League leaders get London Stadium revenge
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 1-2 Chelsea
A tall order, it was always likely to be, beating Premier League leaders
Chelsea twice in the space of six months at London Stadium.
Having triumphed over their London rivals in the EFL Cup back in October,
the Hammers couldn't make it three home wins against Chelsea in a row as the
revenge-seeking Blues were 2-1 winners on Monday evening.
And the visitors won the game in typically clinical fashion, hunting down
the Hammers' every mistake and punishing them ruthlessly, despite Slaven
Bilic's side's particular first half dominance.
Terrific Manuel Lanzini, Sofiane Feghouli and Jose Fonte chances came and
went, and despite Lanzini's injury time strike, Chelsea's goals - scored by
two of the league's most deadly in Eden Hazard and Diego Costa - saw the
west Londoners through.
Most certainly, though, West Ham - roared on by the fantastic support inside
London Stadium - had the better of the first half.
Swinging in plenty of crosses for the returning Andy Carroll to attack,
Bilic's men put the league leaders under plenty of pressure and a succession
of corners after 20 minutes almost forced the opener, though the Blues
clearing their lines on three occasions.
And despite the hosts' dominance, the opener came against the run of play.
Following Manuel Lanzini's blocked free-kick, skipper Mark Noble was
dispossessed, allowing N'Golo Kante space inside his own half.
The Frenchman found Hazard who set off at blistering pace and, after
exchanging a one-two with teammate Pedro, rounded Darren Randolph coolly
before slotting home. Clinical.
The Hammers - persistent - continued to apply pressure. With Noble and Pedro
Obiang pulling the strings, Lanzini came closest to equalising as he broke
away from the Chelsea midfield before firing over from 20 yards after
receiving Noble's pass.
A minute later, the west Londoners almost converted another breakaway move,
though this time Aaron Cresswell blocked well from Victor Moses' effort
before Randolph denied Pedro with a cracking reaction stop.
The second half began in devastating fashion for West Ham. Fabregas' corner
was flicked on at the near post by Pedro Obiang and, just five minutes in,
Costa was allowed the space to nudge home from two yards.
Marcos Alonso went close to adding a third minutes later, but Bilic's side
never gave up the fight. Carroll curled over spectacularly from 30 yards
before Feghouli was denied by a brave, blocking Moses and Fonte headed wide
Cresswell's cross.
Randolph made sure the game was still just about in reach with 23 minutes
remaining as he, stretching to his right, tipped Costa's attempt round the
post, but the Blues stayed strong.
Strong, until the 92nd minute, that was. Substitute Andre Ayew, bursting
towards the Chelsea box, found Lanzini who controlled before finishing with
aplomb to rattle Antonio Conte's team's nerves.
Held on they did, however, to record an eighth win in ten and condemn the
Hammers to a harsh defeat.
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate, Reid (Byram 64), Fonte, Cresswell, Noble
(Fernandes 76), Obiang, Feghouli (Ayew 64), Lanzini, Snodgrass, Carroll.
Subs not used: Adrian, Collins, Masuaku, Calleri.
Chelsea: Courtois, Moses (Zouma 76), Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Alonso,
Kante, Fabregas, Hazard (Willian 74), Pedro (Matic 64), Costa.
Subs not used: Begovic, Loftus-Cheek, Batshuayi, Terry.
Bookings: 45+2
Attendance: 56,984
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Mixed emotions for Manu
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini scores on his 50th Premier League appearance for West Ham
United
But goal is only a late consolation as Hammers are beaten 2-1 at home by
Chelsea
Argentine believes the team will bounce back with victory at AFC Bournemouth
on Saturday
Manuel Lanzini had a night of mixed emotions on his 50th Premier League
appearance for West Ham United.
The No10 continued his outstanding recent form with his sixth league goal of
the season, but the well-taken strike was no more than a consolation in the
Hammers' 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.
Speaking to whufc.com, Lanzini admitted the leaders had made the most of
their opportunities to complete a clinical victory at London Stadium.
