Daily WHUFC News - 3rd April 2016

West Ham United 2-2 Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet scored another wonder goal but West Ham were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace after being reduced to ten men late in the game when Cheikhou Kouyate was shown a controversial red card. After Damien Delaney had headed Palace into the lead early in the game, the Hammers hit back straight away when Manuel Lanzini brought the home side level. Payet then scored another superb free-kick just before half-time and the home side were set for another three points as they look to keep their Champions League hopes alive. But the major turning point came on 67 minutes when Kouyate was shown a straight red card for a challenge on substitute Dwight Gayle, much to the anger of the Slaven Bilic and the West Ham supporters. Palace made the extra man count as Gayle converted from close-range following a mistake by Angelo Ogbonna.

The result keeps the Hammers in fifth position but the European dream is still very much alive as the Club prepare for two big games against Arsenal next Saturday and then Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter final replay. Palace opened the scoring on 15 minutes after Bakary Sako's curling free-kick was palmed away by Adrian but straight into the path of Delaney who headed the ball into the corner from the tightest of angles. But the home side hit back straight away and grabbed an equaliser on 18 minutes when Michail Antonio's cross from the right fell to Diafra Sakho who headed the ball back into the path of Lanzini and he made it two goals in two games with another clinical finish into the bottom corner. The goal ignited the home side and they could have doubled their lead when Sakho's first time shot was well saved by Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey on 21 minutes.

Payet also came close on 23 minutes when he weaved his way to the edge of the box before striking a low shot which produced a fine save from Hennessey. The home side could have been made to pay for those missed opportunities when Sako played in a superb cross from the left hand side on 33 minutes that picked out Jason Puncheon who volleyed the ball inches wide of the goal. In an open contest the Hammers had another great chance on 39 minutes when Payet's corner to the far post picked out Sakho who rose the highest inside the box but he directed his header just past the post. But the best moment of the game came on 40 minutes when that man Payet got on the scoresheet once again after he was brought down on the edge of the box. After curling a previous effort just over the bar the crowd anticipated something special was about to happen and they were proved right once again. After scoring another spectacular set-piece for France during the week, the French magician followed that up with another outstanding effort. Despite Palace having seven men in the wall, Payet showed his quality by striking the ball into the opposite corner and the ball flew in off the bar and post. It was another unstoppable effort from the Hammers superstar who took his tally to 12 goals this season.

The Hammers looked to make it three and Lanzini came close on 56 minutes when he broke free into the Palace half and fired a shot which Hennessey saved diving down to his right hand side. The home side were let off the hook on 65 minutes after Kouyate played a poor backpass which forced Adrian to race out of his goal and clear the ball away. The rebound fell to Sako who saw his shot superbly cleared off the line by Aaron Cresswell. The turning point in the game then followed on 67 minutes when Kouyate was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Gayle. Palace were determined to make the extra man pay and could have drawn level on 72 minutes when Yannick Bolasie's cross from the right hand side picked out Sako who fired a volley wide of the post. The south London side made it 2-2 on 75 minutes when Ogbonna failed to deal with a cross from Pape Souare and the ball fell perfectly for substitute Gayle who slotted the ball past Adrian into the corner of the net.

The Hammers were forced to settle for a point but maintained their superb home record and are still only three points behind Manchester City as the club look to keep alive their hopes of securing a top four finish.

West Ham: Adrian, Antonio, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble (Obiang 80), Emenike (Carroll 60), Lanzini, Payet, Sakho (Valencia 68)
Subs not used: Randolph, Song, Tomkins, Moses

Bookings: Noble, Reid
Red Card: Kouyate

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare, Jedinak, Ledley (Campbell 70), Zaha (Gayle 46), Bolasie, Puncheon, Sako
Subs not used: Mariappa, McCarthy, Lee, Mutch, Kelly

Bookings: Ward, Sako
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Attendance: 34,857

