Preview - Chelsea
WHUFC.com
When and where?
West Ham United v Chelsea
EFL Cup fourth round
Wednesday 26 October 2016, 7.45pm BST
London Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United host their first London derby at their new home on Wednesday when Chelsea make the trip across town for an EFL Cup fourth round tie.
Slaven Bilic's men come into the game with an improved run of form behind them, having followed up a draw with Middlesbrough by beating Crystal Palace and Sunderland by 1-0 scorelines in their last two Premier League outings.
Chelsea, too, will be pleased with their recent results, having recovered from a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal by defeating Hull, Leicester City and then most impressively Manchester United by four unanswered goals at the weekend.
Three straight wins achieved since Blues boss Antonio Conte went back to his favoured three at the back formation has lifted them to fourth in the league table, just a point behind leaders Manchester City.
In the Cup, Chelsea won their third round tie after coming from two goals down against last season's league winners Leicester.
A Shinji Okazaki double looked to have put the Foxes in a strong position, but Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta netted to force an additional 30 minutes, in which Cesc Fabregas notched twice to secure a 4-2 victory.
That followed a 3-2 win over League One side Bristol Rovers in round two, while West Ham booked their place at this stage of the competition by beating Accrington Stanley by the only goal of the game in the third round.
Team news
Slaven Bilic has indicated that he will play as strong a side as possible on Wednesday, with progress in this competition one of his key aims.
Aaron Cresswell returns to the squad following a suspension, while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has featured in Europe and in cup competitions for the Hammers this term, but has been absent from the bench for the last two games due to a minor injury.
Andre Ayew has recently returned to training, but Andy Carroll, Arthur Maskuaku (both knee), Gokhan Tore (quadriceps), Sam Byram (hamstring) and Diafra Sakho (back) remain out.
For Chelsea, they will have to assess Fabregas (thigh) and Branislav Ivanovic (muscle), while Kurt Zouma has returned to training but is not ready to face the Hammers.
Brazilian duo Willian and Oscar are in contention after returning from their homeland following the death of the former's mother and latter's grandfather.
How do I get to the game?
Supporters heading to London Stadium on Wednesday should arrive early for the game and take note of important information at this link.
The latest travel news on the trains can be found here, and click here for news on the roads, Underground, London Overground and TfL rail services.
How can I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can follow all the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary in our Match Centre. Here, you can also stay abreast of the action with in-running social media updates, stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social using #WHUCHE
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Slaven Speaks - Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Ahead of West Ham United's EFL Cup last-16 tie against Chelsea, boss Slaven Bilic sat down with the press to discuss Wednesday night's London Derby. The Hammers manager confirmed he will play a strong side at the London Stadium, and also talked about Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Dimitri Payet's Ballon d'Or shortlist selection…
Slaven, will this game against Chelsea in the EFL Cup be one of the most special matches at the new Stadium so far?
SB: "I think so. I haven't thought of it quite like that, but it's a cup game, a London derby, so it's a big game and a big occasion. "Supporters have to be just behind us and we are feeling them in every game we play. We want them to be like that tomorrow and be our 12th player, as they say, and I am sure they are going to be. "I don't want to answer so many questions about the Stadium week-in, week-out – I can only repeat my answers, that we want to try and play good football and win games. The atmosphere on Saturday helped, to be that good. That's all we can do."
Do you think you have now turned a corner?
SB: "Yeah, we have seven points from three games, and we have a couple of wins and a couple of clean sheets. Of course the confidence is back now and we have to continue like this and approach every game like it's our last game; totally focused. If we do that, we should be alright."
What do you think of Chelsea and their new system under Antonio Conte?
SB: "After the defeat against Arsenal, they changed the system and now they have three wins and three good performances and three clean sheets. They are definitely very positive now. "They are playing good football. It was a great game against Manchester United from their aspect. They are one of the candidates to win the league. Their squad is big enough and they have quality in every part of the pitch. "They have hit form now. They are playing good, they are fit, they have a system now and it's working well for them."
Is it important for managers to be able to show the emotion of the touchline?
SB: "You have different people. When you are winning, your methods are good, on the touchline and in training. Some managers sit and watch the game and some are almost like they're playing. "You have to be yourself. During the [Chelsea v Manchester United] game, I saw nothing wrong from Conte or nothing he did that he hasn't before at Juventus. He is very aggressive in a good way, coaching from the touchline."
What's your reaction to Dimitri Payet being shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or?
SB: "I would be surprised if he wasn't shortlisted. He deserves it. He did great last season and on top of that, he had a great Euro with his country. He is very deservedly on that with some top players. "I didn't see [Payet juggling chewing gum]. Of course, he is that good!"
Can we expect changes against Chelsea or will you keep the team similar?
SB: "I said after the Sunderland game that the approach would be to play our strongest possible team. We played on Saturday and the game is Wednesday and then we play Everton on Sunday. "We are going to see today. Yesterday's training was a mix between regeneration for the players who played and bit more for those who didn't. "Now we have a full squad, we will decide and we are going to put a strong team out; as strong as possible."
This is always a well-fought fixture between the two sides isn't it?
SB: "It's a one-off London derby in the cup, and it's a very interesting competition for us. Five or six years ago, teams were not so keen on this cup, but look at the last few seasons, and everyone is trying. "Most make two or three changes, because they have big, strong squads. Chelsea don't have a weak team anyway. "But last year we did well against Chelsea, beating them at home and drawing away, and this is a new season. But we have got our confidence back and have a couple of wins and we're very positive and we'll try to knock them out."
You said you will play a strong team, so where does the EFL Cup feature in this season's plans?
SB: "We are now in the last-16 and if we go through, it's already the quarter-finals. You have some fixtures that some of the big teams will go out in. Man United are playing Man City, Spurs are playing Liverpool, so if you go through and have a good draw, you could have a game which you can go through, if you play good. "Then you are there. It's not ideal to play midweek, and Everton might be more fresh on Sunday, but at this stage of the season, it's not a problem to play Saturday-Wednesday-Sunday.
"That's why we are going to put a very strong team out tomorrow."
Finally, how serious was West Ham's interest in Michy Batshuayi?
SB: "It's all stories. He was on a list of many, many clubs because of his achievements with Olympique Marseille. He's a really good young striker. "He was the subject of basically all the clubs that could afford him. He opted for Chelsea and that's it. "Ask him [about being frustrated on the bench]! It's not frustrating for me!"
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Stevens - It will be a special atmosphere
WHUFC.com
BBC London Sports Editor Pete Stevens knows all about West Ham and Chelsea having covered both clubs on a regular basis for a number of years.
Stevens is expecting a big atmosphere at London Stadium on Wednesday night and feels the Hammers have managed to turn their season around at just the right time....
It is really important that West Ham have put together back-to-back victories and Slaven says he can feel the confidence growing in the changing room.
With the form Chelsea have been in, especially over the last two weeks, it is important for West Ham to be on that level facing them when they are flying.
Chelsea are the in-form team but you have to anticipate that Conte is going to make changes to the side.
The Chelsea squad is a lot bigger than West Ham and if they make six or seven changes, they are still able to bring a number of internationals into the side.
But they have also got to get used to the new system and a number of the players coming in might not have been used to the system that he plays or been involved in such a big London derby.
That could work to West Ham's advantage and if they could contain them for the opening 20 minutes and even score a goal, Chelsea might have to change their formation of how they are going to play.
I think both teams are full of confidence at the moment and Slaven said in his press conference that he doesn't anticipate making a lot of changes. He is going to play his strongest available side and that will only benefit West Ham.
Slaven has changed the system recently and everyone looks a lot more comfortable. The wing backs are getting forward and it seems to be working.
They could probably do with a few more goals but if they can get over that problem then I think they will have a successful season and finish in the top half.
Victor Moses will be making a return to face West Ham and I have always thought he is a good player. He has been loaned out a few times but he has never done a bad job wherever he has been.
He has been given the responsibility this season of helping out the back three and is doing it really well. He is putting in tackles that I have never seen him do before. He has electric pace and is invaluable for Conte to have that kind of player. He is very versatile.
I found out that he has only played 100 Premier League games and he seems to have been around forever. He is having a great season and could be the feather in Chelsea's cap and could win a lot of games for them this season.
It should be a great game on Wednesday night at London Stadium and there has been a lot of hype about the match, but I hope the fans really get behind both teams and make it a special atmosphere.
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The Big Interview - Simone Zaza
WHUFc.com
On Wednesday evening, Simone Zaza will come up against the man who handed him his Italy debut and took him to UEFA Euro 2016 – Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
The former Juventus and Italy midfielder and boss is known to possess one of the most astute tactical minds in European football.
As a player, he won five Serie A titles, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, reached the final of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000, and earned 20 international caps.
As a manager, he led Bari to Serie A before guiding Juventus to three consecutive Italian titles, before being promoted to the role of national-team manager in 2014.
West Ham United centre forward Zaza's admiration for his old boss is strong, and is relishing the opportunity of challenging Conte.
Simone, what can you tell us about Antonio Conte?
"It was an honour and a pleasure to play under Mister Conte for Italy. He is a coaching genius and a tactical expert and it is interesting to play for him because he is so obsessed with tactics and the movement of players around the pitch."
Conte was known as a tactical genius with Juventus and Italy and has recently implemented his favoured 'three centre-halves' system at Stamford Bridge, with impressive results so far. How do you expect him to fare in England?
"For him, it will be different coaching in England, where tactics are not the most important thing about the game of football. He will have to battle against the footballing culture of this country, but I think he will do well here."
Are you excited about the prospect of facing his Chelsea team in the EFL Cup fourth round in front of a competition-record crowd at London Stadium?
"I am happy because this is a big match against a big team on a big stage, and I like playing against big teams! I am also happy because I will be reunited with Mister Conte."
Chelsea are in good form, so can we beat them?
"We will be at home again and the fans will be behind us, but it will be a big challenge, so we will need to rise to that and play to our best on the night. I am very much looking forward to the match."
Conte is adapting to English football, as are you, so what are the main differences between the Premier League and Italy's Serie A?
"Well, the game is much more physical here and there is less emphasis on tactics. The game is non-stop for the whole 90 minutes and the other aspect that shouldn't be understated is the fact that West Ham have got many new players this season.
"It's not easy for so many players to settle in and get to know each other in such a short space of time."
What about your own adaptation? How is that going?
"I knew that when I arrived it would be hard, because it's a completely different league, but I didn't think it would be this different. I'm gradually getting used to it, feeling more confident and I'm very positive at the moment."
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West Ham United v Chelsea
WED, 26 OCT 2016EFL CUP - FOURTH ROUND
19:45
Venue: London Stadium
BBC coverage
How to follow:
Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Chelsea captain John Terry is fit to return for the EFL Cup fourth round tie at West Ham following an ankle injury.
The Blues defender is set for his first action since 11 September, but defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder Cesc Fabregas remain sidelined.
West Ham striker Andre Ayew is back in training after a thigh injury suffered in the first game of the season.
Manager Slaven Bilic will "play a strong team" as his side's next league game, against Everton, is on Sunday.
The Croatian added: "If you go through, because some big teams will have left, you may have an easier game and then you're nearly there.
"It's a one-off London derby cup game. Five or 10 years ago clubs weren't so keen on this cup but now it's important."
I always show respect - Conte
Chelsea's Italian manager Antonio Conte has displayed plenty of passion in his short time in England but is adamant he did not mock Manchester United during their 4-0 victory in the Premier League on Sunday.
Conte encouraged Blues fans to make more noise in the closing stages, with reports claiming Mourinho told the Italian at the final whistle that his actions had "humiliated" United.
"You can see my history and my past, you can see my emotion on the bench," said the former Juventus boss.
"I want to stay very close to my players, to help them when we're suffering. I always show respect for the opponent, for the other team and the other club - my history speaks for me."
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MUCH ADO ABOUT ZAZA
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 25 OCTOBER 2016 AT 5:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article is written by Stephen Lawrence
So here we are towards the end of October and our leading goal scorer has a very Italian sounding name. Had we been told this would be the case by a fortune teller before the season started then we would have all been visualising Zaza capturing the headlines with some typical Italian style flamboyant strikes. We wouldn't have imagined that our make shift right back, come wing back, come right winger would have stolen the headlines with his pin-point headers, even if Antonio is about as Italian as names can come.
Zaza went to press on arrival at the London Stadium saying that he wanted to emulate Paulo di Canio and his success in claret and blue. Lofty ambition, but why not be bold? And perhaps if that attempted overhead kick against Sunderland had gone in, then he would have propelled himself to permanent Hammers fame for one of our most outrageous goals in the Premier League and the comparisons with Di Canio may have begun. Unfortunately not, and until he does score a wonder strike, he's still going to be associated with the most calamatous fail ever in an international penalty shoot out! Luckilly, he wasn't a West Ham player at the time or we would have all been suffering.
Looking at his record, there are reasons to be cautious. He's an international, but his 14 caps for Italy have only yielded just a single goal, that back in September 2014. His strike rate for Juventus is better at 1 goal per 3 games, a similar rate to his prior club Sassuolo. But Juventus have loaned him out and clearly don't see him as first choice for them. So here he his plying his trade at West Ham and, by many recent accounts, working hard.
But will hard work cut it? Based on his goal scoring record back in Italy, if he played, say, 30 games across the season, we'd expect 10 goals from him. Is that enough? Not if he's billed as the 20+ goal headline striker we've been chasing. His work rate certainly seems to have increased over the past two matches but the concern must be that he just doesn't look dangerous, not so far. Compare him with Defoe in the Sunderland game. Every time Defoe got the ball in or near our box he looked like he could create an opportunity. He looked very dangerous. And importantly, he knew where the space was to be created so that his team mates could get the ball to his feet. Something's awry with Zaza in the sense that he's not even making chances let alone scoring goals.
So what's the problem? Is he better suited to playing as part of two up front? Are our play-makers not playing to his strengths? Is he taking a long time to adjust to the Premier League? Is he not up to it? He seems a likeable guy and he's working hard to make an impact. If he was unlucky and keepers were making great saves or he was hitting the woodwork, it would clearly just be a matter of time until he got the breakthrough. But something's not working properly right now. Either our tactics need to change to better bring him into the game or we need to consider how long we hang onto him. Either way, it doesn't look like he's suited to the style we're playing him in and he's only going to lose confidence and find the fans on his back if the goals don't come. The manager needs to decide; either change the system up front or change the player. It seems fruitless to carry on regardless. Best of luck Zaza whatever the outcome. Perhaps you'll surprise us all get a hat-trick against Chelsea.
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Scott Parker led player rebellion over Grant sacking
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker led a players' rebellion on the day Avram Grant was fired as West Ham boss, according to a former team mate.
Danny Gabbidon has revealed how Grant was told to find his own way home having been fired by Karren Brady in the tunnel immediately after the final whistle in West Ham's 3-2 defeat at Wigan in May 2011 - a result that condemned the club to relegation from the Premier League.
And the former Welsh international also revealed how Scott Parker subsequently instigated a revolt amongst the players, who were unanimously disgusted with the manager's treatment, upon hearing the news.
"What the board did to Avram was really poor," Gabbidon, speaking exclusively on the latest edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast said. "They basically told him to find his own way home from the ground.
"The players were really angry about that which is why Scotty said 'that's unacceptable; If you've sacked him, fine, but he's still our manager and he travels back with the team'.
"So that's how we managed to get him back on the coach. It was just embarrassing really, that wasn't the way to conduct your business. We felt it was the right thing to do - which is why Scotty did it."
