Daily WHUFC News - II - 1st February 2017

Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com

Good morning everybody.

We have been preparing for tonight's game against Manchester City for ten
days now, since our fantastic win over Middlesbrough, and we'd love to
continue our good form. Of course the last time we lost was against
tonight's opponents, so we under no illusions that it will be a difficult
game. They beat us heavily in that FA Cup game, although we were good for
half an hour. We crumbled after that and we can't let that happen again.
Manchester City are a team who have their ups and downs. But I consider them
a very unlucky team. In every game they play, they are the better side and
create more chances. I'm not talking about possession; they are there and
around your box creating chances. In some games they've been unlucky.
Hopefully they will be unlucky tonight, too! We will have to be on top of
our game. There is a great atmosphere around our squad at the moment and on
the training pitches, so we are looking forward to the game. I've talked
about City's manager Pep Guardiola before, but I will say again, sometimes
it's hard and it takes time to come to a new country and for your philosophy
and ideas to work straight away. You need more time than that. They play in
a way where they create lots of chances and dominate games. It's a difficult
league here and there are no easy games and there is not one pattern the
whole league plays – managers change things even during matches. I think he
knew that when he came over, too. Some of the games they've played have been
amazing. Long-term, it will be a success for Pep at Manchester City.

In the 5-0 game, we started to chase them all over the pitch and that's
exactly what they want you to do. They can use that space behind and
in-between your lines with pace and quality and they don't miss the
opportunities and chances they get from that. The game was over in ten
minutes – from 1-0 to 3-0 so quickly. We have spoken about tactics and we
can't give them that space in-between the lines again. If we give them
space, we give it to them in front of us and we have talked about that. If
we do that tonight, we have a chance.

In terms of team news, there are no fresh injuries to be concerned with
other than Havard Nordveit, who has picked up a knock on his ankle. He will
miss tonight's game, but it's nothing to worry about and he should be back
in contention for the Southampton game.
Arthur Masuaku is getting closer to being back, while Diafra Sakho, who had
that operation on his back, is looking at something like mid-March before he
returns.

As I've said, let's hope we can get a good result from tonight game, and I
hope everyone enjoys the occasion.
Slaven Bilic

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Snoddy - We can beat one of the big guns
WHUFC.com

Robert Snodgrass targeting debut victory over Manchester City
New No11 set for Hammers bow at London Stadium on Wednesday
Scotland winger joined West Ham United for £10.2m from Hull City last week

Having tasted Championship Play-Off final success with Hull and represented
Scotland against England in London last year, Robert Snodgrass is looking
forward to returning to the capital. However, West Ham United's £10.2m
signing is more likely to be visiting London Zoo than London's nightclubs!
"People speak about the bright lights of London, but I'm a family man with
three kids, so I'll be moving my family down here and getting settled," he
smiled, speaking to West Ham TV after joining from Premier League rivals
Hull City on Friday evening, becoming the Club's second January capture
after Southampton captain Jose Fonte. "I'll also be looking to build my
relationship with my teammates and the fans and this is what I'm looking
forward to over the next few weeks."

Robert SnodgrassThe 29-year-old is also hoping for more capital gains when
he makes his West Ham debut against Manchester City in midweek. The creating
midfielder faced Pep Guardiola's Sky Blues as recently as Boxing Day, when
his former club Hull City were beaten 3-0 at the KCOM Stadium. The No11's
new side were also defeated by City recently, going down to a heavy Emirates
FA Cup third round reverse in east London earlier this month. "One thing in
that game for Hull, we worked really hard and did well, but we still got
beat three-nil, so that just shows you the sort of level you're up against,"
he observed. "They've got really good players who can punish you if you take
your eye off the ball and lose concentration, and that was probably the same
when West Ham lost five-nil.
"So, I think that the lads will have that feeling in their stomachs that
they don't want it to happen again and will be right up for it, especially
off the back of a few good results. Hopefully we can beat one of the big
guns and keep looking forward.
"There's half of the season still to go, so I'm ready for the challenge."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton wanted Adrian
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Everton were keen on signing West Ham's current reserve goalkeeper Adrian
during the January transfer window, it has been revealed.
The Spanish stopper has been relegated to the subs bench at the Olympic
Stadium since losing his place to Darren Randolph earlier in the season and
is out of contract this summer - although the club retain the option to
extend his contract by another two years.
Adrian's situation had alerted Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, who is understood
to have been seeking an additional goalkeeper since last summer. However the
Dutchman is said to have had a late change of heart and decided instead to
reassess the situation at the end of the season. When asked about the Adrian
link and the possibility of signing another goalkeeper, Koeman replied:
"Maybe for next season; it's too early to take those kind of decisions."
Everton's current number one is Joel Robles, who had fallen out with Koeman
earlier in the season after losing his place at Goodison Park to Maarten
Stekelenburg. The former's recent good form is the main factor behind
Koeman's decision, reports the Liverpool Echo.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Board win Jordan backing
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st February 2017
By: Staff Writer

