the first time.
TEAM NEWS

West Ham are without a recognised left-back after Arthur Masuaku joined Aaron Cresswell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Central defender Winston Reid will return, but Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho remain out.
Southampton boss Claude Puel is expected to hand a start to Charlie Austin, who has scored four goals in his last three matches. Fellow striker Jay Rodriguez is out with a groin problem.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Guy Mowbray: "The form guide says Southampton to win, with three victories in a row suggesting they're on the right track after an initially sluggish start under Claude Puel. "Charlie Austin has scored in all those wins, and he'll relish the chance to net again against the club that publicly questioned his fitness last year after deciding against signing him. "West Ham's problem lies at the other end of the field, and ;the problem is big' says Slaven Bilic. We might then reasonably expect a cautious approach from his side, with defensive discipline paramount. "Talking of which, here's a quirky fact: referee Jonathan Moss has sent someone off in each of the last six Hammers games he has officiated!"

Twitter: @Guymowbray

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Injury-wise we look much better than at the beginning of the season. We have a good team and I expect us to be really good in every way on Sunday afternoon. "I want the fans to be behind us, and they will be. "We need them all the time, but especially now to help get out of this situation. I have no doubt they will be very positive."

Southampton manager Claude Puel: "We can see the good work on the training sessions and in every game, we are strong in defence and also with good possibilities on the counter-attack, playing good football, even with different players out on the pitch. "All of the squad can take confidence from this, to show that it is possible to play these many games every three days, which is what we challenged the squad to do at the start (of the season).

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Southampton have the lowest shot conversion rate in the Premier League, just 6.45%. Shane Long is probably most to blame for that, but Charlie Austin is a finisher and, as he showed last weekend against Swansea, if he is picked and gets a chance, he will take it.

West Ham have been struggling at the back but they have been working hard to improve defensively, and it will come.

Prediction: 2-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

West Ham have only failed to score in one of their 14 home Premier League meetings with Southampton: a 1-0 defeat in December 2002.
The team scoring first has gone on to lose this fixture at West Ham in each of the last three seasons, with the Hammers coming from behind twice.
West Ham United

West Ham have conceded four goals in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2008, when they conceded four goals in three straight games (0-4 v Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham).
The Hammers have conceded at least two goals in 12 of their last 15 league matches, letting in 33 goals overall.
They have lost five of their last six league matches.
West Ham have scored in each of their last 13 home league games, netting at least twice on nine occasions.
Michail Antonio has scored 10 headed Premier League goals in 2016 - twice as many as any other player.
Southampton

Southampton kept their first Premier League clean sheet in 17 matches, dating back to February, against Swansea last weekend.
The Saints have scored just four goals in their five league games this season and are yet to score more than once in a match.
They have conceded three penalties so far this season.
Charlie Austin has scored four times in his last three games in all competitions after a run of nine games without a goal.
Claude Puel is only the seventh French manager to win a Premier League game. The others are Alain Perrin, Arsene Wenger, Gerard Houllier, Jacques Santini, Jean Tigana and Remi Garde.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 26%
Probability of home win: 47% Probability of away win: 27%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.

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We need a win, says Slaven
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2016
By: Staff Writer

Although the season is just five games old, Slaven Bilic believes this weekend's clash with Southampton is a 'must win' affair.

West Ham's slow start to the Premier League campaign - which has resulted in just one win, that coming against Bournemouth - has left the Hammers in the bottom three.

However Bilic believes that his side are ready to give a better account of themselves this weekend when they face a Saints side which has also managed just one win from their opening five games.

"We need it," said Bilic when asked about the importance of three points during his pre-match press conference. "I said after the West Brom game that we had three massive games until the international break, starting in the cup, and then two big league games.

"It is a good opportunity for us because we are playing at home against a good team and we can get out of the situation we are in. It would mean a lot to get three points; it would boost the confidence and bring back the belief at a very important stage of the season.

"Although it is still very early, we need the points."


Bilic stated earlier in the week that the team faced three big games ahead of the forthcoming international break - against Accrington Stanley, Southampton this weekend and then Middlesbrough at home next weekend.

And despite having to wait until the 96th minute of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash for a winnning goal, Bilic believes his squad are back on the right track.

"We had three big games; we have won one and kept a clean sheet," he said. "That is very important after conceding eight goals in [the previous] two games. We have ticked the box in one game and now have another massive game on Sunday.

