Daily WHUFC News - 3rd January 2016

West Ham United 2-0 Liverpool
Barclays Premier League
WHUFC.com

Two thumping headers in either half saw West Ham United record a famous
league double over Liverpool, their first since 1963. After their heroics at
Anfield back in August, Slaven Bilic's men had the bit between their teeth
at the Boleyn Ground, making it six points in a week and extending their
unbeaten run to seven. Michail Antonio got the ball rolling as early as the
tenth minute, powering home from Enner Valencia's inviting centre. Manuel
Lanzini struck the frame of the goal for the hosts, before Emre Can did
likewise at the other end. But Andy Carroll, on his 150th Barclays Premier
League appearance, towered above Liverpool defenders to double the Hammers'
lead in emphatic fashion.
West Ham's starting XI had a more familiar look about it with Aaron
Cresswell restored to left-back and Lanzini making his first start in a
month. But Jordan Ibe gave the Hammers a scare inside five minutes. The
visitors moved it neatly around the box and the 20-year-old, from the
right-edge of the area, angled a drive which flashed just wide of Adrian's
far post. West Ham's riposte went one better, with a goal that started and
finished with Antonio. The winger turned on the after burners to dispossess
Alberto Moreno deep in Hammers territory. Moreno cried foul, vociferously,
but referee Bobby Madley decided otherwise. Over to Cheikhou Kouyate, who
made ground down the right, and a lot of it, before laying it off to
Valencia. The diminutive Ecuadorian then swung the perfect ball into the
middle and there was Antonio to crash a bullet header beyond a well-beaten
Simon Mignolet.

Bilic's men grew in confidence and so nearly snaffled a second. Lanzini's
drive moved considerably in the air, so much so that Mignolet was a mere
bystander as the shot bounced back off the frame of the goal. Seconds later
and Cresswell's low cross had Antonio on the move. He darted across the near
post but his header drifted beyond the far. It wasn't all plain sailing for
Bilic's men. Lanzini, sadly, was in some discomfort and trundled off to be
replaced by Pedro Obiang after 39 minutes. The hosts, meanwhile, continued
to press for a second. Antonio, as is his way, muscled his way into the box
and when it fell to Valencia, the No11 waited a fraction too long and then
slashed at his eventual effort.

Into first-half stoppage it went and Liverpool were a whisker away from
levelling matters. Roberto Firmino fed Can and the German, 18 yards out,
duly curled a side-footer against the angle of post and bar. Philippe
Coutinho, relatively quiet until now, dropped a shoulder and tried his luck
soon after the restart. It had far too much air, thankfully, and Adrian
watched it sail comfortably over. Christian Benteke's opportunity was a
significantly better one. Moreno scampered in behind and squared for the
Belgian, who, with his right foot, made a mess of it. Carroll made no such
mistake, gobbling up his chance with glee on 55 minutes. Captain Mark Noble
delivered with whip and pace from the right and Carroll climbed high and
with conviction to power an unstoppable header into the far corner. How the
big No9 enjoys scoring in front of the Bobby Moore Stand!

Jurgen Klopp's response? A double change. On came Adam Lallana and Brad
Smith, while Dimitri Payet's return was a sight for sore eyes for all those
of a Claret and Blue persuasion. The Frenchman replaced Valencia after 65
minutes. It should have been three. Cresswell hung up a cross from the left
and Mignolet had to be at his very best to deny Carroll a second from six
yards. Even then, it fell to Antonio, whose bundled it goalwards, only for
Liverpool's stopper to come to a rescue a second time. As the clock ticked
down, Lucas Leiva saw a header cleared off the line by Noble, before
Coutinho's strike from the edge of the box cannoned into the chest of
Carroll. Kouyate saw a late drive palmed away, while Joe Allen nodded wide
at the far post, but this was very much West Ham's day!

West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate,
Lanzini (Obiang 39), Noble (c), Antonio (Jenkinson 86), Valencia (Payet 65),
Carroll
Subs: Randolph (GK), Song, Zarate, Jelavic
Goals: Antonio 10, Carroll 55
Booked: Lanzini

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho (Allen 81), Moreno (Smith 61),
Lucas, Can, Ibe, Firmino (Lallana 61), Coutinho, Benteke
Subs: Bogdan (GK), Toure, Brannagan, Randall
Booked: Lucas

Referee: Bobby Madley

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Page joins U's on loan
WHUFC.com

West Ham United left-back Lewis Page has joined League Two club Cambridge
United on loan until 6 February 2016. The 19-year-old has joined the U's on
a Youth Loan and could make his debut against AFC Wimbledon at The Abbey
Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Page made three first-team appearances for
the Hammers in the UEFA Europa League last summer – two against FC Lusitanos
of Andorra and the third against Astra Giurgiu of Romania. Elsewhere,
defender Josh Pask has been recalled from his Youth Loan at League Two club
Dagenham & Redbridge, while goalkeeper Tim Brown has extended his own Youth
Loan at National League South side Chelmsford City for a second month.

