SUNDERLAND V WEST HAM – MY FIVE TAKE AWAYS BY STEVE CLAYDON @TRBEAT
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 16 APRIL 2017 AT 3:44PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon @trbeat
Liability. Week in, Week out.
When Adrian went walkabout against Southampton and cost us the game, it was
time to replace him. If Bilic does not pull the trigger on Randolph, then
it's going to be a long last five games. Clean sheets require a mix of a
good back line and a solid keeper, or a solid back line and a good keeper.
Each and every week we can't seem to string those two requirements together,
and before you say we kept a clean sheet against Swansea, Randolph did his
best to try and ruin that. I'm done with Randolph. Nothing personal but
I've given him the benefit of the doubt for too long. This project is over.
#BringBackAdrian
Play to a Strength.
So, now I am confused and granted that does not take too much. We have the
big man playing upfront, so we go and play it on the floor, which is fine if
we are moving the ball forward. There were periods of this game where we
played some pretty football; however, it was in our third of the field, and
we were not moving forward.
A lot of times during this passing play, Sunderland pressured us into making
mistakes. I'm not asking us to lump it forward, pray and hope, but we have
a couple of fairly pacy backs and half decent wide midfielders that should
be looking to attack the wings and look for options. Our first goal
demonstrated that we could do it and that that tactic would work.
We looked most dangerous when we played wide, stretched the field and looked
for options, but those times were limited. We played today as if we had
Defoe on our side, looking and hoping that someone would make an intelligent
run to open space. Sunderland played to that strength, pulling defenders
and looking for incisive balls, and if not for some poor finishing and some
excellent defending by Fonte this would have been another game we lost.
Tactically we look confused at times and not sure what we are doing.
Couldn't even close out during a fire sale.
Twenty-two points dropped from winning positions. I would guess twenty-two
points lost in the last 5 minutes. Tottenham, West Brom, Bournemouth and
more left me feeling gutted. If I have no confidence that we will close out
a game thousands of miles away, on my comfy couch, what hope do I have that
the players will feel they can.
There is no strong mentality in this team. Leading by a goal means one
thing, backs to the walls and complete fear. If I were the opposing
manager, one goal down against us with five minutes in the game to go here
is what I would tell my team. We have this; they are there for the taking.
The sit back and try to suck up the pressure method does not work.
To end the game correctly requires communication between everyone and a
couple of players willing to show skill, determination and dedication to
take the game by the scruff of the neck and boss the last few minutes. This
rolling over needs to stop and STOP right now.
How to piss your boss off.
Bilic: I'm not sure I have full faith in you.
Byram: You can trust me.
Bilic: Sure?
Byram: Of course boss.
Bilic: Ok, well don't screw up then.
Byram: Will two yellows count as screwing up?
Bilic: MotherF%*ker
Silly boy. I get it; it can happen to anyone. I get that you can get two
yellow cards in the heat of a game. I get it. I get it. I get it. But
when you are incredibly thin at a position, and you already have some
challenges with people suspended and injured, you have to think bigger
picture. It was his take charge of, to own that role, to step up and
honestly say, I am the man for this job.
This fight for survival is not over yet, and all Byram accomplished was make
it that much harder for us next week. Everton is going to have a field day
running that channel with whoever puts their hand up and says "I'll do it,
boss".
I'm disappointed in Byram because I thought that he had turned the corner
the last couple of weeks. I think he still has a lot to learn with regards
to discipline. Learning in the EPL when you are thin at a position is not
ideal.
What is our first eleven next year?
As I mentioned, during the offseason I plan to write a team breakdown of
each positional area and outside of few players; Lanzini….umm Lanzini, oh
and Lanzini (Yup, I have a man crush on Lanzini) I'm not sure who should be
back.
Ok, that is a bold statement. This year has been terrible with injuries,
stadium move, the Payet issue and more but we can't and won't survive
another year of these challenges. We need to infuse the squad with
reliable, skilful and dedicated players. We have players who individually
meet these criteria but who meets them all? Again, maybe a bold statement
but our summer and winter signings have been wide of the mark, and we need a
team with quality starters and quality depth.
We, as fans, have moaned at nearly everyone during the year and I know that
that is part and parcel of the game, but a question for you, who do you see
as a must have player to be brought back? I already picked Lanzini, so he's
off the table.
See you next week.
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A SUMMER SHAKE UP IS NEEDED!
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 16 APRIL 2017 AT 9:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello everyone. I am writing to give my opinion on what I believe needs to
be done at the club during the summer.
So this season has been a complete disaster, and the sooner it ends the
better. Once the season is done, I believe that the club need to have a
massive shake up from top to bottom.
This shake up starts from the manager. Now I know a lot of people love Slav
and I am one of them people, but is he really the man to take us forward?
I'm not so sure. This is something that the board need to examine and it is
crucial that they make the right decision. If they decide to change things,
they have to bring in someone who is going to improve us and take us
forward. However if they decide to keep Bilic, then I feel that he has to
change his backroom staff.
I would like to see us hire a defensive coach to work alongside Slaven,
because our defending has been nothing short of embarrassing this season. We
have players that are capable of being a strong defence, but the
organisation just isn't good enough. I believe that with the right coach to
help Slav, we could become a very strong unit to break down. Bringing in
coaches does help, just look at how our strikers improved when Teddy was our
attacking coach.
I also feel that we need to look at changing our fitness coach. The current
coach is 70 years old, and for me that is not acceptable in the Premier
League. I think we should bring someone in that is going to push the players
to their limits. I hate to use them as an example, but look at how fit the
Spurs players are compared to ours. The difference is quite scary.
Now onto the players. We need to have a huge clear out in the summer. The
likes of Arbeloa, Tore, Nordtveit, Sakho, Valencia, Snodgrass and either of
our keepers will need to leave the club. As much as I like them, I just do
not think they are good enough for the level we are aiming to be at. I
cannot stress how important it is that we sign quality over quantity this
summer.
I think we need to bring in two strikers, a right back, a goalkeeper and
possibly another creative midfielder. These players must all be good enough
to get into our side straight away.
I am also a firm believer of giving youth a chance, and that is something
that I feel we must start to do more often. We have some players of real
quality in our youth system, but they are never given a proper chance to
prove themselves in the first team and it is very frustrating. Many teams in
the league have given chances to their youth players, some of which are now
first team regulars. I think it is about time we do the same.
A massive thank you to the West Ham Way for allowing me to voice my opinion,
and thank you all for taking the time to read my article.
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RANDY AIN'T DANDY
By Zaman Siddiqui 16 Apr 2017 at 07:00 827 comments
WTID
Embed from Getty Images
Gosh, that match against the team in the red and white stripes sure was
difficult. We were playing Southampton, right? Honestly, I don't know what
to make of that match. We are 13th, but surely won't stay there much longer.
We played so poorly that we made Sunderland look like Southampton. Prior to
this match, the Black Cats had failed to score in their last six matches,
losing five of those – they scored two against us and drew. Leicester had
failed to win away in the league all season before playing us – they beat
us. Bournemouth defeated us, in spite of missing two penalties. Why must we
be the club that makes others look good by comparison?
Randolph played horrendously. This is certainly not a one-off incident, as
he has conceded many goals from similar positions. He has been poor on
corners, conceding against West Brom and nearly against Swansea in our last
match. I wouldn't be surprised if pinning Randolph during corners was part
of Sunderland's game plan. But it isn't just this match alone: he has made
more errors leading to goals than any other player in the PL this season
(4). When our club was founded in 1895, I'm sure one of the main tenets was
to dispose of underperforming players to the bench, so that everyone has a
fair chance to play. Randolph earned his place in the starting XI this way.
Perhaps the same rules should apply to Adrián?
I think Randolph will be well acquainted with another invention from 1895 –
the Gillette disposable razor blade. I'm not sure if others noticed, but he
shaved off his beard for this match! Sadly, it proved to be ineffective, as
the clean-shaven goalkeeper couldn't keep a clean sheet. In fact, it was
arguably the worst thing he has ever done, as he conceded two dismal goals.
