Daily WHUFC News - 11th September 2016

Club Statement
WHUFC.com

West Ham United unreservedly condemn the behaviour of the individuals
involved in incidents during today's fixture against Watford. While these
isolated incidents were quickly brought under control, this behaviour has no
place in football and West Ham United will work tirelessly to eradicate such
incidents.

We are currently undertaking an immediate full review with all stakeholders.
This includes police, stadium landlord and operator LS185, who are
responsible for appointing and managing stewards and security, to ensure we
eradicate such incidents moving forward.

Our policy on this behaviour remains one of zero tolerance and we will work
with the police and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve banning orders to
prevent these individuals attending any football.

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Hornets comeback stings Hammers
WHUFc.com

Watford staged a dramatic comeback as they came from two goals down to
record a 4-2 victory over the Hammers at London Stadium. West Ham looked to
be in pole position after Michail Antonio took his tally to four goals in
four games with an impressive brace in the opening 33 minutes. The Hammers
fans were treated to another incredible piece of skill from Dimitri Payet
who produced a rabona cross to set up Antonio for the second goal. But the
home side failed to hold on and goals from Odion Ighalo, Troy Deeney,
Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas helped Watford secure their first Premier
League win of the season In a crazy start to the game, the Hammers could
have opened the scoring inside the opening sixty seconds. Antonio weaved his
way into the penalty area and saw his low shot kept out by the legs of
Heurelho Gomes. The rebound fell to Payet and he close-range effort produced
another fine save by Gomes diving low to his right hand side
But the home side didn't have to wait much longer before breaking the
deadlock. Antonio rose the highest to meet a corner from Payet on five
minutes and directed a powerful header into the corner of the net. Antonio
caused all kinds of problems for the Watford defence once again on eight
minutes and his cross was turned against his own post by Daryl Janmaat. Just
seconds later Watford could have made the home side pay as Roberto Pereyra
broke clear of the Hammers defence and crossed in for Ighalo who had the
goal at his mercy but his shot deflected inches past the post. It was an
incredible opening to the game and the chances continued as Manuel Lanzini
raced unchallenged towards goal and fired a shot just past the post. Watford
raced down the other end and Adrian made a fine save to deny Ighalo's
close-range volley. The Hammers doubled their lead in spectacular fashion on
33 minutes after Arthur Masuaku's ball picked out Payet down the right hand
side. The Frenchman produced an outstanding piece of skill as his rabona
cross picked out Antonio and he made no mistake heading the ball into the
back of the net. But Hammers failed to hold onto their lead and Watford
staged a dramatic comeback which started on 41 minutes. Ighalo picked up the
ball down the left hand side and took on Sam Byram, before seeing his
right-foot shot deflect take a wicked deflection off James Collins and the
ball flew past Adrian. In an amazing turnaround Watford managed to draw
level on the stroke of half-time. Collins and Adrian got themselve in a
tangle and the loose ball fell to Deeney, who chipped the ball expertly into
the corner of the net. The equaliser gave Watford the upper hand and they
came out in the second half brimming with confidence.

The away side took the lead on 53 minutes when Pereyra crossed the ball in
for Capoue who fired a powerful shot past Adrian into the roof of the net.
Watford sealed all three points on 64 minutes when Ighalo picked out Holebas
and he fired his shot past Adrian to round off a miserable afternoon for the
home side.
Slaven Bilic will be hoping his side can bounce straight back when they
travel to face West Brom at the Hawthorns next Saturday.