"Of course, Chelsea are a very good team and that is demonstrated by their
position in the league," he said. "I think they are the best team in the
league, but we started the match well.
"They made it difficult for us with the way they counter-attacked and ran
and passed the ball and against teams like this, they can score at any
moment.
"Personally, of course I am happy to have scored a goal, because I always
want to score to help my team, but I am even happier if we win the game.
"We need to work hard in the week and do better in the next match, because
that is the only way we can respond to this result. That's the reality for
us."
West Ham gave a decent account of themselves against the Antonio Conte's
side, having more shots and more possession than the Blues, only for a
lightning-quick counter-attack and a set piece to undo all their good work
either side of half-time.
First, Eden Hazard ended a break by rounding Darren Randolph to score,
before Diego Costa bundled the ball home from a Cesc Fabregas. Those goals
meant Lanzini's accurate finish from Andre Ayew's pass meant nothing
points-wise.
Next up for West Ham comes a trip to AFC Bournemouth, with the Hammers keen
to complete their second 'double' of the season after beating Crystal Palace
home and away earlier this term.
The Cherries, who lost 1-0 at London Stadium back in August, go into the
game on the back of a resilient 1-1 draw at Manchester United, but Lanzini
believes he and his teammates can climb back into the top half with three
points at the Vitality Stadium.
"Of course we can win on Saturday because we have a very good team and a
very good group," he confirmed. "We work hard in training and we can show
that with a good performance at Bournemouth on Saturday."
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Bilic - Our mistakes were costly
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted his side made a costly error to hand Chelsea the
opener in the Blues' 2-1 win at London Stadium
Antonio Conte's side were looking for revenge after defeat in the EFL Cup to
West Ham United earlier this season
Eden Hazard and Diego Costa goals saw the west Londoners through despite
Manuel Lanzini's late strike
West Ham United's mistakes proved extremely costly according to manager
Slaven Bilic, after he saw his side beaten 2-1 by Premier League leaders
Chelsea at London Stadium on Monday night.
Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa - two of the top flight's most deadly
talents - saw Antonio Conte's side claim their eighth win in ten matches as
they held on despite Manuel Lanzini's injury time strike.
And Hammers boss Bilic lamented his side's errors as they gave possession
away to set Chelsea on their way in the first half.
He said: "To make such a mistake that led to their first goal when we had
our centre-backs in their box - we should have put the ball back in the box
- but we didn't and they scored the counter-attack.
"Their second goal was also a cheap one from our side. So basically, it's
very simple. If you want to beat Chelsea, then you can't make those kind of
mistakes. You have very little chance if you do.
"The first was a set piece for us and we had enough players back. We had a
chance to put in the second ball in a good position but we didn't, Mark
wanted to play with the best intentions, but you expect your players to run
back with more reason in this situation.
"Chelsea players are all in and around the box as well but they got the ball
in space where we can't afford to give it, especially against them because
their pace in the transition is scary."
West Ham ChelseaThe Blues' victory meant Chelsea moved ten points clear at
the top of the league table and the West Ham boss admitted Conte's are an
incredibly impressive outfit.
"They have everything," the Croatian continued. "They are really good. From
all the top teams, they are very solid and they defend all the time with
numbers.
"They defend with five at the back and with two midfielders and everyone
apart from Costa, and when they have the ball, their pace and quality and
individual stuff is great.
"Some of the combinations they make are amazing and they have the quality
and are solid as a unit. They're a very fit which makes it difficult also.
"We knew Chelsea are where they are for a reason."
There were certainly positives to take from the game, however, and Bilic
remained pleased with the first half display despite the crucial mistake
that led to the opener.
"We played well in the first half - we started really, really well. We were
on top. We created a lot of problems on our left, put some crosses in with
Snodgrass but we didn't have enough bodies in the box apart from Andy. It
looked really good.
"Then we made that cheap mistake in a place that against them you can't.