Central defender Gabbidon, who spent six years at West Ham between 2005 and 2011 maintained that Grant was a dead man walking just a matter of months into his sole season as Hammers boss in 2010/11, having lost the support of the Board.
"There was stuff going on behind the scenes and they were doing things without his input," he added. "He wasn't happy with what was going on so I think when he finally got sacked, it was a bit of relief for him as well. He didn't really stand a chance in the end.
"In the final few weeks of the season the training ground wasn't a good place to be around. During the games it was difficult too as the fans were unhappy. There were even one or two players who didn't want to play in the last home game of the season [against Sunderland] because they didn't want to deal with the crowd and the atmosphere."
The 37-year-old, who retired as a professional last year also revealed how he had his own issues with the club's Board as a direct result of their poor relationship with Grant.
"I hadn't been playing and Cardiff had made an enquiry, so I'd gone to David Sullivan and said 'what are the chances of leaving, because I'm coming to the end of my contract and I need to be playing'," he recalled.
"Karren Brady had said I could go but Avram Grant didn't know anything about it. When he found out he said he didn't want me to leave, so she had to retract her original statement and tell me I couldn't go as she shouldn't have said that behind the manager's back.
"They just didn't get on and were doing things behind his back, so I ended up staying for the rest of that season."
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Gabbidon: this season reminds me of 2006/07
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Danny Gabbidon says that West Ham's current form is reminiscent of the 2006/07 season - which ended with perhaps the greatest escape of them all.
Gabbidon, 37, speaking on the latest episode of the KUMB Podcast told hosts Chris Scull and Bianca Westwood that he saw many similarities between Slaven Bilic's sophomore season and the Premiership campaign that ended in survival on the final day at Old Trafford ten years ago.
"The 2006/07 season was similar to what's happening to West Ham now," he said. "We had such a good season - qualifying for Europe, an FA Cup Final - we thought we were the big boys now and that it was going to happen again. But it just didn't happen.
"We thought we'd been there and done it. We took our eye of the ball, if I'm honest with you. And there was the Tevez and Mascherano saga which didn't actually go down that well with the manager. They were totally contrasting seasons, really.
"Pards probably started believing the hype a little too much - there was a lot of talk about how good a manager he was becoming off the back of the previous season. He probably took his eye of the ball - and we did as players, as well.
"There was a touch of complacency about it all. We didn't start the season well, Pards didn't last too long and it was a really difficult season. We expected things to happen and got a bit too cocky.
"How you start the season is really important, I think. We started poorly - and then it's very easy for confidence to go the other way. It's a similar situation now."
Gabbidon, who retired as a pro last year also felt that the club failed to enhance the current squad during the summer - and questioned whether the current owners were in a position to be able to take West Ham to the mythical 'next level'.
"The players who have come in to West Ham this season probably haven't helped the dynamic of the team too much," he insisted.
"They did so well last season - probably too well - so that in the summer, David Gold and Sullivan were probably thinking we don't need too much. But now, to go to the next level, we need to be spending £30mllion or £40million on individual players - and I don't think they're ready to do that.
"I don't think the players who have come in this season have helped and quality-wise, I don't think they've been good enough to push on again -hence you;'ve seen a poor start to the season.
It's similar in some ways to 2006/07 when you had the takeover and new players coming into the team plus a lot of things going on off the pitch as well, which didn't help."
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Boy bottled by Sunderland striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe was at the centre of a storm on Saturday afternoon after he was accused of hitting a young West Ham supporter with a bottle.
The Sunderland #21, who was an unusued sub as his team were beaten 1-0 by West Ham at the weekend became embroiled in a row with a section of Hammers fans immediately after the game finished.
Anichebe, 28, was then accused of throwing a bottle that has been hurled from the crowd back at West Ham fans - where it is reported to have hit a young supporter, who hadn't been previously involved in the fracas.
That resulted in further ugly scenes as yet more Hammers fans attempted to remonstrate with the Nigerian forward, who had to be dragged away from the scene by fellow players and Sunderland staff members.
Naturally furious, the boy's father later reported the incident to Police. It is unknown whether Anichebe has been spoken to since
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Antonio Conte appeals for respect ahead of West Ham v Chelsea EFL Cup derby
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 25/10/16 4:42pm
SSN
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has called for respect from all sides at Wednesday's EFL Cup clash at London rivals West Ham.
Chelsea have been allocated over 5,000 tickets for the fourth-round tie on their first visit to the Olympic Stadium - a fixture considered high-risk by the Metropolitan Police.
Conte wound up Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho with his passionate touchline behaviour at the weekend and, while again defending his actions, said: "I think that everyone must show respect.
"For me, for my work, for my job. In every game I show myself. Not here, only one game. I have a history and you can see my history, my past and my behaviours on the bench.
"I'm a passionate man, I show this in the past, now. I want to stay very close to my players, also to play with them, to help. I always show respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other club and my history speaks for me.
"I know that these two teams are big rivals, but in England it's fantastic the atmosphere during the game, during a match and I hope to see this tomorrow."
Conte confirmed he would make changes to his starting XI and hinted that some of his young stars could be given a chance to shine.
Conte said: "We have this competition and for us it's important, but also this cup can permit you to see some young players who are working well with us, and give us the chance to see their development.
"It's an important cup for us. This season we only have this cup and the FA Cup, so it's a situation to see other players. Tomorrow we will make some changes.
"We know this for sure will be a tough game against a big rival, we played them and it was a tough game, but we are ready. The players are ready to play a good game.
"West Ham had a difficult start but after two wins, the confidence is high. When I see the squad of West Ham I see a lot of good players… and they have a great manager, who is a great worker.
"I know his work and we have a great respect. We played them and it was a tough game, for sure tomorrow it will be similar."
* TfL and the Met Police advise that away supporters can use both Pudding Mill Lane and Stratford stations before and after the game on Wednesday night.
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Slaven Bilic believes Antonio Conte did not 'humilate' Man United
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 25/10/16 12:36pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he has no problems with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's touchline behaviour, ahead of their Wednesday night EFL Cup showdown.
The issue was raised after Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho appeared to be irritated by Conte's attempts to whip up the home crowd on Sunday, with his Chelsea side already 4-0 up at Stamford Bridge.
In the aftermath of the match, the Italian media reported that Mourinho felt Conte's actions were "humiliating for us".
But Bilic does not agree with that interpretation and says Conte's touchline demeanour is not something he takes issue with.
"I know what Jose thought of that, but I don't think that's the reason Conte did it, to humiliate United," said Bilic.
"He just wanted the crowd to praise the team because they were winning, and for what they had done in the game.
"From my point of view, I don't think he wanted to humiliate United.
"On the touchline many managers just sit and watch the game, others are like they are playing. You have to be yourself.
"During that game I saw nothing wrong from Conte or nothing he hasn't done since he started. It was typical Conte. Aggressive, but in a good way."
Wednesday's match will be the first local derby at the London Stadium and a 'robust' policing plan is in place, in light of possible animosity between the rival fans.
Previous Hammers home games have been marred by disturbances in the stands but Bilic is keen to focus upon matters that take place on the pitch.
"It's a cup game, a derby against Chelsea, so yes it's a big game, a big occasion," he added.
"The message to the fans is just to get behind us, because we are feeling them in every game and we want them to be our 12th player.
"Hopefully, the problems are gone. I'm getting fed up with answering those questions week in, week out.
"All we can do is try to play good football and win games. That also helps the atmosphere. It's all we can do."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 25
Daily WHUFC News II - 25th October
Dimi nominated for Ballon D'Or
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet has been nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or - the prestigious
award presented to the world's best player.
The Ballon D'Or (Golden Ball) has been organised by France Football magazine
since 1956 and is based on voting by Europe-based journalists.
The West Ham United midfielder has enjoyed a stellar year, scoring nine
goals and assisting 16 more in Claret and Blue and winning the Hammer of the
Year award at the end of his maiden season in east London.
Payet has also excelled for France, scoring six goals and setting up four to
inspire his country to the final of UEFA Euro 2016.
The 29-year-old is among eight Premier League players shortlisted among the
30 finalists, alongside fellow countryman Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur,
Leicester City pair Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, Manchester United duo
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and
Sergio Aguero.
Payet posted a message on his Instagram account after receiving his
nomination, saying: "An honour and a great pride to be a member of this list
of 30 players nominated for the Ballon D'Or 2016."
The award has been won in each of the last seven years by either Barcelona
and Argentina star Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who took home one
award while with Manchester United and two more since joining Real Madrid.
No West Ham player has ever won the Ballon D'Or, although captain Bobby
Moore finished as runner-up to Germany centre forward Gerd Muller in 1970 -
the year he led England to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico.
This year's winner will be announced in January.
2016 Ballon D'Or shortlist: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon
(Juventus), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester
City), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Antoine
Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Manchester United), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid),
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Hugo Lloris
(Tottenham Hotspur), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Lionel Messi
(Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich),
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona), Dimitri Payet (West Ham),
Pepe (Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Rui Patricio (Sporting
Lisbon), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Jamie Vardy
(Leicester City), Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supporters urged to arrive early for EFL Cup fixture against Chelsea
WHUFC.com
. West Ham United have released the following information for supporters
attending Wednesday evening's game with Chelsea.
. All supporters are encouraged to arrive early to ensure quick access to
the
Stadium.
. The Metropolitan Police Service has a tactical solution for matches being
held at
the London Stadium which will allow the safe deployment of officers into the
stadium, if required, to deal with any crime or disorder.
. Pre-match home and away supporters will mix freely but there will be
post-match
segregation in place.
. There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile bars outside the
Stadium,
but bars will be open as normal inside the ground.
. All bottled alcoholic beverages will be decanted into plastic cups. There
will be no
post-match alcohol sales.
. The purchase of tickets for the fixture has been limited to supporters
with a
recorded West Ham United purchase history.
. The Club and London Stadium partners would like thank all supporters for
sharing
our commitment to deliver the best possible matchday experience for all.
West Ham United and Chelsea supporters have been urged to arrive in good
time ahead
of Wednesday evening's EFL Cup tie.
For the safety and security of all supporters there will be an enhanced body
search policy at
the turnstiles, so both home and away supporters are encouraged to arrive
early to ensure
quick access to the Stadium.
The safety and security arrangements for both inside and outside London
Stadium have
been developed and agreed by all key stakeholders including the Club, London
Stadium 185
and E20 Stadium LLP. The Metropolitan Police Service have been working
closely and
effectively with them, will deal with crime and disorder and support all the
stakeholders in
making this a safe event.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a tactical solution for matches being
held at the London
Stadium which will allow the safe deployment of officers into the stadium,
if required, to
deal with any crime or disorder.
The Metropolitan Police Service have confirmed for this fixture, and for
every match going
forward, that a tactical solution will be in place at London Stadium. This
will allow the safe
deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime
or disorder,
before a permanent Airwave radio solution is installed by February 2017.
Whilst there have been zero arrests made inside London Stadium this season,
the
Metropolitan Police Service have a proportionate policing plan that means
they can deal
with any crime and disorder inside the stadium, if required. It is worth
noting that only four
games at the Boleyn Ground last season had a police presence inside the
ground.
Police will also continue to provide an appropriate and visible presence
outside London
Stadium for the fixture, as there has been for every game this season.
A great deal of work has taken place behind the scenes to continue to
improve the
matchday experience for supporters. London Stadium 185, working with the
Club, have
significantly increased stewarding numbers and continue to ensure that all
stewards hold, or
are working towards an NVQ level two qualification in spectator safety. The
stewarding at
the Stadium is fully compliant with all safety requirements and all members
of the
stewarding response teams hold an SIA license. Former Boleyn Ground stewards
have also
been deployed in areas that reflect their experience and expertise.
Adequate and appropriate segregation lines have been established inside
London Stadium
and additional segregation lines will be in place outside the away turnstile
on Wednesday
evening.
Ahead of the game, home and away supporters will mix freely around the
stadium, however
it is important for supporters to note that there will be post-match
segregation.
A cordon will be in place either side of turnstile D (away turnstile) and
all away supporters
will egress via the south steps towards Pudding Mill Lane Station. The
corridor from turnstile
D to the south steps will be closed to home supporters for around 30 minutes
during peak
egress.
Due to the post-match segregation, home supporters exiting podium level via
turnstiles C, B
and A will need to turn right on exit and walk clockwise around the stadium.
Home
supporters exiting podium level via turnstiles E, F and G will need to turn
left on exit and
walk anti-clockwise around the stadium.
We strongly advise supporters to listen out on the night as any changes to
the plans for
exiting the Stadium will be communicated during the match via the tannoy
system, and to
always follow stewards' instructions to ensure a safe and swift exit.
Due to this process, access to the blue badge car park for disabled
supporters will be
delayed immediately after the game. Supporters parked in the blue badge car
park should
gather adjacent to turnstiles C and E and will be escorted to the car park
once peak egress
has subsided.
There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile bars outside the
Stadium, but bars
will be open as normal inside the ground. All bottled alcoholic beverages
will be decanted
into plastic cups. There will be no post-match alcohol sales.
The purchase of tickets for the fixture has been limited to supporters with
a recorded West
Ham United purchase history. Please do not come to the stadium if you do not
have a valid
match ticket as you will not be able to purchase one on the night and
therefore will not be
admitted to the ground.
Collaboration between West Ham United and London Stadium 185 is extensive,
with
colleagues routinely working together in pre-match planning meetings, inside
the control
room on matchdays and conducting CCTV reviews after every match.
The Club would like to thank our fantastic supporters for the way they have
come and put
their support behind the team so far this season. It is important to note
that the
overwhelming majority of supporters attending matches at London Stadium so
far this
season have behaved impeccably during their visits.
The Club has been proud to welcome week-in-week-out our 10,000 under-16
season ticket
holders and 25,000 supporters who attend as part of a family unit. It is
imperative to the
Club that London Stadium offers a safe and family-friendly environment for
them and all
supporters.
Therefore, we must restate that, in line with our zero tolerance policy, any
West Ham
United supporters found to be acting inappropriately will be identified and
dealt with
accordingly.
As a result of our highly efficient matchday operation and London Stadium's
state of the art
Panomera CCTV system, which provides HD footage of all areas at London
Stadium,
23 banning orders have been issued for offences ranging from drinking in
view of the pitch
to breaking the line of segregation.
The Club and London Stadium partners would like thank all supporters for
sharing our
commitment to deliver the best possible matchday experience for all.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EFL Cup: West Ham v Chelsea tie to see enhanced security at London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
Supporters will face enhanced security checks, an alcohol ban and a "robust
policing plan" when West Ham host Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Chelsea have been allocated more than 5,000 tickets for the fourth-round
tie, deemed high risk because of a history of animosity between fans. Since
West Ham relocated to London Stadium this season, 23 banning orders have
been issued. Nine arrests have been made outside the ground since the move
from Upton Park.
For the visit of Chelsea, fans should expect an "enhanced body search
policy" at the turnstile, while no alcohol will be sold before the match
from mobile bars outside the stadium. A spokesperson for partners in the
stadium - West Ham, E20 Stadium LLP and London Stadium 185 - said
"significant resources" had been applied to the fixture with a "robust
policing plan in place".
West Ham's plea for police help
Until now, the Metropolitan Police have not deployed officers inside the
stadium because the radio system emergency services use to communicate will
not be operational until 2017. But the statement added a "tactical solution"
was now in place for the "safe deployment of officers in the stadium". Three
people were arrested after West Ham's Premier League draw with Middlesbrough
this month, while there were clashes in the stands during the defeat by
Watford in September.
