Liverpool secure London Stadium win
WHUFC.com
Goals from Mohamed Salah, Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw West Ham United fall to a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. Quick fire finishes by Salah and Matip in the first period put the Reds 2-0 ahead at half-time, but Manuel Lanzini superbly scored to give the Hammers a way back into the game on 55 minutes.
However a quick response by Oxlade-Chamberlain put Liverpool two goals ahead again soon after, while Salah secured the defeat for the Hammers. West Ham began the game with a high tempo and could have taken the lead early on when Andre Ayew gambled and chased down a long ball, finding himself with just Simon Mignolet to beat. The striker, who has three goals in his last two games, lifted the ball over the goalkeeper but could only find the near post. It was from a West Ham corner that Liverpool scored their first goal. A quick counter saw Sadio Mane and Salah link up to create a three-on-one situation. Mane played in Salah and the Egyptian tucked past Hart. Just a couple of minutes later the Red had their second. A corner deflected unkindly off of Mark Noble, which Hart got down well to stop from finding the net. The England international however could not do much about the follow-up, which Matip gratefully slotted in. The Hammers were back in the game just ten minutes into the second half. Andre Ayew played a delicious cross, which eluded Joe Gomez. Lanzini was on hand to control the pass and delightfully dink over Mignolet to half the deficit. Unfortunately for the Hammers Liverpool restored their two-goal lead almost instantly. Oxlade-Chamberlain was given two bites of the cherry after his first was saved by Hart, with the winger making no mistakes with his second effort. The addition of Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic to the fray looked a strong choice of substitutions from Bilic, with Carroll and Chicharito linking well to provide another chance for Lanzini before the Mexican headed over after a cross by the No.7. But Salah made it four for Liverpool after Mane played the Liverpool attacker in. The Egyptian made no mistake with a half-volley into the far corner.
West Ham United: Hart; Kouyate, Reid, Ogbonna; Fernandes (Carroll 46'), Noble (Arnautovic 61'), Obiang, Cresswell, Lanzini; Ayew, Chicharito (Sakho 72')
Subs not used: Adrian, Haksabanovic, Masuaku, Rice
Goals: Lanzini 55'
Liverpool: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno; Can, Wijnaldum, Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Solanke 87'), Mane (Milner 76'); Firmino (Lovren 87')
Subs not used: Karius, Sturridge, Grujic, Alexander-Arnold
Goals: Salah 21' 76', Matip 23', Oxlade-Chamberlain 56'
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Bilic: We have no excuses
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted there were no excuses for his side's mistakes in Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp's side came away from London Stadium with three points after Mohamed Salah bagged a double and Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also found the net. Manuel Lanzini did get the hosts back in the game as he reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the second half but the Reds hit Bilic's side on the counter on a number of occasions and secured maximum points. After the defeat, the disappointed Croatian confessed it was poor to concede the goals his team did. "There is no excuse to concede some of the goals, a goal from your corner kick," he said. "Then, the second goal, you can call lapse of concentration or unluckiness but, at this level, no – [there is no excuse]. "We started well in the first 20 minutes and we had a chance and we had a good shape behind the ball which was exactly what we wanted. "We were covering space behind us but they are good with the pace of [Sadio] Mane and the pace of Salah and then we conceded two goals that are very cheap or very counter attacks for them. "We changed the shape in the second half, we were more open and we were taking the risks and came back with a goal but they scored straight away. "After that, we knew they had the pace on the counter attacks but it was a big defeat for us."
After the Hammers came from two goals down to beat Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the Carabao Cup in recent weeks, there was hope when Argentine Lanzini found the net but it wasn't to be for the hosts as Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbed the Reds' third within seconds. And Bilic admitted the Hammers now find themselves in a difficult position having only gained two points from their last four Premier League matches. "It's a very difficult situation. It's not the effort, we can't talk about lack of effort today. The first goal is a counter attack and the ball dropped kindly. "Our one player who was in front of the box didn't react really well and then it's hard to defend a counter attack. But now it's hard for me to talk about."
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#REFWATCH: NEIL SWARBRICK – WEST HAM VS LIVERPOOL
AUTHOR: SAMTWHWREF. PUBLISHED: 4 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 8:05PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
The embarrassment continues. Regardless of the slight improved in the second half, the lack of fight, hunger, leadership in the team is evident and hugely concerning after weeks and weeks being outplayed.
At the end of the day, Slavan Bilic picks his starting eleven before the game, the players are liable to do the job on the pitch. I've said on many occasions over the last 18 months that the buck stops with Bilic as the team manager however, how can you defend what is happening at the moment. The manager does the training, the tactics, the pre-match analysis on the opposition but it comes to a point when you have to look at the players mentality when you're slowly slipping into a relegation battle. You have to consider the uphill task ahead of us this season.
Liverpool came to the London Stadium in high confidence after winning in the Champions League but looking at statistics, Liverpool have conceded the most away goals so far this season which showed weakness in their defence and West Ham made minimal attempt to capitalise on that trend.
There is not a lot of good happening at West Ham at the moment but before kick off, a tribute was held for Remembrance Day with a minute silence which was respected by both set of players & fans and 'lest we forget' spelt out in the crowd in claret and blue by the fans, which is class from West Ham.
Neil Swarbrick was the referee who was appointed for this fixture. Swarbrick has officiated seven games so far this season, all of which in the Premier League, and has issued 17 yellow cards, no reds and one penalty this term.
I thought Swarbrick started the game well and from my experience, it's the first 5-10 minutes of the game which really sets the standard for the rest of the game. Swarbrick took up some really good positioning to see the small fouls in the first ten minutes. However, just like a flick of a switch, Swarbrick's decision making made a complete U-turn and he missed two or three blatant fouls, particularly from Matip on Hernandez. The Liverpool centre back swung a wild right foot and caught Hernandez on the knee making no contact with the ball. Swarbrick was again in a good position but I wonder whether the way Hernandez fell to the ground made Swarbrick reconsider whether it was a foul. Regardless of the fall from Hernandez, it was a foul and Swarbrick got this wrong in my opinion.
The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern. Swarbrick continued to miss or incorrectly award free kicks which made Swarbrick the centre of the frustration from the crowd, players & managers, up until West Ham let in two goals in three minutes and then crowd turned their anger on the players.
Mark Noble was the only cautioned player in the disaster first half for West Ham for simulation, which is as embarrassing as it gets. There was no contact by a Liverpool player. The West ham 'captain' stuck out a leg in the desperate hope for some sort of contact and Swarbrick was in the right position to caution Noble for this antics.
The second half only got worse for West Ham, with a slight hope of a potential comeback but for Manuel Lanzini's goal to be undone by allowing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to walk through the defence to score 57 seconds after making it 3-1. Neil Swarbrick second caution of the game was as easy as they come. Winston Reid came storming into a very late challenge on Sadio Mane completely hacking the Senegalese down preventing the Liverpool forward from progressing at the half way line.
There were two shouts for penalties in the second half from a West Ham point of view. The first appeal was majority from the West Ham faithful involving Simon Mignolet and Manual Lanzini. The Liverpool goalkeeper was slow out of the traps to chase a down a 50/50 ball with the Belgian just getting there at the nick of time and getting his toe on the ball before contact was made with Lanzini – This was never a penalty in my opinion so a good decision by Neil Swarbrick.
The second appeal had more substance than the first appeal involving Alberto Moreno and Javier Hernandez. The West Ham man was inside the 6 yard box jumping to latch onto a very good cross by Marko Arnautović and whilst in the air, Moreno nudged the West Ham man in the back upon contacting with the ball which subsequently flew over the bar. I do think that Moreno was very lucky that Swarbrick didn't see it as I thought it was risky for Spaniard to make contact with Hernandez without making a legitimate attempt to win the ball.
To add salt to the wound, Manuel Lanzini was cautioned by Swarbrick for kicking the ball away in frustration after conceding a foul.
Luckily for Neil Swarbrick, West Ham's frustration was clearly evident with the players and the manager which reduced the heat on the referee after less than an encouraging performance with so many errors. Swarbrick started the game well in the first 10 minutes which as mentioned before, it is imperative to get a good start under your belt however, it went downhill after 15 minutes of the game.
The final season at The Boleyn was one of my fondest memories as a West Ham fan during my lifetime including the Play Off Final in 2012, which shows my age at 24! But as a fan, I'm watching week after week in disappointment and Steven Gerrard & Frank Lampard summed it up to a tee, 'West Ham fans don't deserve this' and we don't. A decision needs to be made because everything is wrong about the club at the moment and I was catching up with my girlfriend's Dad, Gary, this afternoon and he said, 'Look at Sunderland, a team relegated in the Premier League for not making correct decisions, lack of player fight and shambolic tactics and are now struggling in the Championship, this could be us if it doesn't change'. What a frightening thought, that our club with our heritage. Whether its the board, the manager or the players, something needs to happen before the next games that include Watford and Leicester.
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WEST HAM 1-4 LIVERPOOL – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 4 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 8:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham lost this evening 1-4 to Liverpool in what many speculate could be Slaven Bilic's final match as West Ham manager. Poor defending of Liverpool's lightning fast counter attacks and a sizeable portion of the West Ham back four out with injury or suspension was too much for a relegation-threatened side trying to save their gaffer.
In the early going, West Ham played with some enthusiasm and hoped to reward the nearly full London Stadium crowd with a positive result. In fact, Andre Ayew almost opened up the scoring for the home crowd with an early one-on-one with Simon Mignolet that went off the nearside post. But the first actual goal was to Mohamed Salah who joined Sadio Mané on a quick counter after an unsuccessful West Ham cornerkick. Aaron Cresswell found himself in a two on one situation as Mane played to Salah who slotted in, out of Joe Hart's reach.
Less than two minutes later Liverpool found some success on their own cornerkick attempt as it deflected off of Mark Noble but was unable to be gathered by Hart and Joël Matip quickly tapped it in for the second goal in 90 seconds.
For the second half Slaven Bilic sought more attacking options and pulled Fernandes for Andy Carroll. Having Chicharito, Ayew, and Carroll all on at once did make West Ham more dangerous and for the first moments of the second half, it looked as if the Hammers could climb back into the match, as they had at Wembley last month. Barely ten minutes into the half Manuel Lanzini did get West Ham on the score sheet with a talented finish as he chested a cross and volleyed into goal.
With the stadium crowd on their feet and the bubbles in the air, a great comeback was quickly averted as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored almost immediately after the teams reset for kickoff. While West Ham tried to get back into the match, a 75th minute goal from Salah, his second of the day, sealed the Hammer's fate, and possibly Slaven Bilic's as well.
The final moments featured West Ham slowly building their attack while Liverpool would respond with a speedy counter that usually had the Claret defenders on their back foot and Hart diving in to the turf.
A disappointing evening for West Ham, and after Sunday's matches this team could fall into the bottom three of the table. Whether the board makes a coaching change this weekend or Bilic is allowed to survive through the international break, this isn't what supporters on the East End had in mind after a seventh place finish two seasons ago, and a move to a much larger stadium. At the very least, the recovery of notable defenders should help stabilize the situation, as West Ham surrenders more goals than any other club in the league.
There should be more news over the next few days regarding the future of this club, as always check TheWestHamWay.co.uk for the latest and most accurate reporting as we wait for word from the board on the future of Bilic and his staff.
West Ham: Hart, Cresswell, Reid, Ogbonna, Fernandes, Kouyate, Lanzini, Noble, Obiang, Hernandez, Ayew.
Subs: Adrian, Rice, Masauku, Haksabanovic, Arnoutovic, Carroll, Sakho
Liverpool: Mignolet, Moreno, Matip, Klavan, Gomez, Wijnaldum, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Mane, Firmino.
Subs: Karius, Lovren, Milner, Sturridge, Grujic, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold
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West Ham United 1-4 Liverpool
By Gary Rose
BBC Sport
Liverpool produced the "perfect" counter-attacking performance to thrash West Ham at London Stadium on Saturday, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said. Mohamed Salah scored twice, while Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also netted in a 4-1 win. The Reds, who are sixth in the Premier League, have now scored 10 goals in their last three games in all competitions. "Our counter-attacking was pretty perfect," Klopp said. "We had some wonderful play. That's 3-0, 3-0, 4-1, it's been a really good week."
Salah put his side ahead in the first half, firing beyond keeper Joe Hart after the Hammers were caught out by a quick counter-attack. The Reds doubled their lead soon after when Matip slotted home from a corner. Manuel Lanzini's deft finish briefly gave the hosts hope but Oxlade-Chamberlain's first Premier League goal for Liverpool restored their two-goal advantage before Salah's powerful finish sealed the win. Defeat for West Ham means they are 17th and just one point above the relegation zone. The Hammers' points total of nine after 11 games matches their total over the same period in 2010-11 when they were relegated from the top flight. "The pressure mounts game by game and at this moment it is big," Bilic said. "We will see what the club will do. The club is above everyone."
Liverpool's attacking play has been outstanding at times this season but during the first few games of the campaign they lacked the clinical touch in the final third to round it off. However, successive 3-0 wins against Huddersfield in the Premier League and then Maribor in the Champions League in recent weeks suggested that had perhaps been found.
With Manchester City hosting Arsenal and Chelsea entertaining Manchester United on Sunday, the trip to West Ham offered Liverpool an excellent chance to gain ground on their title rivals before their games. It was a chance they grasped with both hands. Against a side who had set up to try to stifle their attacking qualities, the visitors made the most of their few opportunities - something they failed to do earlier in the season - as two of their three shots on goal in the first half resulted in goals. Sadio Mane, back in the side for the first time since the start of October after recovering from a hamstring injury, highlighted why he is such an integral player for the Reds as his pace allowed Liverpool to break quickly from a West Ham corner. The Senegal forward took the ball from the edge of his own area to the edge of the West Ham box before setting up Salah for a simple finish. "I decided after just one training session to bring Sadio in from the beginning," Klopp added. "I've never done that before, but obviously it was not the worst idea I've ever had. Sadio is a naturally fit player, he is a machine."
Salah the signing of the summer?
The opener was Salah's fifth goal in as many games for the club and the winger is proving to be worth every penny of the £34m Liverpool paid Roma for his services in the summer. The Egypt international's second of the game, a neat drive across Hart into the far corner, means he has now had a hand in 15 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other Liverpool player. The win marked the first time since August that Liverpool had recorded back-to-back wins and maintaining that sort of consistency will be crucial to their hopes of finishing in the top four.
Is there any hope for Bilic?
It has been a testing season for the West Ham manager, who on several occasions this season has reportedly been teetering on the brink of losing his job, only to oversee a result that relieved any immediate pressure. The Hammers avoided a fourth successive Premier League defeat by beating Huddersfield 2-0 on 11 September and last month staged a stunning fightback to beat Tottenham 3-2 in the League Cup after trailing 2-0 at half-time. West Ham were arguably the better side for the first 20 minutes against Liverpool but defensive naivety proved their downfall. Despite knowing the threat Mane and Salah posed on the counter, the hosts left just one defender back for the corner that led to Liverpool's first before Matip was left unchallenged to tap in a second barely two minutes later. And even the glimmer of hope offered by Lanzini's goal early in the second half was quickly snuffed out as a lapse of concentration allowed the visitors to score immediately from the restart. Against a side who had scored six goals in their previous two games and won 4-0 at London Stadium in May it was perhaps always going to be a tough task for the Hammers, but Bilic knows his situation is becoming increasingly precarious. "I don't feel a broken man," he said. "On the other hand, the situation for West Ham is not good and the club is above every individual. "Of course I always believe in myself but it is not only about that now."
Man of the match - Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah appears to be getting stronger with every game for Liverpool. He has now scored six goals in his last five appearances for the Reds
Liverpool have scored eight goals in their two Premier League trips to London Stadium, the same tally as the Hammers have scored in their last nine there in the competition.
Since moving to London Stadium in August 2016, West Ham have lost more games at their home stadium than they have won (W9 D4 L11).
In fact, since the move, only Swansea (44) have conceded more goals at home in the Premier League than West Ham (41).
For the 14th time under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have scored more than four goals in a single Premier League game - only Manchester City (16) and Tottenham Hotspur (16) have done so on more occasions in this period.
Mohamed Salah has scored or assisted nine goals in his first 11 Premier League games for Liverpool (seven goals, two assists); only Daniel Sturridge has been directly involved in more after 11 games (10).
Indeed, no player has scored more goals after 11 Premier League games than the Egyptian (seven - level with team-mate Sturridge).
Sadio Mane assisted twice on his comeback from injury; no Liverpool player has been directly involved in more league goals since his debut in August 2016 (23 - 16 goals, seven assists).
Since Dimitri Payet's departure in January, no player has been directly involved in more goals for West Ham in all competitions than Andre Ayew (16 - 10 goals, six assists); nine more than any other player.
Joe Hart has conceded 33 goals in 18 Premier League games against Liverpool during his career; nine more than he has let in against any other side.
What next?
It is the international break next with West Ham returning to action on Sunday, 19 November, when they travel to Watford (16:00 GMT). Liverpool, meanwhile, are at home to Southampton on Saturday, 18 November (15:00).
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham boss under 'big pressure' after defeat by Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he is under "big pressure" and in a "very difficult" situation after Saturday's 4-1 Premier League defeat by Liverpool. Thousands of Hammers supporters left London Stadium early for the second home game in a row as the Hammers were left a point above the bottom three. "The pressure mounts game by game and at this moment it is big," Bilic, 49, told BBC Sport. "We will see what the club will do. The club is above everyone."
West Ham have lost three of their past four games at London Stadium and were unable to cope with Liverpool's pace on the counter-attack throughout Saturday's game. Mohamed Salah scored twice for the visitors, with Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also on target. Manuel Lanzini briefly gave West Ham home by making it 2-1. Bilic said he would speak to co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold as usual after the defeat. "I don't feel a broken man," he said. "On the other hand, the situation for West Ham is not good and the club is above every individual. "I cannot say anything negative [about the owners]. They have been supportive, very good to me in my two and half seasons, but the situation is very difficult."
