Daily WHUFC News - 7th March 2016

From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

It was a strange game against Everton Saturday. We were all in disbelief
when we were 2-0 down and could have gone 3-0 done via the penalty or the
chance that Lukaku had when he was clean through on goal. We were as good as
Everton, but they took their chances and things didn't go our way until the
final 12 minutes. We were playing some fantastic football, then thankfully
we started to get on top and in particular in the air and we got what we
deserved out of the game. I have to say a big thank you to our keeper Adrian
who once again showed his quality and kept us in the game with a fine
penalty save and then an even better block to deny Lukaku when he looked
certain to score. I'm sure Adrian enjoys playing against Everton and few
could forget his famous winning kick from the penalty spot against them last
season. It was a fantastic game, but we still have ten cup finals to go and
hopefully more if we beat Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Quarter
Final next Sunday. Every single player put in a shift and contributed, but a
special thanks to the goalscorers and Antonio for getting on the scoresheet
once again! It was also great to see Sakho back among the goals and we hope
he can play a big role for us in the final part of the season. Andy Carroll
also showed his quality when he came on as a substitute and we have real
competition for place in the striking areas. We had fantastic support once
again at Goodison Park on Saturday and I am sure the 9000 fans who are
heading to Old Trafford next weekend will play their part once again and get
behind the team as we look to reach Wembley and play in the semi-finals.
After three consecutive victories in a week against Sunderland, Tottenham
and Everton, the players are brimming with confidence and will be relishing
the chance to play at Old Trafford. Let's hope we can celebrate yet another
famous victory.

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Payet - These are the games you remember
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet believes Saturday's dramatic 3-2 turnaround at Goodison Park
was worth far more than three Barclays Premier League points. Victory at
Everton made it three wins in eight days for Slaven Bilic's men, a run of
form that has propelled the Hammers to within touching distance of the top
four and Champions League football. And Payet, who provided the cross for
Diafra Sakho's equaliser and then promptly dispatched the winner himself,
said the manner of the success made it all the more significant with
momentum firmly in the West Ham camp. "One week and that's nine points," he
told West Ham TV. "We've managed to take nine points, Sunderland, Tottenham
and here at Everton. I think it's a decisive week in the league, we've got
through it successfully and so we're very happy. "These are the games that
we're going to remember. It gives you confidence when you succeed in scoring
at the end like that, it's really a delight. "We felt it after the game
with the supporters and in the dressing room we were really very happy. To
leave an important game, a turning point in the season and we've taken these
three points, and the manner in which we've done is even more enjoyable."

Unsurprisingly, Payet pointed to Adrian's penalty stop from Romelu Lukaku as
the game's critical moment, not least with the Hammers' proven ability to
claw their way back from losing positions. He continued: "I think Lukaku's
penalty gave us hope, because at 3-0 the match is finished. The fact that
Adri saved the penalty kept us in the game. "It's true that we're in the
habit [of coming back], as we did at Norwich, and a few other times. As soon
as we score we try to score on the back of it, and we were able to score
three in quarter of an hour or so. It's exceptional and you must take
advantage of it. It shows that we didn't give up and we were rewarded at the
end."

The Frenchman, who celebrated with the travelling supporters at the final
whistle, insists the Hammers' fine form is particularly pleasing in the
context of a disappointing away day at Southampton. The No27 confirmed that
honest words were exchanged after the 1-0 defeat at St Mary's in February
and the response, he maintains, is testament to a group of players who,
collectively, continue to grow in stature. After Southampton we were a
little bit disappointed with this match and felt that we could have done
better. We spoke of it just after the game, we were aware that we had to
give more, we had to do more, and after that game the group has reacted
well. "I think that in those moments you see how the squad grows, the squad
progresses, because it's true that the victory on Saturday was not handed to
us, we had to seek it out."

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Adrian - Dimi has magic in his boots!
WHUFC.com

Adrian admits it is is a pleasure to play alongside Dimitri Payet and says
the French star has 'magic in his boots' after he scored the crucial
match-winner against Everton. The West Ham United keeper also played his
part in another memorable victory for the Hammers as he made a crucial
penalty save in the second half to deny Romelu Lukaku making it 3-0 for the
home side. Adrian also came to the rescue when he denied Lukaku just moments
later when he was clean through on goal, but made a fine save to deny the
Everton forward. The Merseyside Club were made to pay as the Hammers
produced a dramatic comeback and late goals from Michail Antonio, Diafra
Sakho and Payet ensured Slaven Bilic's side came away with another crucial
three points. After collecting the Premier League Player of the Year at the
London Football Awards this week, Adrian says it was a fitting way for Payet
to celebrate his achievement. Adrian said: "Dimi is the best. He is a
different player and has magic in his boots! He deserved to get the award
this week and helps us in every game. "He has done the same thing against
Everton scoring the winning third goal and it has given us the three points.
"It is not just about Dimitri Payet. The whole squad played their part and
we are in a very good position at the moment."