Fortunately, the newly-shaven Irishman will likely continue in goal. In his
post-match interview, Bilic said: "It was a well taken goal from Borini and
okay, you expect to clear the ball, but … the ball dropped and unfortunately
he couldn't hold it." Methinks the gaffer likes the new Randolph… Don't be
surprised to see Bilic sign Joe Hart in the summer, having watched him in a
Head & Shoulders ad.
Moving on, another thing that we can use to widen our understanding of the
ins and outs of football is two-part pricing. This is something that has
become ubiquitous in the modern economy. How this works is you buy a
relatively inexpensive product and spend considerably more on the
replacement. For instance, have you ever noticed how the cost of replacement
cartridges for an inkjet printer eventually add up to the cost of the
printer itself? The reason behind this is that manufacturers deliberately
sell their printers at a low cost to ensure that consumers buy ink
cartridges from them. (What other alternative do the consumers have? Buy a
new printer?) Likewise, Gillette sell their blade holder at a low price and
sell their blades at a higher one.
When Fonte and Snodgrass were brought in, they were given higher wages. This
isn't much of a problem, but they were also signed for large transfer fees.
This is what has caused a bit of kerfuffle in the dressing rooms with the
other players who are unsettled. Noble, Kouyaté and Reid make less than
them. Given the fact that the new players would have received a sell-on-fee
(percentage of the transfer fee), the amount they receive is even higher!
Had the club followed the basic rule of two-part pricing, the players could
have been signed on high transfer fees, as well as an increase on the
sell-on-fee percentage, in order to be able to offer lower wages. If
Southampton and Hull wanted a lot for them, that is fine. But for the
players to demand such exorbitant wages is detrimental to success. Simply
put, just because our new signings are on higher wages doesn't mean we are
making progress as a club.
Bilic needs to be able to select teams based on both form and closeness. By
that, I mean how well the player is doing in training sessions and how they
interact with others on the pitch. It is painstakingly obvious that Bilic is
stubborn. Be that his tactical nous or his team selection, he will never
relent. I'm just going to focus on the latter for the time being. I feel as
though he doesn't want to put Adrián back in, because it will send out the
message that both our keepers are subpar. They are, but it is very unlikely
we will upgrade our goalkeeping selection. I honestly don't believe he has
faith in Randolph. Either that or he wants Adrián to leave the club by
depriving him of game time.
One of the major problems we are experiencing is seeing games out. We have
conceded a lot of late goals and I believe this is down to our laid-back
approach. It simply isn't enough to lead. We need to start winning
convincingly. Much like Everton and Lukaku will be against us (I hope I'm
proven wrong on that). For instance, last season we lead 1-0 against Villa
who had 10 men on the pitch. We were desperately trying to put the game to
bed, but we did it eventually winning 2-0. That is the sort of ambition we
need to have. That includes discipline, as we have been shown more red cards
than any other side in the Premier League this season (5). Byram got one in
the 95th minute in this match as did Antonio in the 86th minute against
Watford.
Our match against Everton certainly doesn't fill me with confidence. If we
get anything from it, we can count ourselves lucky. Bookies will be lowering
their odds on Lukaku scoring. Had we won this match, I would have been
slightly more optimistic about our next one. In some ways, we were fortunate
to draw, given the fact that our two goals came from just three shots on
target. Sunderland had double the amount of shots we had, so anything could
have happened. If Bilic thinks that he will keep his job if we finish say
15th, then he is sorely mistaken. We are staying up, but that isn't enough
for a club like us. We have invested a considerable amount on players, so I
don't think he can rely on the success of last season. Just look at what
happened to Claudio Ranieri.
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Has Masuaku nicked the West Ham left back spot and Adrian vs Randolph - five
things we learned
Should Adrian replace Randolph? Should Collins get a new deal?
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
08:00, 16 APR 2017
West Ham conceded yet another late goal as they dropped two points away at
Sunderland, the hosts nabbing a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw. The
Hammers should have had too much for the Black Cats but a lack of attacking
intent, especially in the second half, cost them dear. Andre Ayew and
James Collins had twice put the visitors ahead but they were cancelled out
by Wahib Khazri before half time and Fabio Borini as the clock struck 90.
Here's five things we learned from the match.
Still no back-to-back wins since December
Since the Hammers narrowly saw off Hull and Burnley (both 1-0 against
terrible away teams) in Decemeber, West Ham haven't won two games in a row.
Sure, they struggled to win many games at all but they had a chance
yesterday and it wasn't taken. The wild inconsistency of this team is
something that has plagued them all season. Slaven Bilic must be cravng some
consistency. To win such an enormous game like they did against Swansea and
to then throw away the win late on (again) must be hugely frustrating. If
the Hammers are to have a solid, mid-table season then they need to go
winning runs, not just losing a couple, winning one then drawing one and
losing again. It won't cut it.
James Collins - what a man
No-one embodies West Ham more than the Ginger Pele. His wholehearted and
committed display agaisnt Sunderland was a joy to watch. He threw his head
in where it hurt on the defensive end and showed a deftness of touch to
steer home Robert Snodgrass's corner early in the second half. It was
noticeable that he was one of the few Hammers players to clap the away
supporters at the end and they noticed it too. He's out of contract soon but
the man is playing like he is determined to get a new one. Give it to him.
Adrian vs Randolph
Four errors Darren Randolph has made this season that have led to goals this
season - making him the one of the clumsiest players in the Premier League.
Slaven Bilic insisted after the game that he wasnt going to point the finger
at the Irishman after he droped the cross which led to Fabio Borini's late
equaliser. But, this isn't the first it's happened. Adrian was dropped after
his hgh-profile clanger against Stoke earlier this season and Randolph has
been in between the sticks. With games against Everton, Spurs and Liverpool
on the horizon, Bilic needs to decide whether to stick with the Irishman or
go back to the Spaniard. Either way, expect some movement in the goalkeeping
department this summer.
Has Masuaku nicked the left back slot?
Yes, Aaron Cresswell was Hammer of the Year the season before last but that
doesnt absolve anyone from criticism. Cresswell came in for that this
situation and his injury came at an unfortunate time as he was under severe
pressure for his place from Arthur Masuaku. The Frenchman has been superb
for the past three games now, putting in man of the match dispalys against
both Swansea and Sunderland. Cresswell is now fit but should he get that
spot back which was his beforehand? There is an argument to play them both,
with one in a left midfield role, which could work. But, if Bilic persists
with a narrow midfield, Masuaku doesn't deserve to be dropped. The next four
games are as tough as they come Everton at home, Stoke away, then Spurs and
Liverpool at the London Stadium.
Romelu Lukaku always seems to score against West Ham, going away to Stoke is
always a horrendous prospect, Tottenham are on an unbelievable streak and
still chasing the title and Liverpool are, well, Liverpool and could easily
go on the rampage should they fell like it. The Sunderland game was a chance
to give some real daylight between the Hammers and the bottom three - look,
they won't go down - but with this tough run of games coming up, the gap
could narrow.
Results went their way this weekend but West Ham can't always be relying on
others to do them a favour.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th April 2017
Draw on Wearside after late leveller
WHUFC.com
A late Fabio Borini strike earned Premier League basement club Sunderland a point in a 2-2 draw after West Ham United had been in front for so long at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The 90th minute equaliser spelled extreme frustration for Slaven Bilic's side, who had previously re-taken the lead through James Collins after Andre Ayew's opener had been cancelled out. The Hammers went almost two months without a victory prior to last week's triumph against Swansea, and it was so nearly two wins in two. Things started well for the visitors, without suspended skipper Mark Noble and the injured Michail Antonio. Less than two minutes in, Manuel Lanzini had a smart free-kick well stopped by Jordan Pickford, but there was nothing the local lad could do to save his side three minutes later.