West Ham's next match is at Watford on Sunday, 19 November. "The international break does not change my situation, it makes no difference," said Bilic. "Of course I always believe in myself but it is not only about that now."
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West Ham 1-4 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah adds to Slaven Bilic troubles
Last Updated: 04/11/17 8:04pm
SSN
Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool increased the pressure on Slaven Bilic with a 4-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday. Summer signing Salah put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute and Joel Matip made it 2-0 from a corner shortly afterwards. The Hammers eventually responded through Manuel Lanzini in the 56th minute, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struck back just 57 seconds later with his first Premier League goal for Liverpool and Salah then made it 4-1. The win sees Liverpool close the gap on the top five, all of whom play on Sunday, while West Ham continue to hover above the relegation zone after another underwhelming performance. The home side were booed off at half-time and full-time, and manager Bilic now heads into the two-week international break with his job potentially under threat. he Hammers could have gone ahead early, with Andre Ayew striking the outside of the post after Roberto Firmino was denied early by Joe Hart in the second minute. Chances after that were few and far between as West Ham defended deep and tried not to give Liverpool space to run in behind. That worked until the visitors scored two goals inside three minutes midway through the first half. First, Liverpool broke from a West Ham corner, with Mane racing clear from inside his own half and then playing in Salah to finish past Hart. Shortly afterwards, Hart saved from a corner but could only palm the ball out for Matip to tap in from close range in the 24th minute.
West Ham could not mount any sort of response before the break, but they did cut the deficit in the 56th minute when Lanzini chested down and then flicked a shot into the far corner. The celebrations were short-lived, though, as Oxlade-Chamberlain replied less than a minute later, finishing from close range after Hart saved his initial shot. Lanzini and Javier Hernandez spurned chances for West Ham and, after Firmino fired wide, Salah made it 4-1 when he drilled a brilliant shot into the far corner. Liverpool could have had more as West Ham fans headed to the exits, with those who did stay until the final whistle voicing their disapproval at the performance.
Opta stats
Liverpool have scored eight goals in their two Premier League trips to the London Stadium, the same tally as the Hammers have scored in their last nine there in the competition.
Since moving to the London Stadium in August 2016, West Ham have lost more games at their home stadium than they have won (W9 D4 L11).
In fact, since the move, only Swansea (44) have conceded more goals at home in the Premier League than West Ham (41).
For the 14th time under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have scored 4+ goals in a single Premier League game - only Manchester City (16) and Tottenham Hotspur (16) have done so on more occasions in this period.
Salah has registered 15 goal involvements in all competitions for Liverpool this season (12 goals, three assists), more than any other player for the Reds.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring
Man of the match - Mohamed Salah
Salah continued his fantastic start to the season by scoring his 11th and 12th goals for Liverpool. The first was a composed finish with just Hart to beat, while the second was a superb drilled shot across goal and into the bottom corner. Along with Mane, the Egypt international looked dangerous throughout and could have scored his first hat-trick as Liverpool continued to flood forward late in the game.
What's next?
West Ham are live on Sky Sports Premier League when they travel to Watford on Sunday, November 19 and also when they host Leicester on Friday Night Football on November 24. Liverpool host Southampton and then Chelsea after the international break, either side of a Champions League trip to Sevilla.
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Slaven Bilic determined to fight on at West Ham after Liverpool loss
Last Updated: 04/11/17 9:00pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic vowed to fight on as West Ham manager after a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool, saying he has "belief" in himself and his players. The Hammers have only won twice in the Premier League this season and have now conceded more goals than any side in the division. Bilic's job had reportedly been under threat before West Ham beat Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on October 25, and this latest defeat creates more questions heading into the international break. But Bilic said: "Of course I believe in myself, in my staff and in my team and their character and everything. "I came so far from a small country first as a player then as a manager, so it's not about that. I am a big fighter. I definitely don't feel a broken man. I am very, very strong. On the other hand, the situation for West Ham is not good and as I said two years ago, one year ago, and now, the club is about every individual and that includes me." Asked what makes him think he can turn things around, Bilic said: "All my previous work and my dedication. "It's hard for me to talk now about myself. I'm not doing a job interview, I know that. I never like to talk about myself like I'm dead, I will never do it. I know my values. If I'm anything, I'm a strong man and I am a big believer in myself. "I am the one who is taking the bullets all the time when I have to and when I don't have to. So it is out of the question how strong a character I am. I believe in myself, I believe in my work, I believe in my staff and I believe in my players. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come so far from a small country."
The Hammers were largely lacklustre against Liverpool at the London Stadium, except for a short spell in the second half when Manuel Lanzini pulled a goal back for 2-1. But Liverpool, who had scored twice in three minutes in the first half, replied quickly to restore their two-goal lead before scoring a fourth to make sure of victory. "We conceded a couple of goals which had nothing to do with the game plan and the preparation about how we were going to stop them," said Bilic.
"We had to change the shape because we wanted to turn the game around. We wanted to be more dangerous up front. And it worked. That change left us a bit more open in the middle of the park "The third goal was very naïve because we needed just a few moments of calmness and then to start to build on that because there was a long time to go. But when you concede the third goal it's a killer."
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WEST HAM 1, LIVERPOOL 4. WE LOST AGAIN.
By David Hautzig 4 Nov 2017 at 19:35
WTID
Here's how a wine salesman prepares to pretend to be a football writer on a match day.
I sit at my kitchen counter with the first coffee of the day and think about what theme is bouncing around my thick head and try to correlate those often absurd thoughts to the impending events of the day. I then type the word TODAY, just like that, at the end of the paragraph to remind myself to go back and include a final sentence about what we all just saw. That's a clue by the way. Once or twice I've forgotten to do that, so if you see TODAY typed out you know I'm exhausted, sick, or just plain tired of giving West Ham another thought and I've forgotten to remove it.
Yet as I finish my blend of Ethiopian and Mexican coffee from my local Argentine coffee roaster I cannot think of any theme other than the gloom many of us feel. A gloom I expect to continue later today. A gloom I fear will be with us all season, possibly ending with what the people who theoretically could alter the course of history have called "Armageddon". And of course, I was correct.
The first moment of defensive anxiety for West Ham came in the second minute when Obiang fouled Moreno, giving Liverpool a free kick from thirty yards out. The ball sailed over everyone in Claret and Blue and Firmino found himself with the ball at his feet right in front of Hart. I expected an early goal, but Hart was able to make the save.
West Ham should have taken advantage of some good luck in the ninth minute when Lanzini ran at the Liverpool defense. His attempted pass to Ayew took a deflection and floated over Klavan and Matip. Ayew was able to stay onside and run onto the ball, but instead of using his right foot he tried a shot with the side of his left and hit the outside of the post.
Is there good refereeing in the world? I mean anywhere? In the span of three minutes, Swarbrick ignored an obvious foul on Hernandez, a slightly less obvious foul on Noble, and then called a questionable foul on Obiang. I'm not pointing those incidents out as a way of saying "whoa is us, the refs hate us". If I cared about another club I'd certainly notice similar time periods in those games. But I don't.
You know, when you win a corner you like to think it's to your advantage. Right? But this is West Ham. Fernandes won a corner after some decent work from Ayew. But Lanzini's outswinger was cleared, and when Fernandes decided to commit himself to trying to beat Salah and Mane to the ball you knew it would end badly. Salah pushed the ball forward to Mane and Liverpool were off to the races, three against the lone Cresswell. An easy rolled pass back to Salah and the net looked like the Red Sea.
West Ham 0
Liverpool 1
Because I'm writing now while watching instead of putting the report together after the match is over, my head was down when the two NBC presenters announced the second goal. I was unprepared. A low cross from Salah deflected off of Noble's shin, forcing a diving save from Hart. But the only players that followed the path of the ball wore cheese dip colored orange shirts, and Matip tapped it in.
West Ham 0
Liverpool 2
When Noble was shown a yellow card for simulation in the 37th minute, I made a mental note that it would be a small miracle if he lasted until he was subbed off. A reckless challenge leading to a second yellow leading to four or five goal drubbing felt inevitable. Along with an inability to string any passes together and a look of fear and loathing over the faces in West Ham shirts, the day felt lost with almost an hour left.
Halftime
West Ham 0
Liverpool 2
Did you know that Andy Carroll hadn't scored a goal at The London Stadium since that Crystal Palace game last January? I didn't. The halftime substitution made sense in that West Ham hadn't asked any questions of a Liverpool defense that has been among the worst in the league on the road. I was just unaware that the threat of AC was so statistically remote.
West Ham got themselves and the crowd back into the game for a moment in the 56th minute when Ayew sent a long cross to Lanzini in the box. The Jewel showed lovely skill to control the ball with his chest, turned Gomez around, and flicked the ball over Mignolet.
West Ham 1
Liverpool 2
The wee bit of optimism that had swept over the home supporters lasted less than a minute. Firmino beat Reid near the top of the West Ham penalty area and slid the ball on the right to Oxlade-Chamberlain. Cresswell looked like he had watched the baseball World Series and wondered what sliding into a base felt like. It would have been nice if he had tried that on his own somewhere, not when he was responsible for marking Ox. He slid by, Ox had his first effort saved by Hart but he tucked in the rebound.
West Ham 1
Liverpool 3
The game remained wide open, and West Ham came close to closing the gap to one goal again in the 59th minute when Carroll headed the ball down to Lanzini on the left but unlike his flick minutes earlier this effort sailed high over the bar.
West Ham had a solid shout for a penalty in the 69th minute when Arnautovic sent a short cross to Hernandez is the box. Just as Chicharito went up to head the ball Moreno gave him a little shove in the back and the ball went over the cross bar. Moments later Firmino was in on goal down the right but his low shot rolled past the far post and out for a goal kick.
With less than twenty minutes to go, Bilic added Sakho and used the last of his three substitutions. So West Ham had the following players on the pitch at the same time. Hernandez, Ayew, Carroll, Arnautovic, and Sakho. Offensive? Yes. But how was the defense? Offensive. Same word, two different meanings. In the 76th, Mane ran at the West Ham defense as if they weren't even there. He even lost the ball for a second, but easily won it back. He saw Salah alone in the box and rightly passed to him. He beat Hart with ease.
Final Score
West Ham 1
Liverpool 4
I'm not going to go over the same stuff over and over again. Here's my summation of the day. West Ham played. West Ham lost. West Ham in my opinion are in deep trouble, top to bottom.
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David Moyes emerges as favourite to replace beleaguered Slaven Bilic after West Ham's thrashing by Liverpool
The Hammers were beaten again at the London Stadium and Bilic is now facing the axe
The Mirror
Steve Bates
20:43, 4 NOV 2017UPDATED20:44, 4 NOV 2017
Slaven Bilic has claimed he's not a broken man - despite facing the axe at West Ham after a 4-1 defeat by Liverpool at the London Stadium. Bilic appeared a dead man walking last night – with former Manchester United, Sunderland and Everton boss David Moyes a big shout for the job with bookies making him 3-1 on to replace the struggling Croat. But Bilic was remaining defiant despite another damaging defeat which saw them slip to just above the relegation zone. Bookies cut their price to 8/13 for Bilic to be gone in the international break but he said: "I believe in myself the team and my character. "I've been a long time in football and come so far from a small country first as a player ,then a manager . "I'm a big fighter and I definitely don't feel a broken man. I feel very strong. But on the other hand the situation for West Ham is not good and as I have said it's not about one person and that includes me. "I'm a strong man and the one who is taking the bullets all the time when I have to and when I don't have to. "That's what a strong character I am. But are we playing well? No we are not . It's my duty and my job to take that responsibility and I am taking it and showing how strong I am. "I will speak to the owners when they call me. I will always face the situation and the consequences I never hide behind anything. "I have to talk to the chairman, we are going to discuss this defeat. " It's not the first one, it's the second in a row in home. It is a very difficult situation for me. "I always believe in myself, I wouldn't be here otherwise." Asked whether he still has the backing of the club Bilic added: "It's hard for me to talk about that now."
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Slaven Bilic should start turning up to games with his bags packed if London Stadium calamities continue
The Hammers were hopeless again as they lost to Liverpool and Bilic will know he may not survive for much longer
The Mirror
Simon Mullock
19:40, 4 NOV 2017UPDATED22:25, 4 NOV 2017
Karren Brady would have recognised the look on Slaven Bilic' s face – she sees it every week in Alan Sugar's boardroom. It's the one where Lord Sugar is about to point a gnarled index finger at some unfortunate 'Apprentice' wannabe and tell them they're fired. Bilic might not get the bullet for West Ham's latest capitulation at the London Stadium , but Baroness Brady must surely be whispering in the ears of David Gold and David Sullivan that the time for change is nigh. If the Croatian survives the international break, it might be an idea for him to turn up for games with his bags packed and a get-away car booked. It was game over inside 24 minutes for West Ham. By then, Liverpool had scored twice inside two minutes through Mo Salah and Joel Matip – and without even trying too hard.
Manuel Lanzini replied nine minutes after the break, but West Ham's bubbles were pricked 90 seconds later when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbed his second Liverpool goal. And Salah put the finishing touch to an impressive Liverpool performance with a goal that took his total for the season to 12. It was difficult to tally the sheer naivety of the home side's defending with the fact that their manager was a centre-back of world-wide renown. Last week, with three points at Crystal Palace virtually in the bag, a moment of madness saw Michail Antonio surrender the ball close to the opposition's corner flag and Wilfried Zaha to plundered an injury-time equaliser. The defending that allowed Salah to sidefoot Liverpool ahead in the 22nd minute was just as tragic. A West Ham corner, taken by Manuel Lanzini, was headed clear by Ragnar Klavan and when Salah beat Edimilson Fernandes to the loose ball on the edge of the box to free Sadio Mane, suddenly it was three Liverpool attackers against the retreating Aaron Cresswell. Mane ran 70 yards unchallenged. He could have picked out Oxlade-Chamberlain, but instead he returned the ball to Salah and the Egyptian caressed his finish past Joe Hart. Liverpool's next attack brought another goal – but at least this time it was from a corner of their own. Salah's near-post delivery didn't seem particularly dangerous, but the ball bounced off Mark Noble's shins and towards his own goal.
Hart reacted instinctively to parry the ball down, but Matip reacted first to score. Little wonder that while Bilic retreated into a thousand-yard stare, Jurgen Klopp shadow boxed in celebration. Both men needed to win this game - for very different reasons. Liverpool had an early chance when Salah's clipped free-kick and Emre Can's flick found Roberto Firmino arriving at the far post. The Brazilian controlled with his chest but Hart was able to block out the Brazilian's effort with his heel. West Ham also found some encouragement when Lanzini's pass was deflected into the path of Andre Ayew by Can. Ayew managed to squeeze the ball beyond Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet from a tight angle, but his shot bounced off the post. Mignolet, handed the captaincy by Klopp in the absence of Jordan Henderson, finally came under some pressure in the second half after Bilic had replaced Fernandes with Andy Carroll. And Lanzini revived the Hammers in the 54th minute when he cleverly nudged Joe Gomez from under Ayew's right-wing cross to steer a finish into the corner. But Liverpool opened up the home side again almost immediately. Firmino's left Winston Reid floundering with a smart turn and burst of pace before releasing Oxlade-Chamberlain to his right. Hart managed to block the Ox's first blast but the £30million midfielder's follow-up flew into the top corner off the West Ham keeper's right boot. Salah completed the rout 15 minutes from time when he took Mane's pass to beat Hart with a lethal angled finish into the bottom corner.
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David Moyes in pole position for West Ham job should Slaven Bilic be sacked
Matt Law Sam Wallace, chief football writer
4 NOVEMBER 2017 • 9:26PM
Telegraph.co.uk
David Moyes is in pole position to take over at West Ham United until the end of the season should the club's board bring the curtain down on Slaven Bilic's time in charge after another embarrassing home defeat, this time to Liverpool.
The 54-year-old Moyes is regarded by the club as the best immediate option to shore up West Ham despite taking Sunderland into the Championship last season, one that ended with him resigning from the club. Bilic's contract is up until at the end of the season and he restated his belief that he could turn around the team's fortunes – no wins in their last four league games – after they lost 4-1 to Liverpool amid another defensive shambles.
West Ham owner David Sullivan has traditionally been unwilling to sack managers mid-season, or pay compensation to appoint replacements and Moyes would be available without a cost. Faith in the team among the club's support is shaken with thousands in the 56,961 crowd leaving early and booing at the end of the first half and at half-time, although Bilic was not personally targeted.
The club face Watford when they return from the international break which gives Sullivan and co-chairman David Gold some time to consider their decision. Asked whether he still believed he was the man to lead West Ham with the team one point outside the relegation zone, Bilic said: "Of course I believe in myself and my staff and my team and my character.
"I've been a long time in football and I've come so far from a small country, first as a player then as a manager. I'm a big fighter. And I definitely don't feel a broken man. I'm very, very strong. On the other hand the situation for West Ham is not very good. But the club is about every individual and that includes me.
"I believe in myself and I'm the one taking the bullets. What I don't question is whether I'm a strong character or not. Otherwise I would not have come so far. But, are we playing well? No we are not. And it's not only my job and my duty, the way I want to be is to take responsibility. But that also shows how strong I am."
Asked when he would speak to the West Ham board, Bilic replied "When they call me. I'm always facing the situation, facing the consequences. I'm strong and was always strong and I'm not hiding behind anything."