It has certainly been a memorable week for the Hammers having recorded
consecutive league victories over Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton.
And the players will now be brimming with confidence as they switch their
attentions to the big Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final against Manchester
United next Sunday. Adrian added: "We are in a good position in the Premier
League but we are also in a good position in the FA Cup and we have a
massive game next Sunday. "The last three victories have given us a lot of
confidence getting nine points in just one week. "That is very difficult for
any team to do that in the Premier League but for us to do that gives us a
lot of confidence for the future."

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Pike relishing Rovers' test
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Development Squad are looking to emulate the first team's
heroics when they face Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green on Monday 7 March.
Terry Westley's men have been in terrific form recently; losing just one in
their last 13 matches. Already this season, the Hammers have faced Rovers
twice, losing 4-3 away at Ewood Park in an enthralling game before knocking
the Lancashire side out of the Barclays U21 Premier League Cup. Looking
ahead to Monday night's encounter, right-back Alex Pike explained there is
still an element of the unknown about the visitors: "Blackburn are a tough
side to play against in the sense that you don't know what they're going to
do. We've had a couple of scrappy games against them but what we have to
focus on is making sure we play the game we want to play." However, given
the Dev Squad's form, the 19-year-old is confident the Hammers will be
triumphant if they play to their best. He continued: "If we continue to
focus on ourselves and make sure we do the things we need to do then I'm
sure we'll do well. "It's always good to be playing well because it gives
you that bit extra that you need. We're all confident and looking forward to
Monday night."

Recently, Pike has been one of several Academy graduates to feature in first
team squads, alongside Dev Squad teammate George Dobson. Both Hammers have
established themselves as crucial components of Westley's team and could
well feature on Monday night. Pike finished by saying: "It just shows how
well Dobbo is doing, to be on the bench in such a high-profile games is
great for him. "Also for Reece to be brought on is great for everyone at the
Academy. It's great that Slaven is giving young players a chance, even if
they're not playing, getting them involved in the squad, it's good. "I like
training with the first team because it's very challenging. You're up
against some great players; Payet, Lanzini so it's hard and you're
constantly tested which is good, I enjoy the challenge."

The Development Squad host Blackburn Rovers on Monday 7 March at Rush Green
Stadium, kick off 7pm. Admission is free for all fans.

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The opposition view: Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 6th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Well that sucks - ending up empty-handed after throwing away a 2-0 lead to a
team that you consider to be your inferiors.

Yet that was the quandary in which Everton supporters found themselves after
West Ham United staged a quite remarkable comeback to take all three points
at Goodison Park yesterday thanks to Dimitri Payet's last-minute winner.

See what they made of it all in this week's edition of the OV...


"FFS. I hate West Ham as well."
- AIE

"What a genuinely shitty way to lose a game. You couldn't make it up, with
Payet scoring the winner after we should have gone 3-0 up just twenty
minutes before with a penalty. There's too many hard luck stories with this
Everton team for it to be coincidence or bad luck."
- chicoazul

"Three goals in 12 minutes is truly a train wreck of historic proportions.
And while Everton seem to have perfected this brand of rapid decompression
it isn't exclusive to Merseyside. With world class striker talent now
peppered liberally throughout the league, a two-nil lead isn't what it used
to be. Payet may look a right tool with his brohawk and all but he will get
his chances in a 90 minute match. Especially against a side playing a man
down for 50 minutes or so."
- NoSlipSteve

"Martinez should be told outright that his job is on the line and that he
has until the end of the season to prove he can manage a game defensively.
He will then have had three seasons with us, two of which have been very
disappointing. He doesn't seem to have learned the lessons of his Wigan days
and you have to wonder now whether he ever will. We have an exciting squad
and yes, he has us playing some exciting football, but at the end of the day
results matter, and in this area he is not proving he is up to the job.
Unless there is a marked upturn by the end of the season there's no way i
think we should start a new season with him. The last two substitutions in
that game were tactically naive. It was not the time to showboat Niasse to
the Goodison crowd when we were down to ten men and then to take Lukaku off
for Barry at the end was almost like an admission he'd got it wrong and
acknowledgement of the need to shore up the defence when it was already too
late."
- froggyted