Sam Byram's deep cross from the right found its way, after Andy Carroll's cut-back, to Ayew, who controlled and prodded in to open the scoring and bag his fourth goal in eight games. And as the home supporters inside the Stadium of Light began to turn on their side, they almost went even further behind as Robert Snodgrass curled narrowly wide from the edge of the box. But after a dominant 20-minute spell for the Hammers, the hosts awakened and started to prompt the famous Roker Roar. On 26 minutes, the equaliser came. Khazri, often the Black Cats' most dangerous outlet, won a corner and, going to take it himself from the left, levelled things in the north east. Darren Randolph was left stranded behind a forceful Victor Anichebe as the Tunisian curled directly in from the set piece – 1-1. Ayew was close to bagging a second ten minutes before the break, firing over from close range, but it was David Moyes' side who looked to most likely. Byram was forced to clear a dangerous attack after some pinball in the box, and Khazri rolled one into the arms of Randolph from 18 yards before the referee whistled for half time. But another 45, another fast West Ham start; another goal. Snodgrass corner, Ginge near post flick; back in front. Just the response Bilic's men needed after a disappointing 25 minutes previously.
The game slowly meandered towards its climax for the next 25 minutes. The next best opportunity came when Didier Ndong fired well over from just eight yards out, wasting the hosts' best chance to grab a second equaliser. But despite the miss, what was to come could be sensed. Borini, on for the injured Billy Jones after a lengthy stoppage, picked up Randolph's dropped catch and struck low past goalscorer Collins to make it 2-2 in the final minute of normal time. Ten minutes of injury time proved fruitless for West Ham, and to make things worse, Byram was shown a second yellow card and sent off late on. As the referee signalled the end of the action, the visitors were left with just a point to show for their efforts in the north east
Sunderland: Pickford, Jones (Borini 88), Manquillo (Kone 89), Denayer, O'Shea, Gibson, Khazri, Cattermole (Januzaj 77), Ndong, Anichebe, Defoe.
Subs not used: Mannone, Pienaar, Rodwell, Kone.
Goals: Khazri 26, Borini 90
West Ham United: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Collins, Masuaku, Kouyate, Fernandes, Snodgrass (Nordtveit 81), Lanzini, Ayew, Carroll.
Subs not used: Adrian, Cresswell, Feghouli, Fletcher, Calleri, Rice.
Goals: Ayew 5, Collins 47
Bookings: Byram 70, 90+6
Red cards: Byram 90+6
Attendance: 40,168
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Ginge – It feels like a defeat
WHUFc.com
James Collins was left disappointed after conceding a late equaliser against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light
The defender thought he was to be the matchwinner after flicking home a header to make it 2-1 in the second half
But Fabio Borini snatched a late second for the Black Cats to make it 2-2 in the north east
James Collins admitted West Ham United's 2-2 draw at Sunderland felt like a defeat after the Black Cats scored a late equaliser to steal a point on Saturday.
The Hammers twice took the lead on Wearside, with Ginge bagging what the visitors thought was the winner when he headed home two minutes into the second half.
But Fabio Borini's 90th-minute strike earned the struggling hosts a point and piled on the frustration for Slaven Bilic and West Ham.
Andre Ayew fired in just five minutes into the contest in the north east to send the visiting supporters into raptures, but Whabi Khazri equalised halfway through the opening period.
After twice throwing away the lead, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Hammers and Collins.
He said: "We're disappointed. To concede a late goal is always disappointing. I thought we were reasonably comfortable after we scored the second goal, and it feels more like a loss after that late goal. But a point's a point.
"To score two away from goals, it should be enough. We didn't defend either goal as well as we should have done. We're just disappointed that we haven't come away with three points.
"We need to have a good week's training and put it behind us and take the point. Away from home anywhere we can say is a good point."
Ginge flicked home his second goal of the season just after the break at the Stadium of Light, and despite the disappointing climax to proceedings up north, was pleased to get on the scoresheet.
"It's always nice to score, but I'd have taken a 1-0 and someone else scored than scoring and eventually drawing," the centre-back continued. "If we'd have held on to win it would have been doubly as enjoyable.
"We're on 37 points now. I've just said, we're looking up. We know we have the squad and the team to move up the league and finish as high as we can. We're going to have to put today behind us.
"I don't think we've ever been in real danger of ever looking like we're getting relegated so we'll look forward rather than back.
"I've probably made more mistakes than anyone in the dressing room over my career, so when we make them, we have to put them out of mind and move on."
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Bilic – It was a fair result
WHUFC.com
A 2-2 draw at Sunderland was fair, according to West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
His side twice led, though, at the Stadium of Light and could not prevent equalisers from Whabi Khazri and Fabio Borini
Andre Ayew and James Collins had previously put West Ham in front, but a late leveller on Wearside left the boss frustrated
A draw was a fair result according to West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic, who watched his side twice concede equalisers to earn a point against Sunderland on Saturday. The Hammers took the lead early on in both halves, scoring first through Andre Ayew and then James Collins with a Whabi Khazri equaliser sandwiched inbetween. But Fabio Borini's 90th-minute strike saw the struggling hosts snatch a draw at the Stadium of Light and though Bilic was left disappointed, he admitted a share of the spoils was fair. "We are disappointed because we were leading twice and after we scored both times, we were in charge and played some good football," the manager said. "We were looking for three points and when you concede goals in that manner – for both of them – they are strange goals and you're disappointed. "It was a fair result today. Three would have been brilliant but at this stage of the season, a point can be very, very important for us. "It was a well taken goal from Borini and OK, you expect to clear the ball, but with our goalkeeper in that position, the ball dropped and unfortunately he couldn't hold it. "We aren't pointing fingers. We are winning, losing, scoring and conceding goals as a team. We do it all as a team."
The point leaves the Hammers on a total of 37 in the Premier League, and Bilic is already eyeing next weekend's home clash against Everton as the opportunity to get to the landmark 40 points. "We tried to win the game today and we got a point so we have a chance next game to get to that magic points number of 40 and we will try to win it," he continued. "Today, after we scored the first one, we got nervous and then we had a good spell, but again after the second goal, it was us around the box. "But we couldn't finish them, and they started to throw the bodies up front, playing risky football because they were losing. "Of course when that happens, you expect a job to do in your box but they were also leaving a lot space in behind and we couldn't finish them off."
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Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
By Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport
Substitute Fabio Borini scored a 90th-minute equaliser as Sunderland drew with West Ham to keep their faint hopes of Premier League survival alive. Andre Ayew opened the scoring for the Hammers, prodding past Jordan Pickford after a scuffed Andy Carroll volley fell to him in the penalty area. Sunderland finally broke their scoring duck, with Wahbi Khazri's corner flying straight in for the Black Cats' first goal in more than 11-and-a-half hours. James Collins headed in from a Robert Snodgrass corner to put the visitors in front, before Borini levelled from the edge of the box. Sam Byram was then sent off for West Ham for a second booking in added time, but Sunderland were unable to find a winner. It makes it eight games without a victory for David Moyes' side, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Can Sunderland do the unthinkable?
Sunderland showed plenty of passion and desire in front of their home fans, but the hosts desperately needed three points at the Stadium of Light. They remain nine points from safety, albeit with a game in hand on 17th-placed Hull, who are one of three sides they face during the run-in that are also scrapping for survival.
Moyes knows his side must take points off the Tigers, as well as relegation-threatened Middlesbrough and Swansea, with trips to Champions League-chasing Arsenal and leaders Chelsea to follow. But the former Everton and Manchester United boss will have taken some positives from his side's attacking performance against West Ham, having previously gone seven games without finding the net. Khazri was instrumental and after his goal straight from a corner, which needed an element of luck, the winger set up Didier Ndong only for the midfielder to blaze over. Substitute Borini showed he can help ease the burden on top-scorer Jermain Defoe for goals, meaning the Black Cats are not quite resigned to the Championship just yet.
Hammers' defensive struggles
Sunderland's problems may lie with scoring goals, but West Ham's have stemmed from conceding them. They have now let in 59 this season - one more than the bottom-placed Black Cats - and it could have been more, were not for the hosts' profligacy in front of goal. Darren Randolph was perhaps blocked off by Victor Anichebe as Khazri's corner curled in, but the West Ham goalkeeper found himself out of position for Borini's leveller. Manager Slaven Bilic says his side "still have work to do" to make certain of their Premier League status for another year, although the Hammers are now closer to the top eight than they are the bottom three.