West Ham: Adrian; Byram (Tore 84), Collins, Reid, Masuaku; Noble (Calleri
68), Kouyate; Antonio, Lanzini, Payet; Zaza (Fletcher 76)
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Obiang, Ogbonna
Bookings: Zaza, Byram

Watford: Gomes (GK); Cathcart, Kaboul (Prödl 81), Britos; Janmaat, Capoue,
Pereyra, Behrami, Holebas; Deeney (Okaka 77), Ighalo (Success 68)
Subs not used: Pantilimon (GK), Zuniga, Watson, Guedioura
Bookings: Cathcart, Okaka

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 56,974

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Defensive display disgruntles Bilic
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was pulling no punches after watching his side floored 4-2 by
Watford on the night West Ham United fan Gennady Golovkin fights in London.
While the Kazakh boxer remains undefeated – at least until he gets into the
ring with Kell Brook at the O2 Arena – the Hammers slumped to their third
defeat in four Premier League matches. Michail Antonio's first-half double
from two Dimitri Payet crosses looked to have put West Ham on course for a
routine victory, but Watford came off the ropes to score twice in each half
to leave the Hammers floundering. The nature of the Hornets' recovery
angered Bilic, as Odion Ighalo's shot was deflected in, Troy Deeney
capitalised on a mix-up between Adrian and James Collins, before both
Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas were given time and space to find the net.
"It's hard to explain," said the manager. "Their first two goals were way
too easy. OK, the second one was a classic for YouTube with no communication
between two players, but that happens. Of course it shouldn't but it
happens. "Their third goal came from a very predictable attack and we should
have made it more difficult for them to hurt us. It had already happened
twice in the first ten minutes, when we had five chances and they had two,
and it was too easy for them to get in positions out wide in space. "Then,
when they have the ball, you shouldn't allow a two-against-one situation to
develop and allow your player to be exposed and hurt, because then they can
use their quality."

Before Watford's recovery, West Ham were the better side in a lively and
chance-ridden match, with Antonio nodding in Payet's corner, before using
his head to convert the Frenchman's outrageous rabona cross to make it 2-0.
At that stage, West Ham were well on top and Watford looked ragged, only for
the hosts to concede twice in the final five minutes of the first half, and
twice more in the opening 18 of the second. "Basically, it was a really good
opening 40 minutes, we controlled the game, we were two-up and we were happy
with the way we pressed them and were getting the second balls," he
continued. "If anyone looked like getting another goal, it was us. You can't
concede goals like we did. The second one didn't decide the game, but it
changed it. "We tried to get them back, but what I don't like is, while I
agree that the confidence of a team or individuals depends a bit on what the
result is, it shouldn't happen as obviously as it did to some of our
players. "The bottom line is that if we defend like this, we're not going to
win too many games."

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Fernandes eyes first team spot
WHUFC.com

Edimilson Fernandes made his first start in Claret and Blue on Friday night
He was part of the Hammers PL2 side which drew 2-2 with Wolverhampton
Wanderers at the Chigwell Construction Stadium
Fernandes said he was pleased with his performance

New signing Edimilson Fernandes believes that hard work is the key to him
gaining a spot in Slaven Bilic's first team squad this season. The
midfielder was recently away on international duty with the Switzerland
U21s, scoring on just his second appearance against Kazakhstan, and returned
to east London for his debut in the Hammers PL2 side's 2-2 draw with Wolves
on Friday. The 20-year-old started alongside fellow summer recruit Sofiane
Feghouli in a strong starting line-up and Fernandes said he was pleased with
his display. "The game went well," he stated. "You have to keep working hard
and you get the rewards. It's always frustrating when you concede a goal in
the last minute like that, but it's part of the game. You've just got to
keep working hard."

After a quiet first half, the Hammers found themselves behind just before
half-time when Christian Herc rifled into the top corner from the edge of
the box. Terry Westley's men came out firing after the interval though and
equalised through Domingos Quina's free-kick deflecting off Donovan Wilson
for an own goal.
Toni Martinez scored his sixth goal in just five matches to give the Hammers
the lead, after a fizzing cross from Fernandes, before Morgan Gibbs-White
equalised with virtually the last kick of the contest. "I'm happy with
making a decisive pass for a goal in my first game," said the midfielder.
It's been a really good week for me. I've played three games and I've got
some match minutes. I've also been really pleased with my performances. I've
come to the club and ultimately I want to get in the first team. That's what
it's about. I recognise there is work to do, but I'll keep working hard and
hopefully achieve my goal."

