Joint-Chairman enjoying a happy birthday
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
First off, I would like to thank everyone who has sent me birthday wishes. I'll be spending the day with my family and enjoying the weekend after our win at Southampton. The atmosphere created by our 3,400 fans at St Mary's was fantastic and my boys have shown me some brilliant videos on social media of our supporters really enjoying themselves. I thought it was a great TEAM performance, with no one player outstanding, just a great team performance. We were very professional and we took our chances when we created them. I'm sure you will all remember that Southampton beat us 3-0 at home earlier in the season, which shows how much our form has improved, compared with how we were playing at the start of the season, when we lost five of our first six Premier League games.
While it was a win that was achieved because everybody played well, I thought Mark Noble was man of the match and he thoroughly deserved his goal to top it off. I was also pleased for Pedro Obiang, who waited patiently for his chance to become a first-team regular and has done well for us this season. It was great to see him score his first goal for us. Like Southampton, our next two Premier League games are against teams that bashed us in the first half of the season – West Brom beat us 4-2 at The Hawthorns and Watford won by the same score at London Stadium. We've won six out of our previous nine league matches, though, so bring them on! We've been bashed very badly three times this season – by Arsenal and twice by Manchester City – and on all three occasions we've bounced back in the next game, which shows the manager's skills and the spirit and ability within the team.
I would like to wish Angelo Ogbonna the best with his recovery and rehabilitation after he underwent surgery on his injured knee in Paris this week. We look forward to welcoming him back into the squad. We have just two more games this month and both of them are winnable. Tickets for our home game with West Brom are available now on the Ticket Exchange, and I am sure London Stadium will be full of noise and colour again next Saturday. Our new supporter-led flags initiative has been a big success and we hope to see plenty more Claret and Blue flags proudly displayed when we face West Brom. After that, we have our Free Family Fun Day on Wednesday 15 February, when we will welcome hundreds, if not thousands of you to our home for a host of half-term holiday events for all the family.
Enjoy your Sunday!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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Stat's A Fact - Hard-working Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United beat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday at St Mary's Stadium and in doing so produced one of their most complete team performances of the season.
Despite an early Manolo Gabbiadini goal for Southampton, the Hammers responded in style to come back from behind through goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble. Andy Carroll's cool 14th minute finish extended his scoring run to five goals in his last six league matches, while Mark Noble's free-kick early in the second half was his fifth goal in all competitions this year: three more than what he had at the same stage last season. For West Ham, the game was littered with 'firsts': January signing, Robert Snodgrass, made his first league start; Pedro Obiang's powerful strike from 25-yards was his first West Ham United goal; and remarkably, the win was our first ever at St Mary's Stadium. Before Saturday, the Hammers had endured a torrid record on the South-coast having not won in over sixteen-and-a-half years. Whilst the Saints enjoyed much of the possession (55%) and had fifteen more attempts, it was the Hammers who made the most of the opportunities they had. The three goals scored came from just six attempts in total so in the end, the more clinical side at the top of the field and the better defensive unit at the back, deserved their win.
Again, going forward the Hammers played to their strengths: Andy Carroll had a couple of headed chances on top of the goal he did score and he and strike-partner, Michail Antonio, enjoyed a combined nine successful aerial duels throughout the afternoon. Cheikhou Kouyate returned from the African Cup of Nations impressively as he replaced the injured Sam Byram in an unfamiliar role of right-back. Cheikhou completed five out of five successful tackles, made six interceptions – more than any other player on the pitch, and made five defensive clearances. Slaven Bilic also praised the work-rate of his West Ham United side and it was indeed two Hammers who topped the distance covered charts on Saturday afternoon. Mark Noble ran 12.09 kilometres and Robert Snodgrass covered 11.79 km with the latter making the most number of individual sprints on the day (81).
For Bilic, Saturday was his 25th league win as West Ham United boss - no manager has reached this feat quicker than the Croatian in the club's 122-year history.