Recent matches have featured increased segregation of opposing fans and more
stewards.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Met police announce increased measures to avoid violence at
Chelsea derby
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 25/10/16 7:48am
SSN
West Ham have ramped up their security measures for the EFL Cup derby
against Chelsea at the London Stadium on Wednesday. Fans will face body
searches at the turnstiles, tightened alcohol restrictions, post-match
segregation and a "robust policing plan" as part of measures aimed to
minimise crowd trouble between the bitter rivals. Chelsea have been
allocated just under 5,200 tickets for the fourth-round tie on their first
visit to the Hammers' new home - a fixture considered high-risk by the
Metropolitan police. There has already been violence involving West Ham
supporters outside their new stadium at Stratford following the recent
Premier League games against Watford and Middlesbrough. Nine arrests have
been made outside the ground since the beginning of the season, while West
Ham have issued 23 banning orders for offences ranging from drinking in view
of the pitch to breaking the line of segregation.
The Met say a "tactical solution" is now set for future games which will see
officers deployed inside the ground if needed, despite the lack of a
fully-operational Airwave radio system, which is used by the emergency
services and will not be in place until February 2017. West Ham issued
further information for supporters attending the cup tie on their website,
encouraging them to arrive early for "enhanced body searching" at the
turnstiles. Ticket sales for home fans have been limited to supporters with
a recorded purchase history at West Ham, while no alcohol will be sold
pre-match from mobile bars outside the stadium. Those inside will be open as
normal but will serve drinks in plastic cups, and there will be no
post-match sales. Segregation will be in place outside the away turnstile
along to ensure Chelsea fans are directed via the south steps towards
Pudding Mill Lane Docklands Light Railway Station.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea's Mikel John Obi says West Ham have lost their fear factor since
moving to the London Stadium
EXCLUSIVE
SIMON JOHNSON
Evening Standard
Mikel John Obi believes West Ham have lost their home advantage since moving
to the London Stadium and is convinced Chelsea can take advantage in the EFL
Cup. Chelsea will be playing West Ham at their new ground for the first time
in the fourth round of the competition tomorrow night well aware that Slaven
Bilic's side have already lost three home games there and needed a
last-minute winner from Winston Reid to beat bottom club Sunderland in the
League on Saturday.
Mikel feels the Hammers are paying a heavy price for leaving the Boleyn
Ground, even though their new stadium's capacity is larger by 25,000.
Speaking to Standard Sport, Mikel said: "West Ham's new ground is very good
but I think it's why they have suffered in the League. It is a big ground, a
good pitch and I think clubs go there to express themselves. In a way, every
team that goes there feels that both teams are playing away from home. "In
contrast, playing at the Boleyn Ground was very intimidating. The stands
were very close, the fans were right there and the pitch wasn't that big.
West Ham knew how to play on that surface, they were used to it. You could
hear some of the things their fans were saying to you and it was unnerving.
"But in a big stadium like the one they have now, you can't hear things. It
is only a matter of time before they get used to it and they did just beat
Sunderland. "I just hope they don't show what they can do against Chelsea."
Mikel is hoping he gets a chance to impress, having not made an appearance
for the Blues all season. The 29-year-old missed the start of the campaign
as he was playing for Nigeria at the Olympics and has fallen behind Nemanja
Matic, N'Golo Kante and even 21-year-old Nathaniel Chalobah in the pecking
order. Mikel, who joined the club in 2006, says he has held talks with
manager Antonio Conte about his lack of playing time and is determined to
fight for his Chelsea career. He added: "I hope I will get some playing time
against West Ham, but it is down to the manager. He has been open and honest
with me. I respect him for that. He has explained the situation and I
totally understand. When you have been at a club for a long time, these
things happen where a club wants to move forward. I just have to be
professional, work as hard as I can to try and get into the team. I work
twice as hard every day and it's because I appreciate this club. "I have
been here a long time, have a lot of trophies and memories that will never
go away. If I don't get back in the side, I will respect it. I always
respect the football club's decision. The club is more important than me."
Mikel, who is out of contract in the summer, has won 10 major trophies with
Chelsea in all, the first of which was the League Cup in 2007.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham announce 'robust' plans to prevent violence with body searches and
alcohol restrictions for Cup clash with Chelsea
STANDARD SPORT
Evening Standard
West Ham have announced that fans will face body searches at the turnstiles,
alcohol restrictions, post-match segregation and a "robust policing plan" as
part of measures aimed to minimise crowd trouble when they host Chelsea in
the EFL Cup. Chelsea have been allocated just under 5,200 tickets for
Wednesday night's fourth-round tie at London Stadium, which has been
designated as a high-risk fixture given the history of animosity between the
two sets of fans. West Ham moved from Upton Park into the converted Olympic
Stadium for the start of the new season. There have been instances of
disturbances in the stands during some Premier League fixtures, including
against Watford and Middlesbrough. Recent matches have seen an increased
line of segregation and also more stewards, as well as improved levels of
training. In total, there have been nine arrests outside London Stadium,
while 23 banning orders have been issued by West Ham, ranging from drinking
in view of the pitch to breaking the line of segregation.
The Metropolitan Police Service says a "tactical solution" is now set for
future games which would see officers deployed inside the ground if needed,
despite the lack of a fully-operational Airwave radio system, which is used
by the emergency services and now planned to be in place at London Stadium
by February 2017.
On Tuesday evening, West Ham published on their website more information for
supporters attending the cup tie and encouraged them to arrive early, with
an "enhanced body search policy" to be implemented at the turnstile. Ticket
sales for home fans have been limited to supporters with a recorded purchase
history at West Ham, while no alcohol will be sold pre-match from mobile
bars outside the stadium. Those inside will be open as normal, albeit
serving drinks in plastic cups, while there will be no post-match sales. The
Met Police will also "continue to provide an appropriate and visible
presence" outside the game, with supporters able to mix freely before the
match.
Afterwards, however, segregation will be in place outside the away turnstile
along with a cordon as Chelsea fans are directed via the south steps towards
Pudding Mill Lane Docklands Light Railway Station. All supporters will be
informed of any changes to these plans on the night via the stadium public
address system.
In the article, West Ham highlighted "the overwhelming majority of
supporters attending matches at London Stadium so far this season have
behaved impeccably during their visits", but also restated the club's 'zero
tolerance policy' which will see any Irons' fans "found to be acting
inappropriately... identified and dealt with accordingly".
A spokesperson for London Stadium partners West Ham, E20 Stadium LLP and
London Stadium 185 said there was confidence the new measures implemented
since the start of the season have proven successful. "The depth of the line
of segregation between home and visiting fans at London Stadium was made
significantly wider after the game against Watford with additional stewards
deployed in that area. This new line of segregation was implemented at the
Accrington Stanley (EFL Cup) game," the spokesperson said. "We have had no
issues with the new segregation and we have had positive feedback from
supporters in that area and consider this early issue to now be resolved."
The spokesperson added: "The Metropolitan Police Service have been working
closely and effectively with all London Stadium stakeholders ahead of the
Chelsea game, and there is a robust policing plan in place to deal with
crime and disorder and support all the stakeholders in making this a safe
event. "The match against Chelsea will have significant resources deployed
to prevent any breach of peace or unsocial behaviour, and help ensure a safe
and family friendly environment for all London Stadium visitors. "All
stadium partners are committed to a zero tolerance policy to anti-social
behaviour, inside and outside the London Stadium and will not hesitate to
take action."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet has been nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or - the prestigious
award presented to the world's best player.
The Ballon D'Or (Golden Ball) has been organised by France Football magazine
since 1956 and is based on voting by Europe-based journalists.
The West Ham United midfielder has enjoyed a stellar year, scoring nine
goals and assisting 16 more in Claret and Blue and winning the Hammer of the
Year award at the end of his maiden season in east London.
Payet has also excelled for France, scoring six goals and setting up four to
inspire his country to the final of UEFA Euro 2016.
The 29-year-old is among eight Premier League players shortlisted among the
30 finalists, alongside fellow countryman Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur,
Leicester City pair Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, Manchester United duo
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and
Sergio Aguero.
Payet posted a message on his Instagram account after receiving his
nomination, saying: "An honour and a great pride to be a member of this list
of 30 players nominated for the Ballon D'Or 2016."
The award has been won in each of the last seven years by either Barcelona
and Argentina star Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who took home one
award while with Manchester United and two more since joining Real Madrid.
No West Ham player has ever won the Ballon D'Or, although captain Bobby
Moore finished as runner-up to Germany centre forward Gerd Muller in 1970 -
the year he led England to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico.
This year's winner will be announced in January.
2016 Ballon D'Or shortlist: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon
(Juventus), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester
City), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Antoine
Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Manchester United), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid),
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Hugo Lloris
(Tottenham Hotspur), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Lionel Messi
(Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich),
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona), Dimitri Payet (West Ham),
Pepe (Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Rui Patricio (Sporting
Lisbon), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Jamie Vardy
(Leicester City), Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supporters urged to arrive early for EFL Cup fixture against Chelsea
WHUFC.com
. West Ham United have released the following information for supporters
attending Wednesday evening's game with Chelsea.
. All supporters are encouraged to arrive early to ensure quick access to
the
Stadium.
. The Metropolitan Police Service has a tactical solution for matches being
held at
the London Stadium which will allow the safe deployment of officers into the
stadium, if required, to deal with any crime or disorder.
. Pre-match home and away supporters will mix freely but there will be
post-match
segregation in place.
. There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile bars outside the
Stadium,
but bars will be open as normal inside the ground.
. All bottled alcoholic beverages will be decanted into plastic cups. There
will be no
post-match alcohol sales.
. The purchase of tickets for the fixture has been limited to supporters
with a
recorded West Ham United purchase history.
. The Club and London Stadium partners would like thank all supporters for
sharing
our commitment to deliver the best possible matchday experience for all.
West Ham United and Chelsea supporters have been urged to arrive in good
time ahead
of Wednesday evening's EFL Cup tie.
For the safety and security of all supporters there will be an enhanced body
search policy at
the turnstiles, so both home and away supporters are encouraged to arrive
early to ensure
quick access to the Stadium.
The safety and security arrangements for both inside and outside London
Stadium have
been developed and agreed by all key stakeholders including the Club, London
Stadium 185
and E20 Stadium LLP. The Metropolitan Police Service have been working
closely and
effectively with them, will deal with crime and disorder and support all the
stakeholders in
making this a safe event.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a tactical solution for matches being
held at the London
Stadium which will allow the safe deployment of officers into the stadium,
if required, to
deal with any crime or disorder.
The Metropolitan Police Service have confirmed for this fixture, and for
every match going
forward, that a tactical solution will be in place at London Stadium. This
will allow the safe
deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime
or disorder,
before a permanent Airwave radio solution is installed by February 2017.
Whilst there have been zero arrests made inside London Stadium this season,
the
Metropolitan Police Service have a proportionate policing plan that means
they can deal
with any crime and disorder inside the stadium, if required. It is worth
noting that only four
games at the Boleyn Ground last season had a police presence inside the
ground.
Police will also continue to provide an appropriate and visible presence
outside London
Stadium for the fixture, as there has been for every game this season.
A great deal of work has taken place behind the scenes to continue to
improve the
matchday experience for supporters. London Stadium 185, working with the
Club, have
significantly increased stewarding numbers and continue to ensure that all
stewards hold, or
are working towards an NVQ level two qualification in spectator safety. The
stewarding at
the Stadium is fully compliant with all safety requirements and all members
of the
stewarding response teams hold an SIA license. Former Boleyn Ground stewards
have also
been deployed in areas that reflect their experience and expertise.
Adequate and appropriate segregation lines have been established inside
London Stadium
and additional segregation lines will be in place outside the away turnstile
on Wednesday
evening.
Ahead of the game, home and away supporters will mix freely around the
stadium, however
it is important for supporters to note that there will be post-match
segregation.
A cordon will be in place either side of turnstile D (away turnstile) and
all away supporters
will egress via the south steps towards Pudding Mill Lane Station. The
corridor from turnstile
D to the south steps will be closed to home supporters for around 30 minutes
during peak
egress.
Due to the post-match segregation, home supporters exiting podium level via
turnstiles C, B
and A will need to turn right on exit and walk clockwise around the stadium.
Home
supporters exiting podium level via turnstiles E, F and G will need to turn
left on exit and
walk anti-clockwise around the stadium.
We strongly advise supporters to listen out on the night as any changes to
the plans for
exiting the Stadium will be communicated during the match via the tannoy
system, and to
always follow stewards' instructions to ensure a safe and swift exit.
Due to this process, access to the blue badge car park for disabled
supporters will be
delayed immediately after the game. Supporters parked in the blue badge car
park should
gather adjacent to turnstiles C and E and will be escorted to the car park
once peak egress
has subsided.
There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile bars outside the
Stadium, but bars
will be open as normal inside the ground. All bottled alcoholic beverages
will be decanted
into plastic cups. There will be no post-match alcohol sales.
The purchase of tickets for the fixture has been limited to supporters with
a recorded West
Ham United purchase history. Please do not come to the stadium if you do not
have a valid
match ticket as you will not be able to purchase one on the night and
therefore will not be
admitted to the ground.
Collaboration between West Ham United and London Stadium 185 is extensive,
with
colleagues routinely working together in pre-match planning meetings, inside
the control
room on matchdays and conducting CCTV reviews after every match.
The Club would like to thank our fantastic supporters for the way they have
come and put
their support behind the team so far this season. It is important to note
that the
overwhelming majority of supporters attending matches at London Stadium so
far this
season have behaved impeccably during their visits.
The Club has been proud to welcome week-in-week-out our 10,000 under-16
season ticket
holders and 25,000 supporters who attend as part of a family unit. It is
imperative to the
Club that London Stadium offers a safe and family-friendly environment for
them and all
supporters.
Therefore, we must restate that, in line with our zero tolerance policy, any
West Ham
United supporters found to be acting inappropriately will be identified and
dealt with
accordingly.
As a result of our highly efficient matchday operation and London Stadium's
state of the art
Panomera CCTV system, which provides HD footage of all areas at London
Stadium,
23 banning orders have been issued for offences ranging from drinking in
view of the pitch
to breaking the line of segregation.
The Club and London Stadium partners would like thank all supporters for
sharing our
commitment to deliver the best possible matchday experience for all.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EFL Cup: West Ham v Chelsea tie to see enhanced security at London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
Supporters will face enhanced security checks, an alcohol ban and a "robust
policing plan" when West Ham host Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Chelsea have been allocated more than 5,000 tickets for the fourth-round
tie, deemed high risk because of a history of animosity between fans. Since
West Ham relocated to London Stadium this season, 23 banning orders have
been issued. Nine arrests have been made outside the ground since the move
from Upton Park.
For the visit of Chelsea, fans should expect an "enhanced body search
policy" at the turnstile, while no alcohol will be sold before the match
from mobile bars outside the stadium. A spokesperson for partners in the
stadium - West Ham, E20 Stadium LLP and London Stadium 185 - said
"significant resources" had been applied to the fixture with a "robust
policing plan in place".
West Ham's plea for police help
Until now, the Metropolitan Police have not deployed officers inside the
stadium because the radio system emergency services use to communicate will
not be operational until 2017. But the statement added a "tactical solution"
was now in place for the "safe deployment of officers in the stadium". Three
people were arrested after West Ham's Premier League draw with Middlesbrough
this month, while there were clashes in the stands during the defeat by
Watford in September.