"If West Ham were proper boss and made the advantage count I wouldn't moan,
genuinely. But they were absolutely abysmal all game. Shocking and we have
gifted them three goals. We all want Niasse to play but bringing him on when
we have 10 men and are holding onto a 2-0 lead is pure idiocy. The man's
finished, I've lost every bit of faith I had in him. After Moshiri has
binned Elstone, he needs to bin Martinez."
- MartSlinger



"The present system - whereby the ref only gives a card if he's in no doubt
there was a dive - works fine. Yesterday I couldn't tell from the Gwladys St
end that it was a dive, but Anthony Taylor was perfectly positioned and
called it correctly. And it was every bit as stupid and needless a yellow
card as the second one. If he'd stayed on his feet we could have created a
goalscoring chance. Never mind referees penalising players, clubs should be
fining their own players over this. The only consolation I can offer
Miralles was that no-one can accuse him of going missing yesterday, perhaps
if anything he was trying too hard."
- tadpole

"West Ham exploited our achilles heel and it didn't take tactical genius to
do it. Bilic used the Alladyce tactic of pump the ball in the box because we
have little full backs and only one CB that can possibly win a header. The
CMs are bypassed and our RB and LB allow too much space and invite the
crosses time and time again. I hope with the money we have we can get
another CB who is good in the air and more defensive minded tall LB and
RBs."
- banno

"Bilic's comments after the game did my head in, saying how no-one could
argue West Ham didn't deserve it. Bollcoks. West Ham were crap and outplayed
by 10 men. They won because Martinez made abysmal substitutions and our
defence are a bunch of amateurs when it comes to dealing with crosses."
- Jimmy1

"I would like to congratulate Mark Noble, I thought he refereed the game
really well!"
- BLUENOWZ1878

"That was disgusting. In one season we have lost at home to Stoke, WBA,
Swansea and West Ham. Drawn with Watford and whoever else. Just sickening
sort of stuff."
- Joleonarteta



"Not even 2-0 and a penalty can stop this effing 11 year jinx. '72, '83,
'94, '05 and '16 - all [years we've] lost to West Ham, not lost any other
home games against these."
- ToffeeDan

"Frustrating... Disheartening... Unnerving... Some of the words which have
flashed through my slightly tender mind this morning. What makes it even
worse was there were some real positives from the game yesterday including
our work rate, effort and overall play. We looked the much better side for
large swathes of the game even when we were down to ten men, but
capitulating just sums up our season. Scoring the penalty would have most
probably finished the game off, however Kevin put us in an inherently
difficult situation due to his rashness. We went from being a side who were
controlling the play well and curtailing West Ham, to allowing them freedom
to swing balls into the box. Once they were able to do that and score their
first goal, you could feel that it was then out of our hands and down to
their effectiveness. People mention Groundhog Day... well it is certainly
starting to feel like that. One step forward before the ultimate two steps
back."
- PhilM

"Such a shame, how this game went. West Ham is a pretty darn decent team,
pretty scary how good they are. But getting down to 10 men and then just
watching the boat sink so late on in the game is just a pity, cause I felt
like Everton would have had the three pointer if Mirallas didn't catch a
second yellow."
- Mirallas

"Just got back. A four-hour trip back with two Hammers trying their hardest
not to rub it in, that bloody Payet song ringing in my ears. Martinez out
for me ASAP. You cannot be a winning team if you can't defend, how much more
have the Goodison faithful got to take before he's told to go? Everyone in
the ground could see it (the capitulation) coming and I'm sick of it
happening, it's beyond a joke. And a bird shit on my shoulder as I stepped
out of the Park End, which kind of summed it all up."
- bluemoz

* Comments originally posted at grandoldteam.com, nsno.co.uk, twitter and
toffeetalk.com.