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Louisa Johnson - The move has been incredible
WHUFC.com

X Factor winner Louisa Johnson was back at the West Ham training ground this
week and relished the chance to meet up with skipper Mark Noble and the rest
of the first-team squad. Johnson will never forget her previous visit when
she performed in front of Slaven Bilic and the players and then achieved the
biggest moment of her life when she was crowned the X Factor winner. The pop
singer is now celebrating a top five UK hit alongside Clean Bandit with her
'Tears' single and cannot wait to make her first ever visit to London
Stadium to watch her beloved Hammers in action.....

It has been really nice to come back and see all the players. It is such a
modern training ground and it is really good to see everyone again.

It has been a long time but I have managed to keep in touch and that has
been really good.

I am so happy that we managed to keep Dimitri Payet this summer and my
brother is even more pleased because he is a big West Ham fan. He adores him
and it is great for everyone.

The last few months have gone so quickly and it has been a whirlwind for me
since I won the X Factor. So much has happened and it has been crazy.

It was so strange when I last came to the training ground as it was just
before the final and I wasn't feel the pressure, but when I came to see all
the players and singing in the canteen was really scary!

I was so nervous because I got used to singing in the live shows and it
became like an everyday thing.

But it was amazing to sing in front of everyone and I have come so far since
then and so have the Club. We have done it together.

When we came to the training ground last time I developed a really good
friendship with Mark Noble and we support each other all the time.

I really like his wife and kids and he gets on well with my boyfriend so we
all get along really well. We have become really good friends.

The move to the new Stadium has been incredible. Unfortunately I have not
been able to see a game yet as I have been so busy, but I hope to go there
soon and I think we can become a really big Club in London.

We can definitely overtake the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham!

I would love the chance to perform there one day and it would be an amazing
experience.

I am so pleased with the 'Tears' single and working with Clean Bandit has
been amazing. I really respect them as artists.

The song has done so well and it is still getting good radio play. We are
hoping that it will go platinum soon.

I have got a few more songs coming out and they will be like a diary entry.
I am not sure if people will expect it, but I think that is a good thing.

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Responding to Founders Feedback
WHUFC.com

West Ham United would like to thank all the Season Ticket Holders who have
been giving their views on the Club's new Stadium via our dedicated Founders
Feedback email service.

Hundreds of you have been in touch to let us know your views on all aspects
of London Stadium. Every email has been carefully read, and wherever
possible, the Club have acted on your views, or raised them with other
responsible parties.

Below you can see a list of the main areas our Founders have commented on so
far. Click on each link to see what your fellow Founders have been saying,
and how the Club are reacting to continually improve your matchday
experience.

The Shuttle Bus

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from Founders to the
Stadium shuttle bus service, funded by West Ham, and superbly run by staff
from the West Ham United Foundation and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
volunteer service.

All communication we have received regarding the service has commented on
how much easier the bus service makes travelling to the Stadium for older
fans or others less able to walk – with much praise given to the
professionalism and friendliness of the service's staff and volunteers.

Many asked if (where feasible) the carers, family or friends of fans using
the service could walk to meet them at the bus arrival point, leaving seats
free for those who need them most. This query, of course, was not in
relation to adults looking after young children, or disabled fans needing
constant care.

The Club is assessing the best way to implement this suggestion, in order to
make the Shuttle Bus service an even faster and more efficient way for our
fans to access the stadium.

Stewarding and Policing

West Ham United engage in daily discussion with LS185 and their contractors
responsible for stewarding to ensure that the efficacy of our stewards is
maximised, in order to continually secure and improve the safety of all
matchday visitors.

In terms of the bigger picture of the safety and security of our fans around
and inside the Stadium- which is always the Club's top priority, we maintain
constant dialogue with the police and other expert bodies, and we are guided
in everything we do by their instructions and expertise. All feedback
received regarding the Founders' views on police presence at London Stadium
games is passed onto the police and Safety Advisory Group.