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Slaven Bilic ready to 'take the bullets' ahead of crunch talks with West Ham owners
Analysis: Bell tolls for Bilic after heavy Liverpool defeat
Premier League table: Hammers now one point from the drop zone
JACK ROSSER at the London Stadium
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic says he will 'take the bullets' for West Ham but does not know if he will be given time to turn things around after their 4-1 defeat to Liverpool. A lacklustre Hammers side were handed a second consecutive home defeat as goals from Mohamed Salah, Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plummeted Bilic to his lowest ebb in east London. Having been given two games (Tottenham and Crystal Palace) to save his job after the Brighton defeat Bilic will have to answer some tough questions. When asked if he'll have the time to turn the tide at London Stadium, the Croatian admitted he was unsure but remained confident in his abilities. "I don't know. There are two situations. One, of course I believe in myself, my staff and my team and my character, I have had a long time in football. I came so far from a small country first as a player and then a manager. I am big fighter and all that.
"And I am definitely not feeling a broken man. I am very strong. "On the other hand, the situation for West Ham is not good and as I said, two years ago, one year ago and now, the club is above every individual and that includes me. "I never like to talk about myself like 'I'm that, I'm that, I'm that' I never do it I know my values and if I am anything I am a strong man and I am a big believer in myself and I never, and I am the one who is taking the bullets all the time when I have to and when I don't have to so that is out of the question, how strong a character I am."
Bilic is expected to meet with the owners on Monday, and the Hammers boss says he will face up to the consequences whatever the decision, and batted away suggestions that he could simply turn off his phone. "When they call me [I'll speak with the owners], when they call me. "No [I won't turn off my phone], I am not like that, I am never like that and I am always facing the situation and facing the consequences. Now you can am I am strong and I never hide behind anything."
Should West Ham replace Bilic, bookmakers Betfair price former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland manager as a 4/11 favourite to be appointed the next West Ham manager, while Roberto Mancini (4/1) and Rafa Benitez (8/1) the other contenders.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th November 2017
West Ham United v Liverpool: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Liverpool to London Stadium on Saturday evening in
their final match before the International break.
Read on for vital travel information, team news and everything else you need
to know ahead of this weekend's fixture...
Where and when?
West Ham United v Liverpool will be played on Saturday 4 November at London
Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.
How to follow:
West Ham's match with Liverpool will be shown live on BT Sport, on BT Sport
1 and BT Sport 4K UHD. The coverage of Saturday's game will begin at 17:00.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the afternoon. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!
Team news:
There is good news for the Hammers in the shape of Winston Reid and Aaron
Cresswell's fitness – both will be fit and available for selection against
the Reds.
On the other hand, Slaven Bilic's team will be without full-back Pablo
Zabaleta who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday and
misses out through possession.
And frustratingly, the injury list is also long. James Collins has been a
long-term absentee and won't be ready for action at the weekend, while Jose
Fonte – who limped off against Crystal Palace – is also out.
Finally, Sam Byram and Michail Antonio have also picked up knocks and won't
be in the squad on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have their own problems. Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne
are definitely out, while Philippe Coutinho also looks set to watch the game
from the sidelines.
Gini Wijnaldum – who hobbled off in the Reds' Champions League clash on
Wednesday – may be a doubt, as could Dejan Lovren.
Match officials:
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistant Referees: Stephen Child and Eddie Smart
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
Meet the opposition:
Four wins, four draws and just two losses from the opening ten league
matches is a decent start to the season for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who
currently sit sixth in the top flight.
Having finished in the top four last campaign the Reds are fighting in the
Champions League this season as well and fans will be hoping for a similar
level of success this season as the Merseyside outfit look to push on.
One of England's most iconic and successful club, Liverpool is always a
tough test.
Player to watch:
Joe Hart put in a man of the match performance for the Hammers last week in
the draw with Crystal Palace, making a string of excellent saves at Selhurst
Park.
While Liverpool are expected to be without some of their top names the Reds
still come with an abundance of attacking talent and Hart will once again
need to be on top of his game to keep out the threat that Liverpool possess.
The England international has three clean-sheets to his name this season and
would love to add a fourth this weekend.
Head-to-head:
While West Ham's last result against Liverpool wasn't what supporters were
hoping for, the Irons recent form against the Reds is quite impressive.
The Hammers have won four of their last eight matches in all competitions
against the Merseyside club, losing just two of those games.
One of those losses was the last fixture played against Klopp's side, a 4-0
defeat, but prior to that the Irons were unbeaten in five matches against
Liverpool.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 0-4 Liverpool, Premier League, May 14 2017
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United, Premier League, December 11 2016
West Ham United 2-1 Liverpool, FA Cup, February 9 2016
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United, FA Cup, January 30 2016
West Ham United 2-0 Liverpool, Premier League, January 2 2016
How to get there:
There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to
reach London Stadium.
Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the
DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.
Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground. Fans are advised that
Pudding Mill Lane DLR Station is closed due to maintenance work, so please
plan an alternative route.
Supporters are also advised that a replacement bus service is in operation
between Shenfield and Stratford - please check the TfL website for further
information.
Any other information:
The latest in the free Hammers Collectables card range will be available at
this Friday's contest, with Manuel Lanzini the newest first team star to be
featured.
Under-16 supporters should see their nearest Supporter Liaison Officer at
London Stadium on Friday to continue building their collection.
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Rice up for Player of the Month award
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back Declan Rice has been nominated for October's
Premier League 2 Player of the Month. The defender appeared three times for
the U23 side in all competitions in October, helping Terry Westley's men
victories over Manchester United and Bristol Rovers. Rice and the rest of
the defence helped the Hammers to a goalless draw in the other fixture, away
from home at the youngster's former club Chelsea. The 18-year-old's moment
to remember from the month came at Wembley, however, as part of the first
team side which came from behind to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2
in the Carabao Cup.
Rice started alongside Cheikhou Kouyate and Angelo Ogbonna at the back and
remained solid in the Hammers' terrific second 45, standing strong as Spurs'
two-goal lead was overturned. After that victory, he said: "Being my first
game at Wembley, after coming here to watch as a fan many, many times, to
get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham was an amazing moment for me. "After
the first half, most people thought we were down and out, but we had a big
get-together at half-time in the changing room and second half we came out
and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like this
before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Rice was also introduced as a second half substitute against Crystal Palace
last weekend, making his fifth Premier League appearance of the season. The
Academy graduate is up against Joshua Dasilva (Arsenal), Alex Babos (Derby),
Lukas Nmecha (Manchester City), Lewing Wing (Middlesbrough), Elliott
Embleton (Sunderland) and Harry Burgoyne (Wolves) for the award. The winner
will be announced on Friday next week.
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Ayew's Palace strike nominated for PL Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew's spectacular strike at Crystal Palace has been nominated for the
Premier League's October Goal of the Month - and you can help him win by
voting now. Ayew's 43rd minute screamer at Selhurst Park rounded off a
successful month for the Ghana international, who also notched twice in the
Carabao Cup victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers forward is on a
shortlist of seven for the prize, alongside Liverpool's Phillippe Coutinho
for his goal at Newcastle United, Pedro for Chelsea against Watford, Sofiane
Boufal's individual effort for Southampton against West Bromwich Albion and
Jamie Vardy's goal for Leicester City against Everton. Three of Manchester
City's seven goals against Stoke City are also in line for the award -
Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.
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Cresswell: Hammers want to repay fans against Liverpool
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are fully committed to repaying the faith the supporters
have put in the players this weekend against Liverpool, according to Aaron
Cresswell. The Irons return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon
when they welcome Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to London Stadium. Cresswell and
his teammates head into the contest on the back of a 2-2 draw with Crystal
Palace, which came after a late equaliser for the Eagles by Wilfried Zaha.
The left-back can understand why fans were frustrated by that result and
insists he and the rest of the side are set on repaying that loyalty and
putting things right against the Reds.
"We know it's frustrating at times," Cresswell said. "If you're a fan
sitting there you can understand why and we certainly fully understand. We
need to come together as one. "We've been working hard week in and week out
to put it right. We want to generate that atmosphere, against a team like
Liverpool, and put it right."
West Ham currently sit 16th in the Premier League and Cresswell believes it
would be easy to say that the club deserves to be higher up the table, such
is the quality in team. The 27-year-old insists however that talk is cheap
and it's down to the players and the coaching staff to show the Club is
worthy of competing higher in the division And Cresswell reckons a run of
positive results can bring that belief. He added: "It's easy for me to sit
here and say we should be higher but in reality, we are not. We're the only
ones that can affect that. "It's not a nice situation to be in and we need
to get higher up the league. It's still early on and it's very congested
down towards the bottom end of the table, and to be fair it's the same
higher up. "You get two wins on the bounce and it's all rosy. But in the
Premier League it's not easy. We want to get a positive result."
Cresswell has also hailed the form of both Club and international teammate
Joe Hart after the goalkeeper made a string of phenomenal saves in the match
with Palace. Hart was once again named in the England international squad
for the upcoming friendlies with Germany and Brazil and Cresswell has
praised the shot-stopper's influence around the club since joining on loan
from Manchester City. "Even before Joe joined here, we'd watched him over
the years and he's not got so many England caps for nothing. He's been at
the highest levels and won some big trophies," Cresswell said on Hart. "It's
a great thing to have him. On Saturday, he showed some unbelievable saves –
one of which he didn't even know anything about it! He's fantastic for us,
he's great around the place, and a great communicator. As a defender, he's
great to have behind you."
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Hammers to mark Remembrance Day at Liverpool game
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will mark Remembrance Day around Saturday's Premier League
match against Liverpool. Fans can view a Second World War Spitfire plane on
display outside London Stadium and make donations to the Royal British
Legion poppy sellers. Before the game, there will be a performance from the
Royal Air Force Air Cadets Band and Sir Trevor Brooking will read John
McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields, before a Guard of Honour is formed by
members of the Royal British Legion and servicemen from the G Company 7
RIFLES West Ham Army Reserve Centre. Joint-Chairman David Gold, Liverpool
CEO Peter Moore, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and West Ham fan Matt
Woollard will lay wreaths in the centre circle. A minute's silence will be
held, the Last Post will be played by a bugler, while supporters in the East
Stand will be invited to create a special Remembrance mosaic, honouring
those who bravely laid down their lives for us.
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Fernandes: I'm progressing all the time with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Edimilson Fernandes has learned a lot over his first 18 months in claret and
blue and is ready to use that knowledge as he continues to progress for the
Hammers.
The 21-year-old Swiss international arrived in east London having played
only 63 senior games for his first club FC Sion, but has wasted little time
in taking his talents to the Premier League, featuring regularly in Slaven
Bilic's matchday squads. With seven appearances under his belt this term,
including starts as the Hammers took on Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace
last week, Fernandes is desperate to help the team kick-on and rediscover
their form. "The more I play, the more I progress and I have the coach's
confidence, so I am enjoying the amount of football I am playing at the
moment," he said. "It was a big decision to leave Sion when I did – I made
my debut and came through the youth ranks there, so it was hard to leave,
but I also also pleased to embark on a new adventure and I am very happy
here."
Fernandes was frustrated not to pick up a second win in succession when
Wilfried Zaha's last-gasp leveller denied the Hammers at Crystal Palace, and
is ready for the test of facing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool on Saturday. He
added: Of course it is always frustrating to concede a late goal, and last
week it happened with 10 seconds to go, so I felt disappointed and that went
for the whole team, but we are looking forward to Liverpool and working hard
to get a good result in that game. "It's a very big game this weekend and
I'm sure we can perform well and get a good result. "Of course we will try
to take advantage [of any vulnerability]. We have to be confident in
ourselves and I'm sure we can produce a good performance."
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Captain Noble honours local Servicemen
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble made a special delivery to a group of very special people on
Thursday afternoon. The West Ham United skipper headed to the West Ham Army
Reserve Centre - close to where he grew up in Canning Town - and presented
match tickets for Saturday's Premier League clash against Liverpool to the G
Company 7 Rifles. The Rifles will be at London Stadium to form a guard of
honour as part of the Remembrance tributes in memory of the men and women
who have lost their lives in conflict since the First World War.
After presenting the tickets and a special West Ham United shirt embossed
with a poppy to Captain Lee Flitcroft and his team, Noble was given a tour
of the barracks and shown a display of the weaponry, equipment and supplies
carried by Servicemen during tours of duty. "It has been an honour to be
here," he said. "I have so much respect and admiration for these guys and
what they do for our country." "We play a sport, and I know it means so
much to everyone, but it is a sport at the end of the day. What these guys
do is life and death. "We get disappointed when we lose a game, but we all
go home to our families in good health. Sometimes, these men and women
don't. "To come and speak to them, and see the equipment they have to carry
on 12-hour shifts – sometimes longer, it's phenomenal, and a real pleasure
for me. "In my view, the soldiers who are going on tours and fighting for
our country are the real heroes."
Captain Flitcroft added: "It has been fantastic to see Mark, and an honour
to have him here at the West Ham Army Reserve Centre. "Most of the guys here
support West Ham, and they have been buzzing all week to meet Mark and show
him some of the stuff that we do and share some of our experiences. "We have
been involved in the club's Remembrance tributes now for around ten years,
and we really look forward to that date on the calendar when we get the
chance to be a part of a fantastic tribute. "West Ham fans have always shown
it such great respect, and it is a huge honour for us."
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West Ham United's December and January fixture changes confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's final fixture changes for December and January have been
confirmed.
The Hammers will now travel to Tottenham Hotspur for their Premier League
derby at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 31 December, with kick-off at 2.15pm.
Meanwhile, the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion will now be played on
Tuesday 2 January at 7.45pm.
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West Ham United v Liverpool
SAT, 04 NOV 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
17:30
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's Winston Reid returns from a calf problem, while Aaron Cresswell
is fit despite being forced off with a dead leg at Crystal Palace on
Saturday. Michail Antonio, Sam Byram, Jose Fonte and James Collins are all
injured, while Pablo Zabaleta is suspended.
Georginio Wijnaldum is doubtful with an ankle problem so Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain may start his first league game for Liverpool. Philippe
Coutinho will not feature because of a thigh injury. Sadio Mane is back in
training following a hamstring injury and could feature as a substitute.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Bower: "After the almost weekly discussion about Slaven Bilic's
future, the West Ham boss will be hoping for a performance more akin to
their Carabao Cup comeback against Tottenham than their capitulation in
their last home game against Brighton. "They will take hope from the fact
that no team has conceded more Premier League away goals than Liverpool, who
face a swift return to the capital following their horror show against Spurs
at Wembley. "If Liverpool are to make it back-to-back Champions League
campaigns next season then this is a fixture they need to take something
from. "One thing is for sure - if the Hammers have a lead in stoppage time,
the ball won't be heading into the Liverpool penalty area."
Twitter: @SteveBowercomm
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on his future: "Yes, of course I need
something personally. I am in a position I don't want to be in. I have been
there for quite a time now. "Every win, even in the cup but especially in
the league, it will take us and me out of that position and put us in a more
comfortable position. Every game you don't win puts you in a worse position.
"I do think I can turn it around, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "I'm happy that we have this record at
home...but if you want to be really successful you cannot leave points in
other cities.
"Two of our away games were big defeats, but a lot of other teams will lose
there."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Liverpool won comfortably at London Stadium at the end of last season and I
think they will win again. But I hope it doesn't mean Bilic will lose his
job - because that would be ridiculous.
Prediction: 0-2
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
None of the last 12 Premier League meetings in east London have been drawn -
West Ham have four victories and Liverpool eight since a 1-1 draw in
December 2001.
The Merseysiders won 4-0 at the London Stadium in May, their biggest league
victory away to West Ham since January 1976.
Liverpool have lost three of their last six Premier League games against the
Hammers (W2, D1) - as many defeats as in the previous 25 meetings.
West Ham United
Defeat would leave the Hammers with nine points. The last time they had
fewer than 10 points after 11 league games was in 2010-11, a season which
saw them relegated from the top flight.
Seven of West Ham's nine Premier League wins at the London Stadium have been
by 1-0 scorelines.
They have conceded four Premier League penalties this season (all scored) -
no other side has given away more than two.
Andre Ayew has scored three goals in his last two games in all competitions
for West Ham - more than he had managed in his previous 10 appearances this
season.
All 41 of Javier Hernandez's Premier League goals have been scored from
inside the penalty area.
Joe Hart has conceded 29 goals in 17 Premier League games against Liverpool
during his career; five more than against any other side.
Liverpool
The Reds could win back-to-back league games for the first time since
August. Those victories (against Crystal Palace and Arsenal) are also the
last time they kept consecutive clean sheets in the top flight.
All but one of the 16 league goals Liverpool have conceded this season have
come away from home - the highest tally in the top flight.
The last time they conceded more goals in their opening five away league
games was in 1953-54, a season which ended in relegation.
Daniel Sturridge has scored five goals in seven league appearances against
West Ham.
Sturridge is two short of 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool. He can
become the seventh player to reach the milestone, after Robbie Fowler,
Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 26%
Probability of home win: 22% Probability of away win: 52%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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THE YOUTH SITUATION, FRUSTRATION AND MISMANAGEMENT UNDER BILIC!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:15PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @StevenMcCarthy9
One of the things I keep hearing about Slaven is how much he loves the club,
now I don't want to get involved in saying whether or not this is true!But
as West Ham fans I think the majority of us will say that one of the best
things about supporting our wonderful club, has always been the youth
prospects we develop and introduce into the side!
Yet as Ex and a few of the people I've spoken to at the club will back, Slav
and his team have been to watch our youth side just once in the 2 and a
quarter seasons he has been here! For me, that is completely unacceptable,
regardless of what club you are at, if the Manager, assistant manager or a
member of his trusted staff do not watch the academy sides then there is a
big problem.
I can understand people saying that maybe there is a lack of quality players
who can really break into the first team coming through, but the
conversations I've had with people at the club about Oxford, Rice and
numerous prospects, all mirrored the sentiments that our academy possess
talents of the highest quality! Bilic gave Oxford his first League start
against Arsenal, and we all know how well that went…so why have we seen both
a change in Bilic's approach to Academy players and youth introduction? I
personally believe that Billic has awful youth management skills, with the
handling of the previously mentioned Oxford and this seasons youth prospect
in the excellent Declan Rice, being simply atrocious in my eyes.