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'We're disappointed we haven't won'
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon for West Ham United after Dwight Gayle's second half equaliser cost them the chance to claim maximum points against Crystal Palace. The Hammers seemed on course for another vital victory in their push for Europe when Manuel Lanzini and Payet notched to overturn Damien Delaney's 15th minute header. But Cheikhou Kouyate's dismissal three-quarters of the way through the contest opened the door again for Palace, with Gayle's leveller ensuring the points would be shared. The Hammers have now not lost in 13 home league games, but for left-back Cresswell, the outcome could have been better. He said: "It's frustrating [to drop points] because in the first half I thought we were excellent and fully deserved to lead. "In the second half the sending off changed the game and I think if that doesn't happen we win the game comfortably. "Over the last four league games we've picked up three wins and a draw and it would have been nice to carry that form on. "Unfortunately for us it wasn't to be and we're a bit disappointed that we haven't taken all three points."

For man of the moment Payet, his fantastic free-kick was his third goal in dead ball situations from his last four games and he just wants that rich vein of form to continue. He explained: "I'm very confident on free-kicks and it's good for me and good for the team [that another has gone in against Palace]. "It was difficult for us today, because Crystal Palace is a good team and we've got one point."

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Bilic 'proud' after Palace draw
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic maintained his dignity after another controversial refereeing decision went against his West Ham United side in Saturday's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Crystal Palace. The Hammers had come from behind and were leading through goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet - who netted another fantastic free-kick - when Cheikhou Kouyate lost control of the ball and challenged Dwight Gayle. Referee Mark Clattenburg showed Kouyate the red card, to the clear frustration of the No8 and his teammates, and manager Bilic thought the official had got it wrong. "I'm proud of the players," he told West Ham TV. "Every time we play good football, especially when it comes together with passion and energy, I'm happy. "Make no mistake, we are at a stage where we are trying to win every game and we are not happy because, if you'd asked if we'd take a point before the game, no way. But considering the circumstances of the game, this is a good point for us. "The game had two parts - before the red card and after the red card - although after the red card we didn't sink or sit back. It wasn't the Alamo, but of course they gained more possession and were finding good situations more easily, but we also had moments in the game and we wanted to score the winning goal. It was a very exciting game. "We knew they were going to be a big threat from set pieces, which they were and they scored a goal. Then we came back so good, so quick and in style and it wasn't just about the result, but the way we played, that gave us confidence. "We were so close to scoring a third goal that would have put us in a more comfortable situation, then the same pattern continued in the second half and then that thing happened. "It's kind of frustrating that it's happened again. For me it's very simple to judge that situation. It's nowhere near a red card and I think that anyone who had anything in any part of his life to do with football should say the same thing - there was no red card, no yellow card and it was in England not even a foul. "Let's say it's a foul and that's it, and it had a big impact on the game."

While clearly frustrated, the manager also expressed great pride in the way his team played superb football before going a man down, and created plenty of chances after being reduced to ten men in such circumstances. The highlight came four minutes before half-time when Dimitri Payet was fouled 25 yards from goal before stepping up and dipping an inch-perfect free-kick into the far top corner - rather than over the seven-man wall and into the top left-hand corner. "It was a great goal," Bilic agreed. "The whole team were good and were dominating. We're simply a good side playing great football. "We were not happy when it was only 2-1 because we should have scored another one and put ourselves in an even better situation than we did."

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Hammers duo set for Lakeside signing
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Diafra Sakho and Sam Byram will be taking part in a store signing event at Lakeside Thurrock on Tuesday 5 April.

New signing Byram, who originally hails from Thurrock before moving to Yorkshire, will be attending his first signing event since joining the Hammers in January. Meanwhile last season's top goalscorer and fan favourite Diafra Sakho will also be in attendance from 2.30pm*, signing merchandise brought in-store on the day and posing for photographs. This is the perfect chance to meet two of the newest Hammers' heroes, up close and personal so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

*Please note end times are always subject to change and so fans are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

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West Ham United 2-2 Crystal Palace
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport

West Ham's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dented as they could only draw with Crystal Palace. The Eagles went in front when Damien Delaney headed into the net from close range after a mistake from Adrian. But the Hammers equalised three minutes later through Manuel Lanzini's low effort before Dimitri Payet's stunning 20-yard free-kick put the hosts ahead. West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate was sent off for fouling Dwight Gayle, who equalised after Angelo Ogbonna's error.