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Jurcevic: It was a fantastic performance
WHUFC.com

West Ham United assistant manager Nikola Jurcevic had nothing but praise for
his players and feels it was the perfect display as the Hammers completed a
memorable double over Liverpool. Just like the victory over Southampton,
goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll helped the Hammers come away
with another important three points to make it the perfect start to 2016. It
was a superb all-round display as man of the match James Collins produced
another outstanding display at the heart of the defence while Dimitri Payet
reminded everyone why he is rated so highly with an impressive performance
as a second half substitute. Jurcevic was thrilled to see the Hammers make
it back-to-back wins at the Boleyn Ground and had special praise for the two
goalscorers. Jurcevic said: "Antonio is a very good player. He didn't play
much at the start because we had another player in that position but he has
taken his chance and it was fantastic that he scored a beautiful goal. He
was fighting for the team and it is a positive surprise for us. "I said to
Andy after the game that he not only scored a beautiful goal but he also
played fantastic today. He was fighting against the Liverpool defence and
was running for ninety minutes plus. I am very happy for him. "We are really
happy because it was a very good performance from our team. We played from
the first minute with tempo, determination and we are very happy to have
beaten Liverpool twice, following our 3-0 win at Anfield. I think it was the
best start to the New Year. "It was a fantastic performance from the whole
team. We have a very good atmosphere in the team and all the players are
fighting for each other and help each other. "We have seen players who were
not first-choice for a couple of months who are fighting for their place in
the team and we have a good team spirit. Our fantastic supporters also
helped us a lot and it was a great victory."

Jurcevic said the only negative news to come out of the game was the injury
sustained by Manuel Lanzini at the end of the first half, but hopes the
Argentine midfielder will be back in action in the near future. Jurcevic
added: "Everything was fantastic for us today, except for one injury to
Manuel Lanzini but I hope it will not be so bad and he will be fit in a
short time. "We had positive news with Payet back in action and you could
see from the last 30 minutes how big a player he is with some technical
skills, his moves and passing and it is very important for us to have in the
team for the next game. "The last two games we have taken six points and it
is very important for us and our confidence. We can now look at the table
and it looks good for everyone. "We now face a cup match and have big
ambitions for the tournament. We hope to get another victory against
Wolves."

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Carroll - It's great for the team
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll says these are 'exciting times' for West Ham United after
helping his Club to celebrate a very Happy New Year. The No9 headed in his
second goal in as many matches to inspire the Hammers to a deserved 2-0
Barclays Premier League win over Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground. Having
kicked-off 2016 with another impressive display, another goal and another
victory, Carroll says the manager, staff and squad are looking onwards and
upwards in the New Year. "It's great for the team to get another win after
so many draws," the England centre forward told West Ham TV. "That's two
back-to-back wins which is fantastic and two goals for me, which is
obviously even better for me personally. "It's nice that the manager was
pleased with my performance. I put a shift in and so did all the lads and
he's just delighted with the three points, as is everyone. "I got another 90
minutes under my belt and it's much better than training. You can only get
match-fitness through games and I'm feeling good. Obviously some of the
other lads are coming back and getting the match minutes they need, like
Dimitri did with 30 minutes, so that's great for him as well."

Carroll's goal – West Ham's second ten minutes after half-time following
Michail Antonio's first-half opener – was a trademark header.
The big man rose above not only the Reds defence but also teammate Enner
Valencia, who wisely got out of the way for the striker to power past Simon
Mignolet. "We had a laugh about it in the dressing room after!" Carroll
recalled. "I called for it and he knew I was there and he got out the way,
or else he was going to get clattered! It was obviously better for him that
he got out the way and we got the goal! "Michail finds himself in great
positions and we were saying 'How does he end up there?' because he
shouldn't even have been there, but the he found himself in a great position
and it was a thunderbolt of a header."

With a win, West Ham rose above Liverpool into the Barclays Premier League's
top six, and with Dimitri Payet returning to action as a substitute and
others nearly their own returns, what is Carroll's assessment of the
Hammers' chances of a strong 2016?