Bilic handed Carroll the armband and the forward was a nuisance throughout, finding space in the area from Byram's cross to inadvertently set up Ayew for the opener. West Ham's second goal, one of only three efforts on target from the visitors, also came as a result of being sharper in the box, with Snodgrass' teasing delivery met smartly by Collins.
Man of the match - Wahbi Khazri (Sunderland)
Khazri was making his first Sunderland start since October and proved the Black Cats' main attacking threat. He had more shots (four) and made more key passes (five) than any of his team-mates, while also providing more crosses than the rest of the Sunderland team combined.
'We need the football gods to shine on us'
Sunderland manager David Moyes: "We need to win games and today we've got to take three points. It wasn't for the want of trying [that we didn't]. "I thought the boys played really well, they showed great character to come back. "We'll keep believing while we're in with a chance, and somewhere along the line hope the football gods will shine on us." On defender Billy Jones, who was stretchered off: "The medical team tell me his head hit the ground and he lost consciousness, a bit of concussion. We've sent him to hospital, but I'm sure he'll be OK."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We are disappointed to concede a late goal. It was a fair result. It is a point, we wanted three and we were close. "They were throwing long balls in, putting the bodies in, from one of those situations they score the goal. "We have four points from the last two games, we have an unfinished job to do. We have to pick up more points to be safe."
Stats - Hammers throw away more points
Sunderland are without a win in their last eight top-flight games (D2 L6) and have won only one of their last 15.
West Ham have thrown away a league-high 22 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season.
West Ham have now gone 13 games without a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League.
Wahbi Khazri's goal was the first to come direct from a corner since Ben Watson for Watford against Manchester City in January 2016.
Fabio Borini's two Premier League goals this season have both come in the 90th minute.
West Ham have been shown more red cards than any other side in the Premier League this season (five).
What's next?
Sunderland travel to Middlesbrough, currently one place above them in 19th, on Wednesday, 26 April, before hosting Bournemouth three days later.
West Ham welcome Everton next Saturday, before a visit to Stoke a week later.
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REF WATCH: ANDRE MARRINER – SUNDERLAND VS WEST HAM
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 15 APRIL 2017 AT 8:21PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
After getting three points in a must win game at home against Swansea, West Ham visit bottom of the league Sunderland who are seemingly likely to play Championship football next season. Sunderland have only scored four goals in ten games, all of which came in their 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at the beginning of February.
Andre Marriner was the referee appointed for this game and this was his fourth West Ham game that he has officiated this season, most recently was the home defeat against Chelsea in March. Within the refereeing officials team and accompanying Marriner were assistant referees Simon Beck and Sian Massey-Ellis. Sian is still the only female assistant referee in the men's professional game and since her debut in 2010, she has become a very consistent and reliable decision maker.
It was very busy first half for Andre Marriner and it only took 36 seconds for Lee Cattermole to get himself cautioned for pulling back West Ham record signing Andre Ayew 20 yards from goal. Marriner didn't hesitate with this decision and I completely agreed it warranted a yellow card.
It seemed that Sunderland fans felt they were a little hard done by after Marriner correctly didn't award a free kick to Anichebe after tangling with Fonte and didn't award a penalty to Defoe under pressure from Sam Byram. Victor Anichebe went down, very softly I must add, after a tangling with Sam Byram and Jose Fonte around 30 yards from goal. I felt that Marriner got this direction right as Anichebe tumbled under minimal, if any contact at all by the West Ham defenders. Whether Anichebe felt contact by one of the West Ham defenders, it was definitely not deliberate. The second appeal that Marriner waved away was when Defoe went down in the penalty area. Defoe was in a good position when Sam Byram challenged for the ball and Randoph was there to collect the ball. I personally feel that Marriner got this decision right. Firstly, the initial contact by Byram was outside the area before Defoe went down, so if it was deemed a foul by Marriner, it would have been a direct free kick on the edge of the area. Secondly, both players were battling for the ball when Defoe went down under pressure from Byram. I felt Byram's challenge was risky as he didn't need to make that challenge as Defoe wasn't in control of the ball and Randolph would have been there to collect, but the correct decision was made.
There is some debate on why Marriner should have allowed Sunderland's equaliser to stand. I've always said that some referees are extremely protective of goalkeepers but in this instance, it was clear that Anichebe backed into Randolph preventing the West Ham goalkeeper to attempt to go for the ball. I do have some sympathy for Marriner. There is always so much activity going on inside the penalty area whether it's pushing, blocking, shirt pulling etc. and he needed assistance from his assistant referee on that side. The assistant referee should have taken up a position to be inline with Randolph and his last defender. It was a disappointing decision by the officials.
In the second half, Marriner did okay however I felt there were a couple of decisions that he was too relaxed with. Lee Cattermole, who was booked in the first 36 seconds, was late in his challenge with Cheikhou Kouyaté. The Sunderland midfielder caught the West Ham powerhouse high on the ankle. This could have easily been a second yellow card but Marriner made the decision that it was just a foul and nothing more.
Sam Byram was sent off in the fifth minute of additional time for two bookable offences. I had no complaints with Marriner's decision for Byram's second yellow card on Januzaj but his first yellow card was debatable in my opinion. For Byram's second caution, he was horrendously late with his unnecessary challenge on Januzaj which is in my mind a 100% yellow card. However, the first yellow card given to Byram, I felt that Anichebe fooled Marriner in thinking Bryam pulled the big Sunderland striker to the floor which resulted in Byram being cautioned for it. Throughout the game, Anichebe was going to the floor way to easily for me with minimal pressure and this is something that I felt Marriner should have realised. Anichebe is no push over. He is built to hold up the ball for Sunderland and does it well. There is no debate on whether Sam Byram could wrestle a person of Anichebe's stature.
Sunderland's Billy Jones was stretchered off after a challenge with Arthur Masuaku late in the second half. The right back hit his face on the floor after a fair shoulder to shoulder challenge by Masuaku. In my first opinion, it was a fair challenge by Masuaku and Marriner waved away appeals from Sunderland but correctly stopped the play and acknowledged Jones was down with a head injury.
Annoyingly, Randolph was at fault for another goal, that has cost West Ham points this season, and this particular incident led to Borini's equaliser. Anichebe challenged Randolph for the ball in the air and on this occasion I felt that there was no foul by Anichebe and he challenged for the ball fairly and won the ball which dropped into the path of Borini.
Overall, I thought that Andre Marriner was particularly relaxed in some of his decisions throughout the game and he seemed too reluctant to punish players such as Sunderland's Wahbi Khazri for persistently fouling. For Sunderland's first goal, the assistant referee needed to help Marriner out. The officials work hard together as a team and engage in constant communication throughout the game to ensure they collectively make the right decision however on this occasion they didn't.
It's infuriating that West Ham keep giving teams in the bottom of the table vital lifelines. Leicester won their first away game of the season at the London Stadium, Bournemouth won their first game in eight games and now Sunderland, who haven't scored in seven games, go and score two against us and get a valuable point. Tactically, it seems like Bilic set us up well to win but 10 minutes before the end brought on Havard Nordtveit to take a defensive approach. Defending has been our achilles heel all season. We've been terrible throughout and have conceded too many goals. Individual errors have cost us throughout the season and with ambitions of Europe for next season, there needs to be some significant changes.
Follow us on Twitter @TheWestHamWaycouk and @SamRoyden
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Fans call for clarity on Adrian position
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham supporters have urged the club to explain exactly why Adrian remains on the sidelines following another goalkeeping horror show from Darren Randolph at Sunderland this afternoon. The popular Spanish goalkeeper, who had been the club's first choice since moving to West Ham from Real Betis in 2013 was dropped by Slaven Bilic following some erratic performances in the opening games of the season. But with Randolph having made a series of clangers himself since - including two more notable errors that cost West Ham two points at Sunderland this afternoon - fans have demanded that Adrian be reinstated. "Bilic has remained silent for long enough," wrote KUMB follower @DamianADavis on Twitter following the final whistle at the Stadium of Light. "He must explain why he continues to pick Randolph, the supporters deserve that at the very least."
A recent KUMB poll resulted in 95 per cent of fans backing the reintroduction of the Spaniard, who is out of contract this summer - even though the club retain the option to extend his stay in London for a further two years - should they choose to.