Red card decision changes the game

West Ham have never played in the Champions League and are now three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. But Slaven Bilic and his side will be furious with the decision from referee Mark Clattenburg in the 67th minute. The Hammers were 2-1 ahead when Clattenburg dismissed Kouyate after he clumsily lunged at Gayle. Contact was made, but a straight red card seemed an extremely harsh decision. Speaking after the match, Gayle admitted he did not think Kouyate's challenge was "too bad", but it had a big impact on the match. Palace, who instantly brought on striker Fraizer Campbell for midfielder Joe Ledley after Kouyate's sending off, equalised eight minutes later when Gayle pounced as Ogbonna made a mess of an attempted clearance.

Another wonderful goal for Payet

It was an afternoon of great entertainment at Upton Park. Before Kouyate's sending off, West Ham had looked well-placed to claim the three points. Despite falling behind in the 15th minute, they were only in arrears for three minutes before Diafra Sakho headed down Michail Antonio's cross and Lanzini drilled his low effort home. But the moment of the match, once again, came from the boot of midfielder Payet, whose curling, dipping 20-yard free-kick put the Hammers ahead as half-time approached. It was his 12th goal of the season and he has also been directly involved in 23 goals in all competitions, 13 more than any other West Ham player. If the Hammers do miss out on Champions League qualification then they will face a battle to keep hold of the France midfielder, who is surely going to be among the contenders for the Premier League's Player of the Year award.

Although they earned a good point, Crystal Palace may well see this as a missed opportunity. They were gifted a fortunate opener when Adrian parried Bakary Sako's free-kick, even though the ball was heading out, into Delaney's path, who headed in from close range. Even when they were pegged back, the Eagles should have retaken the lead when Jason Puncheon found himself free six yards out. But he did not know whether to head or volley the ball and did neither, with the ball bouncing off his knee and over the bar. Alan Pardew's side have now not won in 14 Premier League games, but will be encouraged by the number of chances they created. The Eagles, who have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, are 16th, seven points above Sunderland in 18th. However, with a home game against Norwich and a trip to struggling Newcastle among their remaining fixtures, Pardew will be confident his side will stay in the top flight.

The stats you need to know

Crystal Palace have scored the most goals by defenders in the Premier League this season (nine).

Only Southampton (six) have been shown more red cards than West Ham United (five) in the league this season.

Dwight Gayle ended a run of 20 Premier League games without a goal, scoring for the first time since January 2015.

Crystal Palace remain the only team in the top four tiers who are yet to win a game in 2016 (drawn two, lost nine).

Man of the match - Dimitri Payet (West Ham)

Dimitri Payet
West Ham's Dimitri Payet scored one of his three shots at goal and also made four passes that set up chances
What they said

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said: "I want to commend the players it was a good game of football, open, and we deserved to win. "When it was 11 v 11 the scoreline was correct. They caused us a threat, but only at set pieces, then we turned it around." On the decision to send off Kouyate, Bilic added: "I would love to say a lot of things. I asked the legal people what can I say and what I can't. It is never a red card and it's the fourth game in a row we are getting decisions that are costing us. "We're fighting to finish high. If the opponent is better than you, ok, but it is frustrating. We aren't going to sink or moan - we will come back and continue to play good football."

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew admitted that he did not agree with Mark Clattenburg's decision to send off Kouyate. "I thought the red card was harsh and I would've been disappointed to have that happen to one of my players," said Pardew. "When you are 2-1 down at West Ham, in the form they are in, you take a 2-2. I'm delighted for the team and they showed their heart is still very much in it. We've got ourselves into a bit of trouble but this is a great result. "Every point in the Premier League is gold-dust, especially to get something at West Ham. It was a great performance and a great result. West Ham had to defend for their lives at the end."