Rice was substituted in a similar manner to Oxford, at half time after a
mistake that led to a goal.
Surely this is one of the most cruel things for a player at any level to
face, let alone a youngster attempting to break through.With Oxford it was
against Leicester and Rice it was Newcastle, however both mistakes were also
made when older more experienced players were culpable for their part in the
goals. Rice has subsequently featured in part after this mistake, but Oxford
has never been the same since. And whilst you could argue this to be proof
of Oxford lacking the mental strength required to play at the highest level,
I think we should we also be questioning why a talent once hailed as a
future England captain, has so dramatically fallen from grace! Not only
unable to secure a regular starting position, squad place or challenge the
first team here or even Reading, then I think we need a serious look at Man
Management.
I believe that of course whilst there are multiple factors that could be to
blame, the lack of intensity and standard in Billic's training playing a
significant role. We all saw the damming stats on Monday Night Football
about our total lack of sprints and distance covered, but this has been a
worry for over a year now! Players leaving have condemned the standard of
training and people often under estimate just how much that can impact a
footballers overall game.
If you don't train to a high level, you lose that match sharpness, the
ability to run that extra yard at the same speed or frequency! But far more
relevant to this article, you massively inhibit the development of youth
players, who unless they stay after hours with coaches, on the pitch or in
the gym are left with a standard of training that wasn't fit for Reading
Football Club….
Our integration for academy players over the past few seasons has been
shocking, particularly in attacking positions.
Billic was seemingly unwilling to give either Fletcher or Martinez much of a
chance up top, and given the struggling competition at times, though injury
or simply a total lack of form, I find this baffling and also a bit
maddening.
What I do not understand is why you would not take a gamble in a cup
competition. West Ham fans are a hard bunch to please, I think all of us are
pretty openly going to admit that, however if you play a team with 3 or 4
youngsters in a cup game, not only will we give you leeway, we will really
get behind and support the decision! We may lose, but I guarantee that
you'll have the fans respect by trying to develop that title of Academy of
Football.
I'll end the article on a slightly different tone, because for me our
Academy staff have always deserved more praise from the footballing world.
By increasing Academy involvement, not only would you boost overall youth
team and staff morale, but you also give the fans something to feel proud
of. The incredible people working with our youngsters are so passionate
about what they do, and you compliment their work in a way that I think only
proud parents and mentors can understand when they witness someone they have
developed succeed.
I want to see us bring through players from the academy and I want to see
them succeed, but more importantly, I want to see them given the best chance
to succeed! The future talent in the likes of Martinez, Holland,
Cullen,Quina and Saed all deserve a chance, I don't believe they are going
to get under the current manager. Whilst I realise that not all of them will
be world beaters, I trust our academy staffs judgement and the performances
they are giving for them to believe that they should get a chance in the
first team.
I'm @StevenMcCarthy9 and thank you for reading my rant!
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TACTICAL PROFILE: RAFA BENITEZ
AUTHOR: BEN COOPER. PUBLISHED: 3 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:00AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Disclaimer! This is in no way a news article. I am unaware of the club's
exact intentions and this is purely an opinion piece on tactics. I am behind
the team and the manager, whomever may be in charge.
As a scientist I tend to question how things work and how they function.
With all the talk of a managerial change at the club I find myself thinking
about how things may play out for us in the short to long term. With the
odds stacked against him, it would be a safe bet that Slaven Bilic will be
replaced in the near future, whether that be over the coming weeks, or at
the end of the season. Whilst I do find this an exciting prospect, as we
have a good set of players and the right appointment may get the most out of
the talent we currently employ, we cannot get away from the risks that
change will bring. The correct decision will not be obvious, you just have
to look at the catastrophic failure of Frank de Boer at Palace, a prime
example of an incompatibility between managerial style and the playing
staff. Whoever comes in will need to bring something to the table, the real
risk here is a sideways step, or worse, a backwards one.
So who is in the frame? It is no secret that there is a list of potential
candidates for the job, and I find myself imagining how they would fit with
us as no doubt many of you are. So lets jump straight in with the man who
had all but signed for us as manager in 2015, before his dream job was
offered to him. I am talking of course about Rafa Benitez. Rafa is a winner,
make no mistake, he has won trophies all over Europe. His biggest
achievement is hard to pin down as there are so many, but what stands out
for me is two la liga titles in three years with Valencia, competing against
a Real Madrid side boasting the talents of Luís Figo, Raul, Roberto Carlos,
and Zidane. He won two trophies at Inter with a thin squad and little
financial backing. Even with the disgusting treatment he got from Chelsea
and their fans, and the fact that everyone knew he would be gone at the end
of the season, they still won the Europa league. The winning goal coming
from a training ground set piece routine executed well by the players who
were still playing for him despite his situation. You shouldn't mention
Benitez without talking about 'that night in Istanbul', a tactical battle
that saw Liverpool come out a different team in the second half, helping
Rafa topple Ancelloti to complete one of football's greatest ever comebacks.
I hope you will forgive me for not mentioning a certain other cup final.
A remarkable CV aside, this article is about tactics. Rafa is known as a
'details man'. He studies the opposition and works out how to best exploit
their weaknesses. A prime example of this would be our recent trip to
Tyneside where we were beaten, and beaten well. In this case he overloaded
the midfield cutting off our attacking options. We didn't really adjust to
this, so it was essentially a one move checkmate. However, he is very
consistent in formation, often employing a 4-2-3-1. He sees a team as a
system in which players must fit, where everyone has detailed instruction.
If we look at his current team Newcastle, they fall into 4-5-1 without the
ball, where they defend with intensity and are hard to break down. At the
time of writing only Spurs and the two Manchester clubs have conceded fewer
goals. The midfield is tasked to win the ball back and initiate very quick
vertical transitions. Atsu and Ritchie are expected to play with width,
although Ritchie has a license to cut inside with Pérez floating in and
around the right side half space which often causes overloads in that area.
The striker, often Gayle or Mitrovic is tasked with disrupting the
opposition defense and making gaps for long through balls. Their aggressive
wing play does leave them vulnerable to attack in both the left and right
half spaces but the midfield pairing of Hayden and Merino are well drilled
and often get across to extinguish the danger. They have an average
possession of 44% and only a 73% passing accuracy. They currently average
one goal per game, as do we. Their football is far from entertaining but it
has been effective thus far, and I see them finishing comfortably above the
other two promoted sides. I put this down to a clever manager working with
what he has, and getting the best out of his players.
It is not always negative with Rafa, remember his Chelsea team putting 8
goals past a Villa side who were on a six game unbeaten run? They could have
scored 10 that day with some exceptional attacking play. We recently decided
to try and sit and protect a two goal lead against the league's lowest
scoring team. Something I just cannot get over in a hurry.
I think that Rafa Benitez would certainly take us forward from where we are
today. I think we have the players to suit his current style of play and we
would pick up points as a result. The only slight concern would be the
midfield being disciplined enough to fulfill their defensive duties. He
would bring a very much needed period of stability with what I think will,
at least in the very beginning, be results based football. Asking questions
of the opposition rather than going all out with flair. But how long would
that be acceptable? How long would he be given if the football is not as
exciting as we would hope for? Bianca Westwood raised this very good
question on this week's radio show. I don't think it would take very long at
all. Our squad, especially in advanced positions is far stronger than
Newcastle's. Rafa is a man who believes in balance between defence and
attack, a very sensible stance in my opinion. I think Rafa would not need to
change the team much at all, he would just need to tighten up the defence
and have everyone get on board with his approach. A front 4 of Lanzini,
Hernandez, Antonio, and Ayew could play with much more freedom if the team
behind them follow a disciplined, defence first mentality. This focus on
defensive solidarity is something that Sam Allardyce was criticised for,
unfairly in my opinion as he had, lets face it, a championship level team
for the majority of his time at the club. He started playing some excellent
football when he employed the 4-4-2 diamond formation with the right
players. One of the many things Rafa does have on Big Sam though is his
enthusiasm for youth players, he did great things with the Liverpool
academy, the fruits of his labour being enjoyed by Jurgen Klopp today.
This article was supposed to encompass several of the managers that we have
been linked with but I think that would be too long. I will wrap it up here
and perhaps write additional tactical profiles in the near future. Let me
know your thoughts in the comments or on twitter.
@mrben471
@WestHamWaycouk
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ARE THE KIDS GOOD ENOUGH?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 3 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:50PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
During the last ten years or so every time the Club has been on a bad run
there has been an echo "Play the kids, they will play for the shirt!" I
would just shake my head. You can play for the shirt all you want but if
you're not good enough, you won't make one ounce of difference. West Ham,
during the halcyon days of Ron Greenwood, became world renowned as The
Academy of Football. Due to The Club playing stylish, inventive football on
the deck. Football with a smile on its face. At the same time bringing
through talented youngsters which were schooled to play the type of football
associated with the Club. Greenwood, would like nothing more than seeing a
youngster with the ball at his feet expressing himself. Youngsters thrived
at West Ham, and the door to the first team spot was always open. If you
were good enough you played. Time after time, our youngsters graduated into
the first team and flourished.
But those screaming: "Play the kids" up until recently were living in the
past. Believing that every kid emerging from The Academy, was going to be
the next: Moore, Peters, Hurst, Brooking, Devonshire and the rest. The harsh
reality being those days were long gone. The Academy was producing quantity
not quality. You only need to look at where some of these graduates ply
their trade now and had to accept the harsh reality that our youth were
simply just not good enough. People had difficulty accepting this reality,
and on one occasion Sam Allardyce got crucified for throwing the youngsters
"To the wolves" For playing the "kids" against Nottingham Forest in the FA
Cup. This after match, moaning that Sam was not giving the youngsters a
chance. The "kids" were 21 & 22. At that age you should be knocking on the
first team door. The youngsters were simply not good enough! Even my
personal favourite, Sebastian Lletget a skilful attacking midfielder never
made the grade. It is a tough world making it as a professional footballer
at any Club in the first place!
Like the one 'West Ham won the world Cup'. The belief that we were still The
Academy of Football, was stale in the extreme. Nothing more than a myth. The
title of The Academy of Football was a mantle that Southampton Football Club
could rightly claim. Talented player after talented player has graduated
through The South Coast Club's Academy into the first team 16, 17 and 18
years of age. If you are good enough Southampton Football Club will play
you! In an earlier article I stated, "That it was time for The Academy to
start delivering". If not questions would have to be asked of Terry Westley,
The Academy Director. However after many lean years, The Club is well on its
way to reclaiming its title of The Academy of Football. We have a real
talented group of youngsters at The Club, whom I believe should be given the
chance to play at senior level.
The youngsters who really excite me are Declan Rice, Reece Oxford, Domingos
Quina, Toni Martinez, Sead Haksabanovic, Nathan Holland and my favourite
Martin Samuelsson. Sadly at 22 I don't think Josh Cullen or Reece Burke are
going to make it at The Club. Hands up here – Terry Westley has done a
fantastic job on bringing the youngsters on. Even when players have returned
to The Club, with their confidence at a low ebb, due to a loan not working
out for whatever reason. Westley has rebuilt their confidence, and got them
playing to the top of their game again. I'm not saying that the youngsters
should be playing in every match or in whole games, but they should and MUST
get game time. The frustrating thing is Slaven Bilic, not having any
intention of fully integrating them into the first team squad at all. Christ
on a bike! Even Sam, would have the youth playing against the first team on
a Friday! Slaven does not go and watch youth matches, or get them to train
with the first team. What chance does a youngster have of breaking into the
first team, when the manager shows no interest? Talk about coming up against
a brick wall!
This is unlikely to change, as long as Slaven Bilic is manager of West Ham
United. He is a dead man walking and knows it. Gone at the end of the
season, without a shadow of a doubt. I don't even think Slaven wants to be
at The Club anymore, if the truth be known. I have seen The Board lackey's,
promote the failed Derby and Luton manager and our Academy Director Terry
Westley credentials to become full time manager. Westley would be the cheap
option and should not get the job full time in a million years! But he may
well be a sensible option short term option, and could well stabilise The
Club. Also opening the door to the youth, as far as a first team squad is
concerned. Ron Greenwood used to say: "Football at its best, is a game of
beauty, intelligence and art over brawn. Despite what the gloom and gloom
merchant say all is not bleak. We have senior players and youth players who
are capable of delivering on Ron Greenwood's vision on how the game should
be played. Time to return to The Club's roots, let The Kids play!
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)
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West Ham v Liverpool preview: Sadio Mane pushing for shock recall
Last Updated: 03/11/17 6:34pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic will be looking to guide West Ham away from danger against
Liverpool on Saturday evening. The Hammers bounced back from a miserable 3-0
home defeat to Brighton with a 3-2 victory at Tottenham in the EFL Cup but
the pressure on Bilic has intensified again after drawing 2-2 with Crystal
Palace last weekend. Despite registering a comfortable victory against
Huddersfield last time out, Liverpool are seven points worse off in the
league than at this stage last season. They won 4-0 in this fixture at the
London Stadium last campaign but clean sheets have been scarce, demonstrated
by them possessing the worst defensive record on the road in the Premier
League. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Sadio Mane could return against
West Ham on Saturday while Adam Lallana will train with the first team next
week.
Team news
West Ham winger Michail Antonio is out with a hamstring problem. The Hammers
are also short in defence with Pablo Zabaleta suspended and Sam Byram, Jose
Fonte and James Collins injured. But Aaron Cresswell has shaken off the dead
leg which forced him off at half-time against Crystal Palace and fellow
defender Winston Reid should be fit after missing out at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane could be in line for a surprise recall. The
Senegal international's return from a hamstring injury is a fortnight ahead
of schedule and after joining full training on Thursday manager Jurgen Klopp
said he looked like he could play 25 minutes. Klopp will make late decisions
on midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum (ankle) and defender Dejan Lovren (thigh)
but playmaker Philippe Coutinho (adductor) is definitely out.
Opta stats
None of the last 12 Premier League meetings between these sides at West Ham
have ended as a draw - West Ham have won four and Liverpool eight since a
1-1 draw in December 2001.
Liverpool have lost three of their last six Premier League games against the
Hammers (W2 D1) - as many as they'd lost in their previous 25.
West Ham have conceded 10 goals in their last eight home Premier League
games, despite keeping five clean sheets in that run - four of those goals
were scored by Liverpool in their last visit to the London Stadium.
Of the 18 sides to have played in both of the last two Premier League
seasons, only Crystal Palace (24) and Swansea City (30) have won fewer
points in home matches than West Ham United (31) over this period.
Liverpool's 15 goals conceded away from home this season is the most by a
team in the Premier League - indeed, it's the most the Reds have shipped
after five away games of a season since 1953-54 (16), when they were
relegated from the top-flight.
Joe Hart has conceded 29 goals in 17 Premier League games against Liverpool
during his career; five more than he's let in against any other side.
Merson's prediction
West Ham last week, seriously… Antonio should be on the verge of getting a
two-week fine for what he did. I honestly cannot believe what he done, it
was unbelievable. I am going to go for Liverpool to win here. I just think
they will have too much firepower for them defensively. So I am going to go
3-1, as how are Liverpool ever going to keep a clean sheet?!
Paul predicts: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 4/1)
Betting
Liverpool are Sky Bet's 8/13 favourites for the win with West Ham priced at
4/1, while the draw is a 3/1 chance. The Reds will be looking to gain ground
on the leaders but are all but written off in the title race at 100/1, while
their hosts are 5/2 joint fifth favourites for relegation. Javier Hernandez
is considered the Hammers' main threat at 7/1 to score first.
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OPPOSITION Q&A WITH LIVERPOOL
By Jeff Gayle 3 Nov 2017 at 17:00
WTID
Our final match before the enforced break (don't you just hate International
weeks?) sees us take on Liverpool at The London Stadium kicking off on
Saturday at 5.30pm. Ahead of the game I had a chat with Duncan Oldham of
koptalk to discuss everything Claret & Blue and Red.
You have got us in the tea-time fixture this Saturday, hopefully you'll be a
bit tired after your midweek game – are you feeling confident?
It's difficult to be confident following Liverpool these days due to our
well documented defensive problems. We come into the game off the back of
that Champions League win over minnows Maribor but that scoreline doesn't
really prove anything. It honestly depends as to which Liverpool turns up.
It looks like both sides will have injury problems to deal with. I think
most neutrals would expect Liverpool to come away with something but
honestly, nothing would surprise me at the moment.
Jurgen Klopp is now into his third season at Anfield (similar to Slaven
Bilic) are you happy with the progress that he has shown? How do you compare
his reign to the days of Brendan Rodgers?
The statistics appear to show that there isn't a huge difference between
them both but we have to remember that Brendan had Luis Suarez at his
disposal. I don't see a lot difference in the way their teams play. Both
managers presented attacking football but neither manager sorted the defence
out. Klopp's failure to consider another centre-back other than Virgil van
Dijk and his insistance that he didn't need a clinical striker recruiting in
the summer left me completely baffled. Despite the present frustrations, I
feel that Klopp will adapt to the Premier League. Some of his decisions have
been confusing and I'm disappointed that he haven't seen some gems brought
in from Germany but that's not necessarily his fault.
After successively finishing in a Champions League spot last season, where
do you think Liverpool will stand at the end of this campaign?
Based on current form, we would struggle to finish 4th. If we can get a
result against you and built on that it will hopefully make things easier.
If we lose at the weekend and continue to underperform, there could be a
huge inquest at the end of the season. We expect much better than what we've
being seeing of late.
Where do you think West Ham can realistically finish the season?