"We're a very good team. We've got a lot of good players coming back from
injury and even when they were injured we weren't losing games. We were
drawing and being unlucky, because we could have nicked them. "The squad is
great, the manager is great and the staff are great, and everyone's enjoying
it and that's the most important thing. "Everyone is just looking at the
next game. There is so much talk about the league table and that, but we
just focus on the next game. The manager keeps us grounded and looking at
the next opponents and that's what we've been doing. "It's very exciting.
Obviously 2016 is the last year in this ground. Moving to a massive stadium
in the summer is exciting times for the Club and all the lads."

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West Ham 2 Liverpool 0
2 January 2016
Last updated at 15:09
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport

Andy Carroll scored against his former club as West Ham leapfrogged
Liverpool in the table thanks to a first league double over the Reds for 52
years. Michail Antonio beat Nathaniel Clyne to Enner Valencia's early cross
to net the Premier League's first goal of 2016. Liverpool midfielder Emre
Can was denied by the bar but Jurgen Klopp's side were off the pace
throughout. Carroll, who cost Liverpool a club record £35m in 2011, sealed
the points after meeting Mark Noble's cross. West Ham's second straight win
lifted them to fifth in the table, Liverpool dropping to eighth.
Liverpool travelled to London knowing victory would leave them just two
points off a Champions League place after back-to-back festive wins over
Leicester and Sunderland. Yet this was a stark reminder to Klopp that he has
his work cut out in 2016 after a lacklustre display that had echoes of the
3-0 defeat by Watford last month. Can did clip the Hammers bar with a
curling effort from the edge of the penalty area in added time at the end of
the first half. The closest they came prior to that effort was Jordan Ibe's
low shot in the fourth minute which whistled just wide. Lucas then had a
header cleared off the line by Mark Noble at 2-0 and substitute Joe Allen
wasted a great chance late on. However, West Ham showed more attacking
threat and more energy, and were just as impressive as they were when they
defeated Brendan Rodgers' Reds 3-0 in August.

Day for Carroll to remember, Benteke to forget

Carroll has endured some dark days at West Ham since joining for £15m in
June 2013 thanks to injuries, but this was a day to remember for the former
Reds player, who remains Liverpool's record signing. He produced a trademark
header to meet a wonderfully weighted cross, Clyne again beaten in the air
as he was for Antonio's goal. Carroll celebrated as though his goal had
decided the title. In contrast, Christian Benteke - Liverpool's second
costliest player - endured a miserable day as his first touch deserted him
time and again. He was played through in the 25th minute but allowed James
Tomkins to whip the ball off his toes before ballooning a 58th-minute chance
over the bar.
How far can West Ham go this season?

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was not even born the last time West Ham did the
double over Liverpool. As poor as the Reds were, West Ham were impressive.
James Collins was excellent at the back as West Ham recorded a fifth clean
sheet in seven games, Noble produced a performance full of grit and
determination in midfield and Antonio, who started the season at Nottingham
Forest, was lively on the wing and fully deserved his second goal in two
games. Liverpool join Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton on
the list of scalps West Ham have claimed in the Premier League this season.
Will they be starting life at the Olympic Stadium next season in European
competition? You would not rule it out at this stage.

Man of the Match - Michail Antonio (West Ham)
There were contenders all over the pitch for West Ham. Mark Noble was
excellent throughout in midfield but Michail Antonio, who this time last
year was playing for Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup defeat Rochdale, who
caused Liverpool's shaky defence problems throughout with his marauding
runs.

The stats you need to know

West Ham are now unbeaten in eight Premier League home games and have not
lost at Upton Park since 22 August.
Andy Carroll has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the
first time since January 2015.
The Hammers have scored five league goals against Liverpool in a single
season for the first time since 1930-31.
Liverpool have mustered just one goal in their last four Premier League away
games.
There were 41 shots (including blocked attempts) in this match - only
Leicester v Arsenal (43) in September has seen more in the Premier
League this season.

What next?

West Ham's next match is an FA Cup third-round home tie with Wolverhampton
Wanderers (15:00 GMT) next Saturday before travelling to Bournemouth (19:45
GMT) in the Premier League on 12 January.

Liverpool have two cup ties before their next Premier League game at home to
Arsenal (20:00 GMT) on 13 January. They are at Stoke City (20:00 GMT) in the
League Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday then travel to Devon to face
League Two Exeter City (19:55 GMT) in the FA Cup third round on Friday.