"We have a game against Bournemouth now and it's a very big game for us. We
have to prepare ourselves and try to get back to winning."
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West Ham United 1-2 Chelsea
By Saj Chowdhury
BBC Sport
Diego Costa and Eden Hazard scored as Chelsea beat West Ham to extend their
lead at the top of the Premier League to 10 points.
It was the Blues' 21st victory of the league season and another big step
towards winning the title in Antonio Conte's first season as manager.
The Italian was once again spot on with his tactics - nullifying the
predictable aerial threat of the Hammers' 6ft 4in frontman Andy Carroll
early in the match.
And then in the 25th minute his attackers cruelly exposed the hosts' defence
with a devastating counter-attack.
N'Golo Kante read a pass from Robert Snodgrass deep inside the Chelsea half
on the left and played the ball to Hazard. The Belgium winger drove forward,
played a one-two with Pedro and then shifted the ball past keeper Darren
Randolph before slotting home.
The Blues doubled their lead after the break when Hazard's corner from the
left was turned in with his thigh by Costa - the Spain striker's 17th league
goal of the season.
The Hammers came close after Costa's strike when Sofiane Feghouli's low
drive was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois. Chelsea wing-back Marcos
Alonso then appeared to block Manuel Lanzini's half-volley with his arm
moments later - but referee Andre Marriner deemed it to be accidental.
West Ham finally pierced the last line of defence in stoppage time. Carroll
robbed Cesc Fabregas and fed Andre Ayew, who squared for Lanzini to fire in.
Chelsea quell Carroll threat
No doubt there were West Ham supporters who would have fancied their team's
chances of causing an upset on Monday.
They came into the match having lost only one of their past six league
games, picking up three wins. And one of the Blues' four defeats came at
London Stadium in the EFL Cup earlier this season.
But perhaps what gave those fans greatest belief of a win was the return of
Carroll, back after a month out with a groin injury - and the big striker
was central to the Hammers' tactics.
In the opening 20 minutes, both Snodgrass and Feghouli provided the
ex-Newcastle and Liverpool forward with high lofted balls. Unfortunately for
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, Chelsea had done their homework as their
defenders repeatedly prevented Carroll from having an effort on goal.
He became a peripheral figure in the second half as West Ham looked for a
new way of breaching the visitors' defence.
They managed to do so through Lanzini in the dying seconds, but there was
too little time to find an equaliser.
Unflappable Blues continue march to title
Not even an intruder who made his way towards the Chelsea players after
Hazard's goal could nudge the visitors off their stride. He, like West Ham's
attack, was quickly contained.
Chelsea's attack then demonstrated why they are top of the table - the
opening goal was a delight.
Kante, who as a defensive midfielder made the second-highest number of
sprints on the night - 77 - darted back to cut out Snodgrass' ball. It was
then over to Hazard and Pedro, with the Belgian having the confidence and
composure to take the ball past Randolph before tucking in.
It was not as good as his Match of the Day goal of the month against Arsenal
on 4 February, but impressive nonetheless. Costa, who had a quiet game, then
added a simple second after the break.
The Blues did lose their concentration on two occasions: once when Courtois
made a great save to block Feghouli's low drive, and then in stoppage time
when the Belgium keeper was beaten by Lanzini.
But those mistakes have been few and far between this season.
Man of the match - Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
West Ham could not cope with the fastest player on the pitch, who hit a top
speed of 34.01km/h. More importantly, his guile, interplay with his
team-mates and lethal finishing made him the standout player on the night.
Chelsea have enjoyed 118 Premier League London derby wins, more than any
other side (one more than Arsenal).
West Ham have won only two of their past 22 Premier League clashes with
Chelsea, losing 16 and drawing four.
Chelsea are the seventh side to accrue 66-plus points from their first 27
games of a Premier League season, having done it themselves twice before (69
in 2005-06 and 68 in 2004-05). All six previous sides have gone on to win
the title.
Chelsea scored the opening goal of the game for the 21st time this season in
the Premier League, four more times than any other side.