We can report that following the match against AFC Bournemouth, the Club
revoked the Season Tickets of a number of individuals who not only engaged
in persistent standing throughout the match but were also abusive to West
Ham supporters who were asking them to sit down. The offenders have been
banned from the Stadium for the rest of the season. We thank our fans for
helping to bring such incidents to our attention; with your help, London
Stadium will remain a safe and secure venue to attend matches, where all
members of the West Ham family can experience games with unimpeded views and
enjoyment.

The Club are extremely grateful to our supporters for providing us with such
detailed feedback which we will continue to use coupled with the best
surveillance technology available to pinpoint any issues in order to
identify the individuals responsible and continue promoting a safe
environment for our supporters to enjoy.

Catering Kiosks

Many Founders have been in touch to say how much they appreciate the
expanded choice of food and drink available at London Stadium compared to
the Boleyn Ground.

The Club are very pleased to inform supporters that the Board have not only
secured a strong service level agreement but also have a watertight
contractual clause which ensures that the prices are locked in at a certain
level and will always remain in line with that of comparable clubs in
London.

As part of the Club's commitment to affordable football for all it is
imperative that fans can enjoy excellent value for money and great service,
wherever they sit in the ground, yet another demonstration of the Clubs
determination to prioritise the needs of fans over maximising profit. We are
confident that as fans settle in and establish their matchday routines, all
stadium visitors will also start to benefit from shorter queues for
refreshments.

West Ham will be discussing all aspects of Catering Kiosks, and have
implemented the suggested improvement of cash only/card only signage in
conjunction with catering contractors, Delaware.

Persistent Standing

The Club is grateful to our Founders for providing us with detailed,
constructive feedback regarding persistent standing. Thanks to your
correspondence and understanding of why persistent standing cannot be
tolerated, we have seen great improvement in this area and have thus made
excellent progress in ensuring all our fans, including young elderly and
disabled supporters, enjoy our matches with unrestricted views. We are
satisfied that the persistent standing that was occurring in the upper bowl
of the Stadium has now been resolved and eradicated.

This is an exciting new chapter in West Ham's proud history, and our
supporters have a vital role in helping us to become one of the biggest and
best Clubs in the world. In order for our stadium capacity to continue
growing and for us to progress as a Club, we urge our fans to play their
part and stay seated so everybody can enjoy the game and come together in
propelling the Club to ever greater heights.
West Ham is more than a football club; we are a family. And we want every
single one of our family members to join together and enjoy their matchday
experience as much as absolutely possible.

Ticketing and Upgrades

West Ham have been pleased to hear from a number of Founders that the new
Club ticket office has been very well-received, and is providing a much
quicker, more efficient service than we were able to provide at the Boleyn
Ground. We have passed that feedback on to the ticket office staff.

Segregation of fans

We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes together with the Stadium
operator LS185 and are confident that issues in this area will be swiftly
resolved.

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Troy Deeney: West Ham were trying to 'mug Watford off'
BBC.co.uk

Watford captain Troy Deeney said his team were motivated to fight back from
2-0 down at West Ham because they felt their opponents were embarrassing
them.
Dimitri Payet set up Michail Antonio's second goal with a rabona after
Manuel Lanzini had tried to score with the same skill. Odion Ighalo, Deeney,
Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas gave Watford victory. "As a player I though
they were trying to mug us off a little bit," Deeney told BBC Radio 5 live.
"You can appreciate good skill and that was great skill for the second goal
but as a professional you cannot allow someone to do that to you. "You see
that in the playground with six and seven year olds and we are grown men.
"There were some harsh words said to each other and everyone had that fire
in their belly again."

Payet set up Antonio for his second goal with a brilliantly improvised cross
as he wrapped his right foot around the back of his left leg to chip the
ball to the back post. Watford fought back before the break thanks to
Ighalo's deflected shot and a brilliant finish from Deeney after dreadful
defending from the hosts. Capoue scored his third goal of the season when a
deep ball came to him at the back post and Holebas grabbed his first goal in
English football with a shot from the edge of the area. Deeney added: "We
all dug in and started to lay a bit of a hand on them and before you know it
we were getting more chances and we got two goals before half-time. "I
thought we were the only team who were going to win it in the second half."