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West Ham 2-0 Liverpool: Andy Carroll nets in Hammers victory
By Grant Miles
Last Updated: 02/01/16 3:12pm
SSN

Andy Carroll scored against his former club to give West Ham a 2-0 win over
Liverpool on his 150th Premier League appearance. Two headed efforts either
side of half-time, the first from Michail Antonio after just 10 minutes and
Carroll's powerful goal in the 55th minute secured all three points for the
Hammers. Dimitri Payet made his first league appearance since the start of
November, coming on as a substitute in the 64th minute, but a concern for
Slaven Bilic will be an injury to Manuel Lanzini who was forced off six
minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes. Liverpool mustered 23 shots,
but tellingly just two of them were on target as Jurgen Klopp's men were
unable to find a way past Adrian, despite them hitting the crossbar and an
effort cleared off the line with 13 minutes remaining. West Ham made a
blistering start to the game and Michail Antonio opened the scoring with a
header at the back post as the Hammers winger rose above Clyne, although
Liverpool felt Antonio had fouled Moreno shortly before. Eight minutes
later, Lanzini's shot from 20 yards out crashed against the woodwork as
Bilic's men piled on the pressure. Lanzini was forced off, twenty minutes
later, and Liverpool's only real meaningful effort of the half was Emre
Can's curling shot which clipped the crossbar just before half-time.
Liverpool played with far more purpose about their play after the break, but
were caught out by their former £35 million signing Carroll, 10 minutes into
the second period. Mark Noble swung a brilliant cross in from the Hammers'
right and Carroll out-jumped Clyne to crash his header home. It was his
third league goal of the campaign and gave the Hammers breathing space,
despite them spending the majority of the second half on the defensive.
Lucas' low header on the 77th minute was cleared off the line by Noble and
Joe Allen missed a golden opportunity to score on the 90th minute, but the
game was already out of their reach by this point. The result moved the
Hammers above Liverpool in the Premier League and up to fifth place before
the rest of Saturday's top flight action.

Player ratings

West Ham: Adrian (7), Tomkins (6), Collins (8), Ogbonna (7), Cresswell (8),
Kouyate (7), Lanzini (6), Noble (6), Antonio (8), Valencia (7), Carroll (8)
Subs used: Payet (7), Obiang (6), Jenkinson (6)

Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Clyne (6), Lovren (5), Sakho (5), Moreno (6), Lucas
(5), Can (6), Firmino (5), Ibe (5), Coutinho (5), Benteke (5)
Subs used: Allen (6), Lallana (6), Smith (6)

Man of the match: Michail Antonio

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West Ham 2-0 Liverpool: 5 things we learned as Andy Carroll scored against
his old club
14:39, 2 JAN 2016 UPDATED 14:59, 2 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Michail Antonio opened the scoring before former Liverpool striker Andy
Carroll added a second against his former club
The Mirror

Never mind Liverpool. It is West Ham who could be the latest unlikely
challengers for the top four. Headed goals from Michail Antonio and Andy
Carroll completed the Hammers' first double over the Reds for 51 years. It
also lifted the east Londoners up to fifth in the Premier League table,
three points behind fourth-placed Spurs and five points clear of
eighth-placed Liverpool. Antonio's 10th-minute goal made it the first time
he has scored in consecutive appearances since November 2014. Carroll's
effort, 10 minutes after half time was the first time he has scored in
successive games since January 2015. West Ham were solid at the back and
vibrant up front. After two straight wins, Liverpool were back to their
worst - AWOL at the back and unable to unlock the Hammers' defence up front.
Their best chance came shortly before half time when Emre Can's long-range
effort his the bar. West Ham could have had a third had Carroll and Antonio
directed their efforts straight at Mignolet in the second half when they
should have scored.

1. Liverpool have become a team that West Ham are no longer afraid of
The Irons were 3-0 winners at Anfield in the reverse fixture in August. In
fact, they have now won three of the last four meetings between the two
sides. This was the first time that West Ham have done the double over their
more celebrated rivals since the 1963-64 season.
Their two wins this season have been for the loss of zero goals with five
scored. The Hammers' solidity in that back five meant that although the
Reds' approach play looked good going forward they were ultimately
frustrated.

2. If Liverpool are in the hunt for the top four then why not West Ham?
After losing their first two home league games the Hammers have not been
beaten in any of the subsequent seven, winning three and drawing four. Even
with all their injuries they are still hard to beat, losing just two of
their last nine. Their defeats to Leicester, Watford and Spurs are not
looking too bad now given what those clubs are doing this season. And they
ended this match above the Reds - three points behind fourth-placed Spurs.