What next?

Next weekend is a vital one for West Ham and their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as they entertain an Arsenal side third in the table. That London derby is the early kick-off on Saturday, 9 April, the same day as Crystal Palace's 3pm home game against Norwich City, another team fighting to stay in the Premier League.

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West Ham Utd 2-2 Crystal Palace
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Referee Mark Clattenburg was booed off today after his decision to dismiss Cheikhou Kouyate allowed Palace to grab a share of the spoils at the Boleyn this afternoon.

West Ham, leading 2-1 at the time courtesy of goals from Manuel Lanzini and another wonderful free kick from Dimitri Payet saw the Senegal international dismissed for a second time in recent weeks for dangerous play.

However like the previous incident (at Blackburn in the FA Cup), it is expected that Kouyate will have the decision overturned upon appeal - for Clattenburg quite simply called it wrong

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic slams Cheikhou Kouyate red card
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 02/04/16 9:10pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has blasted referee Mark Clattenburg's decision to send off Cheikhou Kouyate during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Kouyate was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Dwight Gayle midway through the second half of the match. The 26 year-old Senegal international appeared to take the ball cleanly and, although the midfielder's foot was high, even opposition manager Alan Pardew admitted that the decision looked "harsh".
West Ham, who were leading 2-1 at the time, were made to pay just eight minutes later when Gayle struck home a fierce equaliser. First-half goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet had put the hosts in control after Damien Delaney's opener. And Bilic claimed that Kouyate's tackle might not have even warranted a free-kick. "For me it's very simple to judge that situation," the Hammers boss told West Ham TV. "It's nowhere near a red card and I think that anyone who had anything in any part of his life to do with football should say the same thing - there was no red card, no yellow card and it was in England not even a foul. "Let's say it's a foul and that's it, and it had a big impact on the game."

West Ham are now three points behind Manchester City in the race for Champions League places but, despite dropping two points at home, Bilic says he is proud of his players' reaction to going down to 10 men. "Make no mistake, we are at a stage where we are trying to win every game and we are not happy because, if you'd asked if we'd take a point before the game, no way," he said. "But considering the circumstances of the game, this is a good point for us. "The game had two parts - before the red card and after the red card - although after the red card we didn't sink or sit back. It wasn't the Alamo, but of course they gained more possession and were finding good situations more easily, but we also had moments in the game and we wanted to score the winning goal. It was a very exciting game."

Bilic was also impressed with the performance of France international Payet, who continued his fine goal scoring form with a superb 25-yard free-kick towards the end of the first half. "It was a great goal," Bilic agreed. "The whole team were good and were dominating. We're simply a good side playing great football. "We were not happy when it was only 2-1 because we should have scored another one and put ourselves in an even better situation than we did."

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West Ham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Ten-man Hammers held at home
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 02/04/16 6:40pm
SSN

A controversial red card for Cheikhou Kouyate proved costly for West Ham as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at Upton Park. The Hammers led 2-1 at the break thanks to Dimitri Payet's stunning free-kick at the end of the half, after Manuel Lanzini had cancelled out Damien Delaney's opening goal. But Palace grew into the game in the second half and were aided when Kouyate was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Dwight Gayle. That proved decisive as Gayle - who was introduced as a substitute at half-time - scored the equaliser minutes later to earn a valuable point for Palace. The visitors went ahead in the 14th minute when Bakary Sako's in-swinging free-kick bounced awkwardly in front of Adrian and he palmed the ball straight to Delaney, who headed it into the net. That lead lasted less than three minutes however as West Ham hit straight back. Palace failed to clear a cross from the right and the ball fell to Lanzini, who took a touch before confidently rifling the ball into the bottom corner. Palace had a glorious chance to restore their lead just after the half-hour mark when Angelo Ogbonna misjudged Pape Souare's cross from the left but it caught Jason Puncheon by surprise and he could only divert the ball over the bar with his thigh. Diafra Sakho came close to giving the Hammers the lead soon after when he outjumped Mile Jedinak at the back post before heading a Payet corner inches wide.
After his heroics for France against Russia in midweek, Payet was largely quiet for much of the opening half but that ended in the 44th minute when he was hacked down by Joel Ward on the edge of the box.