"We are playing at home again against a team who are playing well at the moment. They did not start points wise the best but they got a win in Europe last week which gave them confidence and played well last weekend.

"It will be very hard, of course."

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Masuaku out for six weeks
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd September 2016
By: Staff Writer

Arthur Masuaku could be out of action until the beginning of November, Slaven Bilic has revealed.

The full-back, who joined the club as cover for the stricken Aaron Cresswell last month was injured towards the end of the Wednesday night's 1-0 EFL Cup win over Accrington Stanley at the Olympic Stadium.

And Bilic, addressing the media this morning ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Southampton confirmed that the former Olympiacos man will be out for some time.

"We had some bad news with Arthur's injury," he said. "He damaged his knee at the end of the Accrington game and he damaged his ligaments. We will know more in a week's time when he will be back but it will be at least six weeks, if not more.

"It is disappointing because some players can play in different positions and you can fill the holes, but when both left backs have done the same ligaments it is not good news.

"As they say, when it rains it pours. But I never look for excuses and we have a good team. I expect from us to do it on Sunday."

Bilic also denied reports suggesting that Andy Carroll's recovery has suffered a setback - whilst adding that he expects to see Aaron Cresswell back in training soon too.

"Andy is doing very well," added Bilic. "He is out injured and I saw stories on the day that we played Accrington that he had a setback, but that is not true and it is totally false.

"We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell to fully train with the squad after the

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Arthur Masuaku sidelined for at least six weeks with knee injury
By Claire Corkery
Last Updated: 23/09/16 12:02pm
SSN

West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku will be out for a minimum of six weeks after suffering a knee injury in this week's EFL Cup match against Accrington Stanley. The 22-year-old left the pitch on a stretcher with three minutes to go during Thursday's 1-0 victory, although it was still unknown at the time about the severity of the injury. During a press conference on Friday, Hammers' boss Slaven Bilic revealed the injury means Masuaku is to be sidelined for well over a month. "Arthur Masuaku has damaged his ligaments and we will know better in one week when he will be back. But it will be at least six weeks," he said. West Ham have been blighted by injuries this year and Masuaku's injury has come at a particularly bad time for Bilic as fellow left-back Aaron Cresswell is still unable to play. "Some players can play in different positions, and you can fill gaps, but when you have two left-backs who have done the same ligaments it's not good news," he added.
However, the Croatian manager is optimistic that the number of injured players will not affect the team's performance going forward, taking the opportunity to quash recent rumours that striker Andy Carroll's recovery would take longer than previously expected. "I saw reports that Andy Carroll had a setback but that is totally false. We are expecting him and Aaron Cresswell back after the break," Bilic explained. "Winston Reid is back in training and Alvaro Arbeloa has joined the team. The injuries are not ideal but we will still have a good team."
West Ham have had a difficult start to the season, losing four out of five of their Premier League games so far. The club have found it a struggle to find their form since moving away from Upton Park, having suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat to Watford the last time they played a Premier League match at the London Stadium. But Bilic is expecting his side's recent misfortunes will be reversed when they host Southampton this weekend. "I am expecting us to be really good on Sunday. We had a similar position when we played Southampton last season."

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West Ham v Southampton preview: Charlie Austin in line for rare start
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 23/09/16 12:19pm
SSN

Charlie Austin is pushing for a starting role when Southampton travel to West Ham on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD. The striker has netted four goals in his last three games to help Saints recover from a slow start to the season. Claude Puel's side picked up their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, sandwiched between victories in the Europa League and EFL Cup.
West Ham also enjoyed success in the EFL Cup, with Dimitri Payet's last-gasp free-kick earning them a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley. Having lost their last three Premier League games, and conceding 11 goals in the process, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic hopes the win can be a turning point. "I've seen those kind of things happen in football," he said after the win over Accrington. "We can't lose the confidence, we have to be happy and come out in a positive way."

Team news
West Ham will be without a recognised left-back against Southampton after Arthur Masuaku joined Aaron Cresswell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Bilic can welcome back centre-half Winston Reid, however, after he shook off the knock which has kept him out for a fortnight. Andy Carroll is progressing well after a knee injury and will be back after the international break. Fellow forwards Andre Ayew (thigh) and Diafra Sakho (back) are still out.