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SAT, 10 SEPT 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United 2-4 Watford
By Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport

Watford produced a stunning performance to come from 2-0 down to beat West
Ham. Two headers from Michail Antonio had put the hosts firmly in control
with 33 minutes played. However, Odion Ighalo's deflected shot and a
wonderful effort from Troy Deeney levelled it before the break. Etienne
Capoue's powerful half-volley put the visitors in front and Jose Holebas
sealed Watford's first victory of the season with a shot from 18 yards out.
There had been little indication of what was to follow when Antonio headed
home Dimitri Payet's rabona cross with just over half an hour played. The
Hornets were utterly outplayed in the opening exchanges of this game and
were lucky not to be further behind, Daryl Janmaat inexplicably passing the
ball against his own post when under no pressure. Ighalo got the ball
rolling for his side when he drifted inside from the left and his low shot
went in after a kind deflection from James Collins. Collins' afternoon went
from bad to worse just before the break when a breakdown in communication
saw the Wales international head the ball over the onrushing Adrian and
Deeney picked up the loose ball before curling home a superb shot from just
inside the area. The Hammers had half-time to regroup but simply could not
match Watford's intensity in the second half. Capoue scored his third goal
of the season when a deep ball came to him at the back post and Holebas
grabbed his first goal in English football with a shot from the edge of the
area that Adrian should have done more to keep out. From there on in the
Hornets had further chances to add to their score but Adrian kept out
efforts from Isaac Success and Roberto Pereyra.
It has not been a great start to the season for the Hammers. Slaven Bilic's
side were knocked out of the Europa League by Romanian side Astra Giurgiu
for the second season running and they have now lost three of their first
four Premier League matches. Bilic gave a first start of the season to Payet
and for the first 30 minutes the Frenchman was absolutely magnificent. His
corner was headed in by Antonio as the hosts took an early lead and he then
set up the second with possibly the best pass of the campaign so far. He
turned Holebas inside out before stopping and sending over a rabona cross
with his right foot that Antonio converted for a fourth league goal of the
season. After that Payet faded as his team totally lost control of the
match. Like many of his team-mates debutant Simone Zaza started brightly,
releasing Antonio with an overhead kick with just his second touch in
English football, but by the time he was subbed off on 77 minutes he had
become an isolated figure. Hammers striker Andy Carroll is still a couple of
weeks away from returning and, on this evidence, they desperately need his
presence to bolster their attack.
Taking nothing away from Watford, who showed great character to come back,
but the defending was comical. For the second goal, it was laughable
defending. West Ham were all over the place. Watford were superb in coming
back though. West Ham have pledged a "full review" of security at the
London Stadium after fighting broke out during the match. Trouble flared
between rival supporters and the club later released a statement citing
"zero tolerance" on fan violence. It said offenders would be "banned for
life from any West Ham fixture".

The stats you need to know

Today was the first time Watford have won a Premier League game having been
2+ goals behind (L37 before today).
West Ham have lost two of their last four home Premier League matches after
going 15 without defeat beforehand.
Watford have scored four goals in a PL away game for the first time.
Michail Antonio has scored a league-high 10 headed goals since the start of
last season.
Since their return to the Premier League, Odion Ighalo (16) and Troy Deeney
(14) have scored almost two-thirds (64%) of Watford's 47 Premier League
goals.
Etienne Capoue has scored three goals in four appearances this season after
netting just one in his previous 57 in the Premier League.

What the managers said

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "It was a shock to be 2-2 at half-time but there
were still 45 minutes to go. "We let them score two goals in the second half
without putting them under pressure. It was too easy for them. "We can not
defend like that or we are not going to win a single game.