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Mark Noble praises West Ham's 'amazing' qualities after Everton victory
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 06/03/16 1:55pm
SSN

West Ham captain Mark Noble believes the Hammers have the necessary
qualities to remain in the race for a Champions League place. Slaven Bilic's
side followed up victories over Sunderland and Tottenham in the past week as
they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Everton on Saturday. That put them
fifth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday's fixtures, just one point
behind fourth-placed Manchester City with Arsenal two points further ahead
in third. "We've had some amazing results lately - like Spurs on Wednesday
[a 1-0 win] - but for team spirit that was fantastic," said Noble following
the Goodison Park success. "We are delighted as you can imagine. It just
shows you what we have got this year. "This team spirit, desire and
never-give-up attitude we have got is amazing. "We know we are a good team,
we have proved it over the last eight or nine months, but that was a little
bit special. "There are still 27 points to play for. There were a lot of
draws but, like we have this week, if you put a few wins together you are
back up there. "To come away with three wins is fantastic and massive credit
to the club."

Romelu Lukaku had a penalty saved by West Ham goalkeeper Adrian as Everton
missed a golden chance to go 3-0 up and that allowed Michail Antonio to
kick-start the Hammers' revival in the 78th minute, with substitute Diafra
Sakho and Dimitri Payet completing the comeback. "Adrian's save was the
turning point in the game and we never looked back," added Noble. "I was
saying to the lads on the pitch 'Get a goal' and it gives you belief and
gives them nervousness and we managed to do that. "We were 2-0 down against
10 men and we could have given up but we never and we deserved our three
points for the amount of effort we put in."

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Michail Antonio on West Ham, Tottenham and goal celebrations on Goals on
Sunday
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 06/03/16 1:46pm
SSN

Michail Antonio joined Ben and Kammy on the Goals on Sunday sofa to discuss
West Ham, England, his unique goal celebrations and more. The Hammers winger
scored for the third consecutive game as West Ham came from two goals down
to beat Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. Since breaking into the
starting eleven in December, Antonio has found the net seven times in all
competitions and speaking to Sky Sports, he discussed a number of topics,
including a potential England call-up, West Ham's top-four ambitions and
whether he'd prefer Champions League qualification or an FA Cup trophy.

An FA Cup trophy or a top-four finish...

"I'd take an FA Cup win all day. Top four is amazing but it's one of those
things where you're part of history if you win the FA Cup. It's a massive
competition. "You will always be remembered, and you don't really get
remembered for finishing fourth."

On West Ham's campaign...

"Slaven [Bilic] is saying it's a great season so far. It's such a tight-knit
changing room and he doesn't want to put any pressure on us.
"He tells us to concentrate on each game, because there's been a couple of
times where we didn't start well. We just need to perform and see what
happens at the end of the season because it's been so unpredictable so far.
"When we beat Tottenham [on Wednesday] we went a point off the Champions
League qualification places, but as soon as someone said it, someone else
said, 'Don't talk about it because it's going to distract you.' "I'm quite
superstitious so I don't want to ruin it."

On his unique goal celebrations...

"I was sat in my hotel room one day and I was thinking my goal celebrations
were boring. I was just sticking my arms out and running, and I wanted to
mix things up and have a bit of banter with the fans. "If I do a different
celebration every game, at the end of the season I'll do a poll and see
which is best. When I did the Homer Simpson one against Sunderland, Cress
[Aaron Cresswell] was like, 'What are you doing?!'
"I've got some ideas up next but I don't want to ruin it for everyone. I let
the worm out, but now I'm thinking, 'Do I do the worm or not because I've
said it?' "I've got my next two planned, though, and after that I'll take
some suggestions from fans because I'm going to run out of ideas."

On playing non-league football with Tooting & Mitcham...

"I always had belief in my ability and I always thought I could be a
professional footballer. I got to 17, and I still thought I was going to
make it. "When I jumped to League One with Cheltenham, at first I found it
difficult but as I got comfortable, I felt I could take the next step. Then
I was in and out of the Reading team and signed for Sheffield Wednesday, and
since then I've not looked back. "Ian Wright was my idol growing up, and I
looked at him and said, 'Why can't I do that?'. "There's lots of players in
non-league football that have quality, and I believe it's about luck. I
don't feel enough scouts go down there to watch and you need to be in the
right place at the right time to get spotted."

On nearly joining Tottenham...

"When I was 14, I was playing for my school team and one of my teachers also
coached at the time at Spurs. "He mentioned it and a scout came to a game
and was looking to sign me and my friend. He signed for them although he
didn't manage to make the academy, but my mum wanted me to concentrate on my
education. "I was commuting from south-west London at the time and I would
be getting back quite late. I was crying [at the decision], I'm not going to
lie, and I was saying, 'You've ruined my life mum!' "But I managed to do my
schoolwork and went to college so I feel I've done it the right way."