Southampton team news to follow

Opta stats

The team scoring first has gone on to lose this exact fixture in each of the last three seasons, with West Ham coming from behind twice (L1). The Saints have won just one of their last five league visits to West Ham (D1 L3), with both teams scoring in each match. The Hammers have only failed to score in one of their 14 home Premier League meetings with Southampton (0-1 in December 2002).

West Ham have conceded four goals in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2008, when they conceded four goals in three straight games. Indeed, the Hammers have lost three consecutive Premier League games for the first time under Bilic - they've not lost four in a row since April 2014. Saints have scored just four goals in their five Premier League games this season and never more than once in a match.

Paul Merson's prediction

If West Ham don't win this game, they are in for a long season at the London Stadium. Accrington looked pretty comfortable on Wednesday in the EFL Cup until Dimitri Payet's late free-kick bailed West Ham out. Southampton were unlucky against Arsenal and since then they have done very well, winning three on the bounce. They have turned the corner. It's good to see Charlie Austin back among the goals, too, and you just want Shane Long to be as ruthless as Austin. He gets into great positions, but doesn't have the killer instinct to finish. He will still do his hard work and I think West Ham need to watch him, because he'll be too quick for their defenders on the break.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)

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West Ham injury news: Arthur Masuaku ruled out for 'at least six weeks' with knee ligament damage, reveals Slaven Bilic
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku will be sidelined for "at least six weeks" after damaging the ligaments in his left knee. Masuaku was stretchered off during the latter stages of the Hammers' EFL Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday with a knee injury, which left the east Londoners with 10 men as Bilic had already used all three substitutions at the London Stadium. After undergoing a scan on the issue, Bilic has today confirmed that the 22-year-old, who arrived from Olympiacos in the summer, will be out of action until late October after suffering knee ligament damage. Speaking ahead of West Ham's Premier League game at home to Southampton this weekend, Bilic said: "Arthur Masuaku has damaged his ligaments and we will know better in one week when he will be back. But it will be at least six weeks."
The news will be a blow for the West Ham manager after full-back Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for four months in July with a similar injury. The 26-year-old suffered the problem during the Hammers' 3-0 friendly pre-season win over German side Karlsruher SC in Austria following a crunch tackle, but is on track to return to first-team training next week. Meanwhile, Winston Reid has returned to training following the injury he sustained last week while Andre Ayew, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll continue to work on their fitness.

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Slaven Bilic: West Ham players must fight to turn season around and I hope history repeats itself against Southampton
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard

A week ago in this column I wrote that I expected a "big-time reaction" from the team at West Brom after the home defeat by Watford. It didn't happen — anyway not until the game was out of our reach. So what now? Do I say "enough is enough" and make substantial changes — do I have other options? I see the players almost every day of the week, for hours on end. I assess the morale, both of the group and the individual, and what I have seen this week, in the aftermath of that 4-2 defeat by West Brom, is a very positive squad of players that are hurting and want desperately to right the wrongs of the last couple of games. It is not like they don't care, although they know the credit they have built will not last for ever. It would be different if I had seen the heads drop and the shoulders sag but, honestly, I don't see that with this group of players. They care, they hurt and they want to do it. West Ham left it late against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday as Dimitri Payet's injury-time free kick earned Slaven Bilic's men a 1-0 EFL Cup win at London Stadium. That gives you belief that we can turn this around as quickly as it has gone wrong. Maybe the players did become a little complacent. We are always telling them not to be but sometimes you don't wake up to that reality until you are in trouble. This is the Premier League. Nothing is easy here and to do well, you have to be a little bit afraid, in a positive way, that things might go wrong. The good thing is that it is early. We can get out of this as quickly as it has happened but we have to accept responsibility — all of us. We have to force this change, not anyone else. If we look back to last season, we had a spell when, because of injuries, we struggled to win. We dug in and fought our way to draws, rather than defeats. We have to do the same now. The truth is very simple. This is the Premier League and there are no free meals. They don't exist. I am happy and proud to have become a father for the fourth time, on Tuesday night at around 7.45pm — kick-off time. Everything went well and mother and baby daughter are doing fine. My family is very important to me and my 19-year-old son is coming over next week to begin studying here in London. Of course it takes time for players from other countries to settle in. It has happened to the biggest stars, even players like Dennis Bergkamp, who struggled after joining Arsenal. It is easier, though, when the club are doing well. It is expected often that a player just puts on the new jersey with new team-mates in a new country — and clicks straight way. That happens sometimes but not always. I am looking forward to the challenge of Southampton on Sunday. They lost three of their best players during the summer in Victor Wanyama, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle — three top players. Over the last few years that has been the trend for them but they always buy well. They have pace and skill up front with Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond and if you add Charlie Austin to that, we have to expect a tough game. Last season we played them on December 28. We had gone eight games without a win but we beat them 2-1 at home on that day and things began to get better. I hope something similar happens on Sunday.