3. Michael Antonio is giving Bilic a real headache with his performances
He has had to wait for his opportunity since signing from Forest in the
summer. There have been jokes about his absence on Twitter and suggestions
that he could go back out on loan to a Championship club. He looked good
last week against Southampton, however, and tracked back as well as scoring
the decisive goal here. He has earned the right to keep his place - even
when Victor Moses is fit.

4. With those rumours about Klopp being in for Ter Stegen, Mignolet did not
need a day like this
He was beaten twice, not helped by his defence and lacked the authority to
give them the kick up the jacksie that they needed. Simon Mignolet will be a
nervous man during this January transfer window. Klopp continues to back him
but how long can he do so with Liverpool losing games?

5. The Jurgen Klopp effect is dissolving into a stark reality for Liverpool
All of the problems that cost Brendan Rodgers are weighing Klopp down like
an anchor. The goalkeeper and defence are not good enough. Daniel Sturridge
was yet again unavailable. Lucas was outgunned in midfield by the greater
industry of Kouyate and Noble and Firmino at the moment is an expensive
disappointment.

Liverpool will not finish in the top four unless deal with at least some of
those issues - starting with their problems in defence.

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Bilic…Collins…Carroll so chuffed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic reckons the Irons gave him and the fans everything that could
possibly be asked for in the win over Liverpool as the team completed an
historic double over the Reds . It was the first time since 1964 we have
achieved such a moment and Bilic could barely contain his delight after the
game. As the team hit fifth place the manager told BT Sport: "When we have
our players back we are a very good side. "We were dangerous, we scored two
goals, created many opportunities and kept a clean sheet – there is nothing
more you can ask of the team. "What was so great is that we did it at home
in front of our own fans – the guys played really good. They controlled the
game in the right area. It was tremendous."

And Andy Carroll – who grabbed the second goal of the game and his third of
the season added: "I was just delighted to get that goal and should have had
a second. "You can't to win every game – the fact that it was my former club
is neither here of there. You just want to win. We won't get ahead of
ourselves and take it as it comes."

But James Collins declared: "We are playing with great confidence. We had a
couple of dodgy results early on but we have been keeping clean sheets and
now winning games again. "West Ham has the feeling of a club on the way to
European competition and I'm delighted to have got a new deal. Everyone
knows I love the club and I'm so pleased for myself and the family."

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Hammers comment on Byram speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have revealed this morning (Sat) that Leeds right back defender Sam
Byram is on their list of possible right back targets for the summer.
However, they have added that he shares that position with NINE other right
backs the club are monitoring and organising into a priority list. Byram has
long been linked with a possible move to the club – notably by Twitter ITK
ExWHUemployee and it was even suggested a January move may be on. But the
player is out of contract in the summer and as we reported here yesterday a
summer move is a more likely possibility – assuming the Irons follow
through. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively by our top source: "Right back
is obviously the key position we are looking at and Byram is interesting but
we have NINE other targets as a possible permanent signing there. "We will
not be taking Carl Jenkinson for a third time and we will be spending the
January window trying to sort out that and other deals."

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Arsenal disappointed with loanee starts
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Arsenal are "disappointed" that Carl Jenkinson has lost his regular place in
the West Ham start up, website Football Insider claim.
According to Football insider sources with the Arsenal camp said: "The
Arsenal staff are disappointed that Jenko has not been a regular starter
over the last month or so, obviously, we want him to develop and the best
way for that is for him to be getting as much game time as possible."

Jenkinson, 23, has started 12 of West Ham's 19 Premier League matches this
season but only one since 29th November, and that was at left-back as cover
for the injured Aaron Cresswell in last weekend's 2-1 win over Southampton.

Jenks thought to have agreed a new five year deal with Arsenal increasing
his wages from £32,000 to £45,000 per week before he joined Hammers for a
second loan spell. West Ham are thought to be covering that extra £13,000
per week rise given by Arsenal together with a £1.5m loan fee. His wages are
thought to be £2.25m for his 50 week loan but a loan fee bumps that figure
up to £3.75m.

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Sameulsen scores a scorcher
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd January 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's on-loan midfielder Martin Samuelsen is causing something
of a stir at Peterborough United since joining the club on loan.

The 18-year-old was credited with an assist last week for the Posh following
a mazy dribble against Chesterfield but went one better today when finding
the back of the net having taken on a string of opposition players.

Norwegian Samuelsen picked up the ball to the left of Sheffield United's
penalty area before weaving his way past four Blades defenders to score his
team's final goal in the Posh's 3-2 win at Bramall Lane.