Recent matches have featured increased segregation of opposing fans and more
stewards.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Met police announce increased measures to avoid violence at
Chelsea derby
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 25/10/16 7:48am
SSN
West Ham have ramped up their security measures for the EFL Cup derby
against Chelsea at the London Stadium on Wednesday. Fans will face body
searches at the turnstiles, tightened alcohol restrictions, post-match
segregation and a "robust policing plan" as part of measures aimed to
minimise crowd trouble between the bitter rivals. Chelsea have been
allocated just under 5,200 tickets for the fourth-round tie on their first
visit to the Hammers' new home - a fixture considered high-risk by the
Metropolitan police. There has already been violence involving West Ham
supporters outside their new stadium at Stratford following the recent
Premier League games against Watford and Middlesbrough. Nine arrests have
been made outside the ground since the beginning of the season, while West
Ham have issued 23 banning orders for offences ranging from drinking in view
of the pitch to breaking the line of segregation.
The Met say a "tactical solution" is now set for future games which will see
officers deployed inside the ground if needed, despite the lack of a
fully-operational Airwave radio system, which is used by the emergency
services and will not be in place until February 2017. West Ham issued
further information for supporters attending the cup tie on their website,
encouraging them to arrive early for "enhanced body searching" at the
turnstiles. Ticket sales for home fans have been limited to supporters with
a recorded purchase history at West Ham, while no alcohol will be sold
pre-match from mobile bars outside the stadium. Those inside will be open as
normal but will serve drinks in plastic cups, and there will be no
post-match sales. Segregation will be in place outside the away turnstile
along to ensure Chelsea fans are directed via the south steps towards
Pudding Mill Lane Docklands Light Railway Station.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea's Mikel John Obi says West Ham have lost their fear factor since
moving to the London Stadium
EXCLUSIVE
SIMON JOHNSON
Evening Standard
Mikel John Obi believes West Ham have lost their home advantage since moving
to the London Stadium and is convinced Chelsea can take advantage in the EFL
Cup. Chelsea will be playing West Ham at their new ground for the first time
in the fourth round of the competition tomorrow night well aware that Slaven
Bilic's side have already lost three home games there and needed a
last-minute winner from Winston Reid to beat bottom club Sunderland in the
League on Saturday.
Mikel feels the Hammers are paying a heavy price for leaving the Boleyn
Ground, even though their new stadium's capacity is larger by 25,000.
Speaking to Standard Sport, Mikel said: "West Ham's new ground is very good
but I think it's why they have suffered in the League. It is a big ground, a
good pitch and I think clubs go there to express themselves. In a way, every
team that goes there feels that both teams are playing away from home. "In
contrast, playing at the Boleyn Ground was very intimidating. The stands
were very close, the fans were right there and the pitch wasn't that big.
West Ham knew how to play on that surface, they were used to it. You could
hear some of the things their fans were saying to you and it was unnerving.
"But in a big stadium like the one they have now, you can't hear things. It
is only a matter of time before they get used to it and they did just beat
Sunderland. "I just hope they don't show what they can do against Chelsea."
Mikel is hoping he gets a chance to impress, having not made an appearance
for the Blues all season. The 29-year-old missed the start of the campaign
as he was playing for Nigeria at the Olympics and has fallen behind Nemanja
Matic, N'Golo Kante and even 21-year-old Nathaniel Chalobah in the pecking
order. Mikel, who joined the club in 2006, says he has held talks with
manager Antonio Conte about his lack of playing time and is determined to
fight for his Chelsea career. He added: "I hope I will get some playing time
against West Ham, but it is down to the manager. He has been open and honest
with me. I respect him for that. He has explained the situation and I
totally understand. When you have been at a club for a long time, these
things happen where a club wants to move forward. I just have to be
professional, work as hard as I can to try and get into the team. I work
twice as hard every day and it's because I appreciate this club. "I have
been here a long time, have a lot of trophies and memories that will never
go away. If I don't get back in the side, I will respect it. I always
respect the football club's decision. The club is more important than me."
Mikel, who is out of contract in the summer, has won 10 major trophies with
Chelsea in all, the first of which was the League Cup in 2007.
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West Ham announce 'robust' plans to prevent violence with body searches and
alcohol restrictions for Cup clash with Chelsea
STANDARD SPORT
Evening Standard
West Ham have announced that fans will face body searches at the turnstiles,
alcohol restrictions, post-match segregation and a "robust policing plan" as
part of measures aimed to minimise crowd trouble when they host Chelsea in
the EFL Cup. Chelsea have been allocated just under 5,200 tickets for
Wednesday night's fourth-round tie at London Stadium, which has been
designated as a high-risk fixture given the history of animosity between the
two sets of fans. West Ham moved from Upton Park into the converted Olympic
Stadium for the start of the new season. There have been instances of
disturbances in the stands during some Premier League fixtures, including
against Watford and Middlesbrough. Recent matches have seen an increased
line of segregation and also more stewards, as well as improved levels of
training. In total, there have been nine arrests outside London Stadium,
while 23 banning orders have been issued by West Ham, ranging from drinking
in view of the pitch to breaking the line of segregation.
The Metropolitan Police Service says a "tactical solution" is now set for
future games which would see officers deployed inside the ground if needed,
despite the lack of a fully-operational Airwave radio system, which is used
by the emergency services and now planned to be in place at London Stadium
by February 2017.
On Tuesday evening, West Ham published on their website more information for
supporters attending the cup tie and encouraged them to arrive early, with
an "enhanced body search policy" to be implemented at the turnstile. Ticket
sales for home fans have been limited to supporters with a recorded purchase
history at West Ham, while no alcohol will be sold pre-match from mobile
bars outside the stadium. Those inside will be open as normal, albeit
serving drinks in plastic cups, while there will be no post-match sales. The
Met Police will also "continue to provide an appropriate and visible
presence" outside the game, with supporters able to mix freely before the
match.
Afterwards, however, segregation will be in place outside the away turnstile
along with a cordon as Chelsea fans are directed via the south steps towards
Pudding Mill Lane Docklands Light Railway Station. All supporters will be
informed of any changes to these plans on the night via the stadium public
address system.
In the article, West Ham highlighted "the overwhelming majority of
supporters attending matches at London Stadium so far this season have
behaved impeccably during their visits", but also restated the club's 'zero
tolerance policy' which will see any Irons' fans "found to be acting
inappropriately... identified and dealt with accordingly".
A spokesperson for London Stadium partners West Ham, E20 Stadium LLP and
London Stadium 185 said there was confidence the new measures implemented
since the start of the season have proven successful. "The depth of the line
of segregation between home and visiting fans at London Stadium was made
significantly wider after the game against Watford with additional stewards
deployed in that area. This new line of segregation was implemented at the
Accrington Stanley (EFL Cup) game," the spokesperson said. "We have had no
issues with the new segregation and we have had positive feedback from
supporters in that area and consider this early issue to now be resolved."
The spokesperson added: "The Metropolitan Police Service have been working
closely and effectively with all London Stadium stakeholders ahead of the
Chelsea game, and there is a robust policing plan in place to deal with
crime and disorder and support all the stakeholders in making this a safe
event. "The match against Chelsea will have significant resources deployed
to prevent any breach of peace or unsocial behaviour, and help ensure a safe
and family friendly environment for all London Stadium visitors. "All
stadium partners are committed to a zero tolerance policy to anti-social
behaviour, inside and outside the London Stadium and will not hesitate to
take action."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 25th October 2016
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says the 'cramp' which affected his team at the start of the
season is getting smaller with each win. The Hammers secured a second
consecutive victory thanks to Winston Reid's dramatic late winner against
Sunderland on Saturday – a result which took his team to within striking
distance of mid-table. Now, with a midweek EFL Cup tie against Chelsea to
focus on, the manager says they are in a much better place. "The cramp is
smaller now because we won," he explained. "That helps with healing that
cramp, as does your position in the table and clean sheets and everything.
"We are coming out of it, and it's a massive goal for us going into
Wednesday's game against Chelsea. "We can't say that it changes everything,
but in the situation that we were – even though we are talking early days –
to have six points now and two clean sheets is great. "Some of the players
are in much better shape after their injuries and especially getting a win
at the end of the game gives you an unbelievable boost. "We are going to be
less tired on Monday now than if it had been 0-0. They will be smiling and
happy and we can't wait for the game against Chelsea. It's a good position
to be in. "We got ourselves in a bad position and we got ourselves out into
a better position. We need to build on this and a few more of these before
we are completely out. "We are dreaming about progressing in that cup, so we
are going to try to beat Chelsea. We are very ambitious in every competition
that we are in – the cup is very interesting for us."
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Ogbonna – It's an important win
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna says West Ham United are getting closer to where they want to
be after Saturday's dramatic victory against Sunderland. Winston Reid struck
at the very end of the London Stadium contest to give the Hammers all three
points and make it back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
For Ogbonna, two clean sheets and two victories are an important boost and
now he wants to build on that further when he takes on his former boss
Antonio Conte in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night "The atmosphere is good in
the changing room, and it always has been," he said. "We knew that we had to
get back [to winning] so Saturday was an important result. "It was really
hard to get back, because Sunderland wanted to move away from the bottom of
the league and it was an important win. "If we keep this level of
performance it will be good for us. Step-by-step, the Premier League is a
really tough league, so we have to be focused. "I am looking forward to
playing Chelsea on Wednesday. We are playing in front of our fans, so the
expectation will be high and we will prepare well. "I have a really good
relationship with Antonio Conte, but this is football and I will put that to
one side on Wednesday. "Every game is tough. We played really well in the
first half, pressed, kept the ball, and sometimes you need a bit of luck.
"The most important thing is the performance. They weren't good at the
start, but now they are quite good."
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Winning start for new Ladies setup
WHUFC.com
Cheltenham Town Ladies 1-2 West Ham United Ladies
On a sunny October afternoon in the Cotswolds, West Ham United Ladies edged
past a gritty Cheltenham Town Ladies team to earn a place in the next round
draw for the Women's Premier League Plate trophy. The new management team of
Greg De Carnys, Josh Ewens and coach Karen Ray got off to a winning start at
Cheltenham's Petersfield Park thanks to an injury time wonder goal from
striker Chloe Burr. The game was billed as Cheltenham's biggest match in
their recent history and they dared to dream of causing a major upset
against their illustrious opponents, who have had a hectic week themselves.
There were the only two changes to the team that had lost 4-0 to Crystal
Palace Ladies the previous week, with Olivia Sammons and Kat Clifton
dropping to the bench to make way for Dayna Chong and Jasmine Auguste. West
Ham's first effort came after just six minutes when good work from Chloe
Burr put in Sasha Kelly but she pulled her shot wide. Burr was seeing a lot
of the ball and another great solo run was thwarted by a last ditch block by
the defender. West Ham were not having it all their own way though and in
the 14th minute, Aditi Chauhan had to dive bravely at the attacker's feet to
save a certain goal. A minute later West Ham were ahead. Katie Bottom broke
into the penalty area and was tripped. Befitting of the Cotswolds, West Ham
were awarded a stone-wall penalty, which Katie Bottom dispatched with
aplomb, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
The game turned into a midfield battle, with Amy Cooper and Dayna Chong
stroking the ball around for the West Ham Ladies whilst Cheltenham Ladies
worked tirelessly closing them down to protect their back four. The last
chance of the half fell to Burr, who after a mazy solo run blasted the ball
high and wide. The longer the second half went on, there was a sense that
if there was a next goal it would go to Cheltenham. And that proved to be
the case. Cheltenham were awarded a soft free-kick which was launched into
West Ham's penalty area, and the industrious Louise Fensome hammered it past
the diving Chauhan. A minute later Cheltenham nearly took the lead when a
30-yard Sophie Wyatt free-kick flew just over the bar. With the prospect of
extra time looming, Burr weaved her way down the right-hand-side and from
what seemed like an impossible angle, rifled a curling shot into the top
corner of the net. Manager Greg De Carnys said after the match: "I'm really
happy about the way the girls have taken to how we want to play. It was an
encouraging start and certainly some of the things we have worked on in
training were there to see. "Now we can take that performance and hopefully
keep adding to it week on week. It will take time but I am confident we will
keep progressing.
"Josh, Karen and I are keen to get back out on the training field and I get
the sense the girls are too. They seem to enjoy solving the problems we
throw at them in training and there's an appetite to keep improving which
will take them far. "It's also been great to see the girls looked after so
well by the club and I'm sure they'll remember their day on the pitch at
Upton Park and the reception they got from the fans for a very long time."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle returned to the Wigan squad this weekend for
their clash against Brighton
Josh Cullen was involved in a six-goal thriller for Bradford City
Lewis Page helped Coventry City pick up their fourth win in five
Reece Burke made his return to the Wigan Athletic starting lineup on
Saturday, though the Latics were frustrated by visitors Brighton and Hove
Albion who grabbed their second consecutive victory. The West Ham defender,
on loan at the DW Stadium, had been out of action since September but he and
fit again fellow Hammer Kyle Knoyle were both included in Gary Caldwell's
squad in the Championship. Burke could not prevent Dale Stephens scoring the
game's only goal with 68 minutes on the clock however, as the midfielder
fired past Adam Bogdan to break the deadlock. The centre-half completed his
first senior 90 minutes since 10 September, while Knoyle was an unused
substitute. The defeat meant Wigan remain in the relegation zone, three
points from safety, though Burke and Knoyle will hope their return to
fitness provides a boost for the Greater Manchester outfit.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Martin Samuelsen was on the bench as
Blackburn Rovers suffered a late defeat at Bristol City, conceding veteran
forward Aaron Wilbraham's 88th minute goal.
In League One, Josh Cullen was involved in a six-goal thriller for loan club
Bradford City, as the Bantams and Sheffield United shared the points at
Valley Parade. Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the Blades on 18 minutes,
connecting well with Mark Duffy's cross to head into the top corner, but
Bradford levelled through Billy Clarke 17 minutes later. Six minutes into
the second period, a quick Sheffield United free-kick caught Bradford out,
with Sharp notching again, but City dusted themselves off and equalised for
the second time.
Irons midfielder Cullen, who has played 12 times in the third tier already
this season, played a major part in the goal, delivering a cross into the
box which eventually found its way to Jordy Hiwula to finish. And with the
momentum behind them, Stuart McCall's men thought they had won it through
Tim Dieng with 22 minutes remaining, however Chris Basham was on hand to end
the hosts' celebrations four minutes later, making it 3-3 and snatching a
draw.
Lewis Page's Coventry City continued their resurgence under temporary boss
Mark Venus, grabbing a 2-0 home win over Rochdale on Saturday to lift them
within a point of safety in League One. The Hammers left-back played the
full 90 minutes for the Sky Blues, who secured all three points thanks Dan
Agyei and Andre Wright strikes.
Meanwhile, George Dobson and Josh Pask were both unused substitutes for
their loan sides – Walsall and Gillingham respectively.
The Saddlers were 2-0 winners away at Swindon, while the Gills conceded a
late penalty to see a 1-0 lead slip at home to Charlton.
Finally, in Denmark, Canadian defender Doneil Henry played his first full 90
minutes on loan at AC Horsens, as the side were 1-0 winners over Randers on
Sunday. The victory moves them into the top six in the Danish Superliga.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Sam Howes
WHUFC.com
Young goalkeeper Sam Howes is the next Academy man to sit down for this
season's #WHUAREYA feature, discussing his goalkeeping influences and what
gives him the most enjoyment on the pitch. With Adrian, Darren Randolph and
Raphael Spiegel all to look up to when training with the first team, England
U19 goalkeeper Howes has no shortage of teammates to pick up tips from.
Having kept a clean sheet for the Premier League 2 side on Friday in
Middlesbrough, Howes will be hoping to continue his good form as the season
continues into the winter.