Surely finishing just inside the top half of the table or just below the
fold is possible but I can't see that happening under Bilic. A lot of faith
has been shown in him but are West Ham wasting crucial time by standing by
him?
Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the
title this season?
Swansea, Huddersfield, Palace to go down. Manchester City to win the title.
We've spoken about Jurgen Klopp, how do you rate West Ham's Slaven Bilic?
I thought he was going to do much better. He just looks lost at times. He
seems like a nice enough guy but I think he's a dead man walking which isn't
nice to see. As an outsider looking in, the players come across as not
giving their all for him. You're better placed than me to know why that may
be if that's the case. If he's lost the dressing room, the trigger needs
pulling. He looks authoritative but I'm not convinced.
You must be a tad annoyed with all the speculation regarding Philippe
Coutinho, are you resigned to him leaving you come January? Have you come to
terms with this new reality of Liverpool not being the premier destination
for talent it was in the past?
It's understandable. Who wouldn't want to play for Barcelona? As long as he
conducts himself professionally and does the business until he's sold,
that's all the fans want to see. I'm not sure if he will leave in January
but he won't be at Anfield next season. I just can't see it. Even if
Barcelona ended their interest, PSG are very keen too and his pal Neymar is
there.
While London is an attractive destination for players and their partners,
Manchester City and Manchester United continue to attract some of the best
names. Our owners cannot compete with the Premier League's successful and
wealthier clubs. Until there is a shift in ownership I cannot see us ever
being able to compete properly again.
There seems to be a great deal of unrest as to the performance of the
goalkeeper and defence in general – are you happy with the make-up of your
squad?
Our goalkeepers aren't good enough, our centre-backs are not good enough,
our midfield can attack but not defend and we don't have a clinical striker
at the club. We need a new spine. The arrival of Naby Keïta can't come quick
enough but even if we land Virgil van Dijk to strengthen the defence, that's
not going to be enough to solve our problems.
West Ham fans have great memories of finally beating you at Anfield two
years ago: apart from that woeful day at the FA Cup Final in Cardiff, do any
particular memories of West Ham/Liverpool games of the past come to mind?
?It was a great day! But what about our 4-1 win over you in December 2013.
It felt nice to silence Allardyce. Sorry.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would
you choose and why?
?I feel tempted to say Joe Hart as our 'keepers don't offer much but I quite
like Manuel Lanzini.
Which Liverpool player(s) will be key to your hopes this season? Apart from
Coutinho, who in your current squad would stand comparison with the great
Liverpool players of the past?
None of them are currently good enough to be in any of the successful
Liverpool sides I grew up watching. Coutinho stands out (just like Sterling
did) as he doesn't have a lot of greatness around him. Salah's performances
have been very encouraging. Where would we be without his goals? Mane is a
great player too.
How do you expect Liverpool to setup against West Ham on Saturday/
Team/formation prediction?
Expect to see a 4-3-3 as usual. We have a few injuries so it would be too
complicated to list the various permutations as I'm not sure who will be
deemed fit just yet. I doubt there'll be any surprises.
Prediction for score?
I hate predictions as I regret them if I don't put money on them and they
come off! I'm going for a Liverpool win though!
Big up! to Duncan for his time. This is a hard one to call. Our overall win
record against Liverpool is a mere 20%, rising to 36% at our place. My heart
says a win, with Big Andy coming off the bench to power the ball home,
unfortunately my head sees us spurning a hard fought victory by giving away
a last minute penalty. 1 – 1. Come on you Irons!
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V LIVERPOOL
By Dan Coker 3 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Today's blast from the past features a 3-1 victory on the 9th of October
1982, with West Ham United welcoming the previous campaign's title-winners
Liverpool in front of 32,500. Musical Youth were number one with 'Pass the
Dutchie', The Entity was in UK cinemas and, two days later, Henry VIII's
flagship the Mary Rose was raised from the River Solent 437 years after it
had sank.
The Irons went into the game on the back of four successive league wins – a
5-0 home win over Birmingham had been followed by a 2-1 triumph at West Brom
and a 4-1 home victory over Manchester City before a 3-2 win at Arsenal. The
Hammers took a first-half lead against the champions at the Boleyn Ground
when centre-back Alvin Martin sidefooted home his third goal of the season
after Bruce Grobbelaar had failed to deal with Jimmy Neighbour's centre.
The Irons doubled their lead in the second half when Paul Goddard held off
Mark Lawrenson and crossed for the onrushing Geoff Pike to convert his first
goal in 13 months. Reds midfielder Graeme Souness fired home a reply with a
fierce shot which Phil Parkes could only help into the top corner before
Goddard assumed the role of creator again, this time flicking on Parkes'
goal-kick to Neighbour and racing on to the return pass to square a ball
beyond Grobbelaar for Sandy Clark (pictured above) to grab his fifth goal in
six games and send the Hammers to the dizzy heights of second in the First
Division table. The goals from this game can be viewed in my video below.
John Lyall's West Ham would end the season in eighth place while Bob
Paisley's Liverpool retained their First Division title. 25-year-old Alvin
Martin won his third Hammer of the Year title, with Phil Parkes voted
runner-up. Paul Goddard and the late Francois van der Elst were the Irons'
top goalscorers in 1982/83 with 12 goals from 46 and 47 appearances
respectively. Manchester United won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Billy Bonds (Neil Orr), Alvin
Martin, Frank Lampard, Jimmy Neighbour, Paul Allen, Geoff Pike, Alan
Devonshire, Sandy Clark, Paul Goddard.
Liverpool: Bruce Grobbelaar, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Phil Thompson, Alan
Kennedy (Craig Johnston), Mark Lawrenson, Sammy Lee, Ronnie Whelan, Graeme
Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush.
Club Connections
Andy Carroll welcomes his former club. Julian Dicks played for both clubs
and is now First Team Coaching Assistant with the Hammers. A whole host of
players join the duo in having turned out for both West Ham United and
Liverpool, particularly over the last 25 years. These include:
Goalkeepers: Charles Cotton, David James.
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Rob Jones, Glen Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Rigobert
Song, Neil Ruddock, Thomas Stanley.
Midfielders: Don Hutchison, Yossi Benayoun, Joe Cole, Victor Moses, Paul
Ince, Ray Houghton, Javier Mascherano, Stewart Downing, Mike Marsh.
Strikers: Craig Bellamy, Peter Kyle, Titi Camara, Robbie Keane, David
Speedie, Neil Mellor, Charlie Satterthwaite, Danny Shone, Tom Bradshaw.
George Kay made 237 league appearances for the Hammers between 1919 and
1926, becoming the first-ever player to play more than 200 league matches
for the club. Kay was also the West Ham captain in the 1923 FA Cup Final. He
went on to manage Liverpool between 1936 and 1951, winning the First
Division title in 1947.
Today's focus falls on a player who spent just under a year with the Hammers
before joining Everton. Born in Dudley on 25th October 1968, David Burrows
spent three years playing for West Brom before a five-year stint at
Liverpool. He was signed by Kenny Dalglish's Reds for £550,000 in October
1988, making his debut two days later in a 0-0 draw against Coventry at
Anfield. The presence of Steve Staunton limited Burrows' first team
opportunities in his first season at Liverpool.
Burrows, an England Under-21 international, joined his team-mates in
mourning for the 96 fans who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster
in April 1989 – he, along with the rest of the squad, attended a number of
supporters' funerals. Burrows missed out on a place in the matchday party
for the 3-2 FA Cup final victory over Everton in 1989. With Staunton more
frequently deployed in midfield in 1989/90 and Dalglish prepared to rotate
his squad more, Burrows played more regularly and won his first honour with
Liverpool when they clinched the League title, finishing nine points clear
of Aston Villa. When Dalglish resigned in 1991 and was replaced by Graeme
Souness, Burrows again found his chances more restricted, though he did
score his first Liverpool goal on 31st August 1991 in a 3-1 victory over
Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield. Souness gave Burrows a starting place
for the 1992 FA Cup Final which Liverpool won at Wembley, beating Sunderland
2-0.
After 193 appearances and three goals for Liverpool, the 24-year-old 'Bugsy'
joined Billy Bonds' West Ham United on 17th September 1993 in a deal which
saw Julian Dicks move to Anfield with Burrows and Mike Marsh moving in the
other direction to Upton Park. The flame-haired left-back got off to a great
start in claret and blue, contributing to an impressive 2-0 win at Blackburn
on his debut the day after signing, and scoring from a free-kick on his home
debut in a 5-1 League Cup second round first leg triumph over Chesterfield
on 22nd September 1993. Burrows' second and, ultimately, final goal for the
Hammers was the early opener in a 3-1 home win over Manchester City on 1st
November 1993, slamming home an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area
after a Keith Curle back-pass to goalkeeper Tony Coton. Both of Burrows'
goals for the Hammers can be viewed in my video below.
Burrows helped the Hammers consolidate in their first Premier League season,
finishing 13th in 1993/94 and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. He
started the first four matches of the 1994/95 campaign but his final match
for the Hammers was a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle on 31st August 1994 –
Harry Redknapp had taken over as manager and, after two goals in 35
appearances in claret and blue, 'Bugsy' was returning to Merseyside to sign
for Everton. West Ham legends were involved in both Burrows' arrival at and
departure from Upton Park – after joining the Hammers in a move which saw
Dicks depart, Burrows joined the Toffees in another part-exchange deal in
September 1994 with Tony Cottee returning to Upton Park. Dicks was to return
to east London himself a month later.
Burrows joined Mike Walker's Blues in September 1994 but his time at
Goodison was short-lived, spending just six months at the club and making 23
appearances before new manager Joe Royle sold him to Coventry in March 1995
for a fee of £1.1m. After five years with the Sky Blues, Burrows struggled
to regain his starting place after returning from injury and moved to
Birmingham on a free transfer in the summer of 2000. Sheffield Wednesday
signed Burrows on a free transfer in March 2002 but injuries once again
dogged him, forcing him to quit the professional game in May 2003.
Burrows, who turned 49 last month, emigrated to France with his wife and
three children; he spent a few years turning out for his local side in the
Dordogne. In April 2014 Burrows appeared for the Liverpool Legends team in
the Hillsborough charity match where he showed that he hadn't lost his
competitive edge with some crunching tackles on Jari Litmanen.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Neil Swarbrick. The Lancashire-based official
took charge of two of West Ham United's highlights from 2013/14, the 0-0
draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and the 2-1 League Cup quarter-final
victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. He also officiated in two
league matches involving the Hammers in 2012/13, those being the 4-1 home
win over Southampton and the 3-0 defeat at Sunderland. He was the man in the
middle for the controversy-laden 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in December
2014, disallowing Alex Song's volley from distance for offside, awarding the
Gunners a penalty for a Winston Reid foul on Santi Cazorla and failing to
award the Hammers an injury-time penalty for a clear tug on Morgan
Amalfitano. Swarbrick was also the referee for the FA Cup penalty-shoot-out
triumph over Everton in January 2015, sending off Aiden McGeady in the
process.
Swarbrick's only appointments involving the Hammers in 2015/16 were for our
two trips to the North East; our 2-2 draw at Sunderland in October 2015,
when he sent off Jeremain Lens, and the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle in January
2016. Two of his three Hammers matches last season saw our best two goals of
the season – Dimitri Payet's stunning solo effort in the 1-1 home draw with
Middlesbrough in October and Andy Carroll's scintillating scissor kick in
the 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace in January. He was the referee for our
4-0 home defeat to Liverpool in May and most recently officiated our 3-0
defeat at Newcastle in August.
Possible line-ups
West Ham United, defeated only twice in their previous nine games, are
without the suspended Pablo Zabaleta, as well as the injured Sam Byram, Jose
Fonte, James Collins and Michail Antonio. Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell
have both resumed training and are likely starters. None of the last twelve
Premier League meetings against Liverpool in East London have ended level,
with West Ham winning four and Liverpool claiming eight victories since a
1-1 draw in December 2001.
Liverpool are without Adam Bogdan, Danny Ward, Nathaniel Clyne, Georgino
Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane, while Dejan Lovren and Phillipe
Coutinho are major doubts. The Reds have the lowest number of headed
clearances in the Premier League so far this season.
Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Kouyate, Reid, Ogbonna; Fernandes, Noble,
Obiang, Cresswell; Ayew, Lanzini; Chicharito.
Possible Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Moreno;
Milner, Henderson, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
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Michail Antonio apologised for 'moment of madness' at Selhurst Park in phone
call with Slaven Bilic
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic has dismissed any notion that Michail Antonio has been
withdrawn from Saturday's game against Liverpool due to his mistake against
Crystal Palace last weekend. The forward, who gave away the ball with
seconds to go at Selhurst Park allowing their hosts to break and equalised,
picked up a training injury on Monday while preparing for the visit of
Jurgen Klopp's side. Having had a torrid time of it with injuries in the
last year, it is no surprise that Antonio has faced another setback, though
there were questions as to whether or not he was withdrawn simply to ease
the pressure after such an error. Bilic was quick to refute the suggestions,
and revealed that Antonio called him to apologise for his 'moment of
madness'. "Antonio is not one of those that you will take out of the firing
line," Bilic said. "He is brave and he was the first one who said [it was
his fault] in the dressing room after the game and he called me. "It hurt
him, there is not one of them that doesn't care. You see on him that he
cares, but no he wanted, he couldn't wait for the game against Liverpool but
unfortunately it happened [the injury]."
"Nobody blamed him from the club, I said straight away in the dressing room
when you are hot and hyped and frustrated I said: 'Yeah, of course, but guys
it is not only him, four of you were in the position' where he thought 'Oh
my god, I should cross the ball' because that is a great opportunity for us.
"I spoke to Mikey [Antonio], he said 'sorry for my moment of madness'. "I
was there and I told him 'Mikey you knew, especially you, that it is ten
seconds to go' and he said 'Of course I knew because from 85th minute I was
doing that.
"
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Andre Ayew provides boost for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, writes Danny
Murphy
DANNY MURPHY
ES Sport
Will Andre Ayew be the player to shake West Ham out of their slump? The
forward has not always been trusted by Slaven Bilic, but he has three goals
in his last two matches. Ayew scored twice when West Ham won that amazing
Carabao Cup game against Tottenham at Wembley, coming back from 2-0 down to
take it 3-2. He followed that up with a brilliant strike at Crystal Palace
last weekend, to put his team 2-0 up. While I maintain West Ham will not be
involved in the relegation fight, they do need to start putting some decent
results together. Much has been made of Liverpool's shaky defence, but
they also lack creativity, especially with Sadio Mane out and Philippe
Coutinho struggling to be fit for the weekend because of a thigh injury.
Three of Watford's four victories in the league have been away from Vicarage
Road, which shows what a dangerous team they can be if you leave them room
on the counter-attack. This is another tricky game for Everton. I know
Watford lost at home to Stoke last week but they showed against Arsenal and
Chelsea that they have the firepower to trouble the best teams. Even though
David Unsworth is in charge after Ronald Koeman's departure, Everton still
look vulnerable. After doing so much good work, Watford don't want to go
into the international break with back-to-back defeats.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic column: I know the stats but my West Ham players are fit enough
SLAVEN BILIC
ES Sport
There is no denying the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace felt like a defeat, such
was the way we conceded that late goal. The inevitable criticism followed
and my position was again in the spotlight. I understand the way it works
these days and I admit we are not in a great position. I also understand
that, should things go against us when we play Liverpool, there will be more
of the same. All that is out of my control, though, and has not affected the
way we have prepared for this big match. We have collected a few injuries
this week but let's keep things in perspective. We have just beaten Spurs
and earned a point against Palace, both away from home. Some people would
have taken that after our defeat by Brighton. I have heard some of the
criticism which has come our way since last weekend, especially that we are
bottom of the table in both distances covered and sprints this season. I
have all these statistics and more. They are not the best but in two of the
games we had players sent off in the first half and that changes things a
lot. The inference from the stats is that the players are not fit enough but
I don't see us being over-run. We certainly finished strongly against Spurs
and worked hard at Palace. Against Brighton, after the third goal, we quit a
little because the game was over. We are not flying and the stats don't lie
but they don't tell you everything. Apart from the Brighton game, we have
improved our stats significantly.
One other thing. The match at Wembley against Spurs was demanding and we
planned to make changes in the second half at Palace. Unfortunately, Jose
Fonte and Aaron Cresswell were injured during the game so we had to rethink
things. That is not an excuse but an explanation. Toni Martinez again proved
he has a bright future by scoring twice for the Under-23s as they reached
the Checkatrade Trophy knockout stage. Some of our fans would like him in
our squad and I understand that. I also want young players to succeed. But
we have Andre Ayew in good form, Chicharito scored last week, Andy Carroll
is again a valuable player for us and Diafra Sakho is fit again.
If we had said before the Spurs and Palace games we would win one and draw
the other, many would have taken that. Of course, you go into every game
optimistic that you will win but following the Brighton defeat, which was
very poor, I wanted to see a big improvement and for much of both games I
did.
When you lose two valuable points by conceding in the 97th minute, it feels
for a day or two like a defeat simply because it could - no, should - have
been avoided. The goal was difficult to take and Michail Antonio has borne
the brunt of the criticism. Mainly, I know, the blame fell on him because he
had the ball and he could make the decisions. I've spoken to him several
times this week and he knows it. He does not make excuses. He said he
couldn't wait until tomorrow's game to make things right but then he felt
his hamstring in training this week so is not available. It is not the
hamstring which was repaired last season and I would expect him to be fit
for our first game after the international break, at Watford. When I spoke
to him this week he said he knew there were only seconds to go and he knew
he just had to keep the ball because he had been doing it for about 10
minutes before that. What complicated it a little was that the Palace
defender had tried to foul him but Michail had got away from him, so didn't
have an opponent close to him, as he would have expected. He is the best in
our team at keeping the ball because he is such a physical specimen but he
saw several of our players in the box and decided to try to find one of
them. I said to the players straight after the game, when the temperature
was still high, that it was not only Michail. He would not have crossed the
ball if there hadn't been three players up there. If there had been no one,
he would have kept the ball for the final few seconds. Maybe we were too
optimistic, too positive, but in that moment we didn't think of the team. It
was a difficult start to the week and we lost temporarily a bit of morale
but these players are a resilient bunch, as has been proved many times. We
have conceded five points to late goals in three matches - against
Southampton, Burnley and now Palace - but in two of those, we had a player
sent off in the first half.