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Slaven Bilic disappointed with leaky West Ham defence at Sunderland
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 15/04/17 7:41pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic was left disappointed after his West Ham side threw away a lead twice to draw 2-2 with Sunderland. The Hammers took the lead early in both halves, Andre Ayew opening the scoring in the fifth minute before James Collins struck two minutes into the second period. But Sunderland pegged them back on both occasions through Wahbi Khazri's direct corner and substitute Fabio Borini's 90th-minute leveller. "We're disappointed because we were leading twice and after we scored both goals we were in charge and played some good football," a pragmatic Bilic told Sky Sports. "We were looking for three points so when you concede two goals in the manner we did you are, of course, disappointed. "I have to say it was a fair result though. We wanted the win but the point, at this stage of the season, can be very good for us. "I'm disappointed because after our first goal they became nervous and we had a really good spell. You look to use that situation to your advantage but we didn't. "It happened again when we scored the second, it was us around the box and they were playing risky football - throwing bodies forward - but we couldn't finish them off. When that happens you expect there to be a job to do in your box they were leaving a lot of space behind that I was expecting us to use better."
West Ham were stunned in the 26th minute at the Stadium of Light when Khazri scored straight from a corner. "It was a well-taken corner but I would have expected us to clear that ball," the Hammer boss added. "We didn't and it put our goalkeeper in a position where the ball came too quick and unfortunately he could keep it out."
The draw lifts West Ham up to 13th in the Premier League and to within three points of a the 40-point mark. And, after what's been a testing campaign both on and off the pitch, Bilic has his sights set on finishing as high as possible, saying: "We tried to win today, got a point. "We have a chance to win next week that will take us to that magic number 40 and then we can talk about more."
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Everton and West Ham lead pursuit of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany
Belgian centre-back Kompany is fit and firing again after a nightmare two-year injury spell
The Mirror
BYSTEVE BATES
22:30, 15 APR 2017
Vincent Kompany will be a wanted man this summer - with Everton and West Ham leading a host of clubs on his trail. But the 31-year-old Belgian international defender will first have to finish Manchester City's season strongly before chasing clubs firm up their interest. Kompany is fit and firing again after a nightmare two-year injury spell which has restricted his City appearances to just seven since the end of last season. Pep Guardiola restored Kompany to City's suspect defence in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on April 5 - his first league game since a win at Crystal Palace in mid November. And although the Spaniard recognises the experienced star could play a role next season, suspicions remain that Kompany's injury history makes that a gamble.
After a solid return at Chelsea the City captain had a slight problem which caused him to miss the win over Hull but he was back for and scored in Saturday's 3-0 win away to Southampton. Kompany's injury issues haven't deterred other Premier League clubs with Everton among several teams keeping a close watch on his fitness progress. When he's on the pitch two-time Premier League winner Kompany is a forceful presence. But if City do let the defender go chasing clubs will structure any deal to off-set injury worries. Everton chief Koeman is hopeful he can sign Burnley's Michael Keane but he's weighing up other options with the new England centre back attracting plenty of attention. That's why Kompany is on Koeman's radar – with the Toffees boss also taking an active interest in Las Palmas centre-half Mauricio Lemos as he lines up summer defensive targets. The 21-year-old Uruguayan star turned down a move to Barcelona last summer to get more game time with La Liga side Las Palmas. Mauricio Lemos during the Spanish league match between Villarreal and Las Palmas at El Madrigal stadium on March 5, 2016 But it looks certain the South American youngster, valued around £25million by the Spaniards, will leave the Gran Canarians at the end of the season.
Koeman had Lemos watched in the 5-1 defeat at Athletico Bilbao on Friday and will continue to monitor the youngster before the window opens.
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West Ham Stars Set to Demand Big Pay Rises After January Signings Got Hefty Deals
Luke Calver
15 APR 2017
West Ham players are set to demand big pay rises in the summer, after the club handed new signings Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass huge pay packets when they first joined the club in January.
Fonte joined on a £65,000-a-week deal from Southampton, while Snodgrass joined on a deal worth around the £60,000-a-week mark from Hull City, which has caused huge unrest in the dressing room, according to the Mirror.
Hull City v West Ham United - Premier League
It is reported that many of the Hammers' top and most loyal players are set to demand high pay rises in the light of these two January signings. They feel that they are worth the same, or even more than Snodgrass and Fonte, and they want to be paid fairly with the amount of money West Ham have to offer.
The two January signings have slotted straight into the top of West Ham's high earners, just below top earner Andy Carroll, who is on a hefty £80,000-a-week. However, they are ahead of long serving captain Mark Noble and the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Winston Reid and Michail Antonio.
Arsenal v West Ham United - Premier League
Antonio is already in discussions over a new contract with the club, but they have yet been unable to agree a suitable arrangement, which could force arguably their best player to leave the club.
This could then start to occur with many of West Ham's other top talents, all because they signed Snodgrass and Fonte on such high wage packets, now all of the other West Ham players want in on the money.
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West Ham Boss Slaven Bilic Reveals Why Their Desperate Season Has Caused Him to 'Smash Tables'
Alex Gidden
15 APR 2017
The Hammers have been unable to build on a strong season last year and have been close to the relegation zone on a number of occasions during the current campaign. Despite finding his place as manager come under pressure, Bilic appears to have guided his side to safety and is now planning for a busy summer in preparation for next season. With his job seemingly secured for the near future, the Croatian has revealed that he has had to go to some extreme lengths in order to motivate his players during what has been a difficult campaign. "I've had my moments, yes." he told the Mail. "Every thing I do, whether before a game or at half-time, I do it deliberately. Even if I want to smash a table a little bit or whatever, you do it with a plan. I don't know about passionate. "Sometimes (my team talks) are calm, sometimes they are less calm. But that's the way I do it."
Having alluded to the fact that innocuous looking tables may have bore the brunt of his wrath, Bilic was quizzed over how many he may have broken throughout the season, but in typical style, the Hammers boss jokingly brushed off providing an exact figure by replying: "We'll have to go to IKEA." Whilst Bilic appears to have saved his job as Hammers' boss, a decision over his long-term future may be made over the summer as he has just over a year remaining on his contract and has yet to be offered a new one by his employers.
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West Ham Coach Julian Dicks Appears to Blame Players for Disappointing Season
Alex Gidden
15 APR 2017
West Ham coach Julian Dicks appears to have shifted blame away from Slaven Bilic's coaching staff and instead blamed the players for the Hammers' poor season.
Following on from last year's sixth-place finish, Bilic's side have struggled for consistency and have instead flirted with relegation for much of the season. A 1-0 win over Swansea last weekend appears to have eased fears that the Hammers may drop into the Championship, but speculation remains rife that Bilic will be made culpable for the team's poor form and lose his job in the coming weeks. As the debate continues over why West Ham have disappointed for long periods over the last eight months, former defender Julian Dicks, who is currently the east London club's first-team coach, insists that the coaching staff have done all they can and that ultimate responsibility lies with the players. In the interview with talkSPORT, Dicks also made a surprising revelation that his experience as a defender is not used by Bilic, and that he plays no role in helping the Hammers' back-line. "One, I don't do defensive coaching, I am responsible for shooting drills and crossing drills so for me we can't keep on conceding goals from set plays." he said, as quoted by HITC. "Listen, I have been in this many times with West Ham and it takes guts to get us out of this. Listen I will do everything I can, so does the manager, so does the other coaches. "When the players go out there it's up to them and as I have said I have been in this many times as a player, as a player you can do something about it, as a coach as soon as they cross that line it is down to them."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A late Fabio Borini strike earned Premier League basement club Sunderland a point in a 2-2 draw after West Ham United had been in front for so long at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The 90th minute equaliser spelled extreme frustration for Slaven Bilic's side, who had previously re-taken the lead through James Collins after Andre Ayew's opener had been cancelled out. The Hammers went almost two months without a victory prior to last week's triumph against Swansea, and it was so nearly two wins in two. Things started well for the visitors, without suspended skipper Mark Noble and the injured Michail Antonio. Less than two minutes in, Manuel Lanzini had a smart free-kick well stopped by Jordan Pickford, but there was nothing the local lad could do to save his side three minutes later.
