Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2017

Hammers produce superb team performance
WHUFC.com

West Ham United produced the perfect team performance as they put a difficult few days behind them to record an emphatic 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. All the headlines may have surrounded Dimitri Payet, but the players showed they are united as they secured their first victory in 2017. It turned out to be the perfect day for the east London Club as Sofiane Feghouli netted his first Premier League goal, Andy Carroll scored a superb scissor kick and Manuel Lanzini also got on the scoresheet as the Hammers got back to winning ways in style at London Stadium. Slaven Bilic could not have asked anymore from his players who were under the spotlight following a turbulent few days, but they showed how much they are behind the manager with a superb team display. The players showed character, determination and the quality to record their biggest Premier League win at London Stadium. It was also a day to remember for Michail Antonio who was forced to miss the build-up through illness, but played his part with three crucial assists during the game. With injuries and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Bilic opted to change his system and rever to three at the back with James Collins making a timely return to first-team action after he was forced to miss the last month with a hamstring injury. The system had worked so well for the Hammers in the impressive 1-0 win at Selhurst Park back in October and Bilic was hoping for a similar outcome.
Following a slow start to the game, the Hammers created the first major opening on 26 minutes. Skipper Mark Noble picked up the ball on the right hand side and crossed in for Andy Carroll who volleyed the ball inches over the bar. The game started to open up and Palace almost came close to breaking the deadlock on 31 minutes. Collins looping header fell into the path of Yohan Cabaye who tried an audacious 30-yard volley which produced a fine save from Darren Randolph diving low to his left. Former Hammers defender James Tomkins blew a golden chance to open the scoring for Palace on 35 minutes. Andros Townsend's free-kick picked out Tomkins who only had Randolph to beat but he sliced his shot wide of the post.
Bilic made a change at the interval bringing on Sam Byram to replace Angelo Ogbonna as he reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with Michail Antonio playing alongside Carroll in the Hammers attack. The move almost paid off straight away as Carroll fired a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the post. Byram also had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet on 66 minutes when the ball fell kindly to him inside the box and he struck a half-volley just past the post. The deadlock was finally broken on 67 minutes and you could sense the relief around London Stadium. Antonio got in behind the Palace defender and took the ball around Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey. The Hammers winger crossed towards goal and Feghouli was in the right place to knock the loose ball into an empty net.
Carroll secured all three points for the home side in spectacular fashion on 79 minutes Antonio's left-foot cross fell perfectly for the Hammers forward and he produced a great piece of skill to fire the perfect scissor kick past Hennessey into the roof of the net. Lanzini was not to be outdone as he made it three on 85 minutes with another superb finish. Antonio turned provider once again as he played the perfect through ball into the path of the Argentine midfielder and he showed all his class to deliver the perfect chip over Hennessey as the Hammers celebrated a memorable victory.

West Ham: Randolph; Reid, Collins, Ogbonna (Byram 46), Cresswell; Feghouli, Obiang, Noble, Antonio (Fletcher 89), Lanzini (Fernandes 87); Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian, Calleri, Oxford, Quina
Bookings: Noble, Carroll, Byram, Lanzini

Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Tomkins, Dann, Delaney, Ward; Cabaye, McArthur (Lee 70), Ledley (Schlupp 80), Puncheon, Townsend (Remy 70); Benteke
Subs not used: Speroni, Fryers, Kelly, Flamini
Bookings: Ledley, Ward

Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Attendance: 56,984

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Bilic - It's a perfect day
WHUFC.com

Bilic impressed with determination, character and team spirit of his Hammers team
Sofiane Feghouli, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini on target in 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace
Manager says win was the perfect end to a testing week

Slaven Bilic hailed a true team performance from his team after they put Crystal Palace to the sword at London Stadium on Saturday. Sofiane Feghouli, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini were on target as the Hammers swept their London rivals aside with a clinical second half display. Bilic was thrilled with how his team responded to a testing week in the best style possible, with three points, three goals, and a first win of 2017. "It was a very difficult game for us, a very difficult week for us as well, but the team showed everything we asked them for – determination, team spirit, character," the manager explained. "The crowd was brilliant from kick-off, all the way through. We made one change at half-time and in the second half we were magnificent. "We gave everything and scored three very good goals. We were compact, we were solid, and I congratulate the boys – they did an amazing job. "The fans were the same and were magnificent from the first whistle to the end."