Mazzarri hails 'great win' despite 'mistakes'
Watford boss Walter Mazzarri said: "We didn't start very well but we started
to concentrate better and the result came. "We changed a couple of things in
our formation at half-time and that allowed us to not risk as much. "It was
a great win but I look at the way we played and we have to correct the
mistakes we made.
"This win gives us the confidence to know we are a very good team and can go
on to have a very good season."

Man of the match - Roberto Pereyra

Etienne Capoue and Odion Ighalo both claimed an assist as well as a goal but
former Juventus man Pererya was superb throughout. He set up for his side's
third and nearly walked in what would have been a brilliant fifth for his
side after showing fantastic close control.

What next?

West Ham visit West Brom on Saturday while Watford host Jose Mourinho's
Manchester United on Sunday lunchtime.

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West Ham threaten life bans
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th September 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have released a statement in the wake of yet more crowd trouble
during this afternoon's Premier League match against Watford. A number of
skirmishes broke out around the ground during the game as stewards forcibly
ejected a number of supporters for persistent standing. Meanwhile, a larger
incident - involving both West Ham and Watford fans - occurred in the Upper
Tier deep into the second half. "West Ham United unreservedly condemn the
behaviour of the individuals involved in incidents during today's fixture
against Watford," read the statement, posted on the club's website after the
game. "While these isolated incidents were quickly brought under control,
this behaviour has no place in football and West Ham United will work
tirelessly to eradicate such incidents.
"We are currently undertaking an immediate full review with all
stakeholders. This includes police, stadium landlord and operator LS185, who
are responsible for appointing and managing stewards and security, to ensure
we eradicate such incidents moving forward.
"Our policy on this behaviour remains one of zero tolerance and we will work
with the police and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve banning orders to
prevent these individuals attending any football."

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West Ham Utd 2-4 Watford
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th September 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham slipped to a third defeat in four at the hands of Watford this
afternoon - despite having led 2-0 at one stage.

Having been dumped out of Europe by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu before
suffering defeat in two of their opening three Premier League fixtures, it
was imperative that Slaven Bilic and his team got back on the winning track
against the (winless prior to today) Hornets this afternoon.

And for much of the first half it looked like mission accomplished as the
Hammers surged into a two-goal lead through a brace of Michail Antonio
headers - the second via a sublime piece of skill from Dimitri Payet.

But with half time less than five minutes away Odion Ighalo was allowed to
halve the deficit before a dreadful mix-up between Adrian and James Collins
allowed Watford captain Troy Deeney to equalise from an acute angle with
virtually the last kick of the half.

Whatever Bilic said to his team during the interval was clearly less
effective that the talk given by his opposite number Walter Mazzarri, as
goals from Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas completed an amazing turnaround
for the visitors.

Sadly the match itself proved to be only half the story, as violent
skirmishes between home fans and clashing sets of supporters once again
broke out around the stadium throughout the game in both the lower and upper
tiers.

And whilst home fans at either end of the ground were treated with a heavy
hand and ordered to sit or be ejected, away fans - situated an aisle away -
were allowed to stand throughout the game.

West Ham Utd: Adrian, Byram (Tore 84), Collins, Reid, Masuaku, Noble
(Calleri 68), Kouyate, Antonio, Lanzini, Payet, Zaza (Fletcher 76).

Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Obiang, Ogbonna.

Goals: Antonio (5, 33).

Booked: Zaza, Byram.

Watford: Gomes, Cathcart, Kaboul (Prodl 81), Britos, Janmaat, Capoue,
Pereyra, Behrami, Holebas, Deeney (Okaka 77), Ighalo (Success 68).

Subs not used: Pantilimon (GK), Zuniga, Watson, Guedioura.

Goals: Ighalo (41), Deeney (45+2), Capoue (53), Holebas (63).

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

Attendance: 56,974.

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WEST HAM 2-4 WATFORD – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 6:49PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Watford completed a remarkable comeback aided by woeful defending from West
Ham after firing four unanswered goals in a thrilling 4-2 victory over the
Hammers at London Stadium.