Sam Byram's deep cross from the right found its way, after Andy Carroll's cut-back, to Ayew, who controlled and prodded in to open the scoring and bag his fourth goal in eight games. And as the home supporters inside the Stadium of Light began to turn on their side, they almost went even further behind as Robert Snodgrass curled narrowly wide from the edge of the box. But after a dominant 20-minute spell for the Hammers, the hosts awakened and started to prompt the famous Roker Roar. On 26 minutes, the equaliser came. Khazri, often the Black Cats' most dangerous outlet, won a corner and, going to take it himself from the left, levelled things in the north east. Darren Randolph was left stranded behind a forceful Victor Anichebe as the Tunisian curled directly in from the set piece – 1-1. Ayew was close to bagging a second ten minutes before the break, firing over from close range, but it was David Moyes' side who looked to most likely. Byram was forced to clear a dangerous attack after some pinball in the box, and Khazri rolled one into the arms of Randolph from 18 yards before the referee whistled for half time. But another 45, another fast West Ham start; another goal. Snodgrass corner, Ginge near post flick; back in front. Just the response Bilic's men needed after a disappointing 25 minutes previously.
The game slowly meandered towards its climax for the next 25 minutes. The next best opportunity came when Didier Ndong fired well over from just eight yards out, wasting the hosts' best chance to grab a second equaliser. But despite the miss, what was to come could be sensed. Borini, on for the injured Billy Jones after a lengthy stoppage, picked up Randolph's dropped catch and struck low past goalscorer Collins to make it 2-2 in the final minute of normal time. Ten minutes of injury time proved fruitless for West Ham, and to make things worse, Byram was shown a second yellow card and sent off late on. As the referee signalled the end of the action, the visitors were left with just a point to show for their efforts in the north east
Sunderland: Pickford, Jones (Borini 88), Manquillo (Kone 89), Denayer, O'Shea, Gibson, Khazri, Cattermole (Januzaj 77), Ndong, Anichebe, Defoe.
Subs not used: Mannone, Pienaar, Rodwell, Kone.
Goals: Khazri 26, Borini 90
West Ham United: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Collins, Masuaku, Kouyate, Fernandes, Snodgrass (Nordtveit 81), Lanzini, Ayew, Carroll.
Subs not used: Adrian, Cresswell, Feghouli, Fletcher, Calleri, Rice.
Goals: Ayew 5, Collins 47
Bookings: Byram 70, 90+6
Red cards: Byram 90+6
Attendance: 40,168
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Ginge – It feels like a defeat
WHUFc.com
James Collins was left disappointed after conceding a late equaliser against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light
The defender thought he was to be the matchwinner after flicking home a header to make it 2-1 in the second half
But Fabio Borini snatched a late second for the Black Cats to make it 2-2 in the north east
James Collins admitted West Ham United's 2-2 draw at Sunderland felt like a defeat after the Black Cats scored a late equaliser to steal a point on Saturday.
The Hammers twice took the lead on Wearside, with Ginge bagging what the visitors thought was the winner when he headed home two minutes into the second half.
But Fabio Borini's 90th-minute strike earned the struggling hosts a point and piled on the frustration for Slaven Bilic and West Ham.
Andre Ayew fired in just five minutes into the contest in the north east to send the visiting supporters into raptures, but Whabi Khazri equalised halfway through the opening period.
After twice throwing away the lead, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Hammers and Collins.
He said: "We're disappointed. To concede a late goal is always disappointing. I thought we were reasonably comfortable after we scored the second goal, and it feels more like a loss after that late goal. But a point's a point.
"To score two away from goals, it should be enough. We didn't defend either goal as well as we should have done. We're just disappointed that we haven't come away with three points.
"We need to have a good week's training and put it behind us and take the point. Away from home anywhere we can say is a good point."
Ginge flicked home his second goal of the season just after the break at the Stadium of Light, and despite the disappointing climax to proceedings up north, was pleased to get on the scoresheet.
"It's always nice to score, but I'd have taken a 1-0 and someone else scored than scoring and eventually drawing," the centre-back continued. "If we'd have held on to win it would have been doubly as enjoyable.
"We're on 37 points now. I've just said, we're looking up. We know we have the squad and the team to move up the league and finish as high as we can. We're going to have to put today behind us.
"I don't think we've ever been in real danger of ever looking like we're getting relegated so we'll look forward rather than back.
"I've probably made more mistakes than anyone in the dressing room over my career, so when we make them, we have to put them out of mind and move on."
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Bilic – It was a fair result
WHUFC.com
A 2-2 draw at Sunderland was fair, according to West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
His side twice led, though, at the Stadium of Light and could not prevent equalisers from Whabi Khazri and Fabio Borini
Andre Ayew and James Collins had previously put West Ham in front, but a late leveller on Wearside left the boss frustrated
A draw was a fair result according to West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic, who watched his side twice concede equalisers to earn a point against Sunderland on Saturday. The Hammers took the lead early on in both halves, scoring first through Andre Ayew and then James Collins with a Whabi Khazri equaliser sandwiched inbetween. But Fabio Borini's 90th-minute strike saw the struggling hosts snatch a draw at the Stadium of Light and though Bilic was left disappointed, he admitted a share of the spoils was fair. "We are disappointed because we were leading twice and after we scored both times, we were in charge and played some good football," the manager said. "We were looking for three points and when you concede goals in that manner – for both of them – they are strange goals and you're disappointed. "It was a fair result today. Three would have been brilliant but at this stage of the season, a point can be very, very important for us. "It was a well taken goal from Borini and OK, you expect to clear the ball, but with our goalkeeper in that position, the ball dropped and unfortunately he couldn't hold it. "We aren't pointing fingers. We are winning, losing, scoring and conceding goals as a team. We do it all as a team."
The point leaves the Hammers on a total of 37 in the Premier League, and Bilic is already eyeing next weekend's home clash against Everton as the opportunity to get to the landmark 40 points. "We tried to win the game today and we got a point so we have a chance next game to get to that magic points number of 40 and we will try to win it," he continued. "Today, after we scored the first one, we got nervous and then we had a good spell, but again after the second goal, it was us around the box. "But we couldn't finish them, and they started to throw the bodies up front, playing risky football because they were losing. "Of course when that happens, you expect a job to do in your box but they were also leaving a lot space in behind and we couldn't finish them off."
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Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
By Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport
Substitute Fabio Borini scored a 90th-minute equaliser as Sunderland drew with West Ham to keep their faint hopes of Premier League survival alive. Andre Ayew opened the scoring for the Hammers, prodding past Jordan Pickford after a scuffed Andy Carroll volley fell to him in the penalty area. Sunderland finally broke their scoring duck, with Wahbi Khazri's corner flying straight in for the Black Cats' first goal in more than 11-and-a-half hours. James Collins headed in from a Robert Snodgrass corner to put the visitors in front, before Borini levelled from the edge of the box. Sam Byram was then sent off for West Ham for a second booking in added time, but Sunderland were unable to find a winner. It makes it eight games without a victory for David Moyes' side, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Can Sunderland do the unthinkable?
Sunderland showed plenty of passion and desire in front of their home fans, but the hosts desperately needed three points at the Stadium of Light. They remain nine points from safety, albeit with a game in hand on 17th-placed Hull, who are one of three sides they face during the run-in that are also scrapping for survival.
Moyes knows his side must take points off the Tigers, as well as relegation-threatened Middlesbrough and Swansea, with trips to Champions League-chasing Arsenal and leaders Chelsea to follow. But the former Everton and Manchester United boss will have taken some positives from his side's attacking performance against West Ham, having previously gone seven games without finding the net. Khazri was instrumental and after his goal straight from a corner, which needed an element of luck, the winger set up Didier Ndong only for the midfielder to blaze over. Substitute Borini showed he can help ease the burden on top-scorer Jermain Defoe for goals, meaning the Black Cats are not quite resigned to the Championship just yet.