The victory was the Hammers' first by more than a single goal at their new home, and the boss was glad to not have to feel nervous in stoppage time! He added: "You like to be relaxed [at the end], so it is nice to win by a few goals! After we scored the third one, it was basically game over. "It was a perfect day for us. A clean sheet is also very important, three goals scored at home, all by offensive players, which is also very important for them. "Everybody is happy individually, they all know we played really well, and will gain confidence from this. It's a great day."

The highlight, perhaps, was Carroll's exquisite scissor-kick which doubled the Hammers' advantage with eleven minutes to play and Bilic was full of praise for the No9. The boss said: "He is a great character, he is a leader and everything. That goal was the end of a really good move from us – and to score in that manner, he is the one who deserves it."

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Carroll - It was the best goal of my career
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll says years of practising finally paid off as he netted the best goal of his career to help the Hammers produce a superb all-round team performance with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Carroll executed the perfect scissor kick from Michail Antonio's cross as the ball flew past Crystal Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey into the roof of the net. The Hammers forward reveals he attempted a similar effort in training in the build-up to the game but his effort struck the post. But he was determined to go one better and it paid off as he celebrated a memorable strike and played his part in memorable display for the Hammers in their biggest Premier League victory at London Stadium. Carroll said: "I had done one of those in training last week and it hit the post so I have been practising.
"The cross came in and I wanted to try it again and thankfully it has gone into the back of the net so I am over the moon. I think it has to be one of the best of my career. "Michail has had three assists which is fantastic and put in the perfect ball for me. I just went for it and it went in. "I have been practising for a while – actually for a few years, so thankfully it has come off!"

After a turbulent few days, the Hammers players showed the spirit and determination to get behind Slaven Bilic and showed they are united as a team. Carroll has nothing but praise for the way his team-mates came together at a crucial time to record their first victory in 2017. Carroll added: "I think 100 per cent we have answered a few of the critics. With everything that has been going in during the week and everyone talking, I have received a lot of calls and messages and it has been the same for the other players. "It has been tough, especially as lads are close to one another. To put all that behind us and work as a team has been fantastic. "The fans were like our 12th man today and were great all the way through the game with their support. It was a great day all-round. We all believe in the manager and he has been fantastic. "All the lads in the dressing room were fantastic and professional. They know what it means to the fans and the Club.
"We stuck together and everyone is hungry and dedicated. It showed in the performance today."

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SLOs return to action
WHUFC.com

Matchday Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) return to action at London Stadium
SLOs on hand to provide assistance, answer queries or concerns and improve fans' matchday experience
Team was doubled in size for Crystal Palace fixture and will continue to grow as season progresses

West Ham United's ever-expanding team of committed and enthusiastic Matchday Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) returned to action at London Stadium on Saturday.

The 20-strong group – doubled from the ten who served supporters at the FA Cup tie with Manchester City – were stationed at key points around the Hammers' home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

There, they assisted fans with a wide variety of enquiries, ranging from ticketing and transport queries, to giving directions to turnstiles and the Stadium Store, to taking reports of more serious concerns to pass onto relevant Club staff.

Introduced by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady at the start of the New Year, the number of SLOs on duty at each home game will continue to increase, with the Club actively recruiting with the aim of fielding a team of 50 by the end of the season.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing fans with a positive matchday experience, the SLOs were given a full introductory briefing by senior Club staff before donning bespoke West Ham-branded 'SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER' jackets to make them visible to fans.