As for Liverpool, they are really good up front. They also have injuries but
they still have players who can damage you. At the back they have had their
issues but that is the way they play. Real Madrid are similar. They are very
open, want to press high and mainly look forward. It is not very easy to be
a centre-back in their team. The way Liverpool play, you have to give
something. If you want to be more solid you maybe sit 10 yards deeper but
they don't play that way.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Liverpool to London Stadium on Saturday evening in
their final match before the International break.
Read on for vital travel information, team news and everything else you need
to know ahead of this weekend's fixture...
Where and when?
West Ham United v Liverpool will be played on Saturday 4 November at London
Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.
How to follow:
West Ham's match with Liverpool will be shown live on BT Sport, on BT Sport
1 and BT Sport 4K UHD. The coverage of Saturday's game will begin at 17:00.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the afternoon. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!
Team news:
There is good news for the Hammers in the shape of Winston Reid and Aaron
Cresswell's fitness – both will be fit and available for selection against
the Reds.
On the other hand, Slaven Bilic's team will be without full-back Pablo
Zabaleta who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday and
misses out through possession.
And frustratingly, the injury list is also long. James Collins has been a
long-term absentee and won't be ready for action at the weekend, while Jose
Fonte – who limped off against Crystal Palace – is also out.
Finally, Sam Byram and Michail Antonio have also picked up knocks and won't
be in the squad on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have their own problems. Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne
are definitely out, while Philippe Coutinho also looks set to watch the game
from the sidelines.
Gini Wijnaldum – who hobbled off in the Reds' Champions League clash on
Wednesday – may be a doubt, as could Dejan Lovren.
Match officials:
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistant Referees: Stephen Child and Eddie Smart
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
Meet the opposition:
Four wins, four draws and just two losses from the opening ten league
matches is a decent start to the season for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who
currently sit sixth in the top flight.
Having finished in the top four last campaign the Reds are fighting in the
Champions League this season as well and fans will be hoping for a similar
level of success this season as the Merseyside outfit look to push on.
One of England's most iconic and successful club, Liverpool is always a
tough test.
Player to watch:
Joe Hart put in a man of the match performance for the Hammers last week in
the draw with Crystal Palace, making a string of excellent saves at Selhurst
Park.
While Liverpool are expected to be without some of their top names the Reds
still come with an abundance of attacking talent and Hart will once again
need to be on top of his game to keep out the threat that Liverpool possess.
The England international has three clean-sheets to his name this season and
would love to add a fourth this weekend.
Head-to-head:
While West Ham's last result against Liverpool wasn't what supporters were
hoping for, the Irons recent form against the Reds is quite impressive.
The Hammers have won four of their last eight matches in all competitions
against the Merseyside club, losing just two of those games.
One of those losses was the last fixture played against Klopp's side, a 4-0
defeat, but prior to that the Irons were unbeaten in five matches against
Liverpool.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 0-4 Liverpool, Premier League, May 14 2017
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United, Premier League, December 11 2016
West Ham United 2-1 Liverpool, FA Cup, February 9 2016
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United, FA Cup, January 30 2016
West Ham United 2-0 Liverpool, Premier League, January 2 2016
How to get there:
There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to
reach London Stadium.
Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the
DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.
Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground. Fans are advised that
Pudding Mill Lane DLR Station is closed due to maintenance work, so please
plan an alternative route.
Supporters are also advised that a replacement bus service is in operation
between Shenfield and Stratford - please check the TfL website for further
information.
Any other information:
The latest in the free Hammers Collectables card range will be available at
this Friday's contest, with Manuel Lanzini the newest first team star to be
featured.
Under-16 supporters should see their nearest Supporter Liaison Officer at
London Stadium on Friday to continue building their collection.
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Rice up for Player of the Month award
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back Declan Rice has been nominated for October's
Premier League 2 Player of the Month. The defender appeared three times for
the U23 side in all competitions in October, helping Terry Westley's men
victories over Manchester United and Bristol Rovers. Rice and the rest of
the defence helped the Hammers to a goalless draw in the other fixture, away
from home at the youngster's former club Chelsea. The 18-year-old's moment
to remember from the month came at Wembley, however, as part of the first
team side which came from behind to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2
in the Carabao Cup.
Rice started alongside Cheikhou Kouyate and Angelo Ogbonna at the back and
remained solid in the Hammers' terrific second 45, standing strong as Spurs'
two-goal lead was overturned. After that victory, he said: "Being my first
game at Wembley, after coming here to watch as a fan many, many times, to
get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham was an amazing moment for me. "After
the first half, most people thought we were down and out, but we had a big
get-together at half-time in the changing room and second half we came out
and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like this
before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Rice was also introduced as a second half substitute against Crystal Palace
last weekend, making his fifth Premier League appearance of the season. The
Academy graduate is up against Joshua Dasilva (Arsenal), Alex Babos (Derby),
Lukas Nmecha (Manchester City), Lewing Wing (Middlesbrough), Elliott
Embleton (Sunderland) and Harry Burgoyne (Wolves) for the award. The winner
will be announced on Friday next week.
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Ayew's Palace strike nominated for PL Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew's spectacular strike at Crystal Palace has been nominated for the
Premier League's October Goal of the Month - and you can help him win by
voting now. Ayew's 43rd minute screamer at Selhurst Park rounded off a
successful month for the Ghana international, who also notched twice in the
Carabao Cup victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers forward is on a
shortlist of seven for the prize, alongside Liverpool's Phillippe Coutinho
for his goal at Newcastle United, Pedro for Chelsea against Watford, Sofiane
Boufal's individual effort for Southampton against West Bromwich Albion and
Jamie Vardy's goal for Leicester City against Everton. Three of Manchester
City's seven goals against Stoke City are also in line for the award -
Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.
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Cresswell: Hammers want to repay fans against Liverpool
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are fully committed to repaying the faith the supporters
have put in the players this weekend against Liverpool, according to Aaron
Cresswell. The Irons return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon
when they welcome Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to London Stadium. Cresswell and
his teammates head into the contest on the back of a 2-2 draw with Crystal
Palace, which came after a late equaliser for the Eagles by Wilfried Zaha.
The left-back can understand why fans were frustrated by that result and
insists he and the rest of the side are set on repaying that loyalty and
putting things right against the Reds.
"We know it's frustrating at times," Cresswell said. "If you're a fan
sitting there you can understand why and we certainly fully understand. We
need to come together as one. "We've been working hard week in and week out
to put it right. We want to generate that atmosphere, against a team like
Liverpool, and put it right."
West Ham currently sit 16th in the Premier League and Cresswell believes it
would be easy to say that the club deserves to be higher up the table, such
is the quality in team. The 27-year-old insists however that talk is cheap
and it's down to the players and the coaching staff to show the Club is
worthy of competing higher in the division And Cresswell reckons a run of
positive results can bring that belief. He added: "It's easy for me to sit
here and say we should be higher but in reality, we are not. We're the only
ones that can affect that. "It's not a nice situation to be in and we need
to get higher up the league. It's still early on and it's very congested
down towards the bottom end of the table, and to be fair it's the same
higher up. "You get two wins on the bounce and it's all rosy. But in the
Premier League it's not easy. We want to get a positive result."
Cresswell has also hailed the form of both Club and international teammate
Joe Hart after the goalkeeper made a string of phenomenal saves in the match
with Palace. Hart was once again named in the England international squad
for the upcoming friendlies with Germany and Brazil and Cresswell has
praised the shot-stopper's influence around the club since joining on loan
from Manchester City. "Even before Joe joined here, we'd watched him over
the years and he's not got so many England caps for nothing. He's been at
the highest levels and won some big trophies," Cresswell said on Hart. "It's
a great thing to have him. On Saturday, he showed some unbelievable saves –
one of which he didn't even know anything about it! He's fantastic for us,
he's great around the place, and a great communicator. As a defender, he's
great to have behind you."
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Hammers to mark Remembrance Day at Liverpool game
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will mark Remembrance Day around Saturday's Premier League
match against Liverpool. Fans can view a Second World War Spitfire plane on
display outside London Stadium and make donations to the Royal British
Legion poppy sellers. Before the game, there will be a performance from the
Royal Air Force Air Cadets Band and Sir Trevor Brooking will read John
McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields, before a Guard of Honour is formed by
members of the Royal British Legion and servicemen from the G Company 7
RIFLES West Ham Army Reserve Centre. Joint-Chairman David Gold, Liverpool
CEO Peter Moore, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and West Ham fan Matt
Woollard will lay wreaths in the centre circle. A minute's silence will be
held, the Last Post will be played by a bugler, while supporters in the East
Stand will be invited to create a special Remembrance mosaic, honouring
those who bravely laid down their lives for us.
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Fernandes: I'm progressing all the time with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Edimilson Fernandes has learned a lot over his first 18 months in claret and
blue and is ready to use that knowledge as he continues to progress for the
Hammers.
The 21-year-old Swiss international arrived in east London having played
only 63 senior games for his first club FC Sion, but has wasted little time
in taking his talents to the Premier League, featuring regularly in Slaven
Bilic's matchday squads. With seven appearances under his belt this term,
including starts as the Hammers took on Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace
last week, Fernandes is desperate to help the team kick-on and rediscover
their form. "The more I play, the more I progress and I have the coach's
confidence, so I am enjoying the amount of football I am playing at the
moment," he said. "It was a big decision to leave Sion when I did – I made
my debut and came through the youth ranks there, so it was hard to leave,
but I also also pleased to embark on a new adventure and I am very happy
here."
Fernandes was frustrated not to pick up a second win in succession when
Wilfried Zaha's last-gasp leveller denied the Hammers at Crystal Palace, and
is ready for the test of facing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool on Saturday. He
added: Of course it is always frustrating to concede a late goal, and last
week it happened with 10 seconds to go, so I felt disappointed and that went
for the whole team, but we are looking forward to Liverpool and working hard
to get a good result in that game. "It's a very big game this weekend and
I'm sure we can perform well and get a good result. "Of course we will try
to take advantage [of any vulnerability]. We have to be confident in
ourselves and I'm sure we can produce a good performance."
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Captain Noble honours local Servicemen
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble made a special delivery to a group of very special people on
Thursday afternoon. The West Ham United skipper headed to the West Ham Army
Reserve Centre - close to where he grew up in Canning Town - and presented
match tickets for Saturday's Premier League clash against Liverpool to the G
Company 7 Rifles. The Rifles will be at London Stadium to form a guard of
honour as part of the Remembrance tributes in memory of the men and women
who have lost their lives in conflict since the First World War.
After presenting the tickets and a special West Ham United shirt embossed
with a poppy to Captain Lee Flitcroft and his team, Noble was given a tour
of the barracks and shown a display of the weaponry, equipment and supplies
carried by Servicemen during tours of duty. "It has been an honour to be
here," he said. "I have so much respect and admiration for these guys and
what they do for our country." "We play a sport, and I know it means so
much to everyone, but it is a sport at the end of the day. What these guys
do is life and death. "We get disappointed when we lose a game, but we all
go home to our families in good health. Sometimes, these men and women
don't. "To come and speak to them, and see the equipment they have to carry
on 12-hour shifts – sometimes longer, it's phenomenal, and a real pleasure
for me. "In my view, the soldiers who are going on tours and fighting for
our country are the real heroes."
Captain Flitcroft added: "It has been fantastic to see Mark, and an honour
to have him here at the West Ham Army Reserve Centre. "Most of the guys here
support West Ham, and they have been buzzing all week to meet Mark and show
him some of the stuff that we do and share some of our experiences. "We have
been involved in the club's Remembrance tributes now for around ten years,
and we really look forward to that date on the calendar when we get the
chance to be a part of a fantastic tribute. "West Ham fans have always shown
it such great respect, and it is a huge honour for us."
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West Ham United's December and January fixture changes confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's final fixture changes for December and January have been
confirmed.
The Hammers will now travel to Tottenham Hotspur for their Premier League
derby at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 31 December, with kick-off at 2.15pm.
Meanwhile, the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion will now be played on
Tuesday 2 January at 7.45pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Liverpool
SAT, 04 NOV 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
17:30
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's Winston Reid returns from a calf problem, while Aaron Cresswell
is fit despite being forced off with a dead leg at Crystal Palace on
Saturday. Michail Antonio, Sam Byram, Jose Fonte and James Collins are all
injured, while Pablo Zabaleta is suspended.
Georginio Wijnaldum is doubtful with an ankle problem so Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain may start his first league game for Liverpool. Philippe
Coutinho will not feature because of a thigh injury. Sadio Mane is back in
training following a hamstring injury and could feature as a substitute.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Bower: "After the almost weekly discussion about Slaven Bilic's
future, the West Ham boss will be hoping for a performance more akin to
their Carabao Cup comeback against Tottenham than their capitulation in
their last home game against Brighton. "They will take hope from the fact
that no team has conceded more Premier League away goals than Liverpool, who
face a swift return to the capital following their horror show against Spurs
at Wembley. "If Liverpool are to make it back-to-back Champions League
campaigns next season then this is a fixture they need to take something
from. "One thing is for sure - if the Hammers have a lead in stoppage time,
the ball won't be heading into the Liverpool penalty area."
Twitter: @SteveBowercomm
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on his future: "Yes, of course I need
something personally. I am in a position I don't want to be in. I have been
there for quite a time now. "Every win, even in the cup but especially in
the league, it will take us and me out of that position and put us in a more
comfortable position. Every game you don't win puts you in a worse position.
"I do think I can turn it around, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "I'm happy that we have this record at
home...but if you want to be really successful you cannot leave points in
other cities.
"Two of our away games were big defeats, but a lot of other teams will lose
there."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Liverpool won comfortably at London Stadium at the end of last season and I
think they will win again. But I hope it doesn't mean Bilic will lose his
job - because that would be ridiculous.
Prediction: 0-2
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
None of the last 12 Premier League meetings in east London have been drawn -
West Ham have four victories and Liverpool eight since a 1-1 draw in
December 2001.
The Merseysiders won 4-0 at the London Stadium in May, their biggest league
victory away to West Ham since January 1976.
Liverpool have lost three of their last six Premier League games against the
Hammers (W2, D1) - as many defeats as in the previous 25 meetings.
West Ham United
Defeat would leave the Hammers with nine points. The last time they had
fewer than 10 points after 11 league games was in 2010-11, a season which
saw them relegated from the top flight.
Seven of West Ham's nine Premier League wins at the London Stadium have been
by 1-0 scorelines.
They have conceded four Premier League penalties this season (all scored) -
no other side has given away more than two.
Andre Ayew has scored three goals in his last two games in all competitions
for West Ham - more than he had managed in his previous 10 appearances this
season.
All 41 of Javier Hernandez's Premier League goals have been scored from
inside the penalty area.
Joe Hart has conceded 29 goals in 17 Premier League games against Liverpool
during his career; five more than against any other side.
Liverpool
The Reds could win back-to-back league games for the first time since
August. Those victories (against Crystal Palace and Arsenal) are also the
last time they kept consecutive clean sheets in the top flight.
All but one of the 16 league goals Liverpool have conceded this season have
come away from home - the highest tally in the top flight.
The last time they conceded more goals in their opening five away league
games was in 1953-54, a season which ended in relegation.
Daniel Sturridge has scored five goals in seven league appearances against
West Ham.
Sturridge is two short of 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool. He can
become the seventh player to reach the milestone, after Robbie Fowler,
Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 26%
Probability of home win: 22% Probability of away win: 52%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE YOUTH SITUATION, FRUSTRATION AND MISMANAGEMENT UNDER BILIC!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:15PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @StevenMcCarthy9
One of the things I keep hearing about Slaven is how much he loves the club,
now I don't want to get involved in saying whether or not this is true!But
as West Ham fans I think the majority of us will say that one of the best
things about supporting our wonderful club, has always been the youth
prospects we develop and introduce into the side!
Yet as Ex and a few of the people I've spoken to at the club will back, Slav
and his team have been to watch our youth side just once in the 2 and a
quarter seasons he has been here! For me, that is completely unacceptable,
regardless of what club you are at, if the Manager, assistant manager or a
member of his trusted staff do not watch the academy sides then there is a
big problem.
I can understand people saying that maybe there is a lack of quality players
who can really break into the first team coming through, but the
conversations I've had with people at the club about Oxford, Rice and
numerous prospects, all mirrored the sentiments that our academy possess
talents of the highest quality! Bilic gave Oxford his first League start
against Arsenal, and we all know how well that went…so why have we seen both
a change in Bilic's approach to Academy players and youth introduction? I
personally believe that Billic has awful youth management skills, with the
handling of the previously mentioned Oxford and this seasons youth prospect
in the excellent Declan Rice, being simply atrocious in my eyes.
Rice was substituted in a similar manner to Oxford, at half time after a
mistake that led to a goal.
Surely this is one of the most cruel things for a player at any level to
face, let alone a youngster attempting to break through.With Oxford it was
against Leicester and Rice it was Newcastle, however both mistakes were also
made when older more experienced players were culpable for their part in the
goals. Rice has subsequently featured in part after this mistake, but Oxford
has never been the same since. And whilst you could argue this to be proof
of Oxford lacking the mental strength required to play at the highest level,
I think we should we also be questioning why a talent once hailed as a
future England captain, has so dramatically fallen from grace! Not only
unable to secure a regular starting position, squad place or challenge the
first team here or even Reading, then I think we need a serious look at Man
Management.