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Manuel Lanzini is key for West Ham's Dimitri Payet to shine, says Angelo Ogbonna
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna believes the key to Dimitri Payet shining on the pitch for the Hammers is the form of Manuel Lanzini. Slaven Bilic was forced to bring on both Payet and Lanzini at half time during the club's EFL Cup third-round tie at home to Accrington Stanley on Wednesday after West Ham failed to breach the visitors' defence in the first period.
The changes had an instant impact - with Lanzini and Payet combining a number of times to threaten a goal for the home side before the Frenchman eventually got the breakthrough through his last-gasp free kick that sent West Ham into the next round of the Cup with a 1-0 win. Ogbonna believes that Lanzini - who recently returned to action following a knee injury - is the key to Payet performing well for the east Londoners as the defender conceded a change in attitude from the West Ham team may have contributed to the club's poor start to the season.
"Dimitri is different level. But the key is Lanzini. He can keep the ball. Dimitri needs someone like Lanzini because he doesn't like to throw away the ball," Ogbonna said. "He runs with the ball, he fights. He looks small but he's not. He's so tough. Both of them, they keep a good balance for us and they play very well together."
When asked about West Ham's record this term of just one win from five league matches, Ogbonna added: "Last season everyone wanted to show something because we had a new manager, new players. Everyone wanted to prove something. "Maybe this year we were a little bit relaxed – and it is more competitive this season. Maybe when we are too confident you think it is going to be too easy. "Sometimes we didn't play like us. We played so sloppy, two or three mistakes. After this I hope there are no more mistakes. Maybe everything is going to be all right now."

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West Ham fans' fury after hipster Hackney Wick bar announces match day clampdown
CHLOE CHAPLAIN
Evening Standard

A row has erupted after a hipster bar banned West Ham fans in club colours from entering after matches. Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick, near the club's new home in the Olympic Park, announced new rules after rowdy fans apparently jumped into the canal outside the bar. Hammers fans on match days have descended on the area, filled with hipster bars and arts venues, after the club moved from Upton Park three miles away this season. But new rules handed to supporters said that those in team colours would be banned from entering the bar after games.
The notice added that chanting in the brewery was also forbidden. The "family friendly" bar describes itself as a "one-of-a-kind up-cycled venue" where you can enjoy home-brewed beer and night-time canoe trips along the canal. In a notice handed to fans, its managers said: "West Ham FC has recently become a neighbour, so we would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new clientele and outline the rules.

Emily Pulham @makingthemarrow
Quietly drinking & wearing football scarf & got handed this. Aaaaaand that's the last time I go to the @CrateBrewery
7:24 PM - 21 Sep 2016


"Wearing of West Ham football merchandise is only permitted on the premises before the match. "We reserve the right to suspend entry to the venue to groups of supporters leaving the stadium after the match. "Please treat our staff and your fellow patrons in a courteous manner; chanting etc is not permitted."

The notice, which was highlighted by West Ham fan site Knees Up Mother Brown, was reportedly given to people wearing club scarves and shirts. It also specified that drunk fans and away fans would not be admitted at all. Hammers' fan magazine writer Emily Pulham shared the notice on her Twitter, saying: "It's frustrating that after spending money and abiding by their rules, I was singled out and told that I wasn't allowed in after the match via a pre-printed piece of paper. "I felt unwelcome and so will simply go elsewhere." But the brewery's bar manager, who did not provide his name, said the notice was not about "banning" fans and was just "policy" the bar was trying out. He said: "We have been a bar for four years and we are used to dealing with a certain type of clientele.

Glenn C @GlennColeman1
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery try growing a beard Emily and wear a 'vote Jeremy' badge or scarf and you'll be fine. What a joke. ⚒
5:57 AM - 22 Sep 2016

"We are under a lot of pressure from licenses and the police to make sure we have the right security and we are trying to feel out how we are going to work it. "We had a bit of trouble at the last game with people standing on tables and jumping into the canal so we don't want that to happen again."