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan says his former rivals at West
Ham handled the Dimitri Payer situation perfectly. Jordan, who left Palace
six years ago after the club were forced into administration referred to the
French international as a "weasal" via his twitter timeline - before backing
the stance taken by David Sullivan. Referring to a comment by Payet upon
returning to Marseille in which he claimed he felt "chills" having rejoined
the club, Jordan retorted: "Maybe those chills are an ill wind that will
blow over this irksome disingenuous weasel and others like him. "West Ham
United handled it well."
And when pushed to explain how he would have handled the situation, Jordan
added: "Exactly probably as Dave Sullivan. Prob made a few more soundbytes
about the French Revolution and the French always being revolting. "I think
holding his wages is about right, although I am sure Marseille will pay it
to him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Man City preview: Robert Snodgrass and Jose Fonte set for debuts
Last Updated: 01/02/17 12:46pm
SSN

New signings West Ham signings Robert Snodgrass and Jose Fonte are in Slaven
Bilic's squad for the visit of Manchester City on Wednesday. Portugal
defender Fonte is in line for an immediate debut as a replacement for Angelo
Ogbonna, who is out for the season after a knee operation.
City midfielder Fernandinho returns from suspension and Pep Guardiola has
welcomed the return of the Brazilian midfielder ahead of the trip to the
London Stadium "He's so important," the City boss said at his pre-match
press conference. "We've played a lot of games without him, and I'm happy
he's back. "He's not an aggressive player. He's tough. He's one of the
nicest guys I've ever met. We accept the ban and don't complain."

Team news

Cheikhou Kouyate is back from the Africa Cup of Nations but will not be
considered for selection against City. Havard Nordtveit misses out with an
ankle knock and joins Diafra Sakho (back) and Arthur Masuaku (knee) on the
sidelines.

Man City's Top scorer Sergio Aguero is also back in contention after being
rested at Crystal Palace at the weekend because of a knock.
Aguero's return alongside Fernandinho means City are only missing long-term
injury victim Ilkay Gundogan, who is out for the season after a knee
operation.

Opta stats

Manchester City have enjoyed two wins over West Ham already this season,
with an aggregate score of 8-1 (3-1 in the Premier League, 5-0 in the FA
Cup).

The Hammers' 5-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at the London Stadium on
January 6th was their biggest margin of defeat at home in a competitive
fixture since May 1967 (1-6 v Man Utd in Division 1).

Sergio Agüero has attempted four shots on target and scored one goal in the
two games versus West Ham this season; the exact same tally that West Ham
have v Man City overall in 2016-17.

In the Premier League, Aguero has six goals and two assists in nine
appearances against the Hammers.

Since the start of 2014-15, Manchester City have won just four of their 13
Premier League away games in London (W4 D4 L5).

Since December 31 2016, Claudio Bravo has faced nine shots on target and
saved only one of them (conceding eight goals). He hasn't made a save since
January 2nd in the Premier League, having conceded his last six shots faced
on target.

Merson's prediction

City embarrassed West Ham a couple a few weeks ago in the FA Cup but West
Ham look a different prospect now, with the Dimitri Payet saga behind them.
Andy Carroll is back in form and will be licking his lips ahead of taking on
the City defence. However, I see City winning at the London Stadium. They
were outstanding against Tottenham and followed that with a good result at
Palace in the cup. West Ham were a little fortunate at Middlesbrough and
were pretty even with Palace in the game before that. Palace aren't a patch
on this City team.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

West Ham are 9/2 with Sky Bet to pick up all three points from their home
clash with Manchester City on Wednesday. The visitors are odds-on at 4/7 and
the draw is on offer at 16/5.