I believe that of course whilst there are multiple factors that could be to
blame, the lack of intensity and standard in Billic's training playing a
significant role. We all saw the damming stats on Monday Night Football
about our total lack of sprints and distance covered, but this has been a
worry for over a year now! Players leaving have condemned the standard of
training and people often under estimate just how much that can impact a
footballers overall game.
If you don't train to a high level, you lose that match sharpness, the
ability to run that extra yard at the same speed or frequency! But far more
relevant to this article, you massively inhibit the development of youth
players, who unless they stay after hours with coaches, on the pitch or in
the gym are left with a standard of training that wasn't fit for Reading
Football Club….
Our integration for academy players over the past few seasons has been
shocking, particularly in attacking positions.
Billic was seemingly unwilling to give either Fletcher or Martinez much of a
chance up top, and given the struggling competition at times, though injury
or simply a total lack of form, I find this baffling and also a bit
maddening.
What I do not understand is why you would not take a gamble in a cup
competition. West Ham fans are a hard bunch to please, I think all of us are
pretty openly going to admit that, however if you play a team with 3 or 4
youngsters in a cup game, not only will we give you leeway, we will really
get behind and support the decision! We may lose, but I guarantee that
you'll have the fans respect by trying to develop that title of Academy of
Football.
I'll end the article on a slightly different tone, because for me our
Academy staff have always deserved more praise from the footballing world.
By increasing Academy involvement, not only would you boost overall youth
team and staff morale, but you also give the fans something to feel proud
of. The incredible people working with our youngsters are so passionate
about what they do, and you compliment their work in a way that I think only
proud parents and mentors can understand when they witness someone they have
developed succeed.
I want to see us bring through players from the academy and I want to see
them succeed, but more importantly, I want to see them given the best chance
to succeed! The future talent in the likes of Martinez, Holland,
Cullen,Quina and Saed all deserve a chance, I don't believe they are going
to get under the current manager. Whilst I realise that not all of them will
be world beaters, I trust our academy staffs judgement and the performances
they are giving for them to believe that they should get a chance in the
first team.
I'm @StevenMcCarthy9 and thank you for reading my rant!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TACTICAL PROFILE: RAFA BENITEZ
AUTHOR: BEN COOPER. PUBLISHED: 3 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:00AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Disclaimer! This is in no way a news article. I am unaware of the club's
exact intentions and this is purely an opinion piece on tactics. I am behind
the team and the manager, whomever may be in charge.
As a scientist I tend to question how things work and how they function.
With all the talk of a managerial change at the club I find myself thinking
about how things may play out for us in the short to long term. With the
odds stacked against him, it would be a safe bet that Slaven Bilic will be
replaced in the near future, whether that be over the coming weeks, or at
the end of the season. Whilst I do find this an exciting prospect, as we
have a good set of players and the right appointment may get the most out of
the talent we currently employ, we cannot get away from the risks that
change will bring. The correct decision will not be obvious, you just have
to look at the catastrophic failure of Frank de Boer at Palace, a prime
example of an incompatibility between managerial style and the playing
staff. Whoever comes in will need to bring something to the table, the real
risk here is a sideways step, or worse, a backwards one.
So who is in the frame? It is no secret that there is a list of potential
candidates for the job, and I find myself imagining how they would fit with
us as no doubt many of you are. So lets jump straight in with the man who
had all but signed for us as manager in 2015, before his dream job was
offered to him. I am talking of course about Rafa Benitez. Rafa is a winner,
make no mistake, he has won trophies all over Europe. His biggest
achievement is hard to pin down as there are so many, but what stands out
for me is two la liga titles in three years with Valencia, competing against
a Real Madrid side boasting the talents of Luís Figo, Raul, Roberto Carlos,
and Zidane. He won two trophies at Inter with a thin squad and little
financial backing. Even with the disgusting treatment he got from Chelsea
and their fans, and the fact that everyone knew he would be gone at the end
of the season, they still won the Europa league. The winning goal coming
from a training ground set piece routine executed well by the players who
were still playing for him despite his situation. You shouldn't mention
Benitez without talking about 'that night in Istanbul', a tactical battle
that saw Liverpool come out a different team in the second half, helping
Rafa topple Ancelloti to complete one of football's greatest ever comebacks.
I hope you will forgive me for not mentioning a certain other cup final.
A remarkable CV aside, this article is about tactics. Rafa is known as a
'details man'. He studies the opposition and works out how to best exploit
their weaknesses. A prime example of this would be our recent trip to
Tyneside where we were beaten, and beaten well. In this case he overloaded
the midfield cutting off our attacking options. We didn't really adjust to
this, so it was essentially a one move checkmate. However, he is very
consistent in formation, often employing a 4-2-3-1. He sees a team as a
system in which players must fit, where everyone has detailed instruction.
If we look at his current team Newcastle, they fall into 4-5-1 without the
ball, where they defend with intensity and are hard to break down. At the
time of writing only Spurs and the two Manchester clubs have conceded fewer
goals. The midfield is tasked to win the ball back and initiate very quick
vertical transitions. Atsu and Ritchie are expected to play with width,
although Ritchie has a license to cut inside with Pérez floating in and
around the right side half space which often causes overloads in that area.
The striker, often Gayle or Mitrovic is tasked with disrupting the
opposition defense and making gaps for long through balls. Their aggressive
wing play does leave them vulnerable to attack in both the left and right
half spaces but the midfield pairing of Hayden and Merino are well drilled
and often get across to extinguish the danger. They have an average
possession of 44% and only a 73% passing accuracy. They currently average
one goal per game, as do we. Their football is far from entertaining but it
has been effective thus far, and I see them finishing comfortably above the
other two promoted sides. I put this down to a clever manager working with
what he has, and getting the best out of his players.
It is not always negative with Rafa, remember his Chelsea team putting 8
goals past a Villa side who were on a six game unbeaten run? They could have
scored 10 that day with some exceptional attacking play. We recently decided
to try and sit and protect a two goal lead against the league's lowest
scoring team. Something I just cannot get over in a hurry.
I think that Rafa Benitez would certainly take us forward from where we are
today. I think we have the players to suit his current style of play and we
would pick up points as a result. The only slight concern would be the
midfield being disciplined enough to fulfill their defensive duties. He
would bring a very much needed period of stability with what I think will,
at least in the very beginning, be results based football. Asking questions
of the opposition rather than going all out with flair. But how long would
that be acceptable? How long would he be given if the football is not as
exciting as we would hope for? Bianca Westwood raised this very good
question on this week's radio show. I don't think it would take very long at
all. Our squad, especially in advanced positions is far stronger than
Newcastle's. Rafa is a man who believes in balance between defence and
attack, a very sensible stance in my opinion. I think Rafa would not need to
change the team much at all, he would just need to tighten up the defence
and have everyone get on board with his approach. A front 4 of Lanzini,
Hernandez, Antonio, and Ayew could play with much more freedom if the team
behind them follow a disciplined, defence first mentality. This focus on
defensive solidarity is something that Sam Allardyce was criticised for,
unfairly in my opinion as he had, lets face it, a championship level team
for the majority of his time at the club. He started playing some excellent
football when he employed the 4-4-2 diamond formation with the right
players. One of the many things Rafa does have on Big Sam though is his
enthusiasm for youth players, he did great things with the Liverpool
academy, the fruits of his labour being enjoyed by Jurgen Klopp today.
This article was supposed to encompass several of the managers that we have
been linked with but I think that would be too long. I will wrap it up here
and perhaps write additional tactical profiles in the near future. Let me
know your thoughts in the comments or on twitter.
@mrben471
@WestHamWaycouk
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ARE THE KIDS GOOD ENOUGH?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 3 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:50PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
During the last ten years or so every time the Club has been on a bad run
there has been an echo "Play the kids, they will play for the shirt!" I
would just shake my head. You can play for the shirt all you want but if
you're not good enough, you won't make one ounce of difference. West Ham,
during the halcyon days of Ron Greenwood, became world renowned as The
Academy of Football. Due to The Club playing stylish, inventive football on
the deck. Football with a smile on its face. At the same time bringing
through talented youngsters which were schooled to play the type of football
associated with the Club. Greenwood, would like nothing more than seeing a
youngster with the ball at his feet expressing himself. Youngsters thrived
at West Ham, and the door to the first team spot was always open. If you
were good enough you played. Time after time, our youngsters graduated into
the first team and flourished.
But those screaming: "Play the kids" up until recently were living in the
past. Believing that every kid emerging from The Academy, was going to be
the next: Moore, Peters, Hurst, Brooking, Devonshire and the rest. The harsh
reality being those days were long gone. The Academy was producing quantity
not quality. You only need to look at where some of these graduates ply
their trade now and had to accept the harsh reality that our youth were
simply just not good enough. People had difficulty accepting this reality,
and on one occasion Sam Allardyce got crucified for throwing the youngsters
"To the wolves" For playing the "kids" against Nottingham Forest in the FA
Cup. This after match, moaning that Sam was not giving the youngsters a
chance. The "kids" were 21 & 22. At that age you should be knocking on the
first team door. The youngsters were simply not good enough! Even my
personal favourite, Sebastian Lletget a skilful attacking midfielder never
made the grade. It is a tough world making it as a professional footballer
at any Club in the first place!
Like the one 'West Ham won the world Cup'. The belief that we were still The
Academy of Football, was stale in the extreme. Nothing more than a myth. The
title of The Academy of Football was a mantle that Southampton Football Club
could rightly claim. Talented player after talented player has graduated
through The South Coast Club's Academy into the first team 16, 17 and 18
years of age. If you are good enough Southampton Football Club will play
you! In an earlier article I stated, "That it was time for The Academy to
start delivering". If not questions would have to be asked of Terry Westley,
The Academy Director. However after many lean years, The Club is well on its
way to reclaiming its title of The Academy of Football. We have a real
talented group of youngsters at The Club, whom I believe should be given the
chance to play at senior level.
The youngsters who really excite me are Declan Rice, Reece Oxford, Domingos
Quina, Toni Martinez, Sead Haksabanovic, Nathan Holland and my favourite
Martin Samuelsson. Sadly at 22 I don't think Josh Cullen or Reece Burke are
going to make it at The Club. Hands up here – Terry Westley has done a
fantastic job on bringing the youngsters on. Even when players have returned
to The Club, with their confidence at a low ebb, due to a loan not working
out for whatever reason. Westley has rebuilt their confidence, and got them
playing to the top of their game again. I'm not saying that the youngsters
should be playing in every match or in whole games, but they should and MUST
get game time. The frustrating thing is Slaven Bilic, not having any
intention of fully integrating them into the first team squad at all. Christ
on a bike! Even Sam, would have the youth playing against the first team on
a Friday! Slaven does not go and watch youth matches, or get them to train
with the first team. What chance does a youngster have of breaking into the
first team, when the manager shows no interest? Talk about coming up against
a brick wall!
This is unlikely to change, as long as Slaven Bilic is manager of West Ham
United. He is a dead man walking and knows it. Gone at the end of the
season, without a shadow of a doubt. I don't even think Slaven wants to be
at The Club anymore, if the truth be known. I have seen The Board lackey's,
promote the failed Derby and Luton manager and our Academy Director Terry
Westley credentials to become full time manager. Westley would be the cheap
option and should not get the job full time in a million years! But he may
well be a sensible option short term option, and could well stabilise The
Club. Also opening the door to the youth, as far as a first team squad is
concerned. Ron Greenwood used to say: "Football at its best, is a game of
beauty, intelligence and art over brawn. Despite what the gloom and gloom
merchant say all is not bleak. We have senior players and youth players who
are capable of delivering on Ron Greenwood's vision on how the game should
be played. Time to return to The Club's roots, let The Kids play!
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Liverpool preview: Sadio Mane pushing for shock recall
Last Updated: 03/11/17 6:34pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic will be looking to guide West Ham away from danger against
Liverpool on Saturday evening. The Hammers bounced back from a miserable 3-0
home defeat to Brighton with a 3-2 victory at Tottenham in the EFL Cup but
the pressure on Bilic has intensified again after drawing 2-2 with Crystal
Palace last weekend. Despite registering a comfortable victory against
Huddersfield last time out, Liverpool are seven points worse off in the
league than at this stage last season. They won 4-0 in this fixture at the
London Stadium last campaign but clean sheets have been scarce, demonstrated
by them possessing the worst defensive record on the road in the Premier
League. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Sadio Mane could return against
West Ham on Saturday while Adam Lallana will train with the first team next
week.
Team news
West Ham winger Michail Antonio is out with a hamstring problem. The Hammers
are also short in defence with Pablo Zabaleta suspended and Sam Byram, Jose
Fonte and James Collins injured. But Aaron Cresswell has shaken off the dead
leg which forced him off at half-time against Crystal Palace and fellow
defender Winston Reid should be fit after missing out at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane could be in line for a surprise recall. The
Senegal international's return from a hamstring injury is a fortnight ahead
of schedule and after joining full training on Thursday manager Jurgen Klopp
said he looked like he could play 25 minutes. Klopp will make late decisions
on midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum (ankle) and defender Dejan Lovren (thigh)
but playmaker Philippe Coutinho (adductor) is definitely out.
Opta stats
None of the last 12 Premier League meetings between these sides at West Ham
have ended as a draw - West Ham have won four and Liverpool eight since a
1-1 draw in December 2001.
Liverpool have lost three of their last six Premier League games against the
Hammers (W2 D1) - as many as they'd lost in their previous 25.
West Ham have conceded 10 goals in their last eight home Premier League
games, despite keeping five clean sheets in that run - four of those goals
were scored by Liverpool in their last visit to the London Stadium.
Of the 18 sides to have played in both of the last two Premier League
seasons, only Crystal Palace (24) and Swansea City (30) have won fewer
points in home matches than West Ham United (31) over this period.
Liverpool's 15 goals conceded away from home this season is the most by a
team in the Premier League - indeed, it's the most the Reds have shipped
after five away games of a season since 1953-54 (16), when they were
relegated from the top-flight.
Joe Hart has conceded 29 goals in 17 Premier League games against Liverpool
during his career; five more than he's let in against any other side.
Merson's prediction
West Ham last week, seriously… Antonio should be on the verge of getting a
two-week fine for what he did. I honestly cannot believe what he done, it
was unbelievable. I am going to go for Liverpool to win here. I just think
they will have too much firepower for them defensively. So I am going to go
3-1, as how are Liverpool ever going to keep a clean sheet?!
Paul predicts: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 4/1)
Betting
Liverpool are Sky Bet's 8/13 favourites for the win with West Ham priced at
4/1, while the draw is a 3/1 chance. The Reds will be looking to gain ground
on the leaders but are all but written off in the title race at 100/1, while
their hosts are 5/2 joint fifth favourites for relegation. Javier Hernandez
is considered the Hammers' main threat at 7/1 to score first.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OPPOSITION Q&A WITH LIVERPOOL
By Jeff Gayle 3 Nov 2017 at 17:00
WTID
Our final match before the enforced break (don't you just hate International
weeks?) sees us take on Liverpool at The London Stadium kicking off on
Saturday at 5.30pm. Ahead of the game I had a chat with Duncan Oldham of
koptalk to discuss everything Claret & Blue and Red.
You have got us in the tea-time fixture this Saturday, hopefully you'll be a
bit tired after your midweek game – are you feeling confident?
It's difficult to be confident following Liverpool these days due to our
well documented defensive problems. We come into the game off the back of
that Champions League win over minnows Maribor but that scoreline doesn't
really prove anything. It honestly depends as to which Liverpool turns up.
It looks like both sides will have injury problems to deal with. I think
most neutrals would expect Liverpool to come away with something but
honestly, nothing would surprise me at the moment.
Jurgen Klopp is now into his third season at Anfield (similar to Slaven
Bilic) are you happy with the progress that he has shown? How do you compare
his reign to the days of Brendan Rodgers?
The statistics appear to show that there isn't a huge difference between
them both but we have to remember that Brendan had Luis Suarez at his
disposal. I don't see a lot difference in the way their teams play. Both
managers presented attacking football but neither manager sorted the defence
out. Klopp's failure to consider another centre-back other than Virgil van
Dijk and his insistance that he didn't need a clinical striker recruiting in
the summer left me completely baffled. Despite the present frustrations, I
feel that Klopp will adapt to the Premier League. Some of his decisions have
been confusing and I'm disappointed that he haven't seen some gems brought
in from Germany but that's not necessarily his fault.
After successively finishing in a Champions League spot last season, where
do you think Liverpool will stand at the end of this campaign?
Based on current form, we would struggle to finish 4th. If we can get a
result against you and built on that it will hopefully make things easier.
If we lose at the weekend and continue to underperform, there could be a
huge inquest at the end of the season. We expect much better than what we've
being seeing of late.
Where do you think West Ham can realistically finish the season?
Surely finishing just inside the top half of the table or just below the
fold is possible but I can't see that happening under Bilic. A lot of faith
has been shown in him but are West Ham wasting crucial time by standing by
him?
Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the
title this season?
Swansea, Huddersfield, Palace to go down. Manchester City to win the title.
We've spoken about Jurgen Klopp, how do you rate West Ham's Slaven Bilic?
I thought he was going to do much better. He just looks lost at times. He
seems like a nice enough guy but I think he's a dead man walking which isn't
nice to see. As an outsider looking in, the players come across as not
giving their all for him. You're better placed than me to know why that may
be if that's the case. If he's lost the dressing room, the trigger needs
pulling. He looks authoritative but I'm not convinced.
You must be a tad annoyed with all the speculation regarding Philippe
Coutinho, are you resigned to him leaving you come January? Have you come to
terms with this new reality of Liverpool not being the premier destination
for talent it was in the past?