Kerry Freeman @allkerryberry
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery @markroffey that is utterly ridiculous
1:34 PM - 22 Sep 2016

The post has divided Twitter users, with some arguing that it is the bar is right to establish expectations and others accussing it of being unwelcoming. One person wrote: "That's Hackney Wick for you. Are beards compulsory?" And another said: "Exactly what they wanted by the looks of it. It's not really a warning, it's a 'you're not welcome'."

Rob Ross @gooner145
@makingthemarrow @Stillberto @CrateBrewery excuse them for trying to run a respectful premises and not be over run by yobbish behaviour

Tim Stillman @Stillberto
@gooner145 of yobbish behaviour because she's wearing a football scarf.
9:13 AM - 22 Sep 2016

But one Twitter user argued: "Excuse them for trying to run a respectful premises and not be overrun by yobbish behaviour."

Roy Hastings @Royster1998
@makingthemarrow @CrateBrewery I really can't see the offence here. I see their concern, generally speaking
11:53 PM - 21 Sep 2016

Another added: "I resent having to drink out of plastic glasses because of a football team nobody wanted in the area." Following the club's first game of the Premier League, regulars at the brewery spoke of the "surprising" sight of football fans descending on the area's trendy canal-side venues. Life-long Hammers supporter Geoff Durrant, 60, and his son Matt, 30, said they had been turned away from one fashionable bar because they were wearing West Ham shirts, but ended up eating lunch somewhere else nearby. Matt said: "It feels a bit odd. There are a lot of lost looking people around here, looking like they've just left the pie and mash shop for the first time. "It's a shame it's lost its cockney atmosphere, but I'm happy. The ground is now closer to where I live." His father added: "Fish and chips used to cost £4.50 before a match. Now it's £8. "But things have got to move on. I think if a top-flight club like West Ham wants to stay there it needs to move with the times." Slaven Bilic's team moved from the Boleyn Ground in Upton Park to the "London Stadium" at the end of last season, with the club paying £2.5m a year to rent the 60,000-seater ground. The move has sparked problems with policing amid reports of clashes between fans inside the ground in the first home games of the season.

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Forget Pogba we've got Fernandes, Brazilian sounding star offers Hammers fans hope
HITC
Damien Lucas

While Paul Pogba's struggles at Manchester United continue, an unknown player bearing a striking rssemblance has offered West Ham United fans new hope. Hammers supporters have not had much to cheer about so far this season but their lowest profile summer capture has offered light at the end of the tunnel. A terrible start to the season, infighting amongst fans, resentment towards owners and concerns over safety have soured West Ham's season so far. Slaven Bilic's side have lost four of their opening five Premier League matches and scraped past Bournemouth in their solitary victory. The Hammers were also embarrassingly dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu for the second season running. Matters haven't been helped by back-to-back 4-2 defeats in the Premier League against Watford and West Bromwich Albion. The mini-crisis has been mirrored up at Old Trafford where Jose Mourinho's side went into this week's League Cup third round tie against Northampton off the back of three straight defeats. While Wayne Rooney has been doing his best to take the heat off £89 million teammate Paul Pogba ineffectual return to the Red Devils, the Frenchman's role within a team has been debated. But it is Edimilson Fernandes - the Brazilian sounding Swiss youngster who bears some striking similarities to Pogba - that could be set to make all the difference for West Ham after a hugely impressive debut. Like Manchester United, the Hammers got back to winnings ways in the League Cup, toiling against but eventually beating League Two side Accrington Stanley 1-0 thanks to a 96th minute Dimitri Payet free-kick.
And Fernandes, a £5 million capture from Swiss side Sion, starred on his debut with a debut showing off his rangy, skillful box-to-box style. The tall and imposing 20-year-old has a Brazilian sounding name and the skills to match but is actually Swiss and the cousin of former Manchester City player Gelson Fernandes. Before the game against Stanley, all West Ham fans had to go on was YouTube video showcasing his skills. But they got to see just why he is so highly rated, albeit against inferior opposition as he marauded around the London Stadium putting tackles in, making bursting runs, playing a range of passes and showing lots of energy, strength and pace. Some of the youngster's passes went awry but his overall performance has given fans real hope in what has been a gloomy start to life at their new home. It has also put pressure on Slaven Bilic to play him ahead of the more established stars such as Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble who have been woefully out of form so far this season. Hammers fans will hope it is the start of a meteoric rise.

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