The win has now taken West Ham United up to ninth in the Premier League, five points behind West Bromwich Albion, who they welcome to London Stadium on Saturday 11 February.
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Snoddy hails 'terrific' win
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass celebrated victory on his full West Ham United debut at Southampton
Scotland star won free-kick for match-clinching third goal in 3-1 Premier League win
No11 sets target of finishing the 2016/17 season in the top ten
Robert Snodgrass was all smiles after enjoying a 'terrific' 3-1 Premier League win at Southampton on his full West Ham United debut.
After impressing as a substitute in the midweek defeat by Manchester City, the Scotland star was handed his first start at St Mary's, and responded with a typically effective performance.
The left-sided midfielder was always available, was involved in many of the Hammers' best moments and won the free-kick which Mark Noble converted for the visitors' match-clinching third goal.
"It was a hard one on Wednesday but the lads bounced back terrifically, especially after going a goal behind, the character we showed to get the win was terrific," he confirmed.
"The lads worked so hard for each other and took our chances when they came, so it was a terrific three points."
The No11 was full of praise for his teammates and the way they took their goals on the south coast, where Andy Carroll opened the scoring from an inch-perfect Pedro Obiang through ball, before the Spanish midfielder netted his first goal for the Club with an accurate 25-yard strike.
Those strikes saw West Ham overturn a one-goal deficit after Manolo Gabbiadini had smashed Southampton ahead, and Slaven Bilic's side completed a deserved victory when Snodgrass was fouled on the edge of the home penalty area seven minutes after half-time.
Robert Snodgrass"The first goal was a great finish from a great through ball," Snodgrass observed. "Big Andy did what he does best with a terrific run into a good position and he put it away with his right foot. I didn't even think he had a right foot, to be honest, but he's put it away great!
"Obiang's was a great finish and Noble deserved it because he was brilliant."
Despite having been with the Club for a little more than a week, the former Hull City player has quickly settled into Bilic's squad, with the banter flying between him and the likes of Noble, Carroll and James Collins.
While team spirit is clearly important, Snodgrass knows football at the highest level is a results business and is now targeting his first home win in Claret and Blue when West Bromwich Albion visit London Stadium on Saturday 11 February.
"The lads have been terrific," he confirmed. "Everyone has been so welcoming. The fans have wished me all the best and I just wanted to get down to business and playing games and starting games and working hard for the team.
"We need to keep going. We've got a home game against West Brom and we'll go in believing we can win and get some more points on the board with the aim of finishing in the top ten."
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5 WEST HAM YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS WHO DESERVE A CHANCE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 5:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BY @IRONS_HOME ON 5 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 13:33
Hi all, this is my first piece and I hope to continue to write different sorts of West Ham related content. This is who I feel deserves some minutes playing in the first team.
Marcus Browne
My mate (if your one of my real Twitter followers you would know) is currently on loan at Wigan Athletic having come on against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, Marcus has been at West Ham since the age of 8. At only at the age of 19 he has a great opportunity to show his talent in the Championship. With the departure of Dimitri Payet to Marseille, I was expecting to see Browne in and around the first team more as he can operate behind the striker or wide left, much like Payet. Although he has been on the first team bench several times this year including Liverpool away, unfortunately he was not subbed on. With flair, creativity, pace and skill, Browne deserves a chance to shine next season after his loan spell with Wigan in which he will be looking to catch the eye of Bilic. Having recently signing a new 3-and-a-half-year contract extension, Bilic sees Browne as in his future plans. As a proven player for the U23's, Browne can have an impact on the first team if he has a successful spell at Wigan and we may see him next season.