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Fernandes - I hope to play a big part in the future
WHUFC.com
There were a number of positives to take from Saturday's dramatic 1-0 win
over Sunderland – none more so than the impressive Premier League debut by
highly-rated youngster Edimilson Fernandes. Fernandes was one of the star
performers for Slaven Bilic's side even though he was asked to play out of
position at left wing-back. The Switzerland U21 international arrived at the
Club during the summer with a big pedigree from FC Sion and Slaven Bilic had
no hesitation in handing the talented midfielder a first-team start on
Saturday. Fernandes repaid his faith with a superb display and could have
even got his name on the scoresheet. The 20-year-old says he will never
forget the experience of performing in front of 57,000 fans inside London
Stadium and hopes this is just the start of a memorable career in east
London. Fernandes said: "It was fantastic for me to make debut in such a
great team and we played a great game. I was very happy to win and it was
very important for the team. I am now looking forward to the next one! "The
London Stadium is a brilliant Stadium and to play in front of 57,000 fans
who push you forward is an unbelievable feeling and I hope to play a big
part in the future. "I feel very confident when I play and work very hard in
training. The management train me hard and explained to me what they
expected from me playing in this position so I felt confident. I try and
take that confidence onto the pitch. "I would love to be involved in the
next game against Chelsea on Wednesday night."
Fernandes admits the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night is one
of the biggest of his career and says the derby games in England are a lot
different to the ones he has encountered in Switzerland. The Swiss
midfielder says he will have no problems playing out of position once again
if Bilic needs him to and hopes he can keep producing his best form for the
east London Club. Fernandes added: "I felt a bit of pressure going into the
match but I thought I had a good game playing my first game in the Premier
League. "I don't normally get nervous before games as I have quite a lot
experience, but I felt the pressure this time because I was playing in a
different position. However, I was just happy to play. "I train very hard
and want to play in every game. My preferred position is central midfield
but I will play in any position – except for goalkeeper!"
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Highlights - West Ham United U18s 3-2 Swansea City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United stormed to the top of the U18 Premier League South table
after battling to a 3-2 victory over Swansea City on Saturday. It is the
first time this season the young Hammers have reached the summit, as they
overhauled previous leaders Arsenal thanks to Korrey Henry's late winner.
Coach Mark Phillips was understandably delighted with the win and hopes they
can consolidate their position at the top of the league in the coming weeks.
"It's a great achievement for the boys but now we're there to be shot at and
we have to be prepared for it," he said. "Swansea came out to match us and
were on top at the start of the second half and we have to expect teams to
come at us now we are top. "We all expect Villa to be a tough match at the
weekend but the boys are full of confidence."
Head coach Steve Potts welcomed back Conor Coventry to the starting eleven
after he helped the Republic of Ireland U17s make it through to the elite
phase of UEFA European Championships Qualifying during the week. The Hammers
were still without winger Anthony Scully though through illness. The home
side started the contest on the front foot and took the lead inside ten
minutes. Joe Powell's fantastic delivery was headed home by Rosaire Longelo
for his first of the season.
Swansea equalised shortly after when keeper Rihards Matrevics's clearance
cannoned off Liam Cullen and into the net. Visitors' keeper Alex Lang was
forced into three superb saves as West Ham searched for the lead for the
second time, before Powell turned architect once again with another inviting
cross being headed in, this time, by Jake Eggleton. The away side hit back
just after half-time after Cullen fired home his second but Henry snatched
the three points in the dying embers, finishing brilliantly from a Ben
Johnson free-kick "We started off very well and shouldn't have conceded
straight after scoring but we showed great resolve to come back," added
Phillips. "Swansea obviously scored within minutes of half-time and were
then on top. We changed our system and went to a 3-5-2 formation and it
worked. "Korrey has done really well in the last two games and hopefully he
can continue scoring and help us stay at the top."
West Ham: Matrevics; Eggleton, Akinola (c), Wells, Hannam; Coventry, Lewis;
Johnson, Powell, Longelo; Henry.
Subs not used: Barrett, Forde, Constantinou, Hamilton, Alese.
Goals: Longelo, Eggleton, Henry.
Swansea: Lang, Davies, Blake, Price, Cabango, Cooper, Fox (Darame, 54),
Jones, Cullen (c), Dulca (Berry, 66), Edwards (Roberts, 75).
Subs not used: Williams, Treacy.
Goals: Cullen (2)
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Stoke Ticket Exchange now open
WHUFC.com
Tickets available on Ticket Exchange for 5 November game against Stoke City
Stoke game is a sell-out but some Season Ticket Holders have made their
seats available to purchase
Scheme will enable supporters to attend otherwise sold out London Stadium
matches
You can be there for the sell-out Premier League clash with Stoke City on
Saturday 5 November, as tickets become available on our Ticket Exchange.
The visit of the Potters sold out to the Claret Members' ballot - as all
Premier League games at London Stadium have - but Season Ticket Holders can
relist theirs and Claret Members have first priority until 5pm on Wednesday
2 November.
After the priority window for Claret Members, all supporters will be able to
buy tickets made available on the Ticket Exchange.
Click here to purchase your tickets on the Ticket Exchange now
Once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season
Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card
will be activated. If you are not a Claret Member, you will be able to print
your ticket at home.
The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.
For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for
terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.
Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to purchase online here.
If you are a Season Ticket Holder unable to attend this game, please relist
your ticket to allow another fan to experience the Hammers at London Stadium
and you will benefit with ticket credit in your account which you can use
towards a future game.
Supporters who are successful in the Stoke ticket ballot will have received
a confirmation email by 6pm on Monday 24 October.
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West Ham impose pre-match booze ban to prevent trouble for Chelsea EFL Cup
clash
22:30, 24 OCT 2016
BY PAUL ABDALE
Fans from both sides have been urged to arrive early because of increased
security at the biggest match at the club's new home
The Mirrror
West Ham have imposed a pre-match booze ban outside the London Stadium to
prevent trouble at the powderkeg EFL Cup clash with Chelsea Wednesday night.
Fans from both sides have been urged to arrive early in Stratford because of
increased security at the biggest match at the club's new home. And police
will be deployed inside the former Olympic Stadium to keep order between the
two London rivals. West Ham do not own the stadium which has been dogged by
crowd issues this season. But the London Stadium Partners insisted there
were "categorically not" any safety problems and there will increased
security, stewarding and segregation for the London derby. A spokesperson
for London Stadium partners West Ham United, E20 Stadium LLP and London
Stadium 185 said: "There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile
bars outside the Stadium, but bars will be open as normal inside the ground.
All bottled alcoholic beverages will be decanted into plastic cups. Bars
will close at the full-time whistle. "All supporters have been asked to
arrive early for Wednesday's fixture to allow sufficient time for enhanced
pre-entry security checks. "Ahead of the game, home and away supporters will
mix freely around the stadium island, however there will be post-match
segregation. "There will be an appropriate and visible police presence
outside London Stadium for the game against Chelsea, as there has been for
every game this season."
A Metropolitan Police Statement said: "The MPS has a tactical solution for
matches being held at the London Stadium which will allow the safe
deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime
or disorder." Winston Reid wants "revenge" against Chelsea for West Ham's
opening Premier League defeat when Diego Costa scored the late winner after
escaping a red card earlier in the match. The Kiwi defender said: "It is a
massive game for us. We conceded a goal at their place late in the Premier
League game so it would be nice to get some revenge. The move to the new
stadium is not an excuse any more, though. We have played here a number of
times now and the players have got used to it."
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West Ham eyeing £1.5million move for Millwall starlet Mahlon Romeo
22:01, 24 OCT 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 24 OCT 2016
BY DARREN WITCOOP
The Antigua and Barbuda right-back, 21, began his career with Arsenal before
dropping down the divisions to play first-team football
The Mirror
West Ham are preparing a £1.5million move for Millwall defender Mahlon
Romeo. The Hammers sent scouts to run the rule over Romeo in Millwall's 2-1
victory over Fleetwood on Saturday. It was the third time Romeo has been
watched by their east London rivals this season. The Antigua and Barbuda
right-back, 21, began his career with Arsenal before dropping down the
divisions to play first-team football. Now West Ham are keen to hand Romeo a
route back to the top in January.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Sam Byram and Michail Antoniou have featured at right-back
for Slaven Bilic's side this season.
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West Ham star Dimitri Payet nominated for 2016 Ballon d'Or award
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham forward Dimitri Payet has been nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or
awards after his superb breakthrough year in the Premier League. The
Frenchman has impressed for the Hammers ever since arriving from Marseille
last summer, and he ended his debut season in England having scored nine
league goals and creating another eight for Slaven Bilic's men, which earned
him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Payet, who also won West Ham's
Hammer of the Year award and the Player of the Year gong at the London
Football Awards last season, was so impressive for his club side that he
forced his way into Didier Deschamps' France squad ahead of Euro 2016, where
he netted three times as the hosts reached the final. Payet now joins
fellow Premier League stars Hugo Lloris, Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne,
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Paul Pogba on the Ballon
d'Or nominees. Lionel Messi, who has won the award five of the last seven
years, has also been nominated while three-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo has
made the cut after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro
2016 with his nation Portugal. This will be the first year that the Ballon
d'Or will go back to being given out just by French magazine France Football
after Fifa ended its association with the award. France Football has given
the best player in the world the gong every year since 1956 but, for the
last six years, they handed out a Fifa Ballon d'Or gong alongside world
football's governing body.
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West Ham United interested in Jai Quitongo
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United have been linked with the Scottish-born starlet. The Mail
have reported that West Ham United are the latest Premier League side to
express an interest in Morton younger Jai Quitongo. A number of top-flight
English sides - including Southampton and Crystal Palace - have been
credited with an interest in the 19-year-old forward, whose contract with
the Scottish club expires in the summer. The Scottish Sun reported last week
that Southampton were keen, but that Crystal Palace were preparing a
£300,000 offer for the Scottish teenager, who will be allowed to speak to
other clubs in January. That being said, The Mail have now claimed that West
Ham will throw their hats in the ring and rival their Premier League rivals
for his signature. The report goes on to suggest that Doncaster Rovers had a
£100,000 bid knocked back in the summer, while claiming that a host of
Championship sides are also interested. West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic
is no stranger to investing in young talent and has already signed a host of
youngsters in the three transfer windows he has had as Irons manager. In the
summer, the Croat brought highly-rated youngsters Domingos Quina and Ashley
Fletcher to the East London club, and has previously signed Sam Byram and
Martin Samuelsen, though none of those four have had a major impact on the
first team as yet.
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West Ham vs Chelsea: Why London derby could make or break Hammers' season
TONY EVANS
Evening Standard
Some games are bigger than others. For West Ham United and Slaven Bilic, the
fourth-round League Cup tie against Chelsea on Wednesday is massive. West
Ham are on a knife edge. This is the sort of match that could determine the
direction of their season. The campaign has started disappointingly in the
East End. Bilic's side were expected to kick on after finishing seventh in
the Premier League last season. One win in the first seven matches was not
the start they expected after the move to the Olympic Stadium. Saturday's
last-gasp 1-0 victory over Sunderland means that Bilic's team have won two
in a row and kept a couple of clean sheets but this is a team struggling
with confidence. A poor result in this London derby could send them into a
tailspin. Bilic acknowledged his team's fragility after the Sunderland game.
West Ham had been at their most incisive in the first 20 minutes, slicing
apart their opponents at will. Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini were at
their beguiling best but when the goals failed to come a creeping, lack of
conviction took the impetus out of the Hammers. Belief drained away rapidly
on the pitch and in the stands.
The Croat talked at length about the mindset. Even though West Ham had shown
the sort of impressive verve, invention and organisation that characterised
last season's heroics, all it took was a good spell by Sunderland to disturb
their equilibrium. The away side did not have to impress for long. "A
minute… two…" Bilic said. He was right. The tipping point between dominance
and doubt arrived with shocking haste. Better teams than Sunderland will
take advantage of this weakness unless the 48-year-old manager can solve the
problem.
Some of the team even appeared to have lost faith in their own ability. In
the second half, Payet released Simone Zaza 35 yards out with a ball that
sprung the offside trap. The Italian had a clear run towards goal and the
choices for the trailing defender seemed simple: foul or hope for
goalkeeping heroics. Zaza looked like a man who did not relish the
opportunity, though. He slowed down, got his body in the wrong position and
allowed his opponent to ease him off the ball. Some have questioned whether
the 25-year-old on loan from Juventus is good enough to lead the line in the
Premier League. On that evidence, Zaza is among those doubters. Goals and
victories solve most of football's problems. The late winner on Saturday
from Winston Reid turned a frustrating afternoon into a platform for the
team's renaissance. Bilic thinks there is a simple equation to changing West
Ham's mentality. "To delete that you need things like this [Reid's goal],"
he said. "You need one more win." If that victory is against Chelsea, it
could transform West Ham's season.
Antonio Conte can afford to take the League Cup less seriously than Bilic,
especially after Chelsea's rampant performance against Manchester United.
They will be thinking top four and titles at Stamford Bridge after their 4-0
rout of United. Expectations in the East End are considerably lower. A cup
run would be a massive boost. There are also bigger issues than results at
stake on Wednesday. West Ham need this game to pass off peacefully. This
match-up brings out the worst in sections of both clubs' support and the
stewarding and policing problems that came in the wake of the move to
Stratford have at times overshadowed the issues on the pitch.
This is the first flashpoint fixture at the Olympic Stadium and, for those
bent on causing havoc, the surrounds of the Queen Elizabeth Park offer ample
opportunity. There are too many entries and exits into the area to police
with any degree of comfort. Most security will be centred on Stratford
Underground station, where the majority of fans will arrive, but the streets
around Hackney Wick and Pudding Mill Lane stations and the banks of the
River Lea need to be monitored carefully. West Ham and the Met cannot afford
the stadium to gain a reputation as being unpoliceable.
Wednesday will be a huge night for West Ham. They need conviction on the
pitch and no behaviour by supporters that will lead to convictions off it.
It will be a big test for the club on both counts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Chelsea: Winston Reid plots 'revenge' after Diego Costa's
controversial Stamford Bridge winner
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham defender Winston Reid believes Wednesday's League Cup clash against
Chelsea provides a great opportunity for revenge. Reid's late winner against
Sunderland on Saturday was the perfect boost for West Ham ahead of the home
fourth-round tie against their West London rivals and the New Zealand
international admits the Premier League defeat by Chelsea earlier this
season still rankles with him. Diego Costa scored a late winner at Stamford
Bridge in the opening match of the Premier League season but West Ham
believed the Chelsea striker should have been sent off earlier in the match
for a foul on goalkeeper Adrian. "It is a massive game for us," said Reid.
"We needed the boost of a win over Sunderland and now we can go into the
game really looking forward to it. "We conceded a goal at their place late
in the Premier League game, so it would be nice to get some revenge. A cup
run would be good. It was a disappointment for us to go out of the Europa
League so early."
Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland was only West Ham's second in the Premier
League at their new home but Reid feels it is time to stop making excuses
about the club's summer move from Upton Park. "It does help when you win
your games at home," he said. "We have given the fans something to cheer
about. "The move to a new stadium is not an excuse any more, though. We
have played here a number of times now and the players have got used to it.
We just need to do better but even when things haven't been going our way,
we have always stuck together as a group."
Successive Premier League wins have also relieved the pressure on manager
Slaven Bilic, who is also relishing the visit of their London rivals. "I
can't say the win over Sunderland changes everything," he said. "But in the
situation we were in, to have six points from the last two games and two
clean sheets is massive. "If you win two games, especially when you get them
like this, at the end of the game, it gives you an unbelievable boost.