Having welcomed thousands of supporters to London Stadium, the SLOs went inside the ground to provide further help and advice during the match, before heading back out to assist supporters after the final whistle.

"Our supporters are the lifeblood of the Club and they have brought the heart and soul of West Ham to our new home," said the Vice-Chairman.

"My Board's No1 focus is to do all everything we can to help our supporters acclimatise to their new surroundings following our historic move to London Stadium last summer.

"Their matchday experience is of paramount importance to us and our valued team of SLOs help us to deliver a better experience for our all.

"The initial matchday SLO initiative proved successful and we doubled the size of the team for Saturday's game. Again, the feedback we have received from supporters was overwhelmingly positive.

"With our new dedicated Supporter Services Twitter account @WestHamHelp also being introduced, these initiatives are all part of our commitment to improving the matchday experience for all fans."

The SLOs will return to action on Wednesday 1 February, when the Hammers host Manchester City in the Premier League at 7.45pm.

Should you wish to join this valued team and become an important part of the West Ham family, click here to apply.

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SAT, 14 JAN 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace
By Tim Oscroft
BBC Sport

Andy Carroll scored with a stunning volley as West Ham beat Crystal Palace at London Stadium. The 28-year-old met Michail Antonio's cross in mid-air to hit a left-footed effort that tore past Eagles keeper Wayne Hennessey to make it 2-0. Sofiane Feghouli had put the hosts ahead from close range earlier in the second half for his first Premier League goal. Manuel Lanzini sealed victory late on with a sublime chip over the advancing Hennessey to leave Palace boss Sam Allardyce still searching for his first win. The result moved West Ham up into 12th place, while Palace only stay out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Palace had looked comfortable in the first half, but they did not force West Ham keeper Darren Randolph into making a meaningful save until the dying minutes of the match.

'My best goal' - Carroll

Carroll admitted afterwards that he had tried something similar to his brilliant goal in training during the week, but that his effort had hit the post that time.
The old adage about never leaving your best on the training ground seems apt here. Carroll told BBC Sport: "It's been a while in the making - I've been trying for a couple of years. It's got to be the best goal I've scored." Carroll's attempts at scissor kicks in practice had left manager Slaven Bilic more than a little worried.
"With his history of injuries I go a bit crazy when he does that in training because you don't want him to get hurt," admitted the West Ham coach, while his Palace counterpart had nothing but admiration for the goal and its execution. "It's a terrific finish from Andy Carroll and he's always had that in his locker," said Allardyce. "The volley was outstanding."

The goal also impressed Chris Sutton and Martin Keown on BBC's Final Score, with former striker Sutton describing it as a "contender for goal of the season."
Keown compared Carroll's effort favourably with Olivier Giroud's 'scorpion' goal, also scored against Palace. "There's a lot of instinct involved, but he knows what he's doing. Is it better than Giroud's scorpion? There was an element of chance with Giroud but Carroll knows exactly what he's doing," he said.

Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, who played for both West Ham and Palace, said: "The Carroll goal was as good as I've seen - better contact than Wayne Rooney's against Man City (in 2011)."

Much of the build-up to this match had revolved around West Ham's Dimitri Payet, who manager Slaven Bilic had revealed "does not want to play" for the club any more. Bilic omitted the French midfielder from his matchday squad altogether, and his side looked to be lacking the kind of spark needed to break down a resilient Palace defence. But a tactical switch from the Hammers boss, which saw Sam Byram replace Angelo Ogbonna at half-time, reaped dividends with a host of chances coming thanks to the rejigged four-at-the-back formation. Antonio menaced the Palace backline throughout the second half, and Lanzini popped up where Payet may have been had he played, but the errant midfielder will have slipped out of many minds following this fine second-half display by Bilic's side.

Problems for Palace

Allardyce had to deal with speculation over Christian Benteke's future prior to the game, stating that the Belgian international was "not for sale" and had a "big part to play" following rumours that the 26-year-old could leave a mere five months after he moved to Selhurst Park.