Toni Martinez
Is an absolute favourite on Twitter because of the striker situation and his goal scoring form, many believed that the Spaniard should be given a run in the first team over the likes of Calleri, and I agreed. Martinez is a hungry, young, goal scorer with an incredible record in Spain and for the U23's with many thinking he could be West Ham's version of Harry Kane. Bought from Valencia for around £1m, Martinez agreed a 3-year deal in July. Having scored 10 in 11 for the U23's, Martinez had several clubs after his signature when West Ham wanted to loan him out. He went on loan to Oxford United where he came on and scored on his debut against Newcastle with a thumping header in the FA Cup. He has proven to have an eye for goal and if and I'm sure he will score goals for Oxford, he will be in and around the first team next season to take the pressure of Carroll and Antonio.
Domingos Quina
Joined from Chelsea in May 2016 and having represented both Portugal U17 and U18, Quina came with a huge reputation. A central midfielder who is quick and agile but also not afraid to tackle, Quina has set the PL2 alight and has recently been nominated PL2 Premier League player of the month for January following a fantastic month for him individually. The midfielder scored an absolute stunner vs Leicester City lobbing the keeper from the halfway line in a 2-0 win. Quina also played twice vs Astra in Europa League qualifying which was short lived. He has been named on the bench several times already this season but has failed to make a Premier League appearance. If injuries occur, Quina could be called upon but he has huge potential and could play anyone across the midfield so his versatility could be very useful for Slav, he will definitely get some minutes next season if not this campaign.
Reece Oxford
Compared to Rio Ferdinand and made a name for himself when he pocketed Mesut Ozil in his own back yard days before collecting his GCSE results, Reece Oxford is arguably the biggest young talent West Ham possess. Having recently signed a new 4 and a half year contract amid interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, Oxford kept faith in the Hammers. He had many Championship clubs after him on loan in January but decided to join Reading because of Reading manager Jaap Stam and his proven defence experience where Oxford felt he would learn the most out of his loan experience. He has captained England U17's and has played at every level upto the U20's where he has played 3 times at the age of 18. He is also captain of the U23 side and has already been named as one of the world's youngest prospects. Fans have been calling for him in the first team because of West Ham's defensive fragilities but I believe Slaven has done the right thing and not risk a youngster but instead opted with experience with a new defensive partnership of Reid and new boy Jose Fonte. Oxford will definitely be in the first team next season either as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder where he has played before.
Josh Cullen
Republic of Ireland U21 international, Josh Cullen has always been regarded as one of the best technically within the West Ham ranks. Currently at loan at Bradford until the rest of the season, Cullen has received immense recognition with the Bantams, with a total of 42 appearances in the league already for Bradford scoring 1 goal but his all-round play and passing abilities getting recognition. Many see him as a direct replacement for Club Captain Mark Noble with Cullen bringing more legs and energy into the centre of the park. Him with Kouyate and Obiang in midfield would bring non-stop energy and legs into the team and after his very successful loan spell with Bradford I would expect Slav to include him in match day squads and to feature in Cup games. Much like Scott Parker in the way he dictates play, Cullen could be a great option to bring on when seeing a game out with non-stop aggression and pressing the opponents.
These are the top 5 youngsters who I think will have the biggest impact on the first team but others including Martin Samuelsen, Jamal Hector-Ingram and Joe Powell
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GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW TRANSFER SIGNINGS AND OBIANG!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 8:56PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by Daisy Lowe @DaisyLoweX
Somehow Sunday night's seem to feel so much better when West Ham have won, don't they? Once again our boys pulled in a cracking result away from home and delivered a performance to be proud of.
I spent the Manchester City game with the Media team, and it will come as no surprise that morale was low at the end of the night. Sure, 4-0 is better than the previous 5-0 defeat, but funnily enough the players didn't see it like that. Understandably many of the team quietly went home, but Jose Fonte impressed me greatly. He was polite, articulate, and insisted he spoke to press despite the disappointing result. I have heard from the training ground that he plays like a leader and is professional and hard working. I like how he plays, and I thought he was a massive credit to the team at Southampton. Fonte is a player I can see staying with us for a long time despite his age. A great signing.