City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 is a 7/2 chance in the correct score group
betting, while Sergio Aguero is 3/1 favourite to be the game's first
goalscorer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading chief Jaap Stam hoping to unleash Reece Oxford's potential after
taking 18-year-old starlet on loan
The Dutchman has been lent the West Ham youngster by Slaven Bilic, in order
to aid his development with games in the Championship
The Mirror
BYJAMES NURSEY
15:19, 1 FEB 2017

Jaap Stam aims to make West Ham starlet Reece Oxford "great" and fulfil his
potential as one of England's top talents. Ex-Manchester United ace Stam,
44, is pushing for promotion this season with his Royals after three
straight wins. He beat off competition from rival Championship clubs to snap
up Hammers' teenager Oxford,18, on loan for the rest of the season. West Ham
boss Slaven Bilic says former centre-back Stam can help Oxford's development
into a top defender. The Dutchman responded: "I am, I was and I will do.
Everybody knows he is a great prospect, a lot of teams wanted to sign him
within the league. "I am not saying it is because of me but with the
experience that I have, and the level I played myself, hopefully I can turn
things around and make young players better.
"You can see the progress players make in our team. "Instead of launching
balls forward, they can build up the play and be an extra man in midfield
sometimes. That makes it difficult for the opposition. "Hopefully the young
players you get in the team, you can help them out, guide them and give them
handouts as well which make it easier for themselves. "They have all got the
ability to become a great player but by coaching them in a certain way and
telling them things, you can make it a bit easier for them."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will Slaven Bilic regret not moving for Gylfi Sigurdsson on deadline day?
HITC
Antony Martin

The Swansea City man would have been the ideal signing for West Ham United.
On the whole, Hammers fans would have been fairly satisfied with their
club's transfer business throughout the January transfer window. They
brought proven quality into the club in the shape of Jose Fonte and Robert
Snodgrass, and finally got rid of Dimtir Payet for two-and-a-half times the
amount they paid for him 18 months ago. There is one player, however, who
could have genuinely taken West Ham to the next level - Swansea City's Gylfi
Sigurdsson. The 27-year-old would have been the ideal addition to Slaven
Bilic's squad, and the Croatian should have made a play for the Iceland
international on deadline day. Sigurdsson has been in sensational form this
season. In 23 Premier League games for the Swans he has scored seven goals
and registered seven assists. He has fantastic technical ability, wonderful
vision, and has a keen eye for goal. He is also a set-piece specialist. The
Icelandic midfielder could have been deployed in the number 10 role, just
behind Andy Carroll, or in a more deep-lying midfield position from where he
would have been able to dictate the tempo of the game. The Swansea man would
arguably have been an upgrade on Mark Noble, whose performance levels have
plummeted this season. Depending on where the Welsh side finish in the
Premier League, Sigurdsson could be available again in the summer, however.
And West Ham should seriously consider going back in for the influential
playmaker then.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham replace Dimitri Payet mural with Andy Carroll wondergoal tribute at
the London Stadium
West Ham have replaced a tribute to Dimitri Payet at the London Stadium
They had to have security next to it in order to stop it from being
vandalised
The Hammers have put an image of Andy Carroll scoring his sensational
bicycle kick against Crystal Palace in its place
By Pete South For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 13:16, 1 February 2017 | UPDATED: 13:29, 1 February 2017

West Ham stationed a security guard outside the Dimitri Payet mural at the
London stadium to prevent vandalism when news broke of his attempts to leave
the club earlier this month. Now, they've come up with a more permanent
solution. Payet has of course left the Hammers to re-join Marseille in a
transfer worth £25million, leaving more than a few critics back in east
London despite his assertion that he didn't owe fans an apology for his
behaviour. The club have moved swiftly to replace the tribute to their
former French playmaker, using a graphic of striker Andy Carroll's
wondergoal against Crystal Palace in its place, while surrounding it with
accolades from fans. The striker's sensational strike, an acrobatic bicycle
kick from Michail Antonio's cross, helped the Hammers to a 2-0 lead against
Palace before Manuel Lanzini rounded off a 3-0 victory. And Carroll himself
put his ability to get into position to score such a good goal down to his
wife, former reality TV star Billi Mucklow, persuading him to take up yoga.
'It's helped me a lot, especially when I've been injured,' Carroll said.
'I've been doing a lot of work up here (Billi's yoga studio), it's been
great.'