The Frenchman got up to curl an absolutely stunning free-kick right into the top far corner, leaving Wayne Hennessey rooted to the spot.
Kouyate almost cost West Ham a goal in the 66th minute when he under hit a back pass to Adrian and the ball fell to Joe Ledley who teed up Bakary Sako to shoot from the edge of the box but Richard Cresswell did well to get back and clear off the line. Things got worse for Sako two minutes later when he miscontrolled a pass in midfield before lunging in on Gayle as he knicked the ball away. Ironically, it was a role reversal from this fixture earlier in the season when Gayle was sent off for a similar offence on Kouyate, with Mark Clattenburg the referee on both occasions.
That red card gave Palace a boost and they almost levelled immediately when Bolasie did brilliantly to beat Cresswell down the right before sending in a perfect cross to the back post but an unmarked Sako badly miscued his attempted left-foot volley. The reprieve was short-lived for West Ham however as Palace got their equaliser minutes later.

Souare provided a consistent attacking threat from left-back throughout the game and he was the source of the goal as he sent in a dangerous cross from the left which Winston Reid missed and Ogbonna only managed to clear as far as Gayle, who calmly passed the ball into the bottom right corner. Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages but neither could engineer one and instead settle for a result that doesn't greatly help either team. West Ham lose valuable ground in the race for the top four while Palace remain without a win in the league since December and sit just seven points above the relegation zone.

Player ratings

West Ham: Adrian (5), Antonio (7), Reid (6), Ogbonna (5), Cresswell (7), Kouyate (5), Noble (6), Emenike (5), Lanzini (7), Payet (7), Sakho (7)
Subs: Carroll (7), Valencia (6), Obiang (6)

Crystal Palace: Hennessey (6), Ward (5), Dann (7), Delaney (7), Souare (7), Jedinak (5), Ledley (6), Zaha (5), Bolasie (7), Puncheon (5), Sako (6)
Subs: Gayle (7), Campbell (5)

Man of the match: Yannick Bolasie

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West Ham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Eagles salvage point against ten-man Hammers - 5 things we learned
16:56, 2 APR 2016 UPDATED 17:19, 2 APR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Dimitri Payet scored another world-class free-kick, but Alan Pardew's men earned a draw thanks to Dwight Gayle's strike
The Mirror

Referee Mark Clattenburg blew a huge hole in West Ham's Champions League ambitions with his harsh dismissal of Cheikou Kouyate. The trigger-happy official produced a straight red on 67 minutes after the midfielder over-stretched to reach a ball that he had lost and caught substitute Dwight Gayle. Minutes later Gayle struck from inside the West Ham box to earn his Palace side a much-needed point. The goal cancelled out a brilliant free-kick, four minutes before the break, from Dimitri Payet to put West Ham ahead. The effort had been his third, sensational dead-ball strike in five matches and came after Palace boss Alan Pardew has warned his players not to give away free-kicks around the box for the Frenchman to strike. Payet curled a magnificent ball over a seven-man wall and into the top corner behind keeper Wayne Henessey. Palace, still without a win since December 19, had gone ahead on 20 minutes when Damien Delaney headed in from Bakary Sako's free-kick. Hammers keeper Adrian had fumbled the ball into his path at the far post. But Manuel Lanzini struck from just outside the six-yard box to draw level just two minutes later. It leaves West Ham three points behind Manchester City who pulled off an impressive away win at Bournemouth.