The striker made his presence felt, catching West Ham defender James Collins with his arm in the first half, and could have put his side ahead if their best chance had fallen to him rather than James Tomkins.

The ex-West Ham player stabbed the ball across the goal rather than on target from close range in what turned out to be the closest the Eagles came to scoring.

The south London side, who have now gone seven games without a win and are level on points with Hull City, look in need of fresh blood during the current transfer window.

Man of the match - Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll had had an excellent all-round game and was in contention for the man of the match award anyway, but his stunning goal put that beyond all doubt
'Let's talk about who did play today instead'

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Payet is a great player so you are losing quality, but the team showed it is about the team and not individuals. This is a great example for that.

"So let's talk about Carroll, or Darren Randolph, or Mark Noble. Michail Antonio had flu and a temperature of 38.4C last night. He showed brilliant determination, brilliant quality. That's what I want to talk about."

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce: "We don't have the capability to make sure we don't lose. That's the first thing to put right at a struggling club and at the moment we don't know how to get that result.

"Today after 70 minutes we didn't look in any real trouble, but once we gifted them the first goal we lost our shape and our discipline.

What happens next?

West Ham travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday, 21 January at 15:00 GMT, while Palace have two games in the next week. They replay Bolton Wanderers at home in the third round of the FA Cup on Tuesday, 17 January at 20:00, then host Everton next Saturday at 15:00.

Antonio is Mr Assist - the stats you need

Michail Antonio is the first West Ham player to provide three assists in a Premier League game since Paolo Di Canio vs Coventry in April 2000.
Crystal Palace lost their fifth consecutive Premier League London derby, equalling their worst such run in the competition (five games, last done in March 1998).
Andy Carroll has scored five goals in his last three home Premier League London derbies for West Ham.
Manuel Lanzini has scored a goal in each of his four Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace; double the amount he's scored against any other Premier League club.
Antonio has been directly involved in more Premier League goals than any other West Ham player this season - 11 (8 goals, 3 assists).
Indeed, Antonio recorded his first Premier League assists since April 2016 (v Arsenal) and it's the first time he has bagged three in an English league game.

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WEST HAM 3-0 CRYSTAL PALACE – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 14 JANUARY 2017 AT 6:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican

West Ham defeated Crystal Palace in a hard-fought Premier League match at the London Stadium. With a week of media coverage of Dimitri Payet's sulking "season of discontent", the remainder of the squad looked ready to hit the pitch and opened up all their scoring in the second half with goals by Sofaine Feghouli, Andy Carroll, and Manuel Lanzini, to bring a dejected London Stadium crowd to their feet and get West Ham back on their winning ways 14 days into a new year.

The first half was a scrappy fight played largely in the middle third; a typical Sam Allardyce match. West Ham's best opportunity was a long range volley from Andy Carroll in the 27th minute which sailed only a yard over the crossbar. For Palace, West Ham fans gasped as former Hammer, James Tomkins tapped a corner kick from only two yards out which miraculously went wide. Otherwise, the most action in the opening half was Neil Swarbrick booking three players before ending the half.

The second half saw Bilic bring on Sam Byram during the break in relief of Ogbonna; bringing the home team formation back to a 4-4-2 from the three back/wingback opening formation.

67 minutes in and Antonio was able to beat the defense, side-step a hapless challenge by Hennessey, and wisely cross to the crashing Sofiane Feghouli for the open goal tap in.

Twelve minutes later Antonio took Lanzini's pass and crossed to Andy Carroll, whose beautiful scissor kick from 15 yards out was possibly was the goal of the season.

In the 86th minute of play Antonio passed ahead to Lanzini again, who skipped away from Hennessey's attempted save, and hopped it into the open goal.

With the visitor's stands clearing out prior to the end of stoppage time, the home crowd braved a cold, London day and was rewarded with a convincing win over a relegation-threatened side.