While West Ham were erasing Payet from the London Stadium, the 29-year-old
was busy making his debut for his new club. Payet was cheered before making
his debut by the home fans at the Stade Veledrome and admitted afterwards he
felt chills as he prepared to come on in the cup win over Lyon. 'I found
the Velodrome as I had left it,' he said. 'What did I feel when I returned
to the field? Chills.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Snodgrass unfazed about replacing Dimitri Payet at West Ham because
'the lads have done great without him'
EXCLUSIVE
DAN LUDLAM
Evening Standard

Replacing a talent like Dimitri Payet is a big ask but Robert Snodgrass is
not fazed. Then again, West Ham's newest signing — brought in 48 hours
before the Payet to Marseille saga finally ended — knows all about being the
team's heartbeat. The 29-year-old has emerged as a key figure for club and
country over the past 12 months, securing a return to the top flight with
Hull and netting his first Scotland hat-trick in September. Hull are
propping up the Premier League but would have had far fewer points without
Snodgrass. The winger, with a sweet left foot, has seven League goals this
season — more than double the next best Hull player — and also betters his
former team-mates in assists (three) and shots (39). It is why West Ham
pursued Snodgrass when it became clear Payet would be on his way this month.

Payet was a hero to the Hammers fans before he downed tools to force the
move but the new era begins tonight when Snodgrass makes his debut against
Manchester City. Asked if he feels any extra pressure, he says: "No, I
don't think so. The lads have been doing great without Payet. They've won a
lot of games over the past few weeks and have got some big results. "There
are players here that can win games. They have a good core of lads that have
a winning desire which breeds confidence. You end up just fitting into that.
That's the way I am. I want to win every game so I'm delighted to be a part
of it."

Payet was given a standing ovation by the Marseille fans on his second debut
for the club at the Stade Velodrome last night, coming off the bench in
extra-time in a 2-1 French Cup win over Lyon. "I found the Velodrome as I
had left it," said the £25million signing. "What did I feel when I returned
to the field? Chills."

Snodgrass's first taste of the London Stadium is unlikely to be as emotional
but he is relishing the prospect of walking out in front of a crowd of
nearly 60,000 tonight. Burnley and Middlesbrough were also in for Snodgrass
but the Hammers sealed a £10.2m move with the player impressed by the club's
ambition. "When I saw there was interest from West Ham I wanted to become a
part of what they are building here," he says. "I played against West Ham a
few weeks back and lost 1-0 but we played very well. When you turn up to the
stadium it's got a great feel about it — that big stadium feel. The
supporters want us to restore the atmosphere created at Upton Park.
"When you're scoring goals the way Andy Carroll is and you're getting good
results, you will get that atmosphere back because these fans are terrific.
"You just want to be a part of it and I'm delighted it got done and I look
forward to the next few weeks. "I wanted to move first and foremost to try
and get security for my family and to have the opportunity to play at a club
like West Ham is terrific."

A win for the Hammers would lift them into the top half of the table,
showing how things can change quickly in football. Within the space of a
week at the turn of the year, the Hammers were beaten by Leicester and
Manchester United before being hammered 5-0 by tonight's opponents in the FA
Cup. Then came Payet's public fall-out with West Ham. Without the France
international, the squad pulled together and rattled off back-to-back wins
with Carroll bagging three goals, including a stunning scissor-kick in the
3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Snodgrass is eager to help the Hammers
build on those performances and also his own this season. "As soon as you
lose that desire to keep on improving, then there's no point of even playing
football to be honest because you need to keep driving to be better every
day," he said. "That extra one per cent on a day-to-day basis drives you
forward and this is why these lads are at the top level. They have got that
burning feeling in them. They want to win football matches and become better
players. "The manager has stressed that we are off the back of some good
results so why not? "Why not try and believe that we can go and win the
game. So I'm looking forward to it and will be ready for when I'm called
upon. "If everybody has got that same attitude then I think it will take us
a very long way."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Olley: Let's tear March out of the West Ham calendar and move on from
Dimitri Payet saga
JAMES OLLEY
Evening Standard


The player selected for March in West Ham's official calendar is Dimitri
Payet. That always felt a little optimistic. Rumours of his unhappiness
stretched back as far as last summer and the situation gradually unravelled
in acrimonious fashion prior to him finally completing a £25million move
back to Marseille earlier this week. The loss of a star player rarely has
any positives for the selling club but West Ham should take solace from how
they handled themselves during the saga. They rewarded Payet for a
remarkable start in English football with a new contract last February and
privately sought to assuage his concerns by paying him a £1m loyalty bonus
in September. The 29-year-old continues to stress his motives for returning
to France were based on family issues but sympathy is in short supply given
he took West Ham's money in recognition of his faithfulness only to force
his way out four months later.