West Ham looked to be in pole position after Michail Antonio took his tally
to four goals in four games with an impressive brace in the opening 33
minutes.

The Irons fans were treated to another fantastic piece of skill from Dimitri
Payet who produced a rabona cross to set up Antonio for the second goal.

But the Hammers just fell apart after that and goals from Ighalo, Deeney,
Capoue and Holebas helped Watford secure their first Premier League win of
the season.

In a fast paced start to the game, the Hammers could have opened the scoring
inside the first minute.

Antonio weaved his way into the penalty area after a superb overhead kick
from Zaza and saw his low shot kept out by the legs of Heurelho Gomes.

The rebound fell to Payet and his close-range effort produced another fine
save by the Brazilian keeper diving low to his right hand side

But the home side didn't have to wait much longer before breaking the
deadlock.

Antonio rose the highest to meet a corner from Payet on five minutes and
directed a powerful header into the corner of the net via a small deflection
of Troy Deeney.

Antonio caused all kinds of problems for the Watford defence once again 3
minutes later and his cross was turned against his own post by former
Hammers transfer target, Daryl Janmaat.

Just seconds later Watford could have made the home side pay as Roberto
Pereyra broke clear of the Hammers defence and crossed in for Ighalo who had
the goal at his mercy but his shot deflected inches past the post via a well
timed challenge from Arthur Masuaku.

It was an incredible opening to the game and the chances continued as Manuel
Lanzini raced unchallenged towards goal and fired a shot just past the post.

Watford raced down the other end and Adrian made a fine save to deny Ighalo.

The Hammers doubled their lead in spectacular fashion just after the half
hour mark after Masuaku's ball picked out Payet down the right hand side.

The Frenchman produced an outstanding piece of skill as his rabona cross
picked out Antonio and he made no mistake heading the ball into the back of
the net.

But Hammers failed to hold onto their lead and Watford staged a dramatic
comeback which started just 4 minutes before half-time.

Ighalo picked up the ball down the left hand side and took on Sam Byram,
before seeing his right-foot shot deflect take a wicked deflection off James
Collins and the ball flew past Adrian.

In an amazing turnaround Watford managed to level the game on the stroke of
half-time.

Collins and Adrian got themselves into a right mess and the loose ball fell
to Deeney, who chipped the ball expertly into the corner of the net.

The equaliser gave Watford the upper hand and they came out in the second
half brimming with confidence.

The Hornet's took the lead on 53 minutes when Pereyra crossed the ball in
for Capoue who fired a powerful shot past Adrian into the roof of the net,
the French man was left totally unmarked at the back post.

Watford sealed all three points on 64 minutes when Ighalo picked out Holebas
and he fired his shot past Adrian to round off a miserable afternoon for the
home side.

In truth this was an abysmal performance from the Hammers, especially from
their backline aside from Masuaku. The defence was also given no protection
throughout the game from the midfield.

Slaven Bilic blamed a lack of confidence on the Hammers collapse but in
truth the back five have underperformed since the start of the season,
conceding 9 goals in the 3 league games that they have had to face 11 men.

Many fans have commented on the poor performances of Collins and Reid and
many more are asking why Angelo Ogbonna (our best defender last year) is
sitting on the bench when we desperately need some stability back there. It
remains to be seen how the Manager will react to this performance and if the
likes of Ogbonna, Arbeloa and even Reece Oxford may get an opportunity at
the Hawthorns next week when the club visit West Brom.

The dramatic defeat leaves the Hammers sitting in 17th position in the
League after 4 games and certainly not where anyone expected them to be
right now.