Hammers' defensive struggles
Sunderland's problems may lie with scoring goals, but West Ham's have stemmed from conceding them. They have now let in 59 this season - one more than the bottom-placed Black Cats - and it could have been more, were not for the hosts' profligacy in front of goal. Darren Randolph was perhaps blocked off by Victor Anichebe as Khazri's corner curled in, but the West Ham goalkeeper found himself out of position for Borini's leveller. Manager Slaven Bilic says his side "still have work to do" to make certain of their Premier League status for another year, although the Hammers are now closer to the top eight than they are the bottom three.
Bilic handed Carroll the armband and the forward was a nuisance throughout, finding space in the area from Byram's cross to inadvertently set up Ayew for the opener. West Ham's second goal, one of only three efforts on target from the visitors, also came as a result of being sharper in the box, with Snodgrass' teasing delivery met smartly by Collins.
Man of the match - Wahbi Khazri (Sunderland)
Khazri was making his first Sunderland start since October and proved the Black Cats' main attacking threat. He had more shots (four) and made more key passes (five) than any of his team-mates, while also providing more crosses than the rest of the Sunderland team combined.
'We need the football gods to shine on us'
Sunderland manager David Moyes: "We need to win games and today we've got to take three points. It wasn't for the want of trying [that we didn't]. "I thought the boys played really well, they showed great character to come back. "We'll keep believing while we're in with a chance, and somewhere along the line hope the football gods will shine on us." On defender Billy Jones, who was stretchered off: "The medical team tell me his head hit the ground and he lost consciousness, a bit of concussion. We've sent him to hospital, but I'm sure he'll be OK."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We are disappointed to concede a late goal. It was a fair result. It is a point, we wanted three and we were close. "They were throwing long balls in, putting the bodies in, from one of those situations they score the goal. "We have four points from the last two games, we have an unfinished job to do. We have to pick up more points to be safe."
Stats - Hammers throw away more points
Sunderland are without a win in their last eight top-flight games (D2 L6) and have won only one of their last 15.
West Ham have thrown away a league-high 22 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season.
West Ham have now gone 13 games without a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League.
Wahbi Khazri's goal was the first to come direct from a corner since Ben Watson for Watford against Manchester City in January 2016.
Fabio Borini's two Premier League goals this season have both come in the 90th minute.
West Ham have been shown more red cards than any other side in the Premier League this season (five).
What's next?
Sunderland travel to Middlesbrough, currently one place above them in 19th, on Wednesday, 26 April, before hosting Bournemouth three days later.
West Ham welcome Everton next Saturday, before a visit to Stoke a week later.
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REF WATCH: ANDRE MARRINER – SUNDERLAND VS WEST HAM
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 15 APRIL 2017 AT 8:21PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
After getting three points in a must win game at home against Swansea, West Ham visit bottom of the league Sunderland who are seemingly likely to play Championship football next season. Sunderland have only scored four goals in ten games, all of which came in their 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at the beginning of February.
Andre Marriner was the referee appointed for this game and this was his fourth West Ham game that he has officiated this season, most recently was the home defeat against Chelsea in March. Within the refereeing officials team and accompanying Marriner were assistant referees Simon Beck and Sian Massey-Ellis. Sian is still the only female assistant referee in the men's professional game and since her debut in 2010, she has become a very consistent and reliable decision maker.
It was very busy first half for Andre Marriner and it only took 36 seconds for Lee Cattermole to get himself cautioned for pulling back West Ham record signing Andre Ayew 20 yards from goal. Marriner didn't hesitate with this decision and I completely agreed it warranted a yellow card.
It seemed that Sunderland fans felt they were a little hard done by after Marriner correctly didn't award a free kick to Anichebe after tangling with Fonte and didn't award a penalty to Defoe under pressure from Sam Byram. Victor Anichebe went down, very softly I must add, after a tangling with Sam Byram and Jose Fonte around 30 yards from goal. I felt that Marriner got this direction right as Anichebe tumbled under minimal, if any contact at all by the West Ham defenders. Whether Anichebe felt contact by one of the West Ham defenders, it was definitely not deliberate. The second appeal that Marriner waved away was when Defoe went down in the penalty area. Defoe was in a good position when Sam Byram challenged for the ball and Randoph was there to collect the ball. I personally feel that Marriner got this decision right. Firstly, the initial contact by Byram was outside the area before Defoe went down, so if it was deemed a foul by Marriner, it would have been a direct free kick on the edge of the area. Secondly, both players were battling for the ball when Defoe went down under pressure from Byram. I felt Byram's challenge was risky as he didn't need to make that challenge as Defoe wasn't in control of the ball and Randolph would have been there to collect, but the correct decision was made.
There is some debate on why Marriner should have allowed Sunderland's equaliser to stand. I've always said that some referees are extremely protective of goalkeepers but in this instance, it was clear that Anichebe backed into Randolph preventing the West Ham goalkeeper to attempt to go for the ball. I do have some sympathy for Marriner. There is always so much activity going on inside the penalty area whether it's pushing, blocking, shirt pulling etc. and he needed assistance from his assistant referee on that side. The assistant referee should have taken up a position to be inline with Randolph and his last defender. It was a disappointing decision by the officials.
In the second half, Marriner did okay however I felt there were a couple of decisions that he was too relaxed with. Lee Cattermole, who was booked in the first 36 seconds, was late in his challenge with Cheikhou Kouyaté. The Sunderland midfielder caught the West Ham powerhouse high on the ankle. This could have easily been a second yellow card but Marriner made the decision that it was just a foul and nothing more.
Sam Byram was sent off in the fifth minute of additional time for two bookable offences. I had no complaints with Marriner's decision for Byram's second yellow card on Januzaj but his first yellow card was debatable in my opinion. For Byram's second caution, he was horrendously late with his unnecessary challenge on Januzaj which is in my mind a 100% yellow card. However, the first yellow card given to Byram, I felt that Anichebe fooled Marriner in thinking Bryam pulled the big Sunderland striker to the floor which resulted in Byram being cautioned for it. Throughout the game, Anichebe was going to the floor way to easily for me with minimal pressure and this is something that I felt Marriner should have realised. Anichebe is no push over. He is built to hold up the ball for Sunderland and does it well. There is no debate on whether Sam Byram could wrestle a person of Anichebe's stature.
Sunderland's Billy Jones was stretchered off after a challenge with Arthur Masuaku late in the second half. The right back hit his face on the floor after a fair shoulder to shoulder challenge by Masuaku. In my first opinion, it was a fair challenge by Masuaku and Marriner waved away appeals from Sunderland but correctly stopped the play and acknowledged Jones was down with a head injury.
Annoyingly, Randolph was at fault for another goal, that has cost West Ham points this season, and this particular incident led to Borini's equaliser. Anichebe challenged Randolph for the ball in the air and on this occasion I felt that there was no foul by Anichebe and he challenged for the ball fairly and won the ball which dropped into the path of Borini.
Overall, I thought that Andre Marriner was particularly relaxed in some of his decisions throughout the game and he seemed too reluctant to punish players such as Sunderland's Wahbi Khazri for persistently fouling. For Sunderland's first goal, the assistant referee needed to help Marriner out. The officials work hard together as a team and engage in constant communication throughout the game to ensure they collectively make the right decision however on this occasion they didn't.
It's infuriating that West Ham keep giving teams in the bottom of the table vital lifelines. Leicester won their first away game of the season at the London Stadium, Bournemouth won their first game in eight games and now Sunderland, who haven't scored in seven games, go and score two against us and get a valuable point. Tactically, it seems like Bilic set us up well to win but 10 minutes before the end brought on Havard Nordtveit to take a defensive approach. Defending has been our achilles heel all season. We've been terrible throughout and have conceded too many goals. Individual errors have cost us throughout the season and with ambitions of Europe for next season, there needs to be some significant changes.
Follow us on Twitter @TheWestHamWaycouk and @SamRoyden
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Fans call for clarity on Adrian position
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham supporters have urged the club to explain exactly why Adrian remains on the sidelines following another goalkeeping horror show from Darren Randolph at Sunderland this afternoon. The popular Spanish goalkeeper, who had been the club's first choice since moving to West Ham from Real Betis in 2013 was dropped by Slaven Bilic following some erratic performances in the opening games of the season. But with Randolph having made a series of clangers himself since - including two more notable errors that cost West Ham two points at Sunderland this afternoon - fans have demanded that Adrian be reinstated. "Bilic has remained silent for long enough," wrote KUMB follower @DamianADavis on Twitter following the final whistle at the Stadium of Light. "He must explain why he continues to pick Randolph, the supporters deserve that at the very least."