It's understandable. Who wouldn't want to play for Barcelona? As long as he
conducts himself professionally and does the business until he's sold,
that's all the fans want to see. I'm not sure if he will leave in January
but he won't be at Anfield next season. I just can't see it. Even if
Barcelona ended their interest, PSG are very keen too and his pal Neymar is
there.
While London is an attractive destination for players and their partners,
Manchester City and Manchester United continue to attract some of the best
names. Our owners cannot compete with the Premier League's successful and
wealthier clubs. Until there is a shift in ownership I cannot see us ever
being able to compete properly again.
There seems to be a great deal of unrest as to the performance of the
goalkeeper and defence in general – are you happy with the make-up of your
squad?
Our goalkeepers aren't good enough, our centre-backs are not good enough,
our midfield can attack but not defend and we don't have a clinical striker
at the club. We need a new spine. The arrival of Naby Keïta can't come quick
enough but even if we land Virgil van Dijk to strengthen the defence, that's
not going to be enough to solve our problems.
West Ham fans have great memories of finally beating you at Anfield two
years ago: apart from that woeful day at the FA Cup Final in Cardiff, do any
particular memories of West Ham/Liverpool games of the past come to mind?
?It was a great day! But what about our 4-1 win over you in December 2013.
It felt nice to silence Allardyce. Sorry.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would
you choose and why?
?I feel tempted to say Joe Hart as our 'keepers don't offer much but I quite
like Manuel Lanzini.
Which Liverpool player(s) will be key to your hopes this season? Apart from
Coutinho, who in your current squad would stand comparison with the great
Liverpool players of the past?
None of them are currently good enough to be in any of the successful
Liverpool sides I grew up watching. Coutinho stands out (just like Sterling
did) as he doesn't have a lot of greatness around him. Salah's performances
have been very encouraging. Where would we be without his goals? Mane is a
great player too.
How do you expect Liverpool to setup against West Ham on Saturday/
Team/formation prediction?
Expect to see a 4-3-3 as usual. We have a few injuries so it would be too
complicated to list the various permutations as I'm not sure who will be
deemed fit just yet. I doubt there'll be any surprises.
Prediction for score?
I hate predictions as I regret them if I don't put money on them and they
come off! I'm going for a Liverpool win though!
Big up! to Duncan for his time. This is a hard one to call. Our overall win
record against Liverpool is a mere 20%, rising to 36% at our place. My heart
says a win, with Big Andy coming off the bench to power the ball home,
unfortunately my head sees us spurning a hard fought victory by giving away
a last minute penalty. 1 – 1. Come on you Irons!
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V LIVERPOOL
By Dan Coker 3 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Today's blast from the past features a 3-1 victory on the 9th of October
1982, with West Ham United welcoming the previous campaign's title-winners
Liverpool in front of 32,500. Musical Youth were number one with 'Pass the
Dutchie', The Entity was in UK cinemas and, two days later, Henry VIII's
flagship the Mary Rose was raised from the River Solent 437 years after it
had sank.
The Irons went into the game on the back of four successive league wins – a
5-0 home win over Birmingham had been followed by a 2-1 triumph at West Brom
and a 4-1 home victory over Manchester City before a 3-2 win at Arsenal. The
Hammers took a first-half lead against the champions at the Boleyn Ground
when centre-back Alvin Martin sidefooted home his third goal of the season
after Bruce Grobbelaar had failed to deal with Jimmy Neighbour's centre.
The Irons doubled their lead in the second half when Paul Goddard held off
Mark Lawrenson and crossed for the onrushing Geoff Pike to convert his first
goal in 13 months. Reds midfielder Graeme Souness fired home a reply with a
fierce shot which Phil Parkes could only help into the top corner before
Goddard assumed the role of creator again, this time flicking on Parkes'
goal-kick to Neighbour and racing on to the return pass to square a ball
beyond Grobbelaar for Sandy Clark (pictured above) to grab his fifth goal in
six games and send the Hammers to the dizzy heights of second in the First
Division table. The goals from this game can be viewed in my video below.
John Lyall's West Ham would end the season in eighth place while Bob
Paisley's Liverpool retained their First Division title. 25-year-old Alvin
Martin won his third Hammer of the Year title, with Phil Parkes voted
runner-up. Paul Goddard and the late Francois van der Elst were the Irons'
top goalscorers in 1982/83 with 12 goals from 46 and 47 appearances
respectively. Manchester United won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Billy Bonds (Neil Orr), Alvin
Martin, Frank Lampard, Jimmy Neighbour, Paul Allen, Geoff Pike, Alan
Devonshire, Sandy Clark, Paul Goddard.
Liverpool: Bruce Grobbelaar, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Phil Thompson, Alan
Kennedy (Craig Johnston), Mark Lawrenson, Sammy Lee, Ronnie Whelan, Graeme
Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush.
Club Connections
Andy Carroll welcomes his former club. Julian Dicks played for both clubs
and is now First Team Coaching Assistant with the Hammers. A whole host of
players join the duo in having turned out for both West Ham United and
Liverpool, particularly over the last 25 years. These include:
Goalkeepers: Charles Cotton, David James.
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Rob Jones, Glen Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Rigobert
Song, Neil Ruddock, Thomas Stanley.
Midfielders: Don Hutchison, Yossi Benayoun, Joe Cole, Victor Moses, Paul
Ince, Ray Houghton, Javier Mascherano, Stewart Downing, Mike Marsh.
Strikers: Craig Bellamy, Peter Kyle, Titi Camara, Robbie Keane, David
Speedie, Neil Mellor, Charlie Satterthwaite, Danny Shone, Tom Bradshaw.
George Kay made 237 league appearances for the Hammers between 1919 and
1926, becoming the first-ever player to play more than 200 league matches
for the club. Kay was also the West Ham captain in the 1923 FA Cup Final. He
went on to manage Liverpool between 1936 and 1951, winning the First
Division title in 1947.
Today's focus falls on a player who spent just under a year with the Hammers
before joining Everton. Born in Dudley on 25th October 1968, David Burrows
spent three years playing for West Brom before a five-year stint at
Liverpool. He was signed by Kenny Dalglish's Reds for £550,000 in October
1988, making his debut two days later in a 0-0 draw against Coventry at
Anfield. The presence of Steve Staunton limited Burrows' first team
opportunities in his first season at Liverpool.
Burrows, an England Under-21 international, joined his team-mates in
mourning for the 96 fans who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster
in April 1989 – he, along with the rest of the squad, attended a number of
supporters' funerals. Burrows missed out on a place in the matchday party
for the 3-2 FA Cup final victory over Everton in 1989. With Staunton more
frequently deployed in midfield in 1989/90 and Dalglish prepared to rotate
his squad more, Burrows played more regularly and won his first honour with
Liverpool when they clinched the League title, finishing nine points clear
of Aston Villa. When Dalglish resigned in 1991 and was replaced by Graeme
Souness, Burrows again found his chances more restricted, though he did
score his first Liverpool goal on 31st August 1991 in a 3-1 victory over
Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield. Souness gave Burrows a starting place
for the 1992 FA Cup Final which Liverpool won at Wembley, beating Sunderland
2-0.
After 193 appearances and three goals for Liverpool, the 24-year-old 'Bugsy'
joined Billy Bonds' West Ham United on 17th September 1993 in a deal which
saw Julian Dicks move to Anfield with Burrows and Mike Marsh moving in the
other direction to Upton Park. The flame-haired left-back got off to a great
start in claret and blue, contributing to an impressive 2-0 win at Blackburn
on his debut the day after signing, and scoring from a free-kick on his home
debut in a 5-1 League Cup second round first leg triumph over Chesterfield
on 22nd September 1993. Burrows' second and, ultimately, final goal for the
Hammers was the early opener in a 3-1 home win over Manchester City on 1st
November 1993, slamming home an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area
after a Keith Curle back-pass to goalkeeper Tony Coton. Both of Burrows'
goals for the Hammers can be viewed in my video below.
Burrows helped the Hammers consolidate in their first Premier League season,
finishing 13th in 1993/94 and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. He
started the first four matches of the 1994/95 campaign but his final match
for the Hammers was a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle on 31st August 1994 –
Harry Redknapp had taken over as manager and, after two goals in 35
appearances in claret and blue, 'Bugsy' was returning to Merseyside to sign
for Everton. West Ham legends were involved in both Burrows' arrival at and
departure from Upton Park – after joining the Hammers in a move which saw
Dicks depart, Burrows joined the Toffees in another part-exchange deal in
September 1994 with Tony Cottee returning to Upton Park. Dicks was to return
to east London himself a month later.
Burrows joined Mike Walker's Blues in September 1994 but his time at
Goodison was short-lived, spending just six months at the club and making 23
appearances before new manager Joe Royle sold him to Coventry in March 1995
for a fee of £1.1m. After five years with the Sky Blues, Burrows struggled
to regain his starting place after returning from injury and moved to
Birmingham on a free transfer in the summer of 2000. Sheffield Wednesday
signed Burrows on a free transfer in March 2002 but injuries once again
dogged him, forcing him to quit the professional game in May 2003.
Burrows, who turned 49 last month, emigrated to France with his wife and
three children; he spent a few years turning out for his local side in the
Dordogne. In April 2014 Burrows appeared for the Liverpool Legends team in
the Hillsborough charity match where he showed that he hadn't lost his
competitive edge with some crunching tackles on Jari Litmanen.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Neil Swarbrick. The Lancashire-based official
took charge of two of West Ham United's highlights from 2013/14, the 0-0
draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and the 2-1 League Cup quarter-final
victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. He also officiated in two
league matches involving the Hammers in 2012/13, those being the 4-1 home
win over Southampton and the 3-0 defeat at Sunderland. He was the man in the
middle for the controversy-laden 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in December
2014, disallowing Alex Song's volley from distance for offside, awarding the
Gunners a penalty for a Winston Reid foul on Santi Cazorla and failing to
award the Hammers an injury-time penalty for a clear tug on Morgan
Amalfitano. Swarbrick was also the referee for the FA Cup penalty-shoot-out
triumph over Everton in January 2015, sending off Aiden McGeady in the
process.
Swarbrick's only appointments involving the Hammers in 2015/16 were for our
two trips to the North East; our 2-2 draw at Sunderland in October 2015,
when he sent off Jeremain Lens, and the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle in January
2016. Two of his three Hammers matches last season saw our best two goals of
the season – Dimitri Payet's stunning solo effort in the 1-1 home draw with
Middlesbrough in October and Andy Carroll's scintillating scissor kick in
the 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace in January. He was the referee for our
4-0 home defeat to Liverpool in May and most recently officiated our 3-0
defeat at Newcastle in August.
Possible line-ups
West Ham United, defeated only twice in their previous nine games, are
without the suspended Pablo Zabaleta, as well as the injured Sam Byram, Jose
Fonte, James Collins and Michail Antonio. Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell
have both resumed training and are likely starters. None of the last twelve
Premier League meetings against Liverpool in East London have ended level,
with West Ham winning four and Liverpool claiming eight victories since a
1-1 draw in December 2001.
Liverpool are without Adam Bogdan, Danny Ward, Nathaniel Clyne, Georgino
Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane, while Dejan Lovren and Phillipe
Coutinho are major doubts. The Reds have the lowest number of headed
clearances in the Premier League so far this season.
Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Kouyate, Reid, Ogbonna; Fernandes, Noble,
Obiang, Cresswell; Ayew, Lanzini; Chicharito.
Possible Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Moreno;
Milner, Henderson, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio apologised for 'moment of madness' at Selhurst Park in phone
call with Slaven Bilic
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic has dismissed any notion that Michail Antonio has been
withdrawn from Saturday's game against Liverpool due to his mistake against
Crystal Palace last weekend. The forward, who gave away the ball with
seconds to go at Selhurst Park allowing their hosts to break and equalised,
picked up a training injury on Monday while preparing for the visit of
Jurgen Klopp's side. Having had a torrid time of it with injuries in the
last year, it is no surprise that Antonio has faced another setback, though
there were questions as to whether or not he was withdrawn simply to ease
the pressure after such an error. Bilic was quick to refute the suggestions,
and revealed that Antonio called him to apologise for his 'moment of
madness'. "Antonio is not one of those that you will take out of the firing
line," Bilic said. "He is brave and he was the first one who said [it was
his fault] in the dressing room after the game and he called me. "It hurt
him, there is not one of them that doesn't care. You see on him that he
cares, but no he wanted, he couldn't wait for the game against Liverpool but
unfortunately it happened [the injury]."
"Nobody blamed him from the club, I said straight away in the dressing room
when you are hot and hyped and frustrated I said: 'Yeah, of course, but guys
it is not only him, four of you were in the position' where he thought 'Oh
my god, I should cross the ball' because that is a great opportunity for us.
"I spoke to Mikey [Antonio], he said 'sorry for my moment of madness'. "I
was there and I told him 'Mikey you knew, especially you, that it is ten
seconds to go' and he said 'Of course I knew because from 85th minute I was
doing that.
"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andre Ayew provides boost for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, writes Danny
Murphy
DANNY MURPHY
ES Sport
Will Andre Ayew be the player to shake West Ham out of their slump? The
forward has not always been trusted by Slaven Bilic, but he has three goals
in his last two matches. Ayew scored twice when West Ham won that amazing
Carabao Cup game against Tottenham at Wembley, coming back from 2-0 down to
take it 3-2. He followed that up with a brilliant strike at Crystal Palace
last weekend, to put his team 2-0 up. While I maintain West Ham will not be
involved in the relegation fight, they do need to start putting some decent
results together. Much has been made of Liverpool's shaky defence, but
they also lack creativity, especially with Sadio Mane out and Philippe
Coutinho struggling to be fit for the weekend because of a thigh injury.
Three of Watford's four victories in the league have been away from Vicarage
Road, which shows what a dangerous team they can be if you leave them room
on the counter-attack. This is another tricky game for Everton. I know
Watford lost at home to Stoke last week but they showed against Arsenal and
Chelsea that they have the firepower to trouble the best teams. Even though
David Unsworth is in charge after Ronald Koeman's departure, Everton still
look vulnerable. After doing so much good work, Watford don't want to go
into the international break with back-to-back defeats.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic column: I know the stats but my West Ham players are fit enough
SLAVEN BILIC
ES Sport
There is no denying the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace felt like a defeat, such
was the way we conceded that late goal. The inevitable criticism followed
and my position was again in the spotlight. I understand the way it works
these days and I admit we are not in a great position. I also understand
that, should things go against us when we play Liverpool, there will be more
of the same. All that is out of my control, though, and has not affected the
way we have prepared for this big match. We have collected a few injuries
this week but let's keep things in perspective. We have just beaten Spurs
and earned a point against Palace, both away from home. Some people would
have taken that after our defeat by Brighton. I have heard some of the
criticism which has come our way since last weekend, especially that we are
bottom of the table in both distances covered and sprints this season. I
have all these statistics and more. They are not the best but in two of the
games we had players sent off in the first half and that changes things a
lot. The inference from the stats is that the players are not fit enough but
I don't see us being over-run. We certainly finished strongly against Spurs
and worked hard at Palace. Against Brighton, after the third goal, we quit a
little because the game was over. We are not flying and the stats don't lie
but they don't tell you everything. Apart from the Brighton game, we have
improved our stats significantly.
One other thing. The match at Wembley against Spurs was demanding and we
planned to make changes in the second half at Palace. Unfortunately, Jose
Fonte and Aaron Cresswell were injured during the game so we had to rethink
things. That is not an excuse but an explanation. Toni Martinez again proved
he has a bright future by scoring twice for the Under-23s as they reached
the Checkatrade Trophy knockout stage. Some of our fans would like him in
our squad and I understand that. I also want young players to succeed. But
we have Andre Ayew in good form, Chicharito scored last week, Andy Carroll
is again a valuable player for us and Diafra Sakho is fit again.
If we had said before the Spurs and Palace games we would win one and draw
the other, many would have taken that. Of course, you go into every game
optimistic that you will win but following the Brighton defeat, which was
very poor, I wanted to see a big improvement and for much of both games I
did.
When you lose two valuable points by conceding in the 97th minute, it feels
for a day or two like a defeat simply because it could - no, should - have
been avoided. The goal was difficult to take and Michail Antonio has borne
the brunt of the criticism. Mainly, I know, the blame fell on him because he
had the ball and he could make the decisions. I've spoken to him several
times this week and he knows it. He does not make excuses. He said he
couldn't wait until tomorrow's game to make things right but then he felt
his hamstring in training this week so is not available. It is not the
hamstring which was repaired last season and I would expect him to be fit
for our first game after the international break, at Watford. When I spoke
to him this week he said he knew there were only seconds to go and he knew
he just had to keep the ball because he had been doing it for about 10
minutes before that. What complicated it a little was that the Palace
defender had tried to foul him but Michail had got away from him, so didn't
have an opponent close to him, as he would have expected. He is the best in
our team at keeping the ball because he is such a physical specimen but he
saw several of our players in the box and decided to try to find one of
them. I said to the players straight after the game, when the temperature
was still high, that it was not only Michail. He would not have crossed the
ball if there hadn't been three players up there. If there had been no one,
he would have kept the ball for the final few seconds. Maybe we were too
optimistic, too positive, but in that moment we didn't think of the team. It
was a difficult start to the week and we lost temporarily a bit of morale
but these players are a resilient bunch, as has been proved many times. We
have conceded five points to late goals in three matches - against
Southampton, Burnley and now Palace - but in two of those, we had a player
sent off in the first half.
As for Liverpool, they are really good up front. They also have injuries but
they still have players who can damage you. At the back they have had their
issues but that is the way they play. Real Madrid are similar. They are very
open, want to press high and mainly look forward. It is not very easy to be
a centre-back in their team. The way Liverpool play, you have to give
something. If you want to be more solid you maybe sit 10 yards deeper but
they don't play that way.
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