"We're going to be less tired than if it finished 0-0. The players are going
to be smiling, happy and they can't wait for a game against Chelsea. It's a
very important game for us. We are dreaming about going very far in this
cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angelo Ogbonna warns Diego Costa that West Ham know all about him now ahead
of fiery cup tie
22:30, 23 OCT 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers picked up a vital victory over Sunderland to enter their League
Cup tie against Chelsea at the London Stadium with much-needed confidence
The Mirror
Back in form and backing themselves to come out on top against Diego Costa.
Angelo Ogbonna says he and his West Ham team-mates have learned from the
opening game of the season in which the Chelsea striker wound them up then
watched them go to pieces. Now with the two teams set to meet again in
Wednesday's EFL Cup showdown, Ogbonna is warning Costa he will find it far
harder to get under the Hammers' skin. "We know Costa," said the Italy
international. "Every time we play him we have to be careful. "Sometimes if
we do something as defenders, it's bigger than it is if a striker does it. A
striker can do whatever he wants. A defender has to be careful, maybe
clever. This is the game. I think whoever is more clever can win! "We've
played him already. Everybody knows Costa. He has a high behaviour. On the
pitch he tries to make something to change the game."
Following a run of four defeats in five league games, West Ham have now won
their last two to move up to 15th in the table. Saturday's winner from
Winston Reid kept Sunderland rooted to the bottom and clinched the Hammers'
first victory at the Olympic Stadium since August. To be fair to David
Moyes, at least two West Ham players looked offside when Reid blasted home
in stoppage time. But Sam Allardyce's re-emergence, following his sacking
from the England job, will pile the pressure on the Scot. For Slaven Bilic,
that pressure has eased. Versatile Edimilson Fernandes looks a fine buy
judging by his performance at left wing-back in place of the suspended Aaron
Cresswell. Dimitri Payet once again ran the game. The switch to a back three
appears to have stopped the rot. Of course, Wednesday night will be a step
up in class with Chelsea a far tougher proposition than the winless Black
Cats. With some big cup casualties anticipated in midweek, Ogbonna is
expecting Antonio Conte, his former boss at Juventus, to field a strong
side. But he believes the Irons have some matchwinners of their own.
He added: "Costa is an international player, a good player. They have Hazard
as well, we shouldn't talk just about Costa. They also have Willian. Kante
as well. "Maybe they are going to change it a bit because they are playing
in the cup and they have a lot of games. But we have to prepare like it's
the last game of the season. "We have good players too. The expectation is
high. Everyone knows Dimi can change the match sometimes, but not just Dimi.
"Today Reidy changed the match. Maybe Pedro Obiang. Maybe Manuel Lanzini. We
are expecting Simone Zaza too. It is his turn. "I have a really good
relationship with Conte, but I have to put it to one side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland boss David Moyes facing FA charge after confronting referee Bobby
Madley at West Ham
22:30, 23 OCT 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Scot vented his fury at the official, claiming two Hammers players were
offside as Winston Reid netted a stoppage-time winner
The Mirror
David Moyes could face an FA charge after a tunnel confrontation with
referee Bobby Madley following Sunderland's defeat to West Ham. The Black
Cats boss vented his fury at the official, claiming two Hammers players were
offside as Winston Reid netted a stoppage-time winner. Moyes could find
himself in hot water if Madley includes the incident in his report to the FA
today. The Scot is already under pressure following the defeat which leaves
Sunderland five points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League. The Black
Cats are also the only team in the top four divisions without a league win
so far this season. Beaten just twice in their final 14 games of last season
under Sam Allardyce, Moyes' men have yet to keep a clean sheet this time.
Allardyce has been tipped to return to the Stadium of Light this season
should Moyes fail to stop the rot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win makes London Stadium a happier place to be
West Ham win makes London Stadium a happier place to be
Slaven Bilic said West Ham eased their "cramp" with this win CREDIT: REX
FEATURES
Jonathan Liew
23 OCTOBER 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
You can keep your safe standing. You can keep your lines of segregation. You
can keep your increased police presence. As an entirely pleasant afternoon
at the London Stadium demonstrated, the key to keeping West Ham fans happy
is simpler than it seems: three points does the trick every time.
It is not a trite observation. The spectator unrest that has plagued the
early games at West Ham's new home cannot be entirely unrelated to the
team's frustrating start to the season. How could it be? Here, Winston
Reid's unlikely winner four minutes into added time sent everyone home
happy. And with Chelsea visiting in the EFL Cup on Wednesday amid an
unprecedented security operation, manager Slaven Bilic admitted that
another victory on the pitch would go a long way to keeping order off it.
"The fans are frustrated when we don't win home games," he said. "Then they
start arguing with each other. If we're talking about discipline in the
stands, it didn't help that we were not winning. We have to give everything
to continue like this, and then everything will be better, including the
security situation of the stadium."
Winning football games is pretty useful in its own right, of course, and
despite a performance that sizzled in the first 25 minutes and fizzled
thereafter, after two straight wins West Ham are finally beginning to ease
what Bilic describes as their "cramp" – the mental paralysis that has
prevented them from playing their best football.
"The opponent was defending for 25 minutes," Bilic said. "Because we didn't
score, we tried to force it. Then after they [Sunderland] had the ball for
one minute in our half of the pitch, it's that cramp – 'oh my God, we should
have scored two, and now they had a chance'. Now the cramp is smaller,
because we won."
If West Ham are beginning to overcome their mental block, then Sunderland's
appears to be worsening. That they competed for 93 minutes here will be
little consolation: with two points in nine games, they have made the worst
start to a Premier League season since Sheffield Wednesday in 1999.
"Look, we have to pick ourselves off the floor," said captain John O'Shea.
"I'm not going to lie, the dressing room was extremely disappointed
afterwards, but we have to realise for so long we frustrated West Ham. We
knew, coming away from home, that we had to stay in the game. That's what we
spoke about: stay in the game. Give yourself a chance. That's what we did."
Does anything there strike you as slightly strange? This was not Manchester
City or Arsenal that O'Shea was talking about, after all, but a West Ham
side low on confidence, who were in the bottom three before the
international break. Should a club the size of Sunderland not have ambitions
beyond "staying in the game"? Should their long-suffering fans not expect
more than "giving themselves a chance"?
The temptation here is to point the finger at David Moyes, who made a
defensive substitution with 10 minutes remaining when a more proactive
manager might have gone for it. But that would not be fair. Stunted ambition
is a disease that has been afflicting the club for quite some time now.
Years of relegation scraps will do that to you. And in fact Moyes spoke very
well earlier in the week about the need to establish an organic "identity"
for the club, rooted in the region and its people.
Moyes will need time to remake the club, but it will not be given
unconditionally. This is the bind he is in: how do you build for the future
when you are scrapping for your life every week? After all, it is all very
well having a long-term plan. But unless Moyes manages to turn results
around fast, he could very well be heading for the short-term sack.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hoping to avoid crowd trouble with EFL Cup win
over Chelsea
SLAVEN BILIC insists West Ham fans will behave at the London Stadium if the
team keep winning – and hopes a victory against Chelsea can lead to a dream
cup run.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Mon, Oct 24, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:23, Mon, Oct 24, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham face Chelsea on Wednesday in the EFL Cup round of 16 coming off
back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and Sunderland. Saturday's victory was
just their second league win at their new home and the first since August.
The crowd trouble which first surfaced during the defeat to Watford last
month appears to have died down, but there is nervousness ahead of Chelsea's
visit. Police will be deployed around the stadium for the first time with a
'tactical solution' allowing for entry into the stands if required. But
Bilic believes the best solution is to keep picking up wins. "The fans are
frustrated when we don't win home games," he said. "Now it's a much better
situation and we have to give everything to continue like this and then
everything will be better, including the security situation with the
stadium."
West Ham had gone five league games without a win before beating Crystal
Palace last week and following that up with Winston Reid's injury time
strike on Saturday has addressed some of the issues. Six points, two clean
sheets, and a more positive outlook. "It's massive to have these six
points, especially when you get them like this at the end of the game. It
gives you an unbelievable boost," Bilic added. "We're not thinking about
Everton away. We're dreaming about progressing in the cup so we're going to
try to beat Chelsea. We are very ambitious in every competition that we're
in. "This cup is very interesting for us. Chelsea are playing, and are out
of this small crisis, if you can call it a crisis, and this derby is going
to be a very competitive game. "All I want to say is that we are dreaming
about going very, very far in the cup."
Chelsea beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge in August with an 89th minute Diego
Costa strike. The Spain international has rediscovered his touch and looks
more focused this season under Antonio Conte. And West Ham defender Angelo
Ogbonna is looking forward to the challenge of taking him on again – if he's
selected. "Everybody knows Costa," Ogbonna said. "On the pitch he tries to
make something to change the game. Every time we have to be careful.
"Sometimes if we do something, as defenders, it's bigger than it is if a
striker does it. A striker can do whatever he wants. A defender has to be
careful, maybe clever. Whoever is more clever can win." For Sunderland,
meanwhile, this was the fourth time they have dropped points from conceding
after the 85th minute and it leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table
still searching for their first win of the season. David Moyes is already
under pressure and the players know they're in a dogfight. Wahbi Khazri
missed an excellent chance to break the deadlock just after half-time but
shot straight at Adrian. Moyes complained afterwards that Reid's goal should
have been ruled out with players in offside positions in Jordan Pickford's
eyeline but replays showed it was the correct call. "It does feel like
everything's going against us," Jack Rodwell said. "I'd like to say that
it's early in the season but we're getting to the point now where we need to
start getting wins. It's going to be a fight. It's going to go to the wire."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic predicts bubbly atmosphere in West Ham training after late
winner against Sunderland: 'It gives you an unbelievable boost'
West Ham beat Sunderland 1-0 at London Stadium on Saturday afternoon
Winston Reid scored the winner in the fourth minute of injury time
The Hammers face Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 23 October 2016 | UPDATED: 00:32, 24 October 2016
A second can change everything in football and Winston Reid's winner against
Sunderland in the fourth minute of stoppage time has given West Ham's EFL
Cup derby against Chelsea on Wednesday a whole new complexion. The players
will arrive for training on Monday 'smiling and happy and probably can't
wait for the game', according to manager Slaven Bilic. 'We're not now
saying, 'Ugh, we have a game on Wednesday' we're like 'YES! We have a game
on Wednesday',' said Bilic after West Ham's second successive win. 'These
six points, especially if you get them like this at the end of the game, it
gives you an unbelievable boost. 'Can you imagine the atmosphere on Monday
in training? 'We're not going to be as tired as we would've been if it was
0-0 and they were feeling knackered.'How the London Stadium copes with the
5,200 Chelsea supporters will be a focal point. Bilic believes the home
fans' poor behaviour has been an embodiment of the side's struggles on the
pitch.'The fans are frustrated when we don't win home games,' he said. 'Then
they start arguing with each other. Sunderland are only the second
top-flight team, after Bury in 1905 and 1906, not to win in their first nine
league games in consecutive seasons. 'If we're talking about the discipline
in the stands it didn't help that we were not winning.' Against Sunderland,
West Ham dominated the first 30 minutes and Dimitri Payet struck the post,
yet one close free-kick from their opponents and they were straight on the
back foot. 'Because we didn't score we tried to force it,' Bilic explained.
But it's amazing the difference a second can make.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says the 'cramp' which affected his team at the start of the
season is getting smaller with each win. The Hammers secured a second
consecutive victory thanks to Winston Reid's dramatic late winner against
Sunderland on Saturday – a result which took his team to within striking
distance of mid-table. Now, with a midweek EFL Cup tie against Chelsea to
focus on, the manager says they are in a much better place. "The cramp is
smaller now because we won," he explained. "That helps with healing that
cramp, as does your position in the table and clean sheets and everything.
"We are coming out of it, and it's a massive goal for us going into
Wednesday's game against Chelsea. "We can't say that it changes everything,
but in the situation that we were – even though we are talking early days –
to have six points now and two clean sheets is great. "Some of the players
are in much better shape after their injuries and especially getting a win
at the end of the game gives you an unbelievable boost. "We are going to be
less tired on Monday now than if it had been 0-0. They will be smiling and
happy and we can't wait for the game against Chelsea. It's a good position
to be in. "We got ourselves in a bad position and we got ourselves out into
a better position. We need to build on this and a few more of these before
we are completely out. "We are dreaming about progressing in that cup, so we
are going to try to beat Chelsea. We are very ambitious in every competition
that we are in – the cup is very interesting for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ogbonna – It's an important win
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna says West Ham United are getting closer to where they want to
be after Saturday's dramatic victory against Sunderland. Winston Reid struck
at the very end of the London Stadium contest to give the Hammers all three
points and make it back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
For Ogbonna, two clean sheets and two victories are an important boost and
now he wants to build on that further when he takes on his former boss
Antonio Conte in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night "The atmosphere is good in
the changing room, and it always has been," he said. "We knew that we had to
get back [to winning] so Saturday was an important result. "It was really
hard to get back, because Sunderland wanted to move away from the bottom of
the league and it was an important win. "If we keep this level of
performance it will be good for us. Step-by-step, the Premier League is a
really tough league, so we have to be focused. "I am looking forward to
playing Chelsea on Wednesday. We are playing in front of our fans, so the
expectation will be high and we will prepare well. "I have a really good
relationship with Antonio Conte, but this is football and I will put that to
one side on Wednesday. "Every game is tough. We played really well in the
first half, pressed, kept the ball, and sometimes you need a bit of luck.
"The most important thing is the performance. They weren't good at the
start, but now they are quite good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winning start for new Ladies setup
WHUFC.com
Cheltenham Town Ladies 1-2 West Ham United Ladies
On a sunny October afternoon in the Cotswolds, West Ham United Ladies edged
past a gritty Cheltenham Town Ladies team to earn a place in the next round
draw for the Women's Premier League Plate trophy. The new management team of
Greg De Carnys, Josh Ewens and coach Karen Ray got off to a winning start at
Cheltenham's Petersfield Park thanks to an injury time wonder goal from
striker Chloe Burr. The game was billed as Cheltenham's biggest match in
their recent history and they dared to dream of causing a major upset
against their illustrious opponents, who have had a hectic week themselves.
There were the only two changes to the team that had lost 4-0 to Crystal
Palace Ladies the previous week, with Olivia Sammons and Kat Clifton
dropping to the bench to make way for Dayna Chong and Jasmine Auguste. West
Ham's first effort came after just six minutes when good work from Chloe
Burr put in Sasha Kelly but she pulled her shot wide. Burr was seeing a lot
of the ball and another great solo run was thwarted by a last ditch block by
the defender. West Ham were not having it all their own way though and in
the 14th minute, Aditi Chauhan had to dive bravely at the attacker's feet to
save a certain goal. A minute later West Ham were ahead. Katie Bottom broke
into the penalty area and was tripped. Befitting of the Cotswolds, West Ham
were awarded a stone-wall penalty, which Katie Bottom dispatched with
aplomb, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
The game turned into a midfield battle, with Amy Cooper and Dayna Chong
stroking the ball around for the West Ham Ladies whilst Cheltenham Ladies
worked tirelessly closing them down to protect their back four. The last
chance of the half fell to Burr, who after a mazy solo run blasted the ball
high and wide. The longer the second half went on, there was a sense that
if there was a next goal it would go to Cheltenham. And that proved to be
the case. Cheltenham were awarded a soft free-kick which was launched into
West Ham's penalty area, and the industrious Louise Fensome hammered it past
the diving Chauhan. A minute later Cheltenham nearly took the lead when a
30-yard Sophie Wyatt free-kick flew just over the bar. With the prospect of
extra time looming, Burr weaved her way down the right-hand-side and from
what seemed like an impossible angle, rifled a curling shot into the top
corner of the net. Manager Greg De Carnys said after the match: "I'm really
happy about the way the girls have taken to how we want to play. It was an
encouraging start and certainly some of the things we have worked on in
training were there to see. "Now we can take that performance and hopefully
keep adding to it week on week. It will take time but I am confident we will
keep progressing.