The goal was described by Peterborough's website as "a stunner" and "an
unbelievable solo effort", with the enthusiastic author insisting that "Leo
Messi would be proud of what Martin Samuelsen just did".

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Bilic: wait and see on Lanzini
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic says that the extent of the injury to Manuel Lanzini will not
be determined until tomorrow.

The diminutive Argentine was substituted a matter of minutes ahead of the
half time interval after pulling up clutching his thigh following a short
sprint and is believed to have exacerbated the injury that led him to miss a
month prior to Christmas.

And whilst Bilic believes the injury is not extensive, following an initial
- and brief - post-match examination, he confirmed that the full picture
will not be revealed until a full scan has taken place tomorrow (Sunday).

"Tomorrow morning we'll know a little bit more," Bilic said during his
post-match press conference (which you may listen to in its entirety here).
"It's not a big one, but he felt it.

"It's the same [injury as before]. It's not a muscle, it's his abductor
tendon. I hope it's going to be as they [the medical team] said, just a
little one.

"It's a shame because of the impact he had against Southampton and the way
he orchestrated the game today. He bossed it."

West Ham's on-loan #28 only made his return to first team action following a
month-long absence in the 2-1 win over Southampton last week. Today he
lasted just 39 minutes before his enforced replacement.

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Slaven Bilic on why Andy Carroll was so good against Liverpool… but warns of
stupidity
SLAVEN BILIC expects Andy Carroll to maintain his good form after the
striker scored for a second successive game for West Ham.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 16:09, Sat, Jan 2, 2016 | UPDATED: 16:17, Sat, Jan 2, 2016
Daily Express

Carroll headed home the Hammers' second after Michail Antonio had opened the
scoring during their 2-0 victory over Liverpool today. It was only Carroll's
third goal of an injury-plagued season which has led to reports that he may
be sold in January. But manager Bilic dismissed that suggestion and
confirmed he will stick by Carroll so long as the former Liverpool and
Newcastle forward maintains his fitness. "(Carroll) was brilliant today in
everything, in kicking the ball, flicking the ball, holding the ball," Bilic
told the BBC.
"He was dangerous in the box, pressing them. It was a great performance. The
goal was the cherry on the pie. "He has to maintain this kind of shape
because only like that is he going to be a big asset to West Ham. "I am
expecting that from him because he would be more than stupid not to commit
himself to maintain this kind of form." West Ham's result sees them move up
to fifth in the Premier League, while Liverpool could drop as low as 11th in
Stoke and Watford win today.

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West Ham United 2-0 Liverpool PLAYER RATINGS: Michail Antonio and Andy
Carroll headers secure the points at Upton Park
By MARTHA KELNER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:07, 2 January 2016 | UPDATED: 15:23, 2 January 2016

West Ham United defeated Liverpool 2-0 at Upton Park in the early kick-off
on Saturday, as headers from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll in either half
secured the three points. Antonio and Carroll were the heroes as the Irons
beat Southampton 2-1 on December 28, and the pair delivered the goods at
home once more in the new year.

Here Sportsmail's Martha Kelner rates the players in the first Premier
League clash of 2016.

WEST HAM UNITED
Adrian 7 – Bravely smothered the ball when Roberto Firmino was trying to
find a way through in the first half but took a boot to the face for his
troubles. Rarely called into action by Liverpool.

James Tomkins 7 – Got in front of Christian Benteke in the 26th minute to
make a crucial clearance as the striker bounded toward the goal.

Angelo Ogbonna 6.6 – Proved himself a very capable deputy for the injured
Winston Reid at centre half; great in the air.

James Collins 6.5 – Lost Benteke at a crucial moment in the first half but
mercifully got away with the error. Great last ditch defending in the second
half to deny Philippe Coutinho.

Aaron Cresswell 7 – Got a shot on target in the first half which was well
blocked. Smart work in defence, good reading of the game and could be on Roy
Hodgson's radar before long.

Cheikou Kouyate 7 – Great energy throughout and was involved in the build up
to the first goal with a darting run down the wing.

Mark Noble 8 – Continued after a bruising tackle by Lucas in the first half
and was accomplished in possession throughout, dictating the
pace of the game and providing an assist with a superbly weighted cross into
the box for West Ham's second goal.
Proved his worth again with a goal line clearance from Lucas.

Enner Valencia 7.5 – Fabulous cross into the box for opening goal and put in
a shift on the left before making way for Dimitri Payet on 63 minutes.

Michail Antonio 8.5 – Best player on the pitch with exemplary, tireless wide
play, but lucky to get away with a foul on Moreno moments before getting
into the box to score West Ham's opening goal with a strong header. The
former non-league man was so good he got a kiss from Bilic as he was taken
off.