On playing with Dimitri Payet...

"He's been a revelation to play with. He's got the feet, the vision, he's
got everything. He's not just a flair player, though, he's got grit as well.
He fights and he puts in a slide tackle, and for me he's the player of the
season."

On Riyad Mahrez...

"He is quality, and this season he's been a joke at times. Me and some of
the boys in the dressing room were talking about him recently because in the
Championship he didn't play much. "It was Anthony Knockaert who was the main
man when they got promoted. But he's come to the Premier League and he's
tearing it to pieces."

On an England call-up...

"It would be a dream come true to play for England. I'm a massive England
fan so I'd love to get the chance."

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Slav set to hit United with power squad
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic looks set to have every major weapon in the Irons armoury ready
to fire at Manchester Unitd next weekend as we step further down the glory
glory road. The manager as a full week available to plot the downfall of
LVG's outfit and he looks likely to be welcoming back all his major
players. David Gold - tweeting the good news - said: "We hope to have Victor
Moses, Enner Valencia (pictured above) , Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien all
back fit to face Manchester United next week. dg" And with Diafra Sakho
ready to terrorise the Reds after a terrific return to action against
Everton yesterday there's no reason why we shouldn't head for Old Trafford
really fancying ourselves. ClaretandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior
said: "We can go there and to Chelsea as favourites - why not? We have
beaten everybody this season and remain in tremendous form."
And Gold told us exclusively: "We are starting to believe anything is
possible for us. We go there in tremendous heart."

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Leroy: Soaraway Irons set to achieve anything!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2016 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H

I simply don't know where this is going to end and I have no idea what
represents success as far as these incredible Irons are concerned. Is it
top six, top four, a long Euro campaign - an FA Cup victory. I have no
idea. None.because game on game they are reaching higher and higher highs.
Who knows where this is going to end and those of us alive to see it are
enjoying the greatest moment in the history we can remember of our great
club. It's the greatest soaraway success most of us can remember and quite
frnkly we are looking like a team that could achieve anything. Of course it
all comes down to Slav. He has produced a team which can play a variety to
systems but more important is that every player is capable of adjusting to
whichever of them he decides to play.

Every single one of them out there looks comfortable and for Slav to have
done this within a few months and to be improving the players with every
successive match is an extraordinary achievement. Make no mistake about what
I'm saying. They are all becoming much better players with every successive
game - EVEN DIMI PAYET. Slav is improving them all. Yesterday at Everton
showed us everything we need to know about this squad. he kids on the bench
are looking in awe at a team that won't lie down. The kids on the bench
watching look on and know how high the bar has been set and the
expectations. How good is that!? Claudio Ranieri will probably get Manager
of the Year but for me Slav is right up there with him because he has had to
deal with a massive injury crisis and but for that we may be chasing
Leicester for the title.

What next? Who knows? But I'll tell you this we are becoming one of the
truly great sides and clubs in this country and we must relish every single
moment.

COYI

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Slav's Lukaku gesture shows mark of the man
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H

There was a moment yesterday which gave another fabulous and piercing
insight into the character of our manager Slaven Bilic.

The Irons had just pulled themselves back to 2-2 and as we entered the last
minute of the game the Irons scourge called Romelu Lukaku was taken off to
receive a well deserved reception from the locals.

BUT .it wasn't just the Everton fans who wanted to show their appreciation
of a player who is probably on his way to Bayern Munich in the summer.

Most opposition managers would have had far too much on their minds as their
team pushed for the unlikeliest win in the world.

But not Mr Bilic! As Lukaku ran off, the Irons boss had an arm outstretched
towards him and when the player went by without noticing the beaming smile
of appreciation for his performance, Slav made after him.

I'm sure he would have given him a typical kiss and a cuddle had he received
the opportunity but the striker quickly disappeared down the tunnel.

This was all happening at the peak of the astonishing comeback as the Irons
poured forward and finally grabbed the winner. Most managers would have had
much more selfish matters on their minds

Yet our manager wanted to give a personal 'well done' to a member of the
opposition for whom he clearly has enormous respect. WHAT A MAN!

That is the mark of this bloke - every week the respect and admiration grows
and grows. Just how lucky are we that all those other so big hitting bosses
turned us down.

Super Slav - WE LOVE YOU!

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