Here are five things we learned:

1. Payet is unstoppable
Concede a free-kick around the box for Payet and you may as well give West Ham a penalty. The French midfielder has now scored with three sensational dead balls from his last five games. Even West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady tweeted her excitement - like many of the club's fans - ahead of Payet's magnificent strike. A strong contender for Player of the Year.

2. Palace are still struggling to stop the rot
They have still only picked up just four points in four months. They last managed a Premier League win on December 19. They went ahead here before being pegged back. And they played the last 23 minutes or so against ten men. Their fragile confidence simply falls to pieces at the first sign of a setback and the clubs below them are closing.

3. Lanzini is also a player
In any other season it would be the diminutive Argentinian grabbing all the headlines. The brilliance of Payet, however, has left him in the shade. Yet Lanzini is going to become a fantastic player for West Ham with his close control and his clinical finishing which put drew them level.

4. Mark Clattenburg is as trigger-happy as ever
He was (too) quick to reach for his top pocket when it was clear that West Ham's Cheikou Kouyate was attempting to reach the ball and not to endanger the safety of his opponent.

5. Palace need a clearout
Alan Pardew may well have seen the best of this squad of players, many of whom are decent but not much more than that. If they survive, he will have to be ruthless.

Player ratings
West Ham

Adrian 5 - Fumbled to allow Delaney to score the first. Exposed for the second.
Cresswell 6 - Always an outlet and caused problems with his supply into the box.
Ogbonna 4 - Undone by the free-kick from which Palace scored and allowed Souare's cross to come off him for the second.
Reid 4 - All over the place for the equalising goal when he should have been braver.
Antonio 4 - Surged forward to supplement the attacks at times and at times forgot his defensive duties.
Noble 6 - Linked play with his usual confidence but looked shot late on. Replaced.
Kouyate 6 - Just too strong for the Palace midfield to overrun. Unfairly dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg for foul on Gayle.
Payet 8 - A(nother) sensational free-kick to give West Ham the lead. Brilliant.
Lanzini 7 - Excellent, clinical finish to level the scores. Good link play too.
Emenike 6 - Good pace and power but tending to give away possession too often.
Sakho 6 - Linked play will but unable to get the supply (or into position) to strike.
Subs: Carroll 6, Obiang 6
Crystal Palace

Hennessey 5 - Bamboozled by Payet's free-kick which sneaked past him into the top corner.
Souare 5 - Decent supply into the box but all too often undone defensively.
Delaney 6 - Nice goal but the West Ham strike force always able to find space behind him.
Dann 5 - So many headaches from West Ham's interchanging front-line.
Ward 5 - Despite the instruction not to give away free kicks from Pardew, just just that - on Payet.
Ledley 5 - He and Jedinak were no match for Noble and Kouyate in the centre of the Hammers midfield.
Jedinak 4 - Starting to show his age and could be part of the summer overhaul at Selhurst Park.
Puncheon 5 - Missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put Palace ahead during the first half.
Bolasie 5 - Not enough goal threat to trouble the West Ham defence.
Zaha 4 - Not enough of anything during the first half. Replaced at the break.
Sako 6 - Provided the free-kick from which Delaney scored.
Subs: Gayle 7, Campbell 6

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Leroy: One of the worst reffing decisions I've seen
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

I probably have been but I really can't remember when I felt so angry about a refereeing decision as Mark Clattenburg's when sending off Cheik Kouyate this afternoon. It truly was utterly ridiculous - one of the worst I can recall seeing anywhere at any time - and I'm delighted the Irons immediately announced through ClaretandHugh that they will appeal it. If they don't win then there really is something seriously wrong with the game. Cheik stays on the pitch and there's only one result - Hammers win. Simple. We were done up. No two ways about it. That we should draw a game via their two scruffy goals against ours of the purest quality was shattering. The Payet free kick was - and I rarely use this word - INCREDIBLE. I don't know how he does it nd in all my time in this game I have never seen anything like it. Had the keeper stood on the post itself I don't think he would have stopped it. lt's magical - absolutely magical. We were the better team but that terrible decision changed everything and in the end we were denied a win which I think would have been entirely convincing. But hey, onwards and upwards. It's Arsenal next and there will be no fear whatsoever. We really are a seriously good team. Bring the Gooners on and COYI.