Manuel Lanzini 6 – Hit the post with a swerving effort in the first half and
unfortunate not to double their lead.
Booked for a pull on the shirt of Emre Can before being substituted for an
thigh injury on 38 minutes.

Andy Carroll 7 – Given the nod to start against his former club after
missing the game against Southampton and repaid the faith – scoring his
second goal in two games. Was under pressure to prove himself and produced
the goods with a typically booming header.

Manager: Slaven Bilic 8 – Plenty of verbal jousting with Jurgen Klopp in the
technical area and giving his players animated instructions throughout.
Even more popular than he already was at Upton Park after overseeing West
Ham's league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1963-1964.

LIVERPOOL
Simon Mignolet 6.5 – Despite his reputation for flapping, and rumours he
could be heading for pastures new in the January transfer window, the
Belgian came into this game with the most Premier League clean sheets in
2015. Wasn't really at fault for either goal and a great double save to deny
Liverpool scoring a third.

Nathaniel Clyne 6 – Good work to get a shot away in the fourth minute which
whistled wide of the post but was exposed by Valencia at times. Good block
of a Cresswell shot in second half.

Dejan Lovren 5 – Was tricked by a young mascot in the tunnel who snubbed his
handshake in the tunnel before the game and things didn't really pick up for
the Croatian.

Mamadou Sakho 5.5 – Stuttering in defence, beaten too often on the ground
and in the air, seemed to lack the heart for the fight, like many of his
team-mates.

Alberto Moreno 5 – was fouled in the run-up to West Ham's opener but stayed
on the deck and his team were exposed without him to defend. Taken off after
61 minutes.

Lucas Leiva 5.5 – Booked for a crunching tackle on Noble in the first half
and was loose in the middle of the park giving the ball away on several
occasions. The captain failed to rally his tired troops.

Emre Can 6 – Great instinctive strike in dying stages of first half which
had beaten Adrian but clipped the crossbar. Almost scored with a header in
the second half.

Roberto Firmino 6 – Was at the centre of Liverpool's sparse good work in the
first half, playing through Benteke and Coutinho on separate occasions.
Careless pass to Nathaniel Clyne allowed Valencia to escape but he attoned
for his error with a good tackle in the box.

Philippe Coutinho 5 – A first class player not at the races, skinned by
Tomkins in the second half. When he did produce flashes of his talent was
let down by a lack of end product from Benteke.

Jordan Ibe 5.5 – The 20-year-old can be a handful and linked up well with
Firmino and Coutinho. A bright spark amid the dross for the visitors in the
first half, he looked the most likely Liverpool player to find a way through
but zapped for energy toward the end.

Christian Benteke 4.5 – The striker doesn't fit in with Klopp's style of
play and looked a bit heavy footed in the first half, let down by slovenly
movement on a few occasions when he had a sniff at goal. Should at least
have got the ball on target after a Moreno ball across goal in the 50th
minute.

Manager: Jurgen Klopp 5.5 – Like his equally charismatic opposite number was
on his feet throughout, visibly angry as his players meandered their way
through the first half. After, one imagines, a few choice words had his
players out four minutes early for the second half. But was left looking
dejected at the final whistle.

Referee: Bobby Madley 5.5 – dealt well with the cut and thrust of the game
but missed a crucial foul by Antonio on Moreno in the lead up to West Ham's
first goal.

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Manuel Lanzini out for up to six weeks, says West Ham chairman David Gold
By Ben Reynolds
Last Updated: 02/01/16 8:31pm
SSN

Midfielder Manuel Lanzini could be out until February after limping out of
West Ham's 2-0 win over Liverpool, according to co-chairman David Gold. The
Argentine, only just back after recovering from a thigh injury, looked in
good touch against Jurgen Klopp's side, hitting the post before being forced
off late in the first half. Gold confirmed on Twitter the 22-year-old would
have further tests, but said the player could be out for up to six weeks.
Gold said: "We will know more about Manuel's injury after the scan on Monday
but it could be 4/6 weeks. He was superb today."

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic said after the game he hoped the playmaker,
signed on loan from Al-Jazira, will not be absent for an extended spell.
"They have told me a little bit and I will hear more tomorrow. It is not
big. It is the same, it is not the hamstring or the muscle, it is some kind
of abductor and the tendon. I hope it is going to be like they have said
now, just a little bit [of time out]," he said. "If you watch the games
again, the impact he made against Southampton and the way he orchestrated
today with 22 players on the pitch, but with him bossing the game, [you can
see] what he means to us."