"Josh, Karen and I are keen to get back out on the training field and I get
the sense the girls are too. They seem to enjoy solving the problems we
throw at them in training and there's an appetite to keep improving which
will take them far. "It's also been great to see the girls looked after so
well by the club and I'm sure they'll remember their day on the pitch at
Upton Park and the reception they got from the fans for a very long time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle returned to the Wigan squad this weekend for
their clash against Brighton
Josh Cullen was involved in a six-goal thriller for Bradford City
Lewis Page helped Coventry City pick up their fourth win in five
Reece Burke made his return to the Wigan Athletic starting lineup on
Saturday, though the Latics were frustrated by visitors Brighton and Hove
Albion who grabbed their second consecutive victory. The West Ham defender,
on loan at the DW Stadium, had been out of action since September but he and
fit again fellow Hammer Kyle Knoyle were both included in Gary Caldwell's
squad in the Championship. Burke could not prevent Dale Stephens scoring the
game's only goal with 68 minutes on the clock however, as the midfielder
fired past Adam Bogdan to break the deadlock. The centre-half completed his
first senior 90 minutes since 10 September, while Knoyle was an unused
substitute. The defeat meant Wigan remain in the relegation zone, three
points from safety, though Burke and Knoyle will hope their return to
fitness provides a boost for the Greater Manchester outfit.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Martin Samuelsen was on the bench as
Blackburn Rovers suffered a late defeat at Bristol City, conceding veteran
forward Aaron Wilbraham's 88th minute goal.
In League One, Josh Cullen was involved in a six-goal thriller for loan club
Bradford City, as the Bantams and Sheffield United shared the points at
Valley Parade. Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the Blades on 18 minutes,
connecting well with Mark Duffy's cross to head into the top corner, but
Bradford levelled through Billy Clarke 17 minutes later. Six minutes into
the second period, a quick Sheffield United free-kick caught Bradford out,
with Sharp notching again, but City dusted themselves off and equalised for
the second time.
Irons midfielder Cullen, who has played 12 times in the third tier already
this season, played a major part in the goal, delivering a cross into the
box which eventually found its way to Jordy Hiwula to finish. And with the
momentum behind them, Stuart McCall's men thought they had won it through
Tim Dieng with 22 minutes remaining, however Chris Basham was on hand to end
the hosts' celebrations four minutes later, making it 3-3 and snatching a
draw.
Lewis Page's Coventry City continued their resurgence under temporary boss
Mark Venus, grabbing a 2-0 home win over Rochdale on Saturday to lift them
within a point of safety in League One. The Hammers left-back played the
full 90 minutes for the Sky Blues, who secured all three points thanks Dan
Agyei and Andre Wright strikes.
Meanwhile, George Dobson and Josh Pask were both unused substitutes for
their loan sides – Walsall and Gillingham respectively.
The Saddlers were 2-0 winners away at Swindon, while the Gills conceded a
late penalty to see a 1-0 lead slip at home to Charlton.
Finally, in Denmark, Canadian defender Doneil Henry played his first full 90
minutes on loan at AC Horsens, as the side were 1-0 winners over Randers on
Sunday. The victory moves them into the top six in the Danish Superliga.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Sam Howes
WHUFC.com
Young goalkeeper Sam Howes is the next Academy man to sit down for this
season's #WHUAREYA feature, discussing his goalkeeping influences and what
gives him the most enjoyment on the pitch. With Adrian, Darren Randolph and
Raphael Spiegel all to look up to when training with the first team, England
U19 goalkeeper Howes has no shortage of teammates to pick up tips from.
Having kept a clean sheet for the Premier League 2 side on Friday in
Middlesbrough, Howes will be hoping to continue his good form as the season
continues into the winter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fernandes - I hope to play a big part in the future
WHUFC.com
There were a number of positives to take from Saturday's dramatic 1-0 win
over Sunderland – none more so than the impressive Premier League debut by
highly-rated youngster Edimilson Fernandes. Fernandes was one of the star
performers for Slaven Bilic's side even though he was asked to play out of
position at left wing-back. The Switzerland U21 international arrived at the
Club during the summer with a big pedigree from FC Sion and Slaven Bilic had
no hesitation in handing the talented midfielder a first-team start on
Saturday. Fernandes repaid his faith with a superb display and could have
even got his name on the scoresheet. The 20-year-old says he will never
forget the experience of performing in front of 57,000 fans inside London
Stadium and hopes this is just the start of a memorable career in east
London. Fernandes said: "It was fantastic for me to make debut in such a
great team and we played a great game. I was very happy to win and it was
very important for the team. I am now looking forward to the next one! "The
London Stadium is a brilliant Stadium and to play in front of 57,000 fans
who push you forward is an unbelievable feeling and I hope to play a big
part in the future. "I feel very confident when I play and work very hard in
training. The management train me hard and explained to me what they
expected from me playing in this position so I felt confident. I try and
take that confidence onto the pitch. "I would love to be involved in the
next game against Chelsea on Wednesday night."
Fernandes admits the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night is one
of the biggest of his career and says the derby games in England are a lot
different to the ones he has encountered in Switzerland. The Swiss
midfielder says he will have no problems playing out of position once again
if Bilic needs him to and hopes he can keep producing his best form for the
east London Club. Fernandes added: "I felt a bit of pressure going into the
match but I thought I had a good game playing my first game in the Premier
League. "I don't normally get nervous before games as I have quite a lot
experience, but I felt the pressure this time because I was playing in a
different position. However, I was just happy to play. "I train very hard
and want to play in every game. My preferred position is central midfield
but I will play in any position – except for goalkeeper!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Highlights - West Ham United U18s 3-2 Swansea City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United stormed to the top of the U18 Premier League South table
after battling to a 3-2 victory over Swansea City on Saturday. It is the
first time this season the young Hammers have reached the summit, as they
overhauled previous leaders Arsenal thanks to Korrey Henry's late winner.
Coach Mark Phillips was understandably delighted with the win and hopes they
can consolidate their position at the top of the league in the coming weeks.
"It's a great achievement for the boys but now we're there to be shot at and
we have to be prepared for it," he said. "Swansea came out to match us and
were on top at the start of the second half and we have to expect teams to
come at us now we are top. "We all expect Villa to be a tough match at the
weekend but the boys are full of confidence."
Head coach Steve Potts welcomed back Conor Coventry to the starting eleven
after he helped the Republic of Ireland U17s make it through to the elite
phase of UEFA European Championships Qualifying during the week. The Hammers
were still without winger Anthony Scully though through illness. The home
side started the contest on the front foot and took the lead inside ten
minutes. Joe Powell's fantastic delivery was headed home by Rosaire Longelo
for his first of the season.
Swansea equalised shortly after when keeper Rihards Matrevics's clearance
cannoned off Liam Cullen and into the net. Visitors' keeper Alex Lang was
forced into three superb saves as West Ham searched for the lead for the
second time, before Powell turned architect once again with another inviting
cross being headed in, this time, by Jake Eggleton. The away side hit back
just after half-time after Cullen fired home his second but Henry snatched
the three points in the dying embers, finishing brilliantly from a Ben
Johnson free-kick "We started off very well and shouldn't have conceded
straight after scoring but we showed great resolve to come back," added
Phillips. "Swansea obviously scored within minutes of half-time and were
then on top. We changed our system and went to a 3-5-2 formation and it
worked. "Korrey has done really well in the last two games and hopefully he
can continue scoring and help us stay at the top."
West Ham: Matrevics; Eggleton, Akinola (c), Wells, Hannam; Coventry, Lewis;
Johnson, Powell, Longelo; Henry.
Subs not used: Barrett, Forde, Constantinou, Hamilton, Alese.
Goals: Longelo, Eggleton, Henry.
Swansea: Lang, Davies, Blake, Price, Cabango, Cooper, Fox (Darame, 54),
Jones, Cullen (c), Dulca (Berry, 66), Edwards (Roberts, 75).
Subs not used: Williams, Treacy.
Goals: Cullen (2)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke Ticket Exchange now open
WHUFC.com
Tickets available on Ticket Exchange for 5 November game against Stoke City
Stoke game is a sell-out but some Season Ticket Holders have made their
seats available to purchase
Scheme will enable supporters to attend otherwise sold out London Stadium
matches
You can be there for the sell-out Premier League clash with Stoke City on
Saturday 5 November, as tickets become available on our Ticket Exchange.
The visit of the Potters sold out to the Claret Members' ballot - as all
Premier League games at London Stadium have - but Season Ticket Holders can
relist theirs and Claret Members have first priority until 5pm on Wednesday
2 November.
After the priority window for Claret Members, all supporters will be able to
buy tickets made available on the Ticket Exchange.
Click here to purchase your tickets on the Ticket Exchange now
Once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season
Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card
will be activated. If you are not a Claret Member, you will be able to print
your ticket at home.
The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.
For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for
terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.
Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to purchase online here.
If you are a Season Ticket Holder unable to attend this game, please relist
your ticket to allow another fan to experience the Hammers at London Stadium
and you will benefit with ticket credit in your account which you can use
towards a future game.
Supporters who are successful in the Stoke ticket ballot will have received
a confirmation email by 6pm on Monday 24 October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham impose pre-match booze ban to prevent trouble for Chelsea EFL Cup
clash
22:30, 24 OCT 2016
BY PAUL ABDALE
Fans from both sides have been urged to arrive early because of increased
security at the biggest match at the club's new home
The Mirrror
West Ham have imposed a pre-match booze ban outside the London Stadium to
prevent trouble at the powderkeg EFL Cup clash with Chelsea Wednesday night.
Fans from both sides have been urged to arrive early in Stratford because of
increased security at the biggest match at the club's new home. And police
will be deployed inside the former Olympic Stadium to keep order between the
two London rivals. West Ham do not own the stadium which has been dogged by
crowd issues this season. But the London Stadium Partners insisted there
were "categorically not" any safety problems and there will increased
security, stewarding and segregation for the London derby. A spokesperson
for London Stadium partners West Ham United, E20 Stadium LLP and London
Stadium 185 said: "There will be no pre-match alcohol sales from the mobile
bars outside the Stadium, but bars will be open as normal inside the ground.
All bottled alcoholic beverages will be decanted into plastic cups. Bars
will close at the full-time whistle. "All supporters have been asked to
arrive early for Wednesday's fixture to allow sufficient time for enhanced
pre-entry security checks. "Ahead of the game, home and away supporters will
mix freely around the stadium island, however there will be post-match
segregation. "There will be an appropriate and visible police presence
outside London Stadium for the game against Chelsea, as there has been for
every game this season."
A Metropolitan Police Statement said: "The MPS has a tactical solution for
matches being held at the London Stadium which will allow the safe
deployment of officers into the stadium, if required, to deal with any crime
or disorder." Winston Reid wants "revenge" against Chelsea for West Ham's
opening Premier League defeat when Diego Costa scored the late winner after
escaping a red card earlier in the match. The Kiwi defender said: "It is a
massive game for us. We conceded a goal at their place late in the Premier
League game so it would be nice to get some revenge. The move to the new
stadium is not an excuse any more, though. We have played here a number of
times now and the players have got used to it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing £1.5million move for Millwall starlet Mahlon Romeo
22:01, 24 OCT 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 24 OCT 2016
BY DARREN WITCOOP
The Antigua and Barbuda right-back, 21, began his career with Arsenal before
dropping down the divisions to play first-team football
The Mirror
West Ham are preparing a £1.5million move for Millwall defender Mahlon
Romeo. The Hammers sent scouts to run the rule over Romeo in Millwall's 2-1
victory over Fleetwood on Saturday. It was the third time Romeo has been
watched by their east London rivals this season. The Antigua and Barbuda
right-back, 21, began his career with Arsenal before dropping down the
divisions to play first-team football. Now West Ham are keen to hand Romeo a
route back to the top in January.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Sam Byram and Michail Antoniou have featured at right-back
for Slaven Bilic's side this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Dimitri Payet nominated for 2016 Ballon d'Or award
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham forward Dimitri Payet has been nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or
awards after his superb breakthrough year in the Premier League. The
Frenchman has impressed for the Hammers ever since arriving from Marseille
last summer, and he ended his debut season in England having scored nine
league goals and creating another eight for Slaven Bilic's men, which earned
him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Payet, who also won West Ham's
Hammer of the Year award and the Player of the Year gong at the London
Football Awards last season, was so impressive for his club side that he
forced his way into Didier Deschamps' France squad ahead of Euro 2016, where
he netted three times as the hosts reached the final. Payet now joins
fellow Premier League stars Hugo Lloris, Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne,
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Paul Pogba on the Ballon
d'Or nominees. Lionel Messi, who has won the award five of the last seven
years, has also been nominated while three-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo has
made the cut after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro
2016 with his nation Portugal. This will be the first year that the Ballon
d'Or will go back to being given out just by French magazine France Football
after Fifa ended its association with the award. France Football has given
the best player in the world the gong every year since 1956 but, for the
last six years, they handed out a Fifa Ballon d'Or gong alongside world
football's governing body.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United interested in Jai Quitongo
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United have been linked with the Scottish-born starlet. The Mail
have reported that West Ham United are the latest Premier League side to
express an interest in Morton younger Jai Quitongo. A number of top-flight
English sides - including Southampton and Crystal Palace - have been
credited with an interest in the 19-year-old forward, whose contract with
the Scottish club expires in the summer. The Scottish Sun reported last week
that Southampton were keen, but that Crystal Palace were preparing a
£300,000 offer for the Scottish teenager, who will be allowed to speak to
other clubs in January. That being said, The Mail have now claimed that West
Ham will throw their hats in the ring and rival their Premier League rivals
for his signature. The report goes on to suggest that Doncaster Rovers had a
£100,000 bid knocked back in the summer, while claiming that a host of
Championship sides are also interested. West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic
is no stranger to investing in young talent and has already signed a host of
youngsters in the three transfer windows he has had as Irons manager. In the
summer, the Croat brought highly-rated youngsters Domingos Quina and Ashley
Fletcher to the East London club, and has previously signed Sam Byram and
Martin Samuelsen, though none of those four have had a major impact on the
first team as yet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Chelsea: Why London derby could make or break Hammers' season
TONY EVANS
Evening Standard
Some games are bigger than others. For West Ham United and Slaven Bilic, the
fourth-round League Cup tie against Chelsea on Wednesday is massive. West
Ham are on a knife edge. This is the sort of match that could determine the
direction of their season. The campaign has started disappointingly in the
East End. Bilic's side were expected to kick on after finishing seventh in
the Premier League last season. One win in the first seven matches was not
the start they expected after the move to the Olympic Stadium. Saturday's
last-gasp 1-0 victory over Sunderland means that Bilic's team have won two
in a row and kept a couple of clean sheets but this is a team struggling
with confidence. A poor result in this London derby could send them into a
tailspin. Bilic acknowledged his team's fragility after the Sunderland game.