A week of rehashing the problems of the club, where to go during a disappointing January transfer window, and a loss of the star Frenchman was further hindered by the loss of Kouyate and Andre Ayew to their national team duty. But the stout second half play of a newly healthy Sam Byram allowed West Ham to play a traditional back four, opening up Antonio to have a hat trick of assists. Only yesterday ExWestHamEmployee had reported concerns that Antonio's health would prevent him from playing today. Instead he surprised the team and the media by created all the scoring opportunities in Payet's absence.

As West Ham's victories have come against struggling competition, the Hammers have another opportunity when they head to Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Sitting at 12th place and five points away from 7th position, there are still things to play for as this season progresses.

Please check TheWestHamWay.co.uk for all the latest transfer news over the coming week.



West Ham: Randolph, Collins, Reid, Ogbonna, Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Cresswell, Lanzini, Feghouli, Carroll.

Subs: Adrian, Byram (46'), Fletcher (89'), Calleri, Fernandes (87'), Oxford, Quina

Bookings: Noble, Carroll, Lanzini



Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Tomkins, Dann, Delaney, McArthur, Ledley, Townsend, Cabaye, Puncheon, Benteke.

Subs: Speroni, Fryers, Kelly, Flamini, Schlupp (80'), Lee (69') , Remy (69')

Bookings: Ledley

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West Ham Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 14th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Three goals of the highest quality saw West Ham secure their first win of 2017 - with Dimitri Payet nowhere to be seen.

The French international may have been instrumental to United last season but even before he went on strike after his demands to leave the club were denied, he had been a shadow of the player that lit up the final season at the Boleyn Ground.

And whilst fans may have been fearing the worst following the loss of the team's main attacking force - and may still have been doing so at half time following a dreary and cautious opening 45 - few were talking about Payet come the final whistle.

And that was due to an 18-minute spell towards the end in which West Ham finally came alive, scoring three goals and thus securing their biggest home win of the current Premier League season.

Michail Antonio, having been freed to play in a more advanced role following a second half reshuffle was involved in all three goals. The target of much transfer speculation this week, his involvement here will have done little to deter any potential suitors.

It was Antonio's 68th-minute centre, having received the ball wide on the left via a clever pass from Mark Noble and then rounded 'keeper Wayne Hennessey, that left (a potentially offside) Sofiane Feghouli with a tap-in to open the scoring.

And the game was all but put beyond Palace's reach on 79 minutes when Andy Carroll scored one of the goals of the season with a simply breathtaking overhead kick - the sort that results in sports editors and pundits demanding his instant recall to the national fold.

The provider for Carroll was, once again, Antonio - and it was he who provided a perfectly-weighted pass for Manuel Lanzini to latch on to before lifting the ball over the head of an advancing Hennessey to make it 3-0 with just four minutes of normal time remaining.

And whilst he received a yellow card as a result, the Argentine's joyful celebrations - in which he leapt into the arms of his adoring fans - were a small but significant moment of positivity following months of misery at Stratford.

West Ham Utd: Randolph, Reid, Collins, Ogbonna (Byram 46), Cresswell, Feghouli, Obiang, Noble, Antonio (Fletcher 89), Lanzini (Fernandes 87), Carroll.

Goals: Feghouli (68), Carroll (79), Lanzini (89).

Subs not used: Adrian, Calleri, Oxford, Quina.

Bookings: Noble, Carroll, Byram, Lanzini.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Tomkins, Dann, Delaney, Ward, Cabaye, McArthur (Lee 70), Ledley (Schlupp 80), Puncheon, Townsend (Remy 70), Benteke.

Subs not used: Speroni, Fryers, Kelly, Flamini.

Bookings: Ledley, Ward.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick.

Tickets Sold: 56,984.