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Poyet sent home to Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Diego Poyet was not part of the squad for MK Dons' 1-1 draw at Leeds, after
which the Milton Keynes manager, Karl Robinson revealed the midfielder is
returning to West Ham as he is too similar in style to vice-captain Darren
Potter. "As a combination they didn't do too well together and he knows what
Darren Potter means to my football club, It's not fair on a young player to
not give him many minutes and in time he will be a much better player than a
lot in this league. He's a tremendous young man."

Poyet featured in five times in the Europa League ties before joining MK
Dons for what was supposed to be a season long loan at Mk Stadium. Poyet
joined West Ham on 8 thJuly 2014, signing a four-year contract with West Ham
and Charlton reaching a settlement for compensation.

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Now we're the West Ham we always knew we'd be
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
Scott A
C and H

Scott Alsweiller – ClaretadHugh's top blogger – has never been more excited
than he is tonight following that absolutely perfect performance against
Liverpool.

We've been through so much as Hammers but as Scott writes "This is the year
we became the West Ham we always knew we could be."

"We're coming back, we're coming back, we're coming back to you".

So go some of the lyrics to a song by East End lads – and diehard Irons –
Cock Sparrer. And that's exactly what we're seeing with our Hammers.

I'm fast running out of superlatives to describe what I saw today. This was
truly a sublime performance, marred only by the coming off hurt (although I
understand it isn't serious) of our Jewel. Hugh has already given player
ratings. Suffice to say that I agree with him. The team worked better today
than most of us could have dreamed. This is a squad with deep promise. The
building blocks for a future that looks so bright I need to draw the blinds.

"We're never gonna go away again"

This season we've changed. I'm now starting to look at some of this squad as
the sorts of heroes we grew up with, no matter our age. I'm seeing a squad
which could bring us heroes like Tevez, like Dicks, like DiCanio, and maybe
even like Hurst or Moore. This squad is not only the strongest we've seen in
years, it's also the most cohesive. Our Slaven has put together, and will
continue to put together, a team that will take us onwards to glory. And
even silverware. It is a magnificent time to be a Hammer. My deepest thanks
are with the board for their belief in, and love of, our club.

"Hold on a little longer, try a little harder. 'Til we're arm in arm
together to the end"

Michail Antonio is proving his quality, and then some. Carroll looked every
bit the feared big man, Collins looked like nothing more than an enormous
and impenetrable ginger wall, Tomkins has made that fullback role his own,
Noble played with more heart and technique than we've seen in a while,
Lanzini made any thought of defence look clumsy, antiquated, and foolish –
it's a shame he was robbed by the woodwork again. And Dimi. In the time he
was on he showed pure quality. No matter what he cost us, I wouldn't sell
him for any number of Ozils, Messis, or Ronaldos. He takes a very obvious
delight in playing in the Claret and Blue. My prediction is that he and
Lanzini will be the most feared combination in the League. They're poetry to
watch. I would go on and on about what we saw today, but the results speak
for themselves, and could easily have been even more impressive but for some
bad luck.

Now some of you are thinking – Scott, mate, you're gushing. But don't you
think that we've all earned that, right? We've been there with the club
through it all. And a lot of it has been pretty average. But now it isn't.
Now it's special. Now we have players who take enormous pride in wearing the
colours. A manager who bleeds Claret and Blue. Beautiful, attacking
football. We'll continue to sing songs about this squad for many years to
come. Because this is the year it all changed. This is the year we become
the West Ham we always knew we could be.

With apologies to the lads from Cock Sparrer for nicking their lyrics, but
not many apologies – since I know they're Hammers. Many thanks to them also
for their New York gig a year ago – and for the drinks at the pub watching
the Irons.

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DG: "This win as good as anything we've seen"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold declared the win over Liverpool as good and better than any he
has seen for a very long time. The Irons showed guts and skill aplenty as
they went about scoring their first double over the Red in 51 years and Gold
admitted: "It was a truly astonishing performance." Delivering his verdict
on the game he said: "From the very first minute they were at it. The spirit
within the squad is totally extraordinary. "It's hard to disagree with the
manager's assessment that they gave absolutely everything and it was pretty
special to see Dimi Payet out there again. He is a player that thrills and
gives the team a completely different dimension. "There was something in the
performance that was different – a feeling that we have become a different
club, that we have weathered the bad times and that there are only good
times on the way. "I can't disagree that this may have been our finest
performance for a long time and these really are fantastic times to be a
supporter of West Ham United."

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