He was made to repay his January salary before co-chairman David Sullivan
and David Gold would sanction his departure, effectively arguing that once
he went on strike, he was not entitled to his weekly wage. If he had any
affinity for the club, Payet should have returned his loyalty bonus, too.
Slaven Bilic emerges from the whole affair with tremendous credit. It is
perhaps easy to forget the pressure he was under during the first half of
the season, when bookmakers had him heading their sack race markets as West
Ham won just six of their first 22 matches in all competitions.

Payet's betrayal will have hurt him deeply. I was fortunate to spend time in
the Croatian's office on several occasions last season, talking on and off
the record about various aspects of the club's campaign. While some managers
usually eschew highlighting individuals in favour of promoting the
collective, Bilic never once played down Payet's importance. It would not
have been easy to ostracise him but Bilic knew the corrosive effect Payet
could have on team unity once he had shown his hand. Bilic went public with
the breakdown in relations, ensuring West Ham controlled the agenda on the
deal as best they could and Sullivan maintained that position in a difficult
negotiation with Marseille. He wanted to make an example of Payet but
accepted a modest £25m sum to achieve closure for the benefit of Bilic and
his team. Wishing him well yesterday was the final class act from Bilic in a
transfer that reflects badly on Payet and no one else. Come March,
poster-boy Payet will be a distant memory.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham are 'a proper team' without Dimitri Payet, claims boss Slaven Bilic
Dimitri Payet left West Ham at the end of the transfer window for Marseille
Slaven Bilic says West Ham lost a great player but gained a stronger team
West Ham entertain Manchester City at the London Stadium on Wednesday
By Oliver Todd for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 10:02, 1 February 2017 | UPDATED: 10:02, 1 February 2017

Slaven Bilic says West Ham are better off and 'a proper team' now, having
dumped Dimitri Payet. The £25million Frenchman finally moved on to Marseille
this week after falling out with his manager and his team-mates earlier this
month. But having watched his men step through the Payet-shaped cloud over
West Ham, Bilic says the loss of his best player has been transformative —
in a positive way.
Manchester City visit the London Stadium tonight and will find a different
outfit to the one they demolished 5-0 at the same venue in the FA Cup just
26 days ago. Back then, the biggest transfer drama of the January window had
just started to engulf West Ham before Payet refused to play or train. The
29-year-old was a substitute that night and in his absence since West Ham
have won back-to-back games. Bilic expects a result against City this time
around after discovering his group 'worship the obligation' they have to
perform in Payet's absence. 'We are a stronger team,' the Hammers boss
declared. 'The way that the team reacted after that was amazing. Not only in
games but in training as well, in the camp. 'During breakfast, before
training, in the gym: we are a proper team. We are now in a much better
situation than we were before the (previous) Man City game. 'Make no
mistake, we lost a great player. But sometimes you gain. The way the team
reacted and the atmosphere it's buzzing, it's great. We have enough quality
on the pitch to replace him in a different way. 'After what happened in the
last three months this is really a new start and it feels like every
individual in the team and the team itself is taking responsibility. 'But
they like to take responsibility. They worship that obligation that they
have now without Payet.'
West Ham supporters will find all Payet branding covered up at London
Stadium tonight and the name of the man they once worshipped is likely to be
widely derided. But Bilic would rather they remember the good times. His
memories will be of one of the greatest players to wear claret and blue
rather than a Judas figure. 'I have no hard feelings over him,' he said.
'The fans are now angry at him — of course they are angry. But I think after
some time, when they think about Payet, they will not think about what
happened at the end.
'Time heals everything. They will forget. They will remember him as one of
the greatest.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM V MAN CITY: PEP HAS IT ALL TO DO IF HE'S TO CLOSE GAP ON TOP 4
Ladbrokes.com

Both West Ham and Manchester City ended up having quiet Deadline Days, as
Slaven Bilic and Pep Guardiola instead opted to prepare for a vital clash at
the London Stadium. But having won five of their last eight matches, the
home side will prove a difficult nut to crack this evening.

In fact, that's the same number of recent victories as their opponents, who
head into this one as the 4/7 favourites, while the Hammers are 9/2 to take
all three points off City for the third time in six Premier League meetings.

This one did finish 5-0 to the Citizens last time the pair met – and 20/1
says we see a repeat of that scoreline, although it looks unlikely given
West Ham's recent resurgence.

Were City to get three points in east London, they'd leapfrog Liverpool into
fourth place – at least for a few days.