West Ham: Adrian; Byram (Tore 84), Collins, Reid, Masuaku; Noble (Calleri
68), Kouyate; Antonio, Lanzini, Payet; Zaza (Fletcher 76)

Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Obiang, Ogbonna

Bookings: Zaza, Byram

Watford: Gomes (GK); Cathcart, Kaboul (Prödl 81), Britos; Janmaat, Capoue,
Pereyra, Behrami, Holebas; Deeney (Okaka 77), Ighalo (Success 68)

Subs not used: Pantilimon (GK), Zuniga, Watson, Guedioura

Bookings:

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Attendance: 56,974

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Slaven Bilic criticises West Ham players after Watford loss
Last Updated: 11/09/16 1:10am
SSN

A furious Slaven Bilic criticised his side's defending after West Ham threw
away a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at home to Watford on Saturday. The Hammers
had appeared to be set for all three points after Michail Antonio's two
first-half headers, only for Watford to hit back twice just before
half-time. And the visitors recorded their first win of the season after
scoring two more times early in the second half, although the West Ham boss
was especially angry with how his team played after the break. "We are
disappointed and angry," said Bilic after the match. "It started so well for
us. For 40 minutes in the first half we were on top of the game, pressing,
getting second balls, chances, hurting them behind their defence through the
pace of Antonio. "It was great, we scored two goals and created more chances
- they also had chances in the beginning - but after we scored the second
goal it was all us. They did not put us under any pressure and then the last
five minutes of the first half changed the game a lot."
In particular, Bilic was disappointed with the manner of Watford's second
goal that crucially arrived in first-half stoppage time after a terrible
mix-up at the back between James Collins and Adrian allowed Troy Deeney to
equalise. "The second one, there were two individual mistakes, two very
cheap goals from our point of view," he said. "We still had 45 minutes, but
then in the second half we did not play like we did in the first half. "In
the second half we just continued to defend badly. We gave them too much
space in too many dangerous areas and it looked too easy for them from where
I was standing. "And of course the confidence of some players then dropped
enormously."

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West Ham condemn fan violence and promise security review after clashes at
the London Stadium
20:22, 10 SEP 2016 UPDATED 20:26, 10 SEP 2016
BY NEIL MOXLEY
Slaven Bilic's side blew a two goal lead to lose 4-2 but the performance of
some of the home fans was even more disappointing
The Mirror

West Ham have announced a review of the security at the London Stadium after
trouble flared during their Premier League defeat to Watford. The Hammers
will be looking at video footage of incidents between their own supporters
and rival Hornets' fans after scuffles broke out at the club's new home.
Problems arose when supporters' were standing - leading to confrontations
with stewards who stepped in to ask them to sit down. Unsavoury footage
posted on social media sites had been posted even before the final whistle
blew. There were also issues keeping the two sets of supporters apart as the
Hornets' claimed their first Premier League victory of the season in a 4-2
win. West Ham have worked hard behind-the-scenes to attract a new
generation of supporters to the former Olympic Stadium, offering
season-tickets for £99 to youngsters. There has only been one arrest so far
this season but around one dozen supporters have had their season-tickets
cancelled.
West Ham released the following statement: "West Ham United unreservedly
condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved in incidents during
today's fixture against Watford. "While these isolated incidents were
quickly brought under control, this behaviour has no place in football and
West Ham United will work tirelessly to eradicate such incidents. "We are
currently undertaking an immediate full review with all stakeholders. This
includes police, stadium landlord and operator LS185, who are responsible
for appointing and managing stewards and security, to ensure we eradicate
such incidents moving forward. "Our policy on this behaviour remains one of
zero tolerance and we will work with the police and other stakeholders to
identify the individuals involved. Once identified, they will be banned from
attending any West Ham United fixture for life and we will request the
courts serve banning orders to prevent these individuals attending any
football."

Slaven Bilic's side blew a two goal lead to lose 4-2 but the performance of
some of the home fans was even more disappointing. The early joy of West
Ham's openers dissipated and fans began to clash mid-way through the second
half. The ugly scenes left some children crying while numerous supporters
took to social media to voice their disgust. Hammers boss Bilic said on the
trouble: "They told me about it. I really didn't see it. "I saw only in the
last 10-15 minutes after it was 4-2 that the public started to go home. I
didn't see it so how can I make any comment on that?"

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