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Bodyguard for Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 14th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

The Dimitri Payet insignia on the Olympic Stadium's outer perimeter has been allocated its own guard for this afternoon's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The signage, which reproduces the words to the song sung by Hammers fans to the French international is being guarded throughout the afternoon by one steward - presumably to prevent vandalism.
Payet has effectively gone on strike having been told that West Ham are not willing to allow him to return to Marseille in France

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West Ham 3-0 Crystal Palace: Andy Carroll scores stunning overhead kick as Hammers win London derby
By Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 14/01/17 6:42pm
SSN

Andy Carroll scored a stunning overhead kick as West Ham beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday. The victory brought a welcome end to a turbulent week for the east Londoners after manager Slaven Bilic revealed that playmaker Dimitri Payet was refusing to play for the club anymore. But Carroll shrugged off the Frenchman's absence with a second-half wonder strike in what proved a comprehensive win and a key first victory in four games. After a quiet opening half, the game sprang to life after the interval when Sofiane Feghouli netted his first Premier League goal to break the deadlock in the 68th minute before a world-class effort from Carroll doubled the lead 11 minutes later. Manuel Lanzini rounded off the afternoon with a fine counter-attacking goal with four minutes of normal time to play to see the Hammers go nine points clear of the drop zone but leave Crystal Palace just outside on goal difference.

The opening 45 minutes was a very scrappy affair, with the first sight on goal coming in the 28th minute. A great run from Mark Noble on the right flank saw him fire a cross into the box for Carroll, but the striker's volley just skimmed the crossbar and ended up in the crowd. Neither goalkeeper had much to do in terms of saves during the first half, but Darren Randolph was called into action four minutes later as a James Collins clearance fell to Yohan Cabaye at the top of the box, but his half-volley was well collected by the goalkeeper.

Crystal Palace's best chance of the half came with nine minutes to play, as James Tomkins nearly punished his boyhood club. Andros Townsend fired a sublime free-kick into the box that found the foot of the defender, but he slightly skewed the tap-in and it rolled wide of the far post with the incoming Joe Ledley unable to get to it in time.

The Eagles ended the half on slightly better terms and went close again in the 38th minute as Townsend was again involved, firing a delightful cross to the back post from the right flank, but Jason Puncheon could not get the proper contact and the West Ham defence saw the ball out of danger.

Within minutes of the second half, both sides could have broken the deadlock. Carroll took a great turn at the top of the box before firing just wide while Cabaye whistled a chance over the crossbar at the other end two minutes later.

The chances kept coming for Carroll, with Feghouli firing a fantastic cross into the box in the 52nd minute that the striker just headed over before Lanzini sent a fine free-kick to him at the back post that he could only poke agonisingly wide of the upright.

But the goals started flowing for the home side in the 68th minute as Feghouli netted his first league goal since his summer move. A sublime through-ball from Noble set off Michail Antonio into the box, who nicked the ball around an oncoming Wayne Hennessey who was far off his line, and squaring to the Algeria international to slot home into an open net.

Eleven minutes later, Carroll produced an absolute stunning effort to double the Hammers' lead and end his frustration in front of goal. Lanzini played the ball to Antonio on the right of the box, who put in a fantastic cross to the striker on the right of the box.

Carroll steadied himself before hitting the ball with the sweetest of overhead kicks to send the effort smashing into the back of the net for one of the goals of the season as the London Stadium went wild.

Lanzini rounded off the scoring in the 86th minute, and it was the third assist of the afternoon for Antonio. After Winston Reid clearance at the other end sent Antonio off on a break, bursting down the field before beautifully laying the ball off for Lanzini who continued the run.

Hennessey was again off his line as the Argentine chipped the ball over him into an open net to seal a fine three points for the home side and plunge Palace deeper into a relegation battle.

Player ratings

West Ham: Randolph (5), Collins (7), Reid (6), Ogbonna (6), Antonio (9), Noble (7), Obiang (6), Cresswell (6), Lanzini (8), Feghouli (7), Carroll (8).