West Ham had been at their most incisive in the first 20 minutes, slicing
apart their opponents at will. Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini were at
their beguiling best but when the goals failed to come a creeping, lack of
conviction took the impetus out of the Hammers. Belief drained away rapidly
on the pitch and in the stands.
The Croat talked at length about the mindset. Even though West Ham had shown
the sort of impressive verve, invention and organisation that characterised
last season's heroics, all it took was a good spell by Sunderland to disturb
their equilibrium. The away side did not have to impress for long. "A
minute… two…" Bilic said. He was right. The tipping point between dominance
and doubt arrived with shocking haste. Better teams than Sunderland will
take advantage of this weakness unless the 48-year-old manager can solve the
problem.
Some of the team even appeared to have lost faith in their own ability. In
the second half, Payet released Simone Zaza 35 yards out with a ball that
sprung the offside trap. The Italian had a clear run towards goal and the
choices for the trailing defender seemed simple: foul or hope for
goalkeeping heroics. Zaza looked like a man who did not relish the
opportunity, though. He slowed down, got his body in the wrong position and
allowed his opponent to ease him off the ball. Some have questioned whether
the 25-year-old on loan from Juventus is good enough to lead the line in the
Premier League. On that evidence, Zaza is among those doubters. Goals and
victories solve most of football's problems. The late winner on Saturday
from Winston Reid turned a frustrating afternoon into a platform for the
team's renaissance. Bilic thinks there is a simple equation to changing West
Ham's mentality. "To delete that you need things like this [Reid's goal],"
he said. "You need one more win." If that victory is against Chelsea, it
could transform West Ham's season.
Antonio Conte can afford to take the League Cup less seriously than Bilic,
especially after Chelsea's rampant performance against Manchester United.
They will be thinking top four and titles at Stamford Bridge after their 4-0
rout of United. Expectations in the East End are considerably lower. A cup
run would be a massive boost. There are also bigger issues than results at
stake on Wednesday. West Ham need this game to pass off peacefully. This
match-up brings out the worst in sections of both clubs' support and the
stewarding and policing problems that came in the wake of the move to
Stratford have at times overshadowed the issues on the pitch.
This is the first flashpoint fixture at the Olympic Stadium and, for those
bent on causing havoc, the surrounds of the Queen Elizabeth Park offer ample
opportunity. There are too many entries and exits into the area to police
with any degree of comfort. Most security will be centred on Stratford
Underground station, where the majority of fans will arrive, but the streets
around Hackney Wick and Pudding Mill Lane stations and the banks of the
River Lea need to be monitored carefully. West Ham and the Met cannot afford
the stadium to gain a reputation as being unpoliceable.
Wednesday will be a huge night for West Ham. They need conviction on the
pitch and no behaviour by supporters that will lead to convictions off it.
It will be a big test for the club on both counts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Chelsea: Winston Reid plots 'revenge' after Diego Costa's
controversial Stamford Bridge winner
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham defender Winston Reid believes Wednesday's League Cup clash against
Chelsea provides a great opportunity for revenge. Reid's late winner against
Sunderland on Saturday was the perfect boost for West Ham ahead of the home
fourth-round tie against their West London rivals and the New Zealand
international admits the Premier League defeat by Chelsea earlier this
season still rankles with him. Diego Costa scored a late winner at Stamford
Bridge in the opening match of the Premier League season but West Ham
believed the Chelsea striker should have been sent off earlier in the match
for a foul on goalkeeper Adrian. "It is a massive game for us," said Reid.
"We needed the boost of a win over Sunderland and now we can go into the
game really looking forward to it. "We conceded a goal at their place late
in the Premier League game, so it would be nice to get some revenge. A cup
run would be good. It was a disappointment for us to go out of the Europa
League so early."
Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland was only West Ham's second in the Premier
League at their new home but Reid feels it is time to stop making excuses
about the club's summer move from Upton Park. "It does help when you win
your games at home," he said. "We have given the fans something to cheer
about. "The move to a new stadium is not an excuse any more, though. We
have played here a number of times now and the players have got used to it.
We just need to do better but even when things haven't been going our way,
we have always stuck together as a group."
Successive Premier League wins have also relieved the pressure on manager
Slaven Bilic, who is also relishing the visit of their London rivals. "I
can't say the win over Sunderland changes everything," he said. "But in the
situation we were in, to have six points from the last two games and two
clean sheets is massive. "If you win two games, especially when you get them
like this, at the end of the game, it gives you an unbelievable boost.
"We're going to be less tired than if it finished 0-0. The players are going
to be smiling, happy and they can't wait for a game against Chelsea. It's a
very important game for us. We are dreaming about going very far in this
cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angelo Ogbonna warns Diego Costa that West Ham know all about him now ahead
of fiery cup tie
22:30, 23 OCT 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers picked up a vital victory over Sunderland to enter their League
Cup tie against Chelsea at the London Stadium with much-needed confidence
The Mirror
Back in form and backing themselves to come out on top against Diego Costa.
Angelo Ogbonna says he and his West Ham team-mates have learned from the
opening game of the season in which the Chelsea striker wound them up then
watched them go to pieces. Now with the two teams set to meet again in
Wednesday's EFL Cup showdown, Ogbonna is warning Costa he will find it far
harder to get under the Hammers' skin. "We know Costa," said the Italy
international. "Every time we play him we have to be careful. "Sometimes if
we do something as defenders, it's bigger than it is if a striker does it. A
striker can do whatever he wants. A defender has to be careful, maybe
clever. This is the game. I think whoever is more clever can win! "We've
played him already. Everybody knows Costa. He has a high behaviour. On the
pitch he tries to make something to change the game."
Following a run of four defeats in five league games, West Ham have now won
their last two to move up to 15th in the table. Saturday's winner from
Winston Reid kept Sunderland rooted to the bottom and clinched the Hammers'
first victory at the Olympic Stadium since August. To be fair to David
Moyes, at least two West Ham players looked offside when Reid blasted home
in stoppage time. But Sam Allardyce's re-emergence, following his sacking
from the England job, will pile the pressure on the Scot. For Slaven Bilic,
that pressure has eased. Versatile Edimilson Fernandes looks a fine buy
judging by his performance at left wing-back in place of the suspended Aaron
Cresswell. Dimitri Payet once again ran the game. The switch to a back three
appears to have stopped the rot. Of course, Wednesday night will be a step
up in class with Chelsea a far tougher proposition than the winless Black
Cats. With some big cup casualties anticipated in midweek, Ogbonna is
expecting Antonio Conte, his former boss at Juventus, to field a strong
side. But he believes the Irons have some matchwinners of their own.
He added: "Costa is an international player, a good player. They have Hazard
as well, we shouldn't talk just about Costa. They also have Willian. Kante
as well. "Maybe they are going to change it a bit because they are playing
in the cup and they have a lot of games. But we have to prepare like it's
the last game of the season. "We have good players too. The expectation is
high. Everyone knows Dimi can change the match sometimes, but not just Dimi.
"Today Reidy changed the match. Maybe Pedro Obiang. Maybe Manuel Lanzini. We
are expecting Simone Zaza too. It is his turn. "I have a really good
relationship with Conte, but I have to put it to one side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland boss David Moyes facing FA charge after confronting referee Bobby
Madley at West Ham
22:30, 23 OCT 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Scot vented his fury at the official, claiming two Hammers players were
offside as Winston Reid netted a stoppage-time winner
The Mirror
David Moyes could face an FA charge after a tunnel confrontation with
referee Bobby Madley following Sunderland's defeat to West Ham. The Black
Cats boss vented his fury at the official, claiming two Hammers players were
offside as Winston Reid netted a stoppage-time winner. Moyes could find
himself in hot water if Madley includes the incident in his report to the FA
today. The Scot is already under pressure following the defeat which leaves
Sunderland five points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League. The Black
Cats are also the only team in the top four divisions without a league win
so far this season. Beaten just twice in their final 14 games of last season
under Sam Allardyce, Moyes' men have yet to keep a clean sheet this time.
Allardyce has been tipped to return to the Stadium of Light this season
should Moyes fail to stop the rot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win makes London Stadium a happier place to be
West Ham win makes London Stadium a happier place to be
Slaven Bilic said West Ham eased their "cramp" with this win CREDIT: REX
FEATURES
Jonathan Liew
23 OCTOBER 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
You can keep your safe standing. You can keep your lines of segregation. You
can keep your increased police presence. As an entirely pleasant afternoon
at the London Stadium demonstrated, the key to keeping West Ham fans happy
is simpler than it seems: three points does the trick every time.
It is not a trite observation. The spectator unrest that has plagued the
early games at West Ham's new home cannot be entirely unrelated to the
team's frustrating start to the season. How could it be? Here, Winston
Reid's unlikely winner four minutes into added time sent everyone home
happy. And with Chelsea visiting in the EFL Cup on Wednesday amid an
unprecedented security operation, manager Slaven Bilic admitted that
another victory on the pitch would go a long way to keeping order off it.
"The fans are frustrated when we don't win home games," he said. "Then they
start arguing with each other. If we're talking about discipline in the
stands, it didn't help that we were not winning. We have to give everything
to continue like this, and then everything will be better, including the
security situation of the stadium."
Winning football games is pretty useful in its own right, of course, and
despite a performance that sizzled in the first 25 minutes and fizzled
thereafter, after two straight wins West Ham are finally beginning to ease
what Bilic describes as their "cramp" – the mental paralysis that has
prevented them from playing their best football.
"The opponent was defending for 25 minutes," Bilic said. "Because we didn't
score, we tried to force it. Then after they [Sunderland] had the ball for
one minute in our half of the pitch, it's that cramp – 'oh my God, we should
have scored two, and now they had a chance'. Now the cramp is smaller,
because we won."
If West Ham are beginning to overcome their mental block, then Sunderland's
appears to be worsening. That they competed for 93 minutes here will be
little consolation: with two points in nine games, they have made the worst
start to a Premier League season since Sheffield Wednesday in 1999.
"Look, we have to pick ourselves off the floor," said captain John O'Shea.
"I'm not going to lie, the dressing room was extremely disappointed
afterwards, but we have to realise for so long we frustrated West Ham. We
knew, coming away from home, that we had to stay in the game. That's what we
spoke about: stay in the game. Give yourself a chance. That's what we did."
Does anything there strike you as slightly strange? This was not Manchester
City or Arsenal that O'Shea was talking about, after all, but a West Ham
side low on confidence, who were in the bottom three before the
international break. Should a club the size of Sunderland not have ambitions
beyond "staying in the game"? Should their long-suffering fans not expect
more than "giving themselves a chance"?
The temptation here is to point the finger at David Moyes, who made a
defensive substitution with 10 minutes remaining when a more proactive
manager might have gone for it. But that would not be fair. Stunted ambition
is a disease that has been afflicting the club for quite some time now.
Years of relegation scraps will do that to you. And in fact Moyes spoke very
well earlier in the week about the need to establish an organic "identity"
for the club, rooted in the region and its people.
Moyes will need time to remake the club, but it will not be given
unconditionally. This is the bind he is in: how do you build for the future
when you are scrapping for your life every week? After all, it is all very
well having a long-term plan. But unless Moyes manages to turn results
around fast, he could very well be heading for the short-term sack.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hoping to avoid crowd trouble with EFL Cup win
over Chelsea
SLAVEN BILIC insists West Ham fans will behave at the London Stadium if the
team keep winning – and hopes a victory against Chelsea can lead to a dream
cup run.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Mon, Oct 24, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:23, Mon, Oct 24, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham face Chelsea on Wednesday in the EFL Cup round of 16 coming off
back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and Sunderland. Saturday's victory was
just their second league win at their new home and the first since August.
The crowd trouble which first surfaced during the defeat to Watford last
month appears to have died down, but there is nervousness ahead of Chelsea's
visit. Police will be deployed around the stadium for the first time with a
'tactical solution' allowing for entry into the stands if required. But
Bilic believes the best solution is to keep picking up wins. "The fans are
frustrated when we don't win home games," he said. "Now it's a much better
situation and we have to give everything to continue like this and then
everything will be better, including the security situation with the
stadium."
West Ham had gone five league games without a win before beating Crystal
Palace last week and following that up with Winston Reid's injury time
strike on Saturday has addressed some of the issues. Six points, two clean
sheets, and a more positive outlook. "It's massive to have these six
points, especially when you get them like this at the end of the game. It
gives you an unbelievable boost," Bilic added. "We're not thinking about
Everton away. We're dreaming about progressing in the cup so we're going to
try to beat Chelsea. We are very ambitious in every competition that we're
in. "This cup is very interesting for us. Chelsea are playing, and are out
of this small crisis, if you can call it a crisis, and this derby is going
to be a very competitive game. "All I want to say is that we are dreaming
about going very, very far in the cup."
Chelsea beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge in August with an 89th minute Diego
Costa strike. The Spain international has rediscovered his touch and looks
more focused this season under Antonio Conte. And West Ham defender Angelo
Ogbonna is looking forward to the challenge of taking him on again – if he's
selected. "Everybody knows Costa," Ogbonna said. "On the pitch he tries to
make something to change the game. Every time we have to be careful.
"Sometimes if we do something, as defenders, it's bigger than it is if a
striker does it. A striker can do whatever he wants. A defender has to be
careful, maybe clever. Whoever is more clever can win." For Sunderland,
meanwhile, this was the fourth time they have dropped points from conceding
after the 85th minute and it leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table
still searching for their first win of the season. David Moyes is already
under pressure and the players know they're in a dogfight. Wahbi Khazri
missed an excellent chance to break the deadlock just after half-time but
shot straight at Adrian. Moyes complained afterwards that Reid's goal should
have been ruled out with players in offside positions in Jordan Pickford's
eyeline but replays showed it was the correct call. "It does feel like
everything's going against us," Jack Rodwell said. "I'd like to say that
it's early in the season but we're getting to the point now where we need to
start getting wins. It's going to be a fight. It's going to go to the wire."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic predicts bubbly atmosphere in West Ham training after late
winner against Sunderland: 'It gives you an unbelievable boost'
West Ham beat Sunderland 1-0 at London Stadium on Saturday afternoon
Winston Reid scored the winner in the fourth minute of injury time
The Hammers face Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 23 October 2016 | UPDATED: 00:32, 24 October 2016
A second can change everything in football and Winston Reid's winner against
Sunderland in the fourth minute of stoppage time has given West Ham's EFL
Cup derby against Chelsea on Wednesday a whole new complexion. The players
will arrive for training on Monday 'smiling and happy and probably can't
wait for the game', according to manager Slaven Bilic. 'We're not now
saying, 'Ugh, we have a game on Wednesday' we're like 'YES! We have a game
on Wednesday',' said Bilic after West Ham's second successive win. 'These
six points, especially if you get them like this at the end of the game, it
gives you an unbelievable boost. 'Can you imagine the atmosphere on Monday
in training? 'We're not going to be as tired as we would've been if it was
0-0 and they were feeling knackered.'How the London Stadium copes with the
5,200 Chelsea supporters will be a focal point. Bilic believes the home
fans' poor behaviour has been an embodiment of the side's struggles on the
pitch.'The fans are frustrated when we don't win home games,' he said. 'Then
they start arguing with each other. Sunderland are only the second
top-flight team, after Bury in 1905 and 1906, not to win in their first nine
league games in consecutive seasons. 'If we're talking about the discipline
in the stands it didn't help that we were not winning.' Against Sunderland,
West Ham dominated the first 30 minutes and Dimitri Payet struck the post,
yet one close free-kick from their opponents and they were straight on the
back foot. 'Because we didn't score we tried to force it,' Bilic explained.
But it's amazing the difference a second can make.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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