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Irons make Kouyate red card decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham will appeal the red card handed out to Chiek Kouyate against Palace this afternoon. And they expect exactly the same result as they had when the midfield dynamo received his marching orders unfairly against Blackburn Rovers. Chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh a few minutes ago: "We have decided to appeal the card - the decision is plainly wrong and like everybody else I'm feeling very hard done by. "We had Darren Ramdolph bundled over the line for Manchester United's equaliser in the Cup match, a penalty awarded against us wrongly at Chelsea and now this.
"It's happening almost every week and again today we are on the end of a very wrong decision - we have to appeal and fully expect to get the right outcome. Everybody within West Ham and Palace admitted having seen it on replay that it was a yellow and the time has now come to introduce the technology to deal with these issue. I believe we are heading for a situation where our game could be brought into disrepute if we don't"

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Clattenburg leaves Irons in a mess
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Even with ten we should have won it but Cheik should never have been red carded! The game-changing Mark Clattenburg decision to send Kouyate off for a tired lunge on Gayle was poor - very poor and I'll be surprised if the club aren't already planning their appeal. Yes, he was late but look at how his foot is angled - downwards toward the ball - which he may even have got a touch to and it takes a very strange mind to reach for red instead of yellow.

That levelled the scores two minutes after Adrian - instead of pushing an awkwardly bouncing free kick around for a corner - managed to find Delaney who headed in. Lanzini levelled with fine close range effort after a cross by Antonio and Sakho knockdown and then came the game's highpoint on 40 minutes. After putting an effort over the bar earlier he curled an beautiful curling shot beyond a SEVEN MAN WALL and the helpless Hennessy.

To that point the Irons had put 223 passes together opposed to Palace's 84 and at times played some great stuff but it changed in the second half after a highly controversial sending off and the equaliser came from Gayle after a terrible mix up between Reid and Ogbonna. Despite a slow start we were the better team playing the better football but became very unsettled after the sening off and gave up possession to easily as Palace got a foothold. It was a real shame but we remain in fifth place and must hope that Everton can put it across United tomorrow afternoon. I hate excuses but with even Palace boss Alan Pardew admitting he didn't believe Kouyate should have been sent off, it's hard not to moan.

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Pardew reckons Kouyate red was harsh
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Alan Pardew admits he didn't agree with Mark Clattenburg's decision to red card Cheikhou Kouyate. The Palace boss sad: "I thought the red card was harsh and I would've been disappointed to have that happen to one of my players. "When you are 2-1 down at West Ham, in the form they are in, you take a 2-2. I'm delighted for the team and they showed their heart is still very much in it. We've got ourselves into a bit of trouble but this is a great result. "Every point in the Premier League is gold-dust, especially to get something at West Ham. It was a great performance and a great result. West Ham had to defend for their lives at the end."

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Irons laugh off reported Man City raid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have laughed off morning reports that they are set to sign Manchester Cuty 32 year old Yaya Toure.

A top Hammers source - in near disbelief at the suggestion - declared: "Exactly why would we give Chek Kouyate a big new deal if we intended doing that.

"Cheik has modelled his entire game on Toure and would love to see his future being as successful as Toure's."

Indeed Kouyate - who is similar in every way to the former Barcelona star told the official website last year: "Yaya is a role model of mine, an idol, I dreamed of being like him when I was younger. He has played for top clubs and given great performances. For three, four years, he was the best African player."

Regardless of that, The Express reported that the Hammers are in talks with the agent of Manchester City star Yaya Toure with regards to a shock move over the summer, swapping Eastlands for East London.

However, our source said: "We talk to many agents some usually representing more than one player!!"

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