Meanwhile, a West Ham victory could see them climb up to ninth place.

And if you're looking for a form player heading into this one, you'd do well
to find anyone better than Andy Carroll.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle forward has bagged himself three goals in
two games for the Hammers, and 9/4 says he finds the net at any time in this
one.

Meanwhile, City's Germany international Leroy Sane is beginning to find his
feet in the Premier League, having scored two goals in as many games in all
competitions. He's 12/5 to get on the scoresheet.

For all of their attacking prowess, City have conceded in 10 of their last
12 top-flight matches, while the hosts have conceded in 10 of their last 13.
For that reason it's easy to see why it's as short as 8/13 for both teams to
find the net.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win against Manchester City would bury toxic Dimitri Payet saga and
make London Stadium start to feel like home
JOHN DILLON
Evening Standard

West Ham now need one more thing to complete the healing process which has
followed the acrimonious departure of Dimitri Payet. Now they need a proper
performance and a result against Manchester City on Wednesday to bury the
acrid memory of the 5-0 thrashing inflicted on them by Pep Guardiola in the
FA Cup on January 6. It should be a new-look Hammers team which lines up at
the London Stadium. Robert Snodgrass and Jose Fonte are excellent transfer
window signings. So let's not have any of that modern day ritual whereby new
players sit in the stand for the first game after their arrival awaiting the
gaze of the TV cameras while their lack of match sharpness is earnestly
discussed.

Okay, Fonte last played for Southampton on January 2 before his £8 million
switch to east London. But he's a defender. He'll handle it. Turn the
equations of modern-day sports science on their head and you could argue
he'll have benefitted from the break. Snodgrass last played for Hull on
January 14. But his £7 million move to the Hammers is the biggest
opportunity of his career. He will be champing at the bit. The presence of
both men in this game might underline the sense that West Ham have dealt
with some major troubles and are ready to move on from the toxic events of
recent months. The humiliation by City in that FA Cup tie was the nadir of
those events on the pitch. Slaven Bilic's team were pitiful. They have since
beaten Crystal Palace at home and Middlesbrough away in the Premier League.

But City's win followed successive league defeats by Leicester and
Manchester United, which tore apart the feel-good factor which had been
building around the team when they beat Burnley, Hull and then Swansea, 4-1
away, in December. Five wins in seven league games is good form, of course.
But the memory of the abject performance against City still requires erasing
just to confirm that something has changed for the better around the place.
There is a sense that even the disgruntlement and unhappiness of many fans
with the nature of the new stadium might now be set aside for the rest of
the season.

A revenge win against Guardiola and his lavishly assembled team could
re-kindle the sense of optimism which filled the ground after the win
against Chelsea in the League Cup - but which then vanished again amid a
series of stultifying displays and bad home defeats during the remainder of
the Autumn.

The concerns of many supporters about the ground - its lack of atmosphere
and awkward unsuitability for football – are valid. But the club are going
nowhere else. At some point, the new surroundings have to be accepted.
Perhaps this will be the night. Certainly, the departure of the now-despised
Payet has provided a point around which the supporters feelings about the
season have crystallised.
Judging by the garish awfulness of the track suit he wore when he emerged on
the tarmac at Marseille after his private plane landed in France, the
Hammers are well rid of him for his dreadful fashion sense alone. The
co-chairman, David Sullivan, has revealed how troublesome Payet had become
behind the scenes, refusing to eat alongside his team-mates after training.
Sullivan is often commendably frank. But this revelation is a PR win-winner,
anyway. The club's official condemnation of the player's attitude chimes
perfectly with the supporters intensely hostile view of their former idol.

However, suggestions that the behaviour of the Frenchman soured the mood
around the club so much that they explain away the rancid form of the Autumn
should not be countenanced. The rest of the squad should have just got on
with things, anyway, in such circumstances. You can imagine how Billy Bonds
might have dealt with such a situation during his days as captain.
Certainly, though, the end of the saga will help. At the same time, the
resurgent form of Andy Carroll – and his own frankness in an interview this
week in which he confessed to boozing too much earlier in his career – have
added to the sense that there is a new mood at the club.

Yes, yes. It won't have stunned too many people to discover this about
Carroll. But it will have been refreshing for the supporters to learn of his
renewed focus. All he has to do now is stay fit. There is a vacancy now for
Number One hero at the London Stadium. The frustrating, stuttering nature of
Carroll's time at West Ham means he has never quite filled the role. Now is
his chance – starting against City.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com