I can't talk about great signings without mentioning Robert Snodgrass. So far, to me, Snodgrass seems like a proper West Ham player. He has personality on and off the pitch. I have witnessed first hand his relationships with the club staff and he is very chatty making the effort to smile and say hello to everyone. You can tell he is happy to be here. At a time where the team dynamics were a little rocky, Snodgrass has livened the boys up again. I noticed both Carroll and Noble ran straight over to celebrate with him as soon as they had scored, proving how well he has settled in with the guys. Another great player that is working well with the team, and perfectly assisting goals.
I am so happy for Pedro Obiang and the way the fans are getting behind him. He finally has his own song, and Twitter has been going crazy with some supporters even saying he is their Hammer of the Year! Obiang is a kind and gentle character who has been quietly working hard whilst adjusting to life in London with his family. It has been reported that when he was first offered to move to West Ham, Obiang cried for fear of living away from his mother. In light of recent activities, it is very important we appreciate how patient and professional Obiang has always been. With a wife, a newborn baby, and the height of a giant, it is easy got forget he is just 24 years old! He is a strong, mature player, that I think with this new lease of life and support, will become one of our most influential players this season.
I'm feeling very confident about West Brom next Saturday and hoping we will create a similar atmosphere to our amazing Crystal Palace victory at the London Stadium. As always, don't forget to start your match day at the East Ham Working Mans Club at our West Ham Way Pre-Match Event. Myself and my beautiful Bekka will be there waiting to meet you all with the legend that is John Moncur. Tickets are close to selling out so grab yours atwww.bit.ly/twhwtickets
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Jose Fonte relieved after West Ham's 'emotional' win at Southampton
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 05/02/17 12:11pm
SSN
Jose Fonte admitted his relief after securing a 3-1 victory with new club West Ham at St Mary's on Saturday. Fonte, 33, spent seven years with the Saints before exiting for West Ham during the January window for a fee of £8m. The Portugal international returned to St Mary's just over two weeks after making the switch and revealed that the occasion against his old side had been emotional. "It was a strange experience coming back to Southampton," said Fonte. "It was emotional, difficult, but in the end I can say a big thank you to everyone, to the West Ham supporters and my team-mates for helping me get through it. "I managed to block everything out and stay focused on the game. The most important thing was achieved, which is the three points and a great performance."
Despite falling behind early to a Manolo Gabbiadini goal on his Southampton debut, West Ham recovered to claim the three points thanks to goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble. The Hammers are now up to 9th in the table following a run of three wins in the last four league games, with Tony Pulis' West Brom the next club facing Slaven Bilic's side. "It's never easy. That wasn't the start I wanted, we weren't at the races, but we showed great character and personality to come and play," Fonte added. "We played some great football, scored three goals and could have scored a couple more. It was a fantastic performance from everyone and we move on to the next one."
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ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE LOOKING TO MOVE ON FROM LYON
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham spent much of the 2016 summer chasing pipe dream striker targets. The club spent weeks negotiating a fee with Marseille for Michy Batshuayi before being gazumped by Chelsea just hours after a deal was agreed with the Ligue 1 side, saw several €40m+ offers turned down for Alexandre Lacazette and were given a resounding 'no' by Carlos Bacca after Milan accepted a bid. However, could they be tempted into a move for one of these players again in the summer?
Speaking to French source Canal+ (h/t GFFN), Alexandre Lacazette believes he might be ready for a change of scenery and could leave Lyon in the summer.
"I think that this summer I will likely need a change of scenery," he's quoted as saying. The 25-year-old striker has 18 goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, cementing himself as one of, if not the best striker in the division but it seems he may want to finally test himself abroad. Lacazette has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with West Ham among potential suitors. Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked in the past. After David Gold stated to the BT broadcasting crew ahead of the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City that West Ham were going to try again in the summer to land a big name striker, could the Hammers be tempted into another move for Lacazette? Let's wait and see.
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