A recent KUMB poll resulted in 95 per cent of fans backing the reintroduction of the Spaniard, who is out of contract this summer - even though the club retain the option to extend his stay in London for a further two years - should they choose to.
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Slaven Bilic disappointed with leaky West Ham defence at Sunderland
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 15/04/17 7:41pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic was left disappointed after his West Ham side threw away a lead twice to draw 2-2 with Sunderland. The Hammers took the lead early in both halves, Andre Ayew opening the scoring in the fifth minute before James Collins struck two minutes into the second period. But Sunderland pegged them back on both occasions through Wahbi Khazri's direct corner and substitute Fabio Borini's 90th-minute leveller. "We're disappointed because we were leading twice and after we scored both goals we were in charge and played some good football," a pragmatic Bilic told Sky Sports. "We were looking for three points so when you concede two goals in the manner we did you are, of course, disappointed. "I have to say it was a fair result though. We wanted the win but the point, at this stage of the season, can be very good for us. "I'm disappointed because after our first goal they became nervous and we had a really good spell. You look to use that situation to your advantage but we didn't. "It happened again when we scored the second, it was us around the box and they were playing risky football - throwing bodies forward - but we couldn't finish them off. When that happens you expect there to be a job to do in your box they were leaving a lot of space behind that I was expecting us to use better."
West Ham were stunned in the 26th minute at the Stadium of Light when Khazri scored straight from a corner. "It was a well-taken corner but I would have expected us to clear that ball," the Hammer boss added. "We didn't and it put our goalkeeper in a position where the ball came too quick and unfortunately he could keep it out."
The draw lifts West Ham up to 13th in the Premier League and to within three points of a the 40-point mark. And, after what's been a testing campaign both on and off the pitch, Bilic has his sights set on finishing as high as possible, saying: "We tried to win today, got a point. "We have a chance to win next week that will take us to that magic number 40 and then we can talk about more."
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Everton and West Ham lead pursuit of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany
Belgian centre-back Kompany is fit and firing again after a nightmare two-year injury spell
The Mirror
BYSTEVE BATES
22:30, 15 APR 2017
Vincent Kompany will be a wanted man this summer - with Everton and West Ham leading a host of clubs on his trail. But the 31-year-old Belgian international defender will first have to finish Manchester City's season strongly before chasing clubs firm up their interest. Kompany is fit and firing again after a nightmare two-year injury spell which has restricted his City appearances to just seven since the end of last season. Pep Guardiola restored Kompany to City's suspect defence in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on April 5 - his first league game since a win at Crystal Palace in mid November. And although the Spaniard recognises the experienced star could play a role next season, suspicions remain that Kompany's injury history makes that a gamble.
After a solid return at Chelsea the City captain had a slight problem which caused him to miss the win over Hull but he was back for and scored in Saturday's 3-0 win away to Southampton. Kompany's injury issues haven't deterred other Premier League clubs with Everton among several teams keeping a close watch on his fitness progress. When he's on the pitch two-time Premier League winner Kompany is a forceful presence. But if City do let the defender go chasing clubs will structure any deal to off-set injury worries. Everton chief Koeman is hopeful he can sign Burnley's Michael Keane but he's weighing up other options with the new England centre back attracting plenty of attention. That's why Kompany is on Koeman's radar – with the Toffees boss also taking an active interest in Las Palmas centre-half Mauricio Lemos as he lines up summer defensive targets. The 21-year-old Uruguayan star turned down a move to Barcelona last summer to get more game time with La Liga side Las Palmas. Mauricio Lemos during the Spanish league match between Villarreal and Las Palmas at El Madrigal stadium on March 5, 2016 But it looks certain the South American youngster, valued around £25million by the Spaniards, will leave the Gran Canarians at the end of the season.
Koeman had Lemos watched in the 5-1 defeat at Athletico Bilbao on Friday and will continue to monitor the youngster before the window opens.
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West Ham Stars Set to Demand Big Pay Rises After January Signings Got Hefty Deals
Luke Calver
15 APR 2017
West Ham players are set to demand big pay rises in the summer, after the club handed new signings Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass huge pay packets when they first joined the club in January.
Fonte joined on a £65,000-a-week deal from Southampton, while Snodgrass joined on a deal worth around the £60,000-a-week mark from Hull City, which has caused huge unrest in the dressing room, according to the Mirror.
Hull City v West Ham United - Premier League
It is reported that many of the Hammers' top and most loyal players are set to demand high pay rises in the light of these two January signings. They feel that they are worth the same, or even more than Snodgrass and Fonte, and they want to be paid fairly with the amount of money West Ham have to offer.
The two January signings have slotted straight into the top of West Ham's high earners, just below top earner Andy Carroll, who is on a hefty £80,000-a-week. However, they are ahead of long serving captain Mark Noble and the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Winston Reid and Michail Antonio.
Arsenal v West Ham United - Premier League
Antonio is already in discussions over a new contract with the club, but they have yet been unable to agree a suitable arrangement, which could force arguably their best player to leave the club.
This could then start to occur with many of West Ham's other top talents, all because they signed Snodgrass and Fonte on such high wage packets, now all of the other West Ham players want in on the money.
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West Ham Boss Slaven Bilic Reveals Why Their Desperate Season Has Caused Him to 'Smash Tables'
Alex Gidden
15 APR 2017
The Hammers have been unable to build on a strong season last year and have been close to the relegation zone on a number of occasions during the current campaign. Despite finding his place as manager come under pressure, Bilic appears to have guided his side to safety and is now planning for a busy summer in preparation for next season. With his job seemingly secured for the near future, the Croatian has revealed that he has had to go to some extreme lengths in order to motivate his players during what has been a difficult campaign. "I've had my moments, yes." he told the Mail. "Every thing I do, whether before a game or at half-time, I do it deliberately. Even if I want to smash a table a little bit or whatever, you do it with a plan. I don't know about passionate. "Sometimes (my team talks) are calm, sometimes they are less calm. But that's the way I do it."
Having alluded to the fact that innocuous looking tables may have bore the brunt of his wrath, Bilic was quizzed over how many he may have broken throughout the season, but in typical style, the Hammers boss jokingly brushed off providing an exact figure by replying: "We'll have to go to IKEA." Whilst Bilic appears to have saved his job as Hammers' boss, a decision over his long-term future may be made over the summer as he has just over a year remaining on his contract and has yet to be offered a new one by his employers.
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West Ham Coach Julian Dicks Appears to Blame Players for Disappointing Season
Alex Gidden
15 APR 2017
West Ham coach Julian Dicks appears to have shifted blame away from Slaven Bilic's coaching staff and instead blamed the players for the Hammers' poor season.
Following on from last year's sixth-place finish, Bilic's side have struggled for consistency and have instead flirted with relegation for much of the season. A 1-0 win over Swansea last weekend appears to have eased fears that the Hammers may drop into the Championship, but speculation remains rife that Bilic will be made culpable for the team's poor form and lose his job in the coming weeks. As the debate continues over why West Ham have disappointed for long periods over the last eight months, former defender Julian Dicks, who is currently the east London club's first-team coach, insists that the coaching staff have done all they can and that ultimate responsibility lies with the players. In the interview with talkSPORT, Dicks also made a surprising revelation that his experience as a defender is not used by Bilic, and that he plays no role in helping the Hammers' back-line. "One, I don't do defensive coaching, I am responsible for shooting drills and crossing drills so for me we can't keep on conceding goals from set plays." he said, as quoted by HITC. "Listen, I have been in this many times with West Ham and it takes guts to get us out of this. Listen I will do everything I can, so does the manager, so does the other coaches. "When the players go out there it's up to them and as I have said I have been in this many times as a player, as a player you can do something about it, as a coach as soon as they cross that line it is down to them."
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