Subs used: Byram (7), Fernandes (n/a), Fletcher (n/a).


Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce said his side gave West Ham easy goals and opened up too much as they lost 3-0.
Crystal Palace: Hennessey (5), Ward (7), Tomkins (6), Dann (7), Delaney (6), McArthur (6), Ledley (6), Townsend (6), Cabaye (6), Puncheon (6), Benteke (5).

Subs used: Lee Chung-Yong (5), Remy (5), Schlupp (4).

Man of the match: Michail Antonio.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says Crystal Palace win a 'perfect day' after difficult week
By Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 14/01/17 6:50pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says the 3-0 win against Crystal Palace was a 'perfect day' after a difficult week for the club. It has been a turbulent few days as Bilic himself confirmed that playmaker Dimitri Payet was refusing to play for the club and could be on his way elsewhere in the January transfer window.

However, this did not affect the team on the field as they swept aside their London rivals and the Croatian boss was full of enthusiasm and praise for his side after the game.

"It was a perfect day for us. A clean sheet for us is also very important, three goals at home that are all scored by offensive players which is important for them," Bilic told Sky Sports.

"They all scored or assisted and combined with a clean sheet, everybody is happy. The players all know we played really well and should gain confidence from this as well. It is a great day for us.

"It was a very difficult week but the team showed what we asked them for: determination, team spirit and character. The first half was kind of nervous which was expected. The crowd was brilliant from kick-off all the way through.

"In the second half, we made a change at half-time and we were magnificent. We gave everything, scored three really good goals, we were very compact and very solid which is what the team should be so today we showed everything.

"I can only congratulate the boys who have done amazingly. I would also like to thank the fans who were magnificent from the first whistle until the end."

It was a stunning overhead kick from Andy Carroll that took centre stage at the London Stadium, which the striker admitted he had been practising in training.

While Bilic only had warm words for his player, he did give a humourous response when asked about the attempts tried by Carroll in training.

"He has got it but when he was doing them in training, he was hitting the post or it was not going in and with his history with injuries, I go a little bit crazy when he tries them because I don't want him to feel something after that," the manager added.

"I am a great fan of his. He gives you everything, he has character and he is a leader. That goal was also the end of a good move for us and to score in that manner, he is the one that deserved it."

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Andy Carroll says no one is bigger than West Ham
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 15/01/17 7:49am
SSN

Andy Carroll has taken a swipe at wantaway playmaker Dimitri Payet after helping West Ham crush Crystal Palace. Carroll scored a stunning overhead kick to add to Sofiane Feghouli's opener before Manuel Lanzini sealed victory for Slaven Bilic's side and leave former manager Sam Allardyce still searching for his first win in charge of the Eagles. Payet was not in the squad following his refusal to play and, after the 3-0 victory, Carroll said no one is bigger than the Hammers. "'I don't think any player is bigger than the club. That's what the lads believe, the manager, all the staff and the fans. We showed we're a tight group and got three points for it," said the 28-year-old. "We have answered a few of the critics, with everything that has been going in during the week and everyone talking. I have received a lot of calls and messages and it has been the same for the other players. It has been tough, especially as the lads are close to one another. "To put all that behind us and work as a team has been fantastic. All the lads in the dressing room were fantastic and professional. They know what it means to the fans and the club. We stuck together and everyone is hungry and dedicated. It showed in the performance."