Chelsea are the only side to use all three substitutes in all of their
Premier League games this season.
Lanzini has scored in eight of his 12 Premier League London derby
appearances.
What's next?
Chelsea have an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United coming up on
Monday, 13 March (19:45 GMT) and then it is back to league action the
following Saturday when they travel to Stoke.
West Ham are away at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, 11 March
(15:00 GMT).
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Slaven Bilic left frustrated by mistakes in West Ham's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea
Last Updated: 06/03/17 11:10pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was left frustrated by the costly mistakes
which saw his side concede "cheap" goals as Chelsea to claimed a 2-1 victory
at the London Stadium.
Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were on target for the visitors as they brushed
aside the Hammers to take a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Manuel Lanzini struck a consolation in injury time to set up an anxious
conclusion but Chelsea held on, and Bilic thought Antonio Conte's side were
full value for their victory.
"They are where they are for a reason but we expected something from this
game," Bilic told Sky Sports.
"We started well in the first half, and then to make such a mistake that led
to their goal when we had our centre backs and everybody in their box," said
the Croatian. "We should have put the ball back into their box. We didn't
and they scored from a counter-attack.
"And then their second goal, from our side was a cheap one.
"The story is very simple. If you want to beat Chelsea, they have to make
the mistakes for you to score goals and not the other way round. [Otherwise]
you have very little chance."
Bilic was full of praise for Chelsea, saying Conte's side were a scary side
to face because of the pace they have when they counter-attack.
"We scored a goal which was good, and we could have scored more, but in the
second-half every attack they had with their pace and quality looked very
dangerous," Bilic said.
Speaking about Chelsea's second goal, he added: "It's a set piece for us and
we have enough players at the back and then we get the second ball in a good
position to put the ball in but we didn't.
"We lost the ball in a space where you can't afford to, especially against
them because their pace in the transition is scary."
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Slaven Bilic unfazed by West Ham's Chelsea defeat and looking at successful
long-term future with the club
The Hammers boss is keen to extend his stay in east London and believes
long-term managerial stability is the best way to achieve greater success
The Mirror
BYADRIAN KAJUMBA
22:57, 6 MAR 2017UPDATED23:59, 6 MAR 2017
Things have settled down at West Ham and thoughts are starting to turn to
the future . A new contract is on the agenda for boss Slaven Bilic who is
eyeing an extended stay to increase his chances of building the club. "The
longer you stay somewhere, the more chance you have to win things," he said.
"Normally you have a much bigger chance if you are given time to build your
team and improve it." That's what Bilic will be aiming to do again this
summer when he is expected to be handed a significant amount of money to
spend once more. Their search for a big name striker will resume and a
right-back will also be a priority. The versatile Cheikhou Kouyate has been
filling in lately with Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa failing to convince.
There will be an extra determination to get things right in the next summer
window. A poor one last year hampered their chances of kicking on from last
season's impressive campaign and seventh-placed finish which, briefly,
brought Europa League football. Just one of the glut of signings from last
summer, Sofiane Feghouli, started against Chelsea last night. If Michail
Antonio had not been suspended that number might well have been zero.
Encouragingly West Ham's January work was better. Against a backdrop of a
little friction behind the scenes over who calls the shots when it comes to
transfers, Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass arrived and have quickly nailed
down places in the Hammers side.
After their gambles last summer, lessons had clearly and quickly been
learned. It has been a season full of them for the Hammers and Bilic has
done well to steady the ship through some choppy waters. Slaven Bilic has
been hugely popular at West Ham since his playing days, and even more so as
a manager (Photo: 2015 West Ham United FC) The Dimitri Payet saga, new
stadium furore - still not solved based on last night's latest security
breach - more injuries and indifferent form have all tested Bilic. But the
early season woes have all eased and West Ham are on course for a mid-table
finish. There is still work to be done though as occasions like last night,
when the Hammers were comfortably beaten, show. That work looks set to
continue under Bilic.
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Tuesday, March 7
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