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West Ham willing to sell wantaway Dimitri Payet for £35million as Hammers board look to strengthen squad
Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are resigned to losing the French international, despite publicly insisting their star man will be going nowhere this month
The Mirror
BYTOM HOPKINSON
22:30, 14 JAN 2017

West Ham will sell wantaway star Dimitri Payet for £35million. Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are resigned to losing the rebel from Reunion, who they believe has been tapped up by his former club Marseille. They have decided they will be better off cashing in and re-investing the money in players who do want to play for their club. The pair were adamant earlier in the week that Payet would not be sold, despite the fact he had told boss Slaven Bilic he would not play for them again. In Sullivan's programme notes ahead of the win over Crystal Palace , he wrote: "The board's position is that we do not want to sell Dimitri, we do not need to sell Dimitri, for financial or any other reasons, and we will NOT sell Dimitri in the January transfer window." However, that column is understood to have been penned on Thursday and by kick-off yesterday their stance had softened. Tellingly, West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said on Saturday: "Dimitri Payet has made it clear he wants to leave West Ham… "And with this attitude I suppose that probably sooner rather than later he will be on his way. "Personally, I would not sell him at any price." Payet left Marseille to join the Hammers in 2015 for £10.7m and became a fans' favourite. But his form has dipped this season.
The situation escalated after the Hull game last month when West Ham gave players two days off. Payet went back to France and failed to report back on time, staying an extra day and citing 'family issues' as his reason. Some figures within the club believe that was when his head was turned by Marseille. Payet, who is the club's highest-paid player on £120,000 a week, then told Bilic he wanted to go.

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West Ham's striker search turns to Andre Gray as Hammers launch £15million bid for Burnley hitman
The Hammers have become frustrated in their bids for Sunderland's Jermain Defoe and Scott Hogan of Brentford and Slaven Bilic is desperate for a new striker - although Burnley are likely to reject the offer for Gray
The Mirror
BYJOHN RICHARDSON
22:30, 14 JAN 2017

West Ham have made a £15million move for Burnley hotshot Andre Gray. The Hammers are desperate for more ­fire-power and have now added the 25-year-old to their wish list. They have moved for Gray after ­becoming frustrated in their bids for Sunderland's Jermain Defoe and Scott Hogan of Brentford. Manager Slaven Bilic is desperate for a breakthrough, fearing that a lack of goals could suck the Hammers into a ­relegation fight. Burnley are likely to reject the offer for Gray. The striker has been a huge success at Turf Moor since his £7m move from Brentford, having started out in non-league football with Hinckley United. Bilic is also chasing an £8m deal for versatile Ajax defender Joel Veltman. He knows he must shore up a backline that has become increasingly porous, and has swooped for the Dutch international. Veltman, 24, is a two-time winner of the Eredivisie with the Amsterdam club and has been capped 13 times by his country.
He has just 18 months to run on his contract and his ability to play either at right-back or centre-half will be a big bonus for Bilic.

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Karren Brady aims thinly-veiled dig at Dimitri Payet after West Ham thump Crystal Palace
Payet is public enemy No 1 at West Ham after making it clear to manager Bilic that he wants to leave
The Mirror
BYLIAM CORLESS
21:19, 14 JAN 2017UPDATED21:53, 14 JAN 2017

West Ham showed there is life after rebel Dimitri Payet as they cruised past Crystal Palace at the London Stadium. Goals from Sofiane Feghouli, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini scored in the Hammers' 3-0 victory. The win ended a three-match losing streak, in which they failed to score and conceded three times. After the match, West Ham vice-chairman Brady took aim at wantaway Payet, claiming teammate Michail Antonio proved what it's like to be a dedicated player by lining up for Slaven Bilic's side despite suffering with flu. "Michail Antonio was in bed with flu yesterday, got out of bed pulled on his shirt & played magnificently today - that's dedication for you," Brady wrote on Twitter.

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Michail Antonio was in bed with flu yesterday, got out of bed pulled on his shirt & played magnificently today - that's dedication for you
4:50 PM - 14 Jan 2017
2,318 2,318 Retweets 5,670 5,670 likes

Payet is public enemy No 1 at West Ham after making it clear to manager Bilic that he wants out of the under-performing east London club. The Frenchman began the season as a West Ham hero after a fine 2015-16 campaign, but he now wants to leave amid interest from former club Marseille. "We have said we don't want to sell our best players but Payet does not want to play for us," Bilic said earlier this week. "Until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